Getting to the Root of Your Homeschool Problems
Like any educational setting, homeschool won't always be perfect. There will be days the kids push back, days the plans don't go according to plan, and days where you feel like throwing in the towel.
It's important when these days happen, that you pause, step back, and take time to reflect on what the real problem is. While it may look like something different on the surface, the root of many homeschool troubles tend to fall under one of two major umbrellas: Mindset Problems or Logistical Problems.
Mindset Problems are rooted in the ideas and expectations we have about learning at home.
They're often accompanied by fears for our child's development or a lack of understanding about what home education can look like.
If you're experiencing a mindset problem, it's important that you take time to investigate why you have the mindset that you do.
For example, if you find yourself stressing over lessons because you fear your child is falling behind, try asking yourself:
what does "falling behind" really mean now that you've chosen a method of learning that is largely self-paced?
what bar or standard are you measuring your child by and why?
what expectations about progress do you hold and why?
what solid proof do you have that your child is not learning or progressing?
are there any home education experts you can reach out to give you a second opinion?
are there any ways you can gain more knowledge or skills so that you can work better with your child?
Logistical Problems involve the day-to-day management of tasks and life.
Making curriculum choices, creating schedules, taking the kids to city sports, surprise visits from the in-laws, losing your cool, or juggling the new baby while you homeschool are just a few of the many logistical problems that can pop up.
Logistical problems are interesting because they never go away completely. Sorry!
Every age and stage of your homeschool journey is going to come with its own unique logistical problems; it's just part of life and living.
Depending on the stage of life that you're in and the particular challenge you're having, the way you solve your logistical problems may change. What is needed for you and your children this year may not be needed next year. What has always worked for one child in your homeschool may never work for another. Three children ago you may not have needed as much me-time, but now that you're homeschooling with five, you find yourself needing more and for longer. All of this is completely normal.
The way I like to address logistical problems is through the following steps:
Step 1: Identify the Issue
Ex: You find yourself with a short fuse and yelling at the kids too often. 😣
Step 2: Identify the Underlying Need
Ex: You feel overwhelmed and exhausted because you're not getting enough time for yourself. 😴
Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions and Consider the Impact That Each Solution Might Have
Ex: Adding more personal time for you may mean cutting out time from somewhere else. 🤔
Step 4: Implement a Solution
Ex: Start taking 1 day each week just for you! 😎
Step 5: Reflect and Adapt as Needed
Ex: Are you feeling better rested and recharged? If so, great! 🤗 If not, what else can be done? 🤔🤔
If you feel your problem is larger than mindset or logistical issues, you may need professional help to navigate it in order to continue homeschooling successfully. Reaching out to experienced professionals can provided much-needed help and resources for you and your family.
Problems I would strongly advise professional help for include:
A child showing signs of a learning disorder
Major changes to the family structure, such as death or divorce
Consistent emotional regulation issues and/or conflicts among the children or adults in the home