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Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast

Author: Teresa Wiedrick

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A Homeschool Mom Podcast to Build Confidence & ClarityNavigate the real challenges of homeschooling with mindset strategies, perspective shifts, and practical support tailored for homeschool moms. In this podcast, we tackle the emotional and mental load of homeschooling—perfectionism, doubt, overwhelm, and all the human feels—so you can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently. Join Teresa Wiedrick, a seasoned homeschool mom and life coach, as she helps you shed what’s not working, set boundaries, manage stress, and cultivate a homeschool life that aligns with your values.Because when you get clear on your homeschool, you get clearer on who you are. And you can show up in your homeschool (& life) authentically, purposefully, and confidently.🔔 Subscribe now for new episodes!
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Welcome to the newly renamed Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast! In this foundational episode, host, graduated homeschool mom, and Certified Life Coach, Teresa Wiedrick, introduces a transformative concept that will guide the entire year ahead: the 1% pivot—a simple approach to building lasting confidence in your homeschool journey. Prefer to read? Scroll down for the full episode summary and timeline. What You’ll Learn in This Episode of the Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast Teresa opens up about her personal journey from overwhelm, perfectionism, and the weight of societal expectations to discovering peace and presence through small, intentional shifts. She explains how these “1% pivots”—tiny, doable changes—can help you build genuine confidence, release unnecessary pressure, and create a life that feels aligned and fulfilling. How Small Changes Create Big Results for Homeschool Moms This episode sets the stage for a year-long journey of monthly themes, each designed to help you make incremental changes that compound into significant transformation. Teresa invites you to reflect on your own challenges and commit to one small pivot each month, proving that sustainable change doesn’t require perfection—just consistency. Ready to Go Deeper? Work With Teresa Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session I help homeschool moms release pressure, edit expectations, and make small, intentional shifts that lead to a more confident and connected homeschool life. Book a Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Join the Confident Homeschool Mom Community You’ll also learn about resources available to support you, including the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective and the book club newsletter, creating a community where you can grow alongside other homeschool moms on the same journey toward greater confidence. Episode Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Rebranding 00:38 The Journey to Confidence 02:33 Teresa’s Homeschooling Experience 03:29 The Power of 1% Pivots 05:47 Common Challenges for Homeschool Moms 09:40 Monthly Focus and Practical Shifts 18:22 Invitation to Join the Community 19:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Listen Now Ready to make your first 1% pivot? Press play on this episode of the Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast and let’s begin this journey together. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Confident Homeschool Mom Collective Book Club Newsletter Episodes on the Confident Homeschool Mom Life How to Homeschool Middle School with Confidence The Helpful Homeschool Mom’s Guide To Intentional Living Can I Homeschool My Child? 9 Simple Steps to Confidently Start the Journey 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 Facebook Instagram Pinterest Linkedin YouTube Latest episodes you might also enjoy: The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Human Development for Homeschool Moms: Realistic High School Expectations October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom’s Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Spark Natural Learning August 19, 2025 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) August 13, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 5 Challenges Working Homeschool Moms Face—And How to Overcome Them August 5, 2025 How to Manage Overstimulation as a Homeschool Mom July 30, 2025 Reclaim You: Rediscover Life Beyond the Homeschool Mom Role July 22, 2025 A Summer Reset for Homeschool Moms: The Secret to a More Peaceful Year Ahead July 15, 2025 How to Help Reluctant Writers: Julie Bogart on Homeschool Writing July 7, 2025 7 Ways Brené Rescued Me from One of those Homeschool Days June 30, 2025 Morning Affirmations for Homeschool Mama: A Simple Practice for You to Parent with Intention June 24, 2025 5 Overlooked Mistakes That Are Stressing You Out as a Homeschool Mom (& How to Fix Them) June 18, 2025 The Soul School Way: Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Voices for Homeschool Families June 3, 2025 Sibling Bickering in Homeschool Families: What’s Normal & How to Handle It May 27, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundaries: 6 Truths That Will Set You Free May 20, 2025 How the Mother Wound Affects Homeschool Moms—and How to Break Free May 12, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundary Issues? You’re Not Doing This… May 6, 2025 How to Deschool as a Homeschool Mom and Rediscover Your Identity April 30, 2025 How my story of deschooling brought more freedom & purpose April 22, 2025 How to Know if Deschooling is Right for You: 7 Signs you Need to Deschool April 13, 2025 Why Do You Want to Deschool? Understanding Why it Matters April 11, 2025 Is My Homeschooler Behind? The Truth About Learning at Their Own Pace April 1, 2025 A Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Purposeful Living March 25, 2025 10 Simple Steps to the Homeschool Life (& Live it on Purpose) March 17, 2025 The Three Lies Homeschool Moms Tell Themselves March 11, 2025 The Myth of the Perfect Homeschool: 3 Common Challenges March 5, 2025 Tired of Homeschool Sibling Fights? Try These 3 Simple Strategies! March 4, 2025 11 Powerful Affirmations Every Homeschool Mom Needs to Hear February 25, 2025 6 Homeschool Burnout Signs that Suggest You Need to Try Something New February 18, 2025 7 Red Flags That Say You Need Homeschool Wellness Coaching—Before Burnout Hits February 12, 2025 How to Motivate Your Homeschool Child toward Curiosity & Independence February 4, 2025 How I Learned to Build Healthy Relationships in My Homeschool Family (And How You Can Too) January 27, 2025 Subscribe to the Homeschool Mama Self-Care podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify
Re-Envision Your Homeschool: Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026 By my eighth year of homeschooling, something really began to shift for me. Every year between Christmas and New Year’s, I would set aside a few days for purpose-driven homeschool planning for 2026—reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and what actually mattered. I was paying more attention to the atmosphere, the relationships, and each person’s unique strengths and interests. Over time, I was asking better questions, and that reflection became less about overhauling our homeschool and more about recalibrating it. I began to approach our homeschool as a purpose-driven homeschool—not something to perfect, but something that could be adjusted thoughtfully, one small shift at a time. I learned to focus on what mattered and let go of what didn’t. At the same time, I was letting go of who I thought I was supposed to be as a homeschool mom and growing into who I actually was. That combination—reflection, self-trust, and permission to be imperfect—was the most life-changing personal work. It’s not a coincidence that around year eight, my confidence began to soar. Confidence didn’t come from getting it all right. It came from trusting myself, aligning our homeschool with our values, and allowing both my kids and myself to evolve. That’s also why, for the past five years, I’ve offered a re-envisioning and planning workshop for homeschool moms. Because we need to pause long enough to realign our intentions for ourselves, our kids, our relationships, and our life vision. Re-Envision My Homeschool for 2026 Why Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning Matters Every year, I talk to homeschool moms who say the same thing at this year: “I need to shake things up.” Not because last year was all bad—but because what once felt like the right approach doesn’t quite fit anymore. Sometimes what moms really want is to recalibrate and figure out what truly matters. They wonder if they need a new curriculum, when often the real question isn’t the curriculum itself. It’s how it’s being used, whether it still fits this season, or whether everyone simply needs a break. Sometimes the recalibration is about assessing whether the environment you’ve created is actually conducive to engagement. Every mom wants a motivated child, and every mom will eventually have at least one child who isn’t motivated at all. Motivation is tricky. We’re all unmotivated at times—that’s just being human. But sometimes a small environmental shift can make learning feel more supportive and energized. Often, we don’t need to overhaul everything. We just need to recalibrate. How to Reflect and Recalibrate Your Homeschool for 2026 In this episode, I walk through the kind of reflection we’ll do together inside the Re-Envision 2026 workshop. We’ll look at: What went well this past year What actually worked for your kids Where engagement was high Where it wasn’t What you’re genuinely looking forward to What drained you This reflection gives you information—about your kids, your homeschool environment, your energy, your needs, and your relationships. When you understand what worked and what didn’t, you stop guessing and begin planning with intention. Creating a “You” Plan for a Purpose-Driven Homeschool One of the core ideas of this workshop is simple: You are the most important element in your purpose-driven homeschool. If you want a calm, confident, present homeschool mom at the center of your home, your wellness cannot be optional. During the workshop, we will: Clarify what wellness strategies you need in the upcoming season Create a personalized burnout prevention plan Identify what support actually helps you stay regulated, focused, and present This is about creating a sustainable homeschool life—especially as we move into the post-Christmas slump season. Child-Inspired Learning & Engagement in a Purpose-Driven Homeschool We’ll also explore: How your kids engaged this past year Where resistance showed up How to lean more fully into child-inspired learning How to enable a more motivated, calm, engaged environment This isn’t about forcing motivation. It’s about noticing patterns and responding intentionally with the next right step for each of your kids. Tools and Assessments to Support Your Purpose-Driven Homeschool During the workshop, you’ll work through: A self-awareness assessment A homeschool assessment A wellness assessment You’ll also receive: The Homeschool Mom Vision Planner The Wellness Journal for Homeschool Mamas These tools are designed to help you stay connected, be more present, and revisit your vision throughout the year—not just during one workshop. 2026 Homeschool Mom Vision Planner Start your homeschool year with clarity and confidence using the 2026 Homeschool Mom Vision Planner. This thoughtfully designed planner includes reflective prompts, practical tools, and space to align your homeschooling journey with your personal growth and family goals. Plan with purpose and create a year filled with joy and intention! $14.99 Original price was: $14.99.$12.99Current price is: $12.99. Shop now Join the Re-Envision 2026 Workshop Re-Envision 2026: Recalibrate Your Homeschool📅 Saturday, December 27th⏱ 2-hour live group coaching workshop💵 $57 USD👥 Only 8 seats available This is a live, interactive session where you’ll receive personal coaching during the workshop and personal feedback afterward. You’ll also have space to connect with other homeschool moms. One participant shared: “There were some real ‘slap in the face’ moments during my assessment. I realized where I had abandoned myself. This vision planner was incredibly helpful—those simple prompts brought so much clarity.” Reserve My Spot for Re-Envision 2026 Your Invitation If you don’t want to drift into the new year, slump through February, and if you want a purpose-driven homeschool that aligns your home education approach, your relationships, and your well-being, I would love to have you join me. People also ask: Are you ready to re-envision your homeschool life in 2025? A fall homeschool assessment: 9 things I’ve learned Put YOU at the Heart of Your 2025 Homeschool! 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life Re-Envision Your 2025 Homeschool: A 5-Day Vision Challenge Homeschool Moms Teresa Wiedrick I help overwhelmed homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset session Latest episodes The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Human Development for Homeschool Moms: Realistic High School Expectations October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom’s Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Spark Natural Learning August 19, 2025 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) August 13, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 5 Challenges Working Homeschool Moms Face—And How to Overcome Them August 5, 2025 How to Manage Overstimulation as a Homeschool Mom July 30, 2025 Reclaim You: Rediscover Life Beyond the Homeschool Mom Role July 22, 2025 A Summer Reset for Homeschool Moms: The Secret to a More Peaceful Year Ahead July 15, 2025 How to Help Reluctant Writers: Julie Bogart on Homeschool Writing July 7, 2025 7 Ways Brené Rescued Me from One of those Homeschool Days June 30, 2025 Morning Affirmations for Homeschool Mama: A Simple Practice for You to Parent with Intention June 24, 2025 5 Overlooked Mistakes That Are Stressing You Out as a Homeschool Mom (& How to Fix Them) June 18, 2025 The Soul School Way: Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Voices for Homeschool Families June 3, 2025 Sibling Bickering in Homeschool Families: What’s Normal & How to Handle It May 27, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundaries: 6 Truths That Will Set You Free May 20, 2025 How the Mother Wound Affects Homeschool Moms—and How to Break Free May 12, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundary Issues? You’re Not Doing This… May 6, 2025 How to Deschool as a Homeschool Mom and Rediscover Your Identity April 30, 2025 How my story of deschooling brought more freedom & purpose April 22, 2025 How to Know if Deschooling is Right for You: 7 Signs you Nee
