Homeschool-books-readingWe all have bad homeschooling days sometimes. …even had bad weeks, or bad months, and even some bad years.

Now years later, it doesn’t seem to matter that every homeschooling day wasn’t rosy. Life is just not a bed of roses and neither is homeschooling.  So we just have to expect that there will be those hard homeschooling times when nothing seems to be accomplished or when Mom is sick, when there is crisis in the family that must come before the school schedule,  or when there is no time to “do school”.  When those times come, remember these seven tips to help you make the best of the situation:

1. Don’t give up. A month or so of unproductive homeschool does not mean failure. Even the best traditional schools have much time that is unproductive.  When at home,  children continue to learn during these times.  They may not be getting curriculum activities checked off, but there are still many opportunities for them to learn valuable lessons that help make them “well-rounded” in their character.  They also are constantly learning about the world around them. God has made them curious little sponges that love to learn.

2. Take time out. If you can’t handle things the way they are, take the pressure off for awhile. Do different types of things. For example, get outside more to enjoy nature, take walks, play music, dance, make things, bake together, play games, read aloud just for fun. All of these things are very beneficial and may be just what everyone needs to make the structured learning fresher.

3. Make a list of things that your older children can do independently. Let them work from this list when you are not able to be involved for awhile.

4. Spend time helping your children learn and do more chores. This will eventually ease your time crunch and is so GOOD for your children.  Choose times of the year that are less busy to include your children in many tasks and train them to take over job responsibilities around the house and yard. It takes some effort to begin with, but will pay off.

5. Rent educational films from the library. Most resources from the library are free to borrow. We were able to use the inter-library loan system to order videos that went with our homeschool unit studies.  Become familiar with your library and create a list of materials to check out when you are in need of back up teaching for homeschool. Children enjoy a break from the regular lessons and usually are quite interested in watching videos that relate to their interests or give more information about what they are studying.

6. Emphasize training of character, Bible teaching, prayer, and worship even at the expense of other subjects. Seek to instruct spiritually first and the academics will come along nicely after. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Don’t stress over the academics.

7. Talk to your husband (or close friend) about problems and enlist his help.

8. Adjust the school schedule to the needs of your family. The flexibility of learning at home is one of great merit. Feel free to make changes and adjust.
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Creative Commons License photo credit: juhansonin