Teaching Your child at home can be like riding a rollercoaster, full of twists, turns, and occasional loop-de-loops. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of homeschool frustration, exploring why it happens and, more importantly, how to bring it to a screeching halt. So buckle up, dear parents, and let’s navigate this wild ride together.
1. The Work is Too Challenging:
The Problem: No, they don’t get it. I know you’ve done it with them a million times, but if they’re showing signs that they’re not able to do it without your support, they need your help. They may look at you in confusion. They may seem confused with your instruction. Just because you’ve done something multiple times doesn’t mean they get it. It’s akin to reminding your spouse to do a chore every day; this situation, however, has a glimmer of hope.
How To Handle it: To address this, take a step back. Children often struggle because there is a connection they’re not making. Break the concept down in your head. For example, if your child doesn’t understand addition, maybe they struggle with the concept of how to add ‘’altogether.’’ Maybe you need to show them using tangible examples like counting candies together.
2. Using the Wrong Strategies:
The Problem: Don’t stick to the same method; start a new one. Just because a teaching method worked in the past doesn’t guarantee success now. Reflect on my childhood memory of struggling with division using a method that left me sad and confused. Don’t let your children experience the same. It’s time to turn learning into a game or a creative adventure tailored to your child’s needs.
How to Handle it: Take a break and walk away. You need a fresh approach to show them how to understand. It might involve running after the answer in the garden, jumping on the letters, watching a YouTube video, or even leaving it for a week and returning with a new perspective. Resign from the ‘’old way’’ and discover the method that works for your child – it’s a journey you must undertake together.
3. You Don’t Have Much Time:
The Problem: Time, an invisible but strongly emotional force, can impact any teacher, especially parent-teachers. The less time you have, the less patient you’re likely to be with your child. This may be due to going to an appointment or chores piling up.
How to Handle it: Reassess your routine and priorities. Managing a household is a business; you need to sit down and place learning or homework time during the least stressful or time-constraining moments. Don’t attempt homework just before school or start homeschooling two hours before bedtime. Find what works for you and your child through trial and error. If you really want the frustration to go away, get started.
4. Afraid That Mistakes Mean They’re Behind:
The Problem: This fear can lead to frustration, especially with judgmental family members around. But here’s the truth: it’s not the child’s fault.
How to Handle it: Anxious, angry, and frustrated feelings won’t help them learn; in fact, they might make your child hate learning. Use mistakes as opportunities to break the cycle. Embrace mistakes, and when a child believes they are part of the learning curve, you can foster incredible confidence. Laugh about it and move on. That’s all you need to do, but if this brings up a bunch of unwanted feelings and memories that make you want to change, maybe this article I wrote earlier can be a guide to finding the right words in breaking that toxic family cycle.
5. Your Own Childhood Trauma:
The Problem: Past memories, experiences, hurt, and pain may interfere with your ability to stay calm while teaching your child.
How to Handle it: I learned from Umm Khadejah, a parenting coach, that you need to find out your ‘’why.’’ Keep asking why until you get to the bottom of the barrel. Sum up the cause in a few words, then sit down and talk yourself through it. Give your inner child what they need. Therapy and parenting coaches can help, but if you’re not ready for that, start by talking to your inner child.
6. Feeling Overwhelmed:
The Problem: Motherhood hits hard and fast. Balancing a demanding job, personal time, and being there for your child can feel overwhelming.
How To Handle it:
Embracing the Rollercoaster of Parenthood:
Life as a parent can be a rollercoaster, hitting us fast and hard when we least expect it—we’re all human, after all. We’ve all been there, juggling so much, wondering how on earth we’ll manage. Now, picture Umm Asiya, a mom with four kids and one more on the way. When she sighed, “It feels like a weight off my shoulders; I don’t even have to think about it anymore,” it hit deep. Why? Because I’ve been right there with her, helping her teach her kiddos to read and write.
Seeing the sheer joy light up her face as I showcased their progress, coupled with a heartfelt “Allahumubarak,” filled me with this warm fuzzy feeling. Knowing more little ones in the Ummah were building a strong foundation in reading and writing? It’s the stuff that keeps me going. Then, Umm Asiya shared a nugget of wisdom from her daughter: “My Teacher says there’s not such thing as can’t.” Cue heart-melting moment—another kiddo ready to conquer the world.
And then, there’s this other mom who messaged me in the midst of her own learning journey woes. As their struggles started fading away, replaced by visible progress, it felt like I was doing something right. Both parents couldn’t stop praising their kiddos’ strides, even expressing a wish to keep working with me. The surprise and joy in seeing their progress made me believe, once again, that this journey is worth every twist and turn.
If you’re nodding along, feeling the weight of your own mom struggles, maybe it’s time for a chat. Let’s tackle this adventure together, and hey, I’ll help lighten your load a bit, sis.
Conclusion:
Your frustrations are real, but armed with insight and strategies, parents can turn the chaos into a well-managed adventure. Remember, you’re not alone on this rollercoaster ride. Reach out, seek support, and let’s make homeschooling an enriching experience for both you and your child.
Additional Resources:
- 15 Tips to Stop Losing Your Temper with Your Child
- When You Lose it With Your Child
- 4 Things to Remember When You Lose Temper With Kids (For Dads)
- Why I Don’t Have Any Patience With Children
- Compassionate Responses to Break the Toxic Family Cycle
- How To Build Family Values
- Has My Shouting Damaged My Children?
- Islamic Parenting Coach
- Personalized Counseling Support – Book a Call
