Navigating Difficult Homeschool
Seasons & Loving Our Littles
A Guest Post by Kristin Dahman
Three Things We Learn While Raising Children
1. It goes by faster than anyone warns you about.
2. There are so many moments we wish we could go back and change.
3. Even after all these years, we’re still learning and experiencing new firsts as mothers.
Even if your children are grown—or if you’re raising bigs and littles at the same time—it might be your first time parenting adults, your first time sending off new drivers, your first time launching children into the workforce or college, or your first time parenting through the fluctuating hormones of pregnancy, postpartum, PMS, or perimenopause.
If you find yourself in a season of firsts, even after years of motherhood, know this: you are not alone.
Slow and Intentional Days
We were very fortunate to have slow, intentional days in the early years of our homeschool journey. We read every book list we could find, every Five in a Row title—and then we found The Peaceful Press. Or perhaps The Peaceful Press found us. From there, we began our journey reading across the U.S. with The Playful Pioneers, through Europe with The Kind Kingdom, around the world with The Precious People, and back again—and we haven’t stopped since.
Helping Littles Listen During Read-Alouds
Sometimes reading aloud to our little ones can feel frustrating when we just want them to sit still and listen. Over the years, I’ve found that keeping their hands busy helps their minds stay focused. A few ideas that have worked well in our home:
• Let them play with play dough or modeling clay
• Have them do copywork while you read
• Offer a snack—sometimes they’re simply hungry!
• Bring out paints, paper, and water for art time
• Encourage a simple handcraft like knitting, weaving, whittling, sewing, rolling beeswax candles, or needle felting.
Just because they aren’t sitting perfectly still doesn’t mean they aren’t listening. It’s amazing what they retain when their hands are busy and their bellies are full.
The Early Years with The Peaceful Preschool
When our youngest two were little, we added The Peaceful Preschool. They were eager to have their own schoolwork alongside their older siblings. Each morning, while the big kids finished their chores, the littles and I would snuggle up and read what became some of our favorite books.
Their cups were full before the day began, and they joyfully continued tracing letters in sand, forming them with clay, and following glitter-glued letters with their little fingers. I often wish I’d had The Peaceful Preschool from the very beginning—it was such a joy to spend those tender moments with them.
Rhythms and Routines
Our days with The Peaceful Press were filled with painting, tea time, and reading aloud on picnic blankets. We sang hymns, read devotions, and hid scripture in our hearts.
To protect the slow rhythm of our home, I set aside one day each week for errands. It wasn’t a hard rule, but it allowed for unrushed days filled with eye contact, laughter, and storytelling. Children thrive on routine—and so do we.
But before I paint too perfect a picture, let me be honest: there were plenty of moments when I questioned whether I was doing the right thing, whether I was capable of providing a “proper education,” or whether others were right to doubt our choices.
What has held me fast through those moments is this truth: the Lord called us to it. That’s enough.
Equipped by God
“Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
— Hebrews 13:20–21
Sisters, there is nothing we do by our own strength. It is the Lord who calls us, carries us, and sustains us—every step of the way.
When God Uses Our Grief
The most tangible proof of God’s sustaining grace came through our son, born in 2013. We named him Isaac Christian. At the time, we had four children under six. The Lord prompted me to wake early and meet Him in the quiet before they rose.
Morning by morning, He placed a desire in my heart for another child. Though the world would say our family was already full, God had a plan. After much prayer and obedience, He blessed us with another son—Isaac. But this child we would carry in our hearts, not in our arms.
At 24 weeks, Isaac was born still and silent.
Twelve years have passed, and I still see the space where he would be standing among his siblings. I still wonder which brother he’d resemble or if he’d have a look all of his own. He is dearly missed and deeply loved. But I know he is in the nearer presence of Jesus, and that nothing is wasted in God’s hands.
Finding Hope After Loss
Two weeks after his passing, I sat in a random church parking lot in the pouring rain, wrestling with God. I yelled at Him for taking my son—the one we had named Isaac, like the son of Abraham whom God spared.
I found it ironic that his name meant “laughter,” because I thought I would never laugh again.
But a year later, our family pulled into that same church parking lot to attend worship, Bible study, and children’s ministry. My husband and I were baptized there. God used our son Isaac to lead us home.
Today, three of our children work in that same church. I’m attending a class called Grieving with Hope all these years later and our family has joined a community group. I found my smile—and laughter—again too.
God wastes nothing. He uses it all for our good and His glory.
Walking Through Hard Seasons
Loss comes in many forms—grief, job loss, dreams deferred. Whatever grief we face, life around us keeps turning. Parenting through sorrow is hard, but God is faithful.
