In The Trenches

Each day seems to be more difficult than the previous.  Each day seems like this trial will go on forever.  Each day we have to strive to persevere.

In particular I am referring to my grieving for my son, but I realize that the words above can apply to a variety of situations.  Whether it be discipline issues, health problems, or homeschool challenges, we have to pull ourselves up for our family and for ourselves.

The family is a wonderful gift.  Yes, it can cause pain and we can respond in frustration.  Yes, we can experience the pain, and respond in a loving manner.  This is hard.  It is easier said then done. 

Change Our Perspective

We can look at the struggles we are in and complain.  Once we are done nothing has changed and we might even feel more self-pity.  How about seeing our struggles as a blessing?  Asking ourselves questions like:  How can I learn from this situation?  What virtues can I put into practice?  How can I be a better person?

For some we might think that the problem lies with our child, husband, neighbor, or something else outside of us, and they are the ones that need to change.  We can all use improvement- there is no denial about that fact.  While we cannot change another persons behavior we can change ourselves.  We can change how we respond to that person or situation.  No, they probably will not see you being loving and think I need to amend my ways.  It may take a long time and they might not come around to seeing things your way.  In the meantime at least you are making sure to be loving on your end. You are striving to be a better person. You are growing in virtue. You are persevering through the difficulties.

For me, accepting my son is gone (which is difficult to do) does not make the pain go away.  I can fight the pain and be angry or thank God for it.  I have chosen to be thankful.  Every tear I shed represents the love in my heart.  I think of all my tears being collected and one day being returned to me as joy.

No one asks to be challenged with troubles but they come.  In the midst of it all it is easy to see life as overwhelming and recognize your helplessness.  But we are not helpless, we have free will, free will to decide how we are going to live.

You can read tips and books on discipline, try a new therapy, get advice from friends, and so forth.  None of this will help if our attitudes are poor.  We have to decide to improve our outlook and choose to love others and ourselves.  If we do this then when things are monumentally difficult we can still persevere.

Avoiding Homeschool Burnout

The final blog in the Avoiding Burnout series is here!  Visit Energizing the Day, Fun School, and Finding a Way Out, if you missed the previous posts.

The first 3 posts were focused on what a homeschooling parent can do to avoid the dark clouds of burnout.  This post is different because there is nothing for you "to do" but be encouraged.

Though I don't know everyone personally that reads this blog, please know that I am sincere in my following statements.

Things You Need to Know

YOU ARE SIMPLY AMAZING!  What, don't think that pertains to you?  So you are just responsible for your childrens education which spans the spectrum of academics, spritual growth, physical well-being, and character formation to name just a few and your standard duties for each day?  It is amazing, and admirable!

YOU ARE APPRECIATED!  It is easy to feel that the sacrifices you make go unnoticed.  Is anyone grateful for your work or is it just expected?  It often isn't expressed in words by children, especially if they are very young.  Want proof that you are appreciated?  Who do they run to when they need help or are hurt?  YOU!

YOU ARE HARDWORKING!  It doesn't mean you are busy every minute.  It means that you are doing your best to handle whatever is on your plate.  I've been at church with a baby that is climbing all over me, nursing off and on, and getting into things.  I truly have felt at the end that I truly worked that hour!  Know that it is work and praiseworthy!

YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!  Some days you wonder if anyone has learned anything about anything.  Are all your efforts being put to waste?  No, it is a journey and you are making an impact.  Remember there are times when you get to see those lessons you've been imparting come to life.  It is because of you!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  We all have those days that can be defined as hard, crazy, unbelievable, you name it.  No one is perfect and we all have imperfect days.  Most likely if its happened to you, its happened to any of us!  So keep that in mind for when you need it!

THANK YOU!  You can never hear that enough.  Thank you for giving your time, energy, wisdom, love, and attention to your children and homeschooling them! You are making the world a better place in more ways than you think!

Know someone that could use some encouragement?  Share it with others; we're all in this together!

Avoiding Burnout

Continuing the series on homeschool burnout this is the third in the series, visit the first post on energizing your day, and the second post focusing on fun!  This series is dedicated to avoiding the dreaded dark clouds of burnout.  Let these ideas inspire you to make some sunshine in your homeschool!

Changing the scenery can get everyone excited about a school day!

Here are some suggestions for finding a new study spot.

• Pick another room in the house to spend your day!  This is the easiest location because you have everything accessible to you at home for school work and entertainment for younger kids.  If you forget something just go get it and you are set for the day. 

• Head out to the public library.  Plan to check out books of interest in science or history based on what you've been studying in those subjects.  You can also bring your math books along and reward the kids with a book to check out when they finish their work.   Your little ones will enjoy having a story time session with you!

• Have you ever noticed how food courts in the mall have plenty of table space?  Get there early and find a corner spot.  When everyone needs a break use those coupons you’ve been saving for a snack or drink.   We’ve brought our own lunch to the mall and haven’t encountered any problems.  Since you are at the mall, you might get an errand done at the same time!  The bonus is it is totally stroller friendly and hi-chairs are available!

Note:  Expect the food court to get crowded during lunch time.

• If you live in an area that isn’t too cold out then take your school outdoors.  It could be your backyard or a nearby park.  You can use the outdoor setting for subjects such as science and nature, art, or geography.  Playground equipment will allow everyone to get some good physical education!  You can also learn at a park if you choose one with a memorial, or a specific dedicated theme.  We’ve been to rose gardens, Japanese tea gardens, and arboretums all with no cost for entry.   

