Why Our Homeschool Curriculum Choices are Stressing Us Out

Here’s why you are stressed out by your homeschool curriculum, and what you can do to fix that stress once and for all!

We can all agree there is a massive amount of homeschooling information out there, but as we explore the reasons and solutions to paralyzing information overload, we have to consider why this whole curriculum-choosing thing stresses us out in the first place.

To read the entire Homeschool Information Overload series, START HERE.

Why is choosing homeschool curriculum so difficult?

#1 – We want the best for our kids.  This is at the top of the list for a reason…because I truly believe this is the #1 reason we stress over our homeschooling choices.  We are looking for the perfect curriculum for our kids.  Because we are good parents who love our children deeply, we are desperate to give them the “perfect” education.

We want them to have fond memories of their homeschool years.  We don’t want any of them falling behind or falling through the cracks.  We want our love for our children to shine through, even in our curriculum choices.

#2 – We are fearful.  This is a close second.  Because of that deep love for our children, we are terribly afraid of making the wrong choice.  We worry that choosing the wrong curriculum will cause our children irreparable harm.

#3 – We value [too much] other people’s opinions.  We seek opinion after opinion, hoping that our unofficial “poll” will give us clear results.

Just for a second or two consider whose opinions *should* matter.  Are you consulting them?

#4 – We don’t know who to trust.  One of the best and worst things the internet has done for homeschooling is giving us instant access to other people’s homeschools.  

We find a positive curriculum review on one site and decide it is the best curriculum for our family, only to turn around and find another site with a bad review of the product, leaving us confused.  We find ourselves caught in the middle, reeling from indecision because we don’t know who to trust…and we most definitely do not trust ourselves.

#5 – Everything sounds fun, interesting, well-rounded, etc.  You went to the Charlotte Mason workshop at your local homeschool convention.  Then, you went to the Classical workshop.  You talked to your Unschooling mom friend.  You pinned a million Unit Studies to your Pinterest board.  

You love them all!

Surely you must pick a certain method in order to be a legitimate homeschooler.  But, how in the world can you pick just one?

#6 – We don’t want to waste money or time.  Most homeschool families are working within a budget…and a tight one at that.  One false move and we’re sunk.  Not to mention all the time we may lose if we have to backtrack or start over with something new.

We want to eliminate that risk upfront, thus making choosing homeschool curriculum that much more of a daunting task!

READ >> Homeschooling & the Three Year Learning Curve

#7 – We don’t know how long to hang on.  We bought this great curriculum that came highly recommended, but it doesn’t seem to be working.  Yet, we hang on and hang on, wondering if it’s the curriculum or us.  We are terrified of quitting and terrified of continuing on.

#8 – Our children are all so different!  The moment we thought we had this homeschooling thing figured out, we had a child who broke the mold.  Nothing works with him.

How do you stop homeschool curriculum stress?

Honestly, this post could go on forever.  There are as many homeschool stressors as there are homeschoolers.  But, how do we deal with the stress so we aren’t paralyzed by it all?

First of all, we must stop what we are doing and pray.  

Pray for God to reveal where your fears and weaknesses are and what HE wants for your homeschool.  You may need to take time away from your homeschool group, put away the homeschool catalogs, and even shut down the internet for a time.  You must literally turn off the noise.

Secondly, you need to consider your family.  This is a key piece of the puzzle.  I can’t tell you exactly how to do this, but I can give you a few ideas to get you going…

*Imagine your perfect homeschool day.  Don’t be afraid of it.  Simply allow yourself to dream.  This is not the perfect homeschool day according to your next door neighbor, your mom, or some anonymous blogger.  

When does your day begin?  

What subjects do you cover?  

How long does it last?  

Where does it take place?  

What pieces of your homeschool dream make you smile the most?  

Let these ideas marinate a bit while you…

*Consider each of your children.  What are they interested in?  How do they learn best?  How are they motivated?  What would their perfect homeschool day look like?

READ >> Investing in REAL WORLD Homeschooling

*Start pulling together curricula that lines up with who your family is.  Don’t get bogged down trying to make your family fit a mold.  You don’t have to be full-tilt Charlotte Mason to utilize some of her methodologies.  You don’t have to be 100% Classical education to find the benefit from it.  Pick and choose pieces that fit your dream and fit your family.

*Recognize (and embrace) your season.  If you are in a season of lots of littles, you might need something simple like Five in a Row.  If you are down with morning sickness, focus on audiobooks and workbooks.  

Don’t feel guilty for the season you are in and limitations you are facing.  Instead, embrace them!  God has you here for a reason.  Stop wishing for different circumstances and find joy and peace right where you are.

Lastly, deal with your stressors – in faith.  Satan will use our fears and worries against us at every opportunity.  It keeps our eyes off Christ and on ourselves.  

Recognize what things stress you out about homeschooling and curriculum choices and face them head on with a firm faith that your homeschool is built on the Rock.

What God calls you to, He will equip you for.  

He’s got this, mama!  Rest easy.

To read the entire Homeschool Information Overload series, START HERE.

originally published in February 2015, updated in March 2022