Are you a single mom? Do you want to homeschool? Do you think you can't?
You're wrong. You absolutely can. How do I know? Because I'm a single mom and I've been homeschooling for 15 years.
Incredible, isn't it? I must be a super mom! No. Not at all. There is nothing special about me.
I do it because I love homeschooling and it is best for my kids. Honestly, I find homeschooling as a single mom easier than sending them off to school. But that's me.
Single Moms Can Homeschool
You may have a job outside the home.
Maybe your work from home.
Maybe you own your own business.
Whatever the situation is, I can tell you I've done it before.
Yep. I've done all of it. I've worked at home and away from home. In 2005, I even worked two jobs while building my green cleaning service. At that point, I had 5 kids and was on my own again.
The Keys to Single Mom Homeschooling
1. Balance - Everything in moderation, as they say. Set your priorities and relax. I like to view a day in terms of feeding the mind, body and spirit. One third of our waking hours is spent on...
Mind - academics, learning, reading and so on. This can be formal or relaxed learning.
Body - This would be exercise, outdoor play, recreation, meals and other things that strengthen, feed or heal the body. This can include your 'me' time for pampering, napping or whatever else relaxes your body (and spirit for that matter).
Spirit - Feeding the spirit in my home means studying the bible, taking note of God's world and other spiritual endeavors. Being with our congregation. Uplifting and encouraging each other.You know what's really great? Those things blend together many times. Reading and bible study (mind and spirit). Outdoor play and nature studies (spirit, body and mind).
That's my idea of balance. Yours may be different. The point is to have a balance in your life.
2. Routine - Find a routine that works. This needn't be a schedule. Just get a routine together. (See how I juggle everything.)
3. Relax - Learning happens all the time. This world provides so many natural opportunities for learning. An obsessive homeschool mom is no more beneficial than a workaholic. The result is the same: Burnout.
4. Be encouraged. You can do it.
See the entire collection of "I Can't Homeschool Because..." posts
by the iHomeschool Network bloggers.
Michelle, this is so encouraging! I know many single moms who would like to homeschool, and some who used to homeschool. This is great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy! I'm glad it's encouraging.
DeleteOh wow! You are a Super Duper Incredi MOM!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't go so far as to say that, but thank you for your kind words! Looking forward to speaking with you!
DeleteWhile this may have been meant as an encouragement, it lacked practical application.
ReplyDeleteI doubt you'll return to read this, Anonymous, but you're right. The point of the "I Can't Homeschool Because.." collection is to discredit the excuses and encourage the reader.
DeleteThere are links in my post, however, to more practical pieces of advice. I'm not sure what one would expect me to do other than encourage, write curriculum reviews, or explain how I teach my own kids. All of that can be found on this blog with just a few clicks.
Have a fantastic week!
Good job! I've been homeschooling my three for 15 years, too. My oldest graduated last summer. They've all been homeschooled all the way through. It's not easy, but it's worth it!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth it!
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