When the Winter Blahs Hit Your Homeschool (Especially With Older Kids)
February can often feel like the longest month of the year, even though it’s the shortest. I used to feel like this when my kids were little, but even still with middle and high schoolers, it’s still true! By mid-winter, the shine of the new year has worn off, the daylight is short, motivation is low, and everything can start to feel very–meh. I often wonder what I’m doing wrong in February, but I’m here to tell you, it’s just wintertime and this is normal.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not failing either. It’s not time to throw in the towel, it’s just time to reframe a little bit. If your kids are older, they’re feeling the demand of school growing too while the days are still dark, cold, and unmotivating. You AND your kids need a little pick-me-up this time of year…
Here are a few gentle, practical ways to reset without abandoning everything!
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Loosen the Structure a Bit
My older students (and myself too!) don’t need more pressure in winter, we actually need a little breathing room. This might look like:
- Switching to a more relaxed weekly rhythm instead of strict daily checklists
- Allowing independent work later in the day when energy is higher
- Combining subjects (literature + writing or history + literature)
A small release of pressure can restore motivation really quick.
Change the Scenery
Teenagers and tweens (and me!) feel monotony deeply. Try:
- One subject done at the coffee shop, library, or by the fire
- Audiobooks instead of regular reading aloud
- Set up desks somewhere out of the ordinary–like by the fire or in the den
Focus on Discussion
When motivation is low, consider pulling back on written work a bit and focus more on:
- Narration
- Discussion
- Oral summaries
These are all still excellent ways to know your child is learning. It doesn’t all have to be written down on paper.
Add Something Lifegiving
Winter is a great time to add something cozy and nourishing.
- A new read aloud (yes, even for the teens!)
- A low-pressure elective like art, music, poetry
- Time for independent reading
Things like this help me remember learning isn’t just checking things off.
Release the Pressure
It’s ok to tell your kids that homeschooling in winter is kind of hard. It’s ok that they know you have a more difficult time too. Just say it out loud and you’ll see how it releases the pressure for everyone. I think my kids sometimes worry that their lack of motivation is making me angry, but the truth is, I’m feeling the same! So just voicing that we’re all feeling the same way helps a lot I think.
It’s Just a Season
Snuggle in, friend, and know that spring is coming. Don’t make any big decisions right now. Your homeschool is just fine, it’s just winter!
A Note to the Homeschool Mom in Winter…
If winter is feeling long, you probably need a reset too. I recently posted some ideas on Instagram, and I’ll share them here too.
A few simple things:
- Rearrange the living room. Can make everything feel fresh and new.
- Organize one small area. A drawer, a shelf, the school cart, just something quick and contained. This always helps my momentum!
- Buy a new plant. There’s something about bringing life into the house in the dead of winter that genuinely lifts the mood.
- Use a happy light. Especially during dark mornings, a light can make a noticeable difference in energy and focus.
- Go to the tanning bed. I started going this winter and it’s made a huge difference!
- Start a puzzle. These are so fun in the early, dark evenings.
- Bake for a neighbor. Wrap up a loaf of bread in a pretty towel and you will brighten someone’s day!
- Simplify your dinners. It is TOTALLY fine if you have more simple dinners right now. Soups, sheet pan suppers, and a few easy family favorites is a great template.
- Take Epsom salt baths. These help me relax so much in the evenings and I sleep better too.
Even the smallest shifts can help a wintery mood. Hang in there, spring is coming!