April 3, 2024 – How to Homeschool When Mom is Sick and Tired

Heather Vogler

When Mom Needs a Nap

Sleep is the best medicine when sick. Our bodies need to rest, recharge, and heal. If we just keep on going and going like the Energizer® bunny when our bodies are already worn out, we are not doing anybody any favors. We do so much as moms that we often think we are the only ones that can do it. Of course, this might be true to an extent. We know exactly how the house is to be run. We know the ins and outs of what needs to happen and when. We have it down to an exact science what time the meat needs to be out of the freezer to begin thawing to make it to the dinner table that evening. We know precisely how many loads of laundry or dishes we can nail in one day, granted they are loaded and unloaded as quickly as possible. Running a home isn’t easy and I’m only talking about the basics, not even getting into keeping it in pristine, tip-top shape. It takes planning, organization, and proper execution.

So, what do we do when we are sick? We hand over the reins. Everything might not happen exactly how we would like—but the essentials will get done. Ask your husband, your teen, a close friend, or a church member to help with a meal, a few loads of laundry, or to take your kids to the park for the afternoon. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it shows wisdom. Being a homeschool mom is not the same as being a public school teacher. We are moms and we need rest when our bodies are worn down—which is okay. If you can’t pull in outside help, pull out educational videos, puzzles, games, and activities while putting the schoolwork aside. Snuggle up on the couch with your kids and read a book that appeals to all ages and just enjoy each other’s company.

When I am sick, I stick to “couch schooling” where we only do subjects that are “couch friendly.” Generally reading, writing, and arithmetic—no fancy science experiments or historical reenactments. We keep it simple, easy, relaxing, and rewarding so when all of their school is done, they feel a sense of accomplishment and I can go and take a nap.  

About the author

Heather, her husband, and five kids homeschool and homestead in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. In addition to writing on her blog, Thrift Schooling (ThriftSchooling.com), Heather has been published in several magazines including Focus on the Family, War Cry, and Brio. Heather holds a BA in Christian ministries and currently works in the marketing department of The Old Schoolhouse®.

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Tracy Klicka

Taking Care of You, Mom

Dear Lord,

So far, I’ve done all right.
I haven’t whined, complained, or yelled at my kids.

I haven’t wanted to quit homeschooling,
I haven’t even eaten any chocolate.
I’m really thankful for all this.

But in a few minutes, God,
I’m going to get out of bed.
And from then on, I’m going to need a lot more help.

I remember feeling like this during my homeschooling years. Each day looked GREAT . . . until I got out of bed!

Are you weary or chronically sick, mom? Feel like giving up sometimes? I can relate.

Caring for a husband with a debilitating, 15-year-long disease while homeschooling seven kids and running a busy household regularly tired me out. Keeping up with everything—planning, teaching, meals, laundry, cleaning, errands, bills, plus gardening, bread baking, and juicing (my husband’s MS required a healthy but strict diet), etc. was difficult.

Passion for homeschooling my kids and living each day in the reality of God’s love for me provided fuel on even my most exhausting days. A daily Dove dark chocolate probably helped a little, too!

During the busiest years of our lives together, having a can-do attitude and a cheerful outlook, along with God’s help, can make a huge difference. Yes, each day is physically demanding, but devoting regular (even if only small amounts) of time and energy toward your emotional and spiritual health can become a lifesaving strategy.

What did that look like for me?

• Daily Bible reading and prayer (even if it looked like the prayer above!) to connect my heart to my Father and keep my mind engaged in His truth
• 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a week of art journaling (emphasis on the journaling—Bible verses, prayers, song lyrics, quotes—putting life-giving truth at my fingertips)
• Worship—music that points me to Him (and sometimes singing at the top of my lungs!) helps my heart to sing, too.
• One evening a week (2-3 hours) to do whatever I wanted reminded me that my life is more than being a wife, mother, and homeschooler (we are daughters of the King!)
• One week each summer to recharge—art workshop, or time away to read, learn, dream, and pray, or travel with a girlfriend (Yes, I do mean a total break from hubby and kids for 5-7 days!)

