How To Survive Your Christian Homeschool
Every Christian homeschool encounters times when things get a little difficult. To help you get through those moments, here are some thoughts that will help you put everything into perspective.
Think about why you and your family decided to start a Christian homeschool. One of the most prominent reasons is so that your family could have more time together.
When problems arise, don't start looking to the public school system to solve them for you. Your answer is within your family, so gather the family together to discuss the issues, and brainstorm how to fix them.
Children need stability in their home lives, and one of the best ways to provide this is to set up several family traditions. Maybe you'll decide to have a prayer and devotional time each day as part of your Christian homeschool. Maybe you can develop a charitable work that your children can participate in on a regular basis as part of their homeschooling. Be creative when thinking about what traditions you can have in your family.
One way to create fun and excitement in your homeschool is to celebrate unusual holidays as part of your curriculum. Are you reading any of the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder? Did you know that her birthday is on February 7th? Celebrate it with a party and cake! If you're studying the history of the Roman Empire, consider looking into March 15 -- it's the day that Julius Caesar was assassinated - "Beware the Ides of March!" (from Shakespeare's play).
Too many parents don't include their children in the process of selecting their curriculum, and this can often end up being a source of conflict. When choosing books to read, assignments to do, etc., let your children have some input about the things they're interested in doing. They will learn much more quickly and effectively.
Give yourself permission to free the children of a curriculum or program if it isn't working. A plan that has everyone stressed out, crying, and fighting is not a good plan at all.
Accept chaos as normal! If you wait to homeschool until life is neat and tidy, it will never happen. The most teachable moments are usually in the middle of bedlam.
Every child learns things differently. After teaching your children for awhile, you will soon learn what their strongest styles of learning are (ie: auditory, visual, hands on). When you discover this, then start teaching the subjects that the are not very good in, using the style of learning that they enjoy the most.
Comparing our children to those who are schooled traditionally only creates defeat and poor self-esteem in your child and in you. Homeschoolers learn differently; our freedom to learn in our own way is our key to success.
There will be times when you will feel like throwing in the towel. Don't give in to those temptations. Perhaps all you need is a short break. Maybe your children need a break for the day. No one's stopping you; it's your school to do as you like.
Have a play day! There are going to be days when it seems like all hell is breaking loose in your homeschool. What do you do? Certainly spend some time in quietness and prayer, but perhaps you just need to cancel school for the day too. Go for a walk. Getting away from the situation will help you think more clearly.
Parents must fill up their pitchers before they can fill up their children's cups. Do something for yourself. Go to the library alone for a change. Try having dinner with your best friend, go see a play, or take a dance class just for you. If we are running on empty, we have nothing to give our families.
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