Today I got the pleasure of meeting many new families who have decided to homeschool their children. It is always interesting to me how new families think and how they perceive what homeschool means to them. I also spoke with many returning families and I got to hear about the progress that they have made since they started their homeschool lifestyle. What amazes me are those returning parents that teach like a traditional school, hours and all. I think for these parents it just feels comfortable teaching how you think your child would learn if they were in a traditional school. STOP, please. This is a reminder to all homeschoolers new and returning, THIS IS HOMESCHOOL! We are free to be creative with our teaching, we are free to move on and go forward as fast as our child wants to go, we are free to be flexible. We are free to think outside of the box. Homeschool, it's a lifestyle. TM : )
One week into homeschooling my youngest and I'm already getting frustrated! I know frustration is part of the deal when homeschooling, but I can't imagine someone brand new to this lifestyle, trying to figure it out, having a hard time and bumping heads with their kid and wanting to continue to homeschool! So how do I deal with it and what can I say to those that are new to homeschooling? BREATHE!!! Take a deep breath, go outside, look at the clouds and relax! Clearing your head, even if it is just for a few minutes, can help change your whole perspective and calm everything down. Try it. I did this morning and it really does work. TM : )
OMGosh!!! I did it! WE did it! WE completed our first week of homeschool! If I could pat you on the back, I would... So, I'll pat myself right now, you do the same and then it will be like we're... WEIRD! Ha, just kidding, I'm in a great mood, it's Friday and being silly is a great release. Have a wonderful weekend, I'll be back next week. TM : )
Now that school has started for most of us, what we need to remember is to stay focused and be positive. Easier said than done on some days, but for the most part, how you behave is how your children will respond.
Have a great day and keep up the good work of teaching your kids that they can be ANYTHING they want and be awesome at it! TM : ) I DID IT! I made it through the official first day of school. And when you start, you'll do it too! TM : )
How many of you have actually started the school year? A show of hands please? Okay, I can't really see your hands, I know Tara from Texas started, anyone else?
Those of you who frequent AskTracy know that I'm all about encouragement. So even though I haven't gotten in the swing of the school year yet, I'm going to try and prep myself by encouraging you and then remembering why I homeschool as well. Here I go... YOU are the best thing your child could ever have. YOU are the best toy, the best friend, the best parent. And in a time when school systems are failing across this great nation, YOU are their BEST teacher! Don't forget why you're homeschooling. TM : ) Okay, so I really do have more then 8 days to go before my first day of school. Well, the first "official" day of school. But you know, school is everyday. There are no breaks from learning, that's why learning should be fun. So what's with the count down? I think I'm preparing myself mentally to get it together for my kids. I will, and it will be good, ... 7, 6, 5... TM : )
So I wrote a post the other day asking if you were ready. But am I? The answer is........ NO! It must be the way I do things, I'm very lax about how I go about teaching my kids. This drives people who have a schedule CRAZY! I know I should be a little more structured, but this seems to work for us. But times are changing and this year my oldest will be in 7th grade. SOoooo, I plan on being, well, more timely? Maybe more organized? I'm holding my breath while writing this, but I'll keep you posted. In the meanwhile, what works for you? Have any suggestions for me? Have a wonderful day, and thanks for stopping by. TM : )
Hello Homeschool Families! Welcome to another school year of teaching your children that they can be GREAT! And don't forget the reason why they can be great, YOU! TM : )
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