And burn-out?

[Whusky]

We're in the second year of Home Ed, and although it feels like the most natural thing ever, it's been chaotic from day one. It's not the home-ed side; as a family we've had some huge changes, and tbh, I'm feeling lost.

Has anyone had similar? And if so, do you have any advice/tips?

I'm massively struggling with guilt surrounding needing some 'me' time.

[Portulaca]

You could try reading afternoons or film afternoons once or twice a week, or research or crafting/art/baking (depending on age & ability) si that you can have a few hours off each week.

I have longer lunch breaks so they can watch tv and I can read or get some paperwork or cooking done.

Or you could get them outside for a long walk and you could listen to some music on headphones - I find that clears my head space.

DH can often take one to work with him too as he's self employed.

[itsstillgood]

Have you made local HE friends? If so be honest ask if someone can supervise the kids on a trip/group while you have a break and you'll return the favour.

[Whusky]

Tried making HE friends and it resulted in being bullied by the local group so it's put me off completely.
We always have unstructured and relaxed December's so it's not too bad at the moment.
I like the walk with headphones idea!

[XelaM]

Why not put the kids back into school and give yourself a break?

I could never tutor my own kid all day. It would drive me insane

[itsstillgood]

That's not good, sorry you had that experience Whusky. Sadly people are always people but I do think home ed groups should be supportive to all, makes me sad and angry in equal measures when they are not.

If it's better when relaxed and unstructured might be worth considering keeping a more unschooling style going forward.

[AwakeAmbs]

Sorry to hear that.

Feel free to post here for support, i am new to Home Ed but imagine burn out is natural sometimes. Don’t beat yourself up. Like you say have a chilled December with lots of crafts and films and then pick up again in Jan :) Home Alone is a funny stress relieving film for the family. You could snuggle up with that.

Sorry for the group..try not to take it to heart, maybe there are other groups nearby?

I don’t agree with the suggestion to put them back in school unless you really want that and they do, as it may be just a temporary burn out and if you have gone into Home Ed then I assume you have great reasons why you embarked on it as it’s a huge decision.

Good luck,

[Marrowfatpea]

We are an ex home ed family. There were many reasons why we decided to stop and the main one was that the children wanted to. But I didn't argue with that much partly because of burn out. I was so exhausted with never getting a proper break, always being on edge for the next child related task. I'm an introvert and not getting alone time was not good. Also, we too were bullied out of our local home ed group (I wonder if it was the same one as you as we weren't the first or last) and the friends we did have moved away.

What would have helped me:

1. Good HE friends - easier said than done
2. Regular, uninterrupted, alone time, ideally to work on something not connected with the children

[AwakeAmbs]

@Marrowfatpea I’m an introvert too. Planning to take a break over lunch and also have quiet time with story etc in afternoon. It’s so important to build in those times isn’t it.