Homeschooling is fantastic. Simply because it’s possible to find fulfillment in the role of homeschooling mom by seeing to the educational and material requirements of her family. But, (and this is a huge but), juggling work and motherhood can be quite difficult, and many mothers feel overwhelmed by the demands of both.
Yet as the undisputed leaders of our households, moms should never forget that prioritizing their own health is of equal importance to that of their children.
I understand that you, a homeschooling mother, have a lot on your plate and feel like you never have any free time. It might be difficult to find time for self-care. I know you don’t think so, but take it from me, it’s vital to your health.
The importance of self-care in our daily lives must first be recognized, before we can move on to particular self-care practices. It’s common to see mothers who constantly argue with their children and who resort to guilt trips as a kind of sport. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence for me as well. As parents, we prioritise our kids’ needs over our own a lot of the time. At the same time, we may feel that we don’t have the luxury of time to indulge in self-care.
Taking care of yourself, though, doesn’t have to be a major financial or time commitment. Taking a few slow, deep breaths, getting outside, or settling in for a few minutes with a good book are all examples of simple ways to relax. Recognizing and addressing the most prevalent self-care barriers might help us take better care of ourselves. Self-care is important since it helps us feel better overall, increases our energy, and decreases our stress levels. So, we can feel more energised, focused, and productive in our homeschooling and other duties. Let’s look at five ways that homeschool parents can take care of themselves first and foremost.
Develop a Schedule for Daily Self-Care
Setting up a regular regimen of self-care has been one of the most helpful things for me. It can be an efficient method of prioritizing self-care. As I mentioned, it doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or time-consuming; It can just be a few basic activities you enjoy doing that make you feel better. Journaling, going for a walk, listening to music, and reading are all great daily self-care activities. My morning routine for me typically consists of brewing some coffee and settling into a comfy position on the couch to watch an episode of the most recent Korean drama I’ve been binge-watching.
How to Politely Decline
Among my many flaws, (9and I have a lot) this is among the worst. Saying “no” to a friend, a family member, or a child can be difficult because of the emotional investment you could have. To practice self-care, though, learning to say no is essential. Setting limits and lowering stress levels might help you concentrate on what really matters. Mothers, who often put their children’s needs before their own, can especially benefit from this reminder. Something about being a mother makes you do it. Though it may take some getting used to, learning to say “no” is a vital skill that will have a positive impact on your life.
Talk to Other Mothers Who Homeschool
Making connections with other homeschooling mothers is a great way to avoid burnout. Putting yourself first like this can be a wonderful way to care for yourself. You see, nobody knows what you’re going through like someone who lives a similar way to you. This paves the way for us to cultivate a group of friends and allies who are sympathetic to our plight and can help us out in many ways. There are many homeschooling mothers on Facebook, and the majority of them congregate in groups. There are also many well-known homeschooling mothers on social media that you can follow.
Here are some ways to create a support system:
- Join a local homeschooling group: Many cities and towns have homeschooling groups where parents can connect and share resources. Look online or ask around to find a group in your area.
- Attend homeschooling conferences: Attending a conference can provide you with the opportunity to meet other homeschooling parents and learn from experts in the field.
- Connect with other homeschooling parents online: Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have many homeschooling communities where parents can connect and share ideas.
- Hire a tutor or teacher: If you feel overwhelmed with teaching a particular subject or need a break, consider hiring a tutor or teacher to help you out.
Create Physical Activity
Working out is a great way for homeschooling mothers to take care of themselves while still being able to teach their children at home. Mothers who educate their children at home can benefit greatly from regular exercise. Physical fitness is only one aspect of overall health that can be improved via regular exercise. It can also give women a much-needed vacation from homeschooling, allowing them to rest, rejuvenate, and get back on track. Even something as basic as walking around the block can help. Also, try to incorporate movement into your daily homeschooling routine, such as taking a walk with your homeschoolers.
There you have it, moms! Finding a healthy work-life balance as educators can be challenging, but we owe it to our loved ones to do everything we can to ensure we’re functioning at our best at all times.
FAQ
When asked if they can find time for self-care, homeschooling mothers were unsure if they could.
A: Yes! In order to be a good parent, you must first take care of yourself. Self-care, even if it’s just taking a few moments to breathe deeply or take a short stroll, may have a profound effect on your state of mind and body.
As a mother who also homeschools, how can I make time for mindful meditation?
A: There are various ways to practice mindfulness, including meditation and paying attention to the present moment while going about mundane tasks like folding laundry. There are a plethora of apps and online sites that provide mindfulness training and guided meditations.
What if I don’t have enough money to pay for a private tutor or teacher?
Answer: From instructional websites to movies uploaded to YouTube, there is an abundance of free and low-cost online tools accessible that can assist you teach challenging subjects. You can find community amongst other homeschooling parents who can offer advice and encouragement.
When I take some time for myself, I feel selfish; how do I deal with this?
Self-care is not selfish, so don’t feel bad about giving yourself what you need. You can be a better parent and educator if you take care of yourself first.
What are some ways I can build a community of friends and family if I happen to reside in a more remote area?
Answer: You may join a local homeschooling group or reach out to others in your region who are also teaching their children at home. Also, homeschooling organizations are a great resource, as are virtual homeschooling conferences.
