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.