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Homeschool When Nobody Wants To

How to Cope Successfully With Homeschool Mental Stress

April 21, 2024 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschool mental stress is real. Also, look at my How to Homeschool page for more tips and resources.

Jumping into homeschooling with ways to reduce negative mental stress is crucial because homeschooling takes a toll on your mental health.

Having tried and true techniques at your finger tips is absolutely essential to coping with homeschool mental stress; the power of a mental hygiene homeschool routine can’t be underestimated.

How to Cope Successfully With Homeschool Mental Stress

I’ve learned to accept happily that struggling and being stressed doesn’t mean that the homeschool lifestyle is not worth it.

For my family, it has been a superior way of education.

How to Cope With Homeschool

The right view of stress, which is that not all of it is negative, is necessary to categorizing the type of stress we encounter in homeschooling.

5 BEST How to Homeschool Books

I've rounded up some of the best books to help you get started homeschooling.

Homeschooling for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops. When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

The Unhurried Homeschooler

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but "The Unhurried homeschooler" takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for their children and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

Parents who are deeply invested in their children's education can be hard on themselves and their kids. When exhausted parents are living the day-to-day grind, it can seem impossible to muster enough energy to make learning fun or interesting. How do parents nurture a love of learning amid childhood chaos, parental self-doubt, the flu, and state academic standards?

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom

Education has become synonymous with schooling, but it doesn’t have to be. As schooling becomes increasingly standardized and test driven, occupying more of childhood than ever before, parents and educators are questioning the role of schooling in society. Many are now exploring and creating alternatives.

There is good stress and there is bad stress.

There is no way to eliminate stress totally from our life because stress can be an energizing and motivating force to do school day in and day out successfully.

The release of energy, the highest sense of accomplishment, and the gratifying feelings deep down in our gut we get when we teach our kids to read, to cook, or see them positively engaging with adults is hard to explain to those that have not experienced it.

10 Tips to Manage Homeschool Stress

However, today I’m not talking about the good side of stress. 

We don’t talk enough about the bad kind of stress which can take over our mind, affect us, and affect those we love.

If you haven’t lived our homeschool life it’s hard to know what we experience day to day. 

Look at these 10 tried and true tips that have worked with me as I’ve homeschooled over the past 20+ years.

 1. Lowering your expectations is NOT equivalent to lowering your standards.

In many ways homeschooling back before all the devices exploded on the homeschooling scene, which are suppose to free up our time, was easier than today.

We didn’t have so much content thrown at us; we weren’t bombarded with information overload to wade through.

Pushing back and resisting the urge to cover every possible facet of a subject has not meant lower standards in learning.

How to Cope With Homeschool Mental Stress. Jumping into homeschooling with ways to reduce negative mental stress is crucial because homeschooling takes a toll on your mental health. CLICK HERE to grab them!

My sons high college grades prove otherwise. I view myself as a normal home school mom who didn’t always push her kids academically.

I was consistent each day and that was key to lowering the stress for the day and not overloading my mind with worry if my kids were performing well enough.

If you find that you keep piling expectations, extra subjects, or longer homeschool days on you and your kids ask yourself is it worth it?

2. Step away from the online world and into the real world.

One of the best ways to help me rejuvenate quickly is to be around close friends or family and stay completely off my phone and off online.

Do you remember the time when we all didn’t carry phones? Some people had to actually wait for a reply.

As much time as I spend on my blog and online schooling for my kids, I realize that I’ve always had intermittent times when I’m completely away from the online world.

I find myself with instant calm for my mind when I have face to face conversations with warm individuals. It reminds me that slowing down for day to day interaction is the key to a healthy mental hygiene.

3. Do simple physical activities. I do mean simple.

Don’t get me wrong, if you want to knock yourself out at the gym go for it.

My problem is that it takes me a while to recover from strenuous workouts and then it defeats my purpose in easing my mental stress. From there I go to worrying about what has not been done for the day.

What I have found that works for longer periods of time or through the years is a simple nature walk. To this day, I still take nature walks even in my neighborhood. I think doing it at the crack of dawn and seeing the sun rise sets the right tone for my day.

I’ve always been an early morning person, but if you’re not a morning person the evening sun or night skys is just as gorgeous. I have no favorites.

Being outside reminds me of what is important each day, it fills up my tank when I have to deal with others especially my kids, and it just reminds me to be grateful I’m alive.

4. Easy activities with the kids eases mental tension.

I always read about self-care and getting away from the kids. While this is true on occasions, the truth of it is we homeschool because we love being with our kids.

Not every solution involves isolation. When I feel overloaded I change our plans for the day.

A simple walk or hike with kids, an all day reading day, or even something simple like watching a movie are all easy activities that can ease mental tension. A shift in focus, rest, or stepping back are all options depending on your needs.

Sometimes it’s just not possible to be alone and when you can’t, take steps now to have ideas in place for when you need a different pace.

Besides, you are also modeling to your kids how to cope with days that are mentally taxing.

5. Add humor in big doses throughout the day.

There are many reasons to laugh during the day while homeschooling.

If you’ve taught for any length of time, you know your kids say funny things, think funny things, and do funny things.

Treasure those moments and don’t forget to laugh when it’s time to laugh.

It’s a quick fix to alleviate stress in the air and your kids will love the stress free atmosphere you create. Better yet, write down all of those funny sayings in your planner and come back to them.

I also save pictures in one file of funny things my kids did and I have some picture of myself that ares absolutely awful while homeschooling which I would never share with the homeschooling world.

But every time I look at them, I laugh so hard it’s hard to stop. It keeps me balanced of how I view myself.

6. Do we really NOT have time for a hobby? Count the mental cost.

I was wrong when I started homeschooling because I gave up some of my hobbies. Okay, my thinking was a bit off. It took me years to find balance; I hope it doesn’t take you that long.

My thinking was off because when I thought of a hobby I thought of something that gave no value. A hobby could keep you from doing the more important things if it’s not kept in balance. Why do we think it has to be all or nothing?

How did I adopt such an extreme view? I know it was to prevent me from not giving attention to what I needed to do each day which is to be sure my kids get the best education I can give them.

From Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle

  • Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle
  • How to Cope Successfully With Homeschool Mental Stress
  • How to Begin Homeschooling A Teen Lagging Behind
  • How Early Should I Begin Homeschooling My First Child & Free Checklist
  • 5 Ideas to Kick-Start Your New Homeschool Year By Including Others

Again, I try not to go too hard on myself because I had set the right priority.

