Staying Engaged During Homeschool

Keeping our little ones engaged is one thing, but staying engaged while feeling burnt out is another obstacle that may come up when homeschooling your little one rather than searching out “pre k schools near me”. Sometimes burnout feels inevitable, but there are ways to take care of ourselves that can help us recover, reassess, and re-engage.

Know Your Limits

• Take breaks and know your limits. The days you (or your little one) are feeling less engaged are the days to embrace the flexibility of a homeschooling schedule. Sometimes a change in plans can add some spontaneity to the day and effectively reset your engagement. Take a break if you find yourself losing steam – a snack or meal, a walk outside, or simply a quiet break could be beneficial for both you and your little one. Start your school day a little later and/or end a little earlier on days when it feels like enough. It’s a benefit of forgoing pre k schools near me and doing homeschooling your way!

Keep a Journal

• Keep track of your homeschooling journey; what is/is not working for you and your little one in the classroom, noting goals, even just free writing to let out the feelings that come up can be very therapeutic. Keeping a journal can also help you see what leads to burnout for both you and your little one.

Change Up Material

• If the curriculum (possibly from a pre k school near me) that you are using on a certain day or week isn’t working out, find a new way to cover the material. With the internet at our fingertips, we have the ability to find videos, activities, and even advice from nearby pre k schools near me for endless subjects! For days you need a break, an educational video is always a great way to cover material. Additionally, you can print out coloring sheets or do an art project together in the same theme as what they are learning. These activities take the stress off, so you can focus on creating and bonding with your little one.

Self-Care is Key

• Having some type of self-care ritual that you can start your day with or look forward to after school is essential. It can be exercise, meditation, journaling, however you like to set yourself up for the day, or however you prefer to end the day. If you want a bit more of a weekly break, start or resume a weekly activity that you do by yourself (yoga, gym time, or time alone on your phone, whatever self-care looks like for you). 

Find Your Homeschool Community

• You are not alone in your homeschool journey! There are plenty of families and parents who will experience challenges. Being able to reach out to a community of support who understand those challenges is essential to keeping yourself motivated. Creating a learning pod can also foster a community of support, for you and your little one. The work can be split up and you teach your little ones the importance of community, support, and asking for help!