The Truth You Need To Know
The Journey
Far along our homeschool trail, ready to begin year five of our journey, I knew this was going to be one wild year!
Fittingly, our back to school theme was "Let's Make This Year Wild", so into the Wild West we were headed for our first week of learning.
While our Wild West lesson was filled with engaging activities, games, reading, and history, I wouldn't say it went off without a hitch.
Much like the pioneers, we hit some bumps in the road as we adjusted ourselves back on the learning trail. Attitudes and mindsets needed some repair, and there was even a
stand- off between my young cowgirl and me included, as we began settling in to our long haul again.
This brought to mind some of the hardships that unfold in this wonderful journey we call homeschool. While countless days are marked as good, there are certainly days that could be recognized as bad...or even, ugly!
I'm ready to wrangle up the truth about homeschooling and share it with you, in order to better prepare you for what's ahead, and pointers for how to deal with it.
LET'S GIDDY-UP!
Get The Wild West Unit, Complete With Learning Activities, Games, Creations, Paired Worksheets, And Fun!
THE GOOD
Without question, homeschooling brings immense good to families.
The irreplaceable time spent together, growing family bonds, in a safe learning environment make homeschooling a rich and fulfilling endeavor.
The ability within homeschooling to create a tailored learning method for each child, that allows for cultivating individual interests and progress, is unmatched
Knowing exactly where your child is at academically, so no matter if there is time off, or illness, no learning gets lost.
The flexibility to enhance learning opportunities, and to experience topics and concepts within real life circumstances.
The freedom to choose how, when, and where learning will thrive for your family.
We have had so many good days, that easily outweigh the handful of "bad" days. Good days where we shared in laughs, grew our patience, achieved goals, mastered a tough concept, and made fun memories together.
No matter the struggles, homeschool is good, very, very good!
THE BAD
The less talked about, or shared on social media, are the bad days. After all, most of us would rather forget about the bad days that inevitably win out sometimes. Bad days can come in the look of different things to different people, but here's where I share the "bad" experiences we've had to overcome.
When attitudes rise high. The handful of days where headstrong kiddos push you, and put you to the test.
Interruptions. Interruptions are common while homeschooling, and I have learned to accept this fact. When it gets bad is when there are so many interruptions (usually from outside circumstances), that the lesson stretches to the very end of the day, or altogether gets scrapped. It can be frustrating, it can cause you to feel drained.
The cloud of doubt sneaks in. It's the days when someone has planted a word of doubt in your abilities, or even you yourself, begin to second guess your choices or methods of educating.
Motivation dwindles. The days where you feel unmotivated to inspire, create, organize, etc. can certainly be bad days. Homeschooling is a huge responsibility, and as the navigator and person leading the charge, your ability to maintain motivation can be tough.
The bad days aren't everyday, and I assure you, these days don't mean you aren't built for the job. Hard days will spring up, but keeping the bad days in your expectations will be of benefit.
*Find Tips For Handling The Hard Days HERE!*
THE UGLY
If the bad days weren't tough enough, they'll be days that feel down right ugly. While I'm not proud to share about these days, admitting their existence has purpose. Perhaps knowing another person has been in the trenches too, will hopefully provide reassurance and a light at the end of the ugly-day tunnel.
Tears. A day that brings tears is marked as an ugly day in my book. Reasons for tears usually come about because the magnitude of how important our learning is needs to be reinstated. I'm passionate about my children's education and their love of learning, so on the days where their resistance or apathy kicks in, my passion finds expression, and can lead (me) to tears. Other tears can often come from my perfectionist son, who strives for his idea of what greatness looks like, and when he doesn't meet his expectation, he criticizes himself. Reminding him that perfect isn't my expectation or goal for him, usually results in some heartfelt tears.
Giving up. The days where learning didn't get a fair chance, emotions ran high, interruptions prevailed, and nothing went to plan; the days you choose to give up. It may look ugly to outsiders on these days, but from my experience, choosing to throw in the towel on these days over damaging relationships, is the right choice.
While ugly days will appear on the homeschool trail, they don't have to be of waste. It's in these days where we all find resiliency, recommitment, and grow in grace. Life lessons aren't always pretty, but they are some of the most valuable ones.
Whatever your days look like; good, bad, ugly, or otherwise, rest in knowing they all serve a purpose and that even in the challenges, you and your family will still grow in gains!
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