If you’re a homeschool mom, you’ve likely discovered that overwhelm doesn’t arrive all at once. It accumulates — quietly, subtly — through pressure, self-doubt, unmet needs, and the belief that you’re supposed to carry it all without complaint. In this episode, I’m sharing Days 7–12 of the twelve things I’ve learned about homeschool moms — insights shaped by my own journey and by years of walking alongside women who are longing for a more calm homeschool life while doing this brave, demanding, deeply meaningful work. You probably won’t relate to every single one of these. But I’m willing to bet you’ll recognize at least two or three — possibly more. You don’t need a total overhaul to create a calm homeschool life. All you need are 1% shifts — small, compassionate adjustments that bring you back into alignment with yourself. Let’s walk through them. Join the 12-Day Self-Care Challenge for Homeschool Moms What a Calm Homeschool Life Really Requires (Lessons from Days 7–12) These days explore what happens when overwhelm becomes internalized — when exhaustion, self-doubt, and constant carrying begin to feel like personal failure instead of a signal that something needs care and support. Day 7: “I don’t have boundaries — because it feels mean or selfish to have them.” Many homeschool moms are deeply generous, relationally attuned, and willing to sacrifice — sometimes at the expense of their own well-being. But a calm homeschool life cannot exist without boundaries. Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re containers. They protect your energy, your attention, and your emotional availability. When you begin to notice where you’re overriding your limits, you create space for more presence — not less. Every one of these six things isn’t a sign that you’re doing homeschooling wrong—they’re signs that you’re human and have been carrying more than anyone was meant to carry alone. Day 8: “I feel like I’m failing… even though I’m trying so hard.” This belief shows up when effort isn’t matched with sustainability. Overwhelm often masquerades as failure, but it’s usually a signal — not a verdict. It tells us something needs to be adjusted, not abandoned. A calm homeschool life doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from releasing unrealistic expectations and redefining what “enough” actually means. https://youtu.be/yWbXNQfbnUk The Inner Work Behind a Calm Homeschool Life These days invite you to slow down decisions made from pressure and urgency, and to remember that a calm homeschool life includes room for discernment, desire, and your own seat at the table. Day 9: “I make decisions from pressure, not peace.” Curriculum choices. Schedules. Social expectations. Outside opinions. When decisions are driven by urgency or fear, calm becomes impossible. But when you pause — even briefly — and ask, “What aligns with us right now?”, you begin making choices that feel grounded instead of reactive. Peace doesn’t require certainty–It requires permission to slow down. Day 10: “I don’t let myself want anything. There’s no room for me.” Many homeschool moms quietly silence their own desires — believing that wanting something for themselves is selfish or impractical. But here’s the truth: A calm homeschool life includes you. Your interests, creativity, curiosity, and growth don’t compete with your children’s needs — they enrich the entire ecosystem of your home. A purposeful mom models what it looks like to live with intention, not resentment. There is room at the table for you. 1% Shifts That Move You Toward a Calm Homeschool Life These days focus on rebuilding self-trust and naming the quiet longing for change — the moment many homeschool moms realize they need a calmer, more supportive way forward. Day 11: “I don’t trust myself… I wait for someone else to tell me what to do.” When you’ve been taught to defer — to experts, authority, or external approval — it’s easy to lose touch with your own inner knowing. But homeschooling asks you to lead from wisdom, not permission. A calm homeschool life emerges when you begin trusting yourself — your discernment, your lived experience, your values — and making choices from integrity rather than fear of getting it wrong. Day 12: “I can’t keep living like this — but I don’t know how to change it.” It’s the point where something in you knows there must be another way — a way home to yourself, to clarity, to sustainability. You don’t need to solve everything at once. You need support, perspective, and small practices that build resilience over time. You need a 1% shift. That’s how calm is cultivated — gently, consistently, compassionately. Creating a Calm Homeschool Life Through 1% Shifts A calm homeschool life isn’t about eliminating challenges; it’s about changing how you meet them. Days 7–12 invite you to notice where pressure, self-doubt, and self-abandonment show up — and to respond with curiosity instead of criticism. If as you listen you find yourself thinking, “I need help making those 1% shifts — but I don’t know where to start,” that’s exactly why I created the 12-Day Self-Care Challenge. It’s gentle, doable support for homeschool moms whose plates are already full — designed to help you move away from overwhelm and toward a homeschool life that actually feels good from the inside out. Join the 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge This is exactly why I created the 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge. It’s not another checklist or performance-based challenge. Instead, it’s twelve small, doable shifts designed to help you come back to yourself with compassion, not pressure. Daily Letters – Thoughtful reflections to help you see your needs clearly. Gentle Reflection Prompts – Uncover the stories you’ve been carrying. Tiny, Doable Practices – Small actions to create real emotional space. As one mom said: “Your work has ripple effects because you’re nurturing the nurturers.” You deserve that same nurture too. Click here to join the 12-Day Self-Care Challenge and start making your own 1% shifts away from overwhelm and toward a homeschool life that feels good from the inside out. Join the 12-Day Self-Care Challenge for Homeschool Moms To the Woman Reading This… If any part of this resonates — if you recognize your own patterns of over-functioning, self-forgetting, or carrying too much — please know you don’t have to walk this alone. Maybe safety felt conditional, or you learned to earn love by meeting everyone else’s needs.Or maybe you’re carrying grief or stories that were never yours to carry. I’ve walked this path too — from losing myself to returning to myself. If you’re ready to step into who you truly are, I’d be honoured to walk beside you. ➤ Learn more about coaching with Teresa here. Book Your Aligned Homeschool Reset Session People also ask: 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Homeschool Moms Create a Practical Plan for your Self-Care so you can Thrive in your Homeschool 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself How to Incorporate Ten Basic Self-Care Tips for the Homeschool Mama Gentle Self-Care Practices for Homeschool Moms: A Way Back to Yourself Check out the Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer book a simple guide to unschooling your holiday homeschool Unlearning People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Holiday Boundaries in 5 Steps Antidote for Holiday Homeschool Overwhelm & Expectations A Vulnerable Story of an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom Journey Introducing the 12 Day Self-Care Strategies for Homeschool Moms Teresa Wiedrick I help overwhelmed homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset session Latest episodes The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Human Development for Homeschool Moms: Realistic High School Expectations October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom’s Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Spark Natural Learning August 19, 2025 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) August 13, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 5 Challenges Working Homeschool Moms Face—And How to Overcome Them August 5, 2025 How to Manage
If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, this episode is for you. In Part 1 of my series, 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms, I share the first six insights I’ve gathered over my years as a homeschool mom, coach, and guide for women just like you. These self-care tips for overwhelmed homeschool moms aren’t rules or prescriptions—they’re real-life reflections from someone who’s walked this path, experienced the overwhelm, and learned how to reclaim herself without abandoning her homeschool dreams. Join the 12-Day Self-Care Challenge for Homeschool Moms What You’ll Learn: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms Every homeschool mom faces invisible challenges, even when things look “perfect” from the outside. In this episode, I dive into the first six things I’ve learned about the homeschool mom experience: You feel like you never get a moment to yourself – The constant “on” mode can leave you disconnected from your own body and needs. No one sees everything you do – From teaching to caregiving to emotional labor, the invisible load is real. You say yes because it feels easier than dealing with disappointment – Learning to say no is a radical act of self-care. You’re emotionally depleted – The overwhelm is rarely about homeschooling itself—it’s about carrying too much without space to reset. You feel guilty resting – Rest isn’t optional; it’s essential for your health, your energy, and your presence in your family. You don’t even know who you are anymore outside motherhood – Reconnecting with yourself is foundational to leading a confident, aligned homeschool life. Every one of these six things isn’t a sign that you’re doing homeschooling wrong—they’re signs that you’re human and have been carrying more than anyone was meant to carry alone. https://youtu.be/yWbXNQfbnUk Why These Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms Matter If any part of this episode made you exhale or think, “oh… that’s me,” consider this your gentle invitation to start tending to yourself with the same care you offer everyone else in your home. Emotional overfunctioning and people-pleasing can follow you into homeschooling, and slowly, you lose not just your energy, but your sense of self. Reclaiming yourself isn’t selfish—it’s foundational. Your kids feel safest when you feel safe. Join the 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge This is exactly why I created the 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge. It’s not another checklist or performance-based challenge. Instead, it’s twelve small, doable shifts designed to help you come back to yourself with compassion, not pressure. Daily Letters – Thoughtful reflections to help you see your needs clearly. Gentle Reflection Prompts – Uncover the stories you’ve been carrying. Tiny, Doable Practices – Small actions to create real emotional space. As one mom said: “Your work has ripple effects because you’re nurturing the nurturers.” You deserve that same nurture too. Click here to join the 12-Day Self-Care Challenge and start making your own 1% shifts away from overwhelm and toward a homeschool life that feels good from the inside out. What’s Next for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms Next week, we’ll continue with Part 2 of this series, where I share six more things I’ve learned about homeschool moms. They go even deeper, and I think you’ll feel just as held, understood, and equipped to make your homeschool life feel lighter and more aligned. Until then, take one moment today just for you—not because it’s earned, but because you need it and you deserve it. Join the 12-Day Self-Care Challenge for Homeschool Moms To the Woman Reading This… If any part of this resonates — if you recognize your own patterns of over-functioning, self-forgetting, or carrying too much — please know you don’t have to walk this alone. Maybe safety felt conditional, or you learned to earn love by meeting everyone else’s needs.Or maybe you’re carrying grief or stories that were never yours to carry. I’ve walked this path too — from losing myself to returning to myself. If you’re ready to step into who you truly are, I’d be honoured to walk beside you. ➤ Learn more about coaching with Teresa here. Bolster Boundaries at the Holidays for Homeschool Moms Introducing the ultimate guide for homeschool moms navigating the holiday whirlwind: the ‘Boundary Bolstering Journaling Workbook.’ Crafted to help you thrive amidst unique seasonal challenges, this 31-page gem offers strategies and thought-provoking journal prompts. Discover how to establish boundaries, clarify needs, and embrace your true self. Make this holiday a time of internal empowerment and joy on your terms! $9.99 Original price was: $9.99.$5.99Current price is: $5.99. Shop now People also ask: Create a Practical Plan for your Self-Care so you can Thrive in your Homeschool 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself How to Incorporate Ten Basic Self-Care Tips for the Homeschool Mama Gentle Self-Care Practices for Homeschool Moms: A Way Back to Yourself Check out the Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer book How do I get a virtual homeschool mama retreat? a simple guide to unschooling your holiday homeschool Access the Toolbox for Big Emotions Journaling Workbook Join the 2024 Homeschool Challenge for Clarity, Confidence & Vision Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Holiday Boundaries in 5 Steps Antidote for Holiday Homeschool Overwhelm & Expectations A Vulnerable Story of an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom Journey Introducing the 12 Day Self-Care Strategies for Homeschool Moms Teresa Wiedrick I help overwhelmed homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset session Latest episodes The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Human Development for Homeschool Moms: Realistic High School Expectations October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom’s Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Spark Natural Learning August 19, 2025 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) August 13, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 5 Challenges Working Homeschool Moms Face—And How to Overcome Them August 5, 2025 How to Manage Overstimulation as a Homeschool Mom July 30, 2025 Reclaim You: Rediscover Life Beyond the Homeschool Mom Role July 22, 2025 A Summer Reset for Homeschool Moms: The Secret to a More Peaceful Year Ahead July 15, 2025 How to Help Reluctant Writers: Julie Bogart on Homeschool Writing July 7, 2025 7 Ways Brené Rescued Me from One of those Homeschool Days June 30, 2025 Morning Affirmations for Homeschool Mama: A Simple Practice for You to Parent with Intention June 24, 2025 5 Overlooked Mistakes That Are Stressing You Out as a Homeschool Mom (& How to Fix Them) June 18, 2025 The Soul School Way: Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Voices for Homeschool Families June 3, 2025 Sibling Bickering in Homeschool Families: What’s Normal & How to Handle It May 27, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundaries: 6 Truths That Will Set You Free May 20, 2025 How the Mother Wound Affects Homeschool Moms—and How to Break Free May 12, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundary Issues? You’re Not Doing This… May 6, 2025 How to Deschool as a Homeschool Mom and Rediscover Your Identity April 30, 2025 How my story of deschooling brought more freedom & purpose April 22, 2025 How to Know if Deschooling is Right for You: 7 Signs you Need to Deschool April 13, 2025 Why Do You Want to Deschool? Understanding Why it Matters April 11, 2025 Is My Homeschooler Behind? The Truth About Learning at Their Own Pace April 1, 2025 A Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Purposeful Living March 25, 2025 10 Simple Steps to the Homeschool Life (& Live it on Purpose) March 17, 2025 The Three Lies Homeschool Moms Tell Themselves March 11, 2025 The Myth of the Perfect Homeschool: 3 Common Challenges March 5, 2025 Tired of Homeschool Sibling Fights? Try These 3 Simple Strategies! March 4, 2025 11 Powerful Affirmations Every Homeschool Mom Needs to Hear February 25, 2025 6 Homeschool Burnout Signs that Suggest You Need to Try Something New
Join Me for the 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge A homeschool mom self-care challenge that honours you. Homeschool mama, I see you. December is here, and it feels like an avalanche of ALL the things.Every month as a homeschool mom is full, but December? It’s a whole new level. You’re trying to finish things up, or you’re moving into a unit study on Christmas, you’re purchasing, prepping, planning, and playing—and you just added a part time-job to your full-time job. But as a homeschool mama, when December rolls around, mama ain’t looking after herself, she’s looking, after ALL the things. And though ALL the things are a whole lot of things EVERY other month, December’s ALL the things is an exponential set of things. Though you’re trying to do all the things, fulfill the expectations, and make it magical for your kids, you can’t do a little bit more if you didn’t already incorporate an approach to maintain margins and pursue purposeful living. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me for the 12-Day Self-Care Challenge for Homeschool Moms. This isn’t another TO DO list. It’s a TO GIVE list—a way to give back to yourself. Join the 12 Day Self-Care Challenge Why Self-Care Matters As homeschool moms, we have a unique calling. We’re deeply present with our kids, invested in their well-being, and working hard to create meaningful memories and learning experiences. We savor moments of: Watching our kids harmoniously play together (sometimes). Cheering them on as they tackle new challenges. Seeing their excitement as they pursue new interests. Building lifelong memories as a family. But there’s another side to this season: The constant stream of emotions (theirs and ours). Sibling squabbles. Complaints and meltdowns. And, of course, the never-ending mundane tasks—laundry, dishes, meals, and errands. Even when we handle these challenges with grace, the emotional and mental investment is enormous. Add the holidays to the mix, and it’s no wonder we feel stretched thin. https://youtu.be/yWbXNQfbnUk The Secret Ingredient to a (more) Peaceful Holiday Season Here’s the thing: you matter too. Your well-being is not just an afterthought—it’s the foundation of a happy family life and a peaceful holiday season. Self-care: Refills your energy so you can approach the holidays with calm and joy. Models healthy balance and boundaries for your children. Helps you manage stress and let go of perfection. Strengthens your emotional resilience to handle challenges with patience and grace. Creates space for joy and presence, helping you savor the small, magical moments. When you care for yourself, you’re giving your family the best gift of all—a peaceful, grounded, and joyful mama. What You’ll Get in the 12-Day Challenge In just fifteen minutes a day—maybe even five—you’ll explore simple, practical self-care strategies that fit into your busy December. These strategies aren’t just for the holidays; they’re tools to carry into the new year, helping you nurture yourself and your family with greater ease and satisfaction. By the end of these 12 days, you’ll feel: More energized. More connected to yourself. And more at peace as you move through this beautiful, busy season. And so we must take care of ourselves. Join the 12 Days of Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge Join Me—You Deserve This So, homeschool mama, this is your invitation to take a breath, step back, and remember that you are worth nurturing. Let’s do this together. This December, give yourself the gift of care, calm, and connection. Join the 12-Day Self-Care Challenge for Homeschool Moms and rediscover the joy of the season—not just for your family, but for you too. Just fifteen minutes a day. You’ve got this. Bolster Boundaries at the Holidays for Homeschool Moms Introducing the ultimate guide for homeschool moms navigating the holiday whirlwind: the ‘Boundary Bolstering Journaling Workbook.’ Crafted to help you thrive amidst unique seasonal challenges, this 31-page gem offers strategies and thought-provoking journal prompts. Discover how to establish boundaries, clarify needs, and embrace your true self. Make this holiday a time of internal empowerment and joy on your terms! $9.99 Original price was: $9.99.$5.99Current price is: $5.99. Shop now People also ask: Create a Practical Plan for your Self-Care so you can Thrive in your Homeschool How to Incorporate Ten Basic Self-Care Tips for the Homeschool Mama Check out the Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer book How do I get a virtual homeschool mama retreat? a simple guide to unschooling your holiday homeschool Access the Toolbox for Big Emotions Journaling Workbook Join the 2024 Homeschool Challenge for Clarity, Confidence & Vision Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Holiday Boundaries in 5 Steps Antidote for Holiday Homeschool Overwhelm & Expectations A Vulnerable Story of an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom Journey Introducing the 12 Day Self-Care Strategies for Homeschool Moms Teresa Wiedrick I help overwhelmed homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book a conversation with with Teresa Latest episodes The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Human Development for Homeschool Moms: Realistic High School Expectations October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom’s Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Spark Natural Learning August 19, 2025 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) August 13, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 5 Challenges Working Homeschool Moms Face—And How to Overcome Them August 5, 2025 How to Manage Overstimulation as a Homeschool Mom July 30, 2025 Reclaim You: Rediscover Life Beyond the Homeschool Mom Role July 22, 2025 A Summer Reset for Homeschool Moms: The Secret to a More Peaceful Year Ahead July 15, 2025 How to Help Reluctant Writers: Julie Bogart on Homeschool Writing July 7, 2025 7 Ways Brené Rescued Me from One of those Homeschool Days June 30, 2025 Morning Affirmations for Homeschool Mama: A Simple Practice for You to Parent with Intention June 24, 2025 5 Overlooked Mistakes That Are Stressing You Out as a Homeschool Mom (& How to Fix Them) June 18, 2025 The Soul School Way: Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Voices for Homeschool Families June 3, 2025 Sibling Bickering in Homeschool Families: What’s Normal & How to Handle It May 27, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundaries: 6 Truths That Will Set You Free May 20, 2025 How the Mother Wound Affects Homeschool Moms—and How to Break Free May 12, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundary Issues? You’re Not Doing This… May 6, 2025 How to Deschool as a Homeschool Mom and Rediscover Your Identity April 30, 2025 How my story of deschooling brought more freedom & purpose April 22, 2025 How to Know if Deschooling is Right for You: 7 Signs you Need to Deschool April 13, 2025 Why Do You Want to Deschool? Understanding Why it Matters April 11, 2025 Is My Homeschooler Behind? The Truth About Learning at Their Own Pace April 1, 2025 A Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Purposeful Living March 25, 2025 10 Simple Steps to the Homeschool Life (& Live it on Purpose) March 17, 2025 The Three Lies Homeschool Moms Tell Themselves March 11, 2025 The Myth of the Perfect Homeschool: 3 Common Challenges March 5, 2025 Tired of Homeschool Sibling Fights? Try These 3 Simple Strategies! March 4, 2025 11 Powerful Affirmations Every Homeschool Mom Needs to Hear February 25, 2025 6 Homeschool Burnout Signs that Suggest You Need to Try Something New February 18, 2025 7 Red Flags That Say You Need Homeschool Wellness Coaching—Before Burnout Hits February 12, 2025 How to Motivate Your Homeschool Child toward Curiosity & Independence February 4, 2025 How I Learned to Build Healthy Relationships in My Homeschool Family (And How You Can Too) January 27, 2025 Subscribe to the Homeschool Mama Self-Care podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify
Introducing the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching Program… What if your homeschool didn’t feel heavy, confusing, or lonely anymore? What if you had clarity, confidence, and a grounded sense of direction — not just for your children’s education, but for your wellbeing too? Welcome to the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching Program — an 8-week guided experience designed to help you shift from overwhelm, self-doubt, and constant second-guessing…to a homeschool life that feels aligned, calm, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving more peace, seeking structure that actually supports you, or wanting to feel like yourself again, this program was created with you in mind. This isn’t about doing more. This is about doing what actually works — for you, for your kids, and for the season you’re in. Grab your free Homeschool Transformation Mini-Course Who This Program Is For? This program is for the homeschool mom who finds herself wondering: “Am I doing enough?” “Is this even working?” “Why am I so overwhelmed when I’m trying so hard?” “Why do I lose my patience more than I want to?” “What is the problem with my relationship with one child feel tense?” “Why does it feel like everyone else is thriving except me?” “And why does it feel like everyone else is thriving except me?” It’s also for the mom who is: carrying the mental load of everyone’s needs exhausted by sibling conflict, pushback, or lack of motivation feeling disconnected from one child — or all of them juggling toddlers, teens, or both tired of doing everything for everyone (and feeling guilty for even thinking that) comparing herself to other homeschoolers online thinking, “Maybe school would be easier…” If any of this sounds like you, you’re not failing — you’re just carrying too much without the support you deserve. That’s where this program comes in. https://youtu.be/4SqoilytT4Q Learn more about the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching Program… What You’ll Gain Through This Reimagine your Homeschool Group Coaching Program Over 8 weeks, you’ll experience a complete homeschool reset that helps you: clarify your purpose so your days feel meaningful, not chaotic understand why overwhelm keeps showing up and how to interrupt it create emotional capacity so you aren’t reacting from exhaustion stop second-guessing yourself and trust your decisions understand each child’s needs, learning style, and rhythm build routines that support your energy and your kids’ growth reduce conflict, power struggles, and frustration bring more joy, curiosity, and connection back into your home You’ll feel more grounded. Your home will feel lighter. Your relationships will soften and strengthen. And you’ll finally feel like the mom you meant to be. What We’ll Do Together in Each Coaching Session SESSION 1 — Root Yourself in Your Vision (R) We begin by uncovering your vision for a calm, connected homeschool — not the one you inherited from school culture or Instagram expectations. You’ll define what success looks like for your family, identify your core values, and build your Homeschool North Star so the second-guessing begins to dissolve. You’ll walk away with:• a clear vision• a values map• a grounded sense of direction you can trust SESSION 2 — Establish Emotional Regulation Tools (E) Overwhelm usually comes from emotional overload. In this session, we build your personalized emotional regulation toolkit so you can respond instead of react. You’ll learn:• practical nervous system resets• what to do in the middle of “big emotional moments”• how to create emotional capacity instead of burnout SESSION 3 — Individualize Your Child’s Education (I) Here we break free from the “school mindset.” We’ll identify your child’s real learning style, their natural interests, and the ways they learn best. You’ll clarify:• what learning actually looks like for your child• what you can drop (without guilt!)• how to build a child-inspired learning plan SESSION 4 — Minimize What Drains You (M) This is the week we lighten your invisible load. We get brutally honest about the shoulds, expectations, and obligations draining your energy — and we prune them. You’ll create:• your “To-Live List” (the opposite of a crushing to-do list)• boundaries that free you• a home + homeschool that feels sustainable instead of suffocating Join the Reimagine your Homeschool Group Coaching Program NOW! SESSION 5 — Acknowledge You Are Already Enough (A) This session is where the “not enough” story starts to lose its power. We uncover the internal pressure, perfectionism, and comparison loops that quietly run your homeschool. You’ll practice:• self-compassion• reframing the inner critic• parenting and homeschooling from wholeness, not performance SESSION 6 — Grow Yourself First (G) Your homeschool rises or falls on your energy. This session helps you make space for rest, joy, creativity, and the parts of you outside motherhood. You’ll learn:• what nourishes you (and what drains you)• how to replenish your emotional reserves• how modeling growth transforms your kids’ learning SESSION 7 — Integrate Sustainable Rhythms (I) Instead of rigid schedules that collapse, we design rhythms that bend without breaking.This is where life starts to feel more easeful. You’ll build:• simple rhythms that match your family’s real energy• clear non-negotiables• flow instead of friction SESSION 8 — Nurture Connections & Trust Your Kids (N) Homeschooling is relational work. Here we focus on strengthening the emotional climate of your home and cultivating more ease with your kids. You’ll explore:• connection-first communication• how to reduce micromanaging and increase trust• how to create a home environment where curiosity thrives SESSION 9 — Evaluate Progress, Not Perfection (E) In our final session, we look at what’s changed — and what’s now possible.We reflect on growth, celebrate wins, and map your next season with confidence. You’ll leave with:• a clear picture of your progress• a simple plan for the months ahead• tools to stay grounded long after the program ends Real Moms Are Already Feeling the Change One mom shared after attending the masterclass: “Oh Teresa. This masterclass was excellent. It felt like a gentle confirmation that I am moving in the right direction with my family, and the prompts helped to bring clarity about my next steps. I purchased your book immediately after I logged out of the Zoom.” This is the kind of clarity, grounding, and relief you’ll experience inside the program — but even deeper and fully supported. What the Program Includes 8 weeks of guided training 8 weeks of live group coaching Video teachings for each core element A printable journal workbook Lifetime access to the course Community support with other homeschool moms Direct coaching with me — Teresa Wiedrick Are You Ready to Reimagine Your Homeschool? If your homeschool life feels heavier than you want it to…And if you crave clarity, confidence, and a calmer home…If you want support not just as a homeschooler, but as a whole person… Then this program was designed for you. You don’t have to keep doing this alone. 💛 Learn more or send me a message at teresawiedrick@outlook.com People also ask: Homeschool Help to Reimagine Your Homeschool Life in 8 Weeks Reimagine Homeschool: Nine Simple Steps to Plan for Confidence & Clarity 6 Hidden Challenges of the Homeschool: Support for Parents 9 Typical Homeschool Mom Boundary Challenges & How to Overcome Them Reimagine Homeschool: Help for the Struggling Homeschool Mom You’re Not Failing—You’re Just Carrying Too Much | Overcome Homeschool Burnout Customized Homeschool Help for Parents that Can Transform your Life How to Homeschool Better (& Why Do you Want to?) Navigate the 2nd-5th Homeschool Years: Challenges and Insights Deschool Action Plan for New (& Stuck) Homeschoolers 6 Game-Changing Ways to Streamline your Homeschool Routines 🎧 Reimagine your Homeschool: Podcast Season #6 🎧 Reimagine Your Homeschool: 7 Essential Lessons for Homeschool Support & Success Consider life coaching with Teresa: Book a call here. Teresa Wiedrick I help overwhelmed homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset session Latest episodes The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Human Development for Homeschool Moms: Realistic High School Expectations October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Home
You’re not just a homeschool mom — but, wow, is it easy to lose your sense of self in the demanding rhythms of this homeschool life. Somewhere between math lessons, snack requests, and all the invisible emotional labour, you might quietly wonder: “Who even am I anymore? Is this what I signed up for? I love spending time with my kids, I love introducing my kids to the world, but I also feel a niggling underneath it all that tells me there is more.” If you’ve ever felt like the title “homeschool mom” swallowed all the other parts of you… you are not the only one. We don’t want to speak about it because we know we should be grateful for the chance to do this alongside our kids. We don’t have to sign up to join the ranks of the busy outside world that requires us to feel splintered and scattered in the productivity hamster wheel. And we get to play with our kids in the middle of the day and enjoy the comforts of our homes. But maybe, if we’re being honest, we know something is missing. It’s acceptable to acknowledge that your voice, your needs, your passions — they still matter. They might change over the years. And rediscovering them doesn’t require a major life overhaul. It might not even mean you send the kids back to school. It can simply begin with a pause, a pen, and a little bit of space to breathe. Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Finding Yourself Again If you’ve ever felt like the title “homeschool mom” swallowed all the other parts of you, the You Be You Checklist is here to help. This gentle tool guides you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your values, passions, and priorities—so you can show up fully for your kids while honouring you. Grab your copy now and start your journey back to yourself. Get to Know You with the You Be You Checklist Karen’s Story: Not Just a Homeschool Mom Karen came to me wanting a conversation about what was going well in her homeschool life and how to keep her foundational values at the forefront. She wasn’t looking for long-term coaching—she wanted reflective questions, supportive feedback, and a fresh perspective. Her goals included: Reviewing her values and priorities Seeing what was working from an external perspective Creating a mini-roadmap for challenges ahead Writing down her intentions and gaining clarity on why she was doing what she was doing Over the last few years, Karen had hit a breaking point. She spent all of her time homeschooling and supporting her family. While she loved learning alongside her sons, she felt she had completely lost touch with herself. Karen wanted to explore: How to continue growing as a homeschool mom without losing herself How to prioritize relationships and still invest in personal passions How to create space for writing, art, and other creative pursuits She admitted feeling nervous, even selfish, for wanting to invest energy in herself. But the process revealed something profound: when Karen came alive, her kids came alive too. The Shift: Karen’s Reflections and Insights Through our sessions, we explored: Why certain expectations—being the “good mother” or “good daughter”—had taken hold What needed to shift now, and what she could let go of How to write down her priorities and see them clearly Karen reflected on the importance of journaling, pausing, and reflecting. She appreciated the gentle, supportive feedback, the words of affirmation, and the authenticity of having someone who truly understood the homeschool journey. She valued short, flexible sessions over longer commitments, emphasizing that authentic, meaningful conversations can be more powerful than extensive coaching programs. After our coaching, Karen said: “Having feedback, clarifying questions, and someone to reflect with really helped me see things from a new perspective. Clarifying my priorities and asking why they matter for the other things on my list was transformative. The goal I set has been met—and I continue to live it in my daily life.” Karen, Homeschool Mom of 2 boys Your Turn: Book an Aligned Homeschool Reset Session If Karen’s story resonates with you, maybe it’s time for your own reset.Because here’s the truth: you don’t need to overhaul your entire homeschool to feel aligned again. Sometimes, what you need most is a pause, a fresh perspective, and a safe space to sort through what really matters to you. That’s what the Aligned Homeschool Reset Session is designed for. In this one-on-one coaching session, you’ll: Reconnect with your why for homeschooling Get clarity on what’s working (and what’s not) Explore reflective questions that uncover your next right step Create a mini-roadmap rooted in your values Walk away encouraged, lighter, and more aligned with yourself This isn’t about being told what to do. It’s about having a guide beside you—someone who understands the homeschool life and can help you see yourself (and your homeschool) with fresh eyes. ➡️ Book your Aligned Homeschool Reset Session here Your homeschool life doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.You’re not just a homeschool mom—you’re you. And it’s time to feel like yourself again. