-by Mimi Rothschild

There is no argument that home school is a rewarding experience, both for us as educators and our children as students. However, as with most rewards, there are certain sacrifices that are made and challenges to be met. Couple these sacrifices and challenges with the fact that home school families are often held to a much higher standard than traditional ones, and we can often experience what’s known as “home school burnout”.

While the pressures of the outside world will never cease, there are certainly things that you can do to avoid home school burnout and stay on track.

• Recognize and embrace your family’s uniqueness. Every family is different, so it is important that you realize that the dynamic of your family might be staunchly different than that of other families you know, even ones that home school. As long as you focus on what works for your family, you will be more likely to stay on track and keep the pace that works best for you. Trying to mold yourself after others will never work, and you will quickly grow tired.
• Don’t allow comparisons. Similar to the point just mentioned, it is critical to the success of your family to find your own system of doing things so that you and your children are productive and content. If you strive to model another family you view as successful, you might just find yourself falling short, and feeling frustrated in the end.
• Don’t overdo it. Taking on too much is never a good idea, so pace yourself. Understand that there may be days that you just can’t get to everything, and try not to let it bother you. Working at a pace that is comfortable for you and your students is more important, and in the long run, it will be reflected in their productivity and success.
• Acknowledge your family’s circumstances. How many children do you have? Does your husband travel for work, or is he available to help you in teaching some of their lessons? Each family’s situation is different therefore you must consider these things and work around them. If you don’t, you’re sure to quickly run out of steam and that’s not good for anyone.
• Pray. Pray. Pray some more. God should be at the center of our family dynamic, and the focus of hearts in everything we do. Seeking guidance, wisdom, support and compassion from Him will make all the difference in the world and help you to avoid the pitfalls of home school burnout.

Above all, be aware. If you recognize that you or your children are getting overwhelmed, address it immediately so it doesn’t get out of hand.

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Mimi Rothschild is the Founder of LearningByGrace.org the nation’s leading provider of online PreK-12 online Christian educational programs for homeschoolers.