As the homeschool year winds down and summer approaches, there’s a sense of relief because another school year is almost done, right? It feels so good to anticipate a time of rest and summer fun.
But it seems that in the spring, many moms also feel anxious and overwhelmed with all there is to do and all they need to make decisions on for the summer and the next school year.
We need to decide what activities to have our kids in for the summer and the next school year. Then there are co-op decisions to be made. And of course, the never-ending curriculum decisions.
Trying to finish off the school year, making sure to finish all that was planned, plus starting to plan for the summer and the next school year can feel overwhelming!
Then there’s the yard work and changing out the wardrobes for everyone for the new season.
And it doesn’t help that everyone in the house has spring fever – they only want to play! Including you, right?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed about all you have to do right now, this post is for you!
First of all, can I just encourage you to take breaks and allow yourself to rest and play and enjoy the spring weather with your children?
Here are some tips to get you through this busy season:
1. Get out and enjoy the weather! Go for a bike ride as a family or a walk in the park.
2. Change up your routine a bit. Read to your children outside or let them do their schoolwork outside on the porch rather than indoors. Nature hikes are a great way to study science and enjoy God’s creation and the beauty of spring.
3. Have the children help with things that need to get done. Delegate! They can help with the yard work, even the little ones. They can pick up sticks and help with planting flowers. Have your children help put away their winter clothes and organize the summer clothes in their drawers if they’re old enough.
4. Are you feeling stressed because there’s too much school work left to do? Pray and seek the Lord. Do you really need to do it all? Is any of it busy work that can be skipped because your children already know the concepts? We can get so stressed out about finishing a workbook or textbook… even the public schools don’t always finish their workbooks and textbooks. Pray for wisdom on what you really need to complete.
5. Put aside the workbooks and plan a fun field trip that gets you outdoors. Go to the zoo, or take a ferry boat ride! Check out MN Field Trip and Activity Library for more ideas on great field trips for the spring.
6. As you plan your summer, allow for relaxing summer days enjoying time together as a family. We can get so busy with summer activities and trips that we don’t end up getting the rest and refreshment that we so desperately need.
7. And as you consider what you will use for curriculum next school year, seek the Lord for clear direction and wisdom. Take a day off from school, maybe even ask someone to take your children for a day, so you can focus on thinking through what you want to accomplish in the next school year. Use my “Homeschool Evaluation and Goal Setting” sheet to help you with this (see sidebar). Consider your child’s learning style preferences. (Request my Informal Learning Style Assessment.)
8. Likewise, as you decide on activities and commitments for the summer and next school year, bring these decisions to the Lord for guidance. Pray before committing so you don’t overcommit! Again, using the “Homeschool Evaluation and Goal Setting” sheet will help you decide what activities you really want to participate in.
9. Contact me to set up a homeschool consultation. I’d love to pray with you and help you think through what your child needs and what curriculum might be a good fit for them and their specific learning style preferences.
10. Most importantly, seek God for His peace and guidance and strength!
When we feel anxious or overwhelmed, God can help to give us peace and rest. He wants us to rely on Him, to rest in Him and depend on Him for guidance.
“…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:6-7
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
Over the years when I’ve been stressed and overwhelmed about all I have to do, my husband has often reminded me to consider whether what I’m worrying about accomplishing will matter in light of eternity. Something to consider as we plan our days.