Today, I want to share tips and tricks for how to make the best of tricky homeschool seasons. Let’s face it, homeschool has its own seasons… and some are easier than others.
How to Make the Best of Tricky Homeschool Seasons
Homeschooling During Tricky Times: When Homeschooling Feels Hard
I have a few posts on this site about homeschool struggles. Here are a few:
- When Homeschooling is Hard
- 5 Things You Can Do {in 10 Minutes Or Less} to Turn a Bad Day Around
- To the Lady at the Pool Who Spoke Up During One of My Lowest Parenting Moments | Caitlin Fitzpatrick Curley, The Mighty
Homeschooling During Tricky Times {Episode 50} | The Homeschool Sisters Podcast
Challenging seasons are just part of life, but when we homeschool, those seasons can feel extra… tricky. This is the episode for you if you’re navigating something new, and trying to still keep things on track.
Join Cait and Kara as they chat tricky homeschool season survival strategies and share simple tips- you’ve got this, sister!
Tricky Homeschool Seasons- Seasonal Affective Disorder:
It happens every year, without fail, and I don’t know if it is my age or what, but each year it gets a little bit worse.
And, sometimes, it strikes all of a sudden, out of the blue… er- gray.
The homeschool year starts off okay. Great even! We crack open those new books, open a fresh sheet of notebook paper, and everywhere we look we see pencils with tips and erasers. The future is bright. Eyes are twinkling. We have big plans for the year and feel collectively enthusiastic. We are all on one team and we are going to rock this year straight out of the park.
And then, after a few weeks, it happens.
Suddenly, the air has a chill. The sky is more gray than blue. Every morning seems a little darker; nightfall creeps closer each afternoon.
And, if you’re like me, motivation plummets.
If you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this time of year can be… tricky:
These resources have helped me muddle through Seasonal Affective Disorder:
- The Coffee and Books Quick Start Guide
- Gameschooling by Subject: The Best Games for Your Homeschool
- CuriosityStream
Tricky Homeschool Seasons: Anxiety
I often describe my son as a World-Class Worrier. In his eight years on this planet, he has conquered a wealth of worries.
Worry is tricky. It ebbs and flows, and changes shape. It pops up, out of nowhere, on a clear blue day.
Sometimes, it can feel like worry is winning.
Would you like tips, tricks, and resources for homeschooling through anxiety? Read more here:
- When it Feels Like Worry is Winning
- Do You Know What is in Your Worry Toolbox?
- Homeschooling Worriers: Strategies and Resources for Parents
- Make Your Own Worry Basket
- Little Kids with BIG Worries | Simple Homeschool
Tricky Homeschool Seasons- When dad works a lot:
In this episode of The Homeschool Sisters Podcast, Cait and Kara discuss what it is like when dad works or travels a lot.
It can be stressful to be the only adult on duty, 24/7. Bedtime becomes more challenging, washing machines break, and the last thing you want to think about is dinner.
Cait and Kara have been there, too, and they have some survival strategies to help you through it. From games to fantastic audiobooks to dinner picnics, we’ve got you covered!
Cait and Kara want to send a huge hug to all the single mamas out there who rock solo-parenting day in and day out. If you know a single mama, ask her kids over for a playdate so that she can get lost in a bookstore, savor a silent moment, and enjoy her coffee steaming hot!
Tricky Homeschool Seasons- Homeschooling with a Teen:
My friend, Mary, has oodles of resources on her site. I love this article about homeschooling a teen and the transition involved:
Tricky Homeschool Seasons– Homeschooling with a new puppy:
It may seem silly to include here, but it’s incredibly challenging to homeschool with a puppy underfoot!
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Tricky Homeschool Seasons- Related articles:
Here are some other fantastic articles about tricky homeschool seasons:
- 101 Reasons Why Homeschooling is Hard… And Why It’s So Worth it Anyway | Learning Well Community
- Beyond books: How homeschooling is benefiting our kids, even when it’s hard | Kara Stephenson Anderson
- Dear Tired Mama of Gifted Kids | Raising Lifelong Learners
- Homeschooling: Love the Year You’re With | Not Before 7
- I See You, Poppy Parent {Recognizing Giftedness in Others}
- Just filibuster. (My strategy for the hardest mornings.) | Kara Stephenson Anderson
- Different By Design Learning
- The Hardest Parts of Homeschooling (That No One Wants to Talk About) | Learning Well Community
- The hard work you’re doing (while also homeschooling) | Kara Stephenson Anderson
Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: How do you make the best of tricky homeschool season? Share here!
