by Yvonne Strachan

I am genuinely grateful for my experiences educating my kids over the past fifteen years. But that does not mean our homeschool journey has been without challenges. In previous articles, I have shared some pretty hard times we have navigated through. However, the most challenging part of my homeschool journey has still been avoiding the same struggles that commonly overwhelm many homeschool families. Why do we have these struggles? I genuinely think it is because of our strong love for and dedication to our children. This is why we need to be careful! All the opinions, resources, and opportunities out there can be valuable; however, if not managed well, they can completely overwhelm us.

Here are five of common struggles homeschool parents face, along with simple solutions, to make your homeschooling journey easier and more enjoyable!

1. Muddled Vision

The Problem

One of the most common mistakes homeschool parents make is not discussing their motivations and objectives with their family or, worse yet, losing sight of them!

The Solution

Have a conversation with your spouse and kids. Talk about what inspired your decision to homeschool. Discuss what you are preparing your kids for and agree on the attributes and values you hope to instill in them. I encourage you to write these down and revisit them every year. This invaluable blog post will help you map a clear vision for your homeschool.

2. Comparison

The Problem

In the age of social media, it is almost impossible not to notice the organization, achievements, and adventures other homeschool families are enjoying. Social media can leave you feeling inadequate or overwhelmed by the pressure to replicate other families’ successes.

The Solution

Given that each of my children has distinct needs, skills, and circumstances, I believe every family has its own unique dynamics. Therefore, what works for one family may not work for another. If you spend time trying to imitate someone else’s seemingly perfect achievements, you might miss out on what God has in store for you and your child(ren). Set down your phone, close your laptop, and instead set achievable goals that fulfill the values and unique dynamics of your family while also keeping your child’s needs, skills, and circumstances in mind. After all, God gifted YOU with the responsibility for your child, not someone else!

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding (2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV).

3. Overwhelming Study Plans

The Problem

Sometimes, homeschool parents try to set rigid study times or plan to accomplish more daily lessons than they or their children can handle. In time, exhaustion sets in, leaving parents considering alternative educational options.

The Solution

Consider creating a more natural routine instead of adhering to a rigid schedule. For example, set a time for your children to wake up, get ready, and enjoy a family breakfast. While gathered at your table, take the opportunity to read and discuss a morning devotional. Then, work on a “what comes next” basis. For example, you could have your child(ren) work on math after breakfast. Next, take a break and enjoy a snack together. Then, work on other subjects until lunchtime. After lunch, try something that requires less concentration and more activity, like a simple game or a short walk.

Pro-tip: Keep books, educational toys, pencils, and drawing paper nearby for your kids to grab if they need to wait for you to help them with their studies.

Another great way to make your study plan easier is to focus on essential skills and objectives and then mix and match specific subjects to achieve them. For example, you can assess your child’s handwriting and reading comprehension as he studies history and hand-writes answers to review questions. You can also award your child credit for participation in extracurricular activities. For example, you can award your children English credit for papers, demonstrations, and speeches they present while attending extracurricular activities such as Trail Life USA, American Heritage Girls, or Civil Air Patrol. In addition, your children can earn physical education credit through participation in sports such as soccer, martial arts, or gymnastics.

4. Overcommitting

The Problem

There are so many excellent extracurricular opportunities for homeschool kids to participate in that we parents often have difficulty limiting our kids to just a few! As a result, we often feel exhausted from keeping up with our kids’ commitments. Other times, we homeschool parents overcommit ourselves! 

The Solution

Weigh your options carefully and know your priorities. Throw out that pros and cons list and create an alignment list instead! If you mapped out a vision plan, you will be able to easily discern if the commitment you are considering aligns with the values you would like to instill in your children and the goals you would like to achieve while homeschooling them. Limit commitments to a select few that align best with your values and goals. And don’t be afraid to say “NO!”

5. All Work, No Play

The Problem

Sometimes, we get so focused on our goals that we forget to have fun!

The Solution

Embrace the flexibility that homeschooling offers! Read on a blanket at the park. Play hopscotch or other math-related games in your driveway. Invite friends over for a science experiment. Host a weekly art day at your home or join a local homeschool group near you! Remember, spontaneous learning opportunities are often the most memorable lessons, especially when shared with friends!

Establish a specific time to conclude your studies each day followed by a fun and relaxing activity to look forward to. For example, you can enjoy ice cream cones together every Tuesday or walk together every Wednesday. You may even decide to end your weekly studies at noon every Friday and go on a field trip. By the way, if your child does not finish a subject by the end of your school day, you can simply plan for him to start with the subject(s) he did not complete when he resumes his studies the following day. This way, he will not continually skip the same subject.

Conclusion

Do not make homeschooling more complicated than it needs to be! By recognizing these common struggles and implementing these simple solutions, you can enjoy an enriching educational experience without being overwhelmed. Remember, homeschooling is about discipleship and training the next generation to serve God, their families, and their community through all they say and do. By focusing on what truly matters, you will find joy in this unique journey together. Happy homeschooling!

Your homeschooling friend,

Yvonne Strachan

What ways have you found to simplify your homeschool days? Let me know in the comments below!

About the Author: Yvonne Strachan

Yvonne Strachan is on a mission to inspire and empower parents as she and her husband disciple their children, including one who has special needs. She is the author of the book Inspirational Homeschooling, writes blog posts, and has had her articles published in magazines. She also supports the homeschool community by interviewing others as a radio show host. Drawing from her professional experience consulting with parents who are educating their children at home and teaching homeschool art classes for nearly a decade, Yvonne co-founded a home education support group in her community. What joy it brings her to combine all these passions as she serves homeschool families with CHEC!