Homeschooling Chronicles - No Good, Horrible, Bad Day

With homeschooling, like with anything in life, there are good days and there are bad days. Sometimes you might feel like you are on a roller coaster. One day you may feel the rush of excitement from making a new discovery, while the next the sinking feeling you get when you've taken the plunge, but aren't sure where you're going to end up.

While homeschooling can be wonderful, there are some unique challenges. For example, when the day goes horribly wrong, it is kind of hard to complain out loud. There can be a lot of critics, with not so helpful pieces of advice. While their suggestions might make them feel good, it isn’t always practical. Usually I just smile sweetly, but sometimes it makes me angry that they don’t realize that everything can't always be perfect, like a gift wrapped in a nice, blue Tiffany box.   

On the bad days, there are times when my voice reaches pitches I thought only opera divas could manage. My children ignore the high decibels, while neighborhood dogs, on the other hand, might come running. I tuck my tail and slink off to a corner and think of all the reasons I should be appreciated. 

It’s my fellow homeschoolers that help me over these difficulties, which may be mole hills, but feel like mountains. I remind myself that my children are feeling the same way. Without them, it would be lonely road indeed to travel. So how do you deal with the times when things aren't going right, or you feel like all your resources are exhausted? Sometimes it's a good idea to provide some quiet time for everyone. The kids can read by themselves, watch an educational DVD on a subject we studied, or do an art project. Any one of these activities gives me a moment to gather my thoughts and myself. I can go to my computer and do some mindless game or activity that helps me calm down. It is during these interludes that I can get past the emotions, and reflect on all the things I love about homeschooling.

Some might consider this some dirty secret I have revealed, but I find it's important to share the truth. Nothing is all roses and sunshine, especially when more than one person is involved. There are ups and down, twists and turns, and sometimes big loops. Yet, when you think about what you've accomplished, the pride of what you did and what you experienced becomes evident. It gives you the motivation to get back on that roller coaster ride. It's something you are doing together; consider it a family adventure.