3 Homeschool Challenges We Have Faced

What homeschool challenges have you faced? These are 3 of the main challenges that come to mind when I consider our homeschool journey.

Homeschooling is paired with so many rewards it is hard to keep track of. I have experienced so much joy and connection with my children because of it.

However, like everything else, homeschooling has its challenges. It will vary for each family, but I gathered my own top 3 to share with you.

Sharing struggles can feel vulnerable because people already can judge homeschoolers for stepping out of the box. I share in order to comfort and encourage anyone who may be right in the thick of it because that can be a very lonely place.

This post is all about homeschool struggles that I have or am currently facing.

Homeschooling Challenge #1

Teaching with Toddlers

When I had one of school age, and 2 toddlers, I felt like a mess. It actually WAS a mess. For someone who thrives with order and structure, it felt at times like I was spiraling. Failing. That season helped me to surrender a lot of things for the sake of sanity.

Not everything was going to go according to plan. No matter how hard I tried or how well I planned. The season was made for fulfilling physical needs, playtime, and practicing good habits. For my school age child, I got this boxed curriculum. It helped simplify things for me as everything was laid out and all books were included. Pricier than what I like to pay for a curriculum now, but it definitely helped me in this busy time.

I found some great educational toys for my toddlers that I only pulled out when my oldest was doing school work. Many tips are listed in this blog post. For my school age daughter, I focused on math, reading, writing, and field trips. Anything extra was a pat on the back for me in this season.

Homeschooling Challenge #2

Teaching to Multiple Levels

As each child entered school age, I really struggled in finding a rhythm that worked for me to cater to everyone. I had yet to discover the simplicity of family style learning, and I felt like I was constantly trying to keep up with my children and mealtimes. Swapping out individual science, history, Bible, and art study for family style curriculum in these subjects have gently moved us to a much more peaceful rhythm.

Homeschooling Challenge #3

Teaching Without Words

Elizabeth Elliott says, “Never miss an opportunity to remain silent.” I find this so true, yet challenging. Some things I find myself striving for regularly is leading a life following Jesus in all the ways, leaving room for the Holy Spirit to move in my children, and picking my battles. It is a daily temptation to correct and warn, but I would rather them see me practicing gentleness and seeking what the Lord has to say.

Here is What I’m Learning

Our greatest struggles can be our greatest lessons. Leading our children with a posture of humility can allow the word of God to illuminate everything.

“And this is my prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled wtih the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

Homeschooling in a Crisis

Thankfully, we haven’t experienced homeschooling in the middle of a crisis. However, I know the reality is we may each live through this in some form. It looks and feels different for everyone. The Lord is indeed merciful, but bad things still happen for reasons unknown.

I wanted to share this resource I have used during some difficult weeks in case you are in a challenging season now. A Gentle Feast is what we have been using for the last year for history. They offer Morning Time Plans for Times of Crisis, which is 71 pages filled with verses, hymns, read alouds, handicrafts, physical activities, and recipes that all contain whispers of God’s comfort, hope, encouragement, forgiveness, and love.

My prayer is that you do not ever need to read this section, but it is here for you should you ever need it. I appreciate the flexbility home education offers especially in trials. The challenges of life can sometimes offer powerful lessons more memorable than anything found in a book. I hope to use those times for closer connection and putting our faith into action.

3 Homeschool Challenges We Have Faced