Homeschool Update

We've been homeschooling for over a month now and really getting a routine down! I thought I'd share some helpful things that are working for our schedule and things that are NOT so much...

If you're doing the homeschool thing this year, you know that some days are just flat out rough. Other days we do all the things and I go to bed feeling so content and thankful. And then some days are in between. Regardless of how crazy the week may be, I see now more than ever that we are doing holy work.

Like I've said in my Homeschooling round-up, we don't know how long this journey will be for our family. We are choosing to put one foot in front of the other and we'll see what the future holds!

THINGS THAT HELP:

1. Bake a treat once a week - For some reason when the kitchen is a mess, the music is on loud, and we're all together baking, our hearts are happy. I know for some moms the thought of all the littles being in the kitchen stresses you out. And that's ok! We all need to find something fun on a weekly basis that can be a glimmer of hope. Maybe a walk or specific craft or something else is what you look forward too.
2. 30-minute increments - My boys are wild boys. They are smart, but they are active. Breaking everything up into 30-minute increments actually helps me too because I tend to lose my patience and need a break. Then we all move on to the next thing. Sometimes we do less time depending on the subject (or their attitudes for the day). And sometimes more if they're focused and in love with it. I'm learning to pick our battles and if they need to run outside after only 15 minutes of school, then so be it. Let them get their energy out, sneak a cookie, take a deep breath, and start again.
3. Mom's morning - I can't tell you how wonderful this has been for us! We do a park morning with 4 other moms on a weekly basis. We all let our kids run around, we put school aside, bring our coffee, and have two hours of something different. It's so good for the kids, and it's so good for us moms. If parks aren't open, you can always pick whoever has the biggest backyard or go to an open field and bring outdoor toys and balls.
4. School right after breakfast - I find it really helpful for the boys to start school right after breakfast. They change their clothes, brush their teeth and are ready for the day. If we knock out one hour and the rest of the day is crazy, then I don't feel like we have to cram later in the day and I don't feel guilty or stressed. My kids are little though, so one solid hour of one-on-one teaching with some reading afterwards can totally be enough for the day. We shoot for two though :)
5. Time with Jesus - I know it sounds so cliche, but I went awhile without having my quiet time first thing in the morning and I could tell. I paid for it because my attitude was awful. I understand that each season of life is different and sometimes there is no way you can even open your Bible. But, try to do something. Whether it's praying for 10 minutes in the car or listening to a sermon on the way to the grocery store, we need to fill our cups with something sustaining...and the only thing that sustains is Jesus.
6. Schedule - This encompasses everything from meal prep to a daily to-do list. I find the more organized I am, the freer my spirit!

Things that do NOT help:

1. Waking up when my kids wake up - I don't know why I ever do this, but it just starts me off in a bad mood. Transitioning from peaceful dreaming to changing diapers, screaming children, and making breakfast? I just can't do it. I'm starting to wake up an hour(ish) before the kids for a quiet time. I could work out, drink coffee, and make pancakes, but I usually just sit, read, and wake up.
2. Not getting dressed - There will always be days where I want to roll out of bed and wear my sweats and glasses all day. But most of the time, I'm just not productive and feel extra tired if I don't change my clothes and get ready for the day.
3. Trying to do everything alone - You don't have to hire a teacher for your kids, but what I mean by this is that you have to have some other people in your life. I MarcoPolo friends all day long, we FaceTime my parents, and we meet with friends. With a husband who is at work A LOT, it brings me joy to live life with other people. It's also so good for the kids to not just see their siblings and mom for a year straight, ha! :)
4. Stressing - If you follow me on Instagram, you know I was super stressed when I first started homeschooling a month ago. Not having specific goals or knowing what is "normal" for each grade level was driving me crazy. I had to put that stuff aside and just do my best every day. Ask a lot of questions of other homeschool moms and realize that we're all doing the best we can. I don't think past this year because that really stresses me out. Just live one day at a time :)

Hope that was helpful for some of you! I'd love to hear what you're doing that gives you strength to get through the day. And what does NOT help you get through a productive day of homeschooling! You're all doing a wonderful job! Comment below!

Have a wonderful week,

Nicole