When Homeschooling is Not Working

You’ve been at this homeschooling gig for a while now and things haven’t got any easier. People said it would, but in your case, it just hasn’t.

The kids are miserable, you’re miserable, and homeschooling is not working. What do you do?

You just quit.

Yes, I said that. Now, before I go on let me just say that I LOVE homeschooling. I believe for most families it is a great thing, but I am one of the few that believe it is not for everyone. Sometimes homeschooling just isn’t for a family and that’s okay. I also believe sometimes there are situations that make homeschooling difficult, and if remedied homeschooling can still happen.

If homeschooling is not working for you right now let me suggest a few things:

Take a break.

Just quit for awhile. Put the books up and spend time enjoying your children. As MOM. Not as homeschool teacher. Do this for a week or two.

Evaluate the situation.

Is the problem the curriculum? Is it your teaching style vs. their learning style? Are you trying to do too much? Are the kids just not on board? Try and pinpoint what the issue may be.

Remedy the problem.

If it’s curriculum, try a different one. If it’s learning style vs. teaching style see if you can find a way that will work for both you and your child. If you’re too busy see if you can cut back on a few commitments. Sometimes saying no can be a blessing! If your kids just aren’t’ on board, talk to them about why you believe your family is called to homeschool. Listen to their concerns and see if a compromise can be made.

Revaluate the situation.

Can you remedy the problem? If so, try it out again for a few months. If you can’t decide where you go from here.

I know homeschooling parents who have put their kids back in public school. Homeschooling was not working for them in their season of life. Some pulled the kids back out and are homeschooling successfully. Some have kids still in public school and the kids are thriving. Some have one kid in public school and others who are homeschooled.

Listen, homeschooling is not a one size fits all situation. It’s not an all in situation. Homeschooling is great, for many families and many children, but sometimes it just doesn’t work.

If this is you right now let me encourage you to take a break, evaluate the situation and try to remedy the problem. If the situation cannot be helped then know that doing what is best for you and your family right now is the best case scenario.

Homeschool moms need support. All the time. Even when things aren’t working. Let’s encourage one another today. Let’s encourage one another even when things aren’t working and another mom may throw in the towel. Hug her neck, tell her you understand, be supportive even when homeschooling is not working.

Author Bio: Misty Bailey and her husband have been married for over a decade and have three beautiful children. She shares her struggles with time management, becoming unglued, homeschooling and finding joy in the everyday moments on her blog Joy in the Journey.