Tales of a Homeschool Mom: How to Keep your Kids Focused

Now that the beginning of the school year has passed us and we are deep in the throes of school and homework, I wanted to share some tips that have helped keep my kids focused during the day. I am not a professional nor am I a teacher, but I am a mom who homeschools her kids. Some days, everything goes according to plan and I feel like I could take on the world. Other days? I want to enroll them in the closest school around. I can’t say that I ever thought I would be a homeschooling mom, but here we are, and I have really come to enjoy it — as scary and hard as it is.

A lot of people have been talking on social media lately about the hard time they’re having with homework, which I totally get. The kiddos have been in school all day, and their brains are full and exhausted. Unfortunately (in my humble opinion), I don’t think they get enough outdoor time to expel that restless energy during the day. I know I can see the disconnect in my kids’ eyes when they need a break.

Along the way, I have learned a few tricks to help keep my kids focused.

Of course, if all else fails, there is always bribery. I kid, I kid but hey, it does help sometimes! 

Take a break

The first thing I do is to give them a break. Some kids will say that is not the issue and they don’t want to take a break. Then MAKE them. I know it sounds crazy, but it really does help. Once they get past the ‘it’s hot outside’ and ‘I am bored,’ they always have a good time. It doesn’t have to be all night long – it could be five, twenty, thirty minutes or whatever works for your family dynamic.

Eat a little something

If my kids are hangry then they don’t focus. Giving them a little boost-me-up snack before dinner helps. It gives them a mental break while they eat and fills up their tummy. Aren’t you a different person when you’re hungry? Eat a snickers!

Make it a game

Set a timer, sing a song, and just make it fun. If they don’t even realize they are learning, they will be more eager to jump right in.

Each child is different, and sometimes it takes a while to figure out what works.

These are just some of the things that have helped my kids stay focused, and they may also help to keep my sanity intact. Hopefully they will help your kids as well!

Danielle
Danielle is married to Ryan and together they have four beautiful babies. They're raising Lexi, Abram, Sutton and Beckham on the bayou in Crown Point. She is a self-proclaimed hot mess, Jesus-loving, homeschooling, Netflix binging, crafting and party planning stay at home mom. Sutton was born with achondroplasia dwarfism so advocating and raising awareness is important to her. Most nights once the kids are asleep you will find her staying up way too late to enjoy the quiet that happens after four kids.

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