Last Updated on June 30, 2022 by Marie Bautista
Homeschooling can be a great way to provide your children with a customized education, but it can also be difficult to manage.
It can be hard to find the time and energy to homeschool effectively when you’re also working full-time or taking care of other children.
Parents who have been homeschooling for years have learned a few things that can help make it easier.
Here are eighteen tips for families who are struggling with homeschooling:
Create a homeschooling schedule that works for your family.
If you are struggling with homeschooling, create a schedule that works for you and your family. This may mean homeschooling in the evenings or on weekends. You can create a flexible schedule that allows you to homeschool around your work schedule.
Enlist the help of other family members.
If you have a spouse or other family members who are willing to help, delegate some of the homeschooling responsibilities to them. This can take some of the pressure off of you and allow you to focus on other areas of homeschooling.
Take breaks when you need them.
Homeschooling can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take breaks when you need them. Step away from homeschooling for a few minutes or even a few hours if you need to. This will help you come back to homeschooling feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the tasks at hand.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
There are many homeschooling resources available, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are homeschooling groups, online forums, and even homeschooling coaches who can offer guidance and support.
Find a homeschooling method that works for you.
If homeschool struggle is real, there are many homeschooling methods available, so find one that works for you and your family. You may need to experiment with a few different methods before you find the perfect fit.
Create a routine and stick to it.
Having a homeschooling routine will help you stay on track and make homeschooling easier. Wake up early to homeschool, take breaks at the same time each day, and establish a bedtime routine.
Set realistic goals for homeschooling.
Don’t try to do too much in one day or one week. Set realistic goals for homeschooling, and don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as needed.
Make time for yourself.
Homeschooling can be all-consuming, so make sure to schedule some time for yourself. Whether it’s taking a yoga class or reading a book, find an activity that you enjoy and make time for it each week.
Find a homeschooling support group.
There are many homeschooling families out there, so find a support group that you can connect with. This can be an online group or a local homeschooling meetup. Being part of a homeschooling community can offer support and friendship.
Have an emergency plan.
Emergencies are unplanned events that you cannot control. They can range from a power outage to a natural disaster. Be prepared for emergencies by having a plan in place and supplies on hand.
Don’t set up expectations that are unrealistic.
Don’t try to juggle every subject on your own. If you’re struggling with a certain subject, don’t be afraid to ask for help or look for resources that can make homeschooling easier.
Set your priorities and stick to them.
There will always be something new to learn, but homeschooling should not be all-consuming. Set your priorities and stick to them. This will help you focus on what’s truly important and not get overwhelmed by homeschooling.
Don’t be a One-person Show.
Involve your students in the activity you are working on. For example, if you are cooking, have them cook with you. If you are cleaning, give the children something to clean. Create a type of partnership or sense of teamwork with your students. This will teach them life skills while gaining the help you need.
Cope with homeschooling children of different ages.
If you are homeschooling children of varying ages then begin your day with the youngest child first. This will allow your older students to do some self-led work while you focus on the younger child’s one-on-one schooling. Many younger children take naps during their homeschool schedule. This time could be used for personal interaction with the other student.
Don’t Over Schedule.
It can be tempting to schedule every waking minute of every day, but this habit creates an unhealthy environment for the family. Be proactive in allowing downtime throughout your homeschooling day, including time for yourself. By giving yourself and your children permission to do nothing for an hour throughout your homeschooling day you will essentially be promoting the importance of self-care.
End the homeschool day on a positive note.
Try to avoid having power struggles at the end of the homeschool day. Choose your battles and let small things go. It’s important to maintain a sense of calm at the end of homeschooling so everyone can relax before starting fresh again tomorrow.
Make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Homeschooling can be stressful, so make sure you are taking care of yourself. Eat healthy meals, exercise, and get enough sleep. homeschooling will be more sustainable if you are taking care of yourself.
Take breaks when you need them.
There is no shame in taking a break from homeschooling. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a day or two off. This will give you time to regroup and come back refreshed.
Homeschooling can be a great option for families, but it can also be quite a struggle.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and make sure to take care of yourself. Setting your priorities and sticking to them is key, as well as taking breaks when needed. Ending the homeschool day on a positive note will help everyone relax and look forward to homeschooling tomorrow.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced with homeschooling? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more homeschooling tips and FREE resources.