a real success. Husband took over that morning's science lesson, and the boys then spent the rest of the day reading, working on their Bible lesson, any individual projects, playing soccer outside, and the general doing of boy things. They were helpful and respectful to my need of getting many things done in a short period of time.
It was a much needed break.
Interestingly, I still seem to have to give myself permission to take these kinds of breaks. Even though I plan and do start school in the summer to allow for a Fall break, I then get so enmeshed in the routine that I forget the routine has planned flexibility. If I will flexibly allow it.
Husband is not only the principal of our homeschool but also the sweet clarion reminder when I get a little crazy with it all. That's what was happening on Monday morning. He noticed it and intervened with just the right counsel and encouragement.
Today was back to the routine with everyone breathing a bit easier. I adjusted the lesson plans by one day plus we have a special field trip planned for Friday. Taking a break yesterday didn't break the schedule, it kept me from breaking apart.
Thinking through these things caused me to wonder, what sorts of breaks other homeschooling moms build into their routines to avoid burnout. So, do you build in breaks or wait until the straw is on the camel? Does your husband step in when he sees the crazy lady begin to sing?
Offer a mom some tips. I'm ready.
I also have a wonderful husband who steps in and saves me (and our children) from myself.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my built-in sanity saver is called Off Week. We "do school" the first three weeks of each month, and then the last week is Off Week (the home ed mentor from whom I borrowed the idea called it Grace Week). No formal school is done this week, but learning and education happen. We adjust the schedule for holidays.
During Off Week, the four oldest children's goals should be to begin (and hopefully finish) one book, work on one project (sewing, crafting, writing, etc.), and plan and prepare one dinner menu (the 6yo boy assists his sisters). I'm able to get some house projects accomplished as well as school planning.
This gives everyone a break so no one burns out, and interestingly enough, the kids (grades 10, 9, 5, & 1 with a toddler thrown in to make things really interesting) are all ready to get back to their school books before Off Week is over.
Everyone's family/school/scheduling dynamics are different, so your mileage may vary.
This is an encouragement to me to do this myself. I am homeschooling my son again after having him in private school for 4 years. We are loving it, but it is definitely an adjustment. I am an introvert, so the constant interaction and questions can wear me down. I have found that small breaks throughout the day help me. We plan these into the day. He reads, works on the computer, etc., while I have a few minutes of "alone time." My husband also covers Fridays. We schedule light for that day, and he works on hands on science stuff and projects with dad. He loves this time.
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