Last week my husband and I shared about how to keep a homeschooling marriage strong. I think that's such an important topic. But a few months ago, a listener pointed out that it's hard for her to hear homeschooling advice designed for moms whose husbands are supportive of homeschooling when hers isn't. That got me interested in talking to single homeschooling moms and married homeschooling moms whose husbands aren't supportive. I want those of you who are homeschooling without help to have sanity, too!
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I interviewed Jessica Binkley (of Let's Break the Rules and DearPennyJane.com), a newly single homeschooling mom, and LaToya Edwards, a mother who was single when she began homeschooling, for The Homeschool Sanity Show podcast. These two ladies helped me to realize that homeschooling is an excellent choice for children whether their parents are single or married.
For Jessica, putting her children in school after her divorce didn't make sense. LaToya met a single, homeschooling mom before making her decision to teach her kids at home, so she knew it could be done. Both women opened my eyes to the need for married, homeschooling moms like me to be more supportive. Unfortunately, other married homeschoolers were some of the loudest voices telling Jessica she couldn't keep homeschooling. Jessica and LaToya had these tips for single, homeschooling moms:
#1 Keep a flexible, relaxed schedule.
You may have to teach at unconventional times because of your work schedule or to accommodate your children's father's schedule. The blessing of homeschooling is being able to find a routine that fits your family. LaToya advises giving yourself time to find that.
#2 Make time for you.
Having time for self-care and refreshment can be very challenging. Jessica has made Sundays a completely free day on which she will not schedule anything. She still has her children with her, but it's a time when she can relax. Consider trading childcare with another homeschooling mom so you can have a few hours alone.
#3 Let go.
Jessica emphasized the importance of crying when you feel like it. She said things got better for her when she stopped expecting friends to help her. She determined to stop being hard on herself.
LaToya noted that homeschooling improved for her when she stopped trying to make her school look like a traditional school or even a strict homeschool philosophy. She feels comfortable blending approaches that work for her family now.
#4 Get support.
LaToya pointed out that when she attends homeschool activities, the other mothers don't know she's a single mom. That allows her to feel comfortable in groups. Jessica has found support through Facebook groups for homeschoolers that aren't necessarily for single moms. Single homeschooling is becoming more common and you will feel great in giving other women support as well as receiving it.
Read the blog post for tips from married homeschool moms who don't get help with homeschooling.
Have a happy homeschool week!