Balance is the key to doling out increments of time doing something I enjoy whether it’s photography, cooking, or blogging.

Not thinking about the teacher mom at present, but about the person and woman I am has always revitalized me.

You’re the only one to answer to if you have become unbalanced with your hobby.

At times, depending on the level of stress in my homeschooling, I’ve needed more time to step back and focus on who I am. Other times, not so much.

Avoiding critical judgments of how others spend their time off from school helps.

There is no time to be critical of others when you homeschool positively and care for your mental stress.

7. The power of 15 minutes for a shift in focus.

I mentioned earlier that unless you experienced our homeschool lifestyle it can be hard to appreciate the tips. I know oh so well how at times we just can’t get away from our kids.

When I had that time period in my journey, I had to learn the power of a 15 minute shift in focus.

If your kids are old enough to be left alone or to go to another room for that long, then implement that daily tip.

I set the timer on my stove because it was the loudest and because my boys could run into the room to see how much more time was left. It was an easy timer for them to read.

Of course I explained to my kids they didn’t have come into the room to see the timer and that they would hear it.

Staying in their room was a game in the beginning because they wanted to be near me to see what I was doing. However, the more I did it, the more they enjoyed it and stayed in their room or another room to play.

Also, looking back, I realized I also taught them how to have a pause in their day for relaxed mental time. This world can be extremely stressful and our kids need tips as they grow too.

Whether you decide to lay down and read, bathing (if you can), or just do nothing, you decide. Don’t keep engaging your mental person when it needs rest.

8. Your spouse or a trusted friend are priceless.

We know that we do a majority of the homeschooling, but if your husband is like mine, he’s interested in how you’re coping.

Don’t shut him out because he may not understand completely.

Just relaying to my husband what I have been dealing with helps me to articulate it orally and I find it refreshing to get it out of my mind.

I’m all for date nights if you can.

One more technique that my husband and I have implemented is although we may not be able to get away from the kids, we make time to talk alone and teach the kids to respect that time.

Time alone with my husband while the kids were present became absolutely necessary as each kid hit the teen years and we had to deal with unique stressful situations.

We had already implemented daily or weekly management of that type of stress.

9. Organize it, throw it out, and kick it out.

Another huge mental release for me is being able to clean, organize, or kick clutter to the curb. This is especially good if part of your mental stress toll stems from a cluttered home.

Don’t ignore your need for a more efficient working area.

Homeschooing is about teaching kids how to cope with daily life.

So many homeschooled kids are not taught that taking time to organize is as imperative as doing their school work. Is this because some homeschool families don’t view it as essential?

It’s unbalanced to do a whole workbook of math while kids live in a monumental mess.

Why is being good at math so much more important than being a person that people want to be around as they grow into adults? I would never want to live with anyone that didn’t pick up after himself. I want my kids to be the kind of persons that others can roommate with or live with.

Did I mention they are? If you find that your mental stress comes from a cluttered home, then STOP homeschooling and declutter.

You’re not getting behind on homeschooling when you clean, you’re getting ahead of it.

10. Make time for the little things. Chocolate, chat with a friend, get out of the house, or listen to music.

Lastly, make time for what refreshes you mentally.

Creating time to soothe your mental health needs to be part of daily management of homeschool mental stress.

Whether you find a bit of milk or dark chocolate helps bite by bite, a chat with a close homeschool friend which understands your feelings, getting out of the house, listening to your favorite music, exercising more, or doing like I did one time binge watch a Netflix series, they all count.

Make Daily Stress Management Part of Your Routine

Accepting the fact that I can’t do all I want to do and having daily routines has helped me to cope with negative stress.

Learning how to say no to things I can’t be involved in and recognizing stress triggers like avoiding explosive personalities in my homeschool world helps me to manage too. Some people bring unnecessary stress on themselves and those around  them.

Have tips ready at your fingertips for when you need a mental break; your journey should be memorable for the right reasons.

How to Cope With Homeschool Mental Stress. Jumping into homeschooling with ways to reduce negative mental stress is crucial because homeschooling takes a toll on your mental health. CLICK HERE to grab them!

What mental coping techniques do you use?I know you’ll love reading these other ways to empower your sticking ability to homeschool:

  • Homeschooling STARTS When You STOP Caring What Others Think
  • 3 Foolproof Ways I Cope When I Can’t Homeschool
  • Deschooling: Step One for the New Homeschooler (the Definitions, the Dangers, and the Delight)
  • 4 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Homeschooling (Keep It Real)

Hugs and love ya,

1 CommentFiled Under: Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Homeschool Simply, Homeschool When Nobody Wants To, Schedule/Balance Home & School Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool anxiety, homeschool challenges, homeschool clutter, homeschool crisis, homeschool joy, homeschool joys, homeschool lifestyle, homeschool stress

A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

March 17, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

These summer unit study ideas will keep kids of all ages having fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies.

You can make them hands-on with outdoor activities or beat the heat with a trip to an air-conditioned library to pick out the books you’ll need.

A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

And if you pair a living book with a summer topic, you can have an easy summer learning activity.

Too, many homeschoolers prefer to start their homeschool year during the summer.

There are many advantages to beginning your homeschool year in the summer.

Advantages to Begin Your Year in Summer

For example, look at these advantages.

  • There is a slower start to the year.
  • You can cover one unit study for a few weeks before any other curriculum.
  • Also there is more time to give 1:1 to each child.
  • The day can be shorter to allow time for swimming and other fun summer activities.
  • In addition, some subjects like science and geography are better done outside during the summer season.

Start with this ultimate list of A to Z Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas and let your imaginations run wild!

A

  • Ants
  • Apples. You can grab my Apples Unit Study and Lapbook.

Summer Unit Study Ideas

  • Archaeology. You can grab my free What is History and What is Archaeology minibook here.
  • Art

B

  • Bears. Add my Daniel Boone Explorer Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop activity.
  • Beaches. Add my Free Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook to your study.
  • Berries. This strawberry unit study and lapbook is a fun start.
  • Barbeque
  • Bees. Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids can be used to study bees.
  • Butterflies. Fun and Easy Hands-on Life Cycle Butterfly Activity for Kids is a hands-on activity to add along with Blue Morpho Butterfly Adaptations In The Tropical Rainforest and Fun Symmetry Craft.
  • Bats. Why Bats Are Not Birds Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook is a fun study in summer too.
  • Birds. You can grab my free American Robin Unit Study and Lapbook here.

