We don't usually think of having a baby a crisis, but it can definitely become one when you're homeschooling.
So can a lot of other things like illness, unexpected house guests, or a death in the family.
Life happens.
While you want to adhere to your teaching schedule, there are times when trying to stick to it is worse than embracing the unpredictable.
When we're homeschooling, we should always be prepared to deal with a day when it feels as if the roof caved in.
Because it may! For sure, life will have its challenges.
In times of crisis, here are 4 strategies to help you get through a rough time.
All Things Must Pass
Take a deep breath and remember that all things must pass. You'll look back on this period years later and barely remember it, at least for the smaller crises. For the larger ones, you may never forget them but the difficulties will pass with time.
What you will remember as if it were yesterday is anything awful you did or said in moments of what felt like sheer desperation. There’s one moment in my mind that stands out and still haunts me when something triggers it. Better to avoid your children having these kinds of memories of you, if you can.
2. Keep Things in Perspective
Something I always find useful when things seem out of my control, is to recite the Serenity Prayer. It helps me to keep things in perspective. Even though the author is unknown, the prayer has survived the test of time because anyone can appreciate it, even people of no faith.
Here it is:
Grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
It’s the best of reminders that much of what happens in our lives is not within our control. Our best response is to accept what we can’t control and focus on managing the things we can control, such as our attitude and our behavior.
3. THE PROOF OF A GOOD FRIEND
What are friends for if they aren’t there to help you when times are tough?
Don’t feel like you are burdening your friends, because the chances are high that one day they may need your help too. And even if they don’t, helping others always benefits the one doing the helping too.
That’s the amazing thing about helping other people.
So ask for help with your children, or help with errands, or just a kind ear to offer you support.
4. TAKE IT ONE MOMENT AT A TIME
In times of a large crisis, you want to think small; think one day at a time, even one hour at a time, even one moment at a time. Give yourself goals to get through each day, so you can feel like you are making progress.
Whatever you do, don’t look at the big picture or you will feel overwhelmed.
You will find your mind dwelling on things such as how you are going to handle two or three months of uncertainty or chaos. Instead, just get through one day, then another day, then another day
Be determined to wake up each day as if it were your last to help keep things in perspective.
Ignore the little things that don’t matter. Just focus on getting through the difficult period in the best way you can.
A HOMESCHOOLING SCHEDULE IS NOT CAST IN STONE!
If you do get thrown off of schedule for any significant period of time, you may find yourself wondering if you will ever catch up or are your children doomed for being dreadfully behind?
Fortunately, no. Homeschooling is one of those endeavors that has perfection built into it.
When your children are young, under the age of ten, most of what they will learn they can learn in a short period.
You could teach a child grammar for the first time at the age of ten, and by the time he is twelve, he could be caught up to his peers.
If you're in a jam, there's no need to fret too much about not teaching. You can consider your crisis a vacation and take time off from homeschooling.
“Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential. ”
Planning is essential to reach our goals, but the way we get there never precisely matches the way we planed to get there!
A General Rule
A general rule with homeschooling is that as long as you have a sound plan and a stellar curriculum, and you are doing your best, don't worry about your kids getting behind.
Your children should exceed your expectations no matter what curve balls life throws you.
Don’t miss our free download, Ten Books Every Well-Educated Child Should Read.
Teach your child to read before sending him to school! Learn more about Elizabeth's unique course, How to Teach Your Child to Read and Raise a Child Who Loves to Read.
For parents of children under age seven who would like to prepare their child for social and academic success, please begin with Elizabeth’s singular online course, Raise Your Child to Thrive in Life and Excel in Learning.
When you join the Smart Homeschooler Academy online course for parents, Elizabeth will make homeschooling manageable for you. She’ll guide you in helping your kids reach their intellectual potential and developing good character.
As a homeschooler, you will feel confident, calm, and motivated knowing you have the tools and support you need to homeschool successfully.
Elizabeth Y. Hanson is a homeschooling thought-leader and the founder of Smart Homeschooler.
As an Educator, Homeschool Emerita, Writer, and Love and Leadership Certified Parenting Coach, Elizabeth has 21+ years of experience working in education.
Developing a comprehensive understanding of how to raise and educate a child, she devotes her time to helping parents get it right.
Elizabeth is available for one-on-one consultations as needed.
"I know Elizabeth Y. Hanson as a remarkably intelligent, highly sensitive woman with a moral nature and deep insight into differences between schooling and education. Elizabeth's mastery of current educational difficulties is a testimony to her comprehensive understanding of the competing worlds of schooling and education. She has a good heart and a good head. What more can I say?”
—John Taylor Gatto Distinguished educator, public speaker, and best-selling author of Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling
