Tip THREE ... Buy some Ice Cream

Welcome back to this weeks Tips for Homeschool Parents. So far in the series we have talked about  Becoming Equipped: Know What You Think and Why and Finding Your Rhythm. Today I would like to encourage you to stock up on ice-cream (or your family favourite treat)!

As much as homeschooling is living the dream sooner or later the honeymoon period will end. You will experience the odd frustrating and difficult day.  We are all human.  Every day is different.  Just when you think you've got it nailed something will happen to make you question your choices and that's when you need to remember tip number one - Know WHY you are doing what you are doing which in turn will empower you with the strength to keep going.

When you hit a day when no matter how hard you try you will not be able to explain an easy concept to a student who is struggling to comprehend what is in front of them and soon tensions will escalate and things can become, well let's just say not so nice.  There will be tears of frustration or angry words and then I recommend you close the books.

Put AWAY all the books and declare ICE CREAM day.  

Believe me your children will be grateful and so will you be.  It's a great way to diffuse the situation, it creates a happy memory, provides space for you all to reconnect and relaxes everyone involved.

Whatever you do, do not go back to the subject that sparked the tensions.  Tackle the next thing on the list or get out the house and go for a walk.  Come back to that subject tomorrow after you and the child have had a good nights rest and you've had some time to think about a new approach to solve their quandary.

If you find that you and the children keep coming to the point of sparking each other it could be because you are all tired. You may need to look at finding a new rhythm for your homeschool.

We follow a five week rotation.  Our rhythm is to home educate for four weeks and then have a one week break.  Nine of these rotations equal a total of 36 weeks of school and only take up 40 weeks of the year.  Leaving us twelve weeks of holidays.    You can read more about this topic in these two posts: Homeschool Daily Schedules and Our Rhythm - Year Round Schooling.  When working out your families rhythm remember to check what your country/state requirements are for homeschooling for the year.

I love what  Sally Clarkson says in her book The Mission of Motherhood: "There are many varieties of personalities and possibilities of home organization, Each of us simply has to find the combination of routines that suits our lifestyle and desires." This is why it's important for you to do what's best for your family even if it's different to your homeschool neighbour.

I'm looking forward to sharing more tips with you later this week.  This post is part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew 5 Days of Tips for Homeschool Parents Blog Hop.  Blog posts from these bloggers will be going live between 8 am EST and Midday.

I invite you to grab a cup of tea and head on over to these bloggers to see their word of encouragement to you today.

• Dawn @ Double O Farms
• Dawn @ Guiding Light Homeschool
• Debbie @ Debbie's Homeschool Corner
• Desiree @ Our Homeschool Notebook
• Diana @ Busy Homeschool Days
• Diana @ Homeschool Review
• Elyse @ Oiralinde: Eternal Song
• Emilee @ Pea of Sweetness
• Erin @ For Him and My Family
• Jen @ Chestnut Grove Academy

Blessings
Chareen

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