April 7, 2025 • 11 mins
Why “Sticking to the Plan” Might Be Hurting Your Homeschool | Encouragement for Christian Homeschool Moms Is your homeschool plan leaving you more stressed than supported? In this video, we’re unpacking why being too rigid with your schedule might actually be hurting your homeschool—and what to do instead. Whether you’re feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or just craving more joy and freedom in your day, you’re not alone.
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Episode Transcript
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(01:46):
.999Hey friend, have you ever had it where nothing in your homeschool went according to plan? Maybe you had everything mapped out perfectly, assignments, activities, a well thought out schedule, only to fall apart before lunchtime. 2 00:02:02,478.999 --> 00:02:08,338.999 If you've ever felt frustrated because your homeschool isn't going according to plan, you're not alone. 3 00:02:09,138.999 --> 00:02:19,888.999 I've been there too, but what if I told you That sticking too tightly to the plan might actually be making things harder than you think. 4 00:02:20,888.999 --> 00:02:38,838.999 In today's video, we're going to talk about why a rigid homeschool plan often leads to stress and burnout, and how to tell if your plan is helping or hurting you and your homeschool to create a flexible framework that gives you structure without the stress. 5 00:02:39,838.999 --> 00:02:51,88.998 if you've ever felt like a slave to your homeschool schedule, grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and let's talk about how to homeschool with more freedom and joy. 6 00:02:52,88.998 --> 00:02:58,448.997 So, let's start by talking about why sticking to the plan at all costs might actually backfire. 7 00:02:59,448.997 --> 00:03:02,408.997 The first reason is it usually creates stress. 8 00:03:03,88.997 --> 00:03:08,478.997 when we're too focused on following the plan exactly, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves and on our kids. 9 00:03:09,318.997 --> 00:03:15,888.997 If math takes longer than expected, or a child struggles through a lesson, it can feel like you're falling behind. 10 00:03:16,518.996 --> 00:03:20,78.996 But homeschooling isn't about clicking off the boxes. 11 00:03:20,668.997 --> 00:03:22,338.997 It's about real learning. 12 00:03:23,338.997 --> 00:03:26,638.997 A better approach is to focus on progress and not perfection. 13 00:03:27,398.997 --> 00:03:30,948.997 Some days might be slower, and that's perfectly okay. 14 00:03:31,948.997 --> 00:03:35,288.997 The second reason is it ignores real life interruptions. 15 00:03:35,358.997 --> 00:03:36,398.997 Let's be honest. 16 00:03:36,538.997 --> 00:03:37,398.997 Life happens. 17 00:03:37,508.997 --> 00:03:40,628.997 Sickness, unexpected errands, a bad night's sleep. 18 00:03:41,58.997 --> 00:03:43,968.997 Sometimes sticking to the plan is just not possible. 19 00:03:44,788.997 --> 00:03:56,418.997 Instead of feeling frustrated, what if we built our homeschool around flexibility instead of rigid schedules? The third reason is it can make learning feel rushed and forced. 20 00:03:57,418.997 --> 00:04:10,218.997 have you ever pushed through a lesson just to stay on track even though your kids clearly weren't engaged? When we're too focused on completing the plan, we miss opportunities for deep, meaningful learning. 21 00:04:11,218.997 --> 00:04:19,48.997 A better approach is to pause and explore the topic that you're discussing, or switch things up as you need to. 22 00:04:20,48.997 --> 00:04:31,858.996 how do you tell if your plan is hurting or helping you? how do we know when sticking to the plan is actually helping or when it's time to adjust? Let's do a quick homeschool check in. 23 00:04:32,528.997 --> 00:04:33,848.997 Ask yourself these questions. 24 00:04:34,568.997 --> 00:05:05,278.995 Are my kids engaged or do they seem frustrated and overwhelmed? Am I feeling anxious about getting through instead of enjoying the process? Do I get upset when my schedule gets off track? Is my plan working for my family, or am I constantly just trying to force it? If you answered yes to some of these, it might be time for you to loosen your grip on your plan and make space for a more flexible, life giving homeschool. 25 00:05:06,278.995 --> 00:05:11,108.996 How do we create such a homeschool? The goal is to have structure without the stress. 26 00:05:11,798.996 --> 00:05:14,888.995 A plan that gives direction, but allows life to happen. 27 00:05:15,543.996 --> 00:05:18,173.996 use a rhythm instead of a rigid schedule. 28 00:05:18,933.996 --> 00:05:21,274.046 Instead of saying math is from 9 o'clock to 9. 