How to Homeschool and Not Lose Your Mind (PART II)

Is your homeschooling experiencing the “End of the Winter Blues?” Are you frustrated that you and the kids have been cooped up way too long? Ginny and Mary Ellen have the tonic for that. Their formula is simple, and their solutions are straightforward. Their insight, ideas, and effective routines will help you manage everything.   How to Homeschool and Not Lose Your Mind (PART II) This is part two of our topic. If you missed one, listen to the episode posted last week. Last week, we covered discipline, early rising, prayer, and focusing on what is right for your family. So, let’s jump back in. Household – three things must be done daily. 1 – Laundry: washed, dried, folded, and put away. 2 – Meals: menu plan, grocery plan, and a well-stocked pantry. 3 – School: math, reading, and religion. Keys to Success Simplify your home and life as much as possible. Eliminate clutter. Minimize time out of the house. Before you join a co-op or pod school - Discern carefully! They sound attractive, but: Will it be worth it? They require everyone to be up and dressed for outside the house. Drive time there, entertaining the non-co-op kids, and a drive home. Don’t buy the socialization nonsense.  Let them be friends with their siblings, cousins, neighbors, and teammates. Socialization occurs outside of academic situations all the time. Basic Rules of Life – Children Pray with them. Instill discipline. Give them meaningful work. Basic Rules of Life – Older Boys Maintain a schedule. Should have physical work. Occupy their time as much as possible. Teens should get paying jobs, gaining valuable skills that their peers lack. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. Spend time outside every day. Even 15 minutes makes a difference. Kids need vigorous exercise and lots of fresh air. Better concentration in class, and standardized test scores went way up. Homeschool strategy in a nutshell Pick a program and stick with it. Simplify your curriculum. Don’t follow trends (stay off the internet). Minimize the outings. Do school every day. Strengthening your marriage is very important.  Schedule a home date regularly. Welcome him when he arrives. Praise him often and speak well of him. Listen to his concerns and involve him in your decisions.   Homeschool Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services