5 Things - When Homeschooling is Hard

We are one week away from a week off. That's four days of school for us. We pack it in to four days, and we go hard. Yes, we do.

And the kids love it, because they get to work hard for four days and then have a three-day weekend. They love it. And their teacher does too.

But that's not the point here.

The point is this: homeschool is hard. It's constant. It's daily. It's non-stop. And all of those rolled together make it hard. It's also awesome. It's also amazing. It's also rewarding in ways I can't even begin to express.

In one word, homeschool is AWEMAZEHARD.

Yes, that's a new word. No, you will not find it in the dictionary.

Everyone gets tired when homeschooling. Even the kids doing the work. Because you know, as teachers we sit there and nothing. Or so I've been told.

So, here are 5 things to remember when homeschooling is hard. And I promise, there will be days when it's hard.

There were two questions here. She gave two answers. Take a look. I had to laugh (out loud)!

1. Stop. Collaborate, and listen.

Oh, Vanilla Ice, you bring a smile to my face and memories of 7th grade to my mind.
Seriously, though, please stop. For just a second. Remember why you began to homeschool. Remember why you love it.

Stop. Breathe deeply. Grab the baby or child that's trying to climb onto your lap. Hug them. Smell them. Breathe as deeply as you can. And then let it out.

Whatever frustration you feel at this moment, just remember why you began. Write it down if you need to. Put it on a sticky note and attach it to your bathroom mirror. There's a reason you started. Remember it now.

Remember that God has a plan and purpose for you and your children. Ask God to refresh your heart and your mind as you follow His plan.

2. Allow yourself and your kids to take a break.

My kids and I specifically decided that this year we needed more breaks. We needed something to look forward to. We needed a week off that would encourage us to work hard all the other weeks. So we opted for a six-weeks on, one-week off schedule. And for the most part, that's what we've done. And they love it. Let's be honest: I love it too! It's nice to have a week to catch up, rest, play, work, whatever. Whatever needs to be done, we get it done that 7th week. And then, we get back to work.

Park day. Her face. His leg in the air! A smile on my face.

Maybe you need a break too. Finish your work for the day - or don't. It will still be there when you get back. Just give yourself a break.

3. Schedule a park day. 

Coolest park ever. Hope Park.

Our homeschool groups does park days, but generally, they don't work for our schedule. So we schedule our own. We coordinate with a group of friends, and we hit the park. This provides an incentive for the kids to work hard and finish their studies. It provides an incentive for me as well, because I get to hang with other homeschool moms.



4. Do school differently.

We already do school quite differently from everyone else, and that's kind of the point, right?  Take it a step further.

Last week, the only thing I wanted to do was curl up on the bed with pillows and blankets and do school there. For a week or two, that's fine. Do it. The variety will entertain your kids, and it may even encourage them to work harder. Give it a shot.

Do school differently: Today the assignment was for them to give me a quiz. I did miss 1...and I got a B-.

Maybe for you, the park would do the trick. Or perhaps just plant yourself with a bucket of chalk and a blanket on the driveway. My kids love the driveway for school.

Do something different; even if that means that you (the teacher) are uncomfortable.  I am uncomfortable a lot of the time when homeschooling. But those are the days that my kids absolutely love what we do!


5. Call a friend. 

One day last year I was having a really hard day with homeschool. I even texted my husband and said, "I don't want to go back to work. I just want to work with you at our business. The kids can go to school. This is such a hard day."

I also sent a similar text to my dear friend. She simply and sweetly reminded me of why I decided to homeschool and how I encouraged her to homeschool. She told me to stop and rest. She encouraged me. She spoke words of blessing to me. She reminded me of God's love for me...and of His purpose for my life. And right now, that purpose is me homeschooling HIS kids.