How To Cope with the Stress of Homeschooling (for Parents)
If you are adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it can be hard to home school.It is normal to be overwhelmed about the days to come.You can put your best foot forward if you develop a simple routine and don't put too much pressure on yourself or your kids.
Step 1: Receive support from other parents and teachers.
If you've been out of school for a while and suddenly become a teacher, you might feel overwhelmed.There are a lot of resources that you can take advantage of.Post on forums or join groups dedicated to homeschooling during the Pandemic.The people there have a lot of knowledge.To get a better idea of what their schedule and learning objectives look like, you might talk to parents who regularly homeschooled their kids.
Step 2: You should remind yourself why you are doing it.
It's a good idea to view your situation as a necessary part of keeping your children safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic.Keeping your family healthy is the most important thing.If you are adjusting to a crisis like COVID-19, it can be difficult to be home educated.You should remind yourself that you are helping your children stay educated and well-adjusted on the more stressed days.
Step 3: It's a good idea to practice gratitude with your household on a daily basis.
Take a few minutes with your kids to sketch something that you are thankful for.You can stop worrying if you plan out 1 thing you want to do during the day.You can say that you are thankful for the chance to spend more time with your family.I am going to help my kids with an experiment.I am going to forget about yesterday and make today the best it can be.
Step 4: On a day to day basis, adjust your expectations.
Don't expect the world of yourself or your children.It will only seem more difficult if you set your expectations too high.Accept that your children may not be as productive as you would like them to be.Don't expect your kids to study for 8 hours a day.Give them an engaging, thorough education that meshes with your work schedule.
Step 5: If your children aren't interested in your teaching style, switch it up.
Pay attention to how your kids respond to the lesson.Don't be afraid to change the teaching style if it's not popular with your children.If you want to make your lessons more hands-on, include more visual guides.Keep an eye on your kids and see what lessons they like the most.If your kids are not a fan of reading out loud, have them listen to audiobooks.Posters and visual aids can be added if your children aren't interested in a lecture.If your kids seem bored, move to the front porch or backyard for a change of scenery.
Step 6: There is a rough schedule for each day.
To know what to focus on for the day, develop realistic goals for your family and your individual kids.With the entire household in mind, plan out a schedule that you can manage and balance with other obligations like your job.Start the day with breakfast and clean up, then let your kids work on assignments while you focus on your job.After having lunch, you can take a break and study or quiet time.Go for a walk or kick a ball around outside at the end of the day to keep your kids busy.
Step 7: Instead of classes, divide your day into large blocks.
A lot of stress can be added to your schedule because of the classes and segments.Try to leave your children's schedule more open-ended.Give yourself an open-ended period of time where you can work through multiple subjects if you schedule subjects within a certain block.You can schedule a block of time between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.Plan to go through math, reading and writing during that time.There is a second block in the afternoon where you can focus on science and history.Blocks give you more flexibility in your schedule, which can help reduce stress.
Step 8: Give yourself more time to learn.
Expect to run into obstacles throughout the day, like an extra-challenging lesson or a temper tantrum.If there is a big distraction, factor in extra time into your schedule so your child doesn't fall behind in their studies.If you can't keep to a perfect schedule, it's perfectly normal to run into issues or unexpected surprises each day.If it takes 3.5 hours to teach your children math, reading, and writing, set aside 4.5 hours for the block.
Step 9: If you care for more than one child, you need to do multiple tasks.
The younger your kids are, the more supervision and focus they need.While you sort things out with your little ones, encourage your older kids to work on their studies.Naps and breaks help keep your kids refreshed and ready to learn.While you focus on one child, you can encourage 2 of them to play together.Teens are more independent than younger kids, so they might be able to complete an assignment alone.Turn your nursing time into storytime for other young children if you have a baby at home.
Step 10: You should be flexible with your daily routine.
If things do not go according to plan, don't be hard on yourself.If you are juggling a full-time job and other responsibilities, you should be prepared for the unexpected.If your kids are having trouble finishing assignments in a day, give them more time to do it.There is nothing to be ashamed of when you go with the flow.Being flexible doesn't affect the quality of your children's education.
Step 11: Take some time for yourself.
Give yourself a small amount of time after the school and work day to relax and take the edge off.If you want to chill out and organize your thoughts, try going for a walk, drawing a warm bath, or reading a book.After your kids go to bed, carve out some time for yourself.
Step 12: If you have a partner, spend some time together.
You can take a break at the end of the day and compare notes with your partner.Offer support and a listening ear to your partner's worries, and share any of your own stressors or worries that you have about home schooling.On a daily basis, these types of conversations can help relieve stress.You can say, "I'm worried that the kids aren't really engaged in the curriculum."I can make things more interesting.
Step 13: The root of your child's problems can be identified.
Don't look at a temper tantrum at face value.Think about any stressors that may be contributing to your child's behavior.If you can separate yourself from the problem, you will understand that your child's issues are separate from you.If a child throws a temper tantrum, their feelings may be related to stress or being overwhelmed.It's possible that your teen may be missing out on their friends or extracurricular activities.
Step 14: Write a list of things to do with your kids.
Sit down with your kids and come up with some activities that will help you relax.These activities are not complicated or fancy and can be used to save you from a tough situation.The finished list should be in an area where everyone can see it.Some calming activities might include a walk, listening to relaxing music, or playing with a toy.Give your child a few minutes to relax by doing a calming activity.Teens might like texting or playing a video game.
Step 15: Before disciplining your child, calm them down.
Don't be mean to your child when they're having a bad day.Help them calm down in a healthy way.Explain to your child that you understand their feelings.You can say something like: "I understand that you're feeling upset, but yelling isn't going to fix anything."Take some deep breaths.
Step 16: As you go through the week, practice being present.
Pretend that you are a third-person observer.Instead of addressing every negative thought in your head, simply watch it and let it go.Staying grounded in the current moment is more important than worrying about the past or future.If you get a thought about fretting about your schedule for the week, let it go and not worry about it.
Step 17: If you need help, ask your friends and family.
If you are having a bad day, text or call your loved ones.If they have kids of their own, they will be able to give them some advice.You should focus on the fact that you are not alone, and that there are plenty of people who will help you through the Homeschooling challenges.