There is a lot of homeschooling advice out there. Most of the advice boils down to one thing (and the rest of it benefits from this one thing):
Prioritize Homeschooling.
To prioritize homeschooling doesn’t just mean that you have to put homeschooling first before other commitments (although that is an option), but also that you must prioritize WITHIN your homeschooling.
I have already written about why “life balance” is a complete sham. Do NOT buy into trying to “balance” everything. Do not drink that kool-aid. I’m just going to come out and say it again (and again, and again): Balance is the road to overwhelm. Instead…
Prioritize.
Prioritize.
Prioritize.
If you want to make a big mark on your space, your schedule, your homeschool – in short, your life – this is the one piece of advice I would give you: Prioritize.
You have a limited amount of time.
You have a limited amount of space.
You have a limited amount of money.
You have a limited amount of energy (this is the one that is usually hardest for moms to accept).
Therefore, doing all the things, or having all the things IS NOT AN OPTION.
It just isn’t.
The sooner we all start accepting AND RESPECTING that not a single one of us can do it all, the happier the whole world will be.
On a philosophical note: When we accept that we cannot do it all, we become aware of our inter-dependence on our fellow human beings.
Sure, it’s easy to say, we need people to be doctors and construction workers and writers and teachers, because that diversity of function on a macro-level is what makes the world go round much more happily.
Starting right now, try to see that diversity of function on a micro-level. That is the same concept that will make your family go round happier. Diversifying people’s contributions, and relying on others to do some of what you cannot possibly do makes all groups and relationships perform better and, in the long-term, happier.
“But, something might not get done!” you worry.
And that, my friend, is why you absolutely must prioritize.
If you have put thought into what is most important, and you use your finite resources to accomplish that important stuff FIRST, then the “somethings” that don’t get done will be relatively unimportant. Do you follow? Life will go on. There is no need to panic, beat yourself up, or stay up late.
Here is what you gain from prioritizing:
• Confidence in how you invest your resources.
• Freed up resources.
• A sense of direction and purpose.
• Relief from guilt.
• More rest and relaxation.
• A simplified life.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
So get started! Come up for air from your never-ending to-do list, take a highlighter to it, and start living in confidence. “Life balance” is a weight just waiting to be thrown off your shoulders so you can get on to your most important work. The notion of “balancing homeschooling” subjects or lessons is just waiting to be replaced by a mindset shift to “prioritize homeschooling.”
Prioritizing is different from decluttering because now the focus is on staying within your means. Staying within your comfort zone! There is no arbitrary number of things to do, own, study, or buy when you prioritize. Rather, whatever you do, learn, own or buy must be comfortably accommodated by your finite resources (time, energy, money and space). You decide what is most important so that you can invest those resources wisely.
Here are some specific action steps to take to stop balancing, and start prioritizing (and therefore, simplifying) your homeschool:
- Prioritize homeschooling. Make sure you have allocated sufficient time for schooling.
- Prioritize your subjects. Not all subjects need the same approach or time commitment all the time.
- Prioritize your use of space. Decide what a space’s major function is and honor it. As in, find another space for all the “other stuff.”
- Prioritize your values. Don’t lose sight of the most important reasons you homeschool, who you’d most like to be, and what you most wish to offer your children.
- Prioritize Everything. Start seeing every to-do and item in terms of its priority. Nutrition and meal choices, time commitments, housework, belongings, and goals can all be prioritized based on what is most important, valuable or loved.
Ready to Really Make Minimalist Homeschooling Happen?
These mindset hacks are from the book, Minimalist Homeschooling. While this series of posts goes deeper into applying a minimalist mindset to life, the book will walk you through prioritizing your homeschool, step-by-step. You can buy the book now here.
Minimalist Homeschooling Mindset Hack #7 is: Balancing is the road to overwhelm. Prioritizing is the way to clarity and confidence.
What are you going to work on prioritizing today? What did I forget on the list of things you can prioritize? How often do you prioritize homeschooling? Comment below.
We also have a great group of homeschoolers on facebook who are applying minimalist tactics to their homeschools. You can join us there!
Wishing you all the simple things,
Zara
