When Homeschooling Is Hard

Now that most of us have been back to school for a while, the fun of homeschooling has worn off. We have settled into a routine and are past the introductory review and on to the meaty stuff. This is when sometimes homeschooling loses its luster and stops being fun.

Sure, we can throw in some hands-on projects, do unit studies, or read fun books, but the day-to-day grind can become monotonous. You may even find that the curriculum you chose isn’t working for your family, which can be hugely demoralizing.

If this is you today, what can you do about it? What is the best strategy when homeschooling is hard?

When we are bogged down by school, I like to reset with some of the following activities:

1. Go on a Field Trip

As homeschoolers, we are usually home a lot. This can become tedious. Mix things up by going on a field trip! You don’t even have to make it particularly educational. Just get out of the house and do something fun! My kids like visiting the pet store.

2. Switch Curriculum

Several weeks into a curriculum, you can definitely tell if it is working or not. If yours isn’t working, it can be quite frustrating! Now is the time to consider switching. Maybe you need the structure that a boxed curriculum can provide, or perhaps a more literature-based study is what you needed. You might even need something that is more hands-on.

Identifying what isn’t working early on and switching curriculum may seem like giving up, but it is better to switch early on so you can avoid wasted time spent trying to make the wrong curriculum work.

3. Take a Mini Break

What is homeschooling for if not to take breaks when needed? Call it an administration day and let everyone choose their own activities for the day. I like to read books on my admin days, but my kids would rather be playing outside.

These are just a few ways that you can reset your homeschool mood to prevent bad attitudes and burnout Remember, your homeschool doesn't have to look like anyone else’s, and it should reflect what fits the needs of your family.

You can do it, homeschool parents! 

About the Author

Brenda is a professional writer and homeschooling mother to two girls in Dallas, TX, with a passion for books, DIY, and creative education. Her blog, Schooling a Monkey, is all about homeschooling, crafts, green living, and fun. Keep up with the fun here!