What will you do when you aren’t homeschooling?
When your child launches, there’s something big happening back in their childhood home. Parents are left behind. The nest is empty. The children are gone, and the adjustment has begun. But what about you? The homeschool parent still at home? Toward the end of homeschooling, you start to wonder about the next stage of life. What will you do when you aren’t homeschooling?
I can suggest what not to do. I heard a lady at the shop talking about how bored she was together with her life. She had attended four Weight Watchers meetings during the week, not because she was overweight, but because she was bored! Although I’m a big fan of Weight Watchers, I wondered, “Is this all there is to life?” The empty nest is not an end. It’s a change – a beginning.
There are certain key belongings you can do to form this a mild transition.
Help other people. Volunteer or work at an endeavor that allows you to help people. Homeschoolers are helpers by nature. How can you support other homeschoolers? What can you do to make it easier for the next mother who is stressed out about homeschooling? Give yourself away in new ways, too! I began volunteering regularly at our local clothing bank. It’s an exquisite feeling to try to to something so concrete and physical which will help people and this is often the rationale The HomeScholar was born all those years ago. There is nothing that can take your mind away from your own problems more than helping people with even bigger troubles!
2. Get What You Wished For
When I was homeschooling, I had to say “No” to fun things. I had the kids reception, I had to put dinner on the table, and there have been 13 soccer practices to attend each week! When the kids are gone, now is your time to say “YES!” to the fun things you have put off! My husband and I started singing in our church choir. Evening practices aren’t a hassle at all when you don’t have to find a babysitter!
3. Make a List
While you are homeschooling high school, list everything you wish you could do. Think back on the past few years. What would have been fun? Your turn is coming soon, so creating a bucket list is sensible . Make a list of activities or volunteer positions that sound like fun. List homeschool organizations you would like to help. If you had time, how would you wish to serve your community and your church? After years of serving your family, soon it’ll be some time to serve others.
4. Exercise and Aesthetics
After graduation, you furthermore may have time to take care of yourself. Do you have a box of photos and no time for scrapbooking? Or clutter around the house, with no time to organize? Think of all the great crafts you’ll have time for! And once you retire from homeschooling, your ready to lookout for yourself and eventually be able to exercise. Just think, you can take a walk and stop to smell the roses!
5. Avoid Heart Aching Loneliness
You hear about the empty nest feeling when your children attend college. It’s true – and it’s probably unavoidable. But you can lessen the affects by being active in your church and community. Give yourself time to come to terms with being a home with out children. Soon it’ll be your time to volunteer, serve, and have fun! Your turn is coming, and you can make the best of it! You will succeed and be stronger.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
