Confessions of a Supermom: The Doldrums

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

15 Sep 2006 06:08 AM

We've been talking about burn out. We're trying to change our perspective from seeing burn out as something that just happens to seeing burn out as a choice that we make. You can choose to focus on things that will likely lead you down the road to burn out. Or you can choose to handle what comes you're way, and then move forward, leaving what burns you out far behind.

Today, we're going to explore the Doldrums--which in my opinion is the precursor to burning out. You see, we hit a patch of "doldrums" and then home schooling becomes a struggle. As we get more and more frustrated with the struggle, and being in the doldrums, we begin to see no way out, eventually leading us to becoming burnt out.

Meeting Needs

At the end of last year, I spoke with a mom who said, "I have to make them finish every last page in the book." In further discussion, I discovered that she felt like the book wasn't working with her child, and that they all felt like home schooling had become this big chore that they had to "get through" before they could get to anything fun.

UGH--I'd burn out like that too. First of all, it is okay to let your children know that you don't have all the answers. We have tried many a thing for me to say, "Do you like this Lizzy?" "No? Me either--let's look for something that will better suit your needs." It does not undermine your authority as a parent to say that something doesn't have to be done if this is the case. Don't misunderstand me, you can't go willy nilly all over the place ditching curriculum and/or plans here and there every time your child doesn't want to do them. But that's not really what we're talking about here. Meeting your child's needs will help you avoid the doldrums.

Diversify

Diversity is the buzz word of our age isn't it? It is good to have diversity in the classroom. Employers are encouraged to have a diverse staff. Even a "mark" of a good church now is how diverse its congregation is. If you have a business portfolio, you're supposed to diversify that too.

So why do we feel like we have to be a slave to our curriculum? So many home schooling parents I talk to say things like, "I can't do too many field trips or I'll never finish my curriculum!" I'm not saying ditch the curriculum (although I recognize that for many people that's an option too!)

What I am saying is that while I think it's important to communicate to your kids that school is not "optional", you don't have to do the same thing every day. If you find that your kids are bored try some of these ideas:

Chess or board games (encouraging creative and critical thinking)

Arts & Crafts

Community Service Projects

Baking or making a special dinner

Take some time off!

You do not have to stay stuck in the doldrums. Staying stuck in the doldrums will likely lead to burn out. If you're stuck there already--find what isn't working in your routine and change it. Do something different tomorrow. Offer an incentive of a fun field trip for work completed. Whatever you choose to do, remember that you can avoid feeling burnt out! Good luck and let me know how you beat the doldrums.

Related Articles:

The In-Laws and Your Homeschool

Confessions of a Supermom: The Big Picture

Confessions of a Supermom: I Never Burn Out

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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