Homeschooling 101

Lesson 8: Having fun!

Stress Busters!

It is important to your entire family that everyone (especially Mom and Dad) take some time to rest and rejuvenate. If parents are overly stressed then they often lose sight of the educational goals they have for their children, and why they decided to homeschool in the first place. Just thirty minutes a day can make a world of difference.

1. Allow yourself some private time each day, even if it is only a half hour. Send the kids to the neighbors to play, take advantage of the baby’s naptime or even take your time after the kids are finally in bed. Use this time to relax and rejuvenate yourself. You cannot keep giving to your family if you do not take time to refresh and revive yourself.

2. Buy something that is just for you. It is natural that the kids come first when making purchases and often there really isn’t extra money for something just for you. However, this purchase doesn’t have to be expensive as long as it is just for you. A book that has caught your eye, a nice smelling candle for your nightstand, or my personal favorite…a chocolate bar that I hide in my nightstand for that late night chocolate emergency. There is something extra special about a “secret” piece of candy that your kids don’t know about!

3. Put on your favorite music, turn it up loud and dance. Grab the kids and get them involved. They will probably roll their eyes at your music and your dancing, but keep it up, it is contagious and you will all have fun and inevitably end up laughing. This is also a great time to do that dusting or vacuuming, as it is easy to swing those arms and hips while doing these chores.

4. Sink into your tub for a long, luxurious soak at the end of the day. Splurge on your favorite scent of bubble bath, and maybe even a matching candle!

5. Write a letter to each of your children. Tell them how much they mean to you. This helps you focus on all the good your child has brought into your life. By concentrating on these joys you will find your stress abating. Be sure to sign and date this letter and seal it in an envelope and put it in a safe place. At a much later date re-read this or better yet give/mail it to your child. This is especially helpful if you have difficulty expressing your deep love for your child or your child is going through a crisis.

6. Start a gratitude journal. Write down at least five good things that have happened that day. Describe them in detail. This helps focus your thoughts on all the positive things in your life.

7. Fix some popcorn, curl up in your easy chair or stretch out on the couch and watch your favorite movie. You might even get lucky and enjoy a revitalizing nap.

8. Prioritize and compromise. Do the most important things first, but BE SURE they are IMPORTANT. Are clean clothes more important than floors you can eat off of? Then skip the mopping and do a load of laundry instead. Do not try to be "Super Parent". It is impossible and you will find yourself burning out quickly.

9. Get everything ready the night before to avoid the early morning hassles of getting reluctant children up and ready for the day. This helps to assure a good night’s sleep and a more pleasant morning.

10. Cuddle up on the couch with your kids and their favorite book. Noting calms a kid like hearing "Goodnight Moon" for the 900th time!
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