Tips for a Happier Homeschool Continued...

3. Just pick a curriculum!

Seriously, the amount of choices is utterly overwhelming. One could spend days researching and reading reviews trying to find the perfect fit. I remember being overwhelmed to the point of tears when I first started homeschooling. Don’t stress about it like I did. Just pick one that looks appealing and give it a try. You’ll know soon enough if it was the wrong fit. Some programs are expensive, and you don’t want to waste money. I totally understand that!

Still, if a curriculum you bought ends up being a poor fit for your kids, you can take the material and tweak it a bit to suit your needs or get you through the remainder of the semester until you find something else. There are many curriculum swap groups online, so you can make some money back off it. Also, there are so many free resources available online and in your library that you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money!

4. Let them move.

Please tell me I’m not the only homeschooler who felt like I had to recreate the public school classroom. I had desks and a schedule, which aren’t bad but certainly not be the best option for every child. I have one of those “can’t sit still” kids. Trying to keep him in a seat was exhausting and frustrating. Now I let him bounce on an exercise ball while he does his book work. Schools in Finland let the children take a break every 45 minutes to go out and play. That’s a good model to follow.

5. Read aloud each day.

Story time isn’t just for toddlers at bedtime. Reading aloud to older kids has benefits, too. My eclectic homeschool is at least partly inspired by Classical Education, which values read alouds. I admit, this is an easy one to push away to get “the more important things” done, but when I’m disciplined enough to take the time to gather my children under a cozy blanket and read aloud from one of the classics, we have a happier day.

Here are 7 great chapter books for boys to consider!

What makes your homeschool happier? Leave a comment and tell me your happy homeschool secrets.

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.