5 Things to STOP doing in your homeschool
Welcome to Part 2 of designing your Best Homeschool Year Yet.
Last time we looked back to see what lessons we could learn from homeschooling in previous years.
Today, I want you to think about what you should stop doing in your homeschool. This can be key to having a successful homeschool year.
There are always things that get in the way, that no longer serve us. Or maybe there are people, groups or activities that make you feel drained or waste your time. Sometimes it is a habit (Facebook anyone 🙂 ) or a set of behaviors.
I know you are nodding! But we don’t always take the time to identify the things we should stop.
Sometimes even just recognizing that something is not contributing anything to our lives can be the impetus we need to let it go. And freeing up space and time like this will give us room to invite the things we do want into our homeschool.
Here are 5 ideas to get you started. Which of these have a negative impact on your day?
What do you want to stop doing next year? Come over to Facebook and leave me a comment!
Next : A Homeschool Manifesto
I want to “Stop” comparing myself to other mothers who don’t homeschool.
I want to “Stop” thinking my child is behind developmentally because another child the same age is more advanced.
I want to “Stop” second guessing myself about the decision to homeschool.
I want to “Stop” thinking I need to follow the same structure as public school.
Brilliant Robin. I think they are really great things to stop. Especially comparing ourselves.
I love the idea to set a timer when on email or especially, Pinterest! It’s so easy to let time get away from me otherwise. I actually removed myself from one of my social medias because I found it did not serve me in a positive way. I haven’t missed it one bit. I think it’s worth it to ask ourselves what things on the internet serve us well and what don’t, and then make changes to improve how we use our time online.
I want to stop feeling guilty when the structure of our homeschool day doesn’t go exactly as I had planned.
I want to stop thinking everything has to be perfect (my idea of perfect) all the time.
Camie – the timer really helped me. I have to often be on FB/Pinterest to run the site and it is so easy to get sucked in.
I think ‘stop feeling guilty’ is an excellent one. One I can adopt 🙂
Thanks for your comment.
I just love what Robin said! We are homeschooling all 5 of our children this year and I am terrified and excited! Every single thing Robin said is exactly what I am NOT wanting to do to myself. Thank you for “saying” it!
Many congrats on homeschooling Kelley. I hope you all have a wonderful time. It can be terrifying but also very rewarding and fulfilling. I love it!
I am homeschooling four now that my oldest is out of school, and three of the four have learning hurdles.
I’m NOT going to be frustrated. Full stop.
I’m going to stop being upset that we aren’t “where we should be”.
I’m going to stop lecturing, and frittering time with silly-stupid statements – particularly those harangues that begin with, “WHAT?! You didn’t ______? Well, NOW we’re behind!”
I LOVE my newly printed “Best Homeschool Year Yet” wrkbk/planner. Am really thinking things thru and working toward BETTER goals. 😉
Hi Kim. Thank you so much for your comment. I am thrilled you like the planner 🙂
HA! I like the things you are going to stop. I am guilty of the haranguing myself sometimes! But you should definitely not be worried about ‘falling behind’. If you all just relax and enjoy the learning, wherever you are with it, then everyone will remember things much better (and have more fun!).
Hi just wrote a long reply not sure if it went through but all the previous comments really helped. I am guilty of all these things at some point or other. Love the 5 rules:D definitely need to change certain phrases like if you don’t listen I will send you school… I know its terrible, feeling guilty they are not in school due to society or certain family members..
needing to stay positive and give positive affirmations to children rather than affirmations of negative traits. Allowing the day to take it’s natural course instead of worrying that all I had planned has not been achieved yet. Need to remember the reasons I home school are to be opposite to the systematic school regime instead of trying to mimic it at home. Try to be more relaxed and less intense about whatever task we are working at.
..after all we are not having to attain any targets or be the best in class here:-)
Thanks Julie and everyone for your honesty…it will assist me greatly in the things I need to let go of and the things I need to hold onto and cherish. Good vibrations to you all 😀
Thanks for the comment Kamisha. Good vibrations to you too – I am glad that the post has helped.