We had a two week holiday 4 weeks ago. It went too fast. I really didn't feel too motivated to start school again and I am finding it increasingly difficult to motivate myself.
For the first three weeks we did an adequate amount of work on Monday, a little less on Tuesday and as the week wore on I just didn't make the children do anything except their reading, writing and maths. As well as the home schooling, I am not motivated at all to do any house work.I am only doing what has to be done.
Today is Monday again. We did all the lessons that I had prepared. I think every weekend, you just have to get up and do it this week. No more procrastinating and I plan my week.
Tomorrow we have
Religion, Maths, literacy, Reading, Spelling and cooking in our lesson plans. Last Tuesday we didn't do the cooking lesson and the children's literacy was pretty minimal. They ran outside and played while I did some reading and sewing in the afternoon.
I am finding that the enjoyment that I had before is not there. I don't really want to teach the children as much as I did last term. I know that home schooling is better for them but I just don't have the motivation for it as much.
So I want to know what other home school families do when they are not motivated? How do you get over these humps and get enthusiastic again? How do you stay motivated when you don't want to do anything?
One of my big concerns is the children are picking up my lack of enthusiasm and they have said a couple of times, why can't we go back to our old school? I really don't know what to say to them when they say this so I just say well it is good for us to learn all together and spend time together.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Therese
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11 comments:
Wow, that's a hard question to answer because everyone's situation is different. Are your schools really lousy educationally and morally? That would be a huge deciding factor for me as to whether to continue homeschooling or not.
Maybe you just need a change of pace - less structure? We homeschool casually throughout the year rather than trying to fit it into seven months. It's not for everyone, but the laid back lifestyle seems to suit us. It's much easier with the little one as well.
Are you taking on too much maybe?
Thanks Alexandria.
Our schools aren't really really bad but I certainly know that both Tom and Amelia are better of at home. The Catholic school here seems to attract a lot of people that aren't really seeking a Catholic education but a private education. Many children at the school are very materialistic and question our children a lot about living in a big family.
Tom was at school for a couple of years. He learnt some very successful work avoidance strategies and really didn't do an acceptable amount of work. He cannot get away with the strategies he used at school because I only have two students and I know instantly if he is on task or not. I also know when he is pretending to not feel well and when he really is.
I don't want to send them back to school. I know that home schooling is something God wants me to do.
I think if we were to have less structure, home schooling would become non existent. I really need structure and a time table to get anything done.
I also don't think we are doing too much because I did this much last term and did enjoy it. We have the 5 main lessons everyday (religion, spelling, reading, maths and literacy) and then add in one other subject each day. History, Latin, Cooking and sewing, science and sport.Most days last term we did Religion, spelling reading and maths in about two hours and then had a half hour break. We would then have literacy and our other subject. By lunch time we were finished and the children would either watch a video together or go and play outside.
Therese, I homeschooled my daughter this year (grade 7) for the first time. We used the Seton program from the US. It's very academic and is based on traditional Catholicism. My daughter did very well and learned a lot. That being said, she is going to a public school for grade 8. Our reasons: she hasn't made any friends living here, being cooped up at home with her mom for a teacher. We'll see how grade 8 goes. If I think for a moment her soul is at stake, we will homeschool for grade 9.
Oh, about your dilemma - pray to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for an answer.
I love your honesty. I've always wondered how homeschooling moms stay motivated. It seems like such a big job on top of being a mom and running a house. I hope you find your answers. Best of luck to you.
Sounds like burnout. Don't fear because I think it is normal. I think every homeschooling family goes through it at some time during the school year.
Why don't you try getting a really good book - a classic maybe - and curl on the couch and read. Then take on some fun activities that you think the kids will really like - in our house that would be science experiments or something but for you guys it may be completely different. It's kind of like a vacation from regular homeschooling but it's very educational and just helps break things up a bit.
Well, maybe you are just having one of those slumps. It sounds like you are doing an awesome job. I get like that sometimes, and it passes. I have to mix it up a little, and do something different, but you may have another coping strategy.
Give yourself a pat on the back; you are doing a great job. Most importantly you are nurturing and protecting little souls which will bear fruit. It's God's work you are doing...find strength to carry on by doing His work. Hugs to you.
I'm there too,Therese...and I'm going to spend all term 3 unschooling. After 8 years homeschooling I can see that I'm avoiding the obvious and it's time for me to change. We've been overstructed for the last few years and we're all burnt out. No joy, no loving to learn anymore. So a change is comin'. ;-)
I don't have an answer for you, but a question - what does school have that the kids feel they are missing out on? Ask them.
I'm praying for you tonight! And btw, you are a great mum!!
Jen,
When I asked them why they just say things like they miss their friends.
Maybe organising some time with their friends after school and on weekends might help on that score.
I opt for a very relaxed way of homeschooling myself and I know for a fact that a more rigidly structured style really burns me out - I have tries it.
You are probably like me (if you're a SHE!) and you may personally prefer flexibility over routine.
Perhaps you could (just a suggestion here) spend a week or two doing just your Flylady morning and evening routines and perhaps the 15 minute declutter/ or Kelly Mission. Oh, and there is the laundry I suppose! But you could do that in 15 minute lots if you wanted and the kids could help (if they don't already).
You could, after your morning routine, gather the kids for a bit of prayer time (not too much - whatever you're comfortable with - baby steps!) and then set the timer for 15 mins maths, 15 mins English, either all the kids or just one at a time and alternate with some activities that *you* really enjoy! Why not set the timer for 15 minutes and say, "okay kids, have fun for 15 minutes and keep an eye on Christopher, while I do X."
You are obviously a beautiful, creative soul (and a SHE!) so work *with* that, not against it.
I don't know about you, Therese, but having a whole day of routine, day after day, makes me want to jump off a bridge. Really.
Unfortunately, when it comes to homeschooling, we often expect ourselves (and others expect us) to be "structured" because we think this equals "organised." But it is possible to be organised, yet not very structured. Getting the balance right between all strucute, and no structure is probably a life-long journey for homeschooling SHEs! I often "tweak" what we do and how we're doing it.
Sorry this has been a long comment and feel free to ignore everything I've written, as it is mostly just my own experience coming through.
Lots of prayers for you therese. I'm not at the point of having to make the decision about the boys education. maybe you need to try to get to bed a bit earlier and maybe go out for some morning 'excursions' (library, swimming, bushwalk, museum) instead of structured days and have 'free time' in the afternoons. a change of scene may help you all.
Oh Therese,
I have felt like this at times. One year we even planned to take the whole year off! We had a Sabbatical, which turned into more:
you can read about it on my blog, if you're interested/
http://kerugma.net/blog/?p=193
Go to God...lean upon Him, rest in Him. He wants you to. He'll carry you.
Blessings,
Susan
www.kerugma.net/blog
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