C

  • Cats. Interesting Facts For Kids About Africa | Cute Handprint Cheetah.
  • Cows
  • Creek life
  • Camping (National Parks or outdoor survival). How to Create a Fun Yosemite National Park Camping Curriculum | DIY Firestarter
  • Character
  • Clouds

Summer Themed Unit Study Topics

Next, add some of these fun living books to your summer day.

Summer Reading List for Kids

Add one or two of these books to your kid's summer reading list.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

In the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures
along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.

Summer of the Monkeys

The last thing fourteen-year-old Jay Berry Lee expects to find while trekking through the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma is a tree full of monkeys. But then Jay learns from his grandpa that the monkeys have escaped from a traveling circus, and there’s a big reward for the person who finds and returns them.
His family could really use the money, so Jay sets off, determined to catch them. But by the end of the summer, Jay will have learned a lot more than he bargained for—and not just about monkeys.
From the beloved author of Where the Red Fern Grows comes another memorable adventure novel filled with heart, humor, and excitement.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (The Vanderbeekers, 1)

The first book in the bestselling series that the New York Times Book Review hails as “delightful and heartwarming.”

The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are.

And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home.

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers

Ralph was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes, the pleasures and perils of ranching in the early twentieth century are experienced... auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms all give authentic color to Little Britches. So do wonderfully told adventures, which equip Ralph for the path his life will take.

The Children of the New Forest

When Jacob Armitage, a local verderer, hears that Parliamentary soldiers looking for King Charles I are planning to burn down the home of the Beverley orphans he saves the children and rears them as his own grandchildren in a small cottage in the woods. But can aristocratic children, used to being served, learn to survive as simple foresters?This story was one of the first historical novels written for younger readers and has endured until today. Its classic themes of chivalry and bravery and the examples the children set are sure to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.This edition features the gorgeous illustrations of Paul Hardy throughout to add extra charm to an already incredible tale.

Trilogy (Boxed Set): Dragonsong; Dragonsinger; Dragondrums

For centuries, the world of Pern has faced a destructive force known as Thread. But now the number of magnificent dragons who have protected this world and the men and women who ride them are dwindling. As destruction falls from the sky, Menolly has only one dream: to sing, play, and weave the music that comes to her so easily—she wishes to become a Harper. But despite her great talents, her father believes that a young girl is unworthy of such a respected position and forbids her to pursue her dreams. So Menolly runs away, taking shelter in a cave by the sea. Miraculously, she happens upon nine fire lizards that could possibly save her world…and change her life forever.

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster

It’s been five years since the Sweep disappeared. Orphaned and alone, 11-year-old Nan Sparrow had no other choice but to work for a ruthless chimney sweep named Wilkie Crudd. She spends her days sweeping out chimneys. The job is dangerous and thankless, but with her wits and will, Nan has managed to beat the deadly odds time and time again. When Nan gets stuck in a chimney fire, she fears the end has come. Instead, she wakes to find herself unharmed in an abandoned attic. And she is not alone. Huddled in the corner is a mysterious creature—a golem—made from soot and ash.

Where the Red Fern Grows

Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter that times are tough; together they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks.Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past.

To Kill a Mockingbird

One of the most cherished stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country. A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father—a crusading local lawyer—risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

Emily of New Moon

Lucy Maude Montgomery's classic tale, the first in her "Emily" series of novels, about an orphan girl on Prince Edward Island. In contrast to Montgomery's other famous series that began with "Anne of Green Gables," Montgomery wrote the character of Emily to be closer to her own personality, and elements of the narrative are autobiographical. The story introduces us to Emily Byrd Starr, who is orphaned after her father dies of tuberculosis. Moving to New Moon Farm to live with her aunts and cousin, Emily meets new friends and engages in adventures as she grows. "Emily of New Moon" was followed by two sequels: "Emily Climbs" and "Emily's Quest".

Strawberry Girl

Strawberries—big, ripe, and juicy. Ten-year-old Birdie Boyer can hardly wait to start picking them. But her family has just moved to the Florida backwoods, and they haven't even begun their planting. "Don't count your biddies 'fore they're hatched, gal young un!" her father tells her.

Making the new farm prosper is not easy. There is heat to suffer through, and droughts, and cold snaps. And, perhaps most worrisome of all for the Boyers, there are rowdy neighbors, just itching to start a feud. The land was theirs, but so were its hardships.

Teachers, grandparents, and homeschooling families continue to reach for Lois Lenski's Strawberry Girl.
As one fan commented, a reason for its continued success is that it's "a touching, realistic tale of the power of neighborly love and kindness."

The Princess and the Goblin

"The Princess and the Goblin" by George MacDonald is a classic fairy tale novel first published in 1872. The story takes place in a medieval kingdom and follows the adventures of Princess Irene, the only daughter of a queen, who lives in a castle on a mountain top. One day, Princess Irene begins to see goblins lurking in the shadows who want to capture her and take her to their underground kingdom. She eventually meets Curdie, a miner's son, who helps her to overcome the dangerous creatures. Throughout their journey, Princess Irene and Curdie face various challenges and magical events that test their courage and friendship. They encounter a wise old woman who gives them important advice, a magical thread that guides them through the darkness of the underground tunnels, and a cunning goblin king who wants to keep Princess Irene captive in his kingdom.

Wingfeather Saga Boxed Set

This collection of Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga includes all four novels in hardcover: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, North! Or Be Eaten, The Monster in the Hollows, and The Warden and the Wolf King.Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

D

  • Dogs
  • Dragonflies. 8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

E

  • Elephants
  • Eggs. Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet.
  • Exercises
  • Earthworms

More Summer Learning Activities

  • 20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial
  • A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • 25 Summer Homeschool Ideas To Keep The Learning Spark Alive
  • 30+ Summer Activities for Middle School Kids
  • 11 Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schooler

F

  • Frogs. You can grab my free Loads of Toads and Frogs Unit Study and Lapbook here.
  • Fish
  • Fossils. Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids
  • Fireworks
  • Fishing
  • Fireflies
  • Fire (how to build, science behind it).  Look at Lewis and Clark: Hands-on History. Make a Char Cloth.
  • Firefighters/dispatchers

G

  • Garden studies. You can grab my free Feasting and Foraging Unit Study and Lapbook here.
  • Grass
  • Grasshoppers

H

  • Hurricanes
  • Horses. Free Horse Unit Study for Your Horse Loving Kids
  • Hogs
Summer Unit Study Ideas
  • Hiking
  • Hygiene

