Minimalist Homeschooling: A values-based approach to maximize learning and minimize stress

by Zara Fagen

You have managed to get everyone fed, clothed, and clean for more days in a row than you can count. And guess what? It took 110% of your energy every day. You are tired. Exhausted, even. Your motivation is dwindling. You find yourself escaping to mindless activities like web-surfing, Facebook, phone calls, circles around the house picking up random items, Candy Crush, binge-watching Hulu, or any other number of things that are not mentally or physically challenging. Then, you realize how much time you have “wasted” on these mindless activities. You notice that your schedule is falling off-task more and more often. You are still tired. You are even less motivated. And now, on top of it all, you feel guilty about wasting your time. The fact is, you need down time. But, if you are not deliberate about your relaxation, it will be a waste of time.