5 Key Strategies to Avoid Homeschool Burnout in the New Year

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. ~Isaiah 40:29

Are you a homeschool mom who finds yourself burnt out after Christmas, and trying to muster up enough strength to finish off the second half of the school year?

Maybe you are excited to homeschool, but know that you need to take specific steps to avoid overwhelming yourself and are wondering how you avoid that sinking feeling. For us, some years we found ourselves excited to jump into a new semester and a new year with fresh ideas. But some years, we were TIRED. Maybe it was a move or evacuating from a hurricane...or maybe we were having issues with our kids or family members...LIFE HAPPENS! As a homeschool mom and teacher, it's very easy to get caught up in the demands of teaching, managing a household, and juggling all the responsibilities, while you forget about taking care of yourself. We want to encourage you with some key strategies to build right into your schedule that will help you avoid homeschool burnout and stay motivated for your family so that you can finish the school year well.

Over the years, we have found several key ways to help us keep homeschooling in balance with our lives.

Over the years, we have found several key ways to help us keep the balance in life and homeschooling; in this post, we'll explore the five most effective strategies that will help you take care of yourself and homeschool successfully. 

No. 1 Strategy to Avoid Homeschool Burnout - Spend Time with God

As a homeschool mom, a KEY strategy to stay grounded is to start your day by spending time with God. We literally cannot emphasize this enough. I was blessed enough to be able to walk in the mornings and spend time with God while my husband was at home with the kids for a little bit in the mornings, but you will need to find whatever works for you. It takes supernatural strength some days to be at your best for your kids, and the best way to get that strength is to fill your coffee cup and your soul every morning with Jesus. We know it's difficult, especially when your kids are little, but try to carve out a few minutes each morning to talk to God, read his word, and seek guidance. This time of quiet reflection will help you center yourself, gain perspective, and find power for the day ahead. He'll show you lessons you need for the day, and many times you can even relay this information in an age appropriate way to your kids. You're showing them love just like He loves you. You're giving grace to them, just like he is gracious with you. You'll be a much better parent and teacher.

No. 2 Strategy to Avoid Homeschool Burnout - Learn to Breathe Deeply

When the frustrations of the day start to overwhelm you, take a moment to breathe deeply from your diaphragm. Deep, rhythmic breathing exercises can help reduce stress, increase focus, and promote a sense of calm (it also keeps you from saying things you shouldn't because you cannot inhale and yell at your kids at the same time! ha!). Incorporate deep breathing into your daily life, especially during challenging moments. Walk into another room, take a moment or two to compose yourself (while you pray quick in your head), and return to the situation with grace and Holy Spirit power. It's a simple yet powerful strategy to help you stay centered.

No. 3 Strategy to Avoid Homeschool Burnout -  Schedule Breaks

Homeschool mom, you HAVE to schedule regular breaks throughout your homeschooling days, weeks, and months. They do not have to be huge, long breaks (although they can if you want), but you have to find time regularly to chill.

Every Day Break Ideas: take a walk, take a drive by yourself, hit the gym, veg out on your phone for a few minutes, take a long shower or bath

Every Week Break Ideas: take Friday afternoons off to get organized/clean up for the weekend, enlist the help of a family member to help in some way for a few hours once a week, team up with another homeschool mom regularly and take each other's kids, have a friend or family member teach 1-2 subjects to your kids regularly, sign your kids up for co-ops or community drop off classes, have dad take the kids on Saturday mornings to do something fun so you can rest/relax/get something accomplished

Every Month Break Ideas: enlist the help of babysitters or family members to watch your kids so you can have time with your hubby or a friend, take off one Friday a month from homeschooling to let your kids have a free day while you get organized/clean up/plan for the next month, team up with another homeschool family and take each other's kids for the day

By building these breaks right into your schedule, you will be able to rest, plan, get organized, or whatever you need to do, so that you can approach homeschooling with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

No. 4  Strategy to Avoid Homeschool Burnout -  Fill Your Mind with Life Words and Truth

In the midst of the business of homeschooling, it's important to fill your mind with life-giving words and truth. As homeschool moms, we isolate ourselves and let the enemy start whispering lies into our ears that just aren't true like, "my kid is never going to learn to ____ (read, be responsible, wear pants, etc!)" or "I'm a terrible homeschool mom...I did it again today _______ (lost my temper, got nothing done, forgot to take out dinner, got frustrated with my kid, etc.)"  Surround yourself with praying friends, uplifting scriptures, and encouraging resources and teach this to your kids as well. By immersing yourself in God's truth, you'll find strength, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose in your homeschooling journey.

No. 5 Strategy to Avoid Homeschool Burnout -  Connect with Community

Homeschooling can sometimes feel completely isolating, especially if you don't have a strong support system. Find yourself a community of like-minded homeschool moms who share values. Join local homeschool groups, attend homeschool conferences, and/or connect with online communities. These connections not only provide support and encouragement but also opportunities for outings and activities for your kids. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can help you navigate the challenges of homeschooling with help and find joy in the journey. Why make things more difficult when homeschooling can be easier and more fun? When we started homeschooling, we always had moms to help us who were just a few steps ahead and could offer guidance and solutions to most of our questions or challenges we were facing.  Others have been there, and done that, and are more than happy to help you!

Conclusion

As a homeschool mom, it's crucial to prioritize self-care, seek support, and stay connected to other like-minded friends. By implementing these five key strategies, you'll be well on your way to avoiding burnout and finding joy in your homeschooling journey. Here's to a new year filled with faith, growth, and fulfillment!🥂

What resonates most with you and how can we help you apply it to your homeschool days? We are here to help you make your days easier and more enjoyable. We encourage you to prayerfully consider joining our community: The Homeschool Well Community

We pray this blesses you!

Be encouraged,

Kim & Jenny

👓Other articles you may find interesting!

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