A Positive Look at Homeschooling Stress

Although I've not heard other arguments to support my theory, I'm convinced that certain types of stress have a valuable place in our lives and may in fact provide just the motivation needed to better a condition or circumstance. I'm specifically speaking of situational stress, rather than that which may be confined to brain chemistry, so if you're a homeschooler who is usually pretty comfortable with life, this article pertains to you.

Here's something to think about.... if we were all 100% content with everything that we were doing or in the world around us, we'd never produce anything new, we'd never improve on anything, we'd make no new discoveries, we'd not challenge ways of thinking, and we'd never see advancements. What kind of world would that be?

Stress often gets us moving, and moving is a positive isn't it? Sometimes that proverbial straw that breaks the camels back is just the thing we need to put our fist down, to get back on our feet, or to speak up when things aren't as our heart tells us they should be. In fact, stress or dissatisfaction might be what brought you to the decision to homeschool in the first place. If you're a new homeschooler and you're finding yourself dealing with the heebie-jeebies, realize it's normal, and in fact can be healthy so long as you manage it well. Best of all, the stress you feel today, will be the victory you're celebrating tomorrow.

What does homeschooling stress look like? The stress and anxiety that find their way into a homeschooling environment come largely from two sources... the most obvious stemming from confidence issues with the parent, but the less obvious and oh so real source comes from external sources, like from the doubting words and concerns of family and friends. Well meaning people like to plant little seeds of doubt and uncertainty into our minds... probably because they don't understand how doable and effective educating our kids from home can be, yes... even without a teaching degree.