How to Turn Homeschool Frustration into Joy and Learning

Dear homeschool mom,

Don’t homeschool. I’m not kidding.

Yes,  kids need to read and write and solve basic math problems, but they don’t need school at home.

They need to have plenty of time to run, jump, slide, swing, lay, laugh, build, and rest.

Related: building toys

Give them time to be bored, time to think, time to day dream.

Don’t give them workbooks, worksheets, and hours of assignments.

Instead, give them LESS.

• less toys
• less screen
• less activities away and more time outside

With that extra space in their day, give them MORE

• more time together
• more hugs
• more smiles
• more time to breathe

Kids need to know that their part of in your family is important, needed, and necessary.

They need to work everyday as a part of the family, doing their “age-appropriate” share.

And most of all they need to be LOVED, enjoyed, and delighted in.

They know when they’re not.

Homeschool mom, Your kids grow up too fast, but they really don’t want to.

Honest.

• They really do want to snuggle, play, and dance.
• They want to hide and be found, seek and discover.

Reading is truly one of the BEST things we can do with and for our kids.

Cozying with your child and a book, reading aloud or listening to an audio book, getting lost in a story… it’s the BEST and they know it. They beg for it.

Homeschooling is like a white-water rafting adventure.Hang on tight! You need to strap on your helmet and life vest and make sure your boat isn’t leaking before you jump in that raft. 

Homeschooling from the Inside Out, by Rebekah Sayler

Homeschool mom, kids need to be allowed to struggle, even made to struggle.

Let them “do it themselves” whenever you can.

Listen 12 times longer than you think necessary.

Ask open ended questions and then count to 100 in your mind before speaking again.

If they don’t answer, rephrase the question and count again.

Kerry Beck

Our kids don’t need to be homeschooled.

• They need to work, play, laugh, love and be loved.
• They need to explore, test, experiment, and study.

Each child has their own set of curiosities and passions that make them smile from their toes.

If they are so busy doing school, they may stay locked up deep within and refuse to come out.

Oh, if something has to go… let it be school.

Learning has NOTHING to do with school.

Life, love, service, reading, exploring, discovering, enjoying, delighting and BEHOLDING… that’s where the magic happens.

Want kids who are excited to learn?

• Hide the pencils, textbooks, and tests.
• Pull off the shoes, walk barefoot in the grass and chase the butterflies.
• Watch the sunrise and lie back and wait for the stars to come out.
• Roll out of bed and watch the sunrise and listen to the choir of birds herald in the new day.
• Pack a picnic and explore a trail through the woods and delight in the meadow hidden from view.
• Spread a blanket and eat a simple lunch and listen.
• Unplug the electronics for a few days and watch as your kids blossom as they inhale each new day with growing enthusiasm. Don’t be discouraged if it’s hard at first… press through the boredom.

Don’t homeschool your kids.

Bring them on the journey of life with you. Talk with them, teach them how to change the oil, do the laundry and sew a button. Bake cookies for a neighbor, find a geocache and check out books from the library.

Go to the food bank and ask what their greatest need is and then go to the grocery store and fill it together.

Related: Quick Start Guide to teaching Kids at Home

Don’t homeschool your kids.

Life has so much more to teach them than that curriculum in the corner.

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Print this free homeschool mom reminder.

This post comes with a free printable reminder list to help keep your heart focused on the heart of homeschooling. I always have the hardest staying focused. This printable simplifies it!

Here is a sneak preview…

Download Your Free Printable

1. Download the checklist. You’ll get the printable, plus join 9,000+ homeschool moms who receive my weekly parenting tips and ideas!
2. Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be ideal.
3. Place it on your refrigerator as a helpful reminder.

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