I know firsthand how heavy mid-winter can feel in the world of homeschooling. By February and early March, the excitement of a new school year has started to fade, the holiday cheer is long gone, and those gray, chilly days seem to drag on forever. If you’re feeling worn out or overwhelmed, I want you to know—you’re not alone, and there is a way forward.
After months of being “in homeschool mode,” it’s natural to feel exhausted. I’ve been there myself. When we jump straight from the busy start in September into a non-stop year-long routine, even a short break (like the one we get at Christmas) might not be enough to recharge us completely. Before we know it, we’re knee-deep in lesson planning, trying to balance household chores, and managing every little detail of our kids’ education. All of that can leave us feeling completely drained.
Burnout can sneak up on us for a variety of reasons. One of those is simply exhaustion from constant activity. We forget (or at least under-estimate) that homeschooling is a full-time job, and it rarely gives us a break. We’re juggling lesson plans, family life, and personal responsibilities all at once.
That can lead even the most grounded of us to get caught up in worrying about falling behind or not meeting our own high expectations. When things don’t go exactly as planned, that anxiety can really take its toll.
Sometimes, burnout is simply brought on by the cold, dark, and damp days of winter which can sap our energy. When the world outside seems so dreary, it’s hard to muster up enthusiasm for anything.
Finally, the comparison trap can sabotage our efforts. Sometimes we look around and see other families who seem to have everything together. That comparison can be discouraging, making us feel like we’re the only ones struggling.
In these moments of weariness, turn to the Word of God for comfort and strength. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us,
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint..”
And in Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus lovingly invites us to come to Him, promising rest for our souls. These verses remind each of us that we don’t have to carry all this weight on our own. Our strength comes from Him, not from anything we can muster within our own strength. There’s great peace in that surrender!
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few strategies that help me reset and renew my energy. I want to share these with you, hoping they might bring you the same sense of relief and encouragement.
Step Back and Assess:
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply pause. I like to call this my “teacher in-service day”—a day set aside just to step away from the daily hustle. Use this time to pray, journal, or just reflect on what might be draining your energy. Ask yourself: What’s working? What isn’t? And how can I better align my homeschool with my bigger mission of nurturing my children’s hearts?
Simplify and Prioritize:
Remember, you don’t have to do everything perfectly or get to everything at the same time. It’s okay to let go of nonessential tasks. Focus on the things that truly matter—like nurturing your kids’ faith and building strong relationships. Simplifying your routine can free up energy and make room for joy and excellence in those mission critical things.
Change Your Routine:
Sometimes a little variety is all it takes to reignite excitement. Whether it’s planning a fun unit study, taking an impromptu field trip, or simply rearranging your learning space to create a cozier, inviting environment, a change in routine can be a refreshing breath of fresh air. I’ve found that even small shifts—like spending time reading together by the fire—can create lasting memories and renew our energy.
Get Outside and Move:
I can’t stress enough how beneficial a little fresh air and movement can be, even in the middle of winter. Even if it’s just a short walk or some outdoor play, the change of scenery and a bit of physical activity can do wonders for your mood and energy levels.
Lean into Community:
One of the biggest challenges of homeschooling is the sense of isolation. Connecting with other homeschool parents—whether through local groups or online communities like Teach Them Diligently 365—can make a world of difference. Sharing your struggles and victories reminds you that you’re not alone, and sometimes just hearing another’s story can provide the perfect dose of encouragement.
Involve Your Kids:
Ask your kids what they love about homeschooling! Their excitement and ideas can often shine a new light on your routine. Whether it’s letting them pick a fun project or asking for their input on how to change things up, involving them not only eases the pressure on you but also makes the experience more collaborative and fun.
At the heart of it all, homeschooling isn’t just about lesson plans and checklists. It’s a powerful tool for nurturing your children’s hearts and guiding them toward a lifelong relationship with Christ. When we allow ourselves to pause, simplify, and adjust our approach, we’re not just combating burnout—we’re refocusing on the greater mission that brought us here in the first place.
Taking a step back to reassess your approach, embracing the rhythms of the season, and leaning into God’s strength are ways to transform a challenging season into one of renewal and growth. Even when it feels like you’re stuck in a rut, remember that each day is an opportunity to build lasting memories, deepen your family’s faith, and enjoy the journey of learning together.
I’ve talked a bit about these ideas here, but there’s so much more to share on this topic. In a recent podcast episode, I go into greater detail on each of these strategies—sharing personal stories, practical tips, and additional biblical encouragement to help you navigate this season of burnout. I invite you to listen to that episode, where I explore how to reset, refocus, and renew our hearts together. (Click here to listen now.)
If you’re feeling the weight of mid-year burnout, know that you’re doing an amazing job, even when it doesn’t feel that way. Sometimes, a little pause and a shift in perspective is all we need to rediscover our joy and passion for homeschooling. I’m here cheering you on every step of the way, and I hope I get to see you and hear your stories at a Teach Them Diligently event this year.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU HOMESCHOOL MISSIONALLY
- Surviving The Mid-year Burnout Podcast. In this episode, Leslie Nunnery unpacks the real reasons behind this seasonal struggle—whether it’s winter blues, exhaustion, comparison traps, or feeling off-track—and provides encouraging, faith-based strategies to regain joy in homeschooling. She reminds us that homeschooling is a tool, not the mission itself, and encourages us to reset our focus on discipleship and relationship-building.
- Avoiding Homeschool Burnout. This workshop by Israel Wayne was given during a Teach Them Diligently At Home Event. If you’re a TTD365 member, check it out to avoid some of the top errors many parents make in the homeschooling process. The tips offered in this session can save you hundreds of dollars and perhaps years of regret from committing these costly errors.
- Laughter Each Day Keeps Burnout Away— This fun article gives you several ideas to spice things up around your home and make each day just a little more enjoyable.
