Spring is usually a busy time of the year for me. The weather is nicer which means more time spent outdoors, more field trips, and more activities. It’s also a busy time because I am usually trying to maintain some level of consistency with homeschooling even though the kids and I are tired from the school year. To complicate matters, I have to begin planning for the next school year in terms of curriculum, keeping up with online registrations and the like. I love this time, even though life can get hectic, because I look forward to the next year and some much needed breaks in the interim. This was not always the case however.
Our first year was really difficult. We had to switch math curriculum in the middle of the year. My kids were constantly bickering. I had no support system, an extremely tight budget, and enough fears, doubts, and insecurities to fill a football field! By spring, I was at my wits end and questioning whether or not I’d made a huge mistake thinking I could educate my own kids.
If you’re in a similar rut right now, don’t worry, you’re not alone, your feelings and emotions are valid, but there a few things you may want to consider before you throw in the towel.
Look on the Bright Side
Let’s get real about the first year of homeschooling—it can be difficult, for so many reasons. You’re trying to establish norms in your household. You’re trying to break out of the public school mindset. Maybe you’re trying to adjust to being together way more than when everyone was spending 8 plus hours a day outside of the home. Perhaps you’re juggling how to homeschool multiple ages while managing the needs of an infant or toddler.
The first year of homeschooling can be quite discouraging if your primary focus is on what went wrong or the challenges you faced. Instead, evaluate what went right—from the little perks to the big victories. Make a list so that you can visually see the good that has come out of your year.
It’s said in public school circles that as a teacher, you really can’t decide whether or not teaching is for you, until you’ve been in the classroom for at least five years. I think there is some wisdom in this statement for homeschooling parents. If you’ve had a difficult first year, before giving up, give it 2-3 years before you make a final determination on whether homeschooling is the right choice for your family.
Remember Why You Chose to Homeschool
One of the first things to establish is “why you want to homeschool. Establishing your “why” is important for times such as these—when you’re having second thoughts.
Another important piece to design early on is a homeschool mission statement. If you’re curious as to how to write a homeschool mission statement, check out my blog post here. When things get rough, knowing your why and what you hope to accomplish with your children can help you weather the storms until you can find the refreshment and inspiration you need.
Our ultimate goal for choosing to homeschool our children was that we wanted to make Jesus a central part of their lives—not just on Sunday. We wanted to instill godly values in them and produce believers prepared to be a light in a secular world. Whenever I face challenges that seem like the final straw, I always come back to our homeschool mission statement.
Seek Inspiration and Support from other Homeschoolers
It’s easy to become isolated and feel alone on your homeschool journey. It can be hard finding your homeschool mom tribe, depending on where you live. Don’t take for granted the importance of having a support system that can encourage you or give sound advice when you need it.
Before you completely walk away from homeschooling, try reaching out to another homeschool mom you trust or within a private homeschool group where you feel safe to share. Sometimes, others can provide you with a fresh perspective or point you in a direction you hadn’t considered before.
Go Back to the Drawing Board with a Little Research
If your homeschool year has not worked well for your family, maybe it doesn’t mean homeschooling isn’t for you. Perhaps, you need to evaluate your homeschool methodology. If a structured, traditional homeschool model was too restrictive, maybe unschooling is a better fit. Perhaps tweaks to the curriculum you choose or re-evaluating how your child learns best is the prescription.
Each homeschool year is different because your child’s needs change as they grow. At times we may feel like we’re failing because we aren’t meeting their needs. Research, resourcefulness, and patience can help turn things around.
Collaborate with a Homeschool Coach
Two minds are better than one. There is nothing like speaking to a veteran homeschool mom to help with the mental overwhelm we can face at times. Veteran homeschool moms have a wealth of wisdom to share and many of them offer homeschool consulting services. Speaking with a homeschool consultant may be just what you need to empower you to continue homeschooling.
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