Rough Day, Homeschool Mama?

Audio By Carbonatix

Rough day? Oh mama, I understand. Wouldn’t it be nice if life—and homeschooling—was easier? If the math didn’t bring tears, the toddler didn’t unravel the entire toilet paper roll, and dinner didn’t depend on thawing that forgotten chicken breast? The truth is that rough days happen. And for homeschool families, sometimes they feel like they happen more often than not.

But there’s hope. There’s grace. There’s a God who walks with us through it all.

Here are my favorite ways to walk through the hard with purpose, even on the days when I want to throw in the towel (or at least throw on a pair of noise-canceling headphones).

1. Prayer – First, Last, Always

I don’t know where I’d be without prayer. Honestly, I don’t. Throughout the day I find myself whispering, “Please help me, Lord. Give me strength. Give me wisdom. Give me patience.”

I also reach out to my prayer circle. I’ll text a trusted friend: “Rough morning. Attitude battles. Please pray.” And I always make space for their requests, too. God designed us for community, and prayer connects us in powerful ways.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” —Philippians 4:6

2. Perspective – Lift Your Eyes

I used to think a rough day was a messy kitchen and forgotten phonics. But then I met Danielle.

She was a teen mom who had aged out of foster care and came to our support group one Tuesday evening. No parents. No support system. Her eyes lit up when she heard we were getting matching t-shirts—because it meant she belonged.

Perspective changed me.

My adopted daughters, too, have taught me what true hardship looks like. Medical trauma. Emotional scars. Years in the foster system without a consistent adult to advocate for them.

And now they’re mine.

When I remember their stories—and God’s hand in writing them—I stop sweating the spilled milk and start thanking Him for the full cup.

3. Purpose – Root Yourself in God’s Why

Homeschooling isn’t about perfect transcripts or pristine lesson plans. It’s about discipleship. It’s about shaping hearts, not just minds.

When my focus is on raising children who love God, love others, and seek truth, the fog of frustration lifts. I remember why I started this in the first place: not for gold stars or spelling bees, but to walk hand-in-hand with my children toward heaven.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” —Isaiah 26:3

4. Rest Without Guilt

Some days just need to end early. It’s okay to call a homeschool “half-day” and turn on the audio Bible while snuggling under blankets. Jesus napped in a storm—we can rest too.

5. Write Down a Win

Even the toughest days hold a small victory. A kind word between siblings. A breakthrough in handwriting. A genuine hug. Write it down and thank God for it.

6. Step Outside

Fresh air is God’s reset button. Take a walk. Lay on a blanket and count clouds. Bring the read-aloud to the front porch. Nature heals what walls contain.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” —Psalm 19:1

7. Simplify Everything

Too many curriculum switches, projects, or appointments? Scale back. One math lesson, one chapter, one kind conversation. That’s enough. Really.

8. Invite Your Kids into Prayer

Don’t hide your rough day—model surrender. “Hey, can we pray together? Mommy’s struggling.” Let them see you run to Jesus first.

9. Speak Life Aloud

Declare truth over your homeschool, even when you don’t feel it:

• “God chose me to be their mom.”
• “We are growing—even on hard days.”
• “God’s mercies are new every morning.”

10. End with Connection, Not Correction

At bedtime, put aside the day’s missteps. Rub backs, read stories, and remind your child (and yourself): Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Not even messy handwriting or meltdowns at math time.

A Prayer for the Rough Homeschool Day

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for walking with me through the hard days. When the house is loud, my heart is heavy, and the to-do list mocks me—remind me to come to You.
Help me to see my children the way You do: as treasured souls in need of grace, not perfect students.
Give me the strength to press on, the perspective to remember Your purpose, and the joy to laugh, even in the chaos.
Most of all, let my kids see You in me. In my gentleness. In my repentance. In my unwavering love.
Thank You that You never leave me alone in this calling. I trust You to fill in the gaps.
Amen.

Homeschool mama, the rough days don’t define you. The faithfulness you show in the midst of them—that’s what leaves a legacy.

You’re not alone. Keep going. You’ve got this… because God’s got you.

Love,
Tricia Goyer 🩷

Additional Resources

Looking for more parenting tips? Check out Faith that Sticks!

The preteen years can be perilous. More than ever kids are bombarded with messages that threaten their emotional health, spiritual growth, and faith. And while the market is flooded with resources for raising children, it’s remarkably scarce on help for navigating difficult preteen days. Parents can feel alone and at a loss as to how to connect with and guide their growing kids.

In Faith That Sticks, Tricia Goyer and Leslie Nunnery share five real-life discipleship building blocks for raising preteens. The book’s five key areas—prayer, Bible reading, family relationships, conversation, and service—provide a clear roadmap for parents who feel overwhelmed or unequipped. Using personal stories and examples, Tricia and Leslie’s relatable experiences acknowledge that while the journey isn’t always easy, it’s always worth it.