11 Thoughts for Homeschooling Struggling Children

(From a Family Who's Been There, Done That, and Maybe Bought the T-shirt)

If you called me up and asked for help with your struggling kiddo, these are the questions I'd be tossing your way over a mug of coffee and a whole lot of cheering you on.

As you read this list, skip whatever doesn't apply—and if you still feel stuck, reach out. We're here for you!

  1. First Things First: What Do You Mean by "Struggling"? Is he stomping his foot because it's school time (been there)? Or crying over math? Or still mystified by phonics at 10? Each needs a different game plan!
  2. Be a Detective. Is every visual task tough? Time for an eye exam.
    Struggling with phonics? Maybe a hearing check. We've seen grumpy kids turn into joyful ones when tummy aches, sleep issues, or even hidden anxiety are resolved. Sometimes, the real problem isn't math—it's magnesium. (Nope, we're not about to sell you supplements, promise.)
  3. Repeat After Me: Reps Are Our Friends. Sometimes, brains just need more practice laps. If one math page doesn't stick, try two. If reading isn't clicking, rewind and start with a different program. The rerun might be just what his brain needs.
  4. Memory Check. Ask your child to repeat random letters or numbers (like "7, A, Y, 2") back to you. Suppose he can't remember about seven items by age 7+. Ding ding! We just found a clue.
  5. Sometimes You Gotta Back It Up. Sure, you could power through 5th-grade math by explaining every step six times... OR you could roll back a level, build real confidence, and zoom forward without the tears. Your call—but we vote for the second one.
  6. Check the Motivation Meter. Is the struggle real... or is the reward too boring? Some kids need extra carrots. (And no, not the crunchy kind.) New stickers, extra snuggle time, a dance party when a page gets finished? Big motivation = big results.
  7. Supercharge Their Learning Styles. Does he need to hear it again? Record the lesson! Does she need to touch it? Bring out the blocks! Study the wins. Copy the wins. Repeat the wins.
  8. Make Smart Workarounds. If your kid's brain moves faster than their handwriting, let them type! If sitting still is the issue, maybe a bounce break on the trampoline between lessons is exactly what the doctor (and your sanity) ordered.
  9. Bring Out the Timer. Timers are our secret weapon. Visual timers = more focus, less drama. Set it, race it, beat it, celebrate it. Lose to the timer? No biggie—practice round!
  10. Build Character Like It's Your Job. Brains are great. Character is greater. Teach them: They are more than their grades. They have gifts (yes, even if it's building Legos with their toes). Their gifts are for serving others. Raise a humble hero, not just a high scorer.
  11. Chill. Seriously. It doesn't matter if your child reads fluently at 2 or 12. You're on your child's timeline, not the internet's. Also: farming, swimming, volunteering, building forts... It all counts as real learning, pinky promise. And hey—some of our own best test scores happened after a year where school looked more like real life than textbooks. Go figure.

Bottom Line:

Love the child you have.

Laugh a lot.

Learn together.

And don't panic—you've got this.

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