Winter can be a difficult time for homeschool moms. Which makes it a difficult time for homeschoolers. Stuck inside because it’s cold, sickness can visit, there’s not enough sunlight, and the kids can get whiny with mom and with each other. It also seems like January is when so-so curriculum you thought “if we can just make it till June, we will get something better for next year” decides that it is going to get worse, and then you have little Susie revolting and burning her math book over the candle you light for quiet time. *Sigh*

While that may be a bit dramatic, winter can be a difficult time for families. So mom (tired, restless, pale mom), here are 5 things to help you survive the Winter blahs and hopefully even enjoy them!

Keep your favorite hot beverage at home.

A treat and some quiet time while the kids are relegated to the school room or outside for some snow/cold exercise time can really do wonders for quieting a whirling and stressed out mind. I love having Starbucks Via at home. It’s an easy way to get some yummy escape time and have a moment of mom indulgence, too. I’m also a big fan of Republic of Tea. They have a flavor for everyone, even the kiddos, and sometimes we all just need to feel special and Tea Time can work wonders!

Create something new.

Sometimes it is finding a new hobby. Craftsy is amazing for that. I’m about to start a new class on mixed media with ink and watercolors! They have cake decorating, sewing, knitting, cooking and a lot of other artsy things. YouTube can be a great resource, too! Whatever piques your interest, carve out some time and make something. A scarf, a painting, a flower arrangement, a refinished chair, a melt in your mouth mousse, whatever it is enjoy each step in the process. It is a beautiful thing to try something new and to enjoy the process even if your creation doesn’t turn out quite like you planned.

The bonus: It reminds you to enjoy the process of cultivating able minded, godly, unique young people.

 

Splurge on a book for your heart.

Indulge yourself with something uplifting, helpful, or challenging. I have a big reading list for this year (that’s a post all on its own). Some of my favorites from above are Radical Hospitality, Desperate, and The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Romance. When you spend time refilling your pitcher, you will have more to pour out for your family. Don’t let yourself run dry!

Make a fun craft with your kids.

Make birdseed cakes and watch the birds from your window. Make LEGO robots or cars and have competitions. Take a break from your routine and just have fun! Make a mess, sing a song, have a dance party, or declare your own special “make a pizza from scratch” holiday but take a day to just enjoy each other. Besides a fun activity, I bet you’ll make some great memories, too!

Relive a favorite vacation by pulling out photographs.

Pull our your albums or scrapbooks (have you seen Project Life kits and albums yet?!?) and start remembering the warm days of summer. The beach or mountains, or that amazing RV trip. Have the kiddos jump in if you want and soon there will be lots of laughter and those winter blahs won’t stand a chance!

If you want some other ideas for encouragement and refreshment, check out the Homeschool for Mom board on Pinterest!

Don’t forget to visit all the other great posts for surviving the winter blahs at iHomeschool Network!