How do you cope with your kids being around all day, everyday?

I’m not going to lie, some days are challenging. Let me keep it real – some days are like trying to untangle a slinky while wearing mittens.

You know that feeling when summer holidays roll around, and you're desperately hunting for activities?

Homeschooling can feel like that but with a bit more “please just give me a break I’m about to loose my mind” thrown in. It can be similar to when you’re on the school summer holidays and you’ve run out of things to do but more permanent and annoying.

There are some days you want to run away from all of the bickering, squabbling and fighting because everyone is in your face wanting something and you just need some SPACE! but it’s no different from being stuck at home with the same hell that you’re used to.

It’s different from the 6 week holidays because it’s constant. You’re generally not working or running the house in the same way, heck the house isn’t even yours when you’re travelling but you put contingencies in place to create space and entertainment. By hook or by crook you make it work.

You might even wake up grumpy and suddenly you're the chief instigator of chaos, snapping at everyone for the silliest reasons. Nobody's got an endless supply of calm vibes and honestly, who can maintain perpetual harmony? Especially when you’re continuously stuck in each other's company.

It’s not sunshine and rainbows all of the time but like anything, you adapt and eventually make the most of it…. eventually.

The pressure of having the best summer with everything you’d anticipated to be awesome can be as disappointing as an exhausted frozen CD stuck inside a broken DVD player or you’re all pumped for an epic summer with non-stop fun, only to realize that you're now the head honcho of the never-ending fun committee.

But fear not, my fellow parents and homeschooling comrades, you adapt, improvise, and eventually find the silver lining – even if it takes a bit of time, pain and tears.

You become more adaptable, more flexible and more resourceful. You become more efficient at resolving issues and more astute at problem solving. Not just you. Everyone in the household. It doesn’t dull the incredible experiences you can have together.

If none of that relates to you and your children are little angels and your only child is not bored out of their brain. Good for you but there’s no escaping the conflict resolution between all of the families you’re likely to meet. Some far worse or similar than yours.

Remember those gentle parents at the park who are cool with their darlings flinging sand into your kids' eyes?

Yeah, you'll meet them in your homeschooling adventures too. They're the ones who let their kids climb up on chairs in restaurants, burrow your shit and damage it or go foraging through your snack stash without your permission.

And let's not forget those playdates that turn into impromptu childcare sessions, because we all need a break from the endless snack requests and clean-up duty.

It’s important to put boundaries in place. Know when to say no. Remembering that your children and your families needs come first and it’s important to have a few rest days to recoup as a family away from other crazy families. Just kidding. I’ll save this for another post.

World Schooling is far simpler, taking school/work/ heavy housework out of the equation generally tones down the stress levels in the family. The children become less hyperactive.

You don’t argue with your partner about the equal split of household duties. You don’t feel like you’re trying to juggle a hundred and one things (apart from your next travel itinerary). So everyone generally gets into a calmer more efficient pattern of working together to make this new system work. Boredom becomes a creative outlet and time away from your family on your own is a complete luxury.

Are there still stressful days? Hell yes. Are you proud of yourself for not killing everyone? Absolutely. Do I want to go back to our life before World Schooling. Definitely not. It’s still the best decision we ever made.

Now, for some survival tips from the homeschooling trenches:

Shake Up the Routine Keep a bit of structure but also embrace flexibility. Changing things up keeps the excitement alive.

Me Time Sneak away occasionally – hit the gym, do some yoga, or just have coffee in peace.

Special Days Spend quality time with each child separately. It's like a mini-date that helps you bond.

Supplies Galore Have a treasure trove of games, art supplies, and Legos at your disposal.

Exploration Use Google Maps to discover hidden gems in your area for adventures.

Online Learning Explore learning apps like Reading Eggs or Khan Academy to mix education and fun.

Join the Clan Connect with local homeschooling groups on Facebook for tips and camaraderie.

Rest Days Rock Don't underestimate the power of lazy days in your pyjamas. Rest is golden and beneficial to your wellbeing too.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be constant or consistent and it’s perfectly ok to have a ton of days of doing absolutely nothing but chilling out at home in your pyjamas.

And guess what? Even though there are those days when you're ready to stage your own one-woman reality show, the journey is worth it. Because, amidst the chaos and craziness, you're making memories and growing closer as a family.

So, to all my fellow homeschooling rockstars, keep on rocking that apron and making magic happen! Whatever you’re doing, whoever you’re doing it with. Get some fresh air, eat well, chill out and have fun.