Reason #10 Why I Love Homeschool
Lunch. Most days, we enjoy a full hour for lunch in our house. Yes, that’s right, an hour. I know, it seems absurd in a world that feels constantly strapped for time, but it’s a reality for us. Usually, it’s a quiet reading lunch, maybe with a crossword puzzle, or a jigsaw puzzle. Sometimes, we chat or play a board games like monopoly or scrabble. We often eat al fresco during the warmer months and sometimes on a sunny winter day. We pack our lunches for picnics, co-op, and field trips. Occasionally, we enjoy a lunch out. Sometimes lunch is leftovers, but usually, we prepare it fresh, like we did today. We don’t rush. We are able to properly refuel after a busy morning in preparation for a productive afternoon. My friends, everyone deserves a freshly prepared, proper mid-day meal. If you’re a homeschooling family, I hope you’re already enjoying long, relaxing lunches. If you’re thinking about homeschool, add this perk to the list. I feel incredibly fortunate we can prioritize time for long lunches and I love that we can all enjoy what we like. My kiddos help prepare their meals when appropriate, yet another benefit of a long lunches as they are able practice food preparation (sometimes we need a little extra time for that 😉 ). Today, I enjoyed my lunch with a puzzle while my kiddos ate their lunches on the couch with a pile of books. The only improvement to our lunches, in my opinion, would be if my little darlings enjoyed squash as much as I do!
Happy homeschooling!
One of the delightful perks of homeschooling that often goes unnoticed is the opportunity to truly savor lunch time. Unlike the rushed, grab-and-go approach many families face during school days, homeschooling offers the flexibility to enjoy a full hour for lunch. This isn't just about eating; it's about resetting and recharging the mind and body after a busy morning of learning. Taking an hour allows homeschooling families to incorporate activities that promote both relaxation and family connection. Whether it’s quietly reading a book, working on a crossword puzzle, or engaging in playful board games like Monopoly or Scrabble, these moments create a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere. Eating al fresco during warmer months or finding sunny spots on winter days adds an extra layer of enjoyment and a chance to connect with nature. Meal preparation itself becomes an educational, hands-on experience. Children can participate in making their meals, which teaches valuable life skills like cooking and responsibility, while also encouraging healthy eating habits. This additional time means there’s no need to rush, increasing mindfulness around food choices and enjoyment. Packing lunches for picnics, co-op days, or field trips also becomes a fun and creative task. Occasionally dining out during lunch can provide a change of scenery and a shared family experience. This approach to mealtime counters the common culture of fast eating and instead promotes a culture of nourishment, both physically and emotionally. Ultimately, the long lunch break in homeschooling supports productivity in the afternoon by providing proper refueling. It emphasizes balance over speed, reminding us all that a freshly prepared, well-enjoyed midday meal can be a simple yet profound benefit. Homeschooling’s flexibility around mealtime genuinely contributes to a healthier, happier lifestyle for families seeking quality time together. If you’re considering homeschool, this relaxed lunch routine is just another wonderful reason to embrace it.