It’s normal to have some anxiety as a first time homeschooling mom. But it can really be a problem if you don’t learn a coping mechanism.
The scariest part of becoming a homeschool mom is “do I have what it takes to teach my kids?” anxiety and doubt hits in and you freeze. Can’t think clearly anymore! I know the feeling because that is how I felt when I first started homeschooling.
Let me tell you something somebody told me at the beginning.
You don’t know what you are doing but it’s okay, we learn, we adapt and we get stronger.
In this blog post I am going to share with you 5 tips to avoid overwhelm and get as comfortable as you can be. And at the same time kick anxiety to the curb.
#1 The anxiety of homeschooling for the first time
#1 Fear of Homeschool Failure
This is a big one when you first start homeschooling, and to be honest a fair one since nobody wants to fail. But just think about it this way you know the reasons why you don’t want your child in public schools. Hold down to this reason “your why” to know that you will do a better job than them.
#2 Time of the Month, Hormonal Stress
Just remember that many of us get very hormonal and sensitive. In my case everything irritates me so during these days I know and plan ahead to take it easy and do activities with the kids such as playing outside or as i like to call it exploring the backyard.
The point is to get them to do an activity where they are learning as well as giving me sometime off.
Trust me it’s okay also to just let them color/read a book if they can. There is no judgement when you are homeschooling your kids.
#2 Plan ahead to reduce anxiety
Planning ahead is your guide when it comes to homeschooling. Just remember that planning ahead does not mean set on stone. It means that you are going to plan your homeschool day, knowing that it could change at any minute. But we try to stick to it.
For example you want to plan your meals because let’s face it you and your kids need to eat. If your kids are old enough let them do that for themselves. My oldest daughter is 8 y.o and I have a weekly lunch menu for her in the kitchen pantry, something simple that she can do herself. If you want me to share my kids lunch menu just let me know.
Plan your daily activities that way you are left with what are we doing today?
I got this big monthly calendar on amazon where I write everything we are doing. That sets up expectations for them as well as keeps ons on track.
#3 Have a flexible schedule
As a first time homeschooler you want to be perfect I get that, especially since I am a perfectionist. But things don’t always go as planned.
This is why you have to be flexible and willing to change on the spot.
#4 Take time off for yourself and do some self-care activities
Anxiety sets in when we are tired and need a break. Or when we hit a roadblock. This is when I say take a well-deserved break! Even if that breaks means waking up an hour earlier to just drink your coffee and read a verse in the bible.
Its very important that every day you take an hour for yourself. And this is very hard at first because you want to do it all, but this must be done in order for you to be less anxious and also have a better homeschool experience.
Look I’m homeschooling at 8 year old and have a set of twins that are 2 and a half, I also work full time so, sanity in my house it’s not an option but I do need my one house a day to decompress. Since I am so tired at the end of the day I wake up at 5 am Monday thru Friday and this when I do me time.
#5 Have a back -up plan for when things don’t go as plan
When things don’t go as planned always have a backup plan that you can do on the Fly. It’s okay to not follow the rules once in a blue moon give yourself some Grace.
For example if we don’t have time to do some math today it’s okay we can make it up tomorrow and will do what we want to do today.
That is the magic of homeschooling you can do as you wish with your child from time to time. Instead of what you have to do, always give yourself time to do the things that you want to do with your kids.
What if you’re sick today or your child is sick? Then we’ll do something else that is more appropriate or we will take a sick day. Yes, there is such a thing.
#6 We tend to go More anxious when things don’t go as plan
Remember anxiety comes when we worry too much about something that is when we hit a wall. After having my twins I started having anxiety attacks. That was until I had a talk with myself and acknowledged that I was always taking care of these beautiful gifts from God but not taking the time to take care of me.
When I had planned something and it didn’t go as planned og Lord, I used to lock myself in the bathroom and cry then I felt this heavy weight on my chest and I couldnt breath.
I was a mom with a new set of twins. Guess what things never went as planned I had to learn to accept that. Same Thing goes with homeschooling, give yourself time to learn how to do it and to feel comfortable doing it.
#7 Don’t compare your journey with other homeschool moms
You and your children are unique. Please don’t compare your journey to others. This is a massive fail!
I used to compare myself to every homeschool mom I met at the meetup groups or every time i watched a video I wanted to do what the person was doing.
This will increase your anxiety tremendously. Just know that you are different, you house circumstances are different and this is the main reason you don’t want to compare to others.
#8 Ask for help
Easier said than done. Asking for help has been one of my biggest struggles in this journey but let’s face it WE ALL NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET! So it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
Don’t be afraid!
Don’t be embarrassed!
Just ask!
You have taken the responsibility of teaching your child. Oh The Lord knows how overwhelming this can be. ask for help. I have a little saying which I have grown into it “I don’t have to do it all”, and it’s okay”
This has helped to understand that my house does not have to be 100% clean all the time. I have come to accept that 70% clean it’s good.
So when I didn’t have time to make something for dinner I either make a stop at Walmart for their rotisserie chicken and make quesadillas or make a pasta dish.
The point here is to try to keep my anxiety as low as possible when it comes to being a mom, teacher, wife, nurse and every other roll I have to fulfill.
I want you to know that you are not alone and if you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me via email and I will be more than happy to help.