More Summer Learning Activities

  • Hydration/heat
  • Herb garden

I

  • Insects. You can grab my free Amber Unit Study and Lapbook here.
  • Ice cream

J

  • Jewelry making. How to Make a Civil War Style Upcycled Necklace | 7 Little Women Book Facts
  • Juice, jelly, and jam making. Fun American Civil War Crafts for Kids and Make Raspberry Jam

K

  • Kites
  • Knots

L

  • At the lake
  • Lighthouses. 5 Cool Lighthouse Facts and Make a Chip Can Lighthouse

M

  • Mountains. Look at How Does the Power of Ice Shape Mountains here.
  • Mice
  • Moon
  • Mammals

N

  • Nocturnal creatures
  • Night study (astronomy). Start your study with Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

O

  • Ocean studies. You can grab my free Ocean Unit Study and Lapbook here.
  • Outdoor movie theater
  • Ocean animals
  • Otters

P

  • Pizza. How to Turn a Pizza Into a Fun Edible Human Cell Model.
  • Peninsulas
  • Popcorn. Popcorn Science Mini Unit Study Which Brand Pops the Best
  • Picasso. Grab free Art Study Curriculum and Notebooking pages here.
  • Precipitation
  • Police
  • Pond life. Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook is a way to include all ages.
  • Picnics
  • Punctuation

Q

  • Qatar
  • Queens in history. Grab my free Famous Pharaohs and Queens lapbook here.

R

  • Rivers
  • Reptiles
  • Rainforest. Grab my free Amazon Rain Forest Unit Study and Lapbooks here.

S

  • Sea shells. Check out my post How to Dissolve a Seashell – Beach Hands-on Fun Activity
  • Shores
  • Sailboats
  • S’mores

And we always love nature walks anytime of the year and love this series of nature books!

Our Journey Westward
  • Stars
  • Sun/sunscreen
  • Spiders

T

  • Turtles vs tortoises. Grab my free From Egg to Sea Turtle Unit Study and Lapbook here.
  • Tortillas
  • Trees

U

  • Underwater creatures
  • Underneath the ground
  • Underwear (history)

Summer Unit Study Ideas

V

  • Vision

W

  • Water sports
  • Water crafts
  • Waves
  • Watermelon. How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning
  • Whales

X

  • X-rays

Y

  • Yaks

Z

  • Zebras
  • Zoology
  • Zoos
  • Zip lining

You’ll love these other ideas:

  • How to Use Summertime to Put a Foot in Homeschooling
  • Free Ocean Unit Study and Lapbook

I hope this list of 100 ideas will get you thinking about hands-on A to Z summer unit study fun!

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.

Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies. Kids of all ages can have fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Click here to look at this A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas!
Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies. Kids of all ages can have fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Click here to look at this A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Choose Curriculum, Hands-On Activities, Homeschool When Nobody Wants To, Middle School Homeschool, Plan For & School Year Around, Teach Unit Studies, Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING Tagged With: 100, 100 Lists, A to Z Lists, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, summerideas, summerschool, unit studies

Why My Homeschooled Kids Are Not Given the Choice to Go to Public School

October 30, 2023 | 12 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Why my homeschooled kids are not given the choice to go to public school sounds harsh. Also, you’ll love more tips on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

Also, extreme homeschooling or parenting is not my style.

However, I do strive for being a balanced parent, which I feel is much more challenging than setting fast and hard rules.

Why My Homeschooled Kids Are Not Given the Choice to Go to Public School

I had loving and balanced parents and still maintain a close relationship with them.

Let me back up and explain first that your childhood affects your current parenting and homeschooling style.

Oh sure, my parents made their fair share of parenting mistakes, like any parent will, but extreme, dictatorship-like decisions based on my parents’ personal whims was not one of them.

True, I realize not all parents are good parents and then a child from that type of family who may have been dictator like wants to restore balance when they are parents.

But in the quest to restore balance, parents can inadvertently give a child the idea they have as much experience as the parent.

Communicating lovingly to me and often why I couldn’t do something was always foremost in how my parents modeled to me.

Good Decisions are MODELED Not Wished For

Switching back to present day and helping many new homeschoolers, I noticed a common trait among some parents.

Some parents beginning to homeschool want their child’s approval regardless of age to homeschool.

And yes of course a child’s age has a lot to do with this but maybe not. More on this in a minute.

Through conducting thousands of workshops in person, (my courses are online now) I noticed some homeschool parents bring negative patterns of their parents’ parenting or lack of it to their current homeschool.

It’s true homeschooling and your learned parenting patterns are inextricably linked.

Too, I’ve homeschooled long enough to know that public school and homeschool are two VERY different approaches.

See my post The Great Homeschool Hoax – Public School At Home in how I help others see two DIFFERENT ways to educate.

In addition, I’m not saying homeschooling at all costs either. Some simply do not have the circumstances although they want to homeschool.

Back to parenting. Wouldn’t you agree that balanced parenting is harder to achieve than laying down arbitrary rule making

Look at some of the common mindsets that I have avoided and/or adopted which worked for me in helping my kids see that homeschooling can be a superior education.

ONE// I don’t think a homeschooler is called to homeschooling.
I do feel that homeschooling is THE BEST choice for ANY child.

Besides the obvious low teacher ratio, homeschooling is about choice of schedule, choice of academics, real life experiences, and an overflowing amount of enriching activities.

Which family doesn’t deserve to have a shot at that?

I do not think only certain families are called to homeschool, but all families should have the option.

However, just because homeschooling is the best method for every child to learn, it doesn’t mean everybody has the circumstance to.

Good is not wished just upon some and others not.

The bottom line has been that because each year I had the circumstances to homeschool.

I knew it was the best option for any child, a life changing decision was not given into the hands of a child who may thinks he misses a friend or two.

TWO// Homeschooling is similar to the mindset needed for a lifelong commitment.

Marriage calls for a heavy commitment up front when you don’t really know your future husband until you start living with him no matter how long you dated.

Jumping into marriage without trying to find out as much as you can about your husband is not wise by any stretch of the imagination.

More Resources for Why My Kids Are Homeschooled

  • Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle
  • When Homeschooling is Sucking the Life Out of You
  • Why My Homeschooled Kids Are Not Given the Choice to Go to Public School
  • 26 of the BIGGEST Gripes about the Homeschooling Lifestyle!
  • The NOT To Do List: 32 Things New Homeschoolers Should Avoid
  • 100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education
  • It’s a New Homeschool Year and My Child Wants to Go Back to Public School
  • Deschool – Get off the Public School Treadmill!

