Staying Sane While Homeschooling

We are 5 weeks into our school year. 

Here are the 5 things I've learned I need, to keep my sanity:

1. I need to make a weekly schedule, then take a chill pill and relax when things don't go exactly as planned. I like feeling organized, I like routines and goals. I need goals, otherwise I tend to get lazy. But we homeschool, and one of the perks to homeschooling is that you don't have to follow a schedule! My goal every day is to hit the gym by 7:30am, return home showered, dressed (looking fabulous) and ready to go (I know, right?).  I like when my husband has got the kids up, dressed and fed, so that when I return we are ready to get going on school by 9:00. It doesn't usually go that smoothly, but it's our goal. I've learned not to beat myself up when it doesn't happen quite like that (or at all like that).
2. We all need breaks. For the kids: If you're half way through a math lesson and your child has mentally checked out and seems completely unresponsive after numerous attempts, have them get up and take 5! Do a lap around the house, sit on the couch and rest, read a book, or eat a snack. Then, get back to work. For me: I need down time at least once a day to keep my sanity, regardless of how productive or unproductive the day has been. I strictly enforce nap time/quiet times here at our house. While my one year old sleeps, the four year old naps or plays quietly in his room and the five year old sits on a bed with books or at a desk to color. Since my 1 year old is still taking a good 2 hour nap mid day, the rule for my other 2 kids is to stay quietly in their rooms until she wakes up.
3. I kinda need a clean house. I find that my sanity is directly correlated with how clean my house is. Everyone in the family contributes to a general clean-up of everything before going to bed at night. We usually start the day off pretty tidy, but by noon, things can look like a disaster zone! After lunch, we do a round-up of all the toys, my 5 year old cleans the table off and my 4 year old vacuums up crumbs with the dust buster. I'm no clean freak, I'm all about letting the kids be kids and have fun with their toys, but a little mid-day organization in the midst of chaos can be very therapeutic!
4. I need unconditional support from my husband. Maybe it's all in my head, maybe it's reality, but I feel a lot of pressure as a homeschooler. I know there are people watching what we're doing; fellow bloggers, blog readers, friends and family members. I know there are some people watching out of general curiosity, and others that remain very skeptical. I know that on top of our parenting responsibilities, taking on the sole educational instruction of our children is no small task. Because of this, I have my moments of emotional breakdown, and I need to know my husband is behind me 100%. 
5. I need to get out of the house and have alone time. For this reason, starting my day at the gym really does help. At the end of the day, I can at least say that I got out of the house at one point! Don't get me wrong, I love my kids. I love having them at home and I love being around them all day. But I know my limits, and so does my husband. He is pretty good about picking up on my vibe that says "Help! Get me outta here!" Sometimes all I need is a change in scenery :)

*For further encouragement to chill out, read this cool little post: Dear Moms, Jesus Wants You to Chill Out For the record, I read that right after publishing this post and found it very fitting to include here :)

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Hip Homeschool Moms

Getting Started Homeschooling

I wanted to pass this on because it is so good for anyone setting off on the road to homeschooling. It is the perfect time to start planing if you hope to begin homeschooling for the first time this coming Fall. You have plenty of time! I've referenced this site before, but go ahead, start here at confessionsofahomeschooler.com I am loving her stuff more and more. It is all so well organized and inspirational. I am still in the process of working through all this info myself, but I love, love, love her opening line in the post entitled 10 Days of Homeschool Enrichment:

"Homeschooling is a ministry"

Take time to read through this info, and break it up into the 10 day plan that she has outlined.

10 Days of Homeschool Enrichment

Happy reading! ~Sarah

New: Driving America Exhibit!

Our family was very excited to see the newly updated "Driving America" exhibit open at the Henry Ford Museum. So many cool updates, if you haven't been there yet, you should go! There are plenty of hands-on areas for little ones, new interactive touch-screen kiosks and best of all - you can actually eat inside Lamy's 1950's diner!

Being long-time Henry Ford and Greenfield Village members, Our kids have literally grown up here! As little ones, they love riding the train in the Summer and seeing the animals. During the Winter, the museum provides a nice local get-away when the kids are feeling cooped up inside. I know that as they get older, the village and museum will provide endless learning opportunities and hands-on fun while studying specific time periods in history. Such a valuable resource for homeschoolers in the metro Detroit area (and beyond)! I would highly recommend a membership here for anyone that lives close enough to utilize it. We definitely do!

UPDATE 2/26/12: While enjoying the new exhibit, we crossed paths with a film crew, shooting an episode of "Discovering the D" for Detroit Public Television. Click on the link to go to their Video On Demand page where you will see the episode that aired. My husband and several other family members appear briefly in the episode. Make sure you find the video from 2/20/12:

DPTV Video On Demand