Do certain subjects make your child want to throw their hands up in surrender? Do tears and tantrums sometimes follow? If you are like many moms, when you see your children struggling and in melt-down mode, it’s easy to look in the mirror and place blame.
Instead of feeling like you shouldn’t be their teacher or even blaming the child for struggling, here are some tips to help navigate those rough learning moments.
When your child reaches a breaking point, stop! Take a deep breath. Then, allow your child to take an equally deep breath. Take notice of how close it is to lunch, is the child feeling under the weather, is it getting late in the day?
If it’s one of the above situations, it may be an excellent time to either take a break, take a walk, or try again in the morning. If it’s a reoccurring problem, do your best to open up a dialogue with your child. Allow them to express themselves without the threat of punishment. Listen without planning your response.
After this point, move to allow him or her to express to you what outlet would help when frustrations come. Taking a break? Punching a pillow? Running on a treadmill? Shooting hoops? Make a list of these items and post them where it’s easily visible.
Show your child that you are in this together. Post a list of things that help you when you are frustrated. The act of seeing others showing self-control can go a long way in character development! And as we know, it is more important than formal schooling will ever be!
So now that you are armed with a list of helpful ways to diffuse tears and tantrums, you can also ensure your child’s success by making sure they are getting enough sleep, proper nutrition, and exercise. Take breaks for fun throughout your schedule, so learning doesn’t become dull and monotonous. Let your child also see you use your list of activities when you become overwhelmed.
What are some ways you blow off steam in your homeschool?
Check out the fabulous homeschooling resources at Rainbow Resource Center!
