Yes, sometimes I feel like giving up.
I get overwhelmed.
Frustrated.
Off track.
And just plain tired.
Homeschooling takes all I’ve got and then some, and there are weeks when I just feel like throwing in the towel.
A long time ago, my husband and I commitment to home education as a way of life for our family.
Homeschooling is a conviction for our family, and we’re sticking with it.
But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.
So what do I do when I feel like I’m absolutely the wrong mom for the job?
Well, after I’ve drank a few cups of coffee, sneaked into the bag of chocolate chips, put the kids down for a nap and escaped to a quiet place with my laptop…
I ask myself a few questions.
1. Am I getting enough sleep?
The answer to this one is almost always no.
I am a chronic overachiever, and sleep is usually the first thing to go when I feel like I don’t have time to tackle one of my beloved projects.
Plain and simple, I’m not a nice mom when I’m sleep deprived. If you don’t believe me, ask my kids. (On second thought, please don’t.)
It’s amazing how much better I handle stress (yes, homeschooling can feel stressful at times) when I’m leaving enough margin in my day for sufficient rest.
2. Am I trying to do too much?
The answer to this question is almost always yes.
It’s hard for us moms to admit it, but we really can’t do it all. Something has to go.
For me, the first things I “let go” when the going gets tough are my expectations of a perfect house and my beloved projects.
Now that I’m working from home, I have to carefully balanced my time commitments there, as well.
I’ve learned that sometimes saying yes to an outside commitment means saying no to my family.
My kids won’t always be young and maybe someday life won’t feel so “high maintenance,” but right now they are and it does.
I have to let go.
3. Why am I homeschooling in the first place?
This may seem like a strange question to ask when I’m feeling low, but it’s amazing what a little honest evaluation can do for my resolve.
I’m not homeschooling because it’s easy.
I’m not homeschooling because I’m cut out for it.
I’m not homeschooling because I have a fancy education and I feel smart.
I’m not homeschooling because it fits so well with my schedule and personal goals.
I’ve chosen life as a homeschool mom because I believe God has called me to it.
And since He called me, He will equip me. He will. And He does.
More than anything, homeschooling is a walk of faith.
I believe that God is bigger than my mistakes.
Wiser than my weaknesses.
Stronger than my inconsistencies.
I believe that He knows and loves my children infinitely more than I could ever know and love them.
I believe that He gave them to ME, and me to them, with an eternal purpose in mind.
I believe that I can do this, and do it well.
Not because of anything good within me, but because I am equipped by God Almighty himself.
So is there ever really a time when I’m ready to say, “I quit?”
Sure. I say it.
And when I reach the end of myself is when I find Him.
Holding me. Cheering me on. Giving grace for another day.
And another… and another…
With a new school year right around the corner, I want to offer a little support and encouragement for my fellow homeschooling moms.
If you’re looking for a place to connect, I’d love for you to join our Facebook community, Homeschooling Moms @ Kristy’s Cottage.
We’re an encouraging, upbeat group of 230+ home educators who chat about curriculum, kids, and just enjoy sharing life with each other.
Please check out my Homeschooling page here on the blog for curriculum reviews, favorite resources, and more encouraging posts.
You’re doing a great job, Mama! Keep it up!
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Wow, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This article was retagged on Facebook (I believe) and I was coincidentally really disheartened about homeschooling our 4 kids. Although really it is only the oldest who is 8 who is “homeschooling”. The coffee and cookies hit home, as did the laptop 😉 … Thank you.
Thanks for linking this post up at the #homeschoollinkup! I think other mothers might and will feel the same way, and it’s nice to know someone that’s been in the situation and come out on the other side – still homeschooling.
I like how you remind yourself why you homeschool in the first place. I think this is a very good life lesson for any challenges we face in life. Whether it be diets or husbands, or blogging, or tests or whatever. Let’s get back to the basics of asking the questions of why we started initially.
Thanks so much for this, and thank you again for linking up with us this week!
Kristy,
I am a new reader of your blog and was so encouraged by this post. I would love to share this with my readers. I have a heart to encourage new and frustrated homeschoolers and i really believe they would be blessed by your words of wisdom. I will link the post back to your site!
I really needed to read this……thank-you God. It brought heartfelt tears to my eyes.
I am on the fence about home schooling. This has helped me a lot. Thanks
This was SO encouraging! Thank you!
YES. Thank you for expressing that so well and encouraging those of us who share the exact sentiments.
Lovely encouraging post. Those three questions are very good ones and I agree on the sleep front especially!
The fourth question I ask myself is “What does my husband think I should do?”. He is so supportive and committed to home education and he is often my stronghold when I feel weak and frustrated by my cloudy feelings.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Jill!
Wonderful encouragement.
Thanks so much for this Kristy. I totally need to reread this from time to time as I think all we homeschooling moms go through this.
Such an awesome reminder! These are questions I often have to ask myself, and a lot of the time my stress can be traced back either lack of sleep or over committing myself. You’re right, though, home schooling truly is a walk of faith.
Love this, Kristy! I SO relate to your words and encouragement.