This week has been a very tough week. I came down with a terrible cold that lead into many other health issues. I didn’t get out of bed for three days. I can honestly say I have never been so sick. My husband can’t always stay home, so what do I do when we still have homeschooling to get done?
- Cut back on the lessons. Nothing is more important than getting well but sometimes certain assignments have time constraints. Doing only what is necessary will allow for more time to rest and get well. For us, that means only doing our reading lessons and read aloud time. Their reading lessons are done online and are pretty easy for them to do on their own. I did read aloud but I had them sit near me and only read small amounts a few times a day.
- Lots of extra play time. Since my children are still young enough to play, I let them do so as much as possible (especially on sick days). If the weather permits, send them outside and open a window so you can still hear them (we have a fenced in backyard and they know the rules). If they can’t go outside, let them play board games, Legos, or color as much as they want.
- Extra TV time. I know, I know. Too much TV can melt your brain. But, hey, my sanity while being in bed sick keeps me from melting! We have Netflix and I have saved a ton of educational shows for the children to watch. That way they are “learning” while getting in their TV time. I do allow for certain, pre-approved, cartoons to be watched as well.
- Ask for help. I have wonderful in-laws who also have teaching degrees. They love everything about homeschooling and have helped me out in the past with certain subjects. If I needed them to help when I am sick, they would do it. I didn’t ask for help this time because I felt like I could handle it. Next time, I will be asking for help. I definitely was very sick.
- Get some books on CD. I love books on CD. They get my children to use their own imaginations while reading a book. It also saves me from having to use energy reading when I should be resting.
Being sick is never fun. It is especially hard when you have to homeschool and mother as well. Don’t beat yourself up for not doing a single lesson for days at a time. That is the beauty of homeschooling. We make our own schedules and we can work on days when everyone else is out of school. I felt guilty the first day for doing absolutely nothing. But, that lasted about one whole minute because I did feel like I couldn’t even stand up. Give yourself some grace and some sick days. If you don’t take care of yourself, no one will. Be a good example to those little people you love and get well.
