Are you an overwhelmed home-schooling parent?

How to destress and reset for home schooling.

Ahhh, where do I begin? What have I just done? I don't have a teaching degree can I really be trusted to teach my own kids? I don't think my children will respect me. These are valid questions, and it is wonderful that you are asking them, your as sane as me. Let me gently remind you that as a parent your child is already naturally learning. Remember you were responsible for showing your child how to walk, talk, go to the toilet and much more. A teacher did not do that you and your child did. Give yourself some credit, and a pat on the back.

I am a mother of two as we speak, with a psychology degree I'd think half of that is relevant in giving some advice to newbie parents out there wanting to homeschool. To add that I currently homeschool my eldest daughter now who is 4 years old. I will make the mistakes firsthand so you don't have to.

Anyhow moving swiftly on, heres a whimsical list of tips that will help guide you gently through your homeschooling journey.

Tip #1 - Why did you Home-school

Keep yourself grounded and put a reminder of why you chose to homeschool. Carry that purpose with you. You will question your decision time and time again when you may have a hard day. Believe me those days will be long and coming, so write a physical reminder and place it on a wall, almost like a declaration to your family.

Tip #2 - Dedicate a small routine

You will be testing the waters, so nothing is set in stone yet. Make all the failures in the beginning to see what works well and what doesn't for your family. For instance, come rain, sun or snow my littles ones play in the back garden to get some air, particularly on a trying day. We have daily goofy dances in our living room, a safe space to have fun when our central nervous system gets a little haywire from completing some workbooks. Other days we decide to paint or colour together with a little bit of classical music in the background.

Tip #3 - Make it personal

Home schooling is the freedom to do whatever we want when we want. There is no expectations placed on us by any other institutes or strangers who may not have the same values as us.

Tip #4 - Mix it up

Try and change what you do in a day to keep home schooling fun, mix up the routine. If you normally take a walk in the evening take a walk in the morning. Change up the times. Try a different hobby even if it may make you feel uncomfortable.

Tip #5 - Finish strong

Ending the day with your children about what is working and what they would like to do? is important feedback. Also listen to them when they tell you what isn't working and come up with a brainstorm of ideas on how to solve this problem.

Don’t Forget to Add a Closing Statement

If you have read this far, thank you for taking the time to read. Which Tip speaks to you the most? Flick through the catalogue of blogs created and engage with the content by commenting I'll be happy to talk. Or if you have any recommendations to read let me know.