Homeschooling When You are Ill or Injured

Yesterday I shared tips for homeschooling when a child is ill or injured, but obviously children aren’t the only ones who get sick or hurt. Homeschooling when ill or injured can definitely be challenging particularly when you have children who need more guidance.
In the past I’ve shared information on homeschooling with a chronic condition, and a lot of the tips I recommended for the hard days definitely apply to when you’re ill or injured as well. Oftentimes my chronic condition makes me feel like I’m sick or hurting all over! All parents might not have a chronic condition, but most parents experience sickness or pain from time to time.

Homeschooling When Ill or Injured

As I mentioned yesterday, the ideal is definitely taking time off, but that is not always an option, so I wanted to share a few tips that have helped me get through those rough days!

Assign Independent Work

Although this may be more challenging for younger kids, there is generally independent work kids can do. Even if it’s work they can do *mostly* independently while asking a few questions here and there. This can give you some downtime while also helping kids work independently, which is an important skill. Relax nearby so you are able to answer any questions, but take it easy.
Anything can be independent work, but what I find makes the best independent work for our family is:

• Copywork
• Computer curricula and supplements
• Educational apps and curricula that is available on tablets
• Basic art such as coloring and drawing
• Math worksheets
• Educational videos

Obviously, this will depend on the ages of your children as well as abilities. All of our children are young (ages 9, 8 and 5), and only our 8 year old can read independently, so it really does limit what can be done as independent work. I definitely appreciate the computer and app related curricula during those times!

Change Location

Something I shared on the Homeschool Post was how our home is not a school. If you tend to have a structure more like a school or are very particular about where homeschooling takes place, this would be a good time to be flexible. Relax on the couch with your feet up while the kids sit and work. Read them a book while they sit next to you. Have them do work on the coffee table next to you so you can oversee and help with their work while also resting.

Recruit Some Help

I know this may not be an option for some. In fact, it likely isn’t an option for many, but perhaps if you truly consider the option, it may be possible. For example, if your spouse works, you can change around your schedule so your kids do some homeschool work in the evening rather than the morning. Perhaps there are people from church or a homeschool group that would be glad to help out as well. It’s OK to ask! Even if others may not be able to help with homeschooling, they may be able to help with the household tasks so you can focus on homeschool and recovery.
It’s important to remember that while homeschooling when ill or injured you have to take care of yourself or you could potentially prolong your illness or injury which could further complicate the homeschooling challenges.

5 Days of Tips for Homeschool Parents

Do you need some encouragement today? Are you having different challenges? Good news! There are a variety of members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew that are participating in the 5 Days of Tips for Homeschool Parents Blog Hop. You definitely don’t want to miss it! Here are just a few of the participating bloggers:
Jeniffer @ Thou Shall Not Whine
Jennifer @ A Peace of Mind
Jennifer @ Faithful Homestead
Joelle @ homeschooling for His Glory
Joesette @ Learning Curve
Kari @ Random Acts of Boyhood
Katie @ Katie’s Daily Life
Kemi @ Homemaking Organized
Kim @ Homestead Acres
Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom
To check out all the participating bloggers be sure to visit the 5 Days of Tips for Homeschool Parents on the Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog! This is a series you don’t want to miss!