Back to School Strategies for Online Education Families

This morning, my family had to get used to yet another new routine. My kids don’t start school for another 2 ½ weeks but it was the start of a new camp routine this week - so we had to do all these new things to get ready and out the door. We also have family visiting, so I had to incorporate that in my morning and to top it off; I had a small mishap with some kitchen shears last night that has me hobbling around my house. To say I was feeling stressed out was an understatement – I was running late and rushing around trying to get myself ready. As I walked out to my car, I saw the prettiest butterfly and it landed on my shoe in my garage.  It was hovering around me, not seemingly scared or motivated to move on. I spent some time looking at it and snapped this picture with my phone.  Driving off afterwards I realized– sometimes you need to stop, take a deep breath and appreciate the things around you.  

So after seeing that butterfly - it got me thinking about the beginning of the school year-  a time of stress for any parent- getting used to a new routine, learning new processes, getting organized, and covering all your bases.  I get tired just talking about it, don’t you? 

So, it’s no wonder that so many parents feel overwhelmed. Attending a new school requires some adjustments and at first glance, it can seem daunting.  But by reaching out to our large community of other parents, who are willing to share ideas and insight, you can create a plan to make it organized and manageable for you.

Let’s face it –online school becomes part of ‘real life’ at your house.  Your kids are home with you and you are coaching them through their lessons.  Home life is happening around it and you are going to need some advice on keeping balance, because the laundry still needs to get done and dinner time will come around every day without fail.  And, you still need family time outside of school. Attending an online school is a part of a virtual education lifestyle.

Again, this is where the parent community can help. You can connect with other families that are living it and they can share how they do it to avoid burn out.  Some ideas I have heard include scheduling fun educational outings, changing up the location of where you and your kids do your lessons, and carving out independent study time for everyone in the family.  

Not everything has to be done perfectly all the time and it’s ok. Some days your student will not finish all the school work, while other days, they will jump ahead. Finding a schedule and process that works for you is the key.  And it’s ok if that means trying different approaches until you find one that fits.  

So when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, remember you aren’t alone and reach out for support and advice.  And like I did this morning –stop, take a deep breath and remember  why you chose virtual education for your family.