29 00:05:21,274.046 --> 00:05:25,413.996 45, try thinking in blocks of time or in a simple rhythm. 30 00:07:25,598.54145455 --> 00:07:31,863.996 So, like morning time is core subjects, break, read aloud, hands on learning. 31 00:07:32,443.997 --> 00:07:39,543.996 This way, if your math takes longer or someone needs a break, you're not constantly feeling off schedule. 32 00:07:40,543.996 --> 00:07:44,493.996 The second thing is to prioritize the essentials and let the rest be flexible. 33 00:07:45,423.996 --> 00:07:54,593.996 Ask yourself, what are the two or three most important things that we need to get done today? Once those are complete, consider the rest a bonus. 34 00:07:55,53.997 --> 00:08:07,223.996 Example, if your must dos are math, reading, and Bible time, everything else like history, science, or extra projects can be flexible based on your time and energy levels. 35 00:08:08,223.996 --> 00:08:11,753.996 For number three, I would suggest that you have a plan B for the hard days. 36 00:08:12,383.996 --> 00:08:15,643.996 Some days will not go as planned, and that's fine. 37 00:08:16,643.996 --> 00:08:20,903.997 Have a go to backup plan for days when things feel chaotic. 38 00:08:21,323.997 --> 00:08:24,173.996 Here are some simple plan B ideas. 39 00:08:25,3.997 --> 00:08:27,443.997 Do school outside for a change of scenery. 40 00:08:28,443.997 --> 00:08:31,373.997 Listen to an audiobook and coloring day. 41 00:08:31,423.997 --> 00:08:33,963.997 Focus on only read alouds and discussions. 42 00:08:34,783.996 --> 00:08:39,83.996 Swap a structured lesson for a nature walk or a hands on project. 43 00:08:40,83.996 --> 00:08:43,903.995 And for number four, give yourself permission to adjust as you go. 44 00:08:44,643.995 --> 00:08:46,563.995 Homeschooling is not static. 45 00:08:46,883.995 --> 00:08:49,673.995 What works one month might not work the next. 46 00:08:50,203.995 --> 00:08:53,923.995 The key to long term success is to be willing to adjust when needed. 47 00:08:54,688.995 --> 00:08:57,608.995 If something isn't working, don't see it as failure. 48 00:08:58,98.995 --> 00:09:02,128.995 see it as valuable feedback that helps you refine your reproach. 49 00:09:03,128.995 --> 00:09:11,88.995 I wanted to share a few stories of a homeschool mom who let go of their strict plans and found more peace I'll start with Sarah's story. 50 00:09:12,88.995 --> 00:09:17,308.995 Sarah used to schedule her homeschool down to the minute, Math at 9, Writing at 9. 51 00:09:17,309.095 --> 00:09:18,189.045 45, Science at 10. 52 00:09:18,189.045 --> 00:09:28,68.995 30, she was constantly frustrated when things didn't go as planned, so she switched to a relaxed rhythm instead of strict time slots. 53 00:09:28,338.995 --> 00:09:29,318.994 Everything changed. 54 00:09:29,708.994 --> 00:09:33,478.994 Now her days feel more natural, less rushed, and more enjoyable. 55 00:09:34,478.994 --> 00:09:38,888.994 Emily's story is she was trying to do every subject, every day. 56 00:09:39,208.994 --> 00:09:44,678.994 History, science, grammar, phonics, geography, handwriting, music, art, and it was exhausting. 57 00:09:45,628.993 --> 00:09:51,158.994 One day she started focusing on two to three core subjects a day and rotating the rest throughout the week. 58 00:09:51,788.993 --> 00:09:56,248.994 She felt so much less pressure and her kids actually learned more. 59 00:09:57,248.994 --> 00:10:03,618.994 if homeschooling has felt hard, rigid, or exhausting lately, you have permission to adjust. 60 00:10:04,168.994 --> 00:10:07,498.994 Your homeschool does not have to look like a traditional school. 61 00:10:08,68.994 --> 00:10:10,738.994 It does not have to be rigid or stressful. 62 00:10:11,338.994 --> 00:10:19,33.35028571 You get to create a plan that works for your family, your lifestyle, and your children's unique learning needs. 63 00:10:19,33.35028571 --> 00:10:23,738.894 So, today I challenge you, think about one area of your homeschool. 64 00:10:24,528.994 --> 00:10:32,638.994 Where you feel is too stressful or rigid and find a way to loosen that up and make space for more joy. 65 00:10:33,618.994 --> 00:10:34,788.994 Let me know in the comments. 66 00:10:34,968.994 --> 00:10:36,818.994 I'd love to hear what you're working on. 67 00:10:37,818.994 --> 00:10:40,788.994 If you found this video helpful, don't forget to subscribe. 68 00:10:40,818.994 --> 00:10:44,188.994 It helps me provide more videos for you like this. 69 00:10:45,188.994 --> 00:10:47,18.994 I love to give homeschool mom encouragement. 70 00:10:47,368.994 --> 00:10:51,498.994 You've got this Even on the hard days, God's grace is enough. 71 00:10:52,148.994 --> 00:10:53,58.993 That's all for today.
