Enhanced – read by the author
by Connie Albers
Homeschooling can be a rewarding and transformative journey—providing us with the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind education for our children. But with that comes stress and pressure for many. Juggling teaching responsibilities, household management, and parenting duties can easily overwhelm us all.
It’s important that we discuss the common causes of stress for us as moms in the homeschooling environment and work on some practical ways for managing that stress effectively. Then, we can look at ways to help our children reduce the pressure they feel.
- Overwhelming workload. Balancing lesson planning, teaching, parenting, and household responsibilities can lead to feelings of being constantly overwhelmed. When you add outside work or extracurricular activities, it can seem near impossible.
- Self-doubt. Feeling anxious about your ability to provide a well-rounded education or worrying about your children’s academic progress can weigh you down.
- Isolation. Lacking social interaction and support can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Time constraints. Managing time between teaching, household chores, and personal commitments can feel like a constant challenge.
When you identify what causes pressure or stress in your home, it’s easier to develop effective ways to manage it.
Here are three important self-care practices I would encourage you to incorporate into your routine:
- Take time to retreat. Homeschooling can be depleting at times. Refreshing your soul is not selfish! Taking time to fill up gives you the ability to pour into others better. By placing a priority on having some personal time, you will be more successful at scheduling regular moments for daily devotions, relaxation, hobbies, and activities that bring you joy. Note: the emphasis is on moments. The ages and needs of your children will determine how much time you have and it will vary from year to year. Just remember, little moments add up.
- Capture your thoughts. Our thought life is much more important than most think. We have to take negative thoughts captive because as you think so goes your attitude. It is easy to allow one thought to make you feel inadequate, but the truth is you are simply having a bad day. God wants you to tell yourself the truth. When you take your thoughts captive, you can reduce stress levels.
- Nurture your physical health. Prioritize regular exercise, eat nutritious meals, and ensure adequate rest to maintain optimal energy and well-being. I know you hear this all the time, but it is true. We have to spend time nurturing our physical bodies and giving them the right foods so we have the energy we need to build the strong family God has given us.
Consider the following strategies:
- Set small, achievable goals. As homeschoolers we are tempted to pack more into our day than is realistic. One of the best ways to avoid this is to break down tasks you want to accomplish into manageable chunks, keeping in mind the unique needs of your children and family.
- Create a flexible schedule. Establish a daily routine that allows for structure without being overly rigid. Give yourself permission to adjust and change things around as needed. For example, if you were on a waiting list for a doctor and they called about a last-minute appointment—a flexible schedule allows you to go!
- Delegate and outsource. Identify tasks that can be shared or outsourced to alleviate some of the workload. In all my years of homeschooling, I’ve never met a mom who did it all without some help. There are tasks you need to do, others that don’t really need to be done, and some that you can get help with. Consider asking for help from a grandparent, friend, or fellow homeschool parent. Take advantage of an online class or co-op for some classes.
Here are some ways to do just that:
- Define roles and responsibilities. Clearly communicate with your children about what is expected of them during school hours. When children are part of the conversation and decision-making process, they are more willing to follow your instructions.
- Separate work and personal spaces. Designate a specific area for homeschooling activities to create a clear mental boundary between work and personal life. Not only do your children need this, so do you.
- Set boundaries with loved ones. We all have limits, but homeschool moms tend to push their needs aside without thinking about what it’s doing to them. Discuss your needs and limitations with family members and friends, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or to say no.
- Stay connected. Homeschooling is not meant to be done in isolation. It can be more fun when we connect with other like-minded families to share experiences, resources, and advice. If you don’t know of any homeschool groups in your area, start your own and invite other families to join you.
Homeschooling presents unique challenges, but by incorporating the strategies mentioned above, you can nurture your own well-being while cultivating a positive educational experience for your children. Remember, by taking care of yourself, you become an even better parent, providing your children with the love, guidance, and support they need to flourish on their educational journey.
Cultivate trust by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where children feel comfortable sharing their worries and fears. Encourage open dialogue by actively listening to their concerns, without interrupting or minimizing their feelings. Offer gentle guidance and empathetic responses, assuring them that their emotions are valid and understood.
2. Recognize Signs of Stress
Every child copes with stress differently, so it’s vital that we remain vigilant in observing any changes in behavior or mood. Look for signs such as irritability, withdrawal, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or a decline in academic performance. By being aware of these behaviors, you can address the underlying issues promptly and provide the necessary support. Ask God to give you discernment as many children struggle with knowing how to express their emotions
3. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Deep breathing exercises can help calm their minds and bodies during moments of anxiety. Getting children to calm down allows them to hear what you are saying. Encourage physical activity as a means of releasing tension and boosting endorphins. Engaging in creative outlets like art, writing, or music allows them to express themselves and find solace in their own unique way. Remember: as a homeschool parent you have permission to adjust the schedule when you see your children getting overwhelmed.
4. Prioritize Tasks
In today’s fast-paced world, children often face an overwhelming number of commitments. They need help striking a balance between their academic, extracurricular, and personal lives. Discuss the importance of setting realistic goals and managing time effectively. Encourage them to prioritize activities that they enjoy, rather than succumbing to the pressure to do it all.
5. Nurture Resilience
Resilience is a skill that can be nurtured from an early age. Teach your children to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Help them understand that it’s okay to ask for help when needed and that perseverance is key. Share stories of your own challenges and how you overcame them, inspiring them with tales of resilience and determination.
6. Cultivate Positive Reinforcement
A kind word and sincere praise go a long way in helping children learn healthy coping skills. When we provide positive reinforcement, our children feel safe to share their thoughts and concerns without worrying about being negatively judged. Let them know you are their greatest cheerleader and are here to offer guidance.
In a world where pressures abound, our role as parents is to provide a steady anchor for our children as they navigate daily challenges.
But remember, sweet momma, that God has called you to this adventure. The Lord, your love, and guidance will be the beacon that guides them through the toughest of times. Let us embrace the opportunity to empower our children and help them flourish in a world filled with pressure, knowing they have our unwavering support every step of the way.
Homeschool Boldly!
onnie Albers is a mother of five and veteran homeschool mom who has used her public relations background to help shape the homeschooling movement for twenty-seven years. She has spent much of her adult life as a homeschool mom and mompreneur with an outreach and ministry to parents through her speaking, writing, and various leadership roles. More recently Connie’s newest book, Parenting Beyond the Rules by NavPress, outlines positive approaches to parenting today’s teenagers. Her enthusiasm for helping others navigate social media led to her taking a post at Social Media Marketing World. Connie’s mission is to equip moms to live their lives with confidence and joy.
Connie and her husband, Tom, have been married thirty-five years and have homeschooled their five children, all of whom continued their studies and graduated from the University of Central Florida, from the beginning.