Overcoming Homeschool "Addiction"

In a recent Squidoo article I covered the characteristics of "homeschool addiction": a serious ailment which consumes many new homeschoolers early in their journey. In this follow-up to that article, I offer some hope and healing to those who are so smitten... Please understand that I do not intend to minimize the seriousness of addictions by using this term. While not a life-threatening syndrome, those who find themselves on this journey-called-homeschooling are often able to describe themselves as addicted when first starting out.

"Homeschool addiction" is characterized by an overwhelming desire to immerse yourself totally in anything homeschool-related! Symptoms include an obsession with free catalogs and homeschooling magazines, countless hours on the internet perusing websites for the "perfect curriculum", virtual blinders on for news about homeschool-related issues, and a vacant glaze when someone tries to discuss a non-relevant important issue, such as the economy, dinner plans, or the location of clean laundry.

So, if you find yourself where I was "way back when", what can you do? First, recognize that you're addicted! Any recovery program starts with that step. And don't be ashamed, either. Especially when you're first starting to homeschool, there IS a learning curve and you DO need to do your own homework!

Set limits on your internet surfing. Set a timer for the kids, and set one for yourself as well. Or limit yourself to a few hours in the evening after they go to bed, or an hour in the morning before they get up for school. Put it on a schedule so it doesn't take over your life.

If you've already got bunches of stuff, commit to using something in your posession now! Give it 6 weeks ~ whether or not you like it at first. Sometimes we just have to give a new program time. And you don't want to model flippancy for your kids. If you're tempted to buy something new, get rid of something before the new resource comes in. Sell it, give it away, who cares? Just get it out of the house!

Make yourself write a review. I know that sounds weird ~ who's gonna read it, right? But this works to your advantage in 4 ways.

First, it makes you sit down and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the program for yourself. When someone asks you for your opinion ~ as they will ~ you'll be able to answer intelligently!

It also starts to build your own expertise and ability to mentor other newer homeschoolers who may need advice.

It gives you practice in writing, a communication skill that is sorely lacking today, and one which you will need to teach your children at some point.

And lastly, it gives you some resources to start a home business! Huh? Let me tell you, you never know where you're going to end up and what you'll be doing down the road. With all the products I've tried over time, if I had thought about this idea years ago, I'd be rich in resources for my blog or a homeschool website!

As I mentioned above, I use the term "addiction" rather tongue-in-cheek! I am still somewhat surrounded and absorbed with homeschool endeavors myself: after 14 years, I still love being with my children, learning about and with them. Even given the inevitable tough and trying times, there are constantly new challenges and successes that keep me going day to day!

Over the years I've realized that it's all about balance. And isn't that really the "secret" of a healthy life? We have days that are all school, and then times when we need to or have to focus on whatever life has thrown at us. I'm hoping that in the end, my kids will continue on with a love for learning and a love for the people around them. And I hope that becomes their "addiction"!

Pat Fenner has homeschooled her 2 oldest (who are now in college and well-socialized, thank you!) and continues to teach her 3 younger children at home. Her passion is to help homeschooling families educate with excellence and prepare capable young people for adulthood. She currently works from home as a home-business consultant, and is developing a homeschool support website at www.help-4-your-homeschool.com. Follow her blog at www.networkfromhome.squarespace.com.