How to Reset a Bad Homeschool Day

It may have started off as a regular Tuesday, but shortly after breakfast, as Bible time begins, the washing machine starts to flood the laundry room and a child has accidentally hurt themselves. Once you get that under control, here comes the phone call, causing an immediate get-up-and-go response. As soon as you all return home and get going again, packages are being delivered, lunch needs to be served, and your little one is acting out because they missed nap time. I think every homeschooling mom has endured a busy morning like this, but don’t fret because there is still time to get the day back on track after moments of chaos.

One of the wonderful things about homeschooling is that we have the ability to quickly reflect and immediately make the necessary adjustments for any situation. This not only applies to how we educate our children on a daily basis, but also how we respond when things are not going perfectly. There are times when the day gets away from us due to spontaneous things that we can’t control. If I feel myself losing the homeschool battle, then I will adjust our plans accordingly. Hopefully, my three tips to resetting a bad homeschool day will ease any frustration and help the remainder of your day run smoothly.

• Art it out!
  If I feel that we aren’t able to stay on track, I will immediately incorporate craft time. This gives them an opportunity to get the creative juices flowing and makes it easier for me throughout the day. Sometimes, during breakfast, if the children aren’t in the school mood, I will start the day with art. While they are completing projects, I will do our Bible time, review spelling, or continue our family read-aloud.
• Movie Mastery!
  Through Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, cable TV, Amazon Prime, and other options, you can definitely find a movie that is suitable for all of your family to watch together. I keep a YouTube playlist and a written film list, so I don’t have to search for things to watch at the last minute. If our day is off kilter, we watch a film and afterwards, I have the children write a summary, draw a picture about the film, or act out their favorite part.
• Create a Fun Zone!
  I love to play board and card games, especially when we have bad weather or rainy days. Doing this allows me to review things the children have learned, especially math and logic. I have several folder games in my collection for preschool through sixth grade that review math, language arts, science, geography, and Bible Trivia. Once we play something educational, we jump right into extra fun games like Uno, Dos, Trouble, or Family Feud.

Remember, our days are not promised to be without trouble but, thankfully, we can reset them at any time. In motherhood and homeschool, perfection is not required, but we trust God to help us endure every hectic situation.

Ta’Neisha Kemp – I’m a proud wife that spontaneously serenades her husband in public. I’m a cool mom that has dance battles with her children. I’m the keep it real friend that doesn’t tell your business. I’m also the lady that cries actual tears while watching romantic comedies. I’m also the lady that cries actual tears while watching romantic comedies and reading books. If you’re a homeschool teacher that enjoys a quick “I totally understand” moment in between subjects and chores, then we just became best friends. I’m a proud believer, living a balanced life where taking care of my family is my ministry! Blog: Marriage, Motherhood, and Makeup http://taneishakemp.com