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset session Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Finding Yourself Again Karen’s story is a reminder that you’re not just a homeschool mom. You’re allowed to come back to yourself—not just for your own sake, but as a model for your children. The Homeschool Mom’s Identity Map is a gentle tool that supports this process: Explore the values that truly matter to you in this season Reflect on your childhood passions (the ones still quietly calling to you) Take stock of your current energy and life balance Start identifying what you want now — not someday, but now It’s not about “fixing” anything—it’s about finally seeing yourself again. Think of it as a mini coaching session on paper: a few pages of thoughtful questions, a pause to reflect, and an invitation to feel grounded, reignite your creative spark, and show up fully as both a homeschool mom and a whole person. Because your homeschool life gets better when you feel better. Start here.Start now.You already know the way back. ➡️ Grab the Homeschool Mom’s Identity Map here. Get your Identity Map Today Rediscover Who You Are Beyond Homeschooling: The Homeschool Mom Identity Map The Homeschool Mom Identity Map helps you rediscover who you are beyond lesson plans and laundry. This step-by-step guide supports homeschool moms in defining their values, releasing unrealistic expectations, and reclaiming confidence. Feel grounded, create space for your own growth, and reconnect with the woman you were before overwhelm. $12.99 Original price was: $12.99.$10.99Current price is: $10.99. Shop now People also ask: A Homeschool Mama Will Benefit from Coaching for Homeschool (& Life) 8 Useful Things I do to Develop my Homeschool Mom Identity The Ultimate Homeschool Burnout Prevention Plan How a Homeschool Mom Self-Care Journal Can Help You Reconnect with Your Voice & Values 5 Overlooked Mistakes That Are Stressing You Out as a Homeschool Mom Building Your Business While You Homeschool: Find Time Without Guilt Address Homeschool Blues with a Season of Scheduled Neglect Homeschool Mom Boundaries: 6 Truths That Will Set You Free How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU Declutter Your Homeschool Mama Mind: Overwhelm to On Purpose Reclaim You: Rediscover Life Beyond the Homeschool Mom Role how to become more you as a homeschool mama Homeschool Moms Need to Write—Reclaim Your Purpose and Peace The Ultimate Homeschool Burnout Prevention Plan 11 Powerful Affirmations Every Homeschool Mom Needs to Hear Write Your Truth: How Vulnerability Shapes Homeschool Wellness & Mindset How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You Teresa Wiedrick I help overwhelmed homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book a no-obligation conversation with Teresa Latest episodes The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Human Development for Homeschool Moms: Realistic High School Expectations October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom’s Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Spark Natural Learning August 19, 2025 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) August 13, 2025 T
How do you know you’re no longer young? Your child refers to your wedding year as the olden days. When I grew up, World War 2 certainly seemed like the olden days. It was long before I was born. Actually, now that I think about it, World War 2 was only forty years before I was born. One Saturday afternoon, while teaching World War to my homeschooled eight-year-old, I had the chance to listen to my son’s barber come alive as he shared his stories from the war. This man was seven when they took the ship from Dvorstadt to Canada. He’d fallen on the ship in turbulent water and broken bones so his trip was painful. When he’d arrived in Canada, he’d started school not understanding the dynamics of the war. He had simply understood that Hitler and his socialist party built the autostrada and successfully turned the German economy around. He was a powerhouse benefiting his local and national economy. “Mom, can you tell me about the olden days?” Rachel asked as she brought her books to my desk.“Sure, honey, what part of the olden days do you want me to tell you about?”“1999”. Arriving in Canada as a German boy, he was surprised to discover people’s reaction to him. The other school kids blamed him for his part in the World War, which was nothing, of course. That’s a heavy burden for a grade 2 kid. This is a part of World War 2 history I rarely hear. I haven’t lived through the war so I have no experience outside the war of anger, hurt, and fear in my own soul against injustices when I was a child.  Teaching World War to Your Homeschooled Child Through Stories, Books, and Travel So I turn to books where I can gently introduce my children to experiences through other children’s eyes. (Oh, and travel. Traveling to World War sites is the best way to learn.) When teaching World War to a homeschooled eight-year-old, I want stories that connect emotion and understanding—not just facts. That’s why I love The Dear Canada series and Our Canadian Girl. The Dear Canada series is written from the perspective of a girl.  This is not ideal prose for my third 8-year-old daughter as she finds it challenging (that wasn’t the case with my other girls, though). Written in diary style, though, I can read it to her and she can easily understand it. Our Canadian Girl has a series on a character named Margit that my oldest daughter loves. There are four books in this series and they are easily read by an eight-year-old. My oldest has read every book of the Canadian Girl collection, which includes many other historical Canadian topics. Usborne books make for easy reading and easy understanding, no matter their topic. Usborne knows how to explain in-depth topics to age-specific readers with loads of engaging photos. My eight-year-old daughter reads this one to her five-year-old brother. (And these books always get reread.) The Kids Book of Canadian History includes many topics, but shares a few pages of World War 2 history from the perspective of Canada’s engagement. The Kids Book of Canada at War also provides overviews of Canada’s involvement in wars across its history. These last two books provide overviews, which can be helpful as a basic introduction for most kids pre-high school. By far, the best stories about any period of history come from real life stories. Nothing quite compares to the unabridged version of The Diary of Anne Frank. We actually purchased the unabridged version in Amsterdam’s Jewish Ghetto when we visited. My eldest daughter was surprised how preoccupied Anne was with boys, and not preoccupied with the war raging outside her window or how occupied she was with the drama of living with her housemates. Anne doesn’t betray a constant state of fear as I may have thought. (PS We got to visit her home when we were in Amsterdam and I share about it here.) We only learn what life was really like during war when we talk with people who’ve been there or shared their stories in print. And as I’ve discovered while teaching World War 2 to my homeschooled eight-year-old, those stories shape not only our understanding of history but our capacity for empathy and peace. As we remember during this Remembrance season, let us consider that we have a contribution to peace in the world, for if we want peace on earth, it must begin with us. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with us. “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” Mark Twain Deschool your Homeschool Coaching Course Transform your homeschooling experience with our ‘Deschool Your Homeschool’ course. Tailored for homeschool mamas seeking freedom and purpose, this self-directed journey breaks free from traditional constraints, fostering confidence and delivering a personalized, enjoyable education. For just $77, enroll now and reimagine your homeschool life with this transformative and empowering course. $97.00 Original price was: $97.00.$77.00Current price is: $77.00. Shop now People also ask: How to Facilitate Child-Led Learning in your Homeschool Embracing the Project-Based Learning Season John Holt & Pat Farenga Teach Homeschoolers How to Learn a homeschool field trip: remembering World War 1 in Ypres Can I Homeschool in Canada? Your Ultimate Guide to Support & Resources Unearthing Ancient Wonders: Egyptian Homeschool History! 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Latest episodes The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? 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To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom’s Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Spark Natural Learning August 19, 2025 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) August 13, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 5 Challenges Working Homeschool Moms Face—And How to Overcome Them August 5, 2025 How to Manage Overstimulation as a Homeschool Mom July 30, 2025 Reclaim You: Rediscover Life Beyond the Homeschool Mom Role July 22, 2025 A Summer Reset for Homeschool Moms: The Secret to a More Peaceful Year Ahead July 15, 2025 How to Help Reluctant Writers: Julie Bogart on Homeschool Writing July 7, 2025 7 Ways Brené Rescued Me from One of those Homeschool Days June 30, 2025 Morning Affirmations for Homeschool Mama: A Simple Practice for You to Parent with Intention June 24, 2025 5 Overlooked Mistakes That Are Stressing You Out as a Homeschool Mom (& How to Fix Them) June 18, 2025 The Soul School Way: Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Voices for Homeschool Families June 3, 2025 Sibling Bickering in Homeschool Families: What’s Normal & How to Handle It May 27, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundaries: 6 Truths That Will Set You Free May 20, 2025 How the Mother Wound Affects Homeschool Moms—and How to Break Free May 12, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundary Issues? 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It’s that time of year when the autumnal colours dazzle us on our nature walks, we begin to lose our lackluster for our homeschool routines, others declare themselves as bored, and some declare the white flag of homeschool mama overwhelm. Let’s explore how to reimagine your homeschool, lean into child-inspired learning, and create meaningful connections—because your unique homeschooling journey can begin now. Yes! I’m Ready to Reimagine my Homeschool! Let’s reimagine your homeschool… Understanding your “why” in homeschooling is necessary (In the first few homeschool years, I didn’t think I had time to dig deep into that, but I learned I didn’t have time NOT to ask myself why). Homeschooling isn’t just about formal learning activities– you want to choose an intentional, purposeful life for your family. So begin by asking yourself “why” are you homeschooling? Then ask yourself what you value in an education? Finally, ask yourself how your personal values and family values align with those educational values. Homeschooling allows you to: Create meaningful experiences and adventures together Tailor education to your family’s values and interests Foster deeper family connections Engage in personal growth alongside your children Break free from conventional expectations This was my story… It was one week of reading one book that convinced me that homeschooling was the right option for my family. But I hadn’t consciously written my reasons in that journal. I simply did my requisite research (for 2 years), then pulled my girls from the private school, and determined to build our homeschool family life. I quickly learned that constructing a homeschool without the firm scaffolding of a strong WHY would translate to hitting the wall of overwhelm by year 3. https://youtu.be/uKieWX4TfxM?si=JzXLFYY5KMc6wPVA By exploring your motivations, you’re not just choosing an educational path – you’re crafting a lifestyle that aligns with your authentic self and family vision and values. What aspects of traditional schooling felt misaligned with your family’s values or lifestyle? Describe your ideal day of learning with your children. What does it look like, and why does this vision appeal to you? How do you hope homeschooling will impact your family relationships in the long term? What personal growth do you hope to achieve through your homeschooling journey? In what ways do you want your children’s education to differ from your experiences in school? What fears or doubts do you have about homeschooling, and how do these relate to your core motivations? How does homeschooling align with your broader life goals and values? What unique opportunities or experiences do you hope to provide your children through homeschooling? How do you envision homeschooling contributing to your children’s character development and life skills? If you could sum up your homeschool philosophy in one sentence, what would it be? Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to gain clarity on your motivations and values for homeschooling. Deschooling your Unhelpful Mindsets As homeschoolers, we often find ourselves unlearning traditional school methods – a process we call “deschooling.” We might not even be familiar with this word till years into our homeschool and discover that we’d been doing it all along. We intuitively know that our conventional education didn’t dot every I and didn’t cross every t. There were gaps—gasp! When we homeschool, we notice that our kids learn despite a conventional approach. But what exactly are we deschooling and what conventional approach do we need to leave behind? Many of us carry misconceptions about education that we’ve absorbed from conventional schooling: We assume learning only happens at certain times, in certain ways. We believe children need constant busyness and exposure to new things. We think learning must be organized into subjects and grade levels. We assume certified teachers are necessary for learning. We believe education must follow a pre-planned, sequential curriculum. But as we homeschool, we discover that real learning is different. We learn that: Children can learn anytime, anywhere. Emotional connections and attachment are crucial for learning. Each child’s learning journey is unique. Parents can be effective educators without formal teaching credentials. Learning can be organic, interest-driven, and non-linear. Unlearning these misconceptions allows us to reimagine your homeschool. We can create learning environments that truly serve our children’s needs and nurture their innate curiosity and potential. Remember, as Einstein said, “Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” https://youtu.be/-2lDOXcMsVw?si=wJqMgXyL-2zJd2Hf Child-Inspired Learning: What It Means This is my story… One year, I was intent on my kids learning to spend more time in formal writing. I wanted them to learn to communicate their thoughts, learn to express themselves, learn to critically think, and formulate interesting thoughts. So I put away the formal writing curriculum and asked them what they wanted to write. With the writing curriculum, I was pulling teeth to keep every child at the homeschool table, learning to create a compound sentence, a 3-point essay, or even a simple paragraph for the sake of learning each of those things. With their full attention, when I offered that we write about any topic they wanted to write about, I had engaged kids. In fact, the stories they wrote in NaNoWriMo month, were remarkable. Now it isn’t to say that I didn’t incorporate writing curriculum and online courses, I most definitely did! But I used them as an adjunct to learning through thinking, imagining, and excitedly getting the pen to paper. Child-inspired learning is about following your child’s natural curiosity and interests. Instead of sticking to rigid lesson plans, you let your child’s passions guide their education. Here’s why it’s amazing for both you and your kids: It unleashes curiosity and deep learning. When kids are genuinely interested, they become learning sponges! It personalizes the learning path. Every child learns differently, and this approach embraces their unique styles. It encourages thinking outside the box. Learning can happen anywhere – through Minecraft, Legos, or even making mud patties! Education becomes a lifelong adventure of play and discovery. By leaning into child-inspired learning, you’ll watch your children’s curiosity flourish, their interests ignite, and their love for learning deepen. Plus, it makes homeschooling so much easier! Practical Tips for Structure & Flexibility So how do you include structure and flexibility in your homeschool routine while incorporating