Any Homeschooling parents have days where you want to throw up your hands and quit?

Question

I homeschool my two children, ages 9 and 6. There are days when I just feel overwhelmed with the responsiblity of trying to make sure they learn everything they need to learn. How do you teach your kids? Suggested websites would be great help.

Answer 1

I homeschool my children - and while they are bit younger than yours, I use the unschooling method. I am in California and we have a group of folks here that homeschool and many of them use the Unschooling method - the method that says children learn in everything they do and their own natural curiosity will lead them to the subjects that they are ready for.

Now I understand that this method doesn't feel right for everyone - and as School District Tests come up, I may need to do something different, but I think that some of this type of learning is crucial to homeschooled kids.

I would also like to suggest to you that there are a ton of web sites that are so great for kids. My 6 year old has taught herself how to read by using computer web sites, like www.starfall.com and we are starting to work on math skills in the same way. I have also seen sites that teach science and nutrition (but I haven't looked for history sites yet). My kids don't even really realize that they are learning, they are just having a good time. Even games where you have to kind of collect things or do a series of tasks to win help kids in their problem solving, reasoning and logic skills.

And there are lots of creative ways to teach kids stuff. I taught the 2 year old her numbers by letting her sit on our pool table and play with the balls - eventually encouraging her to put all 15 in number order - 6 months later she can count to 30 herself (though she still thinks 30 is 20-10!) and can do very simple addition problems (3+3=6 is her favorite).

It can be a daunting task to take on 100% responsibility for our children's education, but there are lots of options for us and lots of help and support. I have put together a great big list of sites that I have found my kids, and I will include the link below. Having a computer for each kid and allowing them to learn at their own pace has been a huge lifesaver for me - and it's great for folks using more traditional means (particularly on days when they are not "on" it's nice to have a back up "teacher" for the kids).

Feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance!

You can do it! Peace!

Answer 2

I homeschooled my now 14 year old from 4 1/2 to 13. this was his first year in public school 8th grade. And my daughter from the beginning to about 8 or 9. I felt like tearing my hair out alot. I feel that in some ways, looking back I failed. But my children are great and there is a season to everything. I will tell you if I had to do it again I would: pick a curriculum and stick with it, enroll my kids in public school the year before they enter junior high/middle school-outhere it would of been 5th grade, have them tested and realize that although there are things about school and society I disagree with that those things are also the "currency" my child will have to use some day unless he is going to be amish or a hermit.

Answer 3

Of course! Take a day off now and then, especially with summer coming up. Try to really get involved in things that interest all of you, rather than just doing the curriculum. And try not to stress out about having to teach them everything. How much does a 6 year old need to learn, anyway? If you are using a curriculm, they usually run on a 3 year plan--

Year 1 -introduce concept
Year 2 - study concept, reinforcing what you learned before
Year 3 - review concept and build on it.

Kids aren't expected to learn and remember everything perfectly the first time they run into it.

If your kids were in school you would have to spend just about as much time helping them with their homework, but wouldn't have any say in what you wanted to study and couldn't decide to take a day off to study something like the beach!

Answer 4

Hi Lee,
I feel that way also at times. However, I start to think about the opportunity that I have to be able to stay at home and teach my preschooler. (I prayed for this and God bless us financially through my husband business) Below are some of the things that I do to help myself stay happy and motivated!
1.Having a detailed schedule (with some flexibility based on the children)
2. Lots of fun
3. Creative strong activities (age appropriate)
4. A support group (the "girls" - other stay at home moms)
5. Exciting children detailed events in your area
6."ME" time for yourself (1 full day a week without your mate and the kids ) work it to your own schedule.
7. Activities for Social Skills (especially for us because he is an only child)
The best reward:
You taught your child better than any teacher, because you taught with real love! The Best To You!!

Answer 5

I suggest find other homeschoolers in your area and taking turns teaching with other parents...as far as websites I know www.drdino.com has some great science/geology programs for children their age which a lot a parents have trouble teaching at home you may also want to check out a place called C.A.T.S. International they have some bible based cirriculums available but I don't know their website off the top of my head

Answer 6

When I married my husband his mom was still home schooling his sister... It is very different from public school... at least that teacher can send them home at the end of the day. His mom found a homeschool group to help out when possible, it got them involved socially and also helped out when a lot of the tough subjects came along later in life (like calculus and physics) If on parent had a degree in it all the kids when to that parents house to be taught... and vice versa... parents were always allowed to sit in on the classes. Also, find out about home school conventions in your area there are a lot of connections there.

Answer 7

I am a teacher and now you are just scraping the tip of the iceburg of the responsibility that teaching really is and how most teachers take it to heart if one of their students are having trouble!
Choose your themes according to where your children's interests seem to lie at the moment and then research the Internet (Google,etc) for all the information you can find about it. Then when planning your various elements like math and english (or other languages), social studies, sciences in relation to their chosen theme. Also you may use teacher-oriented websites out there for lesson plan ideas and such....check out some of the links below and see if any have any value for you...good luck!

Answer 8

my mum taught us 4 children.
imagine how hard that would be.
Yes some days she did feel overwhelemed.
im sure a lot of homeschool mums feel the same way. u just got to keep on going. There is light at the over end of the tunnel. Ur doing a excellent job. God Bless you.

xoxo

Answer 9

It must be hard however you are doing the right thing. I cannot offer professional advice,but I will take my hat off to you girl.
Home schooled children are not exposed to the rubbish kids in the public schools are, so I think you are amazing and your children will become better for all your hard work.

Answer 10

I think ALL parents have days they want to quit.

You should check around your area to see if there are any groups of homeschoolers. I am in SE Kansas and there are several that meet, have activities, and give support to eachother.