5 Things That are True About Homeschooling in February

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We are in our sixth year of homeschooling now, and it has been a grand adventure of getting to know my children better, figuring out what works for our family, and of seeing what I am learning – usually more than my children are!

One thing is the same, though, every single year.

February.

If you are a homeschool parent, I suspect that you can understand! Read on and see if these resonate with you!

February is the Longest Month of the Year

Only twenty-eight days? Surely not. Of all the months in the year, February always seems the longest. The holidays are past. Spring is not yet here. We’ve most likely hit day 100, but the end of the year seems SO far away. 

Solution: Celebrate! Make the most of Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and President’s Day! Finding special days to make the most of, or taking a day trip, makes the month go faster.

We are Tired of the Curriculum

That curriculum that was new and shiny and exciting in September is now scuffed, dog-eared, and not living up to our expectations. We start spending time looking over other choices online and dreaming about next year.

Solution: There are two sides of this. On the one hand, this is not the time to ditch your whole curriculum. You will lose steam, and it may just be a case of the homeschool blues. On the other hand, if something is just not working, don’t stick with something just because. Go ahead and try something different.

We are Tired of Each Other

I love my kids – completely, intensely, and sacrificially. But by February, we all end up with cabin fever. We were together for the holidays, and the January weather kept us cooped up, and if I hear one more sibling squabble, I am going to SCREAM.

Solution: Get the kids outside! Even if it is cold, make time to be outside everyday. If the weather truly doesn’t cooperate, make a trip to the library, an indoor gym, or even a shopping mall where you can all stretch your legs and get a change of scenery.

That Long Yellow Bus Looks Mighty Fine Some Days

I love homeschooling, but it is a job that never ends, because I’m a homeschool mom. Even when we are done homeschooling, I’m still a mom. I don’t get a lot of time to myself, and it’s easy to feel burned out and SO READY to put the kids on the bus and have some much-needed me time.

Solution: Don’t neglect self-care. Whether it is making yourself take a shower, sending the kids outside while you take 20 minutes to read a non-educational book, or arranging for a girls’ night out, do it. Make time, regularly, to nourish your own spirit.

We Doubt Ourselves

Homeschool parents don’t think they are better than parents who choose other educational paths for their children. On the contrary, we are often (and especially in February) filled with doubts about whether or not we made the right choice to homeschool in the first place, if we chose the best curriculum, if we are, in fact, the best teacher for our children, and what on earth are we going to do in the high school years. 

Solution: Find your tribe of other homeschool parents and take some time to encourage each other. You are not the only one who feels this way, I promise! Find an encouraging homeschool blog, book, or buddy and remind yourself of how this choice is a blessing to you and your children.

The good news in all of this? February is actually the shortest month of the year, and before you know it, March will be here with new possibilities and the end of the year in sight!

Are you a homeschool mom? Can you relate?

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Kristi Bothur
Kristi is a pastor’s wife, mother, writer, and former public school teacher for English for Speakers of Other Languages. She grew up all over the United States as an Air Force brat, but moved to Columbia in the 1990s to attend Columbia International University, and has called the Midlands “home” ever since. Her days are kept full with the antics and activities of her children - homeschooling, church activities, American Heritage Girls, and Trail Life - as well as writing and leading her Columbia-based pregnancy loss ministry, Naomi’s Circle. Kristi is a contributing editor for “Rainbows and Redemption: Encouragement for the Journey of Pregnancy After Loss” (www.rainbowsandredemption.weebly.com) and a co-author of “Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother“ (sunshineafterstorm.us). She shares her thoughts about faith, family, and femininity on her blog, This Side of Heaven (www.thissideofheavenblog.com).

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