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Health & Fitness

Taking on the Challenges

Life's not all a bowl of *prunus for homeschooling families! Sometimes, it takes a little extra effort to "fit in."

Our big, homeschooling family has some interesting challenges that are not as common for most non-homeschooling families.

While we don't have to work as hard at getting up at the crack of dawn or doing hours of homework each night (no such thing as homework at homeschool...it's just ALL work haha!), there are certain difficulties that we face that a non-homeschooler might not even realize.

For instance, we are home during the day, so when we have to take a break to do the shopping or to run other routine errands, we get questioning looks from people who recognize that we have school-aged kids and they ask "Oh, is there an early release today?" or "What school do you go to?"

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I don't mind answering "We homeschool." However, most of the time, the questioner has a lot to say/ask about that and I have to take a little extra time and be as polite as possible, knowing I may represent homeschooling, in general, to that person. We have to work especially hard on our manners and actions so that people don't look at our family or at homeschooling families as anti-social (a common stereotype people have about homeschoolers).

Also, I have to remind the kids every time we approach a public place: "Now, you know we are a big group of people and we will get lots of attention. You'd better be on extra good behavior because we represent big families and homeschooled kids."  I also add the zinger: "...and, if you get one compliment or one big smile from a grown-up for your good behavior, you can have a treat from the store."

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It usually works! They are so busy trying to find a grown up to catch their eyes and make sure I notice the approving glance or nice comment, they forget for a while that there are many siblings around who are super annoying and easy access for a good nudge, tease or sass. 

Another big challenge for us is how to handle "The Rest of the Day" after formal school lessons are finished. I can only find so many projects or chores for the kids before they start asking if they can play with their friends. I have to tell them that the kids will be in school for a few more hours and that can be quite disappointing. A lot of people join other homeschoolers in co-op groups and arrange play dates (or, for the teenagers: "MOM, it's called 'just hanging out'!"). We've got a lot of cousins for our children to play with, so there's always an extra around here and that helps a lot but some days, a only a BFF will do.  

Well, now we are enjoying the summer schedule...Summer:"The Great, Edu-social Equalizer" (Yes, I made up that word) in that we suddenly become "normal" to the outside world. All the other kids have months of playing in the sun, on the beach and summer sports...just like we do! It's really nice for mom and kids to have that break and not feel like we're "missing out" on anything in our community.

 If you homeschool your children or if you are a home educated child, what are some of the challenges you face? If not, do you have any questions about any aspects of home education?   

*Latin for "cherries"...a little homeschooling humor for ya - educational and just a little bit nerdy ;)

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