Whether it be the lack of sun due to cloudy skies, the snow-covered world begging us to hibernate, or rainy weather forbidding us to explore outside, the fact is mid-year for most homeschooling families is hard. If we aren’t careful, our excitement for learning can quickly turn into mid-year burnout.
The year is half over, the review portion of our materials has long passed and we are now into the nitty-gritty of our lessons; the harder sections which stretch our kids minds and add those wrinkles to the brain. Add to this the cooler weather, practically forcing us indoors, and you soon have the makings of an unhappy family.
What’s a parent to do? How do we turn our routine around so mom doesn’t go crazy and the kids don’t start climbing the walls? Over the years, we’ve learned a couple of changes in our routine help us avoid mid-year burnout and help us finish strong:
Get Fresh Air – Even if you’re just going for a brisk walk or stepping onto your front porch, take a moment to enjoy some fresh air. Being indoors constantly can leave you feeling claustrophobic and tired. Our bodies need sunshine and clean air in order to function well. Plus, it doesn’t hurt the soul to enjoy God’s creation.
Change Your Routine – Tired of doing the same ol’ thing? Try changing it up! Switch your routine of subjects around. Change which days you do your chores. Find some creative way to mix things up, without making your life madness. Just a little altering might help you view life a little differently.
Exercise – You’ve been inside too much, possibly sitting down a bulk of the day. Consider getting a little exercise and stretching out those muscles. Running, jogging, and hiking are all great ways to get some exercise. If you can’t get outdoors, consider aerobic routines which the kids could do with you.
Take a Moment For Yourself – Let’s face it, when the family is forced to stay indoors all day, the kids tend to want more attention. They’ve played with all their toys, watched all their movies, read all their books, and are, frankly, just as stir crazy as you are right now. Consider trading play days with friends, giving each other an afternoon ‘off’ to just relax and enjoy peace and quiet. Ask Dad to watch the kids for the night and go enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend. Have Grandma watch the kids and you both go enjoy a movie! No matter how you manage it, take a moment or two for yourself; breathe and refresh your soul in order to finish your year well.
Spend Some Time With Friends or Fellow Homeschoolers – It helps to commiserate fellowship with other homeschooling parents who completely understand what you are going through. Set up a play date, park day, baking day, any day, just to visit with friends. Spend the day encouraging one another and exploring ways to break the lethargy which seems to be taking hold.
The year is about half over. (At least for those following a traditional learning routine.) Don’t allow a short season of restlessness to overshadow the amazing year you’ve been having so far. Take charge of life and get out of the winter rut.
Find what works for you, make it happen, and finish your year strong. Enjoy your adventure!
Cristina
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
~ Matthew 11:28-30
We’re Curious… As a mom, one of the hardest (and silliest) things I used to let bug me was allowing my kids to play in the rain. I was always taught this could make kids sick and, frankly, what was I going to do with all those wet clothes? To my kids’ delight, we got over this and have awesome pictures to show for it. What was one of the hardest (and silliest) things that used to bother you about rainy/snowy days?
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A Homeschool Mom 
I chose not to homeschool my son but I fear he has gotten over the excitement of school. He now gives trouble waking up and is in no hurry to go. He gives no trouble going so I don’t fear bullying and doesn’t say he hates school. The excitement is just no longer there. Maybe some of these tips will help him.
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Best wishes on finding what works best for his learning adventure!
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Thank you!
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Good perspectives. It’s a great thing to homeschool. As one who taught in the class, I can say earlier on I was able to do so much more, but times quickly changed and we have what we have today. I used to look forward to each and every day. The standards? Easy peezy. The curriculum? Been there, done that. After a couple of years, we were on a roll. But then, changes came every year and the test became more and more. If I were to home school, what a freedom of opportunity. Look at what the students are required to know, but also put in what you understand to be important. And make much of it fun. Washington crossing the Delaware? Dress up and give everyone their parts in the play, after they’ve read what the entire event entailed. Learning about area and measurement. Make bird houses. Teaching about steps? Follow recipes, and show what happens when steps are missed or swapped, then have the little ones write the steps to something they know how to do. Also, they can create their own board games, but they must also write the instructions in how to play. Then play the game. Anything not understood can then be added to the instructions. And as the years pass, reread the Declaration of Independence and The U.S. Constitution so they truly understand what this country means and why it’s your decision concerning their education. Oh, watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
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