The latest neuroscience confirms what many have known all along… that all growth and learning come from a place of rest. Yet, just because children are homeschooled doesn’t mean they’re at rest. In fact, bypassing the key actions that cultivate emotional rest can lead to a range of challenges that show up in unique ways in the homeschool setting.
All children experience alarm, frustration and an instinct to be close to the adults who care for them. They and need the space to feel all their feelings fully in order to come back to a state of inner rest and to grow and develop as Nature intended. In fact, as it turns out, emotions are actually the drivers of development.
When strong, core emotions are living in a child (whether we notice it or not) and these are not attended to in ways that promote emotional rest, learning becomes hindered in any setting. Pressing forward without attending to these emotional signposts can give rise to children’s challenging behaviours, push-back and a lack of focus.
Home educators often seek resolution to such challenges by regularly researching new curricula, taking time off from homeschooling to regroup, re-jigging schedules or using bribes, sanctions and rewards to keep things moving along when meeting overlooked attachment needs is often the missing link.
Gaining an understanding of exactly how the emotional drivers of development operate and how to work with them can be a tremendous relief on the challenging days, free up much-needed energy for parents and open new doors of connection, learning and joy for seasoned and new homeschooling families alike.