Also, look at some of these resources I have for you and my book too.

5 BEST How to Homeschool Books

I've rounded up some of the best books to help you get started homeschooling.

Homeschooling for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops. When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

The Unhurried Homeschooler

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but "The Unhurried homeschooler" takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for their children and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

Parents who are deeply invested in their children's education can be hard on themselves and their kids. When exhausted parents are living the day-to-day grind, it can seem impossible to muster enough energy to make learning fun or interesting. How do parents nurture a love of learning amid childhood chaos, parental self-doubt, the flu, and state academic standards?

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom

Education has become synonymous with schooling, but it doesn’t have to be. As schooling becomes increasingly standardized and test driven, occupying more of childhood than ever before, parents and educators are questioning the role of schooling in society. Many are now exploring and creating alternatives.

Making a marriage work is hard, but thinking in the back of your mind that divorce is an option or a way out makes the effort put forth in the beginning meager and utterly defeating.

And yes, many have had to escape a bad marriage but too it’s easy to give up if you want to separate at the first sign of trouble.

Both of those commitments required HARD WORK and success just doesn’t happen.

Homeschooling is similar to that type of  commitment in marriage.

Why My Homeschooled Kids Are Not Given the Choice to Go to Public School

You need to focus more on how to make homeschool work.

And not dwelling on returning to public school .

This requires a resolute determination, a belief in the homeschool approach, knowledge (which is gained) and focused energy.

Decision-Making Ability is a Gradual Process

It’s easy to assume that all of our homeschool years are going to be sunshine and rainbows, but you and I know that is a lie.

Like most teens, mine too have gone through times when they too buck the decisions my husband and I make.

Our process to help them has always been the same and we did this by:

1.Listening to my boys without interrupting them or telling them they can’t feel that way.

They should have their own opinions and our decision for them to not have the choice to go to public school doesn’t deprive them of how to gradually start the decision-making process.

When boundaries are created a child or teen has a safe environment in which to learn.

2. Explaining the reasons why they don’t have a choice to go to public school.

Your reasons may vary, but a few of our reasons usually went like this; this is a superior education, society has changed and we want our influence on you, your course load in high school can be lighter or heavier, you have more time for a social life instead of caged, you can have a job earlier, enjoy an apprenticeship, be free of bullying, be free of the atmosphere of drugs and savor freedom.

THREE// Let’s talk teens, rebellious years and even single mom homeschooling.

3. Acknowledging that we are capable of mistakes. Too, let our children know all decisions are made out of giving our children the best.

4. Finding the solution or fixing the problem. For example, if one of my boys felt like he was missing out on friends, then I MUST fill that need. And you know that unless you decide to homeschool under a rock, activities are endless for kids.

Matter of fact, finding other boys their age was a problem in our homeschool and I created a thriving co-op. Out of that co-op, my boys have lifelong friends.

They also wanted to be with other homeschooled teens more, so they took art lessons, and ballroom dancing.

I didn’t stop there, I planned movie trips and outings for boys and I planned for 2 or 3 field trips per month instead of our usual one. Yes, w

Single mom homeschooling is also more prevalent today and because homeschooling can be flexible to a mom’s work schedule, many single parents are lapping up that freedom.

When we give our kids the option to return to homeschool a mindset can set in where they think that something better exists, when in fact we are giving them the very best!

Why unnecessarily place defeat in front of you or your children?

Additionally, teens vary on their maturity. Just because a teen reaches a certain age doesn’t mean he or she is capable of sound decisions.

I’ve helped many parents pull their teens out of public school because of drug problems, bad friends, or just because the teen is worn out or worst bullied.

A teen still needs a parent who is loving, caring, and balanced and they need it now more then ever before.

Be Willing To Work Hard as the Homeschoool Educator

While true, it’s important to listen to your teen it’s better to have your teen in a safe environment so their confidence soars.

Here are some do NOT:

  • Don’t use the return to public school as a threat. It may give your kids the wrong impression of people who have had to use public school. Besides threats and intimidation is not a way to parent.
  • Don’t keep asking your children if they miss school. They are only going to tell you what their limited experience has been and they do not have the ability to make life changing decisions.
  • For sure don’t ask a homeschooled teen if he thinks he should return to public school. Problems will not get better when he is away from you, they only go below the surface for a while to reappear.
  • Don’t think a child has to experience bad or experience public school to appreciate good. If that seems to be the case, focus on how to help them appreciate what they have. Appreciate means to hold in high value. Attitudes and actions prove appreciation or lack of it. A return to public school doesn’t build that in children.

Leave behind rigid and unbending rules, but set your homeschooling up for success by creating boundaries for it.

Why My Homeschooled Children Are Not Given the Choice to Go to Public School @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

12 CommentsFiled Under: Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Begin Homeschooling, Build Character in Homeschooled Kids, Homeschool During Crisis, Homeschool Simply, Homeschool When Nobody Wants To, Teach Special Learners or Gifted, Teach the Rebel Homeschooler Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool challenges, homeschool crisis, homeschool lifestyle, homeschooljoy, homeschoolprogress, preventinghomeschoolburnout, reasonstohomeschool

54+ Fun Books Turned Movies to Spark a Love For Reading

December 16, 2020 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’ve rounded up 54+ fun books turned movies to spark a love for reading.

Living in a world of visual learners, we need numerous ways to nurture their love for reading

Whether you want to do a comparison between a book to a movie or want to breathe life into language arts, you’ll love the choices here.

54+ Fun Books Turned Movies to Spark a Love For Reading

Books Turned Movies

Click on the book cover for the book link and the corresponding movie link is under it.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

Movie link.

Because of Winn-Dixie

Movie link.

The Swiss Family Robinson

Movie link.

Holes (Holes Series)

Movie link.

The Call of the Wild

Movie link.

Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket

Movie link.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Movie link.

The Chronicles of Narnia

Movie link.

The Tale of Despereaux

Movie link.

Too, here are a few questions to stir your creative conversations about the movie.

I like to have a set of questions to give my kids ahead of time.

They can think about the answer while the movie is playing, then discuss afterwards.

  • What do you think is the message of the movie? Which part in the movie makes you feel that way?
  • What do you predict will happen?
  • Are there any expressions which you don’t understand?

Teaching Language Arts with Movies

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Movie link.

