When Mom Is Tired of Homeschooling

The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: When Mom Is Tired of Homeschooling.

When Mom Is Tired of Homeschooling

Homeschool burnout. It’s definitely real.

We all have moments where we feel exhausted and overwhelmed. There are days when we feel like giving up and taking a very long break from teaching. We have all had those moments where we have jokingly picked up the phone to register our kids in school.

However, deep down, we know that homeschooling is the right choice for us. What are you to do in these moments? Let’s dive into some practical tips to help you navigate those challenging moments when you are tired of homeschooling. (Caveat: there are times when we must quit homeschooling, or that it is best for us for one reason or another- there’s not ONE right way to educate your kids!)

Acknowledge Your Feelings

It is essential to remember that it is okay to feel tired of homeschooling and that there are strategies to overcome homeschool burnout. First things first:

acknowledge your feelings of exhaustion and frustration!

Homeschooling can be a demanding task, with demanding kids, and it is natural to feel overwhelmed at times. Remember, homeschool mama self-care is vitally important. (BTW- check out our Cousin Teresa Wiedrick’s delightful book: Homeschool Mama Self-Care. You will be glad you did.)

Remember that feeling tired does not make you a bad homeschooler or parent. Give yourself permission to feel and recognize that it is okay to take a break when needed.

Take a Step Back

It is important to give ourselves permission to take a step back and take a break. Whether it is an hour, a day, or even longer, giving ourselves time to recharge can make a big difference.

Try having a brutally honest conversation with yourself about your current season in life. Talk to your spouse or your teens to reevaluate your homeschooling journey and remind yourself why you chose this path in the first place.

Oftentimes, simply making a decision and realizing you have options can be freeing and energizing.

Embrace a Change of Pace

When you are feeling burned out from your current routine, consider shaking things up a bit. Try scheduling your homeschool activities differently or take a temporary break from your regular curriculum.

Plan a unit study week focused on a subject (such as these unit studies based on movies) everyone is interested in or embark on a field trip that sparks creativity and excitement.

When you introduce something different to your normal routine, you will give your brain a pattern interruption and activate your creativity.

And let’s not forget the power of prayer. Seeking guidance from God can provide us with the wisdom and strength we need to overcome exhaustion when you are tired of homeschooling.

Prioritize Self-Care

It is almost too easy to neglect self-care as a homeschool parent when you are so focused on your homeschool high schoolers’ education. Even though you already know that taking care of yourself is essential for your overall well-being and homeschool success, it is still one of those things that can fall by the wayside.

To prevent that, make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and engaging in regular exercise/fitness. You do not even need to commit a fitness queen- just a minimum effective dose of self-care can help.

If you or your teens need time alone, create space for quiet activities like reading or watching a movie. Understanding your family’s needs and finding the right balance is key.

And when exhaustion rears its warning, allow yourself a “sick day”, or a day off, and rest. Doing this mindfully teaches your teens the importance of taking care of their own physical and mental health.

Engage in Fine Arts

It is important to model healthy ways of dealing with fatigue and stress rather than taking it out on our family members, which is more prone to happen when we are drained.

Instead of continuing the cycle of burn out, choose to have a creative day! By calling it a “Creative Day,” you and your teens will be engaging in activities that bring you all joy and laughter. (Log those as Fine Arts hours.)

Fine arts can be a wonderful outlet for both parents and children, providing a break from the usual routine and allowing us to express ourselves. Give your brain a break and simply just “do” without thinking.

When you are tired of homeschooling, you can take a day to focus on creative activities like painting, nature sketching, or watching a drama performance. Engaging in the creative process also releases oxytocin, making you and your teens feel better.

And here’s an unexpected perk: Keep a log of your fine arts activities to track your progress toward transcript goals. Yes – these types of activities count in fulfilling transcript requirements!

Seek Support

Let’s not forget the power of community. Reaching out to other homeschooling parents for support and encouragement can make a world of difference.

Seek opportunities to connect with different people or homeschooling families. Plan activities together or trade homeschooling days to provide a change of scenery.

The 7Sisters Homeschool Facebook group is a great place to connect with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of homeschooling. Share your feelings, seek advice, or simply find encouragement from fellow homeschoolers.

Remember, you are not alone in your exhaustion, and together we can lift each other up and find renewed energy for our homeschooling journey. (For more ideas check out these sanity savers for when you need a homeschool break from our Cousin Angela Taylor at Schooling with Grace.) And overall, as our Cousin Natalie Mack shares in this post: God’s grace covers our doubts.