Tuesday, January 25, 2011

My Suggestion: Emulate the Public School System

I just did it. I committed 'Blasphemy' in the homeschooling world. Why would we ever copy something that we are so dedicated to avoid? Why would we ever want to become like the 'factory schools'?

This week's blog cruise addresses a common malady that homeschool mothers experience all too often.


What do you do to avoid home school burnout?

I have the unique situation of having children who have experienced public, private and home schooling. I was always amazed at the amount of time that schools take off each month. Between state holidays, real holidays, teacher's in-service, half days, snow days, and school vacations, I noticed there was rarely a strait month of 5 days a week of school. If we homeschoolers would embrace some of these days off, perhaps we would feel less burnt out. I know after a long break, I am actually excited about jumping back into the routine of homeschooling.

I am not saying I always practice what I preach. I drive my kids crazy with this. When we have a Monday holiday, half of the time, we have school that day. For instance on Martin Luther King Day, the public schools were off. My boys were anxious to get together with their friends. It was amazing how diligently they worked knowing when they were finished, I would go pick up one of their friends. I use some of these days of to my advantage.

I take random days off, for things important to us. We choose to take time off when or if it is needed. I can't image weeks strait of schooling. Looking forward to a day off actually eases the current stress. We are planning a day off next month to ski as a family. Will I follow the school calender and have a February vacation? Maybe, if I need it. Just knowing that we have control over our children's school calendar is such a blessing.

I also enjoy the benefit of days off that don't coincide with school vacations. I like to visit museums, attractions and activities when the lines are shorter. I love it when my children have the full attention of the park ranger, museum docent or expert in their field. Our family has experienced great hands on activities in half filled museums.

Are you feeling burnt out? Take a day off, spend it doing something that you love. If that doesn't ease the burn out, see what some of the other crew members have suggested. I especially enjoyed Debbie's long list of advice at Debbie's Digest. Her post has covered it all, including my favorite on her list is: Go on a date with your husband. I think I'll follow her advice this week.


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I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.

9 comments:

A Thoughtful Spot said...

I agree. We take vacations as needed. It is so freeing! Thanks for your post!

Savannah said...

i just started doing preschool with my son, but one of the major appealing factors of homeschooling is the flexibility of schedule..need a day off? take one! travel when it's cheaper or less busy, etc

Unknown said...

you are invited to follow my blog

i cant decide said...

I agree. We need teacher in-service days, even if we just veg out for the day! I love the freedom to take off random days and school when everyone else is on vacation!

Ellen said...

Cruise... vacation... sounds heavenly. It's been over 3 years since we have vacationed. I love your about me profile. I accidentally fell into homeschooling over 9 years ago. Now I homeschool 4 teenagers! Thanks for visiting me at A Season for All Things. I'm your newest follower! ~ Ellen

Joy said...

We also take random days off. I think it definitely helps me out! Thanks for joining in the Hip Homeschool Hop!

Jessica Heights said...

That's excellent advice! :)

Hen Jen said...

agreed, very good advice! I have been guilty of taking random days off- when I was to unorganized to get to deep schooling...but those days aren't really helpful, I'm finding that planning for scheduled days/holidays off- does help. (visiting from the hip homeschool hop!)

Tammy said...

Hi! Nice to "meet" you! I love the name of your blog. You have almost twisted my arm to take the day off school :) I think we might. I have a schedule that I love this year. We started in July and we go 6 weeks on, one week off and then we take off from November 20-Jan 3. It was great. We still can take odd days off as well if we need to and today might be one of those days. :) Stopping by from HHH. I am your newest follower.

Tammy
http://www.uniquefamilyvision.com
#/uniquefamilyvision