• Apr. 3, 2008
Doubting Myself
I have been really doubting my decision to homeschool lately.
The kids are fighting constantly. We are having a hard time completing our schoolwork. I just don't understand what is going on. My daughter tells me all the time that she doesn't understand things. She just sits there and won't answer questions or talk. My son will get so frustrated that he will yell at me or throw something. The seem to out of control. I have tried to do different things with them. I recently decided to include a couple of field trips. Nothing different.
Maybe we just need a little break.
~Hugs
Tami
Comments
• Apr. 6, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Queenbrownshuga
Tami,
I think it's burnout. We go through it too. In fact we haven't been "right" since after Christmas last year. So, I have learned to just go with the flow. I think a break is in order. Also, do you know how your kids learn...like their learning styles? If not that may be part of the problem.
Stay encouraged because it will get better.
Hugs,
Tirzah
• Apr. 8, 2008
hello
Posted by pcjjap
Hi Tami - I linked across to you from lapbook lessons and found you feeling low about things, so thought I'd drop you a note :-) I am Caroline for LL btw. I had a pants day today too - they happen. Sometimes for more than a day! I have been home-eding for over 6 yers now and there have been many moments like you described along the way. Here are some tips... on days like that dont push it! You don't want the kids to end up hating to learn. Someone said to find out their learning styles - good advise. Do a google search on it and read up. It could be tht you are just not pushing the right buttons.
2 - Don't try to make home into school if they hated school. It works for me, but mine have never been to school, so they don't mind it!
3 - Do lots of lapbooks! But let the kids run free with it. Esp your older son should have little difficulty with the technicality of it once he has been shown how. And don't 'mark' them as such. Think of them more like creative art/expression. That way the kids will feel free to spread their wings a little. Even the bought ones can be modified and personised.
4 - de-school! It seems to me your children may still be in "I hate school - even if it is at home" mode. They need to loose that thinking before it's gonna work for you. So cook, build, do electronics - kinda 'play' school (even older kids play)
5 - don't have the children working in the same room if they fight. They will not be used to working with children of such a different age and def not in such a small setting as home can be. Provide them with easy access to everything and a 'space' they can call their own. Mine each have a large plastic table mat on which to keep their bits together during school, and a drawer for their books and pencils, etc... - this is their space. My 9yos also has the option of working in his room if the girls are working too noisily for his liking.
And probably the best advice I've been given is to ENJOY it - chill out, kick back and have fun - however that happens - it MUST be fun! (I wish I could always listen to my own advice btw) It's too easy to get caught up in school thinking...schedules and targets, etc... We must try to remember that we are doing this for our children & God, NOT OURSELVES! Work out what your goal is with your kids (academically, spitiually, socially, etc...), maybe even involve them in thinking about that.. then keep that clear as you can in your head as you enjoy the road towards it!
Every blessing...don't give up! The road much travelled becomes easier - it will calm down - trust me. The first years are the toughest but you will gradually find your niche and things begin to just tick along :)
Edited by pcjjap on Apr. 8, 2008 at 7:52 PM
