Homeschool burnout

When a parent takes on the responsibility of educating his or her

child, homeschool burnout is one of the more common issues they

have to deal with. There are many reasons that lead to this

burnout: an illness, a new baby, added responsibility, change in

routine etc.

The symptoms of burnout vary from lack of patience to overeating

and crying without any apparent reasons. Surprisingly, a burnout

need not be such a bad thing. It is a wake-up call - an indicator

that things are not going well and that you need to reschedule.

Reversing or avoiding a burnout is possible if you get fair

warning.

Firstly, lower your expectations. Do not be a perfectionist. Take

the good days with the bad. Next, when something does not seem to

work, look for alternative methods. Flexibility is a key

factor. If tension starts mounting, take a break. When necessary,

change the style of teaching. For instance, small children love to

take on their spellings when they quiz an adult.

Avoid overkill. Do not pack too many activities for the sake of

socializing your child. A worn out mom means a grouchy kid and

that means no happiness. Get support from your spouse or a

neighbor or a support group. Don't try to achieve everything by

yourself. Homeschooling means 'happy schooling' - don't forget

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Homeschool - staying connected

The world has become a jungle of knowledge. Wherever you turn, you

find a new fruit that just has to be passed on to your child. In

the middle of all the knowledge flying to and fro, we sometimes

forget to talk and relax with our children. A mom who doubles as a

teacher needs to leave the teacher behind and simply become mom

for a few hours everyday.

Listen to your child. Do not just hear the words, but notice the

emotion too. Many children find it difficult to express exactly

what they want. Talk to your child about general stuff and allow

him to be 'just a kid'. When you talk to your child, as for his

opinions. Few things please him more. It also adds kilos to his

self-confidence.

Most parents interrupt when their children talk. We, as adults,

detest it when someone cuts across our lines. Kids keep mum

because they are forced to be silent when we shut them up. But

this is unhealthy and unfair. Allow your child to finish and then

express your views in a rational manner. The child should have the

confidence to confide in you.

Gentle parenting is the key to successful homeschooling. Be a

parent first, and then a teacher.

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Homeschool teachers

The teacher is the key to the success of homeschooling. In most

cases, the teacher is a parent or a close relative. In some cases,

parents may divide the subjects between them. Rarely, if both

parents are busy, they may hire a homeschool teacher. Whatever the

case, children need time with their parents. Parents, as a rule,

make very good teachers.

Teaching does not involve a clinical presentation of facts.

Learning has to be integrated lovingly into daily life for it to

interest the child. That is where parents come in. Grandparents

also make great teachers, especially since they have an abundance

of patience.

If you feel anxious about your skill or knowledge, relax. There

are countless homeschooling resources that are aimed at helping

you. Professional curriculum packages, support groups, online help

desks, virtual schools and library resources are all available.

When you start out, you may want to make use of the commercial

curriculum packages. Readymade software also allows you to record

and log important achievements.

Local support groups are an excellent source of help, ideas and

material. This is where you get to meet experienced homeschoolers,

who will be more than happy to offer their insight and advice.

Once you settle into the homeschooling routine, you will find

yourself tailoring the curriculum to suit your own needs.

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Homeschool - Field trips

If you are going over a particular subject with the family and

feel that a field trip would be beneficial, then that's what you

should do - go for a trip. If you are attached to a support group,

you can plan to include other children too.

Here are some guidelines that will help you plan:

1) Collect the rates

2) Allowed ages

3) Special highlights

4) Size of the group

5) Timings

6) Eating facilities

Inform your support group of all these details well in advance so

that the necessary circulars may be sent out. On the appointed

day, arrange to meet with other parents and children in a

particular place. Plan the mode of travel and reach the place at

least 10 minutes in advance.

The field trip is not just fun. So, let your kids bring their

writing material. Allow them time to stare and admire. Do not

hurry them along. Collect data beforehand so that you can clear

doubts. Get help from a guide, if necessary. And most importantly,

have fun and enjoy the time you spend with your children.

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How to Homeschool Your Child

Now that you have decided that homeschooling is the way to educate

your child, get ready for the ecstasy and the anxiety - the road

ahead is a bit bumpy, but the rewards more than make up for it.

Producing a well-adjusted and well-rounded personality is no mean

achievement.

First of all, it is important to check out your state laws on home

schooling. Some states need an affidavit filed with the State's

education department. There are basically 3 categories for

homeschooling laws. These are: private school laws, home education

laws and equivalency laws. Find your state laws. You may also need

to maintain a portfolio that records the child's educational

progress. It is important to look into the legal requirements

BEFORE you start homeschooling. Some States also stipulate a

minimum educational qualification for the parent or teacher.

Next, look for a support group. If you live in a friendly or

curious neighborhood, well-meaning friends will try to dissuade

you. At the very least, they may put a lot of uneasy questions in

your mind. A support group that consists of like-minded people

will insulate you from the criticism, pressures and questions of

regular school-goers. Many groups organize fun events like visits

to the zoo, museum, tours to the ice cream shops etc. And if your

children hit it off with other homeschoolers, they will be able to

build lasting relationships that do not fade when their friends

change schools. These groups provide an important avenue for

socialization.

The next important thing to do is to select a curriculum.

Depending upon the method of homeschooling, you may choose various

tools that aid you in this process. The internet is also a rich

resource for homeschooling. Do some research and look into the

material that is available.

Set certain ground rules. Homeschooling requires a lot of

self-discipline and hard work. Here is a comprehensive list of the

things you will need:

1) Eagerness to learn

2) Hard work and effort

3) Discipline

4) Time and patience

5) Flexibility

6) Enthusiasm

Consider why you want to opt for homeschooling. Your motives and

your reasons are important pillars on which the whole edifice of

your child's lessons depends. Also, consult with your children.

Ask them what they feel about homeschooling.

Select a curriculum or custom-make a curriculum that best suits

your child. Record keeping is an important part of homeschooling.

Look into the various methods of record keeping. Set up a

schedule. Your child does not have to learn 6-7 hours a day. Allow

him or her to dictate the time. Flexibility and fun are the

cornerstones of homeschooling. Do not stuff too many skills into a

single term or year. Prepare a skill list. Make the child learn

the skills that he is ready for.

Gentle parenting is the secret to successful homeschooling.

Children make great advances in learning and show more enthusiasm.

They also turn out to be surprisingly well balanced and well

informed when they are taught at home.

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