Life as a mom is busy and ever changing. We are often doing a little bit of everything all at the same time. Two days are never the same. We have appointments to keep, sicknesses to deal with, sometimes multiple kids and life that constantly gets in our way. With homeschooling we can adapt to the many needs of our home and lifestyle while getting an amazing education.

Moving, cold season, a new baby, a curriculum that isn’t working as well as you hoped or even appointments can throw a wrench in your plans.

Don’t fret. This is just one of those seasons that you will need to adapt your strategy.

That’s all. Adapt.

I know, sounds easier than it really is but you can do it!

See all our 31 Days of Homeschooling is the Best Because Series here. 

Appointments

There is always an appointment that needs to be made or an errand that needs to be ran. One of the perks of homeschooling is that we can adapt our schedule as needed. That means we go to the Dentist during the day and not worry about our kids missing class and bringing pages of homework home. We simply just do our lesson later on that day or do extra the follow day.

Moving

Moving is one of my least favorite things. It seems to take over everything. Your home, your mind, your time and even more. There are a couple of ways you can handle a move while being a homeschooler.

Pack up the unnecessary items you have and keep going with your lessons. Put your kids to work. Helping you pack and arrange for the big move will provide them with important life skills. Have them call the moving company. Incorporate the challenge of filling boxes with the power of logic and puzzling.

When you are getting settled in your new home take your time unpacking. Take a break and stretch your legs while exploring your neighborhood or community.

New Baby

Have you been blessed with a new baby? As a mom of four I know how quickly a new baby and even pregnancy can flip your whole world upside down. You are up during the night, your brain isn’t functioning at full capacity and your lap is preoccupied. You might feel tied down by your little cutie pie and that’s OK.

Don’t be afraid to switch gears.

Use this precious time to dive into readalouds while cuddling on the couch. Watch some documentaries and discuss what your kids observed. You can take their observations and turn it into an independent art project, get books from the library or even surfing YouTube to discover more about the topic. Have a writer? They can write about it and share their work while you’re feeding the baby.

Sickness

Whether your kids are sick or you are sick the time will come when you can’t get anything done. Take the day off! If you need a few days off then do it. Take care of yourself. Teach your kids how to make you a bowl of chicken noodle soup so while you are recovering they can serve you in your time of need.

Taking time off doesn’t mean your a failure. It means your human. You can get back to your lessons once the sickness has passed.

Changing Your Curriculum

Every child is different and learns better some ways than others. Some curriculum will work amazing with one child and terribly with another. That’s OK. It can be frustrating but changing curriculum is much easier than fighting and constantly convincing your child to do their lessons.

Family Projects

When we moved into our current home I knew that there would be tons of work for us to do. My husband and I planned on being busy. What we didn’t plan on was our kids being interested in all the work that we do. Instead of setting them up in another room with an activity or waiting til after bedtime we simply involved them in projects that they could handle. That means they have helped mud and sand walls, they have used different screwdrivers, they know how to use a hammer and even paint walls. Outside they help with yard work, gardening and other maintenance.

Homeschooling has allowed them to learn skills that will benefit them for their entire lives. When our kids grow up they will be capable of completing many handyman projects. Boys and girls included.

Follow Their Pace

Work with your wonderful kids. Their struggles don’t have to be an area of weakness. Allow them the time that they need to master a skill. Focus a little extra when they struggle but remember to take a break before the frustration sets in.

Give them permission to soar when they understand a concept. Let them move onto the next lesson, project or worksheet if it has captured their attention.

You will be amazed at what they accomplish when they follow their individual timeline.

Sleep

Kids need to wake up well rested for them to have a successful day. For some people that time comes early, for others it come a little later. I love that my late risers are able to wake up when their body says its time. Homeschooling has allowed us wake up slow, enjoy a good breakfast and then get the day started. As opposed to waking up at the crack of dawn rushing around to get out of the house on time.

The Power to Adapt

Being homeschoolers means that we have the freedom to adapt to our daily and changing needs. Yes, the work needs to get done but it doesn’t all have to get done today. Becoming a master of adaptation will open your world to being filled with opportunities in every direction you look.

Lindsey Ranger has been married for six years and has four kids. Lindsey is a Recreation Therapist turned Homeschool Mom and Blogger at Side by Side Learning. She didn’t originally intend on homeschooling but is so glad that her family has been lead down this path. She is a planner addict, procrastinator and lover of naps! You can find her at www.sidebysidelearning.ca, on Facebook or Instagram.