Homschool Burnout, Field Trip & Future Nominee...Naah

What more could a mother ask for than to have her thirteen year old daughter sitting next her on the way home from the *best* field trip ever, grinning ear to ear, looking at you like you like you are the next nominee for mom of the year? That friends, is a mother's dream.

The butterfly conservatory was just the thing we needed to cure the doldrums. A little taste of the tropics on a single digit day. If you live in the northeast you may have been to Magic Wings, if not, please do visit. You won't be sorry!

Next on our trip was Yankee Candle Factory. Ninety thousand square feet of enjoyment, toys and chocolate. Their on-site restaurant Chandlers, with their award winning children's menu, was in itself worth the trip. A truly delightful afternoon.

So how important is it to take a break and regroup when you feel burnout setting in? Mike Farris from HSLDA's Homeschool Heartbeat says,

"And don't neglect yourself physically. Homeschool moms are doing a herculean task, especially if they have a large family. Recognize your signs of fatigue and allow yourself the rest you need. A day off from school to play in the park or putter around the house may be just what the doctor ordered. Taking care of your needs will help you serve your family for the long haul."

Taking a play day is absolutely necessary for your families mental health. In my experience homeschool parents tend to subconsciously magnify the requirements of essential school work, feeling as though they are never doing enough, or in competition with the corner elementary school. Often, the origin of unnecessary stress, is usually from within and rarely caused by things that are necessary for survival, but from things that could easily be put aside temporarily, or until a better time arrives.

I always ask myself, "What is the worst thing that will happen if this task does not actually get done?" Usually the answer is not anything earth shattering that will leave my children completely uneducated without any opportunity for a future. I in no way mean to minimize the desire for every child to have an superlative education, however, it was not so long ago that our country focused mainly on the three r's, and to some level, I think we all wish for a simpler time. So, to this I say, go have fun while you watch your children and your heart smile! I guarantee, you won't be sorry.