Finding joy in homeschooling when you are not really feeling it is not easy when you don’t know the secret to keeping to it.
First, it really is important to think of the blessings we have received and progress we have made to this point. We need to be thankful for them.
Discontentment is about not appreciating the progress you and your children have made so far.
The overwhelming pressure to keep pushing our children and our self to maxed out limits triggers discontentment.
Fault finding and complaining are close allies of discontentment. Discontentment can rob you of homeschooling joy.
Because we are imperfect we will always have feelings of being inadequate.
Too, we are not immune to this world’s constant bombardment of thinking that more academics and beginning at a very early age equates to homeschooling success. <
Miserable or Merciful Homeschool Mom
Second, as moms if we constantly fault find with our children and keep switching curriculum in the hopes of finding something better, we rob our children of valuable time that could be spent together.
The most rounded out, happy and contented successful homeschooling families have all shared a common thread.
The environment the child learns in and the attitude of joy that was maintained by the whole family was of far more importance than being overly concerned about national test levels.
True, it’s not easy to feel joyful if we are sick, have fallen behind in our goals, have a household of young demanding children, or have very little support from our husbands as far as homeschooling.
However, focusing on the things we do have, can do and the progress made so far are all incentives to fueling up my homeschooling tank again.
Do You Value the High Cost of Homeschooling?
Do you view it as a privilege to homeschool?
When it’s viewed that way we never take it for granted. If joy is missing in your homeschool day, have you spent time reflecting on the positive?
Savor the progress you made this year. Progress is measured in tiny baby steps. If it’s moving forward at a crawl, it’s still progress.
Contentment is of great value in your journey. Do not compare your progress to others.
Journal or record the progress however tiny it was this year.
The secret of joyfully homeschooling for one year, five or even ten years is sweet contentment.
What about you? Have you found the secret to staying the course?
Also, look at 7 Homeschool Lies I Want to Tell My Younger Self, What I Gave Up to Homeschool (and what I got in return), and 6 Things I Won’t Regret After Homeschooling 16+ Years.
Hugs and you know I love ya,
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Aimee Mayfield says
I really needed this today. It’s so hard to keep the worldly view of education from creeping in and stealing joy. Perfectionism is also a flaw I have to work on every day. This really made feel better to read. Thanks friend!
Tina Robertson says
You are not alone Aimee :o) I think as conscientious parents we always worry about this, but we just can’t let it cripple us.
Glad to have you here!!!!