How to Have the Patience to Homeschool
I earn a commission from products purchased through links in this post.
“Oh I could never teach my own kids. I don’t have the patience to homeschool.”
I have heard this so many times that I have lost count. The person making the comment seems to believe that homeschool parents have limitless patience, like a super power.
Let me reassure you that this simply isn’t true.
Homeschool moms get frustrated, yell, and lose their temper just like anyone. We are just ordinary moms, trying our best, but struggling many days. We are with our kids day in and day out. These children know exactly which buttons to push, and they do it well.
Homeschooling doesn’t really require any patience super powers, just a strategic approach.
How to Have the Patience to Homeschool
Find an activity just for you
You need to fill your own bucket before you can fill anyone else’s. Take an honest look at your schedule and find time for your own interests. When my kids were younger I found time during their naps or after they went to bed. Now I get up early, so I can go to the gym before they wake up. Exercising first thing in the morning helps me stay healthy, makes me start the day feeling strong, and clears my head. It is a win-win. I get to have an activity that is just for me and it doesn’t take any time away from parenting or teaching.
Structure your day
A routine helps me fit as much as possible into my day. I am much less stressed when I don’t feel like I am constantly running behind. Lower stress levels = more patience. A loose structure also helps me have the patience to homeschool because my children naturally thrive on a schedule. They know what to expect and behavior problems stay to a minimum. . . which also keeps my stress level down.
Ask for help
Many people want you to succeed as a homeschool mom. They are more than willing to help you, but can’t read your mind, so they don’t know what you need. If you could use some help, just ask. This might mean asking your spouse to take over teaching a difficult lesson, asking another mom to drive carpool, or asking a neighbor to let your kids play at her house for an hour.
Everyone has a breaking point. Take a break before you hit yours.
Count your blessings
Sometimes I do feel my patience start to slip. When that happens I make an effort to remind myself of all my blessings – a happy marriage, healthy children, a warm home. . . the list can go on for quite a while. This helps bolster my patience enough to get through to the end of the day.
How do you find your patience to homeschool?
Related Posts:
