Rebuilding Connection and Restoring Joy in Learning When Life Gets Hard

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By Tricia Goyer

I’ve been in those hard seasons—the kind where your plans get turned upside down, where life feels like survival mode, and the idea of keeping up with homeschooling feels overwhelming. Maybe it’s a health crisis, a move, the end of a relationship, or simply a year that has knocked you flat.

I want you to hear me on this: this season doesn’t have to be about “catching up” in the world’s eyes. It can be about rebuilding connection, restoring joy in learning, and helping everyone’s hearts heal.

As Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” You’re not walking this road alone—God is with you every step.

Here are some practical, grace-filled steps that have worked for me and my family during difficult times.

1. Begin with Connection Before Curriculum

In hard seasons, the heart work comes before the book work.

• Spend the first couple of weeks just reading aloud together—pick stories that make you laugh, spark curiosity, or remind you of God’s goodness.
• Go for walks, bake bread, snuggle on the couch, or simply talk about your day.

These aren’t “wasted days.” They’re the bridge that rebuilds trust and helps your children feel safe. Proverbs 24:3 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” This kind of connection is the wisdom that will hold your homeschool together.

2. Follow Their Interests

Kids lean in when learning feels personal.

• If they love animals, let science be about habitats and God’s intricate design in creation.
• If they love trucks, use hauling and building to teach math and problem-solving.
• Let them ask questions, and chase those rabbit trails together.

I’ve learned over the years that when curiosity is the spark, learning becomes something they run toward—not something you have to push them into.

3. Start Small with Core Skills

Some days, less really is more.

• Aim for 20–30 minutes a day for reading/writing and the same for math.
• Use free resources like Khan Academy, ReadWorks, or your local library’s reading programs.

When I first started homeschooling in a hard season, I had to let go of the picture-perfect plan in my head. God reminded me of Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Little steps add up to big progress.

4. Keep It Simple and Consistent

Your homeschool doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Try a loose daily rhythm like this:

1. Morning read-aloud time
2. Short math lesson or practice sheet
3. Interest-based activity (art, science, cooking, building)

Even 2–3 hours of intentional learning is plenty—especially in a “reset” year. Consistency over time matters more than long, exhausting days.

5. Make It a Season of Healing for You, Too

You’re the heart of your home. If you’re running on empty, everything else feels harder.

• Give yourself permission to rest and recover.
• Ask for help—from other homeschool moms, your church family, or local support groups.
• Remember, God never called you to do this in your own strength.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” - Isaiah 40:29 

Lean into Him—He will give you the strength you need for each day.

Healing Season Read-Aloud List

Here are some of my favorite read-alouds for families in a rebuilding season. These books not only entertain, but also encourage faith, spark conversation, and remind us that beauty can grow from hard places.

1. Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor – A child-friendly version of a Christian classic that encourages perseverance and trust in God.
2. The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum – A WWII story of faith, courage, and hope, even in dark times.
3. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo – A warm, healing story about unexpected friendships and finding joy after loss.
4. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser – A charming family story about working together to overcome challenges.
5. Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John – A redemptive story of forgiveness and God’s power to heal broken relationships.
6. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan – Gentle storytelling about love, trust, and the building of a family.
7. Missionary Stories with the Millers by Mildred A. Martin – Inspiring true stories of God’s faithfulness around the world.
8. The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill – A teacher’s love transforms a rural community and shows the beauty of learning together.
9. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes – A short but powerful story about kindness, empathy, and speaking up for others.
10. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren – Lighthearted fun to remind kids (and us!) that joy and laughter are powerful healers.

Encouragement for the Moms: Connection and Joy

Friend, you’ve already done the hardest thing—you’ve chosen to keep moving forward. Start small, keep your eyes on Jesus, and celebrate progress over perfection.

Homeschooling after a hard year isn’t just about catching up academically—it’s about creating a safe, joyful, Christ-centered space where your children can grow in knowledge, faith, and resilience.

Let this be the year your home becomes a place of healing, laughter, and learning—together.

Additional Resources

Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom

How can a work-at-home mom raise kids, juggle a career and take care of family responsibilities with only 24-hour days? Working at home while raising kids and juggling a career and family responsibilities is no easy feat.

Balanced helps work-at-home moms learn:

—how to create focus themes for your family
—how to prioritize your schedule
—how to utilize your job so it also benefits your kids
—how to keep yourself out of the comparison game
—how to make working at home work for you
—and much more!

Get your copy here!