Kristy Cammell Let’s be honest. Some days are for tissues and honey.
Whether it means
extra snuggles
or extra tears
extra cleanup
or extra mess
there’s something about sickness
that brings a whole new version of slow.
And maybe – just maybe –
sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed.
Friend, I want to take a minute to be real with you today. Because that’s part of why Homeschool Haven even exists – it’s about authenticity.
It’s my turn to be sick. I honestly thought our family was finally over this rotten bug, but it turns out I didn’t escape it, after all.
So what do you do, when mum can’t do what needs done, and you’re a homeschooler?
Here’s three tips to help you. And believe me, they’re coming in very handy here right about now…
ONE: Ease the pressure on yourself
Take it down a notch.
Show yourself some grace.
If that means your kids do a little less than they normally do, or spend the whole day learning differently (getting creative, using screens, playing together, you name it) then it’ll probably be a good thing for them in the long run, anyway. Even if the whole week (or longer) looks like that – they’ll survive! Promise!! And you’ll be better for it.
TWO: Get them on board
If everything is feeling like it’s just too much for you to handle, ask your kids for extra help. (If they react negatively to this idea, have a look at these four questions to ask yourself when your child refuses.)
Explain how you’re feeling, describe how much difference it will make for you, then give them each a manageable task or two that will genuinely help you. Be that related to schoolwork or housework – it all helps, truly.
Afterward, tell them how grateful you are that they went the extra mile for you. Think of it as a way to train them to see ways they can offer to help you, or others, in the future. It’s healthy for them to know that you’re human, too – and sometimes, they need to be reminded.
I’ll be honest: I’m feeling behind right now on what I wanted to have sorted for starting our homeschool year. So that meant that this morning I got my kids to help sift through last year’s stuff (finally!) and collate it into their zip folders. And what sweet memories it brought up (amid the piles and piles of strewn stuff hinted at by today’s photo). It made the job so much more pleasant, and do-able.
THREE: Rest, rest and more rest
What does it take for you to ensure that YOU can get some rest?
Figure that out, and make sure you prioritise it. You get to set the tone. Whether it’s napping daily until you’re recovered, giving yourself permission to do something you know will help you relax and recover (like setting up a space in your home just for you) or getting your kids to come to you instead of the other way around. Keep your kids in the loop and you’ll find that you’re showing them how to look after themselves, as well.
And that resting, matters.
On that note… that’s what I’m off to do now.
Today let this be your reminder to show yourself grace for the season you’re in.
Because you matter, too.
And if you’re in a slow week for any reason?
Consider this your permission slip
to let it be what it needs to be
for as l.o.n.g. as it needs to be.
Stay awesome,
Kristy x
P.S. If you’re looking for a tip for resetting your house after a season of challenge or illness, give this a go: One trick for getting back on top of housework.
