Homeschooling: 5 Effective Tips for Moms
There is a reason there are so many posts flying around social media of mothers slowly losing their minds, homeschooling your children is not for the faint-hearted. To be a successful homeschool mom involves a lot more than just reciting the alphabet and coloring in pictures of circus animals. Here are 5 of the best tips from the master-moms out there to help you go from home school to home cool.
- Be Patient
I understand that overseeing your child’s education is a daunting thought and you may not think you have enough educational background to teach, but trust me – once you work out a few teething problems at the start, you will be a success in no time. The most important part is staying patient, and not just with your children but with yourself too. This is a change for all of us and the extra pressure on the kids and you can spell disaster if your expectations are not well managed.
- Be Different
Don’t try and do things the same way they did at school, it’s okay to be different. You can keep the same routines if you like but you can also set new ones, depending on what your child would be receptive too. Allow them to help pick out stem supplies for school, work on projects together and alone or even take a whole new approach to education. Plan your curriculum for what your child will be most responsive to at different times in the day and stay open to being flexible when it is required.
- Take Days Off
Take a few days off for a field trip…even if it’s just down the road or to the park. There are so many wonderful ways that nature can be the best tutor and can help teach our children some of the most important lessons in life like growth and self-reflection. Organise a trip outside of town if you’re feeling adventurous – the key to being a great tutor is to always inspire your learners.
- Take Your Lessons Outside
You would be amazed at what a difference a little bit of sunshine and fresh air can do for your child. Take a few of your lessons outdoors, especially the messier ones like art projects or science experiments. The clean air will give your child the mental clarity he or she needs to stay focused and absorb your imparted knowledge. Remember to take your breaks outside too, being in nature can often be the much-needed mood booster your child needs.
- Be Kind
Kindness is a virtue and my favourite one. Being a kind parent, in general, is the only way to be the best parent possible, but especially during these trying times. Kindness will boost your child’s self-esteem and help them blossom into wonderfully kind little humans. Try to always stay mindful of your child’s emotions and understand that this drastic change up is likely to take a toll on their mood, so stay kind always.