What helped me through that season:
1. Prayer
2. Being in the Word
3. Time in nature
4. Snuggling and listening to audiobooks or watching wholesome movies with my children
5. Leaning into help when it was offered
Helpful supports during difficult seasons:
• Stay rooted in a Bible-teaching church
• Seek biblical counseling
• Find a support group
• Offer grace to yourself and your children as you all process grief
And if you’re not currently walking through hardship—be the hands and feet of Jesus for someone who is.
Practical ways to help a grieving family:
• Pray
• Bring a meal
• Offer to clean or babysit
• Send gift cards for groceries or restaurants
• Ask about their loved one; let them talk
• Remember special dates (birthdays, anniversaries)
• Simply sit with them
Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Love
The world tells us to be “boss babes” and “super moms.” But at the end of the day, we are simply sinners in need of a Savior—and so are our children.
Be still, and know that He is God. He provides the stillness we crave.
William Martin in his poem
‘Do Not Ask Your Children to Strive’ said this…
Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is the way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples, and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.
Let’s not miss the wonder of ordinary days. Childhood passes in the blink of an eye. Walk barefoot in the grass. Spin until you’re dizzy. Collect nature treasures. Laugh together. These moments are the curriculum of the heart.
“Babies Don’t Keep”
Ruth Hulburt Hamilton’s poem Song for a Fifth Child reminds us:
Oh, cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
But children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby. Babies don’t keep.
It’s a tug-of-war between chores and connection—but more often than not, choose connection. Choose joy. The rest will take care of itself.
True Self-Care for Mamas
The world preaches self-care in the form of girls’ trips, drinking wine every night, and indulgence. But lasting rest comes from the Lord. We must care for our bodies and souls as His temple—so that what overflows from us reflects Him.
Christ-centered self-care for mothers:
• Be in the Word. Even one verse can anchor your day. Let your children see you reading and treasuring Scripture.
• Be in prayer. Talk with God throughout your day—in the quiet, in the chaos, in the small routines.
• Drink water. (Add lemon, sea salt, and minerals for electrolytes!)
• Take vitamins. Support your changing body with what it needs.
• Ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Train your children to help, communicate with your spouse about shared responsibilities, and stay connected to a Bible-believing church. We are one body with many members—stronger together.
Cherish Each Day
As we navigate life’s seasons and pour into our children—big and small—remember to cherish each day. Homeschooling is a gift that allows us time: time to explore creation, bake together, read beautiful books, and even walk through hard seasons together.
God wastes nothing. He uses it all—for our good, and for His glory.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What inspired this post about navigating difficult homeschool seasons?
This post was written to encourage mamas who may feel weary or uncertain in their homeschool journey and to remind them that God equips and sustains us—even in seasons of struggle or change.
2. What is The Peaceful Press and how does it support homeschool families?
The Peaceful Press offers literature-rich, faith-based resources that nurture connection, curiosity, and a love for learning through gentle, family-centered rhythms and meaningful books.
3. Which Peaceful Press guides were mentioned in this story?
Kristin shares how her family used The Playful Pioneers, The Kind Kingdom, The Precious People, and The Peaceful Preschool—each helping them explore history, geography, and faith together through living books and hands-on activities. You can find the links to each in the blog post.
4. How can I help my little ones listen better during read-aloud time?
Keeping little hands busy often helps! Try play dough, painting, coloring, or simple handcrafts like knitting or rolling beeswax candles while reading aloud.
5. What is the best way to maintain peaceful homeschool rhythms?
Kristin recommends setting aside one day for errands or outside commitments, keeping home days calm and predictable, and protecting time for slow mornings, tea time, and connection.
6. How do I find peace or purpose when I feel overwhelmed in motherhood or homeschooling?
Return to prayer, Scripture, and community. Remember that God called you to this season and promises to equip you for it (Hebrews 13:20–21).
7. How can I support a family walking through grief or hardship?
Be present and practical—pray for them, bring meals, offer childcare, remember meaningful dates, and listen without rushing them through their pain.
8. What does Christ-centered self-care look like for moms?
True rest comes from time with the Lord. Be in the Word, stay hydrated and nourished, care for your body, and lean on your community for help and encouragement.
9. What if my homeschool doesn’t look “perfect”?
Perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. Even ordinary, imperfect days are sacred opportunities for growth, laughter, and grace.
10. How can I hold onto joy in the midst of changing seasons?
Slow down. Choose connection over perfection. Walk barefoot in the grass, laugh with your children, and remember: these ordinary moments are the curriculum of the heart.