Why You Need A Homeschool Intention For 2023

A New Year is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity for reflection and growth. For many of us, this includes setting resolutions or goals for the year. But have you ever considered choosing a word or intention instead? This article will explore why homeschool parents should set an intention for the year and provide tips on how to do so effectively.

Looking for more tips on homeschool goal setting? Check out these articles: Take a Moment and Reboot: A Guide to Resetting Your Homeschool Space and How to Set Goals for Your Homeschool (That You’ll Actually Stick To)

What is an intention, and why set one for the year

An intention or focus word encapsulates what you need more of or improve upon. It’s not a resolution or goal but an overarching theme for the year that can guide you in your decisions. It is an anchor to remind you of what matters most when life gets busy and chaotic.

Setting an intention for the year is especially beneficial for homeschool parents because it allows them to take control of their lives and focus on what’s important.

It provides direction and clarity that can help guide their decisions throughout the year. It’s a word that will softly nudge you throughout the year to keep you on track and remind you where you’re going.

Benefits of setting intentions

Homeschool parents can benefit from setting an intention in many different ways. It can help them prioritize their commitments and focus on the most important activities for their children’s education.

For example, if a homeschool mom sets the intention to “nurture,” she might focus on creating an environment of care and support for her children rather than focusing on academics.

An intention can also provide a sense of purpose and direction to help homeschool parents stay motivated even when their children are struggling or challenged.

Finally, it can be a source of strength and comfort when the going gets tough; having an intention to focus on can make it easier to cope with the stress and frustration of homeschooling.

How to find your word for the year

Setting an effective intention requires some thought, so here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Reflect on what matters most to you or your family. Your intention should reflect your values, goals, and aspirations for the year.

2. Brainstorm what you’d like to improve upon or work on. What do you want more of or less of in your life? What’s holding you back?

2. Choose something that resonates with you personally, and define your focus word.

3. Think about how setting this intention might help you become the person and homeschool mom you want to be.

Word of the Year ideas

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How to put your intention into practice

1. Have conversations with your children about the importance of your intention and how it can help them throughout the year.

2. Make time each day to focus on your intention. This could be a few minutes in the morning, evening, or even moments throughout the day when you need an extra dose of motivation or support.

3. Use your intention as a guide when making decisions, such as which activities to do with your children or how to respond to challenging behaviors.

4. Make your intention visible; post it where you can see it regularly to remind yourself of your purpose.

5. Create a vision board or other visual representation of your intention that you can look at throughout the year for inspiration and guidance.

6. Consume content related to your word – books, articles, podcasts, etc.

7. Consider getting a customized bracelet with your word as a daily reminder.

How to stay on track with your intention

Now that you’ve set your intention for the year, it’s important to ensure you stay on track. Here are a few tips for staying focused and motivated:

1. Make time for self-care so you can stay energized and engaged in your homeschooling journey.

2. Break down your goals into achievable chunks so you can stay focused on the small wins.

3. Remind yourself of your intention and what it means to you and your family throughout the year.

4. Acknowledge progress and celebrate successes, even small wins.

5. Find ways to connect with other homeschool moms to stay inspired and motivated.

6. Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust or take a break if you struggle; this is an important part of the process.

Final thoughts

It’s important to revisit your intention throughout the year and ensure you’re still on track. This can help you stay motivated, focused, and inspired even when things get difficult. It can also be a source of strength and comfort when parenting or homeschooling gets challenging; having an intention to focus on can also help keep you from getting overwhelmed or discouraged.

Taking time each day to remind yourself of this intention can help you become the parent, homeschooler, or person you want to be.

By breaking down goals into achievable chunks, connecting with other homeschool moms for support and inspiration, and taking regular breaks when needed, you’ll have all the tools necessary for staying on track with your intention throughout the year.

So don’t forget to check in with yourself and your intention throughout the year, and use it as a guide for making decisions and setting homeschool goals.

May this new year be filled with purpose and joy as you journey onward!

Xuan Klevecka is a Southern California-based homeschool mom, wife, and sometimes purveyor of vintage goods. She’s an Enneagram 5w4, a lover of good food, and a former middle school history teacher. You’ll either find her looking at road maps and daydreaming about her family’s next epic adventure or perusing recipes and cooking up a feast for the brood.