The Black Stallion

Movie link.

Old Yeller

Movie link.

The Secret Garden

Movie link.

Harriet the Spy

Movie link.

How to Train Your Dragon

Movie link.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Movie link.

Wonder

Movie link.

Cheaper by the Dozen

Movie link.

Comparing Kids Books to Movies

Additionally, here are a few ideas if you use the book with the movie.

  • Instead of having a child write, use compare/contrast visual charts.
  • Then use a rating system. Did your child like the movie or book best? We did this while watching and realized many times we loved the book better, but not always. My kids would just down a few words for the part they either liked or didn’t on the movie, then we’d compare at the end.
  • Do a character sketch. Instead of writing about the character, have your child draw them from what they think they look like from the book. Compare their visualization with the movie.
54+ Fun Books Turned Movies to Spark a Love For Reading

Click on the book cover for the book link and the corresponding movie link is under it.

Babe: The Gallant Pig

Movie link.

Doctor Dolittle

Movie link.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Movie link.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Movie link.

James and the Giant Peach

Movie link.

Heidi

Movie link.

The Indian in the Cupboard

Movie link.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Movie link.

Where the Wild Things Are

Movie link.

Teaching Reading with Movies

And besides turning the caption on in movies for beginner readers which is a fun tip, here are a few other ways to teach reading with movies.

  • Look for movies which align closer to the book because I’ve found for visual learners it’s easier to remember the story.
  • Character sketches can be drawn in reading journals then write the traits.
  • Although the movie is not like an audio book, it can still be viewed like that. Have your child predict outcomes.
  • Have your child listen and watch with the closed captions for figurative expressions and new vocabulary words.

However, unlike an audio book, a movie is visual. Your child’s spelling can improve by watching the captions.

In addition, remember I have the free form, Free and Useful Editable Movie Report For Homeschool which you can use in place of a book report.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Movie link.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Movie link.

The Art of Ratatouille

Movie link.

Beezus and Ramona

Movie link.

The Jungle Book

Movie link.

Maryellen: Taking Off (American Girl® Historical Characters)

Movie link.

The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (A Series of Unfortunate Events,

Movie link.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Movie link.

The Education of Little Tree

Movie link.

Another one of my favorite resources to teach about movies and language arts is by Literary Adventures for Kids.

Check out Poetry and a Movie.

We loved doing the unit Poetry and a Movie.

54+ Fun Books Turned Movies to Spark a Love For Reading

Is The Book Better Than The Movie

Additionally, deciding whether the book or movie is better is normally a cause for great conversation in my home. 

I read one time when a book turns movie it can focus on the outside of the character while a book spends time describing what a character is on the inside. I agree.

True, some movies are better, but as a book lover overall I prefer the descriptions in books.

Click on the book cover for the book link and the corresponding movie link is under it.

Pollyanna

Movie link.

Inkheart

Movie link.

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

Movie link.

Peter and Wendy or Peter Pan

Movie link.

Railway Children

Movie link.

Justin Morgan Had a Horse

Movie link.

Paddle-to-the-Sea:

Movie link.

The Borrowers

Movie link.

Misty of Chincoteague

Movie link.

Appreciating Literature Through Movies

Ready Player One

Movie link.

J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

Movie link.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Movie link.

Anne of Green Gables

Movie link.

The Princess Bride

Movie link.

Mary Poppins Boxed Set

Movie link.

A Bear Called Paddington

Movie link.

The Incredible Journey

Movie link.

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Movie link.

Homeschooling with Netflix

Next, I have this list too of books turned movies which can be found on Netflix.

  • There is a series of Unfortunate Events.
  • Anne Frank.
  • The Lorax
  • Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2.
  • Pride & Prejudice.
  • The Indian in the Cupboard
  • War Horse
  • Mowgli from The Jungle Book
  • White Fang
  • The Cat in the Hat
  • Jurassic Park
  • Green Eggs and Ham
  • Benji
  • Les Miserables
  • Richie Rich
  • E.T.
  • Fiddler on the Roof
  • Magic School Bus
  • Chicken Little

Another fun resource you’ll love to get is the guide to use Movies as Literature. It’s very comprehensive.

Lastly, the list above is by no means complete, but it has many different levels of books turned movies; I know you’ll find one or two to interest your kids.

I think you’ll love these other resources:

  • Best Homeschool High School Literature Suggestions For Teens
  • 12 of the Best Books For Beginner Readers Being Homeschooled
  • How to Easily Add Language Arts to Homeschool Unit Studies (& Resources)
  • Free and Useful Editable Movie Report For Homeschool
  • How to Choose the Best Middle School Literature And Favorite Resources
  • 20 Ideas for Bringing Writing Alive through Unit Studies
  • What You’ve Got To Know About Teaching Reading Comprehension
  • When Should I Start Teaching Spelling in Homeschool?

Do you have a favorite book turned movie?

2 CommentsFiled Under: Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Do Unit Studies, Homeschool Multiple Ages of Children, Homeschool Simply, Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, Homeschool When Nobody Wants To, Middle School Homeschool, Reading Lists, Teach Homeschool Language Arts, Teach Homeschool Science, Teach Unit Studies Tagged With: homeschool, homeschoolreading, language arts, languagearts, movies, read aloud, reading, reading journal, readingcomprehension

When Homeschooling is Sucking the Life Out of You

December 12, 2020 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I must be doing this wrong because homeschooling is sucking the life out of me. I hear it a lot and I felt like that at one time too. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips and resources.

Too, a lot of families who bring kids from public school can find it harder to appreciate the homeschooling lifestyle; many families who have homeschooled from the beginning equally can struggle.

Add in the mix of kids’ lackadaisical attitude toward anything, let alone school work and you have a recipe for quitting.

When Homeschooling Is Sucking the Life Out of You

You may even feel public school is better for your kids.

When Homeschooling Sucks the Life Out of You

Although I don’t claim to have all the answers, from my over 20+ years of homeschooling from prek to high school AND conducting workshops with new homeschoolers, I do have tips that will help you.

Besides, I care. I mean I TRULY care about your success.

I KNOW the homeschooling lifestyle is a superior approach to education. I will tell you why in a minute.

Am I Selfish For Wanting to Send Them to Public School

Homeschooling being superior may not be a popular mindset among public school advocates, but I’m not here to win a popularity contest; I want to see you succeed without you feeling like you have to give life and limb for a lifestyle which is backed by numbers.

