Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs our way, and sometimes these curveballs take us down paths we never thought we’d tread.
If you’d asked me a couple of years ago if I saw myself homeschooling my children, I would probably have laughed. I admired those parents who did, but I knew it wasn’t for me.
And then came a global pandemic, and everything changed.
Suddenly, every parent was thrust into the role of homeschooling their children, myself included. It was a challenging, eye-opening experience that reshaped my perspective on education and parenting.
Through this article, I want to share my journey of unexpected homeschooling during the pandemic, the trials and triumphs, the tears and laughter, and how it’s reshaped not just our education approach, but our family dynamics as well. If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, I hope my story will resonate with you.
1. Embracing the unexpected
In the blink of an eye, our kitchen table transformed from a place for family meals and casual chatter into a makeshift classroom. Suddenly, math equations and science projects were spread out where dinner plates once sat, and I found myself in the role of a teacher, a role I never expected to play.
It was overwhelming at first. Juggling work, household chores, and now teaching responsibilities was a daunting task. But in the midst of this chaos, something unexpected happened – I began to see my children in a new light.
I saw their determination as they tackled complex math problems, their creativity as they crafted art projects, their resilience when they struggled with a concept. I realized that this unexpected homeschooling journey was not just about lessons and grades; it was about discovering my children’s unique abilities and helping them flourish.
So, the first step in this unexpected journey was embracing the change and seeing it not as a burden but as an opportunity to bond with my children and contribute to their learning in a new way. It was about stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the unexpected with open arms.
2. Learning from my children
In this new role as a homeschooling parent, I expected to be the one doing most of the teaching. But, in a surprising twist, I found myself on the receiving end of some invaluable lessons.
My children, with their boundless curiosity and unfiltered perspectives, began teaching me things that I hadn’t fully grasped. Their unique way of seeing the world, their creative approaches to problem-solving, their ability to find joy in the simplest things – all these became a daily source of inspiration and learning for me.
I learned patience from their persistent attempts to master a difficult concept, empathy from their struggles with adapting to this new way of learning, and resilience from their determination to keep going despite the hurdles.
In retrospect, this counterintuitive aspect of our homeschooling journey was perhaps one of the most rewarding. It wasn’t just about me imparting knowledge to my children; it was also about them teaching me valuable life lessons through their actions and experiences. It was realizing that sometimes, the best teachers are the ones we least expect.
3. Finding balance in chaos
One of the most challenging aspects of this unexpected homeschooling journey was finding a balance between my role as a parent and my new role as a teacher.
It was tough to draw the line between being their mom who comforts them and their teacher who pushes them to learn. It was also difficult to juggle my professional work with my new teaching responsibilities without either of them suffering.
However, as the days turned into weeks and then months, I gradually found a rhythm that worked for us. I realized that establishing a structured routine, setting clear expectations, and prioritizing tasks effectively were key to maintaining this balance.
I also learned that it’s okay to take breaks when things get too overwhelming and that it’s perfectly fine to not know everything. After all, we were all navigating through these uncharted waters together.
Finding balance amidst this chaos wasn’t easy, but it was essential. It meant acknowledging that certain days would be tougher, and that was alright. It involved recognizing that amid the hurdles, there were also instances of happiness, learning, and progress. It was about finding beauty in this chaos and appreciating the unique opportunity we had been given to bond as a family in ways we never had before.
4. Recognizing the power of individualized learning
Here’s an interesting thing about education: Everyone learns differently. We all have unique strengths, weaknesses, and ways in which we process and understand information.
In a traditional school setting, it’s challenging to cater to each student’s individual learning style due to the sheer number of students. But in a homeschooling scenario, you have the flexibility to tailor your teaching methods to fit your child’s specific learning style.
Whether it’s learning through visual aids, auditory means, or kinesthetic activities, I found that adapting my teaching methods to suit my children’s individual learning styles made a significant difference in their comprehension and retention of information.
This customized approach to learning not only improved their academic performance but also boosted their confidence and interest in learning. It was like unlocking a door to a whole new world of possibilities for them.
While homeschooling was a path I hadn’t planned on taking, it opened my eyes to the power of individualized learning and its potential to enhance my children’s educational experience.
