Avoiding Burnout: Self-Care for Homeschool Parents

Homeschooling is rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting. Between lesson planning, managing the home, and meeting your student’s needs, burnout can sneak up on even the most dedicated parent. Let’s talk about what homeschool burnout is, why it happens, and how you can avoid it (or recover if you’re already there).

Homeschool burnout is when you feel physically, mentally, or emotionally drained from homeschooling. It might mean you’ve lost your motivation, patience, or excitement for teaching at home.

⚠️Burnout can happen for many reasons:

• Trying to do too much at once
  
• Comparing yourself to others
  
• Lack of support or breaks (for yourself or your student)
  
• Unrealistic expectations (for yourself or your student)
  
• Forgetting to care for your own needs
  

⚠️Signs You Might Be Burned Out

• Feeling angry or resentful about homeschooling
  
• Constantly exhausted or overwhelmed
  
• Trouble getting motivated to plan or teach
  
• Thinking about quitting altogether

⚠️Tips to Avoid (or Recover from) Burnout

✨ Simplify Your Schedule
Cut back on extras for a while. It’s okay to slow down.

✨ Take Breaks
Plan regular days off or a lighter week when you need it. For days that my student has scheduled sessions elsewhere (swim lessons, speech therapy, etc.), I really reduce the expectations of school that day. 

✨ Connect with Other Homeschoolers
Talking to someone who understands helps a lot. I try to attend the weekly Q&A with Mr. Sims video chats that Heather co-hosts with Mr. Sims. Many other parents and caregivers log on to ask questions, share victories, or just listen. 

✨ Focus on What Matters Most
You don’t have to do everything. Prioritize the subjects or activities that really matter.

✨ Practice Self-Care
Make time for sleep, hobbies, or a quiet cup of coffee. I know, I know - if you’re like me, you kind of cringe any time someone suggests “self-care”. A bubble bath isn’t going to be the ultimate fix… but the advice does work a little bit. Most of us have a very chaotic life and our own needs take a backseat (or they just don’t even get a ride at all!) Do what you can, little by little.

✨ Adjust Expectations
Remind yourself that learning at home doesn’t have to look like traditional school. This is a big one and also a frequent topic in our Q&A with Mr. Sims sessions. If you’re switching from school to homeschool, fight the urge to think you have to homeschool for the total amount of time your student used to be at school.

✨ Get Help if You Need It
Ask your partner, family, or friends for support. Even having someone watch the kids for an hour can help. Look into contacting previous teachers (ones that were supportive!) or if you have a regional center offering respite hours – you may have some support available even if it’s just an hour or two.

If you’re feeling burned out, you’re not alone. Every homeschool parent hits rough patches. The important thing is to recognize it and take steps to care for yourself. Remember, a rested and happy parent is one of the best gifts you can give your children.

The bottom line: You’re doing great—even on the hard days.

Jennifer Bullock, Contributing Author

Homeschooling-experienced mom to a tween, non-speaking daughter, Jennifer is also Marketing Outreach Coordinator for The Autism Oasis. With 20+ years experience in marketing, advertising, and social media communications, you will see her occasionally supporting the blog and social media channels with various content related to Autism Oasis.