During the summer when you are planning the homeschool year, it is so exciting! September rolls around and you have a ton of great plans and know it’s going to be the best year ever.  October goes pretty well and then things start getting crazy in November and December with extra activities, holidays, and long breaks from school.  When January hits, it can be very hard to get back into a rhythm. That’s when the winter blues set in.

It’s Not Just You. January and February are Hard

January and February can be the hardest months to homeschool.  I promise if you are feeling down and finding it hard to be excited about homeschooling, you are not alone!

The days are shorter, and the weather makes it hard to get outside.  You and the children are exhausted from all of the holiday activities.  Illnesses are going around, and people are tired and cranky.  That motivation and excitement you had back in September is long gone.  It is almost like you are starting the school year all over again.

Battling the Blues

There are some things that I have found to be helpful when those winter blues set in.

1. Change Your Routine

Changing up the regular routine can be a big help.  Instead of struggling through lessons, take an indoor field trip that relates to something you are studying.

When you are feeling exhausted or the children are under the weather, declare that day a pajama and movie day.  There are many educational movies that you can stream.  Pop some popcorn and let the learning begin!

An indoor picnic can be a lot of fun as well.  Let the children plan the menu and prepare the food.

2. Follow the Sunshine

When a sunny day happens, soak up the rays by taking your homeschool outside. Take a nature walk or do an outside art project. Go to the park for recess.

Whatever, you do, absorb those natural UV rays to counteract the winter blues. If you can exercise outdoors and get your blood pumping at the same time, all the better!

3. Get Social

Meet friends for a play date. If you are blue and lethargic, your fellow homeschool moms probably are too. Take the lead to organize a simple day out of the house. Organize it around an indoor field trip is the weather is poor. But if the sun is shining, encourage your friend to bundle up the kids for some of that sun soaking that you need during the winter months.

Keep Your Eyes on Your Hope

I have found that once February is past, the winter blues disappear.  I like to keep Hebrews 12:2-3 in mind on the days I am struggling:

“And 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 it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”