5. Dealing with doubts and insecurities
Stepping into this new role of a homeschooling parent wasn’t without its fair share of self-doubt and insecurity. There were days when I questioned my ability to educate my children adequately, days when I wondered if I was doing more harm than good.
I worried about the gaps in my own knowledge, about whether I was equipped to handle their questions, about whether I was providing them with a well-rounded education.
These doubts would creep in late at night, filling me with anxiety and keeping me awake. And I think it’s important to be honest about these feelings, because they’re a part of this journey too.
But every time these doubts arose, I reminded myself why I was doing this in the first place. It wasn’t being the perfect teacher or having all the answers. It was providing my children with a safe and secure learning environment during an unprecedented global crisis.
It was showing them that it’s okay to adapt to change, to face challenges head-on, to keep learning and growing no matter what. It was doing the best I could for them, given the circumstances.
And at the end of the day, that’s all any of us can do – our best. It’s okay to have doubts and insecurities; they’re part of being human. What matters is how we handle them, how we choose to move forward despite them. Because in the grand scheme of things, it’s our effort and intention that truly count.
6. Rediscovering the joy of learning
When we think about education, we often focus on grades, tests, and academic achievements. But somewhere along the way, we sometimes forget about one fundamental aspect: the joy of learning.
When I started homeschooling my children, I was primarily focused on ensuring they kept up with their academic curriculum. But as we settled into our new routine, I noticed something remarkable. My children were not just learning; they were enjoying the process.
They found joy in exploring new topics, in asking questions and seeking answers, in the simple act of gaining knowledge. They were no longer learning for the sake of grades or tests; they were learning because they were genuinely interested.
This was a bit of an unexpected revelation for me. In our quest to ensure our children’s academic success, we often overlook the importance of instilling a love for learning in them.
But homeschooling gave us a chance to step back from the traditional structure and rediscover the joy of learning. It reminded us that education is not just textbooks and grades; it’s fostering curiosity, promoting critical thinking, and nurturing a lifelong love for knowledge.
And perhaps, this is one of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned from this unexpected journey into homeschooling – that when children learn out of interest and not obligation, they don’t just become better students; they become lifelong learners.
7. Valuing flexibility
One of the most significant advantages that came with homeschooling was the flexibility it offered. We were no longer bound by the strict timeframes and schedules of traditional schooling.
We could start our day a bit later if we needed the extra sleep, spend more time on subjects that required extra attention, or take breaks when the kids needed to recharge. We could even take our learning outside on a sunny day or turn a baking session into a practical math lesson.
This flexibility allowed us to adapt our learning schedule to suit our family’s needs and rhythms. It took the pressure off and made learning less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Moreover, this flexibility also taught my children about time management and self-discipline. They learned to plan their day, prioritize their tasks, and take responsibility for their learning. These are valuable life skills that will serve them well beyond their schooling years.
The shift to homeschooling was challenging, the flexibility it brought with it was undoubtedly a silver lining. It reminded us that education doesn’t have to be rigid and that there’s value in adapting and going with the flow.
The bigger picture
As we navigated our way through this unexpected journey of homeschooling, it became clear that this experience was about more than just academics. It was about growth, resilience, and adaptation. It was about learning to navigate through uncharted waters and coming out stronger on the other side.
I watched my children grow not just in their academic knowledge, but also in their life skills. They learned to adapt to a new way of learning, to take responsibility for their education, and to manage their time effectively. These skills will serve them well as they progress through life, long after their homeschooling days are over.
And in doing so, we realized that we are stronger and more resilient than we ever thought possible. We learned that even when things don’t go as planned, even when we’re thrown into situations we’re not prepared for, we can adapt and thrive.
Homeschooling may not have been a part of my original plan, but I’m grateful for the lessons it’s taught us – lessons about strength, resilience, adaptation, and the joy of learning. It’s shown us a different perspective on education and parenting, one that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.
And if you’re embarking on a similar journey or contemplating it, I hope our experience can offer some insights and reassurances. Remember that every family’s homeschooling journey is unique and what works for one may not work for another. But no matter how daunting it may seem, know that you’re capable of more than you think.
