It’s February again, and seasoned homeschool moms know what that means: it’s burn-out month! I don’t know what it is about February, but it’s the #1 month in which I hear parents say that they want to quit. Maybe it’s the realization that the holidays are over, or that many of us have been stuck inside due to inclement weather…whatever it is, you aren’t alone! Every year I hit two periods of doubt, in early spring and again in the fall. I doubt that I am “doing enough”, I doubt that I am “doing it right”, and I sometimes even doubt my ability to parent and teach these children I’ve been given.
It’s important that we find ways to recharge ourselves all year long, but especially during this trying period. I’ve found that carving out a few minutes a day to do a little reading or listen to a podcast helps keep me on track, even if it’s just a 5 minute refresher. When you’re already feeling down, however, it’s important to ensure that you aren’t looking at a resource that will make you feel worse. When I’m having a bad day the last thing I need to look at is a blog telling about how another homeschooler’s children graduated from college at 15. That’s awesome and I am glad for them, but it’s not helpful to my situation, especially on a day in which I want to run away.
When I look for a homeschooling book or blog I look for one that inspires real people, one that doesn’t gloss over the less-than-perfect day. Here are some of my favorite resources:
Book: Homeschooling: Take a Deep Breath-You Can Do This!
Terri Lynn’s book is a breath of fresh air. Terrie is a friend, but she’s also one of my homeschooling mentors. In her most popular book, Terrie Lynn shows you what it takes to homeschool; and that, if this is the path you choose, there is a way to travel it, no matter what your situation!
Blog: Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
Are you looking to follow a blog that brings real homeschoolers to your screen? Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers is my daily dose of laughter and often solicits cheers such as “I know that’s right!” Kris Bales, the mind behind Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers, is as real as they get without getting raunchy, as so many real-life bloggers tend to get. Be sure to click on “Quirky & Real” for REAL encouragement!
Book: The Homeschool Highway
I’ve homeschooled for a decade and a half, which means I’ve read all the books. The Homeschool Highway is different from the others in that even a homeschooling mom of 15 years found it useful. Homeschooling can get rocky, and Amy Dingman addresses these bumps in the road with grace and humor in her two volumes of The Homeschool Highway.
Podcast: Savvy Homeschool Moms Podcast
Tina and Beckie are two real, homeschooling moms who deal with the same things the rest of us do. They share their experiences, and that of others whom they interview, on a semi-regular basis. I enjoy their podcast immensely, but my favorite part is definitely the part they call “chatter”. I love hearing about the things these down-to-earth and real families are doing, the books they are reading, and their challenges and successes. Since we’ve left the packaged curriculum behind in favor of child-led learning, I’ve especially enjoyed this podcast. Both hosts have children of similar age to my younger kids and we’ve gotten the best book and craft ideas from the podcast. The podcast hosts are secular but the podcast is inclusive, meaning everyone can listen and feel comfortable.
Friends. Nothing recharges me quite like calling up a friend and asking to meet at the park. Reading and listening to parents who share the homeschooling challenge is great, but meeting one for coffee or at a playground is so much better. Reach out to your local homeschool support groups and start building your circle of friends, a circle you will grow to depend on in times like these.
I hope these resources encourage you on your journey! Remember that while the days are long the years are so short, and before you know it you’ll be waving goodbye as your children drive off into their future.