Tuesday 19 November 2013

Homeschool Burnout

Homeschool burnout is one of those things we all experience somewhere along the line as home educators.  Those feeling of being overwhelmed and just not wanting to carry on yet in our hearts we know that is not true but our fickle feelings seem to tell us on occasion we are done for.  There are many signs and sypmtoms of being burned out and there are many posts out there telling us to just get over it and keep going.  The truth is we all need a helping hand and some encouragement.  My favourite self help for the times I'm over whelmed is practicing Mother Culture and if you want to know more practical ideas of implementing this in your home take a read of: How Important is Alone Time and Home Schooling ? .  Here are some further thoughts on homeschool burnout.

Symptoms
  • Feelings of being inadequit (above the norm)
  • Exhaustion 
  • Depression type emotions
  • Wanting to run away and put the kids back in school
  • Do you suffer from CHAOS {Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrom} due to the state of your home.
  • Short fused ?  Constantly frustrated/angry with the children ?
  • Feelings of being overwhelmed
  • A lack of hope or enthusiasm.
  • Feelings of anger and resentment towards members of the family
Help
  • Sleep are you getting enough ? Did you know "Sleeping only 4-5 hours a night induces mental impairment equivalent to a blood alcohol level above the legal driving limit." - Dr. Caroline Leaf 
  • Exercise such as a stroll will greatly improve your mental state and allow the household to enjoy the great out doors.
  • Do you practice Mother Culture on a regular basis ? Regular means just that regular or daily. 
  • Think seasonally. One interest per season, coupled with thirty minutes of reading a day, may be all that is needed to keep up the Mother Culture and regain any lost enthusiasm for living - Karen Andreola
  • Get some home help. Hire a teen to babysit for an hour if you have small children.  If you need the ironing taken care of hire a teen to spend a couple of hours a week assisting you.
  • Find a good support group of like minded homeschool mothers.  Take the time to go out and participate in fellowship with these woman.  The group I'm with meets fortnightly and has a cup of tea while the children play together.
  • Read a few good books to support you as a homeschool mom.
  • STOP partaking in the comparison game.  That is one merry go round you do not need to ride.  As home educating families we are individual and thus each and every familiy has different needs and ways of doing things.  If you are trying to do things the same as someone else you will burnout.
  • Take 15 min a day to organise.
  • Take a good look at your expectations ?  Are they realistic or idealistic ?
  • Put perfectionism on the shelf

On the www
Charlotte Mason advised the teacher to replenish her soul with a continual supply of ideas. ...stimulates your educational thought in many directions and keeps you from drifting into mere routine... Do not think this is a selfish thing to do, because the advantage does not end with yourself."


Blessings

Chareen

This post is part of the Homeschool Help series brought to you by a group of homeschool Mom's from around the globe.  Do not forget to visit and read their inspirational insight.



This week
 ---ooOoo---

3 comments:

  1. I suffered hs burnout big time after 10 years, took a few years to recover, and even then my hs looks different. I've become convinced teachers have long service after 10 yrs so should we.

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  2. Your posts that I am following today make me think I need to read up more on Charlotte Mason. I have admired her but never dug into any of her writings. Thanks for sharing. These are things I need this weekend as I prep for next week. - Lori

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  3. Oh, my, I know these feelings well! There have been seasons of burnout in my years of homeschooling and I appreciate the words you share in this post. A great encouragement!

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