Is it Hard to Homeschool? A Mom’s Honest Answer

Over the years I have found that definitions of words can change in accordance with a person’s perspective or reality. Sure, there is a solid dictionary definition for every word in the English language. But a person’s life circumstances often shape or mold how they view certain words. Such is the case with the word “hard” in the title of this blog post. Is it hard for a two-year-old to tie shoes? Yes. Is it hard for the child’s mother to tie shoes? No. Is it hard for a 5th grader to read an unabridged version of classic literature? Yes. Is it hard for the child’s mother to read it? Sometimes. Life experiences, daily routines, age, maturity, and many more factors determine the answer to whether something is “hard.” So, is it hard to homeschool?

Is homeschooling hard? 

Sometimes examining a simple synonym of a word helps put reality into clear focus. For the moment, let’s change the word “hard” to “challenging.”

Many individuals would say that, yes, it is challenging to fit the daily grading of papers into a busy mother-of-five schedule, but it’s doable. Most moms I have talked to find it challenging to plan a yearly school calendar complete with field trips, sports, co-ops, music lessons, and more. However, their own personal “why” of homeschooling pushes them to complete the task.

In moments when you find yourself swamped or drowning in the challenges of homeschooling, take a step back. Evaluate the good versus the bad. Ask yourself why a particular issue is causing stress or anxiety to you or your children. You might include your children in the discussion and seek their thoughts on how to turn a potentially hard thing into a doable task. Don’t make the mistake of plowing through challenging scenarios without taking the time to reflect and come up with alternative paths forward. Homeschool burnout is a real thing, and it happens most when unresolved storylines are repeated.

The Realities of Homeschooling

One of the main certainties of life that I have learned to keep in clear focus is that in this world we have a foe. The enemy of heaven desires to kill, steal, and destroy all that is good. He attempts to take what is beautiful and turn it to ashes. So, before I make a list of some pros and cons of homeschooling, I wanted to preface the list by saying that the evil one has a plan to make you focus on the bad instead of the good. He desires you to sit with heaviness rather than to walk forward in Strength in the hard things, and our Joy in the challenges.

Pros of Homeschooling

• Flexible schedules
• Enhanced relationships with your children
• Freedom of curriculum choices
• Extra family time
• Ability to pursue children’s individual interests
• Limited exposure to worldly philosophies

Cons of Homeschooling

• Overwhelming curriculum choices
• Little to no alone time for the homeschooling parent
• Limited resources for the homeschool classroom
• High cost of extra help from tutors

How to Make Homeschooling Easier

1. Make a schedule. Include a consistent start time each day.
2. Eliminate unnecessary work. Not everything needs to be graded.
3. Add fun! Schedule a midday YouTube brain-break.
4. Take an unplanned field trip. Spontaneity boosts morale.
5. Share subjects. Siblings in different grades can work together.
6. Plan quiet activities, such as an hour of silent reading, so you can have a break.
7. Join a homeschool co-op. This helps break up the week and gives children the opportunity to make and interact with friends.
8. Read other homeschool moms’ experiences to gain perspective.

Insight from a Homeschool Mom

I recently held a homeschool moms’ night at my home. During the evening, each mom took a turn sharing what her homeschool day looked like in her home. We then shared some snacks and had a closing time in prayer. After each mom left, my heart was so encouraged. Why? Because I realized once again that there is so much diversity in homeschooling and success on many levels. Things that have worked for me and could work for you, may not work for everyone. Many of the moms who sat in my living room that night shared very different ways of starting their day, teaching a subject, or planning activities. It was so refreshing to see and understand that homeschooling families are unique. Finding what works for you and your children is a journey. It won’t happen overnight. Decide now to enjoy the process.

I like the synonym “challenging” better than “hard.” Homeschooling challenges me to become a better mom, teacher, wife, and planner. How? Challenges in homeschooling  force me to recognize my limits and seek help. This help comes from the Lord, my husband, friends, other teachers, and even my children. Homeschooling also helps me to recognize my strengths. God has given me the ability to teach, see needs, organize 8 humans’ routines, fix 3 meals a day, plan activities, and even write small blog posts. He has taught me that in the “hard” parts of homeschooling, He is there, and in the challenging moments, He has never left my side. What a faithful God we serve. Be encouraged, Mama. You are not on this journey alone. This article on what to do when homeschooling is hard may be just the encouragement you need to not quit.

• • • • •

Kelly is a stay-at-home mom of 6 children and has enjoyed homeschooling them for the past 18 years. She has a degree in education and enjoys writing in her free time. Her passion is studying and applying God’s word to all aspects of her life, and teaching her children to do the same.