Exactly 16 days ago I weighed 11 pounds more than I do today.

I happened to see a picture of me and my family and I could not believe how much heavier I had become since settling in the mountains. I took immediate note and changed my ways. As I weighed in yesterday I had broken through a barrier that had been alluding me for a few years. I am well on my way to my target goal. Just 18 more pounds to go.

Weight a Second (pun intended). You thought this was a homeschooling article?
Well, it is.

When I saw that I had gained about 30 unwanted pounds, I stopped immediately and made effective changes.

• I went back to the basics.
• I reapplied healthy eating habits.
• I began planning my entire “food day” before I finished my first cup of coffee; including the dessert, I knew I would not want to deny at the end of my day.

So what does any of this have to do with homeschooling?

Quite a bit.
As the years go by I tend to glean advice and curriculum from others around me. I have never believed that I know it all, in fact, I am always looking at what others are doing and picking the best practices to add into our homeschooling life. If I am not careful, the clear, simple, and effective way that I teach my children becomes burdened and blurred as I try to include whatever works well for “Susie” next door.

This is homeschool weight gain.

photo by Lisa Fotios

It can be subtle, and like those 30 pounds that snuck onto my body, I might not even realize I have put on this homeschool bulge right away.

The good news is that the homeschool weight can come off just as easily as my extra weight is coming off for me.

1.Take an honest look at the work you are having your children complete each day and week.

• Have you picked up a variety of curriculum choices and worksheets that have morphed into busy work?
• Do you find yourself rushing your children through one assignment simply so you can move on to the next subject?

2. Decide to go back to the basics.

• Focus on your Faith, Math, English, History, and Science.
• Do more reading, discussing, and exploring than filling in the blanks on worksheets.

3.Choose an engaging project.

• Choose an all-encompassing project that combines multiple subjects (and grades) and planning it out at a pace that allows you to move forward, but not rush.

Teach Your children purposefully.