Patience and Homeschooling

I was raised NOT to ask the Universe (God) for patience, because surely doing so would lead to a barrage of things to TEST patience.

As an adult that has lived through some interesting 0-star experiences, I value patience. We don't avoid praying for love, joy, kindness, or other fruits of the spirit - only patience.

In fact - citing a lack of patience is often a reason mothers tell me they cannot homeschool. 

Spoiler alert - God didn't gift me with more patience than other mothers. Ask my children or any of the hundreds of students who had the pleasure of having me as their teacher. 

Successful Homeschooling only requires 2 things: 

Knowing yourself and knowing your children. 

As a homeschool mindset mentor, I work with women who are getting to know themselves first. 

More times than not, the underlying factor impacting our ability to demonstrate the patience we actually do possess, is perfectionism. 

I'm kind and loving to others, yet terribly hard on myself when I make a mistake. I want the very best for my children so I don't want them to make "mistakes".

These situations lead us to chalk it up to "not having patience."

I’m learning to give myself grace and to be more patient about how long things take. It may be the time to learn something new, or the time it takes to complete the laundry any given week.

Over the years I have noticed a direct correlation between my quest for perfection and my inability to be patient with myself.

When I let go of the need to be perfect, I can be more patient with myself and my family as we grow.

Here is your homeschool mindset minute for today:

I AM PATIENT. I TAKE IT ALL STEP BY STEP.

Some things to journal on to shift your mindset even further:

Take 10 – 20 minutes on these prompts. Read through and respond to what strikes you, or simply take the journal topic and go in your own direction – this is about what you need.

What is one thing challenging your quest for patience right now?
What does wanting more patience look like? What does patience look like for you?
Make two lists:

1. Regularly occurring situations in which you would like more patience, and

2. Situations in it's time to make a change instead of simply being patient.

Are you ever impatient because you are trying to control too many people, events or situations in your life? What can you let go of in order to be more patient?

My Biggest Homeschool Struggle

 

I was recently asked what my biggest struggle was as a homeschooler.

Before I can answer - you need a little backstory...

My homeschool days officially began in 2006. In so many ways, the world was different back then. Local park days were about the only form of support my small town offered.

My 3 bugs on a field trip in 2007. They were 6, 5, and 4. PACE is an acronym for the group of 5 families we formed a little co-op with.

Facebook was in its infancy and not at all where homeschoolers went to find support.

Pinterest began in 2010

I was alone, and lonely questioning my every move - wondering if homeschooling was the right choice.

I knew other homeschoolers, but I didn’t have PROOF homeschooling worked. (We all had kids in elementary school.)

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So my biggest struggle was BELIEVING in a future I could not see.

Do you ever want to see the future?

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Things are exponentially different now. I devoted my entire business to helping homeschool families step into that unseen future confidently, knowing they did indeed give their children an amazing education.

AND I’M NO LONGER ALONE!

I’m surrounded by like-minded veteran homeschoolers who will help you homeschool like the BOSS you are!

When is the last time you offered words of encouragement to another homeschool family?

There is no wrong way to homeschool. Give others the grace, and the space to be themselves.

Offer support and guidance, and always celebrate their wins.

Some things to journal on to shift your mindset even further:

What things to I do to encourage other homeschoolers?

In what ways do I practice the mindset there is no wrong way to homeschool?

Do I believe there is no wrong way to homeschool? What is one thing I can do today to encourage another homeschool family?

Ever experience the green eyed homeschool monster?

The idiom "green-eyed monster" is used to refer to feelings of jealousy or envy. It originates from Shakespeare's Othello, in which the character Iago uses the phrase to describe the jealousy that Othello feels towards his wife, Desdemona.

Homeschooling can be a wonderful experience, with so many opportunities to grow and learn, but sometimes it can also be intimidating to feel like you’re not doing as well as other homeschool families. It’s completely normal to feel jealous of others’ successes, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s homeschooling journey is different and each family has their own unique strengths and challenges.

One way to help manage feelings of jealousy is to focus on your own successes. Take a few moments to reflect on what your family has accomplished and be proud of the hard work you’ve all put in. Celebrate every success, no matter how small, and remember that your family’s journey is just as valuable as anyone else’s.

It can also be helpful to get involved in the homeschooling community. Reach out to other homeschool families and join discussion groups or online forums. Connecting with other homeschoolers can be incredibly inspiring and can provide valuable insight into different approaches and strategies.

A mindset shift I like to use is this: 

When I see others homeschooling with ease I am reminded if they can do it, I can do it too! Their success empowers me to grow!

Some things to journal on to shift your mindset even further:

What am I willing to think for this to be TRUE?
How DO I feel when I see others doing things differently than I am?
What is one step I can take today to celebrate the success of another homeschooler?

Finally, try to keep a sense of perspective and remember that everyone’s homeschool experience is unique. It’s perfectly natural to feel a little jealous, but try to focus on the positives and be grateful for all the wonderful opportunities homeschooling offers to your family.