Reasons Homeschooling is Like a Good Workout: From Discipline to Payoff

Have you ever finished a day of homeschooling in a sweat? I confess to have on occasion finished our lessons with a bit of perspiration on my brow. I'm often reminded as we close our books for the day, how a good day of homeschooling compares to an invigorating workout.

Homeschooling is an incredibly rewarding experience, just as the benefits of exercise are rewarding, but as with exercise... it's an uphill climb. The discipline involved for both parent and child is comparable to the pre-workout hesitation that must be fought daily, in order to achieve success and maintain the shape you're going for.

Just as there's a physical shape you're striving to achieve and maintain through running or strength training, the homeschooler seeks to reach a certain level of mental fitness, measurable through the success and achievement in his or her child's academic performance.

Here are twenty-one reasons why homeschooling can be compared to a workout. This list comes from my personal observations and experiences as a homeschooling mom to very young children. These observations apply to both parent and child.

21 Reasons Homeschooling is like a good workout:

1. It takes tremendous discipline.

2. It's work, but with a little imagination can be fun.

3. It hurts a little.

4. Feels wonderful when it's over, even providing an adrenaline rush.

5. Results may vary, but you tend to get out of it what you put into it.

6. Builds brain power like a good run builds muscle.

7. Requires sticking to a schedule.... day after day, after day, after day.

8. Results are better when your efforts are supported by family, friends and support groups or like minded clubs and organizations

9. Works best after a little stretching.

10. No strain, no gain.

11. It feels like a chore, but produces wonderful results that you can show off to your friends.

12. Feels good to take a day off.

13. Gives you bragging rights.

14. You'll sleep better at night.

15. You must set your own schedule and find the motivation from within to keep going.

16. If you take off too many consecutive days, you'll set yourself back.

17. Others will secretly watch you in envy, wishing they could do the same.

18. You'll be an oddball, but will largely be respected for it. People will notice and talk about you.

19. More time and/or energy will be made available to explore your passions.

20. It can be an incredible bonding experience between you and your kids.

21. Improved psychological well-being.... giving you a sense of accomplishment, greater confidence, enhanced self-esteem, and a more positive outlook on the prospects of tomorrow.

So, there you go! Homeschooling is anything but easy and yet it's incredibly invigorating. As a homeschooling family we've found the benefits of learning at home surpass by a long shot the trade off we'd experience in sending our children to school. Ok, I'm off to stretch!