6 Things You Can Do When Your Curriculum Just Isn’t Working
I know from experience—this time of year, you might be feeling frustrated or even a little defeated. You’ve finally admitted it:
The curriculum you picked just isn’t working. Now, you have to figure out what to try next. Or maybe you have done everything under the sun to make your curriculum choice work, and you know that you have to go with something else, or both you and your child will lose their minds!
I’ve been there.
I’ve bought that math program… or the spelling book… or the science curriculum that I was sure would be the magic solution—only to realize a few weeks in that it just wasn’t a good fit.
I remember switching from the math curriculum we’d used for years because I wasn’t confident teaching the higher levels anymore. I thought something new might make it easier. Spoiler alert: It didn’t. It left my daughter even more confused.
There I was, sitting next to her for over an hour every day, both of us trying to make sense of each lesson. I’d spent good money on that program, and instead of saving time, it was costing me more. It certainly wasn’t helping either of us enjoy the learning process.
Eight weeks in, we ditched it and went back to our original math curriculum. And you know what? It didn’t matter how much I spent—it just wasn’t worth the daily frustration and tears.
Maybe you feel the same way.
You did your research. You read the reviews. You asked in the Facebook groups and listened to all the advice. You thought you found the one.
But then reality hit, and now the kids aren’t enjoying it. You aren’t enjoying it. And it’s just not working the way you hoped.
So… what now?
When your homeschool curriculum isn’t working, don’t panic. It’s not the end of your homeschool year—it’s just a bump in the road.
Here are six things you can do to turn things around:
1. Try Using It Differently
Sometimes it’s not the curriculum—it’s how we’re using it.
Tweak the lesson plans. Skip the busywork. Add your own flair.
Use extra resources to fill in the gaps or make it more engaging. You’re the boss of your homeschool—there’s no rule saying you have to follow every single page to the letter. Dr Carol Brown, with Equippingminds, helped us through working memory issues with one of our daughters, says that it is almost always the way you are using the curriculum, not the curriculum itself. You, the teacher can tweak it all you want!
2. Ask for Help
Reach out….. Seriously.
There’s a whole world of homeschool parents (including me!) who’ve been through this. Post in a group, message a friend, or email someone who’s walked this path. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
3. Check Your Routine
Sometimes the problem isn’t the curriculum—it’s the timing.
Maybe your child just isn’t in the right headspace at that time of day. Try moving that subject to mid-morning when they’re fresh or after lunch when they’re more relaxed. Every kid has their rhythm. Perhaps you need to move the subject to the next semester or year when their school load is lighter or the mind can grasp the content better.
4. Take a Break
Step away.
Give it a few days—or even a week—and come back with fresh eyes. Sometimes, a little space is all it takes to approach things differently (and more peacefully). A time out, even for mom can be the best answer!
5. Sell It or Return It
Check the return policy—some companies are understanding.
If a return isn’t an option, try reselling it. You might not get all your money back, but at least it’s not sitting on the shelf collecting dust. Someone else might love it!
6. Try Something New
If you’ve truly given it your best shot and it’s still not working— let it go.
Trying something new isn’t giving up. It’s adapting.
And that’s one of the most powerful things about homeschooling. You’re allowed to pivot.
Not sure where to start looking? That’s exactly why I host the Homeschooling Teens Curriculum & Resources Fair every year. You’ll get to browse curriculum from 16+ vendors, hear directly from the companies that make it, and snag exclusive discounts—all without leaving your couch.
It’s the easiest way to find your next “yes” without hours of Google rabbit holes. Get a email reminder when the Fair begins here
You have options.
And that’s the beauty of homeschooling—it’s flexible, personal, and never set in stone.
Homeschooling is a journey, not a straight path.
Sometimes, you take a wrong turn or get off track. That’s okay.
What matters is that you notice, recalibrate, and keep going.
You’ve got this, Mama!
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Enjoying the journey,
~Michelle
English 
