As parents and homeschoolers, we often hear that our children’s energy, moods, and enthusiasm are deeply influenced by our own. It’s true: our kids feed off our energy, whether we’re aware of it or not. If we’re excited and engaged in the learning process, chances are, they’ll be excited too. But what happens when we’re tired, stressed, or simply not feeling it? The energy can shift, and suddenly, our homeschool days feel like a drag, rather than an exciting adventure.
But here’s the good news: we don’t need to be “on” all the time to make learning enjoyable. It’s not about constantly being the over-the-top teacher, dressing up as a history character, or turning every lesson into an elaborate production (though these things can certainly be fun when the mood strikes!). Instead, it’s about the energy we bring to the table, the way we approach learning, and how we engage with our kids throughout the day.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how your energy directly impacts your child’s learning experience and share some practical tips to help bring more joy and enthusiasm into your homeschool routine—even on the tough days.
- The Power of Your Energy in the Learning Environment
Have you ever noticed how, when you’re enthusiastic and eager to teach, your child picks up on that energy? When you exude excitement for a lesson, whether it’s a science experiment or a read-aloud, your child will likely mirror that enthusiasm. They’ll lean in, ask questions, and be more engaged. On the flip side, when you’re stressed or disengaged, your child may feel the same way—leading to frustration, resistance, or disinterest.
Your energy is like a magnet. It sets the tone for the day and creates an atmosphere that can either foster excitement or drag down motivation. But here’s the secret: it’s okay to not be energetic 100% of the time. We all have days where we’re just not feeling it. The key is finding ways to tap into our inner joy, even when it feels hard.
Practical Tip: Start your homeschool days with a positive routine or ritual that sets a good tone. Maybe it’s a quick dance party, a funny greeting, or a silly song. This doesn’t need to be long or elaborate—just a simple, joyful start can help shift everyone’s mood and set a fun, energetic tone for the day.
- It’s Not About Perfection: Embrace the Balance of Serious and Silly
Let’s be real: homeschooling can sometimes feel like a juggling act. You’re managing lesson plans, trying to keep your kids on task, and finding time to balance all of life’s responsibilities. It can be easy to get caught up in the “serious” side of homeschooling—the to-do lists, the deadlines, and the structure.
But here’s the thing: learning doesn’t have to be all seriousness and no fun! We need to embrace the balance of serious and silly. The beauty of homeschooling is that it’s flexible, and that flexibility gives us permission to step outside the box. You don’t have to make every lesson feel like an academic lecture. In fact, some of the most impactful moments come when you break away from the structure and get a little goofy.
Practical Tip: Give yourself permission to have a “silly” day every now and then. Challenge yourself to tap into your inner child and join your kids in their play. Dress up as a character from their favorite book, have an Opposite Day where everyone speaks backwards or does things differently (e.g., write with your non-dominant hand), or bring out the pillows for a spontaneous indoor fort-building session. These moments of silliness break up the monotony of schoolwork and show your kids that learning can be fun and full of surprises.
- Make Learning Feel Like Play: Connect With Your Child on Their Level
Kids are naturally curious, imaginative, and playful. They learn best when they’re having fun, and often, their best moments of discovery happen when they’re immersed in play. So why not tap into that natural energy and make learning feel more like play?
You don’t have to be a professional actor or teacher to bring joy into your lessons. Sometimes, it’s as simple as getting on the floor and engaging in a hands-on activity that speaks to your child’s interests. Whether you’re building with blocks, exploring nature, or acting out a science experiment, connecting with your child at their level shows them that learning is a shared experience. It’s not just about you “teaching” them—it’s about you both learning together.
Practical Tip: If your child is particularly active or playful, consider incorporating more movement-based activities into your lessons. For example, act out historical events, perform science experiments, or even turn math problems into a dance or scavenger hunt. When you meet your child where they are and infuse some movement and playfulness, the learning process becomes more engaging and enjoyable for both of you.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Step Out of the Routine
Sometimes, the best way to reignite enthusiasm is by stepping out of the usual routine. Homeschooling often has a rhythm, but occasionally breaking that rhythm can make learning feel fresh and exciting. This could mean spending the day outdoors, tackling a new and unfamiliar project, or exploring a subject in a completely different way.
A change of scenery or a new approach can help re-energize both you and your child, breaking up the monotony and reminding everyone that learning can be an adventure.
Practical Tip: Plan a “field trip” day—even if it’s just a visit to the backyard or a walk around your neighborhood. Explore a new topic or hobby that excites both of you. If you’ve been learning about the solar system, spend the day making crafts, watching videos, and pretending to be astronauts. If you’ve been studying plants, head to a local garden or park to explore nature up close. Breaking away from the traditional school day helps keep everyone’s energy high and the learning fun.
- Model a Positive Attitude Toward Learning
One of the most powerful things we can do for our kids is model a positive attitude toward learning. This doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, or that we should always be excited about every single lesson. What it does mean is that we approach learning with curiosity and a growth mindset.
When we show our children that we value learning, even if it’s challenging or requires hard work, they will internalize that attitude and carry it with them. When we encounter obstacles, we have the opportunity to demonstrate how to problem-solve, learn from mistakes, and stay positive.
Practical Tip: When you’re faced with a challenging moment—whether it’s a lesson that’s not going as planned or a day when you’re feeling drained—model resilience for your child. Acknowledge that things can be tough, but show them that learning is a process and that you’re willing to stick with it. Share a personal story of something you’ve learned or accomplished through perseverance to help them see that learning is a lifelong journey.
Embrace the Joy of Learning Together
Homeschooling is a shared experience, and your energy has the power to shape how your child engages with learning. When you approach your homeschool days with excitement, curiosity, and joy, your child is more likely to mirror that energy. And while we all have off days, it’s important to find ways to inject fun and play into your routine to keep things fresh and exciting.
This week, challenge yourself to tap into your inner child. Dress up, get on the floor and play, make it Opposite Day, or just balance out your serious with silly. By doing so, you’ll not only bring more joy into your homeschooling days but also model the importance of curiosity, creativity, and a positive attitude toward learning for your child.
Learning doesn’t have to be drudgery—it can be fun, exciting, and full of discovery. Embrace the silliness, and watch your child’s love for learning grow!