Homeschooling parents hold great responsibility and therefore every once in a while, they are bound to experience homeschool burnout. Homeschooling, even during normal circumstances, can be challenging. Homeschooling while experiencing one of life’s speed bumps, such as an unexpected illness, can be outright stressful. It’s crucial that you are able to recognize when you’ve hit homeschool burnout and that you can spend some time to devise solutions for the problem.

Flexibility is key in overcoming homeschool burnout. When you see that a certain schedule is no longer doable or a particular method of teaching is failing you, then look for new ways to accomplish your homeschooling goals. Flexibility also means being able to include more breaks or extra time for relaxation when you know you need it. Sometimes homeschool burnout catches up with us when we try to pack too many activities in to the week. But you need to remember that over scheduling only leads to stress and soon enough the stress will spread from you to you children and the entire family will suffer. Try to create a balanced schedule that includes time for unwinding and relaxing. This may mean that your children will have to give up an activity or two but you can explain to your children that this is for the best.

Often homeschool burnout happens when parents pack too many activities into the week. If this is the case for you, then ask your children to choose their favourite one or two activities and put the rest on hold at least for a while. If you’re experiencing homeschool burnout because of other responsibilities that are demanding your attention, then get someone to take over some of the homeschool work. Maybe your spouse or another family member can take over a couple of subject areas. You can even consider hiring a tutor. Also, don’t forget your homeschool parenting group. There, you can find other parents who will understand your position and may even be able to help you.

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