Being Flexible in Your Homeschool: Knowing When (and How) to Pivot
As we settle into the school year, this is a great time to check in and see how things are going. Maybe you kicked off with a plan you were excited about—a curriculum you thought would be a perfect fit, a schedule that seemed doable, and goals that felt just right. But now, a few months in, you might be finding that something isn’t quite clicking. Maybe lessons are dragging, your child is losing interest, or your family’s schedule feels like it's taken over your life.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. One of the best things about homeschooling is the freedom to adapt, and sometimes, that means scrapping the plan and trying a new approach. Here’s how you can recognize when it’s time to make a change—and how to do it without feeling like you’ve failed.
Recognizing When It’s Time for a Change
1. Your Child Is Frustrated or Disengaged If your child used to show excitement about learning but now seems bored, distracted, or frustrated during lessons, it might be a sign that your approach isn't working. Learning should be challenging but not overwhelming, engaging but not exhausting. If your child is regularly dreading school time, that’s a clear signal to step back and reassess.
2. The Routine Feels Too Rigid Routine is important, but if your schedule has become too tight or overly structured, it can drain the joy out of learning. Maybe you’re finding that there’s no time for spontaneous play, creative projects, or even just to take a break. If you and your child are feeling like you’re just going through the motions, it’s time to rethink your rhythm.
3. Curriculum Doesn't Match Your Child’s Learning Style Not all kids learn the same way. If your curriculum is heavy on workbook exercises but your child learns best by doing, you’re likely to see a lack of engagement or comprehension. Pay attention to how your child responds to different activities and notice where they shine.
4. You’re Feeling Overwhelmed and Burnt Out Homeschooling can be a big task, and sometimes the demands we place on ourselves can be unrealistic. If you find yourself feeling constantly stressed, it might be because you’re trying to stick too rigidly to a plan that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Being flexible means giving yourself the grace to change course if something isn’t working.
Steps to Finding a New Approach
1. Identify What’s Not Working Before you can make changes, you need to figure out what exactly isn't working. Are the lessons too long? Too short? Is your child struggling with the material, or is it not challenging enough? Maybe the issue isn’t the curriculum itself but how it’s being presented. Take a few days to observe and make note of where you see the most resistance or struggle.
2. Ask for Feedback from Your Child Your child is at the center of this journey, and they should have a voice in it. Involve them in the process of figuring out what’s not working and what they might need instead. This helps them feel empowered and also teaches them to articulate their feelings and preferences—a skill that’s valuable far beyond their homeschooling years. You could start by asking open-ended questions like, “What do you like about our school time?” or “Is there anything you wish we did differently?” Some children may need help processing their feelings, so encourage them to think about moments when they felt excited, confused, or bored, and what those feelings might mean.
3. Reflect on Your Child’s Interests and Learning Style What lights your child up? Are there particular activities, topics, or ways of learning that seem to make them come alive? You can adapt your approach to play to these strengths. For instance, if your child loves stories, find ways to incorporate more storytelling into lessons. If they’re naturally curious about nature, weave science lessons into outdoor exploration.
4. Be Open to Trying Different Resources Don’t be afraid to explore new resources. There are countless educational tools out there—online courses, hands-on kits, educational games, group classes, and more. You might find that a new resource brings a spark of excitement back to your child’s learning. Sometimes, a small change can make a huge difference.
5. Make Room for Flexibility in Your Schedule Adjusting your daily or weekly routine can bring more balance to your homeschool. Instead of sticking to a traditional 8-3 school day, consider a more fluid schedule that allows time for breaks, play, and creativity. Give your child (and yourself!) permission to explore topics deeply, or take time off from a subject that feels overwhelming.
It’s Okay to Pivot
Switching gears doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re paying attention. Homeschooling is not about sticking rigidly to a plan; it’s about creating an environment where your child can learn and thrive. That means adjusting, adapting, and sometimes even starting fresh.
Remember, every homeschooling journey is unique, and there’s no one right way to do it. Be open to trying new things, embrace creativity, and trust that you know your child better than anyone else. You have the freedom to make changes, experiment, and figure out what works best for your family.
Homeschooling is a journey of discovery for both you and your child. When you approach it with a flexible, curious mindset, you can create a learning experience that’s joyful, meaningful, and truly tailored to who your child is.