Avoiding Homeschool Cabin Fever

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By Beverly S. Krueger

Twenty years ago, our first permanent duty station was far north in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A place we didn’t know existed until the Air Force sent us there. We were there three years. During that time we actually watched 4th of July fireworks as it snowed and one winter had over 200 inches of snow. That would be the year my husband decided we could handle clearing the drive ourselves without the assistance of a plow.

Arriving at KI Sawyer AFB in the middle of the summer along with many others in the annual summer base swap, we listened to veteran’s advice to get involved in some type of activities outside our homes. Most wives took the advice to heart. Others didn’t. When winter came far too early and stayed far too long, the realities of cabin fever became starkly clear when one of the newbies required hospitalization. She’d not felt like she fit in with the other wives primarily for socioeconomic reasons. Not that any of the other butter bar lieutenant’s wives were economically better off, she just thought of herself as coming from a different social milieu, and by choice, segregated herself from many of the other routine get-togethers.

Homeschoolers, especially those just starting out, can find themselves removed from their normal routines. No more short chats while waiting to pick up kids at school. Those who quit work to stay home with their kids find their routines even more dramatically changed. Often in the beginning, there’s a tendency to put your family’s nose to the grind stone only to find after several weeks that everyone is emotionally exhausted.

Reaching out and finding support from other homeschoolers is important for beginners and veterans. Beginners need to hear that what they are experiencing is very normal, if it’s not, then they need to know there is a place they can get help. Veterans need to be available to help others, just as they received help when they first started. One year of homeschooling kindergarten makes you a homeschool kindergarten veteran. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you won’t have something to offer if you only have one or two years of experience. It’s amazing how helping answer someone else’s questions can help you reaffirm your own reasons for homeschooling.

Even veterans need help from time to time. It’s easy to lose perspective when you are right on top of a difficult situation. Sharing with others may bring new ideas or remind you of old ideas lost in the struggle. The Word says of our Christian walk that we are not to forsake our assembling together. Homeschooling is an extension of our walk with Christ if we are called by Him to teach our children at home. Don’t forego the wonderful fellowship available in your local support group.

To look for a support group in your area, visit our EHO Support section. By following the links listed for your state, you can find many additional groups that are not listed at EHO

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