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When Homeschool Doesn't Go As Planned

To the Mom Whose Homeschool Doesn’t Go As Planned…

I see you mom, the one who is at her breaking point.

Every day you feel like it’s a battle of the wills to get anything done. You feel like “everyone” was right when they said, “you shouldn’t homeschool.”

I see you mom, the one who is crying in her bedroom after a reading lesson with her child was a struggle. Right now you are questioning everything and the loudest question resonating in your head is, “Am I even enough?”

I could go on and on with scenarios of struggles in homeschooling, many of which I have experienced myself. The reality is, whether it is your first year homeschooling or your tenth, at some point, we will all face them. Even the best-laid plans are not exempt from feelings of inadequacy and defeat.

We can’t control the curveballs, but we can control how we react to them.

(Because it isn’t “If Your Homeschool Doesn’t Go As Planned” — it is “WHEN Your Homeschool Doesn’t Go As Planned”. This scenario will happen to every homeschooling parent.)

When #Homeschool Doesn’t Go As Planned

As homeschool parents we encounter such an array of roadblocks. Perhaps the one that stings and hurts the most is when we encounter opposition from our own child, a resistance to learn.

Or, perhaps facing opposition from family and friends on our decision to homeschool in the first place. We long to feel supported and when our decision is questioned it can leave us feeling very alone.

From a practical standpoint, it can help immensely to find or get plugged in with other homeschool families. But when that isn’t possible, it can be important to remind ourselves of our purpose for homeschooling in the first place.

Have you faced any of these doubts/roadblocks?

Remember Your “Why”

One of the most valuable truths I like to reflect on during seasons of defeat and overwhelm is what lead me to homeschool to begin with. When we take a moment to really reflect and understand how we got here, it can be almost renewing.

So what is your why?

(I remember Mary - in her post, 10 Simple Homeschool Tips , encouraging us to post our “why” somewhere we can always see it - by doing this we will keep the big picture in mind when days get tough.)

When #Homeschool Doesn’t Go As Planned

Count Your Blessings

As a mom of 6 children, you can bet that I experience an array of tense moments. Whether it’s trying to “get it all done” or the constant interruption of little ones (check out these tips for homeschooling with babies and toddlers , counting my blessings seems to put my attitude back in check).

So what does focusing on your blessings look like? It’s actually quite simple. In the midst of all the crazy, there is still and always will be, good. Regardless of our current circumstances, we can always look for blessings or on the bright side.

While I say it’s simple, actually putting it into practice can feel difficult which brings me to the most important part, the heart focus. It’s crucial that we focus our eyes on the One who provides the blessings in the first place.

You will not accomplish much if your relationships and heart aren’t tended to first.


When #Homeschool Doesn’t Go As Planned

Focus Your Heart

We must fix our gaze on the Father who is ultimately our purpose, our Comforter, and our Sustainer.

(Do you have TIME each day to do this? Sometimes that’s a very real stumbling block.

Instituting a QUIET TIME for everyone in the house is a wonderful way to get the time you may desperately need to focus your heart.)

I won’t deny its difficulty, and it’s ok to feel hurt and overwhelmed. But ultimately, we can’t stay there. Psalm 121 is a beautiful example of lifting our eyes to the Lord. In Isaiah 41 He tells us he is holding us in His right hand.

But it’s important to acknowledge that while those verses tell what He does and provides, there are still many calling for us to “do” as well. Colossians 3:23-24 are verses I refer to often with my children,

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

When we take these words to heart we see that we are to work FOR the LORD which must mean we are working against opposition.

Let’s keep our eyes and hearts focused, driven, and intentional.

And let us not grow weary in doing good for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal. 6:9

So while I see you and understand your struggles, Christ sees you even more.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

If you are looking for more encouragement and practical tips in Christian homeschooling and homemaking, I would love for you to check out my YouTube channel, Pennies and Salt.

Blessings,

Megan

Helpful Resources

These books are wonderful addition to the homeschooling mom’s library.

Some provide very practical bits of information in a devotion format, while others are sweet stories about the beauty of home education.

This post is from Homegrown Learners’ contributor, Megan.

Megan is a homeschool mom of 6, wife to Jon, former public school teacher, and follower of Christ. Homeschooling and homemaking are areas that the Lord has drawn her to be passionate about and it is her desire to be as intentional as she can in both.

She enjoys cooking, reading, gardening, history, and hiking in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee. In her spare time, she is also a content creator for her YouTube channels Pennies and Salt , as well as her website, Pennies and Salt.

When #Homeschool Doesn’t Go As Planned