7 Ways I Balance Managing Diabetes and Homeschooling My Children

Planning and organization have helped me juggle homeschooling my kids while paying close attention to my diabetes. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years.

Planning to homeschool was a decision made long ago, but adding diabetes management into the mix wasn’t in the original blueprint.

Homeschooling while managing diabetes has been an interesting journey. Over the past three years, through trial and error, I’ve come to understand how homeschooling affects my blood sugar levels.

Stress, especially when I’m swamped with life and homeschool duties, can send my levels soaring, and it often takes days to stabilize.

I’m only halfway through planning this academic year, yet it’s clear our schedule will be packed with both advanced academics and extracurricular activities. Busy and demanding schedules have the power to wreak havoc on diabetes management. That’s why balancing my homeschool planning with diligent healthcare is crucial.

I’ve discovered that thorough planning and organization allow me to teach my kids well while keeping my blood sugar levels in check. Here are seven strategies I apply to manage diabetes as a homeschooling parent:

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1. Set realistic expectations

As an educator and someone managing diabetes, setting realistic goals is important to me. Consistent attention to diabetes care and daily routines is key. This prevents me from being overexerted.

I tailor my homeschool schedule to fit our needs, ensuring we use our time and resources well. This year, as I homeschool a high schooler, middle schooler, and elementary student, I aim to provide a well-rounded education with a mix of home-based and external resources, dedicated personal time, and activities that capture their interests — while maintaining my own well-being.

2. Consistent schedule and routine

A consistent daily routine is beneficial for both homeschooling and managing diabetes. Regular schedules that include learning, independent work, breaks, meals, and exercise can help me maintain a balanced and steady lifestyle.

Our homeschool is structured on a 4-day flexible learning plan, with one to two subjects covered for 3 hours each day, and then extracurricular activities in the afternoon. We reserve Fridays for family outings, planning, and unwinding.

3. Plan healthy meals and snacks

Proper nutrition is essential for staying energized and focused and maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. I make it a point to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in our meals.

Advance meal planning has been a game-changer for our homeschooling routine. I typically plan a month ahead so we have nutritious meals lined up.

On homeschooling days, I go for recipes that take less than 30 minutes, which helps my husband when I’m out with one of the kids.

For field trips, I pack snacks and water to stay hydrated and keep my blood sugar in check. This year, I’m setting up a meal prep routine to make our busy days run smoother and take the stress out of mealtime.

4. Incorporate physical activity into daily routines

Including physical activity in our homeschool routine not only keeps us active but also improves my mental health and regulates my blood sugar levels.

We make time for stretch breaks, outdoor playtime, or structured activities like dance and sports during PE/Health time. Our homeschool day usually ends with recess, where we walk, skate, or bike around the neighborhood.

Typically, I use my phone or smartwatch to measure my activity for the day.

5. Prioritize self-care

A daily self-care routine is immensely beneficial. Prioritizing self-care helps me manage the demands of homeschooling and diabetes management.

My self-care includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, taking my medication, checking my blood sugar, attending my medical appointments, saying no to things that are not priorities, and staying active to reduce stress.

As I frequently need to transport the kids to their afternoon extracurriculars, I make a point to set aside time for my own relaxation. Typically, I read or do crafts during their activities.

I also foster self-care by streamlining our household chores and distributing tasks among family members. By creating a chore chart, we engage our kids in cleaning, addressing minor tasks daily, and saving the more substantial ones for Fridays or weekend mornings.

We use a grocery delivery service to sidestep the hassle of running errands. This keeps our home orderly and helps us focus on other priorities.

6. Seeking support

My family, friends, and community resources have been a great source of support during difficult times on my homeschooling journey.

My husband works from home a couple of days a week, assisting with meal prep and watching the kids when I’m away.

Also, my children step in when I’m unwell. They will give me time to rest and do independent learning. Participating in diabetes support groups and local homeschooling groups has kept me accountable and provided the support that I need during stressful times.

7. Be flexible and patient

Homeschooling while managing diabetes requires flexibility and patience. Some days may be more challenging, making it necessary to adapt to alternative teaching methods and routines.

The dual challenge of teaching and managing diabetes means that everything will not go as planned. It’s important for me to stay flexible with our schedule and expectations and to practice self-compassion on the more challenging days.

Progress is made one step at a time, and patience and kindness toward oneself are vital for successfully navigating this journey.

Life with diabetes is a learning experience. Strategies that worked in the past may not suit today’s current circumstances, so you have to adjust your approach as your life changes.

Takeaway

Managing diabetes alongside homeschooling demands careful planning, support, and flexibility. I’ve learned to create a balanced homeschooling routine by setting realistic goals, taking mental health breaks, establishing boundaries, planning meals, and exercising daily.

It’s not easy, but with careful planning, I am able to manage both successfully and cherish this homeschooling journey with my kids unhindered.