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Please tell me this is end of the year burnout.


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Hello all~A little background. I am just finishing up my 2nd year homeschooling my dd. She will be a 3rd grader next year. I really have been overboard with trying to provide her with living and interesting materials for her classical education, really giving it my all. The thing is, for the last 4-6 weeks, I just have not felt any gusto at all for homeschooling, and it scares me for next year.

 

We went on a 3 week trip in April into May and I don't know if that is what shook up the routine, or the fact that I drive my 5 year old to am amazing Montessori preschool 10 miles away everyday and back (which really disrupts the flow of the day).

 

I am in love with the classical model, and believe in homeschooling in my heart, but I have been having a few week moments (mainly when I hear about friends kids are doing in their "great" schools). My support system of homeschool families is not that great either. Please tell me this is a normal part of the homeschool journey, and I will be OK in the fall.

 

Lisa

:confused:

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Sounds like end of the year burn-out to me. Everyone gets it - even teachers in "brick and mortar" schools. Take some time off. You'll get excited again when you see the new books!

 

Also there is a well known saying on this board, "This is a marathon, not a sprint". Once the novelty of homeschooling wears off, you won't always be excited about it. That's true for any job, and marriage too. You've heard of the "honeymoon wearing off!";) That doesn't mean that it becomes a total drudgery though. So take time off when you need to, rejuvenate and do something totally different for a while. But don't give up on homeschooling - unless your reasons for homeschooling in the first place have changed.

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Sounds like end of the year burn-out to me. Everyone gets it - even teachers in "brick and mortar" schools. Take some time off. You'll get excited again when you see the new books!

 

Also there is a well known saying on this board, "This is a marathon, not a sprint". Once the novelty of homeschooling wears off, you won't always be excited about it. That's true for any job, and marriage too. You've heard of the "honeymoon wearing off!";) That doesn't mean that it becomes a total drudgery though. So take time off when you need to, rejuvenate and do something totally different for a while. But don't give up on homeschooling - unless your reasons for homeschooling in the first place have changed.

Jean, perfectly spoken.

 

You are not alone. I am SO V E R Y burnout right now. I need a break terribly, but won't get one until August. Instead of dropping school , b/c we simply can't (we used up our vaca days throughout the year), we have trimmed back out schedule to the basics and dropped all electives 'til next year (Sept.)

 

I refer back to Jean's post...just right!

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Maybe it is the combination of DH gone the past year, kids 24/7, just having moved, and the heat/humidity at our new locale, but I can barely get through the 3 R's, forget our readalouds and projects. I send them off with art supplies and a book on tape and retreat to the boards.

 

I really want to finish up a few basics before we restart in August (the move was a disruption), but I find I am so-o-o looking forward to the first week in July when both are off in an all-day camp! Maybe as I look at next year's material I will get inspired. (Although so much inspiration comes from the ladies here!)

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Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't compare your home school to other schools unless you compare every detail! Burn out is often a sign to take a break. I think it is hard to get back into a routine after being away and spring coming. You'll be ready after a break. We've all been there in one way to another. :)

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Shut it down for the year. Return the family room or dining room to normal!

 

Register and attend a convention (overnight if you can afford it) with DH and go listen to the speakers that fit your needs, interests, etc. Try to have a nice quiet dinner with DH also.

 

If you can't do overnight b/c of budget, ATLEAST attend during the day WITHOUT YOUR KIDS (and best with hubby) and browse vendors, ask questions, listen to other moms & their conversations, and even ask Moms qestions!

 

I don't need conventions much for curriculum (now that I have my system in order).... but I need it for motivation. They are usually $15-50 in our area (not including food/hotel, of course).... but worth EVERY.RED.CENT!!!!!

 

Stop comparisons too. Measure your progress based upon the needs & accomplishments of you family.

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I had a hard time getting through lessons during the months of April and May, due purely to "end of year burnout". We came to a reasonable place to stop and are taking a month off. Dd and I have to do this in the early summer and also during the holidays.

 

After you take a break and recharge your batteries, begin again and you will feel much better.

 

Blessings,

Lucinda

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