I love being a homeschool Mom. I get to spend extra time with my kiddo- teach him, and watch him grow. But, the obvious downside of homeschooling is that I spend ALL.the.time with my son. That means I don’t get many breaks from him throughout the week. And if you’re a homeschool parent- especially if you school multiple children, you don’t get much ‘me time’. That’s what makes self care for the homeschool parent even more important!
So, I wanted to put together a list of ways to help you self-care. Some things that I do to help keep myself sane. And to ask my fellow homeschool parent’s advice.
Delegate
When your kids are in preschool and Kindergarten this isn’t really so much of an option. But, as they get older- you’re able to outsource a little of your homeschool day. For example, my son takes an online keyboarding class once a week. It’s like half an hour of my week where someone else is teaching him and I can let my brain rest. I usually use this time to shower or sneak an extra cup of coffee and listen to a podcast (The Office Ladies being my new current binge). You can do this with online courses, sign up for a co-op class, have your child join a sports team, or take music lessons. Just because you’re the main homeschool parent, doesn’t mean you have to do it all! My husband took up Taekowndo with our son, and they go twice a week now. That’s 2 whole hours every week that I get to myself!
We’ve also gotten hooked on some Netflix documentaries- Night on Earth and The Universe being our current favorites. So, once or twice a week we’ve added that to our homeschool schedule as well. Sometimes we watch together, sometimes Steven watches on his own. He’s a lot more into the space documentaries than I am…. There’s no shame in adding some screen time to your homeschool day if it helps you stay sane, my friend! Here’s some other technology we use in our homeschool day.
Ask for Help
I’m probably the worst at asking for help. I would rather cut off my right arm than tell someone I’m struggling. But, thankfully I have a husband that reminds me to get out of the house and make plans with my friends. As a mom- taking care of the house, cooking, cleaning, and homeschooling can really take up every second I feel like I have. So, it’s nice to be reminded that getting out of the house is important. Fresh air! People! Adult conversation! If you don’t have a significant other to relieve you of your responsibilities for a night off- swap babysitting with a friend. But make sure that occasionally you get out, and get some grown up time.
I am a part of a homeschool support group here, and once a month the moms get together and have dinner, do a service project, or just hang out. And let me tell you- it has SAVED my sanity sometimes. Especially since I’m hanging out with other women who GET IT, because they homeschool too. It started with a facebook group- so definitely search if there’s something similar in your area.
Take a bath, read a book that doesn’t have to do with teaching, listen to a fun podcast. Basically do all the normal self-care type things…but try to figure out how to do it when you’re at home with your kids all day. I feel like that’s our biggest challenge as homeschoolers.
Remember you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to your local homeschool community. Make a play date. Sneak in lunch with another Mom while your kids hang out together. You can self care while your kids are still there too! I have been known to do a face mask and give myself a mani while my kid does math. You do what you gotta do!
Honestly, my favorite forms of self care are reading a book that I don’t have to read. Staying up late and watching romantic comedies and snacking with my Husband. Or even sneaking away on a girl’s getaway with my besties. Which I know is not always possible financially, but I definitely recommend it if you can make it work! (I’ve also just hosted my friends here for a weekend where we stayed up late, ate too much, and caught up on old times. Also, it was free!!!)
I’m sorry if this post is a little rambling- but I really wanna make sure that my fellow homeschoolers are taking care of themselves. You can’t pour from an empty cup, Mama. And you can’t teach little minds if yours is completely fried. When I make time for myself- I am a more patient, loving mother. And a MUCH better teacher.
What are some ways you sneak in self care?
