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When Mom Gets Sick Part 1
Homeschooling can be busy and challenging for even those with a hearty constitution, but what do you do when Mom gets sick...and stays sick? The flu and the common cold can wreak havoc on a homeschool schedule but often, within a few weeks, things more or less go back to ''normal'' and the usual schedule resumes with minor alterations if necessary. Annoying, but not out of the ordinary, as minor illnesses come and go in a household shared with children. But what happens when the lead teacher becomes chronically ill?
Chronic illness does not always mean cancer and I am unqualified to give advice for the homeschool family that has been touched by it as I have no idea what it is to bear that cross. However, a less grave but sometimes equally debilitating situation can arise from autoimmune conditions and stealth infections like tick borne illnesses or parasites.
Suffering with chronic illness of any kind is taxing on an individual and effects all facets of their lives as well as the lives of those closest to them. When homeschooling is added to the mix it can seem nearly impossible, especially in the younger grades.
If you are suffering with chronic illness, the best thing you can do is honestly evaluate your situation and your support network. Pray with your spouse or your most trusted loved one and seek wisdom about finding the best solution for your family. Don't waste your time seeking help or advice from those who are judging your situation. They don't understand and are not worth your valuable time and precious energy. Have a lot of grace for yourself and your children and try to maintain a long-term, broad perspective about their care and education. | | mommacriss |
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When Mom Gets Sick Part 2
Many of us want the best for our children and that is one of the main reasons why we decided to homeschool but sometimes our best is thwarted by unforeseen circumstances and we need to adapt to what our reality becomes. Sometimes the best thing for our children is for someone else to pick up the mantle of their education whether that is public or private school, a co-op or other homeschool group, another family member or friend, or hiring a part or full time tutor. Often times, as treatment plans are developed and implemented, these interruptions to our homeschool become relatively short term and we can resume home education within months or a few years.
Homeschooling is truly a journey and a lifestyle. Most homeschools do not fit within the mould of formal education and we have the benefit of flexibility that is impossible for public and private education but in many ways we have a greater responsibility both to our students/children and to the world to raise competent, upstanding citizens which can't be done if we literally are not physically able to fulfill our calling. Expectations that are realistic are the key to maintaining sanity and the integrity of a home plagued with chronic illness. Much wisdom and many hard earned blessings will come as you navigate the unpredictable waters of your illness with perseverance and acceptance. God will provide, you can trust Him! | | mommacriss |
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