10 Steps to Slow Down as a Homeschool Parent

Have you ever wanted to slow down and be present with your kids? Whether you’re a mom or dad, juggling homeschooling and raising kiddos can easily become overwhelming. 

Recently, David and I talked to Tyler Graham, who is a fatherhood encourager and writer on LinkedIn. He runs his own fatherhood brand called 3mph Fatherhood. Mr. Graham is a father to six homeschooled children and works full-time in healthcare technology. Throughout the chat, he shared several tips on how to slow down in our fast-paced world as parents.

• Accept that the journey won’t be perfect. 
• Give yourself grace. 
• Get outside when possible.
• Be aware of your zone. 
• Take a time out. 
• Find your tools. 
• Ask yourself, “Who do I want to be and who do I want my kids to remember?”
• Spend quality time together. 
• Prioritize date nights. 
• Say no.

How to Slow Down

First of all, Mr. Graham recommends that parents accept that their journey in life won’t be perfect. If you’re homeschooling, he highly recommends that you remind yourself that your homeschooling journey won’t be perfect. 

Next, give yourself grace as you navigate the parenting journey. Allow yourself to make mistakes as you parent and homeschool. It’s okay, and you’re not perfect. 

Continuing, to refresh your mind and body, get outside. Step outside with your kids or take a solo walk to recharge. Mr. Graham emphasized that the outdoors can do wonders to help you properly serve your family. 

Also, be aware of your zone. Mr. Graham calls it the blue zone when you are disconnected or numbed out from your family. Perhaps you pick up your phone to distract yourself. This is the blue zone. The red zone comes from being overaware, reactive, or stressed. As a parent, take note of when you reach your zone and take an adult time out if you can. Go outside, reset with some quiet time, or just take a moment to breathe. 

Next, find what tools work for you. For instance, Mr. Graham suggested using an ice pack, exercising, or even walking away to a different room to breathe. Find the tools that help you reset and reach a calmer zone. 

Furthermore, ask yourself, “Who do I want to be and who do I want my kids to remember?” Who do you want your kids to remember when you die? How do you want to represent that person to your kids now? Think about these questions and perhaps even journal your answers. 

Find ways to spend quality time with your kids. Maybe your daughter would like to sit and read a book or play Barbies. Your son might like to play a game or a round of football. Take time out from everyday tasks and make simple but intentional memories with your family. For instance, Mr. Graham found time to spend a moment with his daughter as they shared waffle fries from Chick-fil-A. 

Continuing, prioritize your spouse and time with them. Make it a priority to have a date night and spend time together as a couple. Mr. Graham suggested date night swaps, where you and your friends trade kids. You could babysit your friends’ children one night, and they could watch your kids on another night. For a healthy family, spending time together as a couple is vital. 

Finally, learn how to say no. Say no to things that distract you from making your family a priority and creating intentional time with your family. If the activity or event doesn’t help you work towards your family goals or doesn’t answer the aforementioned questions, heavily consider saying no. Say no to a night out with friends or volunteer opportunities if they take away from intentional time with your family. 

Conclusion

Take these steps to become intentional with your family. However, remember to give yourself grace as you try these new things and allow yourself to make mistakes. You are trying for your family, and that is the most important thing. As you homeschool and parent, take moments out of your day to simply breathe and be present in the moment. 

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- NxtEra

Written by Bethany (@thebookwormgirl_bethany)