5 Top Tips for the Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom

Balancing between homeschooling kids and chores around the house can be very challenging. There is too much to do, too little time and only one YOU. If you have more than one kid, the pressure mounts up and it is not uncommon to see homeschooling moms getting burnt out. If you are feeling like giving up, read over these tips and maybe you can be able to turn everything around for the better.

Work with a schedule, Sometimes

Freestyle homeschooling. It is important that you approach homeschooling from an organized perspective, absolutely. A schedule is a great asset in enabling you accomplish every goal you have in your homeschool. It will also keep you on track and prevent you from getting distracted. A schedule also allows for a smooth and easy transition from one activity or subject to the next. BUT, you also should allow for hiccups, sickness, grouchiness, and all around relax days too. These are days that we all need to recharge and simply relax. Schedules are amazing but they are not the ultimate way of life.

Cut down on the expectations

I find many homeschooling moms diving into homeschooling with unrealistic expectations and when it does not happen as they planned they start getting frustrated. You should always have a healthy expectancy level. Make sure that you do not over-expect and under-deliver. You grade one kid is not going to master grade 4 math in one year no matter how much you want to hammer the lessons into them. The trick is to take everything in their pace. And just breathe mama, cut back on the expectations and see what that does for you over all.

Find some alone time and take time off

You will need to find some time alone to unwind, particularly if you are an introvert. You will need to re-charge and re-align your goals again so that you can be able to face another homeschooling day. The best way is to include this time in your daily schedule and let the other family members know about this so that they do not keep interrupting you.  Relax, pray, take some coffee or tea, read the bible, watch a movie, read a novel, or catch a nap.  You will feel much better later. And your people will thank you for it too. They probably won’t say it aloud but they will enjoy the happier you that comes from this time off.

Ask for help from other members of the family

Do not shy away from asking other family members for assistance. Remember that the decision to homeschool will affect everyone in the family. Loop in help from your spouse, other relatives, and other members of the community. If you can, hire outside help (fellow mama willing to trade time or a teenager looking for some extra cash) when you feel overwhelmed. Utilize the free time you have relaxing or accomplishing other activities. You will get so much done, in a very effortless manner.

Find a support community of other homeschoolers

Chances are that you are not the only homeschooling mom in your community. Find out who the others are and reach out to them. Most homeschooling moms are very quick to help, offering support and inspiration to each other. If you do not find them or are too tired to go out, you can always turn online for the same support. (Like our FB Tribe Group!) Check out videos and channels that other homeschooling moms have set up for the sole purposes of documenting their homeschooling journey. There you will find much inspiration and learn what other moms did (or do) when they felt overwhelmed because at some point, we have all been there.

I am hoping that these suggestions will help and encourage you in this season of homechooling. You CAN do this mama, promise.

Need an ear to bend? You are always welcome to email me and I am happy to encourage you AND pray for you.

In His Grace,

Callie