Dedicating your time to raising your babies and teaching them all there is to learn in your homeschool adventure is a big job. There are long days where, as a parent, you’re learning with your children and nurturing the way that they want to learn and the topics that they want to enjoy. As a homeschool mom, you’re going to find it harder to get time away and spend some time just getting in touch with yourself. The kids need you to take them to activities, join in with the learning and be there to comfort them in times of uncertainty.
While all of that is wonderful and you willingly and happily give your everything to the task at hand, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need time for yourself on occasion. You need time to remember that you’re you as well as mom, teacher, referee, taxi driver and sounding board. You also need to be able to prevent that homeschool burnout that comes with putting your all into your family and not having a break.
Homeschool Mom Self Care Tips
Sometimes, you need to carve out some time to focus on yourself for a change. It doesn’t mean that you don’t love what you do with your kids, but it does mean that it’s time to think about the options for your time that you take for you.
- Exchange Play Dates. Homeschool communities are often thriving and if you are living in an area where there is more than just your family homeschooling the kids, then how about doing an exchange play date? One day, your kids go to your friend’s house while you get the chance to go and relax for a couple of hours and the next, they all come to you so your friend gets her time to herself. Just don’t fill the time with chores!
- Learn something. While it’s nice learning with the children, it might be nice to one day think about learning something for yourself, for your own personal development. You don’t have to travel across the state to school, either, not when you can pick an online masters degree in school guidance and counseling to do from the comfort of home. This can open up new doors and new salary prospects for you for the day your own children move out.
- Quiet Time. Scheduling in daily quiet time for the children to spend time with themselves gives you the chance to do the same. Grab a cup of tea and a book and settle down for an hour. If your children can benefit from an hour of reflective quiet time with a nap or book, so can you.
Choosing what to do for yourself for a change can feel so nice, because you put your children and your family before anyone else. You matter, Mom, so it’s time that you realize that and make time to recharge your own batteries. Regardless of how you choose to factor in time for yourself, you need to plan it so it actually happens.