Lean into Grace: Homeschooling Through the Unexpected

Our family has experienced many wonderful seasons throughout our homeschool journey, and we’ve had our hardships too. Times of grief, financial strain, relationship issues, job loss, and moving across the country can all take its toll. But one thing I have found: hard times are often when God does his deepest work in us.

Here are a few things I’ve learned about homeschooling through the unexpected:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Adjust

If you’re not already flexible, difficult seasons will cause you to become that way.

• Simplify your schedule and don’t overcomplicate. Allow yourself to be at rest.
• Focus on the essentials: reading, writing, and arithmetic are vital every day. But if science experiments or art help bring a bit of happiness, then bring on the mess!
• Let some things go for now. Cut anything out that creates undue stress on your family instead of joy and peace.

2. Lean Into Grace, Not Guilt

Remember, His grace is sufficient in our weaknesses.

• Let go of your expectations. Not everything you set out to do at the beginning of the year will get done. And that’s okay!
• Trust that your love and presence matter more than perfect lessons and checking all the boxes.
• Believe that God’s grace is enough. He will get your family through this.

3. Use Suffering as a Teachable Moment

Suffering teaches us so much more than good times ever will.

• Let your children see you trusting God. Let them learn that their heavenly Father is the Source of everything we need.
• Instead of shielding the hard things from your kids, talk openly about relying on God and having faith in tough circumstances.
• If you don’t already pray together as a family, now is a great time to start! Take prayer requests and pray for each other every day.

4. Rely on Others to Help

Don’t forget God created us for community, even now.

• Reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, or family member when you need a supportive ear to listen.
• Allow others to help shoulder the task of teaching a subject or two while you enjoy an hour of downtime.
• Learn to accept help and generosity from others. What a blessing it is for them to give, and also for you to receive.

5. Keep the Eternal Perspective

Hard times won’t last forever, but the seeds you plant in your children’s lives will.

• Focus on hearts, not just academics. Be that listening ear to a child who longs for stability.
• Give ample time for just being together as a family. Reading on the couch, family game nights, and simply spending quality time together around the table are important.
• Trust that God is working all things together for your family’s good and for His glory.

How have you learned to rely on God through hardships while homeschooling? Please leave a comment below!

And if this post encouraged you, consider sharing with a fellow homeschooler. 😊

Thank you for stopping by the Becoming Diligent blog! Stick around for more homeschool posts:

Anna De Lay

I am a wife, homeschool mom, musician, and songwriter; but most importantly, I am a daughter of the King. My heart’s desire is to draw closer to God and bring other people with me! Truly, there is no greater joy.