Schooling during difficult times can be stressful and challenging at times, also more relaxed. During the COVID pandemic, students and parents learned the most about online schooling than at any other time. Some parents relaxed their students' schedules to allow breaks or time to decompress and cope with the mental stress of the time while others tried to get more education covered with the time at home. With homeschooling, I find it easier to build those mental health checks into our daily lessons by allowing my children to take their time with their work and to take the necessary breaks they may need throughout the day. I understand that this flexibility may seem irresponsible to some people, but it is the most responsible and proper way to educate my children while ensuring they are healthy.
Other difficult times for schooling come when there happens to be incidents of violence at school. When students don't feel safe,, they don't think they can handle being in the classroom. They will experience a wide range of emotions, often experiencing physical ailments, increased absences, lack of focus, and even lack the energy and enthusiasm for learning. This is why reassuring them that advanced security measures are being taken to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. Also allowing them to speak to someone can help by making them feel that their feelings are valued and listened to. Putting a student's mind at ease and making them feel safe are two of the most important roles a homeschooling parent has.
