Kristy Cammell I was originally going to end this series before now. Because some days, more words can mean more overwhelm. I get it. But… I can hear you asking: how?
HOW do I implement all of this?
What should defining my goals look like?
By the way, if your head is already spinning, I recommend pinning this to read later and skipping to the end, where I summarise the whole series. You can come back to the rest, later – it’s ok, I promise!
Well, this is where your homeschool headspace comes into play.
And where the concept of “one hard thing” is like gold! So, rather than trying to do it all and feeling like you’re failing miserably, try this:
Decide on a main goal for each child, per term (ish!), that is specific to what they need. Their “one hard thing.”
Let me offer you some practical examples, by way of three different scenarios.
Scenario One
For instance, let’s say your child is ready to learn to read. You’ve noticed they are super keen but get frustrated to the point of hysterical when they make a mistake. Your term (or even year, if it needs to be) goal for them might be: to help them to grow in patience with themselves so that the process of reading doesn’t feel like failing to them.
Then, patience can be talked about and practiced in many ways – beyond only reading – and ultimately will help this learning to be consolidated. You’ll model it, too, and talk about it.
By acknowledging the character goals as you go, you’ll be able more gracious with your child, and yourself, about the learning that is happening.
And… they’ll get there! Maybe not in your time, but in theirs. And they will have learnt a lot of valuable skills around managing emotions and resilience along the way. Even if they still need practice. We’re all a work in progress – remember!
Or…
Scenario Two
You might have a child who struggles with math, and has done the whole way through. Consider what makes it tricky for them, and focus in on that to help them overcome, even when it feels hard.
Acknowledge the persistence it takes, every time they pick it up again and their head starts spinning. (We get that too, even as adults – right?!)
Eventually, they’ll make the progress that they need to, and they will also have learned how to stick with something, even when it’s hard. And how to learn something they’re not particularly fond of. Commitment, dedication, loyalty and diligence are some of the character traits that come to mind.
Or…
Scenario Three
Perhaps your child is older, and excelling in what they’re doing and loving academics. Your goals may be for them to learn how to set their own goals. Goals that encourage a little stretching, but also allow for balance. Or encouraging them to try something that they do find challenging, and outside of their comfort zone.
Their learning is not all about the knowledge that is filling their head. It’s about training them to be tuned in to other aspects of life, too. And allowing those goals to count, no matter their age.
Three different scenarios, three different children, three different situations… and each one a different measure of what “enough” can look like. Do you see it?
I want you to know that ALL of what you’re doing, has value.
Even the days that might feel more like battle after battle.
On the tough days, give yourself a gentle reminder that you’re also building character.
And that is something that you – and ultimately they – will never regret.
These are the goals that help us to see beyond the work we set, to the children in our care.
And their education? It will be WHOLE. Because you’re teaching the whole child. Not only their brain. And THAT is one of the most precious gifts that you can give your children.
If you take nothing else away from this whole series, tuck these nuggets into your heart to encourage you on your next rainy day:
Notice that you’re in a season and it won’t last forever.
Remember that it’s a juggling act and it’s ok to rotate which ball gets to stay on the ground.
Consider your homeschooling in terms of quality over quantity.
Define your goals: it’s about character, and it’s about learning how to learn.
And… don’t forget:
YOU are enough.
I’d love to help you remember this. So if you haven’t already, I invite you to click on the image below to download my free printable. Put this up on your wall for next time you find yourself asking that age-old homeschool question, “am I doing enough?” and be encouraged.
Stay awesome!
Kristy x
Now what?
Take some time to consider how you will look after YOU as you go about it all. Check out more tips, tools and thoughts to support you in your homeschooling. And if you haven’t checked out my starting homeschooling section or the downloadable guide yet, go have a browse – you just never know what gems you might pick up, no matter where you are in your journey right now!
Looking for more?
Do you need the listening ear of someone who is a homeschooler at heart who also comes with an educational background? Someone who understands the comparison culture yet has a solid grasp of the bigger picture when it comes to the different ages and stages of your child? I’d love to support you as you wrap your head around how to measure what “enough” looks like for you. Head to my Contact section to ask about my fee structure and book your video consultation.
