Home Schooling - Coping With Frustration, Stress and Burnout

There is no doubt that most children can benefitIn these circumstances, a parent, even a
greatly from home schooling; not justdedicated one, can be left feeling stressed and
academically, but emotionally, morally and culturallypulled at from both ends.
as well. Parents that home school have greatWhat can a home schooling parent who finds her
control over the moral and spiritual input the childor himself in these circumstances do? Especially
receives, while providing an invaluable familywhen sending the child to traditional school is not
bonding experience and an academic programthe answer on desires?
second to none. Moms and Dads (andSupport and play groups serve a vital role in
grandparents!) who commit to the experience ofkeeping the home schooling parent sane and
home schooling for their children are to bededicated. And these days, with home schooling
applauded!now so prevalent, there are groups to be found
It is a commitment, to be sure. It takes strengthin almost every community. The internet also has
of will and conviction of purpose to maintain themany home school groups, forums and blogs that
patience necessary to grow a little one in acan be a great source of encouragement to
consistent manner through the formative yearshome school parents.
of his/her life. But in the end, the outcome isIn addition, the available DVD programs for home
more than worth it. Not only does the childschooling can be a great plus to the home
receive what can only be described as a brilliantschooling parent, especially if there is more than
head start on life, but the parent is awarded withone child that needs attention, or if there are
a sense of purpose in knowing that they haveolder children in home schooling. A DVD program
added to another's quality of life. These parentscan also assist in providing a quality and
are assured that they have done the right thing.consistency of education that may be hard to
Sometimes, however, even the most dedicatedcome by when a parent is teaching alone. And the
home schooling parents can find themselves worndiploma provided by a reputable, accredited DVD
out, burned out, and questioning their ownprogram is a source of esteem and pride. As well
dedication. For one thing, even if a parent has theas being valuable in obtaining entrance to college
gift and talent of teaching, they are usually onlyor university.
completely knowledgeable in one or two subjects.Parents of home schoolers must realize that they
What happens when one is great at spelling,do not need to be superwomen and men to
vocabulary, and English, but finds math or sciencemake a big difference. And that they do not have
more of a challenge? It can cause understandableto take on this task completely alone; there are
frustration in both student and parent.support sources out there for them: in other
Or suppose one is an extremely adept teacher,parents, in support groups both locally and on the
but there is another child in the household who isinternet, and in quality DVD programs.
sick, has an outing, or just needs someMost of all, home school parents can encourage
concentrated parental attention. Or perhaps athemselves with the fact that they are
spouse is becoming disappointed that all theperforming a great and invaluable service that will
energy and attention seem to be going to thebenefit their children throughout their lives. Maybe,
child, leaving them feeling lonely and left out. Oreven, the most priceless service that is available in
maybe there are days when life just plain oldthe world today.
intervenes, and the schooling must be set aside.