Q&A: How to decide when it's okay to take a break from your homeschool schedule?

"I homeschooled all thru the summer and loved the year round homeschool schedule. Lately, we've had a lot of family issues and I'm feeling like taking a long 3 to 4 week break from our curriculum. Is this a horrible idea? I'm just trying to justify a bad idea with the fact I homeschooled all summer? Any feedback on this would be great..."

Ideas from other homeschool moms!

• Homeschool gives you the freedom to do what works for your family. I don't think that taking a break is a bad idea. Do what's best for your family. You've homeschooled all summer long and if your family needs a break I say take one!" - Mary Beth

• "Breaks can be very beneficial to your famlilies moral and overall out look on life. Homeschooling is very important and as a homeschool parent you are responsible for your child's education. As long as you keep that in the front of your mind when you are making decisions that effect your children's education then the best decision will be made. However, Be sure to look into all the legality of your state's homeschool laws. Some places require a certain amount of time in attendance in order for your children to qualify as homeschoolers." - Sara W.

• "The important thing here is to really look at why you're taking a break. If you are just getting tired of homeschool and your children are getting restless then consider just shacking things up a little. Put the workbooks down and go on field trips to the local museum. Spending a lot more time at the library or getting a family pass to the planetarium is also a great way to feel like everyone is getting a break without actually putting the learning aside.
  
  Another way to put the formal education on the side for awhile, is to be a little more creative about how you're teaching. Thanksgiving is around the corner and you can have the kids help plan out the meals, decorations, and fine details of your family get together. Here's some of the Homeschool Views article links for using the kitchen as your classroom:
  
  
  • Kool Kitchen Kurriculum, Part I...Teaching Phonics & Art in the Kitchen.
  
  
  • Kool Kitchen Kurriculum, Part II ...Teaching Math & Science in the Kitchen
  
  
  Basically, I think you should really look at what you want a break from. If your homeschoolers would really benefit from just being kids then let them be kids for a couple of weeks. However, if your homeschoolers are just getting bored and you are running out of steam to keep the curriculum coming, then shake things up. Rent educational videos, go to the museum, plan more play dates with their friends, have them write letters the their family instead of letter practice, and most importantly have fun with it. Homeschool means you get to do what you want to do with your kids...so use the freedom you've got and use whats around you." - Jenny H.
  
  

  Share Your Ideas about next month's Ask A Mom.
  
  "My son has been diagnosed with ADD and he is now enrolled in the public school system. I'm seriously considering homeschooling, but I don't even know when or where to start. Are alot of parents homeschooling special needs kids? If so, how can I find them to talk to too?"