Are you a stressed homeschool mom? If so, you’re not alone! It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed when taking on the responsibility of homeschooling your children. Homeschooling is a big commitment, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. With some simple strategies and helpful tips, you can make homeschooling a much more enjoyable experience for both yourself and your children.
A while ago, a homeschooling mom asked if she could get together with me and “pick my brain” about homeschooling. She was a former school teacher and was having a hard time changing the way she viewed learning. She openly admitted that she was stressed all the time, and asked me if I could give her some tips on how to relax and chill.
These first five tips I share in my post over on the Homeschool Encouragement site.
It’s okay to change the plans and veer off into an area of interest, rather than following the lesson plans totally. It’s okay to have fun while learning, too! Don’t forget that the kids are learning all the time through daily life! Look how much they learned before they started “school” officially.
Keeping your child’s heart is the most important thing you can do! Losing that relationship over an academic face-off isn’t worth it. EVER.
This is very clearly seen in this verse:
“…add to your faith virtue (character); and to virtue knowledge…” II Peter 1:5
Some days you may just need to focus on character and skip the academics. When you address the heart issues and character problems first, you will then begin to accomplish much more with academics.
By the time your kids are in 2nd or 3rd grade they should gradually learn to do some of their work on their own. You shouldn’t have to be spoon-feeding them at that age. Gradually increase the amount of work they do independently over time. It teaches them to be responsible for their work while relieving some stress for you!
(You can read more about this in 60 Homeschooling Tips From 60 Years.)
Make sure to take time for yourself every day, whether it’s a walk, yoga, reading a book, or simply taking a bubble bath. Taking care of yourself will help you better care for your children.
Homeschooling can be intense, but try to create a schedule that allows for some flexibility and downtime. This will help reduce stress levels and allow you to be more present with your children when you are teaching.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of work that homeschooling requires, so set achievable goals and break down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may be.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to family, friends, or other homeschooling parents for help and support. You don’t have to do this alone.
While structure and routine are important for homeschooling, it’s also important to allow for unstructured time. Encourage your children to play, explore, and have fun, and allow yourself to do the same. This can help reduce stress levels and foster creativity and imagination in your children.
