I don’t know about you guys, but I either feel like I’m doing a pretty darn good job at this whole unexpectedly homeschooling gig or I find myself in the throes of self-doubt, second-guessing, and worry. Am I doing enough? Should I be doing it differently? Am I missing anything? Was this the right choice? Will he be okay? Could I be doing it better? I am my own worst critic. How do I silence that critic in my mind? How to I stop homeschool doubt and second guessing? Here’s what works for this homeschoolin’ mama.
1o Ways to Stop Homeschool Doubt and Second Guessing
- There is no one – absolutely no one– in this world that loves this child more than you. That alone is huge.
- In the same vein, there is no one who knows this child better than you. There is no teacher on this green earth who could understand this child better than you.
- Children are learning all the time. They are born curious. Just remember that.Read a little Holt. You’ll feel better.
- Remember that compulsory education by age level is a relatively new construct. Before the dawn of public education, homeschooling was kinda the thing. You’re just kickin’ it old school!
- Are you taking care of yourself? Whenever I find myself in the throes of second-guessing and doubt, I’m usually not taking care of myself. Are you eating well? Making time to exercise? Sleeping enough? Are you making time for the things you love? Are you hanging out with your girlfriends? Do those things and I guarantee you’ll feel better.
- Do not waste energy comparing your homeschool to that of those around you, or those that you read about online. Focus on your family and what works for you.
- Simplify. Are you trying to do too much right now? Is your to-do list a mile long? Cut back on all that stuff and focus on what matters. Read this book. You’ll feel better.
- Your job is to teach your child how to learn. You don’t have to know all the things to homeschool your child. Learn alongside your child and make memories together.
- Everyone has bad days and bad weeks. If your child was in public school, there would be bad days and bad weeks. No one is immune to the ugly, folks.
- Take a moment and imagine your child in school. Picture him where the school wanted to place him. Remember why you’re doing this.
Do you feel better now? I thought so. I do, too.
Do you find yourself second-guessing sometimes? Are you your own worst critic? How do you fight the homeschool doubt? Share here!
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Aww, shucks. I have been feeling like this lately. I know I must get consistent sleep and non mom time, so I can stay sane. My plate has been pretty full lately. Yet, I know that if I am grounded and happy, everything else seems to usually full into place. It’s all about a healthy balance; which can be easier said than done sometimes.
BUT, then I think about my son in kindergarten. Even though he went only two times a week (and every other Friday) for the second half of the year, the angst started catching up with him again. He wants to been with other kids (he is very extroverted and friendly), but the school was not an environment where he was thriving. I had to hold back tears earlier this week because at kindergarten graduation, it was mentioned how some kids were doing double digit math and that us parents can thank Ms. L (volunteer) for teaching them. I had voiced my concerns for my son being bored and not thriving, but the GT coordinator (whom I adore) had more things added to her plate (stupid cutbacks) and could not work with my son and other kids. So yeah, my son scribbled on his 3+5, etc. math worksheet and did not enjoy having to color certain sums, per the directions. Ms. L or the teacher had no clue that my son was doing double digit math months ago and basic multiplication. We are starting to borrow now and he randomly starts making up math problems that are basic algebra. We have not done division yet and only touched on fractions. lol
Cait, as exhausting as all this can be, my mind is blown every single day, at what my son comes up with. I am sure your children astonish you and have you in awe, all the time. 😀 Their minds are all over the place. Sometimes, I get out of parent mode, be a kid, and immerse myself into his world. Yep, it’s one heck of a ride! lol
Thank you for your blog. I will say it again, it helps GREATLY! 🙂
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Yes, yes and yes! I am my own worst critic and yet I know deep deep down that my child’s spirit would be crushed in a traditional school setting and is thriving at home. Thanks for another great post Cait!
Thank you, Erin 🙂