Home educating is a beautiful, rewarding journey but it’s also demanding, intense, and often lonely. If you’ve found yourself snapping at your kids, or feeling like you’ve lost all joy in your days together, you might be facing burnout. Home education (homeschool) burnout to be precise!

You are not alone. It’s common and doesn’t mean you’re failing. This post explores causes and ways to cope, so you can recover your spark.

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What Is Home Education/Homeschool Burnout?

It’s is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwhelm from home responsibilities.

It can feel like:

• Constant fatigue, even after rest
• Losing motivation or excitement about learning
• Wanting to quit or questioning your decision

If this feels familiar, it’s a sign your mind and body are asking you to slow down and reset. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad mum.

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Causes of Home Education/Homeschool Burnout

Understanding the causes of burnout can help you prevent or recover from it.

Unrealistic Expectations

Trying to be the “perfect” home educating mum can quickly drain your energy. If you expect every day to be productive and joyful, reality will feel like failure. Your home is a home and doesnt need to be aesthetically pleaseing, tidy or Pinterest worthy.

Lack of Personal Time

Home educating often consumes your days, evenings, and even your thoughts. It can leave little space to rest and recharge.

Social Isolation

Spending most of your time with children can be deeply fulfilling but also lonely. Lack of adult connection can lead to feeling cut off and unsupported.

Teaching Multiple Children

Balancing different learning styles, ages, and needs is exhausting. It’s easy to spread yourself too thin and feel like you’re not doing enough for anyone.

Constant Pressure to “Get It Right”

Worrying about your child’s future or feeling judged by others can create relentless stress that wears you down.

In my book Against The Grain – The Journey & Journals of a Home Educator you can read how I learnt to manage the causes myself.

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Signs and Symptoms of Home Ed Burnout

Recognising burnout in any area of life helps you address it before it deepens into depression.

Look for signs like:

• Irritability or resentment towards being the primary care giver.
• Resentment or feelings of overwhelm juggling home responsibilities and home education
• Emotional numbness or frequent crying
• Feeling lonely or cut off from others
• Persistent fatigue, headaches, or tension
• Avoiding lessons or cutting corners out of sheer exhaustion
• Feeling guilt, shame, or hopelessness about home educating/homeschooling

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Coping Strategies for Homeschool Burnout

Here’s how to cope with homeschool burnout and begin the healing process.

Prioritise Self-Care Without Guilt

Your wellbeing matters. Try:

• A quiet morning ritual before the kids wake up
• Regular exercise or gentle movement
• Going to bed earlier and keeping a consistent sleep routine
• Asking your partner or family to help with chores or childcare
• Speak with your children and family about establishing a set time each day for you that is uninterrupted.

Reset Your Expectations

Let go of perfection and focus on connection.

• If you use one, maybe try a lighter curriculum for a season
• Embrace interest-led, child-led learning or unschooling
• Remind yourself your child’s education is a long journey, not a race

Build a Support Network

You don’t have to do this alone.

• Join a home Ed/homeschool co-op or local group
• Meet with another mum or dad weekly for coffee and support
• Join online forums or social media groups for connection and encouragement
• Ask close family members to visit or plan a day trip and ask them to accompany you and your children

Take Planned Breaks

A “pause” isn’t failure!

• Schedule mental health days for you and your kids. Take a week off. Rest, go outside and play. Reset your energy levels.
• Shake up your schedule. Learning doesn’t have to happen between 9am and 3pm! Try slower mornings and later evenings or visa versa.
• Let go of the School Term/Holiday Timetable. Instead, take up learning year-round and then have more regular breaks as and when you need them…GUILT FREE!
• Take days off in the week and study on weekends if this suits your family life better.
• Take time to reflect on what’s working and what’s draining you. Make small, manageable changes.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If burnout has led to anxiety, depression, or feelings of hopelessness, speak to your GP or a therapist. Asking for support is always a sign of strength.

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Preventing Burnout in the Future

Once you’re recovering, set yourself up to stay well:

• Build in breaks and be flexible. Remember, home education is yours to shape.
• Regularly evaluate your routine and adjust it when needed
• Celebrate small wins and milestones
• Keep talking. Share how you’re feeling with your partner, family or friends. Don’t be afraid to reach out to like-minded parents on Facebook groups or forums for support.
• Keep space in your week just for you

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Final Thoughts

You are doing something deeply meaningful and extraordinary for your children. Your worth is not measured by perfect days or perfect lessons.

Be gentle with yourself, take small steps toward rest, and trust that joy can return. You are still the right mum for this job — and you’re not alone on this journey.

(For a lighter, quick-read companion piece, you can also read my post on rest and being a better home educating/homeschooling mum.)

© 2025 Juliette Proffitt ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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