Overcoming Your Homeschool Struggles

Homeschooling is one of the most important and rewarding pursuits you will ever take on.  Whether taking a child from preschool to graduation, or pulling them out of an institution for a few years of home instruction, I have yet to meet a mama who regretted that decision.

I also have yet to meet a mama who didn’t face the following three challenges.  So don’t worry, my friend.  You’re in good company.  The struggles you have in these years are common, and you can learn from the countless families who have overcome them.

Struggle #1: Comparison

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your child’s academic growth to standards set by school systems,  your methods to an institution or even another homeschooling family, and your outcomes to the pressures of doubting peers.  But these thoughts will only harm, not help, you and your child.  While they can have the veneer of productivity, they actually destroy.

How to Overcome Comparison

Remind yourself that homeschooling looks as different as each family who does it.  Your journey doesn’t need to look like the school system or your neighbor’s.  In fact, it shouldn’t.  Homeschooling is uniquely designed to benefit the individual – the individual student, the individual needs, and the individual family.

We have the freedom to define what a successful homeschool experience looks like for our own family.  Don’t worry about the naysayers – the outcome will defend the method, even if it takes years to get there.  Be patient in the process and know that you’re working towards the end game, not  the instant gratification of being right in the moment.

Struggle #2: Overwhelm

With so many voices, teaching styles, curriculum choices, and resources can leave you feeling overwhelmed before you even begin the journey.

Those feelings can haunt seasoned mamas as well.  Sometimes the mountain of information feels less like possibility and more like a crushing heap. The day-to-day frustrations can leave even the most passionate mama second-guessing her decision to homeschool.

How to Overcome Overwhelm

Overwhelm can be mitigated through intentional goal setting.  This simple process gives you the benefit of being able to remain focused when your mind is being pulled a thousand different ways.  Goals give you a sanctuary to retreat to when things start to feel chaotic.  

Struggle #3: Burnout

If it hasn’t happened to you yet, it probably will.  But keep in mind, burnout doesn’t have to mean the end; it is only a temporary pause.

Homeschooling is hard work – joyful work, but hard. It is absolutely worth every sacrifice you make along the way, and that’s what we have to remember when the pressure is on and doubt is plaguing our minds.

How to Overcome Burnout

Be confident enough to rest. Take breaks when you and your child need it.  Wisdom is knowing that everything has a place – including seasons of rest, whether that’s taking a break for a day (or a week) to rest and recharge, or taking a respite from a challenging lesson or ineffective curriculum.

Be courageous enough to try something new.  If you’re banging your head against a wall, change things up!  Try a new approach, method, or curriculum.  Give yourself the freedom to explore your options, knowing that it’s all a part of the process of finding what works for you and your family.