Taking a Summer Break from Homeschool

I think we all deserve a summer break. I have come across an interesting phenomenon in homeschool families. They expect to be doing school work year-round. Whether they are intentionally year-round schooling or just always feeling guilty for “not getting enough school work done”. I have experienced this guilt in my own home as well.

I think it is important for the school year to have a solid beginning. The first day of school, the first week, and the activities that set that apart. I think it’s just as important to have a last day of school. A time when things get wrapped up, organized, and the lists checked off. There should be an acknowledgment of everything done that year.

This is something that the public school system does very well. There are distinct beginning activities and ending ceremonies. Usually, this is more dramatic because the teacher is going to completely change from year to year. Or even a major location change like a new classroom or even a new school.

So, why do we skip taking a summer break?

Where does that pressure to keep going come from?

I did some journaling and talked with my friend Jalynne about the idea of taking time off for 2 months. Why did I feel so averse to this simple idea? Why did I feel like a failure because I want to take a summer break? (Jalynne is my writing buddy and homeschool mom of 2. She always has great insight.)

We found 4 major ideas to share here with you. 😁

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My Expectations

I start out very motivated at the beginning of summer with the thought that I can keep the learning going. I am often wanting to do extra art units, science experiments, and reading for a specific purpose instead of just for pleasure. Every year I have tried buying review workbooks with sticker charts to fill out. (Workbooks don’t even work for us during the school year.. I don’t know why I do this!)

Usually by mid-June we are burned out. We realize that we just need a break. So I stop trying to add in extra work into our summer days. But then I end up feeling guilty. I had expectations of myself and our summer that I am not meeting.

My expectations set the tone for my household.

If I am annoyed and feel behind, it affects everyone.

"It feels nice to let go of the pressure that we hold as homeschool moms. I often feel like I am playing catch up. There is always more to learn...always more." - Jalynne 

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Wrestling with Guilt

• Why do I have those expectations for myself and my kids?
• Where does that pressure come from?
• Is it fear of missing out?
• Is it what other people think I should do?
• Am I afraid we are “behind”?

In the conversation with my friend Jalynne we found the answer = Location!

The reason I want to do extra art units, science experiments, and assigned reading is…

…because they are there.

• I have those things sitting on my shelf and the kids are in my house, so why not?
• Why aren’t we using our time to make the most of these resources?
• We have enjoyed learning together all year so why can’t we just keep going?

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It’s actually about location.

We are in the same place we have been all year. We are with the same people who we have been teaching. I often feel like I am failing when I hold all those expectations.

"When we are home we think we need to have something to show for it." - Jalynne

• What would happen if I put the homeschool stuff away for 2 months?
• What if I let myself off the hook and walked away from my homeschool job just for the summer?
• What if I didn’t expect anyone to do tangible work for only 6 weeks? What would it be like if I allowed myself to just rest?

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Being “Just a Mom”

Something very unique to homeschool families is that Mom (or Dad) ends up directing their child’s education. This is a beautiful opportunity and something that I love about homeschooling. However, it also means I have more expectations on my kids than other moms do. Sometimes when I’m talking with them I’m wearing the teacher hat. This role can be complicated.

I’ve decided for this summer going to set that aside and “just be a mom”. Specifically a fun mom. I’m not going to worry about what they’re reading or learning for 2 months. I’m not going to go to museums or take them somewhere with educational motives. We are going to go to the pool, shop in the toy aisle at Target, play with squirt guns in the front yard, and make smoothies with fresh fruit. I am going to take them to the library without thinking about our current history unit.

"Sometimes I miss just being a parent. I want to take a break from planning all the schooling and just be The Encourager for my kids."  - Jalynne

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My Action Steps

This May, I realized that it’s better for me to just take a solid break and not expect any work to get done till August.

For me, “just being a mom” this summer looks like:

• Not overcrowding the schedule with too many scheduled outside events & activities.
• Giving the kids open-ended free time every morning while I am working on writing, household projects, or school planning.
• Strewing (laying out suggestions) to encourage them to have a variety of play but not planning for them. Allow them to get bored. Give them time to develop hobbies and make messy art.
• Afternoon trips to the Library, the pool, friends houses, the Dollar Store, and the splash pad.
• Teaching my kids how to do their morning chores more efficiently and getting better at our weekly chores rhythm. This will set us up for success when the new school year comes.
• Time off for me on the weekends from writing and homeschool planning. Social events, serving at church, and relaxed family time will be the priority.
• Making meals from my Summer Dinner Queue with fresh ingredients from our local Veggie Market. This helps me enjoy the season and it feels more festive.
• Giving myself permission to enjoy reading on the couch whenever I have time. Every evening after kitchen clean up, on Saturday mornings, after lunch when I need some downtime.

What does “just being a mom” this summer look like for you?

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"Why does it take us (as homeschool moms) so much time to give ourselves permission to take time off? I think for a long time I was looking around waiting for someone to give me permission." 

"When I do let myself off the hook for holding all these things, I feel so free and so much relief. Why didn't I do that sooner?"   - Jalynne Hall 

[ [ Consider this your permission slip.🙂 ] ]

There will be activities, household projects, reading, and fun summer events that we do in the summer that we can not fit into the school year. These activities make our lives more well-rounded. It just makes sense to give ourselves permission to do those things.

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Let me know your thoughts on this. I would love to hear what your summer plans are. What does “just being a mom” this summer looks like for you?

Wishing you a restful summer! – April & Jalynne Hall

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Photos by Kelly Sikkema, Jordan Rowland,  Xavier Mouton Photographie,  and others on Unsplash