My Homeschool Day Is Not Working!
Have you ever had one of those homeschool days where everything feels... off? You know the kind I'm talking about—where the kids are whining before breakfast, the math lesson turns into a full-blown argument, and by noon, you're staring at your planner, wondering why you even bother.
Sound familiar?
If you're nodding your head or laughing in recognition, let me say this: you are not alone. Homeschooling is amazing and rewarding, but let's face it: It's not all cozy read-alouds and Pinterest-worthy projects. Some days, it feels like pulling teeth to get through one subject, which can leave you feeling frustrated, discouraged, or even defeated.
But here's the thing—those hard days don't mean you're doing anything wrong. They're a sign that something needs tweaking, not that you've failed.
So, let's discuss why your plans might not be working and what you can do to get back on track. This post will provide a quick overview, and each week of December, we will dive deeper into each of these reasons.
Why Plans Fall Apart (And Why It's Okay)
First, let's take a deep breath and remember: homeschool plans aren't supposed to be perfect. They're a framework, not a cage. Sometimes, things fall apart, and that's okay. Here are four reasons it might be happening:
Overplanning (Been There!)
Look, I get it. You've got a shiny new planner, a color-coded schedule, and big dreams of everything you'll accomplish in a day. But let's be real: sometimes, we pack our days so full that no human family can actually get it all done. When the to-do list feels impossible, it's no wonder things go sideways.
Learning Style Mismatch
Have you ever noticed that some lessons don't seem to "click" with your child, no matter how hard you try? It could be a sign that the curriculum or teaching style doesn't quite align with how your kid learns best. And that's okay—it just means it's time to experiment and find what works.
Life Happens
Sick kids, unexpected errands, a messy house, or just plain old exhaustion—it's amazing how often life decides to interrupt our best-laid plans. The beauty of homeschooling is that it happens in the real world. And the real world? It's messy.
Burnout (Yes, It's Real)
Sometimes, the problem isn't the kids, the curriculum, or the schedule—it's us. Home school burnout sneaks up on you when you're trying to do too much, too perfectly, for too long. If you're feeling frazzled, tired, or just over it, chances are the kids are feeling it, too.
How to Hit Reset on a Rough Day
So, what do you do when your homeschool day goes off the rails?
The first step is simple: pause. I mean it—put down the planner, close the workbook, and breathe for a second. Here are a few ways to reset when things aren't working:
Pause and Reflect
Sometimes, we push so hard to make things work that we forget to stop and ask:
What's really going on here?
Are the kids hungry? Are you exhausted? Is the math lesson genuinely confusing?
Taking a moment to reflect can help you pinpoint what's throwing things off.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
When the day feels overwhelming, don't try to power through. Pick one or two key activities—read a book together, bake cookies, or go outside for a walk—and let the rest go. Sometimes, less really is more.
Even if the weather is yucky... I'm looking at you, fog...my kids and I like to bundle up and head out for a walk around the property.
Ask the Kids
You might be surprised how insightful your kids can be. Ask them what they think isn't working and what they'd like to do differently. Involving them in the process can make them feel heard and help you find a solution together. Feeling they have a voice in the process can also help them have buy-in when the day gets hard. It is easier for me to remind them that we can do hard things when it is something they want to learn.
Making Bigger Adjustments When Needed
If you hit the same wall daily, it might be time to step back and make long-term adjustments. Here's where you can start:
Revisit Your Big Picture Goals
It's easy to get lost in the daily grind and forget why you started homeschooling in the first place. What is your ultimate goal for your kids? Are our daily plans helping you move toward that, or are they adding unnecessary stress?
I find sitting down and talking with my husband helpful here. Having another set of eyes who are also very familiar with my children helps immensely. He is not as involved in the day-to-day of homeschooling as I am and can provide another point of view.
This is also when scheduling some time with a veteran homeschool mom can be helpful. Having someone to bounce ideas off of and share your concerns with is always beneficial. It is also comforting when they can let you know this is an entirely normal stage of homeschooling, and you don't need to pack up your pencils and send the kids to the local public or private school.
If you don't have someone in your circle you can talk to, don't hesitate to contact our email! That is the entire point of Homeschooling Walla Walla: to provide a community of families to support one another, even if we aren't in the same church (or faith), co-op, or stage of life.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend
One of the greatest gifts of homeschooling is that it doesn't have to look like a traditional school. Experiment with your schedule, try a new curriculum or change your teaching style. What works one year—or even one month—might need tweaking as your kids grow. Something that worked for one child doesn't automatically mean it will work for another. And that is entirely okay.
Lean on Your Community
Let's be honest: homeschooling can feel isolating at times. That's why it's so important to have a network of people who get it. Talking to other homeschoolers can give you fresh ideas, encouragement, and the reassurance that you're not alone.
Need Extra Support? We’ve Got You.
Here's the thing: homeschooling doesn't have to feel this hard. If you're struggling with burnout, plans that don't work, or just figuring out how to adjust, that's exactly what our Homeschool Insiders membership is here for.
This month, we're diving deep into this exact topic with:
Practical strategies for resetting your homeschool plans.
Real-life stories and advice from other homeschool parents who've been there.
Tools to help you recognize and prevent burnout (because you deserve a break, too!).
Personalized Q&A sessions and a supportive community to cheer you on.
Homeschooling doesn't have to be perfect, but it can be less stressful. Let's help you find a rhythm that works for you and your family.
One Simple Tip to Try Today
If nothing else, remember this: Connection over perfection. Ditch the plans on your next tough day and choose one thing that brings your family joy.
Read a favorite book.
Bake something delicious.
Head outside for a walk.
Go to your local library.
Sometimes, those little moments of connection are what homeschooling is really all about.
Are you feeling stuck? Ready for more support?
Join Homeschool Insiders today and discover a community here to help you make homeschooling work—even on the hard days.