The Introduction
I only have one son left homeschooling and he is now 16 years old. Most of the books we have been using now are from the Demystified series, A Self Teaching Guide, so I do very little hands on homeschooling now. I have to be flexible in my homeschool schedule as I still work part time as a Registered Nurse, and in September through November I manage flu clinics, so this is my busiest time of year.
The Schedule
First thing in the morning: set the alarm clock and resist the temptation to sleep a little later. Always start the day with breakfast, and either a devotion or quiet meditation.
Next, I write up daily assignments on a dry erase board as well as any important messages and phone numbers where I can be reached if I have to run an errand.
Check your email first thing in the morning, answer what needs to be answered and delete unnecessary messages, then do not get back on the internet (unless it is school related research) or Facebook or MySpace. You really can get hooked on these sites. Take the phone off the hook or let your voice mail answer any calls.
We try to complete at least 2 core subjects before lunch and 2 core subjects after lunch (that is history, science, math, and language arts) on Mondays through Thursdays.
Then we always exercise-my son is working on the Boy Scout Bike Merit Badge, so he normally will ride his bike around the neighborhood.
On Fridays, we only work on electives-for example this year it will be Spanish, Psychology, Public Speaking, and Eagle Scout required merit badges. We don't keep to a tight schedule on Fridays. We try to schedule doctor's appointments on Fridays if possible. We always knock off or punch out by 1PM on Fridays for a mental health break.
We also keep busy in social functions: Monday night is scout night, Tuesday night is homeschool association meeting night, and Wed night is church youth, so that our son has a social outlet.
This has worked for us in the past.
Lessons Learned
- Nothing is worth stressing over.
- They are only young once
- They'll leave home before you know it
- Enjoy each and every day that God has given you
- Try and help someone else along the way