.999Hey friend, have you ever had it where nothing in your homeschool went according to plan? Maybe you had everything mapped out perfectly, assignments, activities, a well thought out schedule, only to fall apart before lunchtime. 2 00:02:02,478.999 --> 00:02:08,338.999 If you've ever felt frustrated because your homeschool isn't going according to plan, you're not alone. 3 00:02:09,138.999 --> 00:02:19,888.999 I've been there too, but what if I told you That sticking too tightly to the plan might actually be making things harder than you think. 4 00:02:20,888.999 --> 00:02:38,838.999 In today's video, we're going to talk about why a rigid homeschool plan often leads to stress and burnout, and how to tell if your plan is helping or hurting you and your homeschool to create a flexible framework that gives you structure without the stress. 5 00:02:39,838.999 --> 00:02:51,88.998 if you've ever felt like a slave to your homeschool schedule, grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and let's talk about how to homeschool with more freedom and joy. 6 00:02:52,88.998 --> 00:02:58,448.997 So, let's start by talking about why sticking to the plan at all costs might actually backfire. 7 00:02:59,448.997 --> 00:03:02,408.997 The first reason is it usually creates stress. 8 00:03:03,88.997 --> 00:03:08,478.997 when we're too focused on following the plan exactly, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves and on our kids. 9 00:03:09,318.997 --> 00:03:15,888.997 If math takes longer than expected, or a child struggles through a lesson, it can feel like you're falling behind. 10 00:03:16,518.996 --> 00:03:20,78.996 But homeschooling isn't about clicking off the boxes. 11 00:03:20,668.997 --> 00:03:22,338.997 It's about real learning. 12 00:03:23,338.997 --> 00:03:26,638.997 A better approach is to focus on progress and not perfection. 13 00:03:27,398.997 --> 00:03:30,948.997 Some days might be slower, and that's perfectly okay. 14 00:03:31,948.997 --> 00:03:35,288.997 The second reason is it ignores real life interruptions. 15 00:03:35,358.997 --> 00:03:36,398.997 Let's be honest. 16 00:03:36,538.997 --> 00:03:37,398.997 Life happens. 17 00:03:37,508.997 --> 00:03:40,628.997 Sickness, unexpected errands, a bad night's sleep. 18 00:03:41,58.997 --> 00:03:43,968.997 Sometimes sticking to the plan is just not possible. 19 00:03:44,788.997 --> 00:03:56,418.997 Instead of feeling frustrated, what if we built our homeschool around flexibility instead of rigid schedules? The third reason is it can make learning feel rushed and forced. 20 00:03:57,418.997 --> 00:04:10,218.997 have you ever pushed through a lesson just to stay on track even though your kids clearly weren't engaged? When we're too focused on completing the plan, we miss opportunities for deep, meaningful learning. 21 00:04:11,218.997 --> 00:04:19,48.997 A better approach is to pause and explore the topic that you're discussing, or switch things up as you need to. 22 00:04:20,48.997 --> 00:04:31,858.996 how do you tell if your plan is hurting or helping you? how do we know when sticking to the plan is actually helping or when it's time to adjust? Let's do a quick homeschool check in. 23 00:04:32,528.997 --> 00:04:33,848.997 Ask yourself these questions. 24 00:04:34,568.997 --> 00:05:05,278.995 Are my kids engaged or do they seem frustrated and overwhelmed? Am I feeling anxious about getting through instead of enjoying the process? Do I get upset when my schedule gets off track? Is my plan working for my family, or am I constantly just trying to force it? If you answered yes to some of these, it might be time for you to loosen your grip on your plan and make space for a more flexible, life giving homeschool. 25 00:05:06,278.995 --> 00:05:11,108.996 How do we create such a homeschool? The goal is to have structure without the stress. 26 00:05:11,798.996 --> 00:05:14,888.995 A plan that gives direction, but allows life to happen. 27 00:05:15,543.996 --> 00:05:18,173.996 use a rhythm instead of a rigid schedule. 28 00:05:18,933.996 --> 00:05:21,274.046 Instead of saying math is from 9 o'clock to 9. 29 00:05:21,274.046 --> 00:05:25,413.996 45, try thinking in blocks of time or in a simple rhythm. 30 00:07:25,598.54145455 --> 00:07:31,863.996 So, like morning time is core subjects, break, read aloud, hands on learning. 31 00:07:32,443.997 --> 00:07:39,543.996 This way, if your math takes longer or someone needs a break, you're not constantly feeling off schedule. 