extracurriculars, keeping your kids motivated, and assessing their progress? Big ole question. Because we know homeschooling is not just about ticking off boxes—it’s about creating meaningful experiences and adventures, and tailoring education to your family’s unique values, interests, and specific children, consider these possible application tips: Start by creating a flexible daily routine. Yes, structure is important, but give yourself the freedom to adapt. Note your child’s natural rhythms and let them guide you. Then note yours. And honour them too. Some days, a math lesson might not be understood that morning alone; other days, maybe your kids started a science project sparked by curiosity and you ask WHY you would stop the learning. This is you, flexible homeschool mom in action! ps I found being flexible the very most difficult thing to do, so if this ain’t your strong suit, I feel you! To keep your kids motivated, remember to follow their interests. Require less, inquire more. Child-inspired learning is about letting curiosity lead. ps you’re curiosity is invited to the homeschool table too. Incorporate your interests too. When you tap into what excites them, whether it’s dinosaurs, outer space, or baking, they stay engaged naturally. Create a space in your days for open exploration and have fun doing it. Finally, assess progress holistically. Learning isn’t about grades or test scores—it’s about personal growth, learning problem-solving, critical thinking skills, tangible skills, and developing emotional intelligence. Observe how they engage with challenges, develop new skills, and build their confidence: assume their growth is progressive, in fits and starts and is entirely a unique learning journey. Learning is lifelong: it doesn’t end at 18. And when you teach them to live their lives in curiosity and play at 8, they’ll live their lives in curiosity and play all life long. Teresa Wiedrick, your Homeschool Life Coach https://youtu.be/dmRou0KU6_8?si=DhvRiH-YOP_EVlvP Reimagine your Homeschool Challenges Here are just 4 of 15 strategies I speak to on overcoming overwhelm. First, let’s talk about boundaries. Establishing clear boundaries in your homeschool can help you reclaim your time. This might mean scheduling 15 minutes a week just for you or turning off notifications during school hours. Schedule quiet time with the kids. Pre-plan responses to nosy questions. Designate family time to connect with your children. Next, reduce activities. Are your days filled with too many playdates or field trips? Time block your week to see where you can simplify. Finally, make sure you’re nurturing yourself. Find that interest you love—even if it’s just for 15 minutes a week. Remember, a happy mom means a happy homeschool! Teresa Wiedrick, author of Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer Building a Supportive Community Local groups offer friendship, resources, and a chance to share experiences. They remind you that you’re not alone on this path! And if you’re looking for support beyond your area, join our online Confident H
The role of imagination in education is underrated. Everything that can be learned or understood hasn’t been learned or understood. If all we do for our kids’ education is to encourage our kids to memorize what the world has already learned, then are we really allowing our kids a meaningful education. Let’s get out of our kids’ way and allow them to co-create in this world. “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Albert Einstein Yes! I’m Ready to Reimagine my Homeschool! What is the role of imagination in education? I share two thoughts to consider so you can get out of the way and allow for the role of imagination in education in your homeschool. First, observe your child to engage your child. Who is this child right before me? And how is she showing her interests, revealing her curiosities, and displaying her imagination? I’ve seen my oldest daughter make mud patties and clay bricks in the backyard for days. She spent hours painting and repainting her nails. She spent hours wandering the backyard with a picnic blanket, dragging her siblings from one end to the next. Then she told me they were traveling from Australia to Paris. This gal would rather be doing, well, anything other than math. She was least likely to catch on to the rules of a new game or read the directions of a map. Yet, when she decided she wanted to sew, she began cutting and pinning, with no patterns. When she cooked, she left the recipe books unopened and just played. After she finished her prescribed creative writing time in her morning studies, she disappeared into her room to write her stories or read other people’s stories. Her pages were filled with clever, realistic dialogue. And her plot lines were as a Hollywood film. My oldest daughter was the kiddo that everyone followed in the playground because she made up clever stories to act out. She play-acted since, well, forever...switching from British to German to French accents unprompted and untaught. She lived most happily in her quiet world, her made-up world, her dream world. And she was the dreamer and embodied the imaginative life. https://youtu.be/lkFJglpaoqs?si=fjiyeXRuy8zsjlDT Secondly, be clear that there’s an art and science in an education. If one could type symptoms into the Google bar and spit out a diagnosis, would medical doctors be required? There’s a certain experience and constant exposure that surrounds the assessment and diagnoses in medicine that can’t be captured in the Google bar. The same is true for the idea of an education: there’s an art and science to an education too. We could try to jam a bunch of facts into the minds of our children and hope they spit out the requested knowledge later. But I believe that education would merely be judged inadequate, adequate, above average, or excellent. What value is that? Isn’t an education more than cramming knowledge bits into our brains? What is an education anyways? And most importantly, what is the role of imagination in education An education begins and ends with imagination. An imagination sparked and fueled by the one that initiated it. Teresa Wiedrick, author of Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer Reimagine your Homeschool Workbook Introducing the Reimagine Your Homeschool Workbook! Reflect on the past year, assess what worked and what didn’t, and build the homeschool you truly want. Evaluate curriculum, routine, philosophy, and plan for the future. Get renewed inspiration and fresh ideas. $9.99 Original price was: $9.99.$5.99Current price is: $5.99. Shop now People also ask… curiosity and education: how to facilitate it John Taylor Gatto Informs your Homeschool in 7 Freedom-Loving Ways Developing YOU Beyond the Homeschool Mama Role Reimagine your Homeschool Coaching Services how to choose the best curriculum for your homeschool How do you handle homeschool overwhelm? Do you do one-on-one homeschooling coaching? John Holt & Pat Farenga Teach Homeschoolers How to Learn Encouraging Homeschool Moms: You’re Smarter Than You Think Listen to the Reimagine your Homeschool Podcast Season How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Spark Natural Learning imagination is more important than knowledge Building a Telescope: Child-Led Astronomy Embracing the Project-Based Learning Season What do homeschoolers want to deschool from: let’s get specific How do I deschool 101: 7 lessons I’ve learned that propelled my homeschool into freedom? Teresa Wiedrick I help homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book your FREE Aligned Homeschool Reset session
It’s 10 am on a Tuesday, and you have complete freedom to shape your children’s day. Museum visit? Nature walk? Cozy read-aloud on the couch? But instead of feeling excited about the possibilities, you wonder, Is this what we should be doing? Are we wasting this precious time? This is the homeschool paradox: we have unlimited freedom to design our days, but that freedom often brings worry about whether we’re using it wisely. We chose homeschooling because we wanted something different for our kids—but different how? And helping our kids live their lives on purpose can feel overwhelming when we’re not even sure what that looks like in practice. Here’s what I know for sure (& I know you’ve heard this on repeat, but you haven’t watched it happen like I have yet): parenting is short-lived. That statement doesn’t always feel true in the middle of sleepless nights, endless trips in the mini-van to another hockey, jujitsu, or soccer practice, and math lessons that seem to drag on forever around the kitchen table. But it is. Our time with our children at home is limited, and how we guide them to spend that time matters deeply. Let’s help our homeschool kids spend their time wisely so they have meaningful childhood memories and learn to live their lives on purpose. So how do we help our kids live their lives on purpose? Get the Live your Life on Purpose Checklist Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: What It Really Means Investing Our Kids’ Time, Not Just Spending It What do we want our kids to remember? What do we want them to learn? Their childhood doesn’t have to be filled with the cultural norms of online gaming, social media, or endless scrolling. But you can include that if you like. And it doesn’t have to be consumed by memorizing semi-useful facts just to regurgitate them for tests. You can also include that if you like. It can be entirely different or it can be a combination of activities. This homeschool life can be anything you want, and anything they want too. We can help our kids live life on purpose—exploring their interests, developing meaningful work habits, and making intentional memories. What Purposeful Living Actually Looks Like When we intentionally guide our children to live with purpose, we’re not adding more to their plates—we’re helping them focus on what truly matters. This kind of childhood produces: Self-direction: They learn to identify what they want and chart a path to get there, rather than waiting to be told what to do next. Real competence: Through completing meaningful projects (not just checking off educational boxes), they develop skills they can see and use in the real world. Genuine confidence: When they overcome actual challenges—building something, mastering a skill, solving a real problem—they discover what they’re capable of. A sense of purpose: They begin to understand their unique gifts and how they can contribute to their family and community. Your goal isn’t about raising perfect kids who never waste time or always make productive choices. Is a life well lived only and entirely a productive one every moment? I believe it’s about helping them discover who they’re meant to become—and giving them the tools to get there intentionally. Four Practical Ways to Teach Kids to Live with Purpose 1. Create a Family Mission Statement Kids thrive when they have a sense of direction, and a family mission statement can help. Sit down as a family and discuss: What values matter most to us? What kind of people do we want to be? How do we want to spend our time together? Write it down, post it somewhere visible, and use it as a guide for decisions—big and small. Example: A homeschooling friend of mine created a simple mission statement with her kids: “Learn deeply, love boldly, live fully.” Every time they planned their homeschool days, they asked: “Does this help us learn deeply? Love boldly? Live fully?” It became their compass. Watch the video on Creating your own Homeschool Vision Statement. Getting Started: Set aside 30 minutes. With younger kids, use simple questions: ‘What makes our family special?’ With teens, go deeper: ‘What do we want people to remember about our family?’ Don’t aim for perfect—aim for honest. 2. Teach Kids to Set Their Own Goals From a young age, kids can begin setting their own goals—whether it’s mastering a new skill, completing a creative project, or learning something that excites them. Encourage them to: Set a goal (small at first, like finishing a book or learning a song on the guitar). Break it down into steps. Reflect on what they learned and how they grew. Example: My son once decided he wanted to build a treehouse—completely on his own. I resisted the urge to jump in and do it for him. Instead, we brainstormed what he’d need, found books about simple structures, headed to YouTube to watch someone else build one, and let him problem-solve. It wasn’t perfect, but he did it—and learned resilience in the process. But Consider Different Goals for Different Ages: 5-8: One-week goals (finish a drawing, learn to tie shoes) 9-12: Monthly goals (read a chapter book series, build something) 13+: Quarter-long goals (learn a skill, complete a project portfolio) If you want to share your kids’ big adventures and listen to other homeschool mom’s share their stories of their kids’ big adventures, join us in the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective. 3. Build Meaningful Routines (Without Over-Scheduling) Living with purpose doesn’t mean cramming every hour with activities. (Though, by the way, that is exactly what I believed when I first began homeschooling, ya know, outprivate schooling the private school over here). Rather, it means choosing what truly matters and leaving space for rest, play, and creativity. Try creating: A Morning Routine: A simple rhythm that sets a purposeful tone for the day. Connection Points: Daily check-ins over lunch, an evening walk, or a cozy read-aloud time. Work & Service Opportunities: Finding ways to contribute to the family and community. Example: One of my kids loved baking, so we made it her “job” to bake something new each week. It turned into a passion project—and now she dreams of opening her café one day. The Over-Scheduling Trap: If your kids groan at the schedule, it’s too full. Purposeful living needs margin. Aim for 2-3 structured things per day, max. 4. Model Purposeful Living Yourself Our kids watch us. More than our words, they absorb our actions. If we want them to live life on purpose, we need to model it. Ask yourself: Do I spend my time on what matters most to me? Do I pursue interests and growth, or am I just surviving the day? And do I show them what it looks like to work hard, rest well, and follow curiosity? It doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being real. Example: When I started writing, I let my kids see the messy, creative process. They watched me struggle through drafts, get excited about ideas, and keep going when it was hard. And guess what? Now they’re writers too. Example: We travelled a lot as we homeschooled. Across rural Canada and into every major Canadian city, up to the Arctic Ocean, over to PEI, down to Jamaica, into rural Africa, Italy, Netherlands, France, UK. We could see the value of travel, and volunteering, and seeing the world, and meeting people who aren’t cookie cutters of us as meaningful elements to life and living. So it would come as no surprise that three of our kids would venture into their own international traveling experiences into Central America, Europe, and South America, and they’re only all in their early twenties now. Start here: Pick one personal goal this month. Tell your kids about it. Let them see you work on it—including the messy parts. You are your child’s most important curriculum. Reflection Questions for Homeschool Moms Clarifying questions you can ask yourself: What’s ONE value we’re not living out that I want to prioritize? What’s ONE activity we’re doing out of obligation that we could drop? Or what’s ONE new routine we could try that aligns with our values? What’s ONE goal I can pursue this month to model purposeful living? https://youtu.be/xgwo2C7ADxI Your child is a runner. You’re helping them find their lane. Picture a track meet. There are runners warming up, stretching, getting ready. The conventional school system lines them all up at the same starting line and fires the gun: “Run the 400 meters. Everyone. Same distance, same pace, same finish line.” But here’s what homeschooling lets you see: Your child isn’t a 400-meter runner. Maybe they’re built for the marathon—steady, persistent, able to go the distance when others burn out. Or maybe they’re a sprinter—intense bursts of focus and energy. Some kids are hurdlers who thrive on obstacles. (Not coincidentally this was me in grade 3 — I still have that blue ribbon!) Others are relay runners who shine when working on a team. There are a bazillion kids out there, and conventional education assumes they all need to know the same things, in the same order, at the same age to become effective contributors to their families, communities, and society. But they aren’t cookie-cutter replacements for last year’s graduating class. They were put on this earth to run their own race, in their own lane, at their own pace. Your job isn’t to make them run someone else’s race. It’s to help them discover: What kind of runner they are Which lane suits their unique stride How to train for their specific race When to push hard and when to pace themselves Parenting moves fast—faster than we realize in the middle of the laundry and lesson plans. But your homeschool days are your opportunity to shape not just what your kids know, but whether they feel compelled to choose their lives. Let’s help our kids find their lane. To create space for them to discover their strengths, pursue their interests, and build skills that matter. Let’s teach them to live
