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This is an easy trap for any homeschool family to fall into, particularly those who feel they must follow the daily routines of a traditional school system. It's also easy to schedule too many lessons or activities throughout the week, such as piano lessons, art classes, math tutors, foreign language tutors and sports. This first sign of overscheduling is feeling burned out, so pay attention to signals from the entire family.
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Avoid being the type of homeschooling family that always has to be ahead in everything, or completing subjects quicker than peers. For example, don't get upset with your 5-year-old if he hasn't memorized the United States Constitution. Setting unrealistic goals and expectations creates feelings of failure and frustration for all.
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No matter where homeschooling takes place, there must be a system of organization in place or real problems are encountered. (See Resources below.) Children are led by example, and if parents are disorganized with homeschool materials and resources, so will the children. Begin the school year with a good organizational system in place, and everyone involved in the homeschool program should work daily to ensure things don't get out of hand. An organized workspace is more conducive to active learning and productivity.
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It's easy to feel like there is more than enough time to complete lessons, so it wouldn't hurt to take a couple of hours off here and a day or two off there. Before you know it, the entire lesson plan is thrown off and you all will struggle not to fall behind. Homeschooling doesn't mean everyone is taking a break from the educational process and that things can be put off. It's about educating children at home, and creating a schedule to meet the needs of the family while maintaining state-required guidelines.
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Being independent is one thing, but believing your family can successfully homeschool without a support system or group is a completely different matter. If you do, problems will arise that will take outside resources to solve (such as learning how to deal with children rebelling against parents as their teachers). Support groups are a great way to keep new educational opportunities, ideas and insights flowing regularly.
