Navigating the Homeschooling Trenches and Avoiding Burnout

I say all the time that homeschooling has been the most consequential event of my life. It was never something I planned to do, but God certainly planned it for me! Homeschooling is not all rainbows and unicorns, but it should be a beautiful and joyful journey that provides you with the freedom to create a custom education and a nurturing environment for your children. Homeschool moms are never alone and that is absolutely okay, but it can lead to burnout. 

I remember the day my youngest daughter and I dropped off my oldest son for his first day of Kindergarten. She had dance class that morning at the clubhouse located in our community and there was a coffee cart by the front door. As we walked toward the door there was  a mom buying a cup of coffee and she turned and wished us a good morning. I smiled and wished her a good morning in return but what she said has stuck with me for over 15 years. She said something like, “I’m buying myself coffee because today is the first time all of my kids are in school and I have the whole day to myself. I’m celebrating because I have no more kids at home with me during the day.” 

Her words broke my heart because I knew I would never celebrate that day. I didn’t want that day to ever come until they were grown and ready to fly. And 2 years later, God closed the public school door, opened the homeschool window and threw me out! I get that the day-to-day responsibilities of being a mom and having the responsibility of homeschooling can sometimes feel overwhelming, perhaps resembling the trenches of a battle. The key to overcoming the overwhelm lies in finding a balance and avoiding burnout. I know many moms who are burnt out and no longer find joy in homeschooling but are doing it anyway out of obligation. I don’t want that for my friends, I don’t want that for myself, I don’t want that for anyone. So, let’s explore some effective strategies to help homeschool moms thrive without drowning in the day-to-day trenches.

1. Set Realistic Expectations:

One of the most common pitfalls for homeschool moms is setting unrealistically high expectations. I get it. I am notorious for setting high expectations for myself and my kids. Remember that you're only human, and it's impossible to do everything perfectly all the time. Set achievable goals for yourself and your children. Understand that there will be days when things don't go as planned, and that's okay. Scale schoolwork, projects, and activities when needed and never apologize or feel bad for circling your wagons when you need to regroup. 

2. Create a Flexible Routine:

While structure is important, flexibility is equally crucial. Design a daily routine that accommodates both your teaching goals and the natural rhythms of your family. A flexible routine allows for breaks, spontaneity, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Remember that your routine will change each year as your kids grow, school gets harder and schedules become more complicated. 

3. Prioritize Self-Care:

Moms are notorious for neglecting self-care while prioritizing their children's needs. Remember that you can't pour from an empty cup. Schedule regular time for activities that rejuvenate you – whether it's reading, exercising, practicing a hobby, or spending time with friends. I understand that as a homeschool mom you are never alone but don’t let that stop you from doing things that you love. For example, your kids can always exercise with you if that’s your jam. Some of my favorite memories are of walks, hikes, runs, and weightlifting with my kids.

4. Delegate and Involve Others:

You don't have to be the sole educator. If grandparents are visiting, they can help with any subject as long as you give them the resources. If math isn’t your strength then use an online math program. Have your older kids mentor your younger kids. My kids have been peer reviewing each other’s work for years!  Additionally, involve your children in the decision-making process. Encouraging their independence not only reduces your workload but also empowers them to take responsibility for their learning.

5. Embrace Technology:

Incorporate educational apps, online resources, and virtual learning platforms into your homeschooling journey. These tools can engage your children, offer a fresh perspective, and provide you with a well-deserved breather.

6. Join a Supportive Community:

Connect with other homeschool moms in your area or online. Sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions can provide a sense of camaraderie and invaluable insights. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. There are millions of homeschoolers. 

7. Take Breaks Together:

Take breaks during your homeschooling day. Eat lunch, have a snack, and play outside. These pauses allow everyone to recharge, refocus, and avoid burnout. As my kids have gotten older their schedules have changed to make time for basketball training, workouts, practices, jobs, and volunteering.

8. Incorporate Practical Life Skills:

Teach practical life skills every day. Let your kids make their own breakfast and lunch. Have them help clean up the kitchen after mealtimes. Teach them how to do their own laundry. Enlist their help outside mowing, weeding, gardening. Require that they all clean their rooms and bathrooms. You are not the fairy that comes during the night and cleans up the mess. Teach them how to adult.

9. Evaluate and Adjust:

Regularly assess what's working and what isn't. Be open to adjusting your approach as you go along. Flexibility in your teaching methods can keep things interesting and prevent monotony. If a curriculum isn’t working, throw it out - get another one.The beauty of homeschooling is crafting a life, a schedule, an education that fits you and your family. 

10. Celebrate Small Wins:

Acknowledge and celebrate the small victories along the way. Completing a challenging project, mastering a new concept, or simply having a smooth day of learning are all worth recognizing.

Homeschooling is the best adventure of your life, but it requires mindfulness and balance to prevent getting lost in the day-to-day trenches. Instead of looking at celebrating the day when you have no kids at home (because that day will come faster than you are prepared for), have that cup of coffee with your kids. Celebrate that you get to spend everyday doing all the things with them so when they are ready to use their wings you’ve given them, they don’t just fly, they soar.