Homeschool Mom Burnout: Practical Advice And Solutions
Homeschool mom burnout is something all of us experience at one point or another in our homeschool journey. This is a practical look at what it is like and how to handle burnout as a homeschool mom.
I gave up last week. Not forever, but definitely on most of our plans for the week.
The problem with homeschooling through the summer (although in a much less demanding way) is that I don’t feel like I get a break. And too this the general realities of homeschooling a teenager, and it’s not hard to see the why.
Homeschool Mom Burnout
Here’s how I knew it was time for a small break.
When my son and I were talking about his plans for next year, I was not excited. In fact, I was the opposite of excited. I felt a dull resignation and more than a little resentment.
Remember, we homeschool through the summer because that is what works best for my family. Their need for routine and structure practically requires a year round approach. But just because it is what my children need, doesn’t mean it’s what I need.
Last week, the tension between the two became obvious. Rather than pushing through, like I would have a few years ago, I decided to take a break, for me and me alone.
I arranged to leave after my son’s infusion on Monday and did not return until late Wednesday. (Please know, I recognize the sheer privilege and blessing in this.) My friend and I stayed at a local hotel together. We hadn’t seen each other in almost 3 years, so it was catch up time. We ate good food, got a massage, laid by the pool and slept in.
I barely looked at my phone and didn’t think about homeschooling once.
My kids were fine. Their dad took care of driving them all over the place for their various classes and commitments. My husband served all the food I prepared ahead of time, made sure the medication schedule stayed on track, and even cleaned up the house before I returned. The kids schedule stayed almost the same, while I got some much needed rest.
Homeschool Mom Burnout: A Look At Our Week
Here is the plan I created for each day last week vs. what actually happened:
Monday
THE PLAN
- YouTube Video
- Drivers Ed Lesson
- Blood Plasma Infusion – 4 hours
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED
- Blood Plasma Infusion – 4 hours
Tuesday
THE PLAN
- Audiobook and Discussion
- Social Time with friends at school – 1 hour
- Art class – 1 hour
- Voice class – 1 hour
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED
- Social Time with friends at school – 1 hour
- Art class – 1 hour
- Voice class – 1 hour
Wednesday
THE PLAN
- Physical Therapy – 2 hours
- Vacation Day for Mom
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED
- Physical Therapy – 2 hours
Thursday
THE PLAN
- Audiobook and Discussion
- Social Time with friends at school – 1 hour
- Art class – 1 hour
- Rock Climbing Class – 2 hours
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED
- Audiobook and Discussion
- Social Time with friends – 1 hour
- Art class – 1 hour
- Rock Climbing class – 2 hours
Friday
THE PLAN
- Driver’s Ed
- Finish Ocean Study
- YouTube Video – their choice and educational
- Audiobook and discussion
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED
- Drivers Ed – FINAL QUIZ!!! (He passed. After months and months, he is now able to schedule the permit test with the DMV for his learner’s permit. Wish me luck as I navigate the dyslexia accommodations offered by the DMV.)
- Audiobook and discussion
- Rock Climbing with Friends
Making Time For Yourself
There have been times when getting away for two days like this would’ve been impossible. Please know, if you are reading this and thinking there’s no way you can get a break, I understand.
Even if it’s not a few days away, please, take care of yourself. Taking time to breathe means you are a better homeschool mom and human being.
I was given an idea years ago which works well when I need it. I set aside one Friday a month as my catchup day. Often the overwhelm can come from putting other things on the back burner continually. This day allows me time to do those incidental things. I’m so pleased you put in some self care. You have alot on your plate.
This is such a good idea! Thank you for sharing.
So so good that you got a break and a much deserved get-away!
Congratulations on finishing the driver’s ed/training! We just had a DMV visit (not for licenses or tests) and I am going to have to look into accommodations when we hit that point. My kids had to sign the digital signature pad and my one word of caution is that, even in active use, it times out if the signature isn’t fast enough. The staff were clearly impatient with my dysgraphic kiddo, which did not help.
I am expecting it to be trying (for both of us) and have been trying to prepare him for the inevitable for frustration. I will keep you posted on how it goes.
🙂 Shawna
What program did you use for driver’s ed training? My differently-wired kids is approaching his 16th birthday in the fall when his age mates will be getting driver’s licenses. He might find it encouraging if there was a driver’s ed program he could be working through while he’s waiting for his EF skills to be up for the task.
We grabbed one off of google. Search by state and it will give you a list of approved online courses.