Narcoleptics Can Homeschool Too!

I never had the desire or intention to homeschool my kids.  My big sister homeschooled her kids K-12 and I thought it was amazing but I just didn't see myself as the homeschooling type. To be honest, I didn't want it to be my fault if my children couldn't read.  So my oldest two started their early years at a private Christian school, it was wonderful. But after a few years I could not afford it any longer so they went to public school. Fast forward several years, in comes Common Core. Before I even knew what Common Core was, I could see the change in my kids grades as well as the way they were being taught and graded. Finally I put my foot down after my sophomore had a horrible year grade-wise. Online school was implemented in my house for my sophomore just as my twins were entering kindergarten. We chose to enroll them in a charter school nearby after almost deciding to homeschool them.
Needless to say after the first quarter, and after several less than satisfactory issues at the charter school, I was homeschooling my kindergartners. I had never before felt compelled to homeschool, but prayer helped me acknowledge and accept this new chapter in my life. I could not quiet the gentle but firm prodding of the Holy Spirit. I knew deep down that a Christian curriculum is what my children needed. Obviously my husband had his doubts about me being able to actually stick with it and not fall asleep during teaching time. So far I have proved him wrong ;)

With all the endless resources available to us via the internet and social media, homeschooling today is easier than it has ever been. I chose to base our curriculum on A Beka Books www.abeka.com . I had used it as a student in junior high and high school and knew it was a challenging and upright program. I have also pieced together some parts of their learning with buying fun learning aids from Lakeshore Learning and using some websites for free printable worksheets and activity ideas. My favorite website/blog by far is www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com. It is a Christian based site and covers all topics, gives craft ideas, hosts awesome giveaways, and gives general advice about what you will need to start your homeschool classroom.

Some of the perks of homeschooling include: flexibility, different learning styles, control over your child's education, merging a variety of curriculum, more free time for music and sports, individualized teaching and interaction, Bible time, and watching your child blossom right before your eyes.
Special challenges of homeschooling that PWN face: feeling less than peppy in the morning, getting your child's day started before the overwhelming need for a mid morning nap sneaks up, getting distracted with laundry or cleaning while your kids are patiently waiting for you at their school desk, falling asleep mid lesson, organizational/structure challenges and the overall feeling of fatigue that taunts at you to just have a "play day" instead of school.

I'm not going to lie, I have fallen asleep right in front of my kiddos, mid-lesson! They know mommy has narcolepsy so they say, "Mommy, mommy, you're falling asleep!".  They giggle, they're so sweet. Sometimes, we break for "recess" and mom gets a rest while they color or play. If we haven't finished our lessons, we simply pick up when I muster up a bit more energy.  The beauty of Kindergarten is that it only takes about 1-2 hours. It's very manageable and flexible. As for my older two who are both doing online public high school, they are more self driven and I don't have to hold their hand through everything, we use Connections Academy. It has been a great program for us in Nevada. Even though it yields to Common Core standards, at least I am present to correct or discuss things if necessary.

So if you have ever contemplated homeschooling your kids, don't let your narcolepsy hold you back! My biggest tip, set a wake up time and do normal morning activities, (breakfast and getting dressed) for both you and the kiddos. Have a regular school "start time", its easier to stick to when it feels more structured. It does take a bit of research and time to get your curriculum in order, but once you have it, you're golden:) Don't have room for a classroom in your house? A breakfast bar or dinner table does just fine, and when weather permits, we school outside! It's fabulous :) Homeschooling is hard work and sometimes challenging to push through fatigue but it's been more than rewarding. I look forward to posting more about this topic and hope to hear from fellow homeschooling PWN! Blessings of Health-Hilary

***Image via Petrina McKinnor

Weight Loss and Narcolepsy

One of narcolepsy's risks or symptoms I guess I should say, is obesity. Whether it is caused by a slower metabolism, general fatigue, loss of motivation due to fatigue, poor quality of sleep, cataplexy issues or a combination of these issues- obesity and/or difficulty losing weight is a real problem for PWN.

Even though it can be effortless to pack on the pounds, it can be an uphill battle to work them back off. There is no single cause for the difficulty, but more of a complex imbalance of hormones, nutrients, diet and exercise, and even prescription meds. I'm not going to get all scientifically detailed regarding hormones, but keeping it short and sweet- have your hormones checked! Adrenal function and cortisol issues effect fatigue levels and manifest as belly fat. Thyroid hormone imbalance also manifests as weight loss difficulty and fatigue. Female hormones estrogen and progesterone should also be checked because they can cause emotional outbursts, weight gain, skin issues, fertility problems etc. For men, testosterone levels should be maintained as well for a healthy body weight.  Along with hormone testing, other blood work should be performed to rule out anemia or malnutrition. Important levels to check are Vit D, Vit B12, magnesium, and calcium as well as having your glucose and insulin levels checked.

When the body is balanced from the inside at the cellular level, it is much easier to make changes to the outside.  Nourish your body from the inside out by eating mostly organic, non-GMO foods, prepared from home. Avoid processed, refined and "diet" foods. Make label reading an automatic habit. Buy healthy oils for cooking such as olive, coconut, and avocado. Research healthy lifestyle blogs and Facebook pages such as www.100daysofrealfood.com http://WellnessMama.com www.fitlife.tv http://rebeldietician.us www.glutenfreehomemaker.com www.Draxe.com and www.realfarmacy.com just to name a few of my faves.

Last but not least, exercise is a MUST!!! Not only is exercise good for your body, it is good for your mind and soul. You will never regret having a great workout, you will regret however, not getting a workout in. You will regret letting the days go by as you sit on the couch. You will regret making excuses. You won't regret a long, slow weight loss journey. You will regret growing out of your pants. You won't regret a stronger body. I have worked out consistently since the end of January and have lost 12 pounds. It has been my slowest weight loss ever, but I am determined. I contemplate what I am going to put in my mouth, and I push myself each day at the gym. I try new things, both nutrition-wise and exercise-wise. And guess what? It's paying off and the inches are falling off. Lastly, don't deprive yourself. If you want chocolate, have some chocolate! Just substitute dark chocolate and almonds instead of a king size snicker bar ;) Moderation is the key! Sending motivation your way- Hilary

Do's and Dont's of A Healthy Lifestyle

Don't:

Eat processed food

Use harsh cleaning chemicals

Succumb to naysayers

Be too hard on yourself

Limit yourself

Do:

Smile Often

Laugh Loudly

Drink plenty of water

Take Naps

Love Completely