I’m here to tell you that you CAN succeed without tons of anxiety and stress and how it can be done.

First, it starts with knowing stats.

Don’t get me wrong, I love math and science, but it’s not the way I normally help people. However, we need to start with an analytical view before I speak from my heart.

When Emotions Are High Judgment Is Low

See when our emotions close in on us and doubt hits our day whether we’re doing enough or not, numbers like how much time we spend teaching our child doesn’t change.

What I’m saying is that one-to-one tutoring is a superior approach to thirty kids to one teacher. It’s simply a matter of odds and time.

Even at times when I felt I was at my breaking point like when my husband almost died, and my sister too, my kids learned way more at that time about what was really important.

Additionally because we did get behind when life hit hard, I was able to catch up far quicker than public school. We did NOT have to wait for a full school year or until other kids got the concepts.

My focus was simply my kids and my family. Although I didn’t feel like I was in control of my life and homeschool and sometimes I wasn’t, I know now that I definitely was.

Unless you’ve checked completely out, meaning you’re not doing one thing to teach your child like having meaningful conversations with him, reading to him, or playing with him, the odds are STILL in your favor of succeeding.

Also, get some more research and stats from this site National Home Education Research Institute to see how homeschoolers really are succeeding.

How to Go From a Crippled to Confident Mindset

I was making the best decisions based on the odds and time actually spent.

Whenever I feel that deep down nagging tug that I’m not doing enough, I remind myself of how much time it actually takes to homeschool.

We have time for many interruptions at home and still have time to make progress.

So I changed my mindset from a choice of sending my kids to public school as my default solution to one of using my time to make homeschool work to the best I could. Instead of putting energy into an approach where my kids odds of learning were actually lowered, I made the homeschooling lifestyle priority.

Next, before I jump into sharing multiple tried and true tips to cope when homeschooling sucks, I want you to know that I don’t believe one should homeschool at all cost.

That belief too is not exactly a popular one with some of the faith-based community.

With all of my heart I know that homeschooling is a superior approach because a child gets a uniquely individualized education; however, there are other factors like health, mental health, and even finances which deter some families.

Homeschooling your children is a very personal decision and one that a family should make for their children without guilt or judgment.

We really do not know what goes on inside of every family’s home and so I respect the decision each family has to make.

10 Tried and True Trips When Homeschooling Sucks

Next, look at these ten tips to cope when homeschooling is sucking the life out of you.

Tip. 1. Just STOP, STEP AWAY, and RESET.

First, we may think we have to keep pushing. Why do we do that to ourselves and our kids?

When in fact, from a complete stop comes rejuvenation, power, and refocus. Sometimes we can try to squeeze homeschooling into a busy life. We may need to stop and look at our schedule again to see what is really important to keep and what can we let go.

Tip 2. Deschool.

A lot is said about deschooling in the homeschool world. Some of it I agree with, other information not so much.

Deschooling is not just something you do when you’re a new homeschooler. It’s a technique for burn out too.

Look at some of these ways to use the deschooling process:

  • Do you need rest? STOP. Take care of your needs and your children’s physical needs. There is nothing selfish about self-care. A break does not mean a stop. It just means a break.
  • Did you jump from public school to homeschool without really taking the time to know how your children learn? Putting your child in the next grade because public school said they belong in a grade is a huge newbie mistake. It take times to know how your children learn and you can do that with inexpensive to free curriculum until you know your child’s learning personality.
  • Deschooling does not always mean idleness. Deschooling is different for each family. I know kids who do well with routine. However, can you scale back your expectations until whatever is the object of the stress subsides? Have you heard of the power of little done often? It’s true.

Furthermore, I share tips here on my video How to Deschool – Are You Doomed If You’ve Never Deschooled.

Tip 3. Do a Unit Study.

Additionally, I switched from boxed curriculum to unit studies many years ago.

Little did I recognize then the full and positive impact they would have on our day and now our journey.

Unit studies can take a bit more time to plan; the return is the satisfaction of learning exactly what interests us.

When homeschooling loses his luster, try a different approach. You may need to just switch approaches instead of quitting homeschooling.

Look at my post Top 5 Approaches New Homeschoolers Need to Know to know you’re following the approach that is best for your family and that you’re not repeating public school at home.

Tip 4. Use Nap Time to Tidy Up.

Moreover, if you have a younger household and still have naptime, use about 15 or 20 minutes of the time for a quick tidy up.

Even though it may not be the type of cleaning you really need, don’t forget the power of little. Every bit counts when you have a house full of littles.

I used to run myself almost completely ragged while two of my kids napped.

Twenty years later, I realized some of the time should have been spent relaxing and just sitting down to put my feet up.

Tip 5. Occupy the Older Kids with their Devices During Naptime.

Likewise, something else I shouldn’t have felt guilt about was allowing my older kids to be entertained while my young children slept.

Thinking I had to constantly school my kids when I was at the point of exhaustion was not balanced.

Homeschooling at all costs, even costing your health is not healthy.

It’s okay to allow kids time to entertain themselves while you rest.

Tip 6. Read.

In addition to using naptime to rest, reading has been one of my best ways to relax.

I read an article that stated: “researchers found that reading is one of the best ways to relax, and even six minutes can be enough to reduce the stress levels by more than two-thirds.“

Too, what I’ve learned now is that even if all we did was reading for the day it was enough.

My kid’s fondest childhood memories are of us reading together as a family.

Reading IS school; all the elements needed for learning like concentration, comprehending, and studying are associated with reading.

When Homeschooling Is Sucking the Life Out of You

Also, reading aloud to your kids has many key benefits, but remember taking time to read what you enjoy rejuvenates YOUR love of learning. That is equally important.

I know you’ll love my book, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin.

5 BEST How to Homeschool Books

I've rounded up some of the best books to help you get started homeschooling.

Homeschooling for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops. When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

The Unhurried Homeschooler

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but "The Unhurried homeschooler" takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for their children and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

Parents who are deeply invested in their children's education can be hard on themselves and their kids. When exhausted parents are living the day-to-day grind, it can seem impossible to muster enough energy to make learning fun or interesting. How do parents nurture a love of learning amid childhood chaos, parental self-doubt, the flu, and state academic standards?

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom

Education has become synonymous with schooling, but it doesn’t have to be. As schooling becomes increasingly standardized and test driven, occupying more of childhood than ever before, parents and educators are questioning the role of schooling in society. Many are now exploring and creating alternatives.

Tip 7. Do a 4-Day Schedule.

