No, we haven’t leapfrogged Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this is the time of year when many homeschooling families start thinking about curriculum and often make a change in Spring. They are feeling the homeschool overwhelm. So, let’s talk about that. Let’s talk about how to beat homeschool overwhelm.
It usually starts with a feeling that something is a little off. We start asking ourselves those questions:
- What’s wrong with me? I can’t get motivated to do this homeschool thing.
- Where did my kids’ motivation go? Getting them to pay attention to their lessons is like pulling teeth!
- I feel so cut off from everyone. I could use a homeschool friend! Maybe my kids feel that way, too! Maybe the naysayers were right about socialization after all!
- Homeschooling shouldn’t be this hard. Look how easy it is for other moms. Maybe I’m just not cut out for this.
Honestly, these feelings are totally normal.
Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint.
So, how do we handle burnout, overwhelm, and lack of motivation in our homeschools?
1. Know Your Why << click here.
When things get hard, and they do, revisiting the reason you’re homeschooling in the first place can give you a fresh vision for your homeschool.
2. Check Your Goals <<< click here.
If you’ve looked at your Why, give your goals a revisit. Many families look at homeschooling as a calling. For others, it’s purely academic. Do your goals match your Why?
3. Could You Use a Little Organization? <<< click here.
Let’s face it; this is one area that can bring us right to the door of overwhelm. Give your organization a once over, and don’t be afraid to pivot to make it work for you.
4. Know Your Students – Highschooler? Struggling Learner? <<< click here.
The high school years can be challenging, so learn to focus on the important things. If you’re homeschooling a child with learning differences, having a support system in place makes all the difference.
5. Are you dealing with Executive Functioning issues? <<<click here.
If you, or your kids, are struggling with knowing what to do when, how to get started, or feel overwhelmed with processes, this may be a real issue in your homeschool. Understanding how to handle executive functioning issues with workable strategies can bring relief.
6. Do you have Balance in Your Homeschool? <<< click here.
Balance doesn’t come naturally; you have to make opportunities for it. See what’s causing stress, and give yourself grace. Lots of it!
7. Are you trying too hard? <<< click here.
You don’t have to DIY homeschooling. Period. Post-2020, we look at socialization differently and can be selective and intentional about how and why we connect with others. But it’s not a rule that you must do it alone.
8. Connection, Connection, Connection <<< click here.
Having a group of moms (and dads!) who are in the same season of life, dealing with the same issues and struggles, that you can turn to for advice and support is essential.
These suggestions won’t answer every issue in your homeschool, but they are a good start. Sometimes, just practicing the pause — revisiting our foundation, can give us the direction we need.
I know. I’ve been there. Let me know how I can pray for you.
Love,
Lisa
TrueNorthHomeschool.Academy
PS. Here are some podcasts from my LifeSkills101 Podcast I think will help, too.
- Feeling Frazzled?
- Have Fun in your Homeschool!
- Why a Morning Basket (with Pam Barnhill)
- Moms and Nehemiah
- Goldilocks and the Teen Years (a must-listen for understanding motivation in the teen years)
