by Stefany Smith

Created on: February 24, 2010

One of the greatest challenges for homeschooling parents is finding the time they need for themselves. We all get burned out, worn down, and beat up. But we keep moving on. How is that possible? Well, to be completely honest, it all depends on the individual. We each have our own strategies and coping skills, but what separates the ones who persevere from the ones who give up is determination.

No matter what your background is, what brand of homeschooling you chose, your lifestyle, or the color of your hair, it is possible to find the time you need for yourself and continue teaching your children. The most important thing to remember is to set your priorities straight; ahead of time. Know what you expect from your kids, your spouse, and yourself. Adjust those expectations as needed, and focus on the task at hand. That way, when situations do arise, you won't be as apt to take all the guilt.

As a homeschooling parent, what should your priorities look like? Is there one direction that is right for everyone? Of course not, some families put education first; others put their faith first, while others put entertainment and fun first. It really doesn't matter which family style yours resembles the most, it just matters that you stick to it. If your family regards your faith as top priority, but school matters are always digging into that time, than you need to adjust the school matters, not the faith matters. Likewise, if your family regards education as top priority but entertainment situations keep stealing the time, you need to adjust the amount of emphasis placed on entertainment.

Once your priorities are in line with your homeschooling goals you will be able to see where there will be moments of time you can steal for yourself. Yes, I did say steal, because as a parent (whether you homeschool or not) any time you get for yourself is stolen from time that could be spent with your kids. So, if it is 30 minutes on Monday morning, and hour Tuesday afternoon, 45 minutes Wednesday evening, another hour Thursday morning, and 15 minutes Friday night, be sure you use those 3 hours wisely. This is the key, not actually finding the time for yourself, but using the time you find wisely.

What will you do with those 3 hours every week? Will you use them to catch up on some much needed rest? Or perhaps to brush up on some of your own educational needs? Maybe you will use them to read for pleasure or watch an old favorite movie. Whatever it is, be sure it is something that is important to you, that will make you feel alive, and that you can justify using the time for.

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