Next, one year I switched to a 4-day schedule and never looked back. It’s true, at home we can accomplish more in less time.

However, until you try it you don’t really know.

When I switched to a 4-day schedule, it was one of the BEST things I did early in our journey.

I took off Monday to have a slower start to the beginning of the week. Taking time to get caught up on house cleaning, meal planning, and bill paying gave me a sense of control when my kids were very young.

As my kids grew older and could help more with chores, I switched to having off Friday as a day to rest and rejuvenate.

Look at my posts Should You Switch to a 4-Day Homeschool Schedule and The Sticking Power of a Solid Homeschool Schedule.

Tip 8. Take Time to Educate the Educator.

Another tip I learned was that some of my part in the feeling of lackluster towards homeschool was I didn’t take time to educate myself.

Why do we not think twice about dropping hundreds of dollars on our kids’ education, but don’t take time to learn how to choose curriculum or how to get organized?

Educating children is rewarding and at the same time it’s one of the most draining jobs I’ve ever done.

I needed the essentials in how to homeschool to smooth my path as I educate my children.

Many years, I ago I taught workshops to new homeschoolers and wrote a curriculum.

Having taught that workshop for 10 years, I now put those workshops online for you.

You’ll love my self-paced online workshops.

How-To Homeschool Courses

Go from Overwhelmed to Got this! The detailed courses: Teaching the Stages of Homeschool, How to Choose Curriculum for Beginners, Homeschool Organization for Beginners, and The New Homeschooler Boot Camp are real eye-openers. You already know homeschooling will give your child the most benefit. Now, take time to educate the person who loves your kids the most – YOU!
  • Homeschool Organization for Beginners
  • How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum for Beginners
  • Teaching the Stages of Homeschool
  • Identifying Your Homeschooled Child’s Learning Personality
  • FLEX New Homeschooler Boot Camp

Tip 9. Find the Balance Between Rigid and Too Relaxed.

Furthermore, it seems when I’m not feeling the love of how easy homeschooling is supposed to be, I’ve had to look at my expectations.

Many homeschoolers are too rigid, but I’ve also seen more homeschoolers who don’t have a plan for the day.

Find out what your children need.

It’s not always a problem of being too rigid, but it could be you don’t have a list of expectations or a routine for the day.

Your children may need more routine instead doing school by knee-jerk reactions. Ouch. It’s hard to self-analyze – always.

Or, are you so rigid that your children feel crushed under the weight of unnecessary sternness?

Again, you are the only one to make this analysis. Achieving homeschool balance is possible if you’re willing to be flexible.

Tip 10. You are doing more than homeschooling AND your children need to know that too.

Finally, you’re doing more than homeschooling your children; you’re training them far beyond academics.

It’s flat out hard to parent while being a homeschool educator.

They’re intertwined. And you do not want to keep your two roles separate.

Because parenting and homeschooling are weaved together, your kids have responsibilities beyond their academics for the day.

Hear my heart when I say it’s hard to STOP and take time to train your kids to clean, cook, do chores and put away their toys or objects.

However, not only are you teaching them to be independent, you’re instilling pride and confidence.

Many kids who are grown lack self-confidence. Although doing chores is not a complete problem solver, it is a solution.

Chores give kids a sense of pride, belonging, and a way to help others.

Many years I had to accept a kid friendly cleaned house; it wasn’t always easy because I had high expectations.

However, I’m FOREVER grateful that instilled an ethic of hard work in each of my sons.

Is Homeschooling Really Freeing

Now that they have roommates, their roommates thank me for my sons’ positive mindsets and neat and clean habits.

Encourage your child to be a good friend when he is an adult.

It does start with his surroundings, taking care of his room, and other areas in the house.

I love when I get positive feedback from my son’s roommates and moreover I hope in the future, their spouses will too.

Respect comes first from caring for themselves and their area in your home; it pours over then into a child’s live when they’re away from you and now adults.

They extend that same courtesy to others and learn how to truly be happy.

What I’m saying is sometimes homeschooling is a heart problem and not a homeschooling problem.

What genuinely makes kids happy is being fulfilled each day no matter how small the task.

Do not forget that the odds are in your favor for succeeding.

Go slow and remember your kids deserve to know how to take care of themselves, clean, cook, know how to follow a schedule, and take care of others.

Kids will NEVER forget how you SKILLFULLY prepared them for life not just academics.

Don’t forget to think about what brought you to homeschooling in the first place and look up from the pit of despair.

Most circumstances are temporary at best although we don’t feel that way at the moment.

Having an online homeschool group is important too. You need to know you’re not alone. You’ll love my facebook group if you do facebook.

With Power Struggles Give Choices and Freedom

With plenty of rest or even stopping for a bit until you rekindle your love of homeschooling, I hope this heart to heart talk nudges you in the right decision for you family.

From my heart to yours, homeschooling has been worth every bit of stress and tears.

If you’re struggling right now, please let me hear from you. I may not have a solution, but I may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Look at these other tips:

  • Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle
  • When Homeschooling is Sucking the Life Out of You
  • Why My Homeschooled Kids Are Not Given the Choice to Go to Public School
  • The NOT To Do List: 32 Things New Homeschoolers Should Avoid
  • The Great Homeschool Hoax – Public School At Home?
  • Transitioning from a Public School Mindset to a Relaxed Homeschooling Lifestyle
  • 26 of the BIGGEST Gripes about the Homeschooling Lifestyle!
  • How to Mesh Your Personality With Homeschooling When They Collide
  • What is REAL Homeschooling? Homebound, Co-op or Public School at Home
  • Is Homeschooling Making the Grade? It’s in and the Grade is ALL Fs!
  • When Homeschooling is Not an Overnight Success (Is it Worth the Risk?)
  • Finding Joy In Homeschooling When You are Not Really Feeling It
  • 6 Things I Won’t Regret After Homeschooling 16+ Years
  • How to Get an Out of Control Homeschool Back on Track
  • Homeschooling for the Love of Learning – Does It Really Work?
  • Blurring the Line Between Living and Learning When Homeschooling

Hugs and love ya,

1 CommentFiled Under: Avoid the Homeschool Blues, Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Homeschool During Crisis, Homeschool Simply, Homeschool When Nobody Wants To, Homeschooling Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool challenges, homeschool crisis, homeschool joy, homeschool joys, homeschool lifestyle, homeschool mistakes, homeschoolchallenges, homeschoolcrisis, homeschooljoy

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