In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, I’m tackling something we all face—the way that initial excitement of a new homeschool year can quickly fade. Trust me, I’ve been there too. So, let’s chat about what happens when that “honeymoon period” ends and how to handle it without the guilt.
I’ll share how I’ve learned to go with the natural ups and downs of homeschooling instead of forcing the same energy all year long. It’s about finding what works for your family and allowing yourself those slower days.
I’ll also walk you through some simple strategies like tracking your homeschool patterns, making adjustments when needed, and not beating yourself up when things don’t go perfectly. Plus, I’ll talk about the importance of connecting with other homeschool moms, because we’re all in this together.
Links and Resources From Today’s Show
- Homeschool Better Together Community
- Morning Time Plans
- Join Wonder Studies
- Episode with Robin Ludwig on Seasonal Homeschooling
Key Ideas About Strategies to Keep Going
- It’s normal for the excitement of the new homeschool year to fade.
- Track your homeschool patterns to plan better.
- Embrace productive times and allow for rest during slower periods.
- Give yourself grace; perfection isn’t the goal.
- Connect with other homeschoolers for support and encouragement.
How to Keep the Homeschool Momentum Going All Year Long
Do you ever feel like the excitement at the start of a new homeschool year just fizzles out? I know I do. That’s what I want to talk about today—how to handle it when that initial burst of energy fades and what you can do to keep the momentum going. Should you even try to keep it going? Let’s dive into it.
The Homeschool Honeymoon Period
The start of a new homeschool year always feels so fresh and exciting. For me, it’s like that back-to-school feeling from childhood—you know, when everything was bright and shiny, and you couldn’t wait to meet your new teachers and use your new supplies. My kids, on the other hand, don’t necessarily share my enthusiasm!
I call this the “homeschool honeymoon period.” It’s that initial burst of energy that helps us push through the early struggles. But here’s the thing: that honeymoon period is going to end, and that’s perfectly okay. I used to beat myself up when the excitement faded, thinking I had failed somehow. But I’ve learned to accept that this is just a natural part of the process.
Embracing the Ebbs and Flows
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that our homeschool follows a natural pattern. We start strong in August and September, but by November, things start to slow down. We might take a break in December, pick up a little steam in January, and then February knocks us flat. By April, I’m usually scrambling to finish the year strong, and by mid-May, we’re just about done.
I used to feel bad about this pattern, but once I accepted it, I was able to plan our year around it. Now, I lean into the times when we’re full of energy and getting a lot done, and I allow ourselves to rest when the motivation dips.
For example, instead of doing “Christmas school” in December like many families do, I use that time to push through a strong two weeks of academics before we take a break. This way, I’m taking advantage of that little second wind before the holidays, and it works for us.
Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm
One of the best things you can do is track your own homeschool rhythm. At the end of each month, take a few minutes to reflect on how things went. Were you consistent? How was your energy level? By tracking these patterns, you can start to see where your natural highs and lows are and plan your year accordingly.
It’s also helpful to think about homeschooling in “seasons.” For example, Robin Ludwig, a mom in our community, uses a seasonal approach to homeschooling. She plans different activities for different times of the year—like focusing on nature walks in the fall or doing more read-alouds in the winter. This way, she’s not trying to do everything all year long but instead, leans into what works best for her family at different times.
Adjusting Your Expectations
It’s important to understand that not every homeschool day is going to be perfect, and that’s okay. Some days, you’ll need to throw up your hands and take a break—whether that’s getting ice cream, doing quiet time, or just calling it a day. Being flexible and adjusting your plans as needed is key to reducing stress.
And don’t forget to take care of yourself. If you’re run down, everything else will start to fall apart. So, prioritize self-care and avoid the trap of beating yourself up for not maintaining that initial intensity. Remember, giving yourself grace is a crucial part of staying healthy and keeping your homeschool on track.
Watch the Maintain Homeschool Motivation Year-Round Video
Final Thoughts About Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm
Homeschooling has its ups and downs, and that’s completely normal. By embracing the natural rhythm of your homeschool year, adjusting your expectations, and taking care of yourself, you can create a sustainable and joyful homeschool experience for your family.
If you’re looking for more support, I’d love to invite you to join our free homeschool community at pambarnhill.com. It’s a great place to connect with other moms who are going through the same highs and lows.
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