Plan ahead the night before making sure you have the proper study materials, snacks, drinks, activities for younger kids, strollers, diaper bags and anything else that will make your outing pleasurable.

Avoiding Burnout

Continuing the series on homeschool burnout, visit the first post on energizing your day, this second post focuses on fun!  This series is dedicated to avoiding the dreaded dark clouds of burnout.  Let these ideas inspire you to make some sunshine in your homeschool!

  Fun School 

The kids came up with the name "Fun School" many years ago.  We did it at random times of the year, until one of my daughters made it a monthly day of Fun School.  She was given an assignment to write a persuasive paper.  I told her she could choose any topic and if it was well written with valid points that I would consider her request.  And that is how Fun School became a dedicated day we do each month!

What is Fun School?  Well it doesn't mean that the other days of school are not fun- I wanted the kids to be clear on that point.  It just means that we take a break from our standard curriculum and do the things we haven't had time to do, or the things that we really enjoy, or continue working on something we are really excited about at the time.

 Here are some examples of Fun School:

• School games - There is a game for just about every subject.
  
  
• Religion - Decorate your home with posters celebrating the faith, re-enact a Bible story, or cut out religious symbols (cross, dove, fish) and decorate them for display.  Think Vacation Bible School in your own home!
  
  
• History - We've built and burned the Tower of London, made viking boats, and cooked foods from other countries.
  
  
• Science - Science kits can be so much fun.  Most kids like watching science come alive with real experiments.  These can be very involved to simple, but either way they have a big impact.  Don't have a kit?  Check the internet or your science books for items around the house that you can use.
  
  
• Geography - Learn where places are in the world by doing geography puzzles!  Call out a country/river/capital and have the kids take turns locating it on a map.  You can do this with coordinates for longitude and latitude as well.
  
  
• Construction sets - The possibilities are endless and most come with instructions for building a few examples. 
  
  
• Writing poetry or stories - Some kids just like writing while others will choose something different.
  
  
• Craft projects - Rugs, paintings, dioramas, cross-stitch all have been made in our home and don't forget craft kits with all the supplies!
  
  
• Reading - Do a favorite read aloud book together or let the kids read on their own.  Act out a scene from a favorite book or play! 
  
  
• Videos - If you don't own any educational ones visit the library!  We have watched many of Shakespeare's plays, the ballet Swan Lake, and many science topics. 
  
  
• Audio - Play music from composers you have studied, enjoy music from other countries, or listen to songs that teach something new.
  
  
• Cooking - Baking with kids gives opportunities for learning measurements, following directions and understanding new vocabulary.  Also teaching a child to cook is easier when there isn't a dinner deadline and fun is the goal.  
  
  
• Computer - There are many educational websites with games that reinforce or teach new concepts.  Research the night before, and then you know the links are safe and work to your children's' interests and age levels.
  
  
• Kids - The kids will have their own ideas and they will be happy to apply their imaginations and talents when given the opportunity.  If your kids seem unmotivated then just get involved doing something and enjoying it. They will usually come around to see what all the excitement is all about that they are missing!

What makes Fun School fun?  You! 

Having a great attitude, even when the experiment didn't come out quite right, or the craft glue is all dried out will teach a lesson in itself!  No need to worry.  There isn't any pressure to complete the task perfectly or have all the right materials!  There are no grades or assignments that need to be sent in for evaluation. The kids don't have to be concerned about memorizing facts or being quizzed afterwords. It is just plain fun with no strings attached!  As a mom, it is great to see your kids discovering new things and enjoying learning!

The bonus is that you will see Fun School happening more often because your kids will be wanting to revisit these experiences and add new ones! 

They will be hurrying to get their school work done so that they can do the Fun stuff that isn't "school" in their eyes, but just having fun!

Avoiding Burnout

As we approach the season of homeschool burnout, I though you might be looking for some clear skies.  This blog is the first in a series dedicated to avoiding the dreaded dark clouds of burnout.  Let these ideas inspire you to make some sunshine in your homeschool!

Energize Your Homeschool Day!

Ok what do I mean by this?  Simply do things differently and have fun!  Here are 10 ideas: 

1. Change the order of which you complete your school subjects.

2. Wear costumes or funny hats to school-go through the dress-up trunk or put something together that is just fun to wear!

3. Eat lunch for breakfast and eat breakfast for lunch.

4. Let the kids use colorful pens or pencil colors to complete their work.

5. Pick a different seat other than the usual spot.

6. Trade out the lined notebook paper for construction paper, stationary, or printer paper that has a decorative border.  Note: This may not work for every subject, so think about where it fits best.

7. Tell the kids to use the computer to type up anything they normally write out- a history outline or grammar questions for example.

8. Decorate your school area with streamers, banners, balloons, or leftover party theme props.

9. Turn out the overhead lights and use alternative lighting such as night lights, flashlights, or LED candlelights.

10. Have a "word of the day" and then do something silly every time it is said.  A silly thing could be jumping out of your seat and getting under the table.  Use a word that is likely to come up a few times like, "book" or "read".  You can even make it into a contest to see who responds the fastest or catches the word of the day the most.

Remember enthusiasm is contagious.  Starting the day with eagerness, even when you don't feel like it, will be the first step to brightening your homeschool.