Happy New Year
We all have ideals of what a brand new year will look like. Most of us have high expectations for things to be better once the new year rolls around. However, to make things better we must first know what worked and what did not.
Happy New Year Mammas,
Before Jumping into the new year celebration it’s important to take some time and reflect. But why should we do that?
Well, as homeschool parents we do a lot everyday! It’s so easy to get caught up in the everyday mundane tasks and forget about the overall picture. It may seem like an endless sea of dishes that need to be done again, books to read with your child, clothes to wash, laundry couches to clear off before company comes over and activities to get the kids to. If we are not careful we will just go through the motions, getting the next thing done.
With a brand new year coming at us we don’t typically think of reflecting as an important part of homeschooling. Maybe you have caught yourself saying things like, “I guess it’s time to make some resolutions and jump into the new year. Not so fast though. Just checking off the list and not looking back at all you have gone through over the past year can make it harder to move forward in the right areas. We all have ideals of what a brand new year will look like. Most of us have high expectations for things to be better once the new year rolls around. To make things better we must first know what worked and what did not.
We have to be brave enough to change, tweak and maybe even say no to a few things. Homeschooling really can be full of joy and not such a daily struggle. We just have to know what is working.
Be intentional
During our first few years I winged it all. I also took on way too much and I fell into the trap of just getting as much done as possible and quickly checking off the boxes. As long as everything was completed then we were good to go. Or so I thought. By the time I realized it we were burdened beyond measure. It sort of forced me to look at what was happening. That’s why I decided to stop going through the motions and start being intentional about what we do in our homeschool. To be intentional we must first take time to reflect.
Over the past 7 years I can honestly say homeschooling has not been easy. However, I learned that things will need to change, and allowing flexibility is vital for success. I also learned quickly that the idea of homeschooling and actually doing it are completely different. Sometimes we simply put way too much on ourselves to carry. We need to remember that we can only do so much and this is an area that needs a good look at too. It’s not always about the schoolwork, curriculum or sports activities. Sometimes we must reflect on how we are treating ourselves and our children behind closed doors. It’s important to be honest with ourselves about where we are and what needs to change. It may not always be comfortable but it’s critical to your overall health, well-being and that of your family and homeschool.
So, when is the last time you looked at what is working and what is not?
When is the last time you took some time and sat down with a pen and paper and just wrote out a few reflections from the year? Kind of like a year in review for you and your homeschool. Have you ever done that? If you have never tried it I encourage you to start now. It made a huge difference In what we chose to say yes to the following year. Listen, fellow Mamma It doesn’t matter if its the 1st of January or the middle of May. Beginning with New Years is a great place to start but honestly you can reflect at any time of the year. Personally I do it more often than once a year. It’s quite helpful actually.
Reflecting on the past year is important to move forward in your homeschool lifestyle.
Reflecting is important to take accountability for the things that went well and the things that need improvement. How did that curriculum work out? Its ok to switch things up! Write down what you noticed in different areas from the past year. Reflect on how you can make your life a bit easier. Homeschooling doesn’t have to be a chore. When we take the time and reflect we can move forward with confidence and a renewed hope. Taking time to do a yearly review can help you to renew your vision and your why. It can remind you about the reasons you started homeschooling in the first place. Reflecting can help you give yourself more grace or a kick in the tush. It can help you personally to see what you have accomplished, celebrate the wins you have had and see some areas you need to improve in.
Whats involved?
It’s simple really, take some time to look back and write down what you faced, what you overcame, what you could have done better. What you accomplished throughout the year. You can include whatever you like! I created a download just for you to help get you started. Get it here. Know someone considering homeschooling? Do they need support? We have a online community to equip, encourage and inspire each other on this journey. Join our Sweet Savvy Mamma’s Facebook Community here.