By Kylee Ryers
Children who are homeschooled perform better in academic tests than children who attend mainstream school. But when you’re in the midst of a divorce, homeschooling can be financially and mentally draining. This is especially true when your divorce goes on for longer than the average six months. Here’s how to get through your divorce and homeschooling at the same time.
On-the-go learning
A divorce involves a lot of paperwork, particularly if you’re going through a messy one. You’ll need to prioritize this paperwork to get things moving. Most homeschooling parents homeschool for between 3 and 4 hours per day. But you can take some of the burden off yourself so you can get on with your crucial paperwork. You could use things such as audiobooks to help your teen stay focused and to ensure they’re reading. Learning apps are also a good way to ensure your teen learns while you get through your divorce. Research even shows that children who use certain apps have better academic performance than those who don’t.
Rejig your days
One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is that you haven’t got to stick to teaching between the hours of 8am and 3pm. As arrangements for your divorce are put in place, there will be times you need to meet up with your legal team. This is more common if you’re hoping to get full custody. A specialist family law attorney will help you complete the forms and paperwork needed for your child custody battle. They’ll also ensure you fully understand the legal side of your case. These meetings will usually happen in normal working hours, so don’t be afraid to mix up your teen’s school day. This could mean homeschooling in the morning and having the afternoon off before starting again in the evening. Or, you could throw in a weekend homeschooling lesson to make up the time.
Take time out
Divorce is one of the biggest stressors you can go through in life. You’re sure to experience a range of emotions that may feel worse when you’re trapped inside the house. It’s often harder if you’re trying to homeschool in what was your marital home. Homeschooling doesn’t mean you have to be cooped up inside all day, though. There are plenty of activities and learning experiences you can do with your teens in the great outdoors. This includes going on a nature hunt, enjoying a bike ride, visiting historic locations, and gardening. The outdoors is a mood-lifter which can make you feel happier, calmer, and kinder. So, incorporate lots of outdoor fun to help you and your offspring get through the toughest time of your life.
The thought of homeschooling your teens while going through a divorce might fill you with dread. The good news is it is achievable and plenty of people have done it before you. Follow these tips and advice and you’re sure to make a success of it.