What you do, with faith in Him, to invest in your physical, emotional, and spiritual health might look a little different for you, but you will be in a much better place to love and serve your family. May God strengthen and encourage you, Mom!

About the author

Tracy Klicka, widow of former HSLDA attorney Christopher Klicka, is a homeschooling mom of seven adult children. Seasoned homeschooler and gifted writer/speaker for over 22 years, Tracy has addressed thousands at homeschooling conventions and women’s events, contributed to Christianity Today, regularly writes for national homeschool publications, and contributed to her late husband’s homeschooling books. She serves as the Director of Development for HSLDA, through which their Compassion Program helps families homeschooling through hard times.

A Painted Word. Word + Art Creative Resources for Lovers and Learners of God’s Word. https://www.apaintedword.com

Renita Bentz-Miller

Homeschool Lifesavers During Tough Times

“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired”—can you relate?  I sure can!  Over a series of several years, I homeschooled through multiple miscarriages, a hysterectomy, breast cancer, autoimmune diseases, a thyroidectomy, and walked through a terminal cancer diagnosis that caused me to lose my dear husband of 25 years.

Through it all, I continued to homeschool our eight children.  Without a doubt, the fact we were all home together played a huge role in my healing!

So how do you continue to homeschool when you can barely keep your head above water as you deal with the “sick and tired” day after day?

Here are a few lifesavers I hope I can offer you.

First, let go of the fear that you are letting your children down.  Focus on what you can manage and do only what is absolutely necessary.  Take a scalpel to everything extra.  Conserve your energy for what has eternal significance.  It’s okay to scale back during these seasons.  I promise your kids will benefit more from time with you than any outside activities or extracurriculars.

Next, don’t try to suffer “alone.”  Now is the time for you to accept all those well-meant offers of help.  This was particularly hard for me; I was used to being the one to drop off a meal, teach another class at co-op, organize that field trip.  But when you are in this season, perhaps the Lord is teaching you an important lesson in learning to rest and receive care and allowing others the blessings of serving. 

Finally, rely on your children.  Those character lessons you have been teaching them will come to the surface and you will begin to see the strength they truly have.  You’ve been laying a foundation for them and now is the time to let them flex their muscles and start helping.  I was amazed to see how much they stepped up when they were needed.

These “sick and tired” seasons can be a test of your faith and endurance.  The Lord promises to provide all the strength you need.  Don’t grow weary . . . in due time you will reap the reward for persevering!

About the author

Renita Bentz-Miller is married to her best friend and is the happy (slightly crazy) mom plus “bonus-mom” to 16 children. She is the co-creator of CrossWired Science, a full K-12 science curriculum for the entire family.  When not chasing children, or dogs, she enjoys long hikes, hot coffee, and a great book. Connect with her at www.momofmanybentzs.blogspot.com or online at www.crosswiredscience.com.

Pillar of Faith

Natalie Mack

God Equips the Sick and Tired

“Come to me, all you who are weary . . . ” This verse in Matthew 11:28 is a familiar one, very likely one you have read often. But have you put the words into action? Have you applied them to you? Do you recognize when you are sick and tired?

Some possible signs of being sick and tired may be not wanting to get out of bed in the morning, not excited about planning for the next school year, or looking forward to co-op ending.

Being weary doesn’t mean you are not trusting in God. It doesn’t mean you are failing. It might mean you just need to simply come to Him.

Why might this simple response be difficult? Sometimes we have allowed ourselves to remain in a desert for so long that we are unable to perceive the weariness. Being sick and tired for months on end can become like a familiar cloak.

Throw off that cloak! Oh, the immediate peace we receive when we turn to Jesus. He is always waiting to respond. Don’t wear that cloak for so long that you miss living in the joy of that simple action—go to Him; there’s peace and rejuvenation in His presence.

About the author

Natalie Mack is a National Certified Counselor, author, TEDx speaker, and experienced twenty-three years military home educator, with over twenty-two years of service to military homeschooling families and military homeschool support group leadership. She is known for her words of encouragement and advocacy for homeschooling, particularly during the journey from high school to college. Natalie is a mom of five: three college graduates, one college senior, and an 11th grader.

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