Do not let homeschool burn out sneak up on you. It has a way of coming at the worst times. We are bombarded with tests, projects, new curriculum, a curriculum that is not working and a mountain of laundry and then we wonder why we are burned out. Many do not feel the right to be burned out. We feel as if we have failed or we are not honoring the position in our lives. The reality is everyone needs time to regroup even if they have the world’s best job. My husband gets vacation and weekends off. Me? I work out of my home and homeschool. His time off is my time to work. His time at work is my time to work. I do not work harder than my husband but I do work differently. My time off does not always involve a transition from office to home or change of scenery. Even in my time off I am still mom and teacher. While I love my role it can lead to burn out. Let’s face it, we all feel that way from time to time. One way to avoid a serious burn out is to plan in advance. After a few years of homeschooling you may see a trend on when you feel the burn out. Is it in the winter? Is it toward the end of the year? When you plan your year you need to plan for a burn out.
Schedule Time Off: During the time you normally feel burn out coming on plan in advance to take a day or two off. I know winter is a gloomy time for me so I will plan a longer winter break than a spring break.
Schedule Field Trips: Sprinkle in field trips throughout the year to give everyone a change in scenery and something to look forward to.
Schedule Realistically: Do not schedule all the projects and tests for all your children too closely together. Unless having a very busy crazy week followed by a calm week works for your personality. Schedule based on what you can handle not what you think you should be able to handle. Chances are whatever that is won’t work for anyone.
Schedule Fun: Add in the fun. Every now and then plan an afternoon of board games or a day you do art at the park. Plan to watch a documentary but make it more like a fun movie complete with popcorn and snacks.