Why knowing what’s “normal” at every stage transforms both your parenting and your teen’s high school transcript. Understanding human development helps homeschool moms set realistic expectations that transform how you experience every stage of parenting—and it all clicks for me when my cousin Vicki Tillman, coach, counselor and podcaster at the Homeschool High School podcast explains the intersection between human development and high school expectations. Understanding human development helps homeschool moms set realistic expectations that transform how you experience every stage of parenting—and it all clicks for me when my cousin Vicki Tillman, coach, counselor and podcaster at the Homeschool High School podcast explains the intersection between human development and high school expectations. As homeschool moms, we’re feet on the ground in the human development process every single day. And when we understand child development from an academic perspective, suddenly those “difficult” moments with our kids become fascinating glimpses into normal, healthy growth. And also, we have so much more patience! To top it off, this same knowledge can become one of the most valuable credits on your teen’s homeschool high school transcript—what Vicki calls a “sparkle credit” that colleges actually love to see. Why Human Development for Homeschool Moms Set Realistic Expectations Remember when your teenager suddenly started pushing back on everything? (Or maybe she wasn’t yet a teen, and she was 9!) She might have said that the curriculum she loved last year is now “boring.” Or maybe the readaloud traditions you love feel “childish” to her. Your first instinct might be to take it personally. But here’s what human development teaches us: this is individuation, and it’s exactly what’s supposed to happen. When teens start expressing individual ideas and pushing back against the status quo, they’re not being disrespectful—they’re preparing for adulthood. They’re learning to think independently and express themselves as unique individuals separate from their parents. And though I know it’s challenging and we need to lean into growing into a new phase of parenting with them, this is our sign that they’re growing up! As Vicki Tillman, Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Seven Sisters Homeschool, explains: “If we know that’s normal, that teens are supposed to come up with ideas, individual ideas, individuating, then when they do that, we go, ‘Oh look, they’re preparing for adulthood’ rather than ‘Oh look, they’re being sassy and I need to squash that completely.'” When you understand human development, you can set realistic expectations instead of taking normal teenage behaviour as a personal attack. https://youtu.be/GqWq9mOmKcM Realistic Expectations for Every Developmental Stage Human development gives us context for behaviour that might otherwise drive us up the wall: The five-year-old who insists they’re always right? That’s egocentrism—a normal cognitive stage where they literally can’t see things from another perspective yet. Understanding this helps you set realistic expectations for their empathy and reasoning abilities. The two-year-old’s constant “no”? That’s autonomy development—they’re learning they’re separate people with their own will. This isn’t defiance you need to crush; it’s identity formation you need to guide. The teenager standing in a thunderstorm because it’s fun? That’s logic development still in process. Even if you covered weather safety in your homeschool curriculum, their developing brain can let fun override logic in the moment. Your aging parents telling the same stories repeatedly? That’s the reflective phase of adult development—looking back to evaluate life’s meaning. (ps Can you tell my kids about this stage, because I’ve definitely been accused of being boring with my repeated stories;) When you know these stages, you can train and guide appropriately rather than constantly feeling frustrated by unrealistic expectations. My homeschool high school daughter on graduation day tossing her cap! Real-Life Example: Setting Realistic Expectations Through the Thunderstorm Story Vicki shared a perfect example from her own homeschool family that illustrates why understanding human development helps set realistic expectations. One rainy night, she drove up to pick her son up from choir practice. There was lightning, it was pouring, and there was one kid standing outside enjoying the storm—her kid. They’d just completed a weather unit. They’d covered thunderstorm safety. But in that moment, the logic of what he learned didn’t apply because the fun of being in the rain overrode everything else. “That was not a good decision,” Vicki admits, “but I also understood it in context of his logic was not on at that moment. It got overrun by fun.” The result? Instead of an angry confrontation about “weren’t you listening in class,” there was understanding paired with appropriate guidance. And fortunately, no lightning strikes. Today, that son is a middle school teacher who keeps his students indoors during thunderstorms—because his logic development completed, just like it was supposed to. Understanding human development helped his mom set realistic expectations for where he was developmentally, not where she wished he was. Realistic Expectations for High School Students High school students are in identity formation mode. Understanding this developmental stage helps you set realistic expectations for their behaviour: One week they love this fashion, the next week it’s out. This isn’t fickleness—it’s identity exploration. Last year’s favorite curriculum might be this year’s nightmare. They’re individuating and discovering what resonates with their developing sense of self. Friends’ opinions suddenly matter intensely. Peers play a crucial role in healthy identity development during adolescence. Realistic expectation: You’ll need to “graciously adjust and help them learn how to understand themselves,” as Vicki puts it. Flexibility isn’t failure—it’s meeting them where they are developmentally. Elementary Children: Realistic Expectations for Logic Development Those late elementary kids are learning to think in more complex ways and use logic in ways they couldn’t before. This is wonderful—and it also means they’ll sometimes make mistakes as they test out their developing reasoning skills. Realistic expectation: They’re scientists experimenting with cause and effect. Sometimes the experiment fails spectacularly. That’s learning, not failure. Homeschool Moms: Setting Realistic Expectations for Yourself If you’re in middle age, you’re likely in the generative phase. You want to create, accomplish, show something for why you’re here. That Type-A tendency to generate curriculum, start businesses, learn new skills? That’s developmentally normal. Then comes the reflective phase, where you think back on moments—”Oh, that was a good moment. We did that one right. Or oh no, I screwed up my kids’ entire lives.” Realistic expectation: You’re human too, going through your own developmental stages. Understanding this helps you set realistic expectations for yourself, not just your children. Check out the Human Development from a Christian Worldview Curriculum, Second Edition Why Human Development Makes an Excellent High School Course Understanding human development isn’t just helpful for moms setting realistic expectations—it’s an incredible “sparkle credit” for your teen’s high school transcript. A sparkle credit is a course that shows breadth beyond core academics. Colleges love to see students who explored topics of interest or usefulness, not just generic requirements. Different Purposes for Different Students For teens interested in psychology or social sciences: Human development becomes career exploration. It shows admissions officers this student has depth of interest in their chosen field. For teens heading straight to work or trade school: It’s practical life skills that will serve them in any career involving people (which is most careers). For any teen who will eventually work with others: It’s invaluable preparation for understanding human behavior and relationships. Real-World High School Benefits When high school students understand human development, they can: Make sense of their younger siblings’ “irritating” behaviors Understand why their friends’ opinions suddenly matter so much Recognize their own identity formation process Become better babysitters (understanding why that nine-month-old throws everything on the floor) Navigate relationships with more wisdom and grace Set realistic expectations for themselves and others How Understanding Human Development for Homeschool Moms Transformed One Homeschool When Vicki Tillman went back to grad school as a young mom, she chose human development as her minor. “It just made my life come alive,” she shares, “to know all the characteristics and acquisitions, according to Piaget and all the things that they were supposed to express according to Erikson.” This academic knowledge transformed her everyday motherhood experience. Suddenly she could see: Object permanence developing in her baby Egocentrism in her preschooler Identity formation in her teenager Her own generative phase as a middle-aged mom The result? Instead of taking behaviors personally or feeling like she was constantly failing, she could recognize normal developmental milestones and set realistic expectations for each child at each stage. Creating What Didn’t Exist When Vicki’s own kids approached high school, she wanted them to have this same understanding. But she couldn’t find a human development course designed for teenagers—everything was either too simplistic or college-level textbooks that would bore high schoolers. So she did what homeschool moms do: she created it herself. She started teaching human development in homeschool co-ops and local groups. Out of that
Creating sustainable daily rhythms that serve your family’s unique needs without overwhelming your life and homeschool routines that support you! The most successful homeschool routines that support you are built backward—they start with what the mom needs, not what the curriculum demands. And that’s exactly what we’re talking about today. I know that might sound counterintuitive, or possibly self-serving. But stick with me, because I’m going to show you why putting yourself first is actually the secret to a homeschool that thrives. This topic keeps coming up in conversations with homeschooling families, and I understand why. We’re all searching for that sweet spot between structure and sanity, between productivity and peace. The good news? It’s entirely possible to create routines that make homeschooling simpler, not more complicated. https://youtu.be/WM-DClxMey0 Homeschool routines that support you Why Most Homeschool Routines Fail (And How to Fix It) Here’s what I’ve learned after years of homeschooling: most routines fail because they’re built to impress others rather than serve your family. We create these elaborate schedules that look amazing on paper but leave us feeling defeated by 10 AM. The secret to routines that actually work? They need to support YOU first. When you’re centered, energized, and functioning well, everything else flows more smoothly. Your children pick up on your energy, your teaching becomes more natural, and your home becomes a place of learning rather than stress. The Foundation: Understanding What YOU Actually Need Before we dive into creating routines, let’s get real about what you actually need to thrive. If we were sitting together right now, I’d ask you these questions: What time of day do you feel most energetic? What drains your energy fastest? And what activities make you feel most like yourself? When do you feel most patient with your children? What does a good day look like for you personally? These aren’t selfish questions—they’re essential ones. When you understand your own rhythms and needs, you can build routines that work with your natural flow instead of against it. Simplifying the Routine vs. Schedule Debate Let’s settle this once and for all: you need routines, not rigid schedules. Schedules are about specific times and detailed to-do lists. “At 8:30 we do math, at 9:15 we do language arts…” Routines are about consistent patterns that create rhythm and predictability without making you a slave to the clock. Think of routines as the gentle framework that holds your day together. They provide structure without suffocating spontaneity, organization without overwhelming pressure. When you focus on routines over schedules, you give yourself permission to be human while still maintaining purposeful direction. And that flexibility? That’s what makes it sustainable. Building Homeschool Routines that Support Your Personal Morning If we’re building backward—starting with what YOU need—we have to start with your morning routine. This is the cornerstone of everything else. I know what you’re thinking: “I have a baby who doesn’t sleep. I have a toddler who wakes up at 5 AM ready to destroy the house. Finding morning time for myself feels literally impossible.” I get it. But even fifteen minutes of intentional morning time can transform your entire day. This isn’t about waking up at 5 AM to run a marathon and meditate for an hour. It’s about creating a small pocket of time where you connect with yourself before the day’s demands take over. Maybe it’s: Journaling with your coffee Stretching in your bedroom Simply sitting quietly and setting an intention for the day The key is making it sustainable and making it about YOU first. Choose something that feels nourishing—not like another task to check off your list. This is your foundation. Everything else gets built on top of this. So protect it, even if it’s just ten minutes. Including Your Children Without Losing Yourself Once you have your foundation—that personal morning time—then you can add the next layer: family routines. One of the beautiful aspects of homeschooling is that you can include your children in routines that benefit everyone. Starting the day with a few minutes of calm breathing, gratitude sharing, or peaceful reading sets a tone of mindfulness that carries through your homeschool day. But here’s the important part: these family routines should complement, not replace, your personal routine. You need both the connection with your children AND the connection with yourself. Both matter. Both are essential. See how we’re building this? Personal foundation first, then family connection on top of that. Not the other way around. The Essential Elements: What YOU Need Throughout the Day After years of trial and error, I’ve identified a few elements that consistently support the mom first, which then makes everything else flow better. These are the non-negotiables that should be built into your routine because they serve YOU. Outdoor Time as Medicine: Homeschool Routines that Support Everyone Nature isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential medicine. And honestly? You probably need it even more than your kids do. Whether it’s eating breakfast on the porch, taking a learning walk, or simply stepping outside for five minutes when tensions rise, outdoor time consistently improves mood and focus. Don’t overcomplicate this. You don’t need elaborate nature studies or perfect weather. You just need to prioritize getting outside as part of your regular rhythm—for YOUR wellbeing first. Even five minutes of fresh air when you feel your patience running thin makes a difference. This is about serving you. Movement as Energy Management Physical activity isn’t about fitness goals—it’s about energy management for YOU. When you move regularly throughout the day, you’re better able to focus during teaching time. You’re more patient during challenging moments. You’re less likely to feel that crawling-out-of-your-skin restlessness that makes you want to hide in the bathroom just for five minutes of peace. This could be dance breaks between subjects, yoga stretches, or simply walking around the house while discussing history. The key is consistency, not intensity. You don’t need to run a 5K. You just need to move your body regularly—because YOU need it to function well. Individual Connection Time: Preventing Problems Before They Start Spending one-on-one time with each child daily might seem impossible, but it’s actually about serving YOU by making your day run more smoothly. Children who feel seen and heard are more cooperative, more engaged in learning, and less likely to seek attention through challenging behaviors that derail your entire day and drain your energy. So this routine element? It’s not just for them. It’s for YOU—it prevents the meltdowns and power struggles that exhaust you. This doesn’t require elaborate activities—sometimes the most meaningful connections happen while folding laundry together or during a car ride to the store. Protecting Your Adult Relationships Here’s something we often forget: nurturing relationships with other adults isn’t selfish—it’s essential for your survival. Whether it’s a weekly coffee date, regular texts with a friend, or conversations with your partner, these connections provide perspective, support, and joy that you genuinely cannot get from your children alone. I don’t care how wonderful your kids are—you need other adults in your life. You need people who can relate to your experience, who can give you perspective, who can remind you that you’re doing better than you think. Make time for this. Protect it like you would any other important appointment. Because this fills your cup so you can pour into your kids. Building Your Minimum Viable Homeschool Routine Now for the practical part. Instead of creating an elaborate schedule, we’re going to build your Minimum Viable Homeschool routine—a basic daily and weekly rhythm you can maintain even on your lowest-energy days. This is crucial because if your routine only works when you’re at 100%, it’s going to fail most of the time. Think about it: What’s the bare minimum that needs to happen for you to feel like homeschool happened today? Not on your best day—on your worst day. When you’re tired, when you didn’t sleep well, when you’re just not feeling it. That’s your foundation. That’s what we build first. Your Core Framework Morning Anchor: Start with one consistent morning element that centers YOU. This is your foundation—the non-negotiable that helps you feel grounded before the day begins. Everything else gets built on top of this. Core Academic Anchors: Identify the simplest ways to cover your basics—literacy and math primarily—without overloading yourself. I’m talking simple: Literacy = 20 minutes of reading aloud together Math = 15 minutes of focused work These are your anchors—the things that happen even on low-energy days. Everything else? That’s bonus content for good days. The key is choosing anchors that don’t require you to be at peak performance. Can you do this when you’re at 60%? Then it’s a good anchor. Does it require extensive prep or superhuman patience? Then it’s not sustainable as an anchor. Learning Flow: Once you’re centered and you’ve handled your anchors, create a general rhythm for learning that follows your family’s natural energy patterns—but pays attention to YOUR energy too. Maybe you do the hardest subject first when everyone’s fresh, including you. Maybe you save creative projects for after lunch when you naturally have more patience. Find what works for YOUR rhythms first. Afternoon Reset: Build in a transition time that allows YOU to recharge. This might be quiet reading time, an outdoor break, or even screen time for the kids if that’s what you need to catch your breath. Give yourself permission to reset midday—this isn’t for the kids, it’s for you. Evening Wind-Down: End with routine
