How a quest for a new book almost leads to burnout
Ahhhh - time to purchase new curriculum in our house. The Oldest Son has finished his math curriculum (begun last year), so I am ready to buy the next level. Or am I?
I began to look at different math curriculums to see what else was out there. As usual, all the many choices made my head spin. Each one seemed to scream out to me, "This is the one for your child - this one will make him learn better than anything else!" And like a fool, I listen. I look and search and the more I read, the more confused I become.
One thing leads to another, and soon I am looking at not just math, but general curriculums. Each one promises the best education for the homeschooled child. Each one has stories of children using their curriculum shining above all others, winning awards and scholarships, and proving why homeschool is best. Each one makes me feel I am failing my children terribly.
Every parent is different; every child is different. For me, a quest for a math curriculum has turned into trying to re-invent the wheel for our family. After all, we are using a new curriculum this year. It seems to be going well. The faults in it lie mainly with me - lack of time, too many activities. Really, our year is going well, and I need to relax. A new math book is all we need, and I need to let it stand at that.
I do constantly compare myself to those I see and hear around me who homeschool. You see, I always feel I am failing my children, and the fact they do well is due to their own brains and creativity, not to anything their mother does for them. I have to constantly remind myself that I can only do the best I can, and I have to trust that when I give all I can, that is enough.
Just as I cannot be a Super-Mom, my children cannot be "Super-Homeschooled Children". They are super just as they are. I often sit and look at them in amazement and wonder what I would have been if I had the schooling opportunities that they have.
So, I still have to make my math curriculum decision. However, I have to remember that I must not freak out when I see all that is offered out there. Burnout can happen quickly to a homeschooling parent, especially when they worry about all they are not doing!
So, I offer you a challenge for the week - go easier on yourself! Get lost in the joy of learning with your children. Let me know - what do you enjoy most about homeschooling?
Have fun!
