There’s a dark side of adulting in the homeschool world. I can’t seem to escape adulting and I’ve unschooled for years w my 3 homeschooled kids. For me the definition is: the overwhelming responsibilities parents have because of the lack of village support anymore. Nuclear families are over-functioning and it’s exhausting. Doing this for 3 years, I miss the lack of structure and support the school system gives. And yes, I’ve tapped into groups, friends, we’ve had au pairs, family help, etc… but as parents we’re the primary points of emotional support, we’re chauffeurs, we’re responsible for the day’s planning (unschoolers need lots of support). I’m not the only one: I see burnout, depression, loneliness, and marriage strain. This is obviously present everywhere, but what I want to admit is that the strain is real in homeschool. There’s no quick-fix. Once the honeymoon moon phase of the first year is over, lots of moms hit a wall. It’s the dark side of doing this. I still believe in it and we’re committed for all the philosophical reasons you write about, but only for as long as I’m strong, able-bodied, and healthy enough. (I just survived cancer this year). I see too much strain on moms, chronic disease, career death, financial strain… there is no easier path - just different choices. If you choose this path, find your village, don’t be too idealistic, be realistic and know your boundaries, parents take care of yourself first.
There’s a dark side of adulting in the homeschool world. I can’t seem to escape adulting and I’ve unschooled for years w my 3 homeschooled kids. For me the definition is: the overwhelming responsibilities parents have because of the lack of village support anymore. Nuclear families are over-functioning and it’s exhausting. Doing this for 3 years, I miss the lack of structure and support the school system gives. And yes, I’ve tapped into groups, friends, we’ve had au pairs, family help, etc… but as parents we’re the primary points of emotional support, we’re chauffeurs, we’re responsible for the day’s planning (unschoolers need lots of support). I’m not the only one: I see burnout, depression, loneliness, and marriage strain. This is obviously present everywhere, but what I want to admit is that the strain is real in homeschool. There’s no quick-fix. Once the honeymoon moon phase of the first year is over, lots of moms hit a wall. It’s the dark side of doing this. I still believe in it and we’re committed for all the philosophical reasons you write about, but only for as long as I’m strong, able-bodied, and healthy enough. (I just survived cancer this year). I see too much strain on moms, chronic disease, career death, financial strain… there is no easier path - just different choices. If you choose this path, find your village, don’t be too idealistic, be realistic and know your boundaries, parents take care of yourself first.
Where can i download the school guide?