Homeschooling in Times of Stress
Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 5:00AM
Homeschooling in and of itself can sometimes be very stressful.
What happens, then, during those inevitable times in our lives, when major events (STRESSFUL events) strike?
(I'm not speaking of the little, everyday stresses and annoyances we face - I'm talking about death, illness - life changing events that sometimes render us helpless.)
I've been very blessed since we have been homeschooling in that my children and family have been healthy and safe. The stresses in my life are minor:
- illness of/caring for an aging parent
- job stress from downsizing and budget restraints
- PUBERTY (need I say more?)
- chronic pain
I know there are people who have faced and are facing much, much worse.
We know a homeschool family where the dad has Stage 4 Melanoma. Another where the mom was just diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer.
We've witnessed several homeschool families that suddenly find themselves without an income.
I've watched a family homeschool through the death of a child.
I have wondered:
How would you pick yourself up and move on to continue homeschooling?
How in the world do people do that?
I got a glimpse into the world of homeschooling in times of stress last January.
I was blessed to able to spend three days at the BEECH Retreat in South Florida - a blogging conference that changed me in so many ways.
At this conference I spent time with Kendra Fletcher, of Preschoolers & Peace, and also Jen Dunlap, of Forever For Always No Matter What.
Kendra and I...
My roomie - Jen...
These two ladies know what it's like to homeschool children with special needs, homeschool through tragic accidents, homeschool through adoptions, and much more.
I also had the chance to connect with Felice Gerwitz, who is the mastermind behind Mommy Jammies Night.
Next Tuesday evening, 9/10, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, you can have the chance to listen to Kendra speak about homeschooling during times of crisis and stress. She has an AMAZING story to share with you - full of huge GOD moments.
Did I mention it's FREE?
My friend, Jen, has already given her talk earlier this year and if you visit the Mommy Jammies site you can find out how to hear all of the other speakers Felice has interviewed.
Sometimes we just need some encouragement, and to know we're not ALONE in our struggles. I hope you can tune into Mommy Jammies Night for your dose of encouragement!
Have you homeschooled through a particularly stressful time? Care to tell me about it?
Reader Comments (5)
Well, you know that things are all topsy turvy over here right now. I have a few of the ones you mentioned {job stresses, financial crunch and aging in-laws---actually those are all tied in together as my husband is in business with my ILs, chronic pain from Crohn's Disease, PUBERTY!} and now the fun stuff that I am going through with perimenopause! I can tell you that this is our seventh and so far most challenging year of homeschooling. Talk about riding out the storms of life all at the same time! Puberty in itself is enough to kill anyone, lol, but add all of these together and wowie! I find that the best thing I can do is keep myself close to God at all times and try to be gentle with myself when I am weak or when times are especially rough. I know that He only gives you what you can handle, but, times like this really do teach me how very strong I can be. There are lessons amidst all of the stress, pain and chaos.
I cannot even imagine homeschooling in the situations that you mentioned about the people who were doing during times of severe illness. My heart goes out to people in those times of trouble and upheaval :( Thanks for the tip about next Tuesday, Mary.
Oh my, yes. Stressful seems to be normal life now. I think really that God has great plans and I feel completely inadequate to my role in those plans. It certainly keeps me on my knees! Between eight children (11 pregnancies in 13 years), a single income that puts us below the poverty level, and Mason's medical needs I'm a wee bit stressed. Add in homeschooling and a newborn and I'm grateful for a Savior who takes my feeble efforts and magnifies them abundantly in the lives of my family.
Ann-Marie and Tristan, I'd love to be able to encourage you both. That's one of my favorite things to do! Join me next Tuesday night?
~Kendra
Thank you, Kendra. I plan on being there and being encouraged :-)
It is really difficult to concentrate on anything when you're going through a tragic event. However, I like to use them as learning events for the kids...you know, showing them that real life isn't all roses, and teaching proper ways of dealing with stress. Kind of "real life" lessons, you know?