September 10, 2025 – When Mom Is Crying: What to Do When Overwhelmed

Mercy Every Minute

Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

I Can’t Do This Anymore!

We just dropped our daughter off for college in another state. All parents who have done this understand the tears that are held in until traveling home. A very universal and understandable reason to cry. 

There are also days where something minor happens and the tears flow. In those cases, there is usually an underlying pile up of exhaustion, stress, frustration, or painful relationship issues. It is so good to know that God knows our frame and hears our cries of distress. He comforts our deepest hearts like no one else can.

Then there are those tears that stem from the thought, “I can’t do this anymore!” Whatever led us to this place, we need to lead ourselves to the throne of God for help in that exact time of need. Look at this powerful verse:

“I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me” (Psalm 57:2). 

When I can’t, God can! God performs all things for me! No person on this earth can do that. Not our spouses or closest friends. He performs it all. Don’t cry out to anyone else before you cry out to the Lord. 

Be careful of allowing feelings to dictate actions. Some stop homeschooling because of these fickle feelings, allowing their convictions to become clouded by their tears. 

Cry, then dry your eyes and let the first thing they see be the Word of God—that is where our minds are renewed (transformed) and we will be able to discern the will of God (Romans 12). We lay our feelings down at the foot of the Cross and take other thoughts captive unto obedience. Obedience should trump feelings every time. 

My children are secure in knowing I will continue doing the right thing whether I feel like it or not. I want them to be obedient no matter how they feel, so I cannot be the example of someone who gives up. 

When those tears come, let the children see you go to Jesus. Cast all your care on Him, and then rejoice in His care for you. Stand up and stand on His promises. Perfect peace comes from a mind purposely stayed on God and His Word.

“Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee” (Isaiah 26:3). 

Cry out to God. He hears. Let Him perform all things for you as you keep them Home. Where They Belong.

~Deborah 

When Forever Wasn’t  by Gena Suarez is a beautiful reminder of the permanency of God when all around us falls apart.

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Experience Elita Brown’s heartfelt journey in This Seat’s Saved and The Disappearing Seat. Perfect for middle-grade girls navigating friendship, faith, and belonging. 

Kristen Heider

Tears at the Kitchen Table

Have you ever found yourself in tears right in the middle of a homeschool day? I have. Sometimes it’s the mountain of laundry, the endless math problems, or just the sheer weight of trying to keep all the plates spinning. The truth is—those tears are a signal. It’s time to pause and take a breath.

First, I ask myself: What really has to be done today? Not everything on my list is essential. Often, the most important things are loving my kids well and pointing them to Jesus. The rest can wait.

Then I check what I’ve let slip for myself. Have I skipped my quiet time in the Word? Have I put off reading, laughing, or doing something that refreshes my soul? Even something as simple as a good story, a walk outside, or yes—even a favorite video game—can reset my heart.

I also ask: What’s adding to the stress? Maybe I need to let go of an expectation—or maybe I need to ask for help. That’s not weakness. It’s wisdom.

And when the tears come, I hold on to this promise: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Friend, His arms are always open—even at the kitchen table.

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About the author

Kristen is a housewife and mother to three, having worked at a national park site, a metropolitan zoo, and as a history teacher. Kristen blogs at A Mom’s Quest to Teach, where she relates her family’s learning experiences. Her site is a regular column, covering elements of teaching, crafting, and all the roller coaster rides that entail being a mom.

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Roger Smith

Plan for Tears

Homeschool mamas are hardest on themselves. Dreams of having an inspired learner are often dashed upon the days of distraction, and disinterest. Today, I read great advice in a newsletter of the Nevada Homeschool Association. “Plan for it.”

The article suggested planning days or weeks into the homeschool calendar for fun breaks from academic work to accommodate refreshing field trips, explorations, or brain breaks. Those scheduled breaks can be shifted forward or backward on the calendar as needed.

Include the kids in planning the activities even weeks ahead of their occurrence. Maybe it can be the carrot you use to get something completed without shouting or threatening. Include another family or two in the planning when possible. 

Twenty-five years ago, we planned to visit a major art exhibit in Dallas with three other families upon completion of some art appreciation instruction by one of the mamas, who was an art teacher. Going to an art exhibit may not sound like fun, but a trip with friends does.

The “teachers” enjoyed the trip most, but we all returned to our routines with smiles.

Plan for treats to turn tears into smiles.

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About the author

Dr. Roger Smith is a family doctor in rural Louisiana, where he and his wife, Jan, raised four adventurous children who are all grown, making their own mark in the world. He speaks and writes on parenting issues and produces brief videos that can be found on Facebook @ParentingMattersNow.

Stacy Farrell

HomeschoolAdventure.com

Navigating Grief as a Homeschool Mom

Although we are privileged to homeschool our children, teaching can be tough, even on the best of days. But when grief strikes . . .

• the death of a loved one
• a dreaded call from the doctor
• a broken relationship

. . . teaching can feel nearly impossible. 

How do we press on?

Grief is deeply personal, and every family’s journey looks different, but there are a few practices that can offer comfort and guidance:

Step Outside

Depression can sneak up on you. Watch for it. Be sensitive to your needs and those of your children. 

If the weight of sadness begins to feel unbearable, step outside—talk a walk, go for a drive, or visit loved ones who are able to be with you just as you are.

Ask for Help

Though grief can make you feel isolated, you are not alone. The world is filled with hurting people. And those who love you want to help . . . but may not know how. 

Be honest about your needs—it’s okay to ask for help.

Conserve Energy

Slow down. Build margin into your days. Receive the grace you need to rest and heal.

In the space of this column, I can only share a few suggestions that I hope will be helpful, but you’ll find a more detailed discussion of how to homeschool through heartbreak here.

Sending up a prayer for you right now . . .

His love,

Stacy 

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About the author

Surprised by Jesus, Stacy went from an unmarried, childless, thirty-something career woman to a Christ-following wife of more than thirty years with two sons she homeschooled K-12.

Author of more than twenty books—including the award-winning Philosophy Adventure and Food Prep Guide: A Plan for Money-Saving, Self-Sustaining Abundance in Hard Times—she loves to equip and encourage homeschool families. Visit her at HomeschoolAdventure.com and at FoodPrepGuide.com.

Even superheroes feel overwhelmed. Remember, you’re not alone. SchoolhouseTeachers.com offers Just for Parents planning tools, community support, and stress‑reducing resources to help you regroup and refocus. Because when mom is supported, the whole homeschool thrives.

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