There is no doubt about it, homeschooling is rewarding, but it can also be challenging. You might find yourself in a place where you and your student are stuck. You are not alone! E-v-e-r-y homeschool family faces this. Yes, even the all-put-together homeschool mom has days (or weeks) like this. So, what can you do about moving on where you are right now?

1. Identify the problem. Is your child overwhelmed or frustrated? Evaluate whether the material is too difficult or could there be a learning difficulty? Tired? Sleep is highly underrated and your son/daughter really does need to get a good night’s rest. If you find that sleep routines have gone by the wayside, establish bedtime and when they are expected to be up in the morning. Bored? is the curriculum too easy or just not keeping the attention of your pupil? Consider putting aside what you are currently doing and look at alternatives. You can go to the library and get books on the subject; watch a video and do a quiz or have a discussion afterwards; look for an online class; find a community class or a person who would enjoy teaching the subject
2. Ask for help. Call, email, or text someone who can listen and give some good counsel. There are Facebook groups, support groups, blogs, podcasts, and Instagrammers who can give you ideas. Have you considered there may be a physical issue occurring such as needing glasses; ADD; dyslexia; dyscalculia, or a food allergy?
3. Step away. Close the books, take a break, play a game. Sometimes everyone just needs to be done. If your child just sits at the table and plays the waiting game, have a talk with them and let them know that you are finished for the day, but the work will still need to be finished. You decide when that will be; is it before bedtime, tomorrow, by Friday or does the unfinished work go into the weekend? Consider having an effect for not doing the work. For instance, since they chose to waste time sitting and not completing work, their favorite activity is shortened too.
4. Praise when hard things have been attempted. It goes a looong way for your child to feel that you have seen the effort they have put forth. You can also have a small reward to be given as an incentive. I am not talking about a bribe, there is a difference. They can see that when facing a challenge, it is rewarding to overcome that task. If you have followed me for any amount of time, you know I struggle to keep my office desk clear. I put it off until I just can’t take it another minute. I have to reward myself or make the time more enjoyable by listening to an audiobook. So, if I have to do this, chances are your student does too.:) I am a big kid, after all. lol

Have a great week and remember, it’s okay to ask for help to get you and your student over the rough patches. ~Lisa~

I am not sure if you are aware of this, but I offer consulting for homeschool families and would be glad to help. I can offer ideas, discuss various curricula, look at your schedule, etc. My fee is $25.00 for a 30 minute Zoom conference. You can email me if you are interested, this does not include any legal or medical advice since that is not my area of expertise. I am neither a lawyer or a medical professional nor did I ever play the part of one. You can email me at: schoolmarmohio@me.com. In the subject line write Educational Consultation.