When people think of a Type-A homeschooler, they often picture someone with a perfectly structured day, a color-coded planner, and a strict schedule. That’s not me. But I’m also not completely the go-with-the-flow Type-B homeschooler either. So, where do I fit?
As someone officially diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and a mom of a daughter who blends ADHD with autism, I’ve had to force myself to create a schedule. But here’s the thing: the schedule needs to flow naturally, slowly, and be flexible enough to avoid draining me. The traditional school system never worked for me, and rigid schedules still don’t. I need a pace that matches my energy and focus, while also being mindful of my daughter’s needs.
Personality and Homeschooling Style: Not Always the Same Thing
It’s important to note that a Type-A homeschooler can be either introverted or extroverted. The “Type-A” label refers to someone who thrives on structure, organization, and control over their homeschooling approach, while “Type B” is more relaxed and spontaneous. Your personality (whether introverted or extroverted) is a separate aspect that doesn’t dictate your homeschooling style.
I’ve had people assume that, because I can be animated and lively, I must be an extrovert. But the reality is, I’m somewhere in between. I enjoy deep connections and meaningful interactions, but socializing for long periods drains my energy. I need time to recharge on my own, away from the world. So, I’m neither a typical extrovert nor an introvert.
This blend of traits — needing both structure and space to recharge — significantly influences how I homeschool. It’s about balancing my energy needs while respecting my daughter’s unique needs as well.
Finding Our Own Rhythm
Homeschooling, for me, isn’t about fitting into the mold of a Type-A or Type-B homeschooler. I don’t strive for the perfect Type-A homeschool day, nor do I lean into the carefree, unscheduled chaos of a Type-B approach. Instead, I focus on creating a rhythm that works for us — one that’s flexible and doesn’t drain me, while still fostering a love for learning.
Some days, everything falls into place. The lessons flow smoothly, and everyone feels engaged and motivated. Other days, we lean into the natural chaos, allowing learning to happen without the pressure of a strict schedule. That’s okay too. The journey is about progress, not perfection.
Why Flexibility Matters
As a mom of neurodivergent children and someone navigating ADHD myself, I know that rigid schedules just don’t work for us. They stifle creativity and leave little room for the natural ebbs and flows of our energy levels. Flexibility allows us to take things at our own pace, adjust when needed, and focus on what truly matters: fostering a love for learning.
So, what type of homeschooler am I? Neither Type A nor Type B. I’m a homeschooling mom learning as I go, adapting to what works for my family, respecting my own energy, and trusting that Allah will guide us on this journey.
At the end of the day, it’s not about fitting into a label. What matters is the learning happening in our own unique rhythm. Whether you’re Type A, Type B, or somewhere in between, your homeschool journey is yours to shape, and that’s what makes it beautiful.
So, how it looks for me to have a schedule this year? You can refer to my post titled ‘2024: Our Flexible Homeschool Year‘ to get a glimpse of how we approach our homeschooling journey.