So, is it? Is homeschooling ruining your life? If you feel this way, you’re not alone, homeschool mom. Any one of us who have been at this homeschool gig for a while can understand where you’re coming from. May I come along your side and help you reason through to see if homeschooling is ruining your life? Or perhaps to help you understand what the problem really is.
Is Homeschooling Ruining Your Life?
When trying to decide if homeschooling is ruining your life or if something else is going on, you can assess a few things. Here are some sure signs that some things need to change:
The Glass is Half Empty
Many of us can feel frustration with several different areas in our lives, not just homeschooling. Let’s go through this list to see what you can relate to that may be causing your frustration. For our questions, we’re asking, “Are the effects of ruination truly related to homeschooling?”
- The house is full of clutter.
- You’re feeling lonely in your journey.
- Self-care… what’s that again?
- Coffee is your best friend forever.
- Having to do it all stresses you out.
There’s Good News
Oh yes, there is very good news. In the event that you can’t see the glass half-full, you don’t even need to try. Because sometimes things are the way they are and you’re feeling the weight of it. But the good news is that there’s a sink with running water, if you will. And when you go to it, you can make that glass full.
To be clear, the sink represents the Bible. And the water from that sink represents the Living Water, Jesus. That being said, when you’re trying to drink from a half-empty glass, your thirst won’t be quenched. However, it will be when we go to God’s Word. Therefore, let’s fill up your glass together right now.
The House is Full of Clutter
Clutter can be overwhelming and cause us to lack a sense of peace in our environment. In tackling the housework, why not consider the art of practicing the principle of moderation. When we look at the wise King Solomon, we can learn the importance of moderation in anything. In reality, many of us own more items than we can or want to govern. And in Ecclesiastes 2:10, Solomon says: “And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.” (ESV)
Ask yourself, “Is homeschool ruining my life? Or is owning more than I can or want to handle ruining my life?”
You’re Feeling Lonely in Your Journey
Although this may be true, take heart. For our Heavenly Father is aware of this. And we read about that in Psalm 38:9, “O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.”
Moreover, how is it going in the fellowship area of your life? That is to say, how is it going meeting with companions? If it’s waning, maybe it’s time to seek is out. Hebrews 10:25 says: “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Ask yourself, “Is homeschooling ruining my life? Or am I avoiding fellowship and lacking giving and receiving exhortation? Is that ruining my life?”
Self-Care… What’s That Again?
Have you heard it said? You can’t take care of everyone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself. In the first place, this is wise to do. And it encompasses your walk with the Lord, your emotions, your physical health, and your mental health. Because if you’re not taking care of all of these areas, you’re going to run yourself too thin. And this won’t benefit you or anyone else. Self-care must be a priority in your life.
In short, 3 John 2 sums it up: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” (ESV). Truly, when your overall health is taken care of, your soul will prosper. As an individual, you have so much worth in our Heavenly Father’s eyes. And it’s good and right to accept that truth.
Ask yourself, “Is homeschooling ruining my life? Or am I worn out and feeling all the glass-is-half-full feelings because of a lack of self-care? If so, where do I need to up my self-care?”
Coffee is Your Best Friend Forever
Okay, no, I won’t touch on this one. But if you apply the principles of self-care, you may find that your relationship becomes a bit distant with your coffee.
Having to Do It All Stresses You Out
If there’s something I want to emphasize above all else, it is that you don’t have to do it all. Really and truly you don’t. For in Galatians 6:2, we learn the important principle of relying on each other: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (ESV)
From homeschool co-ops to online classes made for homeschooling families, there is help. And sometimes moms pair up and offer to teach certain subjects to each others children. If you live rather remotely, maybe you can pair up with a mom you know to teach subjects via something like Zoom or Skype. It doesn’t have to be a large group to help each other. And it doesn’t have to include fees.
Additionally, sometimes moms can pair up to help out with the kids while the other mom completes housework. Or a local, reliable youth can be a mother’s helper. Check with your local homeschool group to see if there is a homeschooled young lady who would be blessed to help you for a small fee.
Be honest, sweet homeschool mom. Ask yourself, “Is homeschooling ruining my life? Or is trying to do it all ruining my life?”
The honesty is the hard part. It’s easier to blame homeschooling (or parenting or marriage or any number of things) when there’s seemingly not a whole lot we can do to make a change. While some homeschool moms will throw in the towel and just send the kids the school, most of us are resolved to home educate for important reasons that can’t easily be dismissed. So assessing the deeper reasons and then making necessary changes is where the resolution can happen. It’s not likely that homeschooling is ruining your life. So please do take the time to discover what the problem really may be. And if you need a prayer warrior to stand in the gap for you, leave a comment and I’ll be that for you. Let’s fill your cup back up to not just full, but overflowing.