If you’re a homeschool mom, I’m guessing you’ve had that little voice in your head whisper (or scream) something like: “Am I doing this right?”“What if they’re falling behind?”“Maybe I’m not cut out for this…” Yup, I’ve been there too. And honestly? That voice doesn’t have to run the show. One of the most powerful tools I’ve discovered as a homeschool mom is deschooling. And no, it’s not a trendy buzzword meant to make your Instagram look cute (it’s actually born in the 1970s, like me). Deschooling is a highly effective tool that helps us release doubt, uncertainty, and that not-good-enough feeling that so often creeps in behind closed doors. Why deschooling? Deschooling helps us—and our kids—to zero in on the most important elements of learning and education and to live our lives on purpose. It’s about shifting our mindset from “doing school at home” to creating a home where learning actually works—one that feels free, purposeful, and individualized for each child and for ourselves. Shift How You See Learning — Download the Checklist Why Deschooling? To Help us Learn About Learning (and Living) I’ve spent years learning about learning, learning about living with my kids, and learning about what an education even is. And you know what I’ve discovered? It isn’t at all what I thought it was. Turns out, I didn’t need to have a teaching degree. I didn’t need to lesson plan every homeschool day. And I didn’t ever need a report card (well…except for that one year because the kids asked me for one). What I did need was to let go of preconceived ideas about what homeschooling “should” look like—and that’s exactly what deschooling helped me do. Over the years, I had to address: Boredom, both theirs and mine Motivation (why sometimes they couldn’t be bothered and why sometimes I couldn’t either) Schedules that never seemed to fit our family rhythms Curriculum choices that didn’t feel quite right Understanding the unhelpful, oxymoronic word, “homeschool” And here’s the truth: letting go of all of that was hard. But it was also liberating. I want to share what I’ve learned so you can be at ease in your homeschool with confidence and clarity too. What Deschooling Really Means Deschooling isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a gentle, ongoing process of becoming who you are as a homeschool family. It’s the bridge between overwhelm and confidence, between trying to “do school at home” and actually living and learning together in a way that feels intentional and joyful. When you deschool, you start noticing: The rhythms that work for your family, not some arbitrary “school hours” The ways your kids actually learn—through curiosity, play, problem-solving, and conversation How much learning happens when you stop forcing it and start observing it And you begin to release the pressure. That nagging voice saying you’re not enough? It starts to quiet down. The constant comparison to other homeschool families? It becomes irrelevant. Because you’re doing your homeschool your way. And it works. https://youtu.be/g2RFHQRKNYc?si=Ch9JrIRWsjjnBdSp You’re Already Out of the Box Remember, you’re already out of the conventional education box—you’re a homeschooler! But how do you step fully out of school-ish mindsets that aren’t working for you or your kids? It starts with asking yourself: What are the quiet worries behind closed doors? What feels off in your homeschool right now? Where are your kids resisting, fidgeting, or complaining? Are you clear about what you actually think education is? Is there a schooled mindset that you just haven’t shaken? These aren’t questions to stress over. They’re prompts to observe, reflect, and take intentional action. Why You Want to Deschool So many homeschool moms unconsciously replicate the very system they left behind. You wanted homeschooling for freedom, flexibility, and individualization—but sometimes we fall into: Following rigid schedules and grade-level expectations Prioritizing textbooks over curiosity Worrying about “keeping up” instead of nurturing growth Feeling exhausted and questioning our choices Deschooling frees you from all of that. https://youtu.be/HekJYbobMig?si=7ANFNKZEz0hH0LYp Imagine a Different Homeschool Life Here’s what your homeschool could feel like when you lean into deschooling: You feel genuinely confident in your approach Your schedule flows with your family’s natural rhythm Your children’s eyes light up with authentic curiosity Learning happens everywhere—not just during “school hours” You actually enjoy your homeschool days Your family feels more connected and purposeful And here’s the beauty: this isn’t wishful thinking. I’ve lived it. My kids have lived it. And countless moms I’ve coached have experienced it too. How to Start Deschooling If you’re ready to start, I’ve created some free resources to help you: Deschool Training: A step-by-step introduction to deschooling your homeschool mindset 5-Day Deschool Challenge: Take it at your own pace and reflect on what really matters Playlist on Deschooling for Moms: Short, actionable lessons to shift your perspective Deschool Your Homeschool Checklist: A simple, printable guide to get started today Each of these tools helps you: Identify which school mindsets are causing unnecessary stress Gain clarity on what truly matters in your family’s educational journey Release unrealistic expectations that drain your energy Create more genuine connection time with your children Walk away with an action plan to immediately transform your homeschool atmosphere Your Homeschool, Your Way — With a Little Coaching from Me Read it like a book, listen like a podcast, and join me in the comments for hands-on coaching in the Deschool Your Homeschool course! Deschool your Homeschool Coaching Course Transform your homeschooling experience with our ‘Deschool Your Homeschool’ course. Tailored for homeschool mamas seeking freedom and purpose, this self-directed journey breaks free from traditional constraints, fostering confidence and delivering a personalized, enjoyable education. For just $77, enroll now and reimagine your homeschool life with this transformative and empowering course. $97.00 Original price was: $97.00.$77.00Current price is: $77.00. Shop now A Few Practical Deschooling Tips Here are some ideas I’ve used in my homeschool: Observe, Observe, Observe: Watch how your kids learn and what sparks their curiosity. Follow Interests (Yours and Theirs): Don’t be afraid to let your passions mix with theirs. Honor Rhythms: Wake times, outdoor time, reading, and creative work all have their own flow. Add Your Kind of Fun: Infuse memories, experiences, and joy into how learning happens. Outsource & Community: You don’t have to do everything yourself; bring in experts, friends, and community experiences. Each Child is Unique: No two of my four kids have the same homeschool experience—and neither do yours need to. Lean into child-inspired learning and fill your time with what matters most. You’ll notice less worry about what’s “missing” and more joy in what’s happening. What Happens After You Deschool When you release the limiting schooled mindset, you can: Shift your mindset to release old-school expectations Create a homeschool that genuinely reflects your family’s values Support your children’s natural learning process with confidence Find joy in the homeschool journey instead of constant doubt Focus on meaningful connection instead of arbitrary checkboxes Trust yourself as your children’s best educational advocate Whitney, a mom I coached, said it perfectly: “I needed to figure out how to meet my son’s needs in our homeschool and how to incorporate service back into my life. Coaching was helpful in ways I wasn’t expecting. I feel more confident in what homeschooling looks like within my home. It will always be evolving, but I feel more at peace. I am a better detective with my kids to see what they value and care about. I see how my relationship with myself impacts my relationship with my daughter in particular.” This is what deschooling does—it’s not about perfect schedules or curriculums; it’s about connection, clarity, and confidence. Deschool your Homeschool Journaling Workbook The Deschool Your Homeschool Journaling Workbook is a self-coaching tool designed to help you redefine your homeschooling journey with clarity and confidence. Through thoughtful prompts and guided exercises, this workbook empowers you to: Reflect on your homeschooling experiences. Unpack preconceived notions about education. Identify barriers and aspirations. Create a personalized homeschool plan tailored to your family’s unique needs. Discover how to shift your mindset, reconnect with your children, and design a homeschool life that aligns with your values. Start building a meaningful, purposeful homeschool today! $11.99 Original price was: $11.99.$9.97Current price is: $9.97. Shop now You Can Do This You’re not behind. You haven’t messed this up. You’re simply being invited to reset—with intention. Deschooling is a highly effective, gentle tool to release doubt and uncertainty, and it helps you create a homeschool that works for your family on purpose. You don’t need a teaching degree, you don’t need to plan every single day, you don’t need to check every box. You just need to begin. And if you want some help getting started, I’ve put together my Deschool Your Homeschool Checklist, a simple tool to help you: Identify the school-y mindsets holding you back Gain clarity on what really matters Build more connection with your children Create a homeschool plan that feels free, purposeful, and individualized Grab your checklist today and start shifting from doing school at home to learning that fits your family. Remember: You’re not alone in this homeschool journey. You’ve got what it takes to show up whole, grounded, and confident—for yourself and your family. If this post resonated, h
Homeschooling offers us a rare opportunity to build a deeply connected family culture—one filled with shared stories, slow mornings, book stacks, sibling squabbles, and yes, heated arguments over the front seat. But in the beautiful chaos of homeschool life, there’s often very little time left for ourselves—let alone space to reflect on how our own upbringing influences the way we relate, respond, and set boundaries. Many of us step into motherhood carrying unspoken messages from our childhood: be good, don’t make waves, put others first. These beliefs are often passed down unconsciously, shaped by generations of women who weren’t allowed to fully express themselves or have their needs honoured. This inheritance has a name: the Mother Wound. Whether our own mothers were emotionally unavailable, overly controlling, or simply doing their best within a culture that silenced their voices, the Mother Wound shows up in our present-day homes. It reveals itself when we avoid conflict at the expense of our needs, when we martyr ourselves to keep the peace, and when we struggle to feel like we’re ever enough—as mothers, as partners, as women. Building boundaries and healthy relationships is how we begin to break this cycle, reclaim our voices, and model something new for the next generation. But the good news? This cycle can be broken. We can learn to build relationships rooted not in fear or obligation, but in honesty, empathy, and mutual respect. And it begins with healing. Start Building Boundaries–Download Your Free Checklist Why Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships in Your Homeschool Matter The homeschool lifestyle magnifies whatever relational patterns we already carry. When you’re with your family nearly all day, every day, there’s little room to avoid difficult emotions or outdated dynamics. Maybe you notice you’re quick to people-please your partner, just to avoid tension. Or you overreact when your child expresses anger—because anger wasn’t allowed in your childhood. These are often signs of unresolved wounds surfacing in real time. Healing the Mother Wound allows us to parent from a grounded place—not from reactivity or inherited patterns, but from clarity, courage, and connection. Healing the Mother Wound allows us to parent from a grounded place—not from reactivity or inherited patterns, but from clarity, courage, and connection. Listen to the episode on Healing the Mother Wound. As a dear counselor and friend once told me, “Relationships are living, breathing organisms that need continual feeding and nurturing.” This is true of your relationship with your partner, your children, and most importantly, yourself. https://youtu.be/7GtTcxXmErI Tools and Strategies for Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships Active Listening with Emotional AttunementListen not just with your ears but with your heart. Validate what your child or partner is really trying to express—even if they’re clumsy with their words. This kind of attuned listening begins to rebuild what the Mother Wound once fractured: the right to be seen and heard. Try this: During one conversation today, reflect back what you hear without offering advice. “You’re feeling ___ because ___” is a powerful sentence starter. Boundaried Communication in ConflictWe often weren’t taught how to express ourselves without guilt or self-erasure. Use “I” statements to stay present and honest. And if things go sideways, model a redo: “That came out harsh. Let me try again.” Pro tip: Practice your “I” statements during calm moments—not just in conflict. It’s easier to access respectful, boundaried language when it’s already familiar. Try scripting or journaling typical conflict scenarios and how you’d like to respond, so you’re more prepared in the moment. Emotion Regulation as a Family PracticeWhen big feelings arise, create space to process—and try to do it without judgment. Teach your kids (and yourself) that all emotions are welcome, even the messy ones. That’s how we undo emotional suppression passed down to us. Exercise to try:Model naming your own emotions out loud: “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths.” This normalizes emotional awareness and gives your kids a blueprint for self-regulation. Over time, it creates a family culture where feelings are seen, not silenced. Eyeball-to-Eyeball TimeChildren with present, emotionally available parents grow up with secure attachment. Make intentional one-on-one time a ritual—not just a reaction when something’s “wrong.” Pro Tip: Choose a consistent, low-pressure moment each week—like a morning walk, bedtime chat, or shared hobby—as your “connection ritual” with each child. The goal isn’t productivity or problem-solving—it’s presence. Mindset Shifts That Heal While You Homeschool Building healthy relationships isn’t just about what you do; it’s also about how you think. Shifting your mindset can help create a more supportive and harmonious family atmosphere. Connection Over CorrectionYou don’t need to be your child’s moral compass every second. What they need more is to feel emotionally safe. That safety comes from you showing up, not just showing them what’s right. Embrace Imperfection as LiberationPerfectionism is often inherited. Progress, honesty, and grace are what nurture a whole child—and a whole mother. Empathy as an Act of ResistanceCompassion is not weakness. It’s a radical response to a culture that tells women to harden. Sit beside your child’s big feelings, even when you don’t understand them. Celebrate the Small Wins That Heal GenerationsEvery time you pause instead of explode, speak your truth instead of stuffing it down, or ask for what you need—you are healing your lineage. Your Marriage or Partnership Deserves Nourishment, Too Relationships with our partners often reflect the core patterns we absorbed growing up. If you were taught to abandon your needs or suppress your voice, that may surface in your adult relationships. But healing doesn’t mean perfection—it means learning to speak, stay, and show up. Try this: Weekly Check-Ins: Touch base on emotional wellbeing and family rhythms. Micro-Connection Moments: A five-minute walk or cup of tea together counts. Ask for What You Need—Clearly: Practice saying, “I feel ___ and I need ___.” Are you ready to take the next step in building stronger boundaries and healthier relationships? Download the Boundary Building Checklist for Homeschool Moms to get started today! Get Your Free Boundary Checklist and Start Strengthening Relationships Today! Want Support on This Healing Journey? If you’re ready to break cycles, build boundaries, and connect with your family in deeper, more authentic ways, you’re not alone. I’ve created tools and spaces just for you: 🔸 Journaling WorkbookUncover the beliefs that shaped your boundaries—and rewrite your story with intention. 