Homeschooling is hard. Hopefully, we all went into it knowing that would be the case. However, sometimes, we might be so challenged that we become overwhelmed, even tempted to give up.
A homeschooling parent is one who has made a choice to do something selfless. Yet, there are so many voices (even within the homeschool community sometimes) telling us we need to focus more on ourselves. When we’re challenged or frustrated, we may be surrounded by thoughts and influences, some leading us to persevere and push through the hard times no matter what, and others encouraging us to just take some time off from homeschooling, drop a subject, or abandon the goals we set months ago.
Sometimes a break or a lighter load is just what’s needed, but not always. How do you know which is right?
Here are some questions that might help.
Are we doing things that are more of a burden than a blessing? How much return are we receiving on our time investments?
Maybe you’re doing something because you thought it would be valuable, worthwhile for your family (e.g. additional sports or fine arts training for your child, additional occupational or learning therapy for your child, a second – or third or fourth – weekly Bible study). Now, you’re finding that you aren’t reaping much reward from that thing - for yourself or others - though you’re making significant sacrifices to make it happen. This may be a good indication that a break is needed, time away to consider whether this thing is serving you or your family well or maybe if you’ve become a slave to it.
Did we jump into this obligation without praying or thinking?
Did we say "yes" without considering the cost, without asking God if it was the right thing to do? Did we agree to do it out of guilt or because someone with whom we tend to compare ourselves is doing it?
It’s so easy to think, “It’s good, so of course I should do it!” This may apply to volunteering somewhere new or stepping into leadership to fill a void left by another. However, motivations like these can easily lead to the trap of over-commitment. If you’re naturally guilt-prone, know that you are especially vulnerable to this! It can lead to physical, mental, and spiritual exhaustion that can affect the health of your body, your family, and your faith. If you think you may be in a state of over-commitment, a break may well be needed so you can consider the big picture and and pray about what to step back from.
Is it hard?
Is this thing that I researched, considered, prayed about, and proceeded with turning out to take more work and more time than I planned? Is it driving me to the edge of my capabilities?
Please know, challenged (and sometimes discouraged) homeschool mom, this is not necessarily an indication that you should take a break. If it’s hard, that doesn’t mean you’re failing or falling short. It more likely means you’re right on track!
Truthfully, it’s supposed to be hard! We are raising and educating the next generation, for goodness’ sake! We’re dealing with immaturity, sin nature and character issues (in us and our children), personality conflicts, temptations, obstacles and distractions of many kinds, difficult academic concepts, etc., etc., etc. Making this whole home education thing happen will take perseverance, no doubt.
Today’s society seems to lean more toward responding to challenges by saying, “I just need to give myself permission to take a break.” Sometimes, this is just the right thing. But often, challenges call for perseverance.
Dear homeschool mom, remember that our time is very limited. Remember those things you value, the things that led you to homeschool in the first place. The hopes we have for our children’s academic and spiritual development and the relationships we hope to build with them don’t allow for a whole lot of time off.
Rather than letting our challenges tempt us toward the nearest spa, let’s allow them to drive us to our knees.
Let’s trust our Father to give us the rest we need (Matt 11:28) but also the leading to form our schedules wisely and the strength to persevere. Knowing we are called to this kingdom work, let’s “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Phil 3:13-14). Great reward awaits at the end!
Xo,
Christie
P.S. - I came across a thoughtful entry on this topic from another blogger. Check it out here!
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