I’m sitting here trying to write a blog about back to school, but I keep writing and deleting, writing and deleting and eventually I just say “forget it!” Honestly, life is just a lot right now, and I’m trying to be this amazing resource of encouragement and information about homeschooling and unschooling and everything in between, but it sometimes feels forced, and I think that’s why I just can’t seem to write about it.
The reality is, homeschooling is HARD! There are the obvious short term perks….setting your own schedule, no pick up and drop off and personalizing your child’s education. There are also some serious down falls! It’s a lot of pressure to be solely responsible for teaching your child EVERYTHING. Sometimes I think it’d be so nice to pick them up everyday and hear about all the things they learned and I wasn’t responsible for any of it. Obviously those feelings are fleeting, but I’m human, they ARE there.
Back to school is always such a huge smack in the face, especially this year with the extra added chaos that two mobile eight month old babies add to the mix. Khloe is entering second grade and I bought a lot of curriculum. I do this every year where I try and plan out these full days of school, but it usually fades pretty quickly because my days always become more about cramming it all in, which is exactly what I am trying not to do. Writing a schedule on paper is one thing, keeping the schedule is something else.
Every year I am reminded how naturally curious kids are. We school year round, there is no “school year” it’s just LIFE. I plant a little seed,sure, or expose them to certain things, but they don’t always need me throwing worksheets and library books at them to learn. Education and information retention are two different things. I get so frustrated sometimes when my children aren’t retaining information, but is all that information useful or do I just need to put a check in the box for my own self? My one piece of advice….don’t simply put checks in boxes. Bring your homeschool to life!! Do what brings you joy, because your kids will feel it, and everyone will benefit from it. For me is adventures!
Homeschooling is an amazing opportunity to connect with your children and build a life long relationship. It’s an opportunity to witness your child’s accomplishment first hand and help them through the things they struggle with.
It’s definitely no walk in the park, but I hope someday I look back and am so thankful I had all these years and all these moments and exhausting days with my kids. If the reality of today feels overwhelming, hang in there. You are not alone. Stick with what you know and trust your gut. Remember your long term goals, remember the long term benefits, remember the years will fly by. Live your life while you have it. You are your children’s best teacher. ❤️
Rogue & the Wildflowers 