How to manage homeschooling and activities?

Question

I'm curious how other families do this to avoid burnout. I want to say yes to everything because it always looks like fun or a great educational experience. Then somehow it seems like every weekday we are going somewhere. I'm curious how other homeschooling moms work out the socializing aspect of homeschooling.

Answer 1

We have limits/boundaries and choose activities that meet our goals.  We don't do everything - we can't.

We choose one sport per season - for my DS it's indoor track in winter, outdoor track in summer, and cross country in fall.  He does one "club" - Cub Scouts (soon to be Boy Scouts).  We chose it over 4H - although there are tons of HS 4H groups.  We choose one co-op that suits us best.  We have one "bible club" activity.  *IF* we have time - we'll do the weekly HS ice skating and bi-weekly HS bowling - but not always.

You can quickly bury yourself in too many actvities by saying "yes" or by thinking you have to do *everything*.  Find the groups where you fit best, or that mesh with your goals.  Learn to say no.

In other words, just because there's a class for HS'ers at the children's museum about dinosaurs, do you really need it?  Is it something you could teach on your with a more leasurely visit there?  Does your child have to do scouts, 4H, Camp Fire, etc?  4H works well for many HS'ers since it's for both genders and multiple ages - it cuts down on taking one child to one day/time, another sometime else, etc.

Also, allow time for "free play" or "free thinking" with other HS'ers outside of "event" time.  My son loves this the best - whether it's 1:1 with one child, or as a group at our home, or someone elses.

If you burnout your kids and yourself by running yourself ragged, that is *worse* than not doing anything, IMO.  Choose what fits your kids and the entire family dynamic.

For an example of boundaries - we don't choose activities that collide with family time - the time when DH is home from work - evenings and weekends.  We only do the things that can fit into his working hours.  We'll have a Saturday here or there, but not every weekend.

For music and sports - find one thing your child likes and do only that.  Try to get all the kids to go to something at one time - like a HS band or choir - or a group PE/sport activity.

Answer 2

I say yes to everything as long as it is in the budget.  If they want to do it they won't burn out.  I limit the things I schedule that they don't request but try to keep them involved in anything that interests them.

Answer 3

You're new to homeschooling? :) Just asking because it seems to be those in their first year or two of homeschooling who seem to try to do everything.

It's a matter of deciding what your personal limits are. For me, we typically have park day and then library day during the week, and my kids each have one extra-curricular activity that may take place in the evenings or on the weekend. Other than that, now and then we may add an additional activity during the school week, but if there's been lots of stuff going on, then we'll cut out the park day. I get burnt out if I do more than that. I know other families who do more and don't hit burnout. It's really a matter of personal comfort.

Answer 4

I'm going to have to remember this the next time some one asks for **possible** negatives of homeschooling.

So many great things to do and from which to pick and choose.

The world is our oyster!

To answer your question: We put our semester / year academic objectives first... If an activity fits in with that or we have a bit of extra time - great - we go and do.  Otherwise, we don't.  There are a few exceptions to this self-imposed guideline - a fall and spring dance for example & holiday (Christmas / New Years) parties with other homeschoolers.  We make time for those regardless.

Answer 5

Our first 3 years of homeschooling were full of sports, field trips, and other outings. My kids were young and hyperactive, so it worked for us till Dad left and money got tight.

I've been homeschooling for 11 years now, and I can say that as your children get older, they will develop specific interests that allow you to eliminate some activities. Young ones may want to do it all, and depending on the # of kids you have, it may be possible (I have just 2) or impossible (if you have 4 or more school-age children or a baby). Don't feel bad about limiting activities if they lead to a hectic pace that makes you crazy. Do what you feel comfortable doing. You as the teacher need to feel in control of your schedule!

You must plan what days you WILL NOT leave the house. Stay-home days will help you stay sane! My stay-home days are Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

I don't focus on socializing - that just seems to take care of itself. There may be neighborhood kids to play with, church functions, scouting or other clubs, or just going to the playground and finding playmates there. Homeschoolers with brothers and/or sisters have built-in friends to spend their days with.

I hope this helps. It seems like a lot of homeschoolers start suffering burnout in the spring time. A summer break is all it takes to regain some enthusiasm!

Answer 6

We also limit sports and activities to 1 per child per season.  I also try to set limits as to how many days we have outside obligations, meaning sometimes I have to turn down play dates or park days.

I am very selective about which field trips we attend on our own vs. with our homeschool group.  I've found that it's sometimes easier to go alone so we determine when/where we go.

I have trouble choosing sometimes, but I try to remember that whatever we don't do this year we can try next year.  There is so much out there that it's hard to find balance.  I always laugh when people ask me about socialization!