Juggling work, kids, homeschooling, and life can be a challenge. As a homeschooling parent, you have to find ways to create a balance. But what about your kids? Today’s children tend to have eye-popping schedules. Pack too much into a day or week, and it can be overwhelming for them. Here are some ways you can create a school-life balance for your homeschooler.
1. Create a Realistic Schedule
Homeschooling is about more than just sitting down each day for lessons. While you need to carve out some actual learning time each day, you also need to create a realistic schedule that includes other things. You’ll want to ensure there is plenty of time for things like homework, mealtimes, playtime or breaks, and sleep. After all, it’s vital that your children eat healthy meals and get enough sleep each day.
2. Set Aside a Learning Space
Separating homeschooling from everyday life will be difficult if everything is blended. And some areas of your home may be more distracting than others. For example, if your child promises they are doing their lessons on the couch, there might be a temptation to turn on the television or gaming system. Instead, set aside a designated learning space in your home for each day’s homeschooling work.
3. Embrace Your Child’s Interests
Whether your child is a Star Wars fan, loves Legos, can’t get enough of dinosaurs, adores mermaids, or has some other interests, it’s important to embrace these in a variety of ways. Specifically, you can incorporate many of these themes into their learning. This can make learning fun for your kids and less like a chore.
4. Allow Them to Choose Extra Activities
Part of having a school-life balance is getting your children involved in extracurricular activities. But, if you choose what your child does outside of school, this can simply add to their stress. Instead, allow them to prioritize these activities, whether that means joining a sports team, taking music lessons, or getting together with another group of computer enthusiasts a few times per week.
5. Accept Feedback from Your Kids
If your child is feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork or their schedule, make sure they feel comfortable expressing themselves to you. You may be able to make some simple adjustments that will make things easier and set them up for even greater success.
Get Support to Create a School-Life Balance for Your Homeschooler
Homeschooling can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll do for yourself and your child. But, fortunately, you don’t have to do everything on your own. It’s much easier to create a school-life balance when you have the support and resources you need right at your fingertips.
The South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) has been supporting homeschooling parents and their children throughout the state since 1990. We offer curriculum assistance, academic programs, bookstore discounts, online reporting and documentation, and much more. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of SCAIHS membership and help you create the balance you need and deserve.