When Homeschooling Is Hard: 6 Tips for Overwhelmed Moms

Some days, homeschooling might leave you feeling completely defeated. But when homeschooling is hard, it’s worth pausing to evaluate what’s making it so difficult. By identifying the struggles, you can create a new strategy for success.

Many of us started this journey because we felt God lay it on our hearts to educate our children at home. Others opted for it because of specific reasons… maybe special needs, disabilities, or circumstances. And still others were forced into it because of a pandemic and then realized the school was failing their child.

No matter how your homeschooling adventure began—whether out of conviction, necessity, or circumstance—it’s no secret that it can be challenging. And if you’re the one carrying the daily load, those challenges can feel even heavier. So here 6 things to consider when homeschooling is hard.

1. FIND COMMUNITY- You’re Not Alone

Homeschooling can be lonely, especially when you’re living a lifestyle that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. We live a very counter cultural life with sometimes, some very unique circumstances.

Know that you are not alone in choosing this lifestyle. And being able to phone a friend, can make a big difference in managing overwhelm. We need people who get it.

That’s why it’s so important to find your people: those who will listen without judgment, celebrate the wins, and offer support when you’re on the verge of burnout… and maybe even someone to come take your kids to the park, while you pull your crap together on those especially hard days.

How to Find Your People:

• Look up local homeschool groups or co-ops on Facebook or other social media platforms.
• Ask at your library or even your church if they know other homeschool families or groups.
• Ask in some of those online homeschool groups if there are other moms with similar-aged kids that would want to meetup at a park.

You might not find a “kindred spirit” immediately, but the point is to build contacts and find other like-minded individuals who value the importance of community and relationship… and pray for the Lord to open doors & hearts for those relationships to grow. It will be worth it!

2. Expect Hard Days (and Hard Seasons)

Just like teachers in public schools experience hard years, homeschoolers do too. Some days will be smooth. Some seasons will be exhausting. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means you’re human… and you are dealing with little humans.

But then there are those days & seasons that are so beautiful and perfect that I just can’t understand how people send their kids away on busses every day.

Don’t give up just because it’s a hard season

One of my kids had a really hard time learning to read. For almost two years, it felt like an uphill battle. Every day, we were both frustrated.

I knew in my head that kids learn at different paces, so I didn’t push him. We just kept working on it every day. But even with that, he saw his sister’s love of reading and other kids his age reading and he WANTED to read too. His frustration got to a point where he truly thought he could not do it and he gave up trying.

It was heartbreaking to see his tears and hear his self-doubt. It was exhausting continually encouraging him that he would get there. And it was exasperating fighting with him ALL DAY LONG.

And in full transparency, I often asked myself if I was doing him a disservice and ruining our relationship in the process.

I read books on dyslexia and learning strategies. Asked what others were using to help their struggling readers. I even researched and considered the local school’s reading program but found it to be high pressure and lacking at best. It wouldn’t solve the problem anyway; it would just pass it onto someone else to deal with and leave him feeling even more inadequate and overwhelmed. So, I kept us pushing through the frustration….

which brings me to #3

3. Take a Break from What’s Overwhelming

Sometimes, you need is to hit pause. During that tough reading season, state testing pushed my son over the edge. He tried so hard, but the anxiety and pressure made everything worse.

The Breaking Point

He did two days of the testing and math, his best subject, was last. He could have easily sailed through it, but when he saw that there were 20 questions with 20 minutes to complete them, he gave up. And in the middle of a meltdown with him sobbing on the floor, I made a decision…. we had to completely stop! For the sake of his mental health, my mama heart, and our relationship.

I stopped ALL spelling and reading curriculum for the rest of the school year. But I continued to pray for wisdom and direction in what we needed to do next.

The next year we went back to the basics with some curriculum I had used in the past and thought might be a good fit for him… because I know you’re all wondering, it was Christian Light Education & Explode the Code. I dropped down to a level I knew would be a lot of review for him. My goal was for him to find success and regain confidence.

Something Magical Happened

Towards the end of 4th grade, we were driving in the car and he read a billboard sign out loud. Shocked I asked, “did you just read that?” and he got a big smile and said “yeah. I guess I did.” Then he started reading all the signs. HE GOT IT! Praise the Lord, he got it!!!

That breakthrough didn’t come from pushing harder—it came from stepping back, breathing, and giving him space to grow.

So, when homeschooling is hard and there is something causing on-going angst and overwhelm, chances are, whatever you are doing is not working anyway. So, consider taking a break for a specified time. It might give you both some space to get your head wrapped around what to do next.

4. Assess Your Curriculum

Sometimes it’s not you and it’s not them… it’s the curriculum.

