This is the time of year where a lot of people are stressing out over what to get their loved one for Christmas, who is coming to Christmas dinner, what is being made for Christmas dinner. 

Take time to breathe and relax.  Drink a glass or two of wine to de-stress.  For me, Christmas happens every year so I know I have got to roll with it and get done only what I am able to get done.  I usually start my Christmas shopping in July or August so I do not have to do it last minute.   This year, Christmas shopping is done and all gifts are wrapped and Christmas will get here when it gets here.  

It took me years to learn to NOT stress over things that I have no control over, but to just roll with it.  

If you are a homeschooling mama, and stress over lesson planning and finding resources for your child/ren’s needs, just take a minute to breathe and know that it will get done.  You DO NOT need to lesson plan for the whole year.  Do it week by week or month by month.  DO NOT take on more than you can handle and know that it is okay to ask for help.  Homeschooling your child/ren does not have to be stressful.  There are A LOT of free resources and curricula out there that will do the lesson planning and scheduling for you.  Why make it hard on yourself?  Whether you are looking for secular or non-secular curricula, just know that you DO NOT have to spend A LOT of money or time for homeschooling.  

I am blessed and feel fortunate that I have found the right curriculum for my 7th grade daughter.  The beauty of homeschooling your children is that you can include them in the decision-making process.  If your child is involved in decision-making and they decide to take courses that are of interest to them, they WILL BE more productive.  The first thing I did before we collectively chose a curriculum was I asked my daughter what she wanted to learn and what subjects or electives she was most interested in learning.  THIS WAS A GAME CHANGER.  When you realize that your child/ren actually are learning more life skills at home that public school never even offered, then you will know and understand that you made the right choice!

In closing, give yourself a break and know that you are doing your best to help your child/ren.  If you take the time to reflect on that knowledge, you will understand your decision to homeschool was the best decision you could make for you and your child/ren.

Merry Christmas!

If there is ever anything that I can help you in your journey to homeschool your child/ren, please reach out to me.  I have included all my contact and social media links:  https://linktr.ee/tidewindacademy

Tina

Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Tide Wind Academy Homeschool

Credit:  Freepik.com: mdjaff