32 00:07:40,543.996 --> 00:07:44,493.996 The second thing is to prioritize the essentials and let the rest be flexible. 33 00:07:45,423.996 --> 00:07:54,593.996 Ask yourself, what are the two or three most important things that we need to get done today? Once those are complete, consider the rest a bonus. 34 00:07:55,53.997 --> 00:08:07,223.996 Example, if your must dos are math, reading, and Bible time, everything else like history, science, or extra projects can be flexible based on your time and energy levels. 35 00:08:08,223.996 --> 00:08:11,753.996 For number three, I would suggest that you have a plan B for the hard days. 36 00:08:12,383.996 --> 00:08:15,643.996 Some days will not go as planned, and that's fine. 37 00:08:16,643.996 --> 00:08:20,903.997 Have a go to backup plan for days when things feel chaotic. 38 00:08:21,323.997 --> 00:08:24,173.996 Here are some simple plan B ideas. 39 00:08:25,3.997 --> 00:08:27,443.997 Do school outside for a change of scenery. 40 00:08:28,443.997 --> 00:08:31,373.997 Listen to an audiobook and coloring day. 41 00:08:31,423.997 --> 00:08:33,963.997 Focus on only read alouds and discussions. 42 00:08:34,783.996 --> 00:08:39,83.996 Swap a structured lesson for a nature walk or a hands on project. 43 00:08:40,83.996 --> 00:08:43,903.995 And for number four, give yourself permission to adjust as you go. 44 00:08:44,643.995 --> 00:08:46,563.995 Homeschooling is not static. 45 00:08:46,883.995 --> 00:08:49,673.995 What works one month might not work the next. 46 00:08:50,203.995 --> 00:08:53,923.995 The key to long term success is to be willing to adjust when needed. 47 00:08:54,688.995 --> 00:08:57,608.995 If something isn't working, don't see it as failure. 48 00:08:58,98.995 --> 00:09:02,128.995 see it as valuable feedback that helps you refine your reproach. 49 00:09:03,128.995 --> 00:09:11,88.995 I wanted to share a few stories of a homeschool mom who let go of their strict plans and found more peace I'll start with Sarah's story. 50 00:09:12,88.995 --> 00:09:17,308.995 Sarah used to schedule her homeschool down to the minute, Math at 9, Writing at 9. 51 00:09:17,309.095 --> 00:09:18,189.045 45, Science at 10. 52 00:09:18,189.045 --> 00:09:28,68.995 30, she was constantly frustrated when things didn't go as planned, so she switched to a relaxed rhythm instead of strict time slots. 53 00:09:28,338.995 --> 00:09:29,318.994 Everything changed. 54 00:09:29,708.994 --> 00:09:33,478.994 Now her days feel more natural, less rushed, and more enjoyable. 55 00:09:34,478.994 --> 00:09:38,888.994 Emily's story is she was trying to do every subject, every day. 56 00:09:39,208.994 --> 00:09:44,678.994 History, science, grammar, phonics, geography, handwriting, music, art, and it was exhausting. 57 00:09:45,628.993 --> 00:09:51,158.994 One day she started focusing on two to three core subjects a day and rotating the rest throughout the week. 58 00:09:51,788.993 --> 00:09:56,248.994 She felt so much less pressure and her kids actually learned more. 59 00:09:57,248.994 --> 00:10:03,618.994 if homeschooling has felt hard, rigid, or exhausting lately, you have permission to adjust. 60 00:10:04,168.994 --> 00:10:07,498.994 Your homeschool does not have to look like a traditional school. 61 00:10:08,68.994 --> 00:10:10,738.994 It does not have to be rigid or stressful. 62 00:10:11,338.994 --> 00:10:19,33.35028571 You get to create a plan that works for your family, your lifestyle, and your children's unique learning needs. 63 00:10:19,33.35028571 --> 00:10:23,738.894 So, today I challenge you, think about one area of your homeschool. 64 00:10:24,528.994 --> 00:10:32,638.994 Where you feel is too stressful or rigid and find a way to loosen that up and make space for more joy. 65 00:10:33,618.994 --> 00:10:34,788.994 Let me know in the comments. 66 00:10:34,968.994 --> 00:10:36,818.994 I'd love to hear what you're working on. 67 00:10:37,818.994 --> 00:10:40,788.994 If you found this video helpful, don't forget to subscribe. 68 00:10:40,818.994 --> 00:10:44,188.994 It helps me provide more videos for you like this. 69 00:10:45,188.994 --> 00:10:47,18.994 I love to give homeschool mom encouragement. 70 00:10:47,368.994 --> 00:10:51,498.994 You've got this Even on the hard days, God's grace is enough. 71 00:10:52,148.994 --> 00:10:53,58.993 That's all for today.
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