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Here are 6 Tips to Beat the Homeschool Blues

By now, you’ve probably settled into your homeschool routine. The crispness of fall makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. There are so many fun things to look forward to in the next few months: pumpkin-flavored goodies, all sorts of fall crafts, upcoming holidays, and, of course, time with family and friends. But what if you’ve hit a homeschool wall? What if your kids are no longer excited about the new homeschool year, and it’s starting to show in their behavior and lack of enthusiasm? Maybe this is taking a toll on you, too.

If you’re lacking that energy for the homeschooling adventure that you love so much, know that you’re not alone. The homeschooling blues are real, and they happen more than you would imagine, to both new and seasoned homeschoolers at varying times during the year. The good news is that you can do a number of things, alone and with your children, to help renew your spirit, recharge your homeschool routine, and make things fun again!

Nature has a lot to offer this time of year: beautifully-colored leaves, inspiring outdoor scenery, crisp weather, and delectable fruits and vegetables. In some of the warmer states, there’s still reason to get outside as the drop in temperature is a welcome change. So if everyone in your home is suffering from the homeschooling blues, there’s no better time to renew and refresh your spirit and start anew.

Here are some ideas to help you relax and tackle the rest of the homeschool year.

Grab a few close friends or some members of your homeschool group and head to the nearest coffee shop. Talk about anything your hearts desire while you sip a pumpkin latte. Adult time is great for clearing your mind of homeschool-related stress, allows you to focus on yourself.

As homeschool parents, we tend to put our needs aside. Remember, it’s okay to take some time for yourself. After all, when you feel relaxed and at peace, your children and spouse benefit as well, so don’t feel guilty about taking some me time. Get a pedicure, go for a walk, or spend a few hours alone at the library.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to crochet or tackle a home improvement project? Check around and find a class that will allow you to learn a new skill while also helping you take your mind off homeschooling by focusing on something else. Once you’ve got it down, you can teach your children a new talent.

To help recharge your children and get them back in the homeschool zone, try some of these fun ideas that will also take some of the academic pressure off and help bring you all together as a family.

Grab a pigskin and head outside. Don’t worry about the rules. In fact, why not make your own? Just throw the ball around or even have a contest to see who has the silliest victory dance. You’ll have fun, share quite a few laughs, and get some exercise.

Grab your camera, head out with the kids on a nature walk, and let them try their hand at photography. See what grabs their attention and let them click away. Later, ask them to tell you why they chose their subjects. You can also head to the park and have them write a story about what they see around them.

Chances are there is a pumpkin patch, dizzying corn maze, or fun hayride somewhere near you…yet another great opportunity to head outside and enjoy the pleasant weather. Get a few other homeschool families involved and make a day of it. Pick out some pumpkins to take home and carve, or challenge each other to see who makes it out of the maze first.

This fall, make nature your relaxing oasis and your children’s homeschool classroom. Sometimes getting away, even if it’s in your own backyard for a few hours, is the perfect antidote to the homeschool blues.

Remember, the beauty of homeschooling is that you can make your own schedule! If you need an extended break, like one that requires a plane ticket, go for it! You work on your time. If you need to, take a few days off from homeschooling. When you return, everyone will feel recharged and energized and ready to take on the rest of the year.

If all else fails, jumping into a big pile of fall leaves should do the trick!