Homeschool Hell

Homeschool is happening. And let’s all be honest.

It. Is. Hell. On. Earth.

No matter which side of this you are on, it’s hard. 

As a parent with credentials in education, I can tell you this sucks. 

It’s hard on teachers to rework how they approach instruction, it’s hard on kids because they are now wrestling with technology on top of content, and it is very hard on parents who are trying to work, trying to find work, or just basically trying to get through the day while being asked about how to solve equations.

So, what do we do now?

Well, all we can do is lean in.

First and foremost, you have to take care of the adults in the house. If the adults are not functioning, then you cannot expect the kids to. Here are some ways to keep mental health strong:

Establish a realistic schedule.

Even though you may not have anywhere to go, do not be tempted to play things by ear. This is a slippery slope and next thing you know you are in your pajamas from 3 days ago, eating ice cream for breakfast, and binging on Netflix. Just say no. Instead:

• Get up at approximately the same time each day.
• Put on clothes.
• Go to bed at the same time each day.
• Eat meals on a schedule. 

And have the people you live with do this, too. You won’t regret it.

Drink water and eat real food.

Your brain and organs function best with water. Drink it. At least 8 glasses a day. If you want alcohol then fine, just make sure you have your water first. Also, real food matters. This is how you will increase your immune system which is pretty dang important right now. If you hate to cook and get overwhelmed on the internet, just email me (link to email). Seriously. I have several recipes that are easy and perfect for people who hate the kitchen. 

Think of food and water as an investment. Your health is very important so you can not only stay out of the doctor’s office, but also because it helps increase mental functions. Perfect for those of you trying to solve equations and map a Lewis & Clark expedition.

Exercise

This is really not my favorite thing but I know it is important. Walking counts as exercise. Harvard research shows just 15 minutes of walking a day can generate enough hormones to reduce depression.

So just get moving in some way. This is not about your body shape because who is really going to see you, right? This is about establishing healthy habits that sustain mental health. Need ideas? There are many free resources online that don’t require equipment, and our local Y is broadcasting videos, too. 

Set realistic expectations.

The only person you can control is you. Be patient with yourself and you will have more patience for the people in your house. It’s a fact.

Meditation helps. Time alone helps. Talking to others helps. Social media (let’s be honest) does NOT help.

Figure out which one helps you get back on track but ultimately, the only person you control is YOU. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, but get a little better each day with the circumstances.

As Brené Brown says, “embrace the suck.” Homeschooling is not easy and for many of us, it is not something we would choose to do. But here we are. Taking care of yourself is the only way to take care of others. Be well friends!