So you finally figured out how to use the math curriculum, collected all of the stuff you’ll need for this year’s science experiments, photocopied the math worksheets for at least a couple of months, and laminated the class schedules and job charts for every child in the family. Job well done!
Or is it…?
Problem is, after just a couple of weeks, things aren’t going right in paradise. In fact, the homeschooling life just doesn’t seem as rosy as you thought it would be. The kids are complaining (“These lessons take too long!.”). You’re exhausted (“Is it bedtime yet?”) And everybody is all-around miserable (“Do we really have to do school today?”).
You have two options: persevere or change horses. Both can work. But, one is more likely to work than the other. Can you guess which?
Making a change.
I know, I know. All that time. All that money. All of the plans and dreams you had for the school year. Just went DOWN. THE. DRAIN.
I understand. I have been there myself.
Looking at it another way, though, it’s nobody’s fault. I mean, who can you blame?
Yourself? For making the best decisions you could at the time? For choosing products/programs/books you thought your kids would like? For spending the entire summer organizing the school year so it would run smoothly? Silly to blame yourself, right?
Blame the kids? Why? For not liking what you picked? For being too smart — or not ready – for the plans you made? For just acting like themselves? They haven’t done anything wrong, either.
Cut your losses.
Keep what you can. Shelf/toss/sell the rest.
What else can you do? Continue being miserable? Make no progress? Put up with whining (and your own guilt) all year long? That’s no way to run a homeschool.
Cut your losses.
Learn from the mistakes. Start again. Only smarter.
Cut your losses.
Let your kids help decide this time around. Choose what they like, not what you think they should use. Give them the freedom to use the structure you have created but suggest products and projects on their own. And be happy together. Not just you. All of you.
Changing horses is hard. It’s an admission that you aren’t perfect. It can be embarrassing. It can be expensive, too.
On the bright side, once you’ve done it once or twice, it won’t happen so many times any more. It’s true. A couple of mistakes like that and you’ve learned your lesson big-time. The more you learn, the better you get at it. Third time’s a charm. It gets easier as you go. All of that.
Let go of the regret. Leave the guilt behind you. And change horses. Any time you like. When you need to. We all have. And realize it helps everyone in the long run. Even though it may not seem like it right now.
[Image: Flickr]
Leave a Reply