Beating The Back-To-School Blues and Homeschooling Kids
By Lisa - Unschooling Mom
Every year around this time I noticed my daughter would get a bit down. I myself have a hard time with the end of summer and it must be even more difficult for kids.
Homeschooling kids are bombarded with ads for back to school clothes, supplies and all their friends are getting new clothes and excited to start a new year and see their friends. Neighborhood kids that were around all summer are no longer available and this can be a real period of adjustment for children who are home schooled.
Here are some ways to combat what I call “Back To school Blues”
Anticipate and Distract
Know that there will be a bit of a void and arrange for sleepovers and play dates with other homeschooling kids. Keep the week or so at beginning of school busy and fun to help ease the transition. We used this time to explore new adventures- like taking karate or starting a new activity. Plan some interesting stuff do do.
Belonging
You can join in the excitement if your child is feeling left out. All the kids have new school clothes and are shopping for school supplies. This might be a good time to stock up on art supplies or crafts. Hit the dollar store for new pencil crayons, binders, paper, paint or new video game. Go to video stahc and see what you can trade in for a new game.
Check out the book store and buy a special book. If your kdis need new clothes it is a good time to buy. Shop for new shoes or clothes. This is also a great time of year for Thrift shops and your dollar can go a long way.
Plan and Participate
Plan an activity for you local homeschool group. Ask your kids if there is something they would like to do this year or try. We live in a small town but their are some cool things to do- We have an indoor skateboard park, rock climbing, horseback riding, sailing and skiiing. Can also organise a trip to Christmas concert or a fall hayride. Call any of these places and they are usually able to accommodate small groups- most places will treat you as a “school group” and give you great rates.
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Topics: General Homeschool and Unschooling |
September 4th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
As kids get older they tend to dread going back to school, making a parents job even harder. The older they get the more work they are expected to do and they realize their fun, carefree summer is coming to an end. This can make even the nicest child become very irritable and mean. Using a few of my tips will help you ease the transition from fun summer to studying school time more easily.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Good advice. I especially think that letting your kids feel like they are a part of the “back to school” buzz is a good idea. Shopping for simple things like paper and pens seems a lot more exciting when the stores are heavily advertising in August.