Homeschool Encouragement for When You Want To Quit

 

I can’t tell you what year in your homeschooling journey it will happen to you, but I can tell you it is likely to happen. 

The words “I want to quit homeschooling” will bubble up and out. Maybe it comes as a surprise or you realize it’s something that’s been stirring for a while. Either way, once those words are out you get to figure out what to do with them.

Mom if you are there, I promise you are not alone. I’ve been there many times.

Today I hope to help you process through your words and offer some homeschool encouragement for your heart!

 

Here are 4 questions to ask yourself when you want to quit homeschooling:

1. Have I prayed about this?

I know very well that my emotions and living in a state of overwhelm stir up lies that easily settle into my heart. So before I believe what I’m feeling, I need to check my foundation. I do this by beginning with God’s word and prayer.

My husband and I feel very strongly about growing our kids in Godly character and providing a Biblically based education for our children. We also know that God will direct us to what is best for each child as they grow. Our first step every single year is to pray about whether God would have us homeschool each of our children. Our oldest is in 6th grade and we have been led to homeschool every year so far.

Although I don’t know the future I do know the truth of my current reality. When I think about quitting I can be reassured that we have been praying about it and remember God’s faithfulness. He has provided all things needed this year so far.

If I still feel that way when the year is done, we will revisit it through prayer again. I never want to make a quick decision based on my feelings or state of overwhelm… which leads me to my next question…

2. Am I being fed?

God’s best for me in parenting and homeschooling will happen when I am operating out of His overflow in my life. In order for that to take place, I must make time for God’s word daily. This time isn’t based on someone else’s expectations of how much I should be “doing” but a realistic picture of Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

When I am not being fed, I get spiritually dry and very easily overwhelmed by homeschooling – along with everything expected of us as Moms.

3. Has God changed our circumstances?

I included this one on the list because of life’s many “unexpecteds”. In times of sickness, a husband’s shift change, moving or other challenges it can be very easy to feel like quitting.

Sometimes we are really just desperate for a refocus and in great need of some homeschool encouragement.

We have had major physical and mental challenges with one of our children that caused us to not even be able to consider anything besides homeschool those years. God made it very clear.

But I have also seen the opposite.

Friends who faced physical challenges themselves, new responsibilities such as the care taking of a parent ,or a drastic change in income where the mother had to also work for a season. These things do not make homeschooling impossible, they just need evaluation through prayer and trusting that God will guide and provide the best answer through the season of unexpected you are in.

4. Why are we homeschooling?

Through all of the changes in circumstances, it’s easy to lose sight of why you are homeschooling in the first place. Take time to step back and revisit why you chose to homeschool. Write down your reasons and prayers for your homeschool journey. Kind of like a gratitude list does for the heart, this reflection can also encourage us in a major way 😃

No matter where you are, Mom please know you are not alone. Being a part of this series of 30 Days of Homeschool Encouragement and Inspiration is a great place to be! I know you will find lots of tips and help to inspire your homeschool journey when you feel like giving up!

Do you want to prayer journal through these 4 questions? Download your FREE Journal page here!

Now I just have to know, which of these questions have you asked yourself? What ones are you going to ask when you feel like quitting Homeschool?

Let us know in the comments below!

 

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Lee Felix is a Daily redeemed Christ follower, Wife of 19yrs, Mom to 5 Treasures, an Unexpected Homeschooler and Avoider of Small Talk. She’s a Faith-Based Blogger and Lifetime Encourager who writes and creates over at Like Minded Musings and Girls Created To Shine. Her passion is to Encourage and Equip Christian Women and Tweens to Embrace Imperfect & Radiate Christ!

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