Homeschooling is Hard…

Every time someone finds out that I’m homeschooling my children and finishing graduate school, they say “I don’t know how you do it all.”

I don’t and I never had. I’m lucky if I can get through the day completing everything 3/4 of everything I wanted to do on my list. That would be a great day.

If you’re done reading this topic and still in need of more encouraging words, go and see my Encouragement for Homeschool Moms blog post where you can find more strength and reasons to move on with this challenging journey.

The struggle is real and I am not perfect, homeschooling is hard, it takes all of your strength and exposes your weaknesses.

I have a toddler crawling around the house, getting into all kinds of trouble. I have a 5 year old who loves to bother his brother, makes a tornado through my living room full of toys, and enjoys screaming at the top of his lungs whenever he so pleases.

My middle schooler has decided that he’d rather sit in his room all day than do any kind of school work, he back talks anytime I ask him to do anything including when I ask him to brush his teeth, and he is constantly fighting with his younger brother. Read about my troubles here.

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Recommended Homeschooling Books

You may just be getting started or just need some homeschool inspiration but I always love to reread these books every year to gain new insights and remind me that homeschooling can be a challenge but can also be worth it.

Recommended Homeschooling Books for Moms

Are you new to homeschooling? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Here are some of my favorite books that will equip and help you during your journey.

Homeschool Planning Guide for the Unorganized Mom: An easy-to-follow plan for successful homeschooling when you don’t even know where to startHomeschool Planning Guide for the Unorganized Mom: An easy-to-follow plan for successful homeschooling when you don’t even know where to startThe Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and LifeThe Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and LifeThe Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your KidsThe Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your KidsThe Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at HomeThe Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at HomeA Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of LearningA Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of LearningThe Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child's EducationThe Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child’s Education

 

Homeschooling is hard…

Don’t even get me started on what my house actually looks like during the day.

There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t second guess our decision to homeschool. Am I doing the right thing? Could they be doing better in school? Are they missing out on something in public school?

I think I’m doing the right thing, my son says that he wants to continue to homeschool, and I’m sure they are missing something but I think they are also gaining something more by being at home.

I struggle, every single day, to get our work done, cook, and clean. Things are not rainbows and sunshine every day.

I read other people’s blogs and feel like I’m underachieving as a homeschooling mother. How do they have time to do it all and then take pictures and blog about it?

I remember that we don’t usually post the bad things that occur in our homeschool but highlight the good things that go on during the week. I don’t want to compare my children to other people because they are excelling, well accomplishing, what we are doing in our school. I’ve chosen subjects and curricula that I think they will enjoy and I try to teach to the way they best learn.

I need to work on not letting the tone of my voice betray my disappointment or frustration. I get angry and impatient. But I admit my mistakes and we try to move on. No one is perfect, and I’m surely not.

I may not be the best homeschooling mother, but I’m the best mother to these 3 children. I know them the best and I know what motivates them and what they will enjoy learning the most.

I  may not have to be the best but I’m trying to homeschool to the best of my own abilities. That may mean a messy house and my own unfinished projects, but at least we’re learning together.

9 Comments

  1. Hello, I am in Middle school I am in 8th grade ive been in public school all of my life. In the Middle of 8th grade I had alot of trouble in school. I have a
    Personal problem within myself. My grades are very good in school i get A’s and one or two B’s from time to time. Anyways my mom was really sad that I was having so many problems so next week or in a couple of weeks She will enroll me on an online Homeschool. I tried sample assignments on that particular website I find it very hard to do. Also my mom and step-father they work jobs and I dont’t know what to do next. Your story is really great and how you express your feelings.
    Thanks

  2. Homeschooling is hard! It is a lifestyle, not just an educational choice. There are days when I wish, even threaten to put my only child back in public school. The best we can do is the best for our kids. I believe that homeschooling is the best, even though I desperately want the school room mess out of my dining room! Hang in through the tough parts and rejoice in the triumphant parts of homeschooling! Happy Homeschooling!

    To Davriana: homeschooling might be a great choice for you, you are old enough to work independently, save any questions you have until a parent gets home to help you. Next year, as you enter high school, there are other resources available to you to homeschool. Check out Let’s Homeschool High School (www.letshomeschoolhighschol.com) there is a forum of homeschooled students there that might have some suggestions for you and help you not feel isolated! Good luck!

    1. Yes I try to remember all the great things about homeschooling, that’s what keeps me going.

  3. And old post….maybe. But what a great time to find it on Pinterest! Thank you so much for this post! A little light in my week. 🙂 Thank you so much.

    1. I’m glad it helped.

  4. Thank you for your honesty! I read homeschool blogs and really, really feel like I am not doing enough. Like I ought to be doing the 25 activities in circle time every day (my son hates circle time)….or nearly every day. Beating myself up for inconsistency….why have I not continued with shapes, singing the counting song to 20, and learning words in Spanish every day?

    I suppose if I just keep doing something every day, they will learn what they need to at some point. I do admire you for taking it a day at a time, homeschooling 3, doing graduate degree work and blogging. Amazing. But so refreshing to hear that someone out there is not a perfect super exceller and not trying to appear to be either.

    1. Thank you, we’re not perfect, I know I’m not, so I’m struggling along like everyone else. We’ve been doing this for 8 years now but each year is new with a new age/materials for your students and different life stages. It’s a challenge but definitely worth it.

  5. I’ve pinned this post and frequently remind myself that I’m not theonly one that feels this way. Thank you thank you thank you!

    1. You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you can relate, it’s definitely a challenge some days.

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