Homeschooling is Hard (and How to Get Through It)

Homeschooling is hard—there’s no sugarcoating that. There will be days filled with tears, empty threats to pack the kids off to school, and moments when you feel like you’re doing it all wrong. And if you’re new to homeschooling and haven’t hit those days yet, that’s okay. Trust me, you’re not alone when it happens. Acknowledging the struggle isn’t about being negative but about being real. Homeschooling requires more from you than you might have imagined, but it also offers rewards that go beyond measure. 

After one particularly rough day, I found myself reflecting on why homeschooling often feels so intense. Why do these moments—where love, learning, and life collide—bring up so many emotions in me (and my kids!)? 

The answer is layered, and the challenges are real. But don’t worry; we’ll also talk about how to overcome them. 

Why Is Homeschooling Hard?

1. It’s a Relationship, and Relationships Are Hard Work

Homeschooling is like any significant relationship—it takes effort, compromise, and intentionality. Just like a marriage or a close friendship, homeschooling requires you to grow, communicate, and invest your time. 

You’re building a unique relationship with your child that’s rooted in both parenting and educating, which means the stakes feel higher. Sure, it’s rewarding to see them learn and grow, but the daily emotional labor of being their teacher and parent is enough to leave anyone exhausted. 

2. Freedom to Be Themselves (for Better or Worse!)

At home, kids (and adults!) feel safe enough to be themselves—the good, the bad, and, yes, the ugly. Have you noticed how your child may seem perfectly behaved and adaptable in public but lets all their frustrations out at home? That’s because home is their safe haven. 

This freedom to express themselves is actually a good thing—it’s evidence that they feel secure. But it also means you see the meltdowns, the outbursts, and the raw emotions that others might never witness. It can be emotionally draining for you but serves as a reminder of the trust you’ve built with your child. 

3. Overlapping Roles

Parent, teacher, mentor, caregiver, nurse, chef, and referee—you wear all the hats, often at the same time. The lines blur so often that it feels like one moment you’re explaining fractions, and the next, you’re cleaning water spills or nursing the baby. 

I remember once teaching multiplication while also buttering toast, troubleshooting tech issues, and soothing a grumpy toddler—all within the same 10 minutes! It’s chaotic, and balancing these roles can feel overwhelming. But there’s also something deeply beautiful about it. Homeschooling allows you to be completely present in your child’s life, for better or worse. 

4. It Pushes You to Recognize Your Own Strengths and Weaknesses

Homeschooling will reveal things about yourself you didn’t know—the good and the not-so-good. It shines a light on your patience (or lack thereof!) and forces you to rethink what it means to “succeed.” You’re constantly challenged to manage your own emotions while guiding your kids through theirs. 

5. Comparison Can Be Soul-Crushing

It’s easy to look at social media or that homeschooling family down the street and think, “Why can’t we have it all together like them?” But here’s the truth—nobody has it all together. Every homeschool looks different, and comparison is a thief of joy. Yet resisting the urge to measure yourself against others is easier said than done. 

How to Get Through the Tough Days

Despite the challenges, homeschooling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Like any hard thing in life, having a plan can help you push through. Here’s how you can tackle those tough homeschooling moments and come out stronger on the other side. 

1. Lower Your Expectations

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is ease up on yourself. A “perfect day of homeschooling” doesn’t exist. Focus on the non-negotiables and give yourself permission to have an off day (or week!) if needed. 

2. Create Structure, But Stay Flexible

Kids thrive with routine, but life happens, and some days won’t go as planned. Maintain a loose structure with fixed starting times or breaks to give everyone predictable rhythms. At the same time, stay flexible and adapt if things aren’t working. 

3. Take Breaks—For Both You and Your Kids

Homeschool burnout is real, and it’s not just about the kids. When emotions are running high, take a breather. You don’t need to power through every meltdown or bad day. Sometimes, stepping back, taking a 10-minute walk, or having some quiet time can reset the entire mood. 

4. Rely on Your Support System

Don’t homeschool in isolation. Connect with other homeschooling families, whether it’s through co-ops, online forums, or local meetups. One of my favorite ways is to do field trips with other homeschooling friends where we can share about our ups and downs of the week. Sharing experiences, tips, and encouragement with fellow homeschoolers can be a lifesaver on the tough days. 

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Did your child grasp a tricky math concept today? Did they thank you for reading with them (even if it’s rare)? Celebrate these moments and remind yourself why you started homeschooling in the first place. 

6. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Your homeschooling journey is unique. Keep your focus on your values, your child’s needs, and your family’s rhythm. Social media and “Pinterest-worthy” homeschooling setups will always look more curated than real life. Accept that your version of success looks different—and that’s okay. 

7. Reflect and Recharge

Take time to reflect on your why. What motivated you to homeschool in the first place? Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite your passion and help you push through tough days. 

If possible, build in time for self-care. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or going out for coffee alone, recharging your own batteries makes you a better parent and educator. 

8. Focus on Connection Over Perfection

At its core, homeschooling isn’t just about academics—it’s about connection. It’s about creating a safe space for your kids to learn not just math or writing but resilience, curiosity, and kindness. 

When you put connection first, the challenging days start to feel less daunting. 

You’ve Got This

Homeschooling is hard—it’s messy, emotional, and often chaotic. But it’s also one of the most meaningful journeys you can take with your child. Every rough day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your process. 

You’re not alone in this. Every homeschooling parent faces challenges. The good news? There are just as many strategies and resources to help you thrive. 

Keep going. Revisit your why, lean into the tough moments, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. Remember, the beauty of homeschooling lies in its imperfection and the love that fuels it. 

Here’s to your homeschooling adventure—a path that might be tough but is undoubtedly worth it!

For inspirational reading on homeschooling, check out these books.

• The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart
• The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment
• Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.  This comes at no cost to you but is paid by the company.  I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly.  If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product. 

*Elizabeth (Inventus Learning) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.