It’s a new school year and you’re adjusting to a change in your routine, while helping your kids do the same. Like any routine change, it takes time. Thankfully, we have some tips that can help make this process easier and less stressful for both you and your children.
Tip #1: Accept Change
It isn’t easy to accept change, especially when the last one (summer) was welcomed with wide open arms. The quicker you accept the end to summer and the start to the school year, the quicker you can adjust. Instead of focusing on what you can’t control, focus on what you can control. You can’t wish away the school year, but you can choose to make the most of it by setting goals and working towards achieving them. Do your best to focus on the present, rather than allowing your mind to wander into the past or future. Every time you find yourself wandering too far from the present, stop and remind yourself to spend time in the now. It isn’t easy to alter your mindset, but consistently practicing this well help make living in the present, a natural mindset. Living in the present will not only help with adapting to change but will assist you in reaching your goals and enjoying life to the fullest.
Tip #2: Use a Calendar and be Consistent
There are two kinds of people: the kind who write everything down in their calendar, and those who depend on their memory. Which person are you? If you said the latter, you might notice that you struggle with consistency when it comes to getting things done. You might even forget a thing or two on your mental to-do list. It is bound to happen, so it’s important to get in the habit of using an online calendar or agenda book (or both, if you like). Set a consistent time for each activity you want to complete that week or month. It’s easier to get into the habit of lesson planning every week at a specific date and time, than it is if you say, “I’ll get that done this week.” Then, Friday rolls around, and you realize that you have too many items on your to-do list and not enough time. Consistency is key in creating a successful routine.
Do not forget to schedule in self-care! Adjusting to a new routine can cause unwanted stress. You might not finish everything that you had hoped to complete in that day or week. Be understanding and patient with yourself as you navigate change.
Tip #3: Ask for Help
It may sound simple, but a lot of people struggle with asking for help. Being able to express your feelings is a strength, not a weakness. If you’re overwhelmed, talk to someone! You might be surprised to find how relieving it can be to share your feelings with a person who may be going through a similar experience or who has in the past. You can speak to a friend, a colleague, a therapist, or even a stranger. Having someone to listen can be exactly what we need to give us the strength to continue moving forward.
HomeschoolFacts.com has a complete list of support groups to help support you in your homeschooling endeavors and connect with homeschoolers near you. You can search the list of support groups here: https://www.homeschoolfacts.com/homeschool-support-groups.html
Hannah Shevitz