Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned homeschool veteran, at some point you will experience burn out. Veteran homeschoolers can see the signs of burnout, and take measures to stop it in its tracks. Less experienced homeschoolers often don’t recognize the signs until burnout are inevitable.
Many homeschoolers experience burn out in February or March, just when the school year seems to drag on and the weather is less than ideal.
Recognizing the signs of burnout can help you find a solution to the problem. Here are some common signs of burnout:
Signs
● The most obvious sign of impending burnout is an utter lack of joy. No one can be 100% joyful all of the time, we’re homeschool moms, not superwoman. But if you find that you have lost all desire to “do school”, and even dread lessons, it’s safe to say that you’re headed for burnout.
● Irritability, losing patience with your children quickly
● feeling depressed or anxious
● lack of interest in schoolwork, homemaking, and activities
How to Banish Burnout
● Whenever I experience burnout, I can usually trace it back to a lack of time spent in the Word and in prayer. The Bible says that without God’s strength and wisdom we can do nothing. God is not the author of confusion and disorder. Whenever confusion and disorder reign in my heart, I know that I need to press in and renew my mind and spirit by spending some time in God’s Word and in my prayer closet. We absolutely can’t expect to undertake a huge task like homeschooling in our own strength, we need God’s mercy, grace, strength and wisdom to accomplish what He has called us to do.
● Have a heart to heart talk with your spouse. While one parent is usually primarily responsible for educating the children, both parents are Biblically responsible for the academic and spiritual education of their children. Your spouse can often look at the situation with fresh eyes and see areas where changes could be made that you can’t. Homeschooling is a team effort, and sometimes just talking with your spouse about problems you are having helps.
● Talk with other homeschooling moms. So often, the biggest thing that contributes to burnout in homeschooling is the illusion that you are alone in your struggles. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Every homeschooling parent second guesses their decision to homeschool their children at some point. Other moms can give practical advice to help you deal with burnout. Simply knowing that you aren’t alone and having support can help alleviate burnout.
● Take a break. Sometimes all you need is a change of pace to banish burnout. This doesn’t mean that learning has to stop, but get creative and shake things up a bit. Go on some field trips to places of interest to you and the children. Explore a topic that you all would like to learn more about. Take a day trip to a nearby attraction that would be of interest to you. Find a class or community event to attend. The possibilities are endless.
Many homeschoolers experience burn out in February or March, just when the school year seems to drag on and the weather is less than ideal.
Recognizing the signs of burnout can help you find a solution to the problem. Here are some common signs of burnout:
Signs
● The most obvious sign of impending burnout is an utter lack of joy. No one can be 100% joyful all of the time, we’re homeschool moms, not superwoman. But if you find that you have lost all desire to “do school”, and even dread lessons, it’s safe to say that you’re headed for burnout.
● Irritability, losing patience with your children quickly
● feeling depressed or anxious
● lack of interest in schoolwork, homemaking, and activities
How to Banish Burnout
● Whenever I experience burnout, I can usually trace it back to a lack of time spent in the Word and in prayer. The Bible says that without God’s strength and wisdom we can do nothing. God is not the author of confusion and disorder. Whenever confusion and disorder reign in my heart, I know that I need to press in and renew my mind and spirit by spending some time in God’s Word and in my prayer closet. We absolutely can’t expect to undertake a huge task like homeschooling in our own strength, we need God’s mercy, grace, strength and wisdom to accomplish what He has called us to do.
● Have a heart to heart talk with your spouse. While one parent is usually primarily responsible for educating the children, both parents are Biblically responsible for the academic and spiritual education of their children. Your spouse can often look at the situation with fresh eyes and see areas where changes could be made that you can’t. Homeschooling is a team effort, and sometimes just talking with your spouse about problems you are having helps.
● Talk with other homeschooling moms. So often, the biggest thing that contributes to burnout in homeschooling is the illusion that you are alone in your struggles. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Every homeschooling parent second guesses their decision to homeschool their children at some point. Other moms can give practical advice to help you deal with burnout. Simply knowing that you aren’t alone and having support can help alleviate burnout.
● Take a break. Sometimes all you need is a change of pace to banish burnout. This doesn’t mean that learning has to stop, but get creative and shake things up a bit. Go on some field trips to places of interest to you and the children. Explore a topic that you all would like to learn more about. Take a day trip to a nearby attraction that would be of interest to you. Find a class or community event to attend. The possibilities are endless.
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