Optometrist’s Life On The Farm: Homeschooling and Homesteading
Balancing Professional Life and Homesteading: An Optometrist’s Perspective
Balancing the demanding nature of a career in optometry with responsibilities that come with today’s version of homesteading and being a mom can present challenges and rewards. The dual roles of a healthcare provider and a homesteader can often feel overwhelming; however, this lifestyle choice has offered me a deeper connection to my family and the environment with great flexibility.
One of the primary challenges is time management and energy required to juggle clinical duties with the needs of a farm family. My optometry schedule is typically busy, attending to patient exams and staying current with advancements in eye care. These professional obligations are balanced with daily tasks such as caring for animals, planting and harvesting crops, maintaining the garden, and feeding my husband who manages it all.
Currently my optometry job is on hold as we wait for a qualified nurse to care for our son. I am his full time caregiver, teacher to the other kids, while continuing my regular responsibilities as a wife. During this waiting period, I have had the opportunity to focus on family time that I had missed out on over the years, and soak up the importance of the little things. The great thing about being an optometrist is that it allows flexibility in my schedule, I have found there is a great life-work balance in this career. It is one that I enjoy and am proud of.
Living on a farm allows for a sustainable lifestyle that enhances our family dynamics and children’s education. The farm is like a living classroom, providing invaluable opportunities for my children to learn about biology, ecology, and responsibility through hands-on experiences such as animal care and gardening. These educational experiences are integrated seamlessly into our homeschooling curriculum, offering children a diverse and practical learning environment.
Navigating Homeschooling and Medical Challenges: A Mama’s Story
Homeschooling presents both unique challenges and rewarding experiences. As a mama on a farm, I have found that adapting our educational approach to accommodate my children’s specific requirements is important. A nurturing and flexible learning environment is needed to ensure that my children thrive academically while also managing health-related concerns of my youngest son. We have created a routine that allows for both structured learning and the flexibility to adjust to medical appointments or unanticipated health issues that may arise.
Integrating our farm life into educational lessons seems to be an effective strategy. For instance, lessons in science revolve around observing growth cycles of plants like flowers, corn, dandelions, etc.. or understanding a variety of animals. This hands-on learning not only makes education more engaging but also offers a deeper appreciation for nature. Incorporating these elements into our curriculum is encouraging the development of critical thinking skills, as my children learn to make connections between what we study and the environment around us.
The homesteading lifestyle encourages the teaching of valuable life skills. From gardening to cooking and storing, the practical knowledge gained through daily chores. We have had the opportunity to collaborate with other families navigating similar circumstances. It allows us to share resources and strategies, providing an invaluable network of support.
Ultimately, the journey of homeschooling children on a farm is one of adaptation, resilience, and creativity. We strive to create a fulfilling educational experience that accommodates my family’s unique situation.