Being a mom and a homeschooler can be a tricky balance at times. Each role has a full day. One problem? We live one day at a time, not two. However, through careful planning, a bit of letting go, and a sense of humor, you manage. Yet, despite best efforts, there are days that boil down to crazy. The washing machine breaks, the dog gets in the garbage, you have finger paint on the carpet, your kids are arguing, you have a kid crying over math, and you have company coming in a few hours. Can Calgon take it away? … Continue reading →

I am a person who is deeply interested in the welfare of others. In that vein, I try to contribute to the welfare of others whenever possible. I volunteer for different causes that interest me. I make an effort to contribute to my community. I try to be kind, and I encourage my child to do the same. Since my daughter started having birthday parties at age four, she’s always donated to a particular cause for her birthday. Once, this was the local hospital for children. Twice, it’s been animal rescue organizations. This year she decided to raise money for … Continue reading →

It’s the end of June. For many people, school is ending. Whatever your pattern, it’s likely that if you’re involved in extracurricular activities or summer vacations at all, your patterns will change during the summer months. While this is lovely and can lead to restful times, exciting times at camps, and happy family days together, the summer can also bring stress. In recent years, I’ve realized that June is another early December. Many years ago, I started to clear out December. It had become a month of intensive family activity, and it didn’t need to be. Yes, Christmas is a … Continue reading →

I did not listen to advice telling me to sleep when the baby sleeps. Instead I cleaned. I did not listen to the advice to take time for myself. Instead I planned more lessons and tried to squeeze in some work. I did not listen to advice telling me to not worry about the little messes. Rome wasn’t cleaned in a day. Instead I drove myself to the brink trying to get my overflowing “to-do” list done in one day. Then one day I found myself burned out. I was unable to move. Things that were once a joy were … Continue reading →

We talk quite a bit about homeschooling moms getting burned out. All the talk is valid since I know of no homeschool mom who has not experienced burn out on some level. A homeschool mom wears plenty of hats that often weigh down on her head. Just as moms get burned out so the children. A homeschool child does not lead a life of leisure. The child also experiences stress and constantly navigates between student and son or daughter. The child has to balance his interaction with this teacher and his mom since mom and teacher have some unique differences … Continue reading →

Do not let homeschool burn out sneak up on you. It has a way of coming at the worst times. We are bombarded with tests, projects, new curriculum, a curriculum that is not working and a mountain of laundry and then we wonder why we are burned out. Many do not feel the right to be burned out. We feel as if we have failed or we are not honoring the position in our lives. The reality is everyone needs time to regroup even if they have the world’s best job. My husband gets vacation and weekends off. Me? I … Continue reading →

I came down with a really bad case of bronchitis in January, and wasn’t good for much of anything. I could point and grunt, but that was about it. School suffered—at least, the parts that require me to think. And we won’t even discuss how my housework suffered. That’s just too pitiful. After I recovered and we were able to get back into our groove, I noticed a distinct lack of enthusiasm on the part of my twelve-year-old son. It was hard to get him to feel any excitement about resuming our routine, especially when it came to math. Our … Continue reading →