Parenting is challenging, and when you add homeschooling to the mix, the challenge is even greater. Homeschooling isn’t easy, and often discouragement creeps in, making us feel like we are failing, or even causing us to consider quitting.
Through my 31 years of homeschooling, I have had MANY days when I was discouraged, and ready to quit. Over time I learned what I needed to do to help me handle those times of discouragement.
What to do when you are discouraged in your homeschooling:
1. Seek the Lord, and get your eyes back on Him.
Often when we are discouraged in our homeschooling, it’s because we are looking at our circumstances, or what we consider our failings, and we get our eyes off the Lord. Rather than seeking Him and His wisdom, we try to do things in our own strength.
2. Remember your reasons for homeschooling.
Many times when we get discouraged, it’s because we have lost sight of our goals and priorities, and are focusing on the wrong things.
3. Don’t compare yourself or your homeschool to others.
Comparison will put you on a fast track to discouragement.
4. Find and fix the reasons for your discouragement.
Here are 3 common reasons for discouragement in our homeschools:
- Disorganization – When you are disorganized, it makes it hard to get things done, and will quickly lead to frustration. Focus on organizing your plans, and your supplies.
- Kids’ behavior – Are your kids out of control? Are your kids having obedience issues, or struggling with bad attitudes? Most behavioral problems go back to character issues. If necessary take a break from the academics and focus on character.
- Feeling like a failure in some area – It’s SO easy to feel like a failure in your housekeeping, parenting, or homeschooling. Focus on being realistic about your expectations — both of yourself, and your kids.
5. Learn how to encourage yourself
- Don’t carry the load alone. Get support from your spouse, as well as other homeschoolers.
- Pull out those resources that encourage you and remind you of your goals, and priorities.
- If fatigued, slow down and lighten up. Sometimes it’s best to just let some of the extras go, rather than pushing yourself beyond what you can handle.
- Find Scripture that encourages you. When the thoughts come that we aren’t doing a good job in our parenting, or that there is no help for that rebellious child, (or…..you fill in the blank with what thought is discouraging YOU), we MUST claim God’s promises.
Don’t allow yourself to stay discouraged! Find the reasons for your discouragement, make changes as necessary, and learn to encourage yourself.
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Kathie
Kathie Morrissey is the mother of 8 children, wife to Alan for 37 years, and a committed homeschooling mom of 31 years. She is the founder of The Character Corner, where she loves to blog about parenting, family life, homeschooling, and life in general. Kathie is a popular speaker at home school conventions and support groups, as well as ladies retreats. Her heart’s desire is to help and encourage parents to be purposeful in raising Godly children with strong Christian character, who walk in purity, and have a heart for God.
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Great encouragement! Thanks for the practical tips!
Disorganization often leaves me cranky or discouraged with homeschooling. I definitely function and focus better when things are neat and orderly, including our daily routines.
These are such great tips! I was feeling discouraged lately and it was because I felt disorganized. We took this week off of school to do some major spring cleaning and organization. It has helped me feel less overwhelmed and ready to tackle a new week next week.
We do that from time to time, too. There’s nothing like some quick organization to help a mom feel energized.
Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
Thanks so much for visiting. 🙂 I hope you have a great week ahead. 🙂