Uncle CHiN
Dear Uncle CHiN,
I'm jealous of my friends who send their children to school. They have so much
time for themselves. I never have a moment's peace. HELP!
Signed, Harried Homeschooler
Dear Harried,
Sounds like you are fast on the road to homeschooling burnout. Even parents need
some time off now and then. It may be more challenging, but you can and should arrange
some time during your week that is yours alone. Teach your children that you need
private time, even just 15 minutes a day, and that you are not to be disturbed during
this time unless someone is bleeding. Make a reciprocal babysitting arrangement with
another homeschooling parent, then treat yourself to lunch or your favorite antique
store, sans kids. As your children grow, sign them up for Red Cross "Home Alone"
classes so you will have some peace of mind and can begin leaving them home alone
for short periods of time. Most kids will rise to the occasion if given this responsibility.
Finally, remember: Your friends who send their children to school during the day
have a bombshell dropped on them about 3:00 every afternoon. Their kids come home
from school tired and hungry and are usually shuttled off to one activity after
another. Then there is homework to work through and dinner to be made. For most
families in this routine, it's the worst time of day and the only time they spend
with their children. You, in contrast, get to see your children at their best,
and put them down for a nap when they are tired and grouchy. By comparison, your
home is probably much calmer, and definetely the one your Uncle CHiN would most
like to visit around dinnertime. So, what's for dinner?
See You Soon! Uncle CHiN
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