Arguably, the very toughest part of homeschooling is getting along with our kids. And having them get along with each other. Family dynamics loom huge here, in the world of “can I do this.” If you’ve been a reader of mine or a listener of our podcast, you’ll likely recognize that this has been my own personal quest as a mom, and my quest as a person is to help others in that department. The department of getting along.

Don’t think for one minute that I always get along. Nobody can be perfect at this thing called being human. And I’m a front runner in making mistakes every day. But over the years, practice and commitment to what kind of person and mother I want to be has gained traction.

Practice is so vital.

1. it’s hard to get good at something if you don’t practice

2. we have endless opportunities to practice being kind and non-reactive

3. if we consider all the moments in the day that could frustrate, annoy, discourage us as opportunities to practice - we’re looking through a different lens

4. we need to work on modelling the kinds of qualities we our kids to have

5. children observe you practicing these things…they watch and absorb this commitment to better ourselves

Here’s one place to start. Don’t let education be a place of contention. Let it be a place of wonder, joy and connection. If frustration, anger, sadness or angst starts to creep into a learning moment (for you or the child) lean into the experience, not the lesson. Be with your little person. Engage their emotions before they boil over. Take a break. Breathe. Come back to it. Allow love and dignity to reign.