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Step 1
Overlap your subjects. Instead of spending an hour working on history and then another hour working on an arbitrary writing assignment, spend one hour reading and writing about history.
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Step 2
Remove unnecessary activities from your schedule. If your children are naturally active, running around the yard, climbing trees and swinging from the backyard playset, you can probably cancel your homeschool P.E. class.
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Step 3
Focus on the three R's making a point of addressing reading, writing and arithmetic each day gives you the freedom to allow the children time for their own natural explorations, and gives you time to be the housekeeper you wish you were, or even finish a book or phone call.
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Step 4
Read something by John Holt. Nicknamed "the father of unschooling" he has a deep appreciation for the value of children's play and you might have an epiphany that allows you to see what the children are actually learning while they're managing their own time. Playing is important, and understanding that will help you teach your child that their feelings and perspectives matter.
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Step 5
Stick with friends who understand your commitment to home education. Often, a friend who isn't really supportive of homeschooling will be waiting on the sidelines with her offer to "help you get through the difficult decision to send your kids back to school" whereas a homeschooling friend will understand that burnout is a good thing, it means you've outgrown your first homeschooling plan and are ready to graduate up to a different style.
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Step 6
Use your burnout to find the next workable family schedule or homeschool curriculum. It's a good thing to grow out of your original plan and embracing burnout as a signal to change will help your family reach the next happy homeschooling level.
Comments
FrazzledNanny said
on 8/9/2009 Thanks for the great tips. Thanks for sharing your methods of not becoming burned-out with homeschooling curriculum. 5*
athome said
on 4/2/2009 I home schooled for many years until i found out about un-schooling and living life its the best thing that ever happened to us.
haggadah said
on 1/22/2009 I also homeschooled my two children. One is now in college on a full scholarship. Giving children time to explore what they are interested in is a good idea. Once they find something they are interested in learning they will begin to teach themselves.
mosscampion said
on 11/18/2008 As a future mom seriously considering homeschooling, I am enjoying reading your tips!
showpup said
on 11/1/2008 I used to homeschool. Our 3 sons are now graduated. Two in college and one in Iraq. Homeschool burnout is a very real issue! Don't feel ashamed if you have it but instead realize you need to take time for yourself, too.