By Janny Jackson
One of the most common responses I get when I share that I homeschool is “Oh I don’t have enough patience for that. You must be a saint!”
It makes me laugh every single time.
I can pretty much guarantee that most homeschool parents think they don’t have enough patience.
Speaking for myself, I am constantly reflecting on if my parenting is enough, and even though I can justify why it is, I mostly feel like it isn’t. Whether it’s in something I do or don’t do, have said or didn’t say, where I’m putting my time, what I’m teaching – the list goes on and on.
That’s part of parenting right?
A good parent evaluates themselves. Constantly. Daily. Not in a negative way, but we see our flaws. We see our mistakes. We acknowledge them and try to do better the next time. We do better for ourselves so we can do better for our children. We model the behaviors and attitudes we want our children to have.
The same applies for patience.
I guarantee you there is not one parent that went into homeschooling with “enough patience”.
But that’s the beauty in homeschooling. It’s not just about teaching our children academically or even in character. We are teaching and growing ourselves as well.
Just like you won’t know everything you are teaching your children and will learn alongside them, you will also begin to see your own character flaws, including the areas where you lack patience, and will desire to do better for yourself and for your children.
The important part is evaluating yourself and responding accordingly.
Did you yell? It’s okay. Did you quit for the day because you couldn’t handle a bad attitude? It’s okay. Were you not feeling well so you responded in a way that you didn’t mean to? It’s okay. You recognize it. You don’t want to model that behavior for your child, you want your child to see you having a good attitude about school so they in turn have a good attitude, so you apologize and do better next time.
That’s all we can do. We are all human. We will make mistakes. You aren’t going to ruin your children or your homeschool because of your initial lack of patience. You’re learning. You’re adjusting to a new routine. You’re seeing yourself and your children in a way you probably haven’t before.
It’s hard in the beginning. Don’t give up! Push through it. Communicate, allow feedback, apologize, and do better.
Homeschooling is not just about our children. We must be willing to grow right alongside them, including in patience.
And I promise you you will, as long as you are consistent, continue to reevaluate yourself and commit to growing and being a better parent, you will have more patience! Enough though? That’s for you to decide.
What are your thoughts? Let me know below. And as always, thanks for being here!