For me, I cannot do complicated prep-heavy lessons. If it takes me an hour to laminate, cut, glue, and sort before I even open the book? I’m out! It’s not happening. I need clear, bullet-point instructions and minimal fluff. I’m a working mom and don’t have time or patience for the fluff.

My daughter sometimes tends to be the same way in areas. For instance, in first grade, we used MasterBooks math for her. It was full of stories and gentle lessons, and while I know it works great for some families, by lesson 10 she said, “Can we skip the story? Just give me the problems so I can be done.”

Not long after that we switched to Abeka, and it was a perfect fit—no frills, straight to the point, and exactly her speed. No fluff.

✅ Pro Tip: If you have a particular curriculum in mind, ask some moms in your local homeschool group for opinions on it. See if you can flip through the book in person. Sometimes a quick glance will tell you more than hours of online research.

There are so many options out there now—it can feel overwhelming. But the right curriculum should support you, not stress you out.

5. Character Before Curriculum

We’ve all heard the phrase, and it’s true: Character before curriculum.

Your child can master algebra or diagram a sentence like a beast, but if they can’t be kind, respectful, or responsible, what does it matter?

A lot of homeschool struggles stem from heart issues—not academic ones. Lately, we’ve been working through some pride at our school table. Complaints like “I can’t do this” or “This is too hard” or even blame shifting that it’s someone else fault, instead of asking for help when needed.

One thing we don’t allow in our house is a victim mentality. Life is hard. Learning is hard. But throwing up your hands and blaming someone else won’t help you grow. So instead of math, it becomes a lesson in perseverance, personal responsibility, and having a teachable heart or coachable attitude —because those are incredibly important skills to master whether they are in school, hobbies, jobs/careers and even relationships.

If I don’t have a teachable heart in the areas of my life where I need to make changes, I will never grow as an individual. I won’t grow in being a better parent, a better wife, or a better businesswoman. And I especially won’t grow in my spiritual life, where God is pointing out the areas I need to work on.

Character Training

When a character issue crops up, and emotions are usually high with frustration, I try to wait at least 24 hours before dealing with it. That gives me time to cool down and process. And usually, my husband and I can brainstorm what the next step is.

Sometimes a direct sit-down conversation is warranted. But usually, I find a hard conversation is more well received if it comes up naturally. So, I pray— Lord, open a door for a natural conversation. He is always so faithful to show me the right moment.

When the opportunity arises, I start the conversation with what I’ve been praying about and what I’ve noticed. I Ask their thoughts on it, and they usually say nothing at first. But at least there is the invitation to communicate about it.

Once it’s pointed out, they may need time to process the conversation. But sometimes it might take several conversations before realizing they need to make a course correction.

And sometimes they still won’t see a problem. And if that’s the case, some very strategic natural consequences may need to be instated… but this differs for each kid and each circumstance.

6. Outsource When Needed — You’re Still in Control

Here’s your permission slip: You don’t have to do it all.

You can love homeschooling and outsource subjects. That doesn’t mean you’re failing!

For example, I have always struggled with math and pre-algebra is bringing up some serious PTSD these days. So, I’m exploring my options—maybe my husband teaches it (jury’s still out on that one), or maybe we hire a tutor. Either way, I know I’m going to need help in the future, and that’s okay.

If your child is struggling and nothing seems to work, it might be time to consider testing for things like learning differences, ADHD, or spectrum disorders. Not because you’re looking for a label—but it might help give some clarity to why you are struggling and how to best support your child.

Also: testing doesn’t mean medication is the only option. There are tools, strategies, and therapies that can truly make a difference. But having all the information to make an informed decision can bring a lot of peace of mind.

Think of it this way—outsourcing or getting support is a partnership, not a surrender.

So… Where Are You Struggling??

If you’ve read this far, there’s a good chance something in here resonated with you. Maybe you’re in a tough season. Maybe you’re questioning your curriculum, or your child is showing signs of burnout… or you’re showing signs of burnout.

Friend, you’re not alone. This mom/teacher gig is no joke. But we don’t have to do it in isolation.

Let us know in the comments or come find us on Facebook at A Craving for Home. Tell us what you’re struggling with, or why you started homeschooling. You might find someone walking the same road who gets it—and that encouragement can be life-giving.

And if you’re a follower of Jesus, remember this: the enemy loves to stir up fear, comparison, and discouragement where we’re most invested—our kids, our homes, our calling.

So, speak truth over your home today:

“My God has already given me victory over you, Satan. I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to pick up your weapons and LEAVE! Lord Jesus, please fill this space in our home, in our hearts, and in our minds with Your presence and peace. Amen.”

Blessings my friend and may you always have A Craving for Home!