This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Homeschooling when Mom is Sick.

Homeschooling when Mom is Sick

Moms are human, too. Which means that no matter how hard we try to stay healthy every day, sometimes things do not work out. Even moms get sick sometimes.

When Vicki caught the flu recently, it got Sabrina and Kym to thinking about the ways they have all handled homeschooling when they were sick. We know from experience that sometimes homeschool is running with everybody at 102%, and other times it’s running with a bunch of the family at full speed and one not so much.

When that one is a parent, it can be a little difficult!

BTW- If you are listening to this podcast episode, you will occasionally hear the noise of the seeing eye puppies the Kym is raising. For an entire episode about raising service dogs for your teens’ service projects, check this episdoe out.

So, here are some strategies for sustaining your homeschool when you are under the weather

As you know, there’s not ONE right way to homeschool, but here are some thoughts that have helped us with homeschooling when mom is not feeling well.

Listen to your body and soul

Your high schoolers are learning in the Health curriculum how to listen to their bodies and feelings. You can help them also learn by watching you listen to your own body and soul. Try the three questions (here’s a free journal to help):

• What are you feeling? “I’m feeling sick.”
• Why are you feeling that way? “I have the flu.”
• What will you do about it? “Follow doctors orders and take good care of my body.”

Remember: Resting to recover is role modeling for your teens!

Recognize your “rules for the universe”

We all tend to have some “rules for the universe”. These are things we think we must do or they must happen. One frequent rule for the universe that many of us homeschool moms come up with is: I have to get everything done, every day.

The truth about rules for the universe is that no one can follow them, not even homeschool moms! SO:

Realistically downsize priorities temporarily

It is important not to get your priorities stuck on having to sustain and maintain all the things like you normally do them. If you have tried this before, you have probably found that it ends up to the detriment of your own health and the dynamic in your family.

Try doing a little bit on the important homeschool subjects. If you have the energy, try to touch only the most important subjects. The rest will wait, even if you have to have a longer school year. It’s okay!

Communicate with your kids

How do we communicate with our kids without setting ourselves up for them to take advantage of the situation?

Sometimes in our culture, we females are “not allowed” to have bad days or use our words about what we are feeling. Therefore, we can sometimes have the tendency of acting a bit passive aggressive: we might expect our family to see what is happening and make their own adjustments…or at least bring us a cup of tea!

That usually does not work.

Instead, use your words: “I’ve got a fever. My nose is running. I’m coughing today. I have the flu. So, let’s adapt and do homeschooling in low-key way. What do you think is the best way for us to readjust our day?”

Get their input on what they can do for homeschooling that day (and housework, too)!

With your teens, many of them are doing independent learning and can carry on (although they might have to call a friend for a ride to homeschool co-op classes, if they have any). If there are tough things they need help on, those might need to wait for a couple of days. It will wait.

Elementary aged siblings might need to have a “video-learning” day. Or maybe help on some curriculum from their older siblings. It is okay to do that!

Chronic illnesses need more planning and help from family and friends

Chronic illnesses, or even inconvenient phases of life like perimenopause, require more self-awareness, communication, and asking for help with the family. Work together as a team to adjust the school day or year. Communicate and adjust teaching methods when you need to (such as more online coursework with asynchronous classes from 7Sisters or live classes from our friends/Cousins Natalie Mack or Karim Morato, and our friends at FundaFunda Academy).

The importance of homeschool mom-friends

No mom is an island (apologies to John Donne).

We need homeschool mom-friends! There are so many kinds of homeschooling communities:

• Homeschool co-ops
• Classes at umbrella schools (moms are often teaching or volunteering)
• Extracurriculars and volunteering for teens (moms are usually involved)
• Digital support and encouragement like 7SistersHomeschool Facebook Group or our friend and Cousin Teresa Wiedrick at Homeschool Mama Self-Care Facebook Group

When we have a network of mom friends, we can ask for advice or help, or get encouragement when you are overwhelmed. Sometimes, that boost from a mom who understands makes all the difference! (Download this freebie for homeschool moms: Carry Each Other’s Burdens.)

Remember: invest ahead of time! Build these relationships, not just because you might get something out of it, but also, because it’s fun to have homeschool mom-friends!

We are human but we serve a limitless God

When we get sick, it reminds us just how human we are. If we are wise reach out to the God who does not have the limitations and who can be our strength in times of weakness. Our homeschooling does not, and cannot, be perfect. That’s okay, because we are human and are loved by God, who is perfect.

As Kym always says, “Pray first, last, and always.” We all need prayer!

Join Sabrina, Vicki, and Kym to discuss homeschooling when mom is sick.

Thanks to Seth Tillman for editing.

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