Have you ever had a day where nothing seemed to go right? When a bad homeschool day happens (and it will!). These tips can help!
Have you ever had a day where you were really tempted to throw the kids on the big yellow school bus? A day where nothing seemed to go right? The kids don’t want to “do” school, they keep bickering, and you just want a break? If this has ever happened to you, let me encourage you by saying welcome to the club! We have all been there! I may have been there more than once….this week.
Homeschooling can be hard, it can be exhausting, but it is also a huge blessing! When you are having a bad homeschool day, take the time to find something you and your family enjoy. Find a way to add some extra joy to your day! Here are some ideas to get you started.
Go outside!
Yes, packing everyone up may be a pain. But, unless it is sub zero temperatures outside you will all be better off by getting some fresh air. Consider going on a nature scavenger hunt. Take a walk, go for a bike ride. Physical exercise tends to make everyone feel a little bit better. Sometimes it’s also nice just to sit under a tree, or in the sunshine and read a book or even complete a subject or two in the great outdoors.
Hug your kids!
Spend some time cuddling, reading a book, or just chatting. I think that too often times we forget we are mom first. Teacher role tends to take over, but what if our kids just need us? Not the taskmaster, or the instructor. But, simply MOM.
Have a movie day!
Pop some popcorn, turn on a family favorite and watch a movie, even if it is in the middle of the day. When I feel guilty about this, I remind myself that we watched movies in school too. My niece watched a Christmas movie every day one week in December at her school. And, it still counted as their school day ;) Why can’t we do that once in a while too?
Host a playdate!
Call up a few homeschooling families and invite them over to play. The kids can socialize, and you can too. Sounds like a win/win to me. On these days we’ve done baking, gingerbread houses, bike rides, or even just a good old-fashioned “go outside and play” .
Make a Bucket List!
Let everyone pick one thing that they want to do at home today. Then, make plans to do it. It could be a board game, an art project, or something as simple as making a choo-choo train track. Make the list, and then get to work having fun together!
On those days when nothing seems to be going right just remind yourself this season will pass. If you look hard enough you can find something to be thankful for! You can find some reason to choose joy. I’ve noticed many times when things don’t seem to be going right in our home it is because I have spent a lot of time working, and not as much time playing. Many times this is due to necessity, but sometimes it’s not. Picking an item from this list can help you and your kids get back on track on those bad homeschool days!
Misty Bailey is a homeschool mom of three and has been homeschooling since 2009 You can read about her homeschool journey and more on her blog, Joy in the Journey.
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