How to Deal with Homeschool Burnout When the Load Is Too Heavy (Replay)

This is our second stab at the topic of homeschool burnout. Back in Episode 39, we interviewed four homeschool moms and discussed the topic: I Love Homeschooling, But I’m Totally Burned Out.  On that episode we verified that homeschooling moms burn out often and regularly.

Our listener Anna, wrote in and asked if we would expand the topic a little more. “I’m just having a really hard time figuring out how to carve out some (consistent) space in our life for me to recharge my batteries, and I’d love to know how other moms manage to do that.”  Anna, this episode is just for you!

We decided to hit this topic alone. We are not strangers to burnout. In fact, we are in the middle of our own homeschool/homeschooling/homeschoolers burnout as we sat down to record this show. Our listeners get a front row seat as we discuss honestly how we are choosing to work through our own burnout.

Tune in as we offer practical advice to both mom and dad as we answer the question about how to deal with homeschool burnout.

Sponsored by Eden’s Table

Show Notes

Are you running on fumes? In this honest conversation from the Homeschooling IRL archives, Andy “Fletch” and Kendra Fletcher take on a listener’s question: what do you do when homeschool burnout isn’t about your attitude, but because the load really is too heavy? They were in the middle of burnout themselves when they recorded it, and they get practical about how to prevent it and how to climb out of it.

In this episode

• Why burnout often starts with a standard God never gave you
• The “productivity idol” and why rest in the middle of the day is okay
• Taking time for yourself without guilt, and why waiting until you’re on fumes costs more
• Real ways to lighten the load: babysitting, occasional household help, and rethinking the family budget
• Exercise, friendships and getaways that have nothing to do with homeschooling
• Saying no to good things (yes, even leading co-op) when it isn’t your year
• Removing whatever gets in the way of your relationship with your kids

Key takeaways

1. Go back to your why. If you’re homeschooling because someone told you it’s what “good Christians” do, or that it will save your kids, that pressure will burn you out.
2. Drop the formula. As Kendra puts it, God may have called you to homeschool, but He hasn’t called you to use a specific text every year for every child.
3. Refuel before you’re empty. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s maintenance.
4. Get help, even a little. A housekeeper once a month, a sitter one afternoon, or simpler meals can make a real difference.
5. Ask, and let others help. Asking for help isn’t weakness. Pride keeps a lot of moms stuck.
6. Protect the relationship. Most of us homeschool for the relationship with our kids, so remove whatever stands in its way.

More help on the Network

• Homeschooling a Struggling Learner: Real Help → /homeschooling-struggling-learner/
• When Your Homeschool Owns You (Homeschooling IRL)