This has been the hardest year of homeschooling I have had in the seven years that we have been on this journey. It has been so challenging that some days I just want to give up and surrender. I have even had days where I am ready to march each of my children across the street and enroll them in the wonderful school across the street from our house.
I have even uttered the words, “I don’t want to do this anymore. I cannot do this anymore.”
Have you ever felt this way? If you HAVE felt this way, I want you to know you are not alone. I think most moms feel this way at one point or another. I know that motherhood and homeschooling are both tough jobs. I know it is the most challenging job I have ever had!
I have had to learn to do certain things in order to stay the course when I am ready to throw in the towel. I want to share FOUR things that I do to help stay motivated and encouraged when I am ready to give in.
1. I make sure that I am committing my feelings, desires, and thoughts to the Lord. I spend more time praying and reading Scripture so that I know my heart is right before the Lord. I ask Him to change my heart and help me not to be selfish in my attitude towards my children. I ask Him to convict my children of their lack of obedience and that He will show me how to help them without getting frustrated.
2. I have learned if I talk about my frustrations with others I am greatly encouraged. I have a few close friends, including my husband, that I share my thoughts and feelings with. These are people that I know will encourage me and give me sound advice and they are people that have experiential wisdom.
3. Sometimes the only healthy thing to do is to step away for a moment or to adjust what I am currently doing. Maybe what I am doing with my children isn’t working any more and it is causing division. Maybe we need a break from each other, or maybe I need to ask someone for help with them for a short period of time. Sometimes it’s as simple as our schedule needs to be changed up a bit. I have to reflect on what changes need to be made and then create action steps to make those changes. This part is tricky because I have learned it’s not a one-and-done kind of thing, it’s a keep trying until something clicks kind of thing.
4. Lastly, I have to always come back to my “why” for homeschooling. Every time I think “These kids have to go to school!” I remember the reason I started homeschooling in the first place and it spurs me onward through the rough times. If the end result is to reach a certain goal (that my husband and I have set), then I have to keep going even when it is hard. I think about Olympic athletes and their end goals of victory and the hardships they have to face to get there. Just like these athletes, I have to continually remind myself why I am in the game to begin with and that the hard work will pay off.
Something I read this week said, “We are not trying to do school at home, but rather homeschool as a verb, meaning, cultivating a style of learning, all day everyday.” This mindset is exactly what my husband and I strive for in our homeschool endeavors, but I must confess that I struggle to keep my focus on a daily basis. I am sharing this with you to encourage you not to sound like I am throwing a pity party.
Since I know that I struggle, you may struggle too and I want to challenge you to do three things:
1. Make sure you know why you are homeschooling and keep it close so you can recall that “why” when the times get hard. Write it down, talk it out with your spouse or a friend.
2. Commit to give yourself grace when you want to give up. Remember that God is able to get you through it and He is faithful to walk beside us when we seek His help.
3. Decide who your go-to person is that will always be there to encourage you and talk to them regularly. Commit to encourage them too.
Just remember that nobody is perfect. You are going to make mistakes. You are also going to have victories. Just do your best, keep focused, and honor the Lord in whatever decisions you make. Get on your knees daily and ask God to give you strength for today, not for tomorrow, but today alone.
You can do this homeschool thing mama!! I believe in you!
