The number-one reason we moms become overwhelmed is because we’ve
become self-sufficient Christians.
when we spend our days rushing from
one activity to another. If we don’t cut
back and focus on homeschooling, illness
will make the choice for us.
5. Unrealistic School Schedule
If you’re new to homeschooling or perfectionistic, you may have expectations
of your homeschool that no one could
meet. If you show your ideal schedule to
a happy veteran homeschooler and she
laughs, you’ll know you need to get real.
Assume every lesson will take twice as
long as you think, and you’ll end up with
the margin you need.
6. Abandoning Routine
Doing too much is a common source of
weariness, but the answer isn’t to give
up your routine altogether. Without
structure, your house and schooling will
quickly plunge into chaos. Keep your
basic routine intact and adopt a more relaxed attitude so that you and your children feel less pressure.
7. Not Having Children Do
Chores
Whether it’s because you’re too particular
about the house or because you think it’s
too much bother, failing to expect children to do chores is a fast track to burnout. This is a subject that must be parent-directed. A great resource for training is
Managers of Their Chores.
8. Neglecting to Discipline
When we’re weary, it’s easy to let the kids
get away with not doing their work or
other bad behavior. Failing to discipline
will only give us more grief long-term.
Planning consequences for certain infractions in advance can help. Try the If-Then Chart from Doorposts.
9. Not Utilizing Social Support
My friends who have their children in
parochial schools help and support one
another. How much more does a homeschooling mother need encouragement?
Be sure to include in your weekly schedule time that allows you to talk with
moms you can relate to.
10. Too Little Exercise
When we’re tired, the last thing we feel
like doing is exercising. Yet, it’s the key to
having the energy we need to accomplish
all we have to do. Exercise combined
with proper nutrition reduces the risk of
illness and most chronic diseases. Can
you really afford not to exercise? You can
benefit from as little as 15 minutes a day
of vigorous activity.
11. Misusing Substances
Fatigue can trick us into thinking we’re
hungry, when actually those unneeded
calories will only make us feel even more
sluggish. Chronic use of caffeine and
sleeping pills only masks symptoms and
negatively impacts health in the long run.
If you avoid making mistakes 1–10, you
will find you no longer need your food or
drug of choice.
12. No Time for Other Pursuits
Over-commitment can prompt us to demand even more of ourselves in service
to our families and others. The truth is
that we will accomplish more if we take
some time to pursue a hobby we love.
Choose an activity for which your efforts
will be praised—and have fun!
13. No Limits on Free Time
While a little time for Mom is a good
thing, unlimited time is not. Our hobbies
and social activities can begin to spill
over into time that should be reserved for
school and our husbands. Set a timer and
ask a Godly friend to hold you accountable for wise use of your free time.
14. Not Planning Ahead
When you don’t have a plan for schooling, meals, or outside responsibilities,
you’re going to be stressed and others will
be too. Schedule time to plan the upcoming week and each evening, review your
agenda for the next day.
15. Eliminating Fun
We can punish our children and ourselves for not being disciplined by removing the optional, enjoyable activities
in our homeschools. This is a mistake!
Easy Tips for
Beating Burnout
Today
•;Take;time;to;pray,;even;if;all;you
can say is “Help, Lord!”
•;Talk;to;your;husband;and;ask;for
his guidance.
•;Call,;visit,;or;chat;with;a;fellow
homeschooler.
•;Go;for;a;walk;alone;or;with;the
kids.
•;Decide;what;to;make;for;dinner.
•;Do;something;fun;alone;and;with
your family, even if you don’t feel
like it.
• Make an appointment to talk
with your pastor or a professional
if you’re already experiencing
burnout.
Don’t try to make up for months of lackluster schooling in a week. Maintain a
reasonable pace, including time for what
you all love, and you’ll be back on track
more quickly.
16. Not Asking for Help
God alone can provide the help we each
need, but He chooses to give us the gift
of participating in the helping. I enjoyed
counseling others as a Christian psychologist, but I really love it when fellow homeschool moms ask me for help.
Be honest with someone you trust about
where you’re struggling, and ask for
prayer and counsel.
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and
are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest” (Matthew 11: 28).
Dr. Melanie Wilson is a Christian psychologist and mother of six who happily
left her career thirteen years ago to heed
God’s call to homeschool. She is the author
of So You’re Not Wonder Woman? and
has written a free meal-planning survival
guide for weary moms available at her
blog, Psychowith6.
