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Homeschooling When Life Gets Hard

Last summer we had wildfires raging through the mountains in our back yard (see my post about it here).  We were close to being evacuated and I sort of panicked and decided to pack up the car with essentials.  I laugh a little bit now at what I packed- all of our homeschool books (this was the first thing I packed!), a few clothes, a little food, and family records & photos.  We were lucky enough to be spared and not lose our home or have any damage. But I remember the thoughts of what if… How would we go on? I know there are many who go through these challenges and have to pick up and move on.

I have had babies during our homeschool years.  While a baby brings joy and excitement, it can really be a challenge to homeschooling families.  I did a lot of work ahead of time to prepare for the new baby.  I tried to keep homeschooling and did a somewhat decent job through it.  We read together a lot while I fed him.  We didn’t go on quite as many outings, but were still able to have adventures close to home- walks to the park and hikes with the baby strapped on. We talked a lot about the human body and watched the growth cycle of the child growing inside of me before he was born.  We also did the same after he was born- what will the baby do this month?  What will he learn? How much has he grown?  A new baby can really be a continuous lesson!

I asked some other homeschoolers their thoughts on getting through tough times while still homeschooling.  I loved the thoughts that they shared. Here are some of the responses I received:

“I have found that usually the parents are so busy during life changes, but it doesn’t occupy the kids’ time quite the same. So they need things to keep them busy — what better than school? We keep doing personal reading and math books (with a little help from mom on occasion), practicing instruments, and chores every day. We watch geography and math DVDs and other educational programs. We try to do a lot of talking in the car during all those house viewings – spelling words, math questions, gospel discussions, etc., or we listen to books on CD. I let them in more on daily life, like writing lists for me or helping with cooking and playing with the baby.  Everything passes and there are only a few things that are REALLY important in the long run.”

“We’ve been homeschooling through serious martial problems. I’ve found it hard some days to focus because of my own personal issues but it remind myself that it’s not all about me. And sometimes we take it easier. I always do math and some sort of reading/writing though. I’ve found that homeschooling has been helpful for the girls as I can offer them more love and support through this unsure time. It gives me more time to talk to them and even just spending time reading to them is a nice bonding time for us.”

“Just keep swimming… Just keep swimming…” Occasionally we’ve had to go weeks where I have to just assign a math page, a journal page, and some personal reading time every day. It can be astounding what they will learn on their own when they are left to follow their own interests once in a while. I don’t stress about it.”

How do you do it?  How do you keep going?  I though it was interesting that this was included in the list of teaching creatively.  I am typically my least creative when I am under more stress.  But, I guess the way I would be creative in hard times is by learning how to simplify and keep things going in the easiest way possible.  Have a lot of things on hand hat the kids can do independently.  Use ready-made resources that don’t take a lot of extra energy from you.  That could include anything from educational movies & websites, board games, & workbooks- whatever your style may be.
 Maybe right now is a hard time for you and your family.  I hope you know that these challenges will come to an end and you will get through this time.  Don’t give up.  Remember why you chose to homeschool & keep that reminder there to help you through these times. Above all else, just be there with your children. Love and support each other as much as you can.  Teach them that they can pick up and move on when life gets you down. Always lean on the Lord through your trials. He will always lift you up and support you when you need Him most. He is my greatest support.

This is Day 4 of the 5 Days of Teaching Creatively Blog Hop sponsored by The Schoolhouse Review Crew.  I hope you will take some time to visit some of the other participating bloggers!

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