🔸 Boundaries ChecklistA practical tool to assess your family dynamics and identify what’s working (and what’s not). 🧡 Your healing begins with one step. Final Thoughts Healing the Mother Wound isn’t about blame. It’s about reclamation. It’s about becoming the kind of mother who feels whole in her body, clear in her voice, and safe in her own home. You’re not just homeschooling your kids—you’re reparenting yourself. And that work? That’s legacy work. So show up imperfectly. Speak your truth. Build the boundaries you weren’t taught. And let your homeschool family become a living testament to what healing looks like. Start Strengthening Your Relationships Today with Our Boundary-Building Course! Building Boundaries for Homeschool Mama Coaching Course Begin a transformative journey with the self-directed course, “Foundations of Homeschool Mom Fulfillment: Building Boundaries for the Homeschool Mama.” Tailored for homeschool mamas seeking fulfillment, stronger relationships, and intentional living, this course empowers you to clarify your needs, navigate relationship challenges, and rediscover your identity. With practical tools and actionable steps, this course is designed to address boundary challenges, foster stronger connections, and guide you toward becoming a more intentional and fulfilled version of yourself. $97.00 Original price was: $97.00.$77.00Current price is: $77.00. Shop now People also ask: Build Boundaries in Your Homeschool (& Life) Journaling Workbook How to Develop Boundaries in your Homeschool Life Homeschool Mom Boundaries: 6 Truths That Will Set You Free 7 ways to find quiet & build boundaries in your homeschool Homeschool Kids are the Audience to the Homeschool Marriage Healing the Mother Wound for Homeschool Moms Foster Strong Relationships in Your Homeschool Family Building Boundaries for Homeschool Mama Coaching Course A Guide to Healthy Relationships in Your Homeschool Confident Homeschooling: Mastering Your Boundaries Practical (& useful) steps to boundaries in your homeschool Discovering the Benefits: Co-Educating with Daddy Building Boundaries and Requiring Time Outs with Stacy Wilson 7 Practical Boundaries for Homeschool Moms to Protect Energy & Time homeschool family harmony: the invisible education in an imperfect family 9 Typical Homeschool Mom Boundary Challenges & How to Overcome Them Homeschool Mom Boundary Issues? You’re Not Doing This… A Homeschool Mom Podcast for Boundary Breakthrough How to Homeschool Better (& Why Do you Want to?) 7 Effective Tools to Build Boundaries (& Why You Require Them) Burnout to Balance: How Boundaries Changed My Homeschool Life Relationship Revolution: Level Up Your Homeschool Mom Connections! Teresa Wiedrick I help homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book a no-obligation conversation with Teresa Latest episodes The Confident Homes
Feeling overwhelmed in your homeschool isn’t about failing—it’s about carrying invisible loads you didn’t even know existed. This homeschool overwhelm quiz reveals the hidden roots so you can stop fixing the wrong problems. You wake up with good intentions. Today will be different. You’ve got your lesson plans ready, your coffee brewing, and determination in your heart. But by 10 AM, someone’s melting down over math, the laundry is calling your name, and that familiar knot in your stomach whispers: “Am I doing this right?” If this sounds like your typical Tuesday (or Monday… or every day), you’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not failing. Introducing the Homeschool Overwhelm QUIZ… Take the Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz in just 5 Minutes Why Most Homeschool Overwhelm “Solutions” Don’t Work When homeschooling starts feeling too heavy, most of us naturally try to fix what we can see on the surface: “I need a better routine” “There must be a better curriculum out there” “Maybe I just need more organization” “If I was more motivated, this would all work” But here’s what I’ve discovered after two decades of homeschooling and six years of coaching other homeschool moms: overwhelm isn’t actually about your to-do list. It goes so much deeper than schedules and curriculum choices. As Brené Brown says, “You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” When we can’t name what’s really draining us, we end up hustling—trying planner after planner, curriculum after curriculum—instead of addressing the real roots. The Truth About Homeschool Overwhelm Through working with hundreds of homeschool families, I’ve identified that homeschool overwhelm typically stems from four core roots that have nothing to do with your daily schedule: 1. The Invisible Mental Load You’re not just remembering to sharpen the kids’ skates before hockey, find those ballet slippers before dance class, or buy more erasers (they’re under the sofa cushions fyi) — you’re holding the mental and emotional responsibility for your entire family’s education and development. You’re the curriculum coordinator, guidance counselor, learning specialist, activities director, and long-term educational planner all rolled into one. This invisible mental load runs in the background of your mind 24/7, and it’s exhausting. 2. Identity Erosion Whether you left a career to homeschool or initially wanted nothing beyond motherhood, many moms find that all they are and do revolves around their children. While deeply loving your role, you might be craving something more—creative pursuits, entrepreneurial adventures, continuing your own education, or simply remembering who you are outside of “homeschool mom.” 3. The Boundary-less Life When your home is your school and your students are your children, everything bleeds together. You never really clock out. There’s no clear “school day” that ends, no weekend break from being the educator, no summer vacation from worrying about learning gaps. 4. Unprocessed Stress and Emotions You’ve become an expert at managing everyone else’s big feelings while pushing your own aside. Those emotions don’t disappear—they accumulate. This is why you might find yourself snapping at small things or feeling completely overwhelmed by a life that, from the outside, looks manageable. Take the Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz: Discover Your Root Cause The beautiful thing about identifying these roots is that you don’t have to tackle all four at once. Usually, there’s one or two quietly draining you more than the others. Our free Homeschool Personal Growth Wheel assessment helps you: Identify which of these 4 roots is most at play in your life right now Understand why your current solutions aren’t working Get specific, actionable next steps to address what’s actually draining you Stop wasting energy trying to fix the wrong problems https://youtu.be/2rg8KGXU9Nw What Makes This Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz Different Unlike generic stress assessments, this quiz was created specifically for homeschool families. It understands the unique challenges of: Managing multiple children’s learning needs simultaneously Balancing education with household responsibilities Making constant educational decisions that feel like they impact your children’s futures Living without traditional support systems and boundaries Real Stories: What Happens When You Address the Real Roots Sabrina came to me after “many years of survival mode and heavy pressure” on herself. She’d lost enthusiasm for homeschooling and felt depleted. After identifying and addressing her specific roots of overwhelm, she shared: “I’m feeling much more balanced. The coaching has helped to reassure my path and I find myself moving back into the space of doing things that I loved before becoming so burnt out.” Brittany discovered that unclear boundaries were her biggest obstacle: “I felt responsible for everybody’s emotions.” Once she identified this root, she was able to “shed harmful patterns and habits, and really center the people and things that truly matter to me. Now I’m pouring time into personal projects that bring me joy and fulfillment.” Whitney realized her overwhelm stemmed from the invisible mental load: “I needed to figure out how to meet my son’s needs in our homeschool… Coaching was helpful in ways I wasn’t expecting. I feel more confident in what homeschooling looks like within my home. I am a better detective with my kids to see what they value and care about.” Your Next Step: Take the Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz Ready to stop trying to fix the wrong problems? Our Homeschool Personal Growth Wheel takes just 5 minutes and gives you: ✅ Clarity on which root is quietly draining you most✅ Relief from feeling like you’re failing✅ Direction with specific next steps✅ Hope that homeschooling can feel meaningful again Take the Free Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz Here → What You’ll Discover About Your Homeschool Overwhelm After taking the quiz, you’ll receive a personalized report that shows: Your Primary Root: Which of the 4 roots is most affecting your homeschool experience Why This Matters: How this specific root shows up in your daily life Your Next Steps: Specific, actionable strategies to address this root Resources: Tools and support to help you create lasting change Remember: You’re More Capable Than You Realize The fact that you’re here, seeking understanding and solutions, tells me you’re exactly the kind of intentional parent your kids need. As one mom shared with me: “I can’t remember the last time I felt this safe to talk to someone and share difficult, vulnerable things from my heart and past, while knowing that I would get compassionate validation and wise advice.” Homeschooling is supposed to feel meaningful, and it can again. Not perfect, not without challenges, but aligned and sustainable and life-giving. You don’t have to carry all this weight alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to understand what you’re really dealing with and bring the right kind of care to the right places. Take the Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz Now → Your journey toward confidence and clarity starts with naming what’s really going on. You’ve got this. Take the Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz — Discover Your Root Cause Teresa has been homeschooling for two decades and has spent the last six years coaching homeschool families toward more aligned, sustainable education. Her Homeschool Personal Growth Wheel assessment has helped hundreds of families identify and address the real roots of their overwhelm. Want to go deeper? Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset session here. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session to get clear on your overwhelm People also ask: Tackling Homeschool Mom Overwhelm in the Homeschool Mom Podcast Overcoming Homeschool Overwhelm Journaling Workbook How to Be a Sane Working Homeschool Mom (Without Burning Out) What should success look like in our homeschools? 12 Insider Tips for Homeschool Moms to Lower Stress How to Get Quiet Time as a Homeschool Mom with Rachel Le How to Facilitate Child-Led Learning in your Homeschool Supporting the Overwhelmed Homeschool Mama on the Podcast The Ultimate Homeschool Burnout Prevention Plan How to Teach Your Kids to Fight Foster Strong Relationships in Your Homeschool Family How to Tame the Homeschool Stress Dragon with 23 Strategies how to incorporate play into your homeschool slump month Tell me everything you know about homeschool overwhelm Teresa Wiedrick I help overwhelmed homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book a no-obligation conversation with Teresa
We’ve been a homeschool family living in British Columbia for the last decade and a half. Our three oldest kids are launched, and our youngest is in his final years. “They say” things go quickly, and they are right. But it was hard to see the quickness of it when many days are plenty long. One thing I know: if you want to homeschool, you CAN homeschool. I’m here to tell you that you can do this homeschool thing with confidence! I’m here to help you learn how to start homeschooling in British Columbia. And in this article, I’ll also help you decide on registered homeschool versus online learning too (because you’ll need to decide). ✨ If you’d like a clear roadmap to start strong, join me for my free training: 9 Steps to Thrive in Your First Homeschool Year — it’s packed with practical steps and encouragement to help you find your groove from day one. Learn the 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stressful First Year of Homeschooling This is what you’ll find in this article on how to start homeschooling in British Columbia (& how to decide on registered homeschool versus online learning). What you might want to know about the homeschool lifestyle. What the most common concerns are that new homeschool parents have? You are invited to join me in a consultation call to discuss your coaching options with a homeschool life coach. I offer you an overview of the legalities of home learning in British Columbia. I explain the differences between registered homeschooling and online learning. A quick flyover about how I thought homeschooling would be and what it was actually like. And a special welcome to homeschooling from me! So let’s get started… After living in Kamloops and traveling around the world, our homeschool family created a homestead life in the Kootenays. When you first get off the beaten path, leaving the conventional schooled path, you might have uncertainties and doubts; you might research & read more than Wiki itself. And of course, it is a rite of passage for all new homeschoolers to do that, as one should (we are taking responsibility for our children’s education, of course). And that is a huge responsibility. But I’m here to equip you to get clear, confident, and intentional so you don’t have to be uncertain: you really can do this homeschool thing. Here are a few common concerns that new homeschool families have and you might want to know: A Beginner’s Guide to Your First Year of Homeschool Should I Homeschool My Child? Can I Homeschool In Canada? the surprising transition from school to homeschool What about gaps in my child’s home education? Teach Your Own: Homeschool Confidently Without Being a Certified Teacher What do homeschoolers want to deschool from: let’s get specific. How to Handle Homeschool Overwhelm What Does Homeschool Cost: What I Wish I Knew Before I Homeschooled A Homeschool Life Coach Help Near Me Three Things I Wish I Knew Before I Homeschooled homeschool philosophies and why you don’t need to care How to homeschool with confidence in 5 (not-so-easy) steps A Homeschool Mama Will Benefit from Coaching for Homeschool (& Life) If you have any questions, you’re welcome to send a message here. https://youtu.be/yMkeiZ91UvE If you’re uncertain if you want to homeschool at all, consider these thoughts… And of course, to know how to start homeschooling in British Columbia, you’ll want to know the legalities according to provincial law too. What does the provincial government say about how to start homeschooling in British Columbia (registered homeschool versus online learning)? In British Columbia, many kids online learn from home (if you enroll as an online learner, even though you’re learning at home and you might identify as a homeschooler, the BC government doesn’t acknowledge you as a homeschooler unless you’re a registered homeschooler). The BC government maintains a close connection to the online learner with an online learning school, a teacher/learning consultant, and learning outcomes, which might include grades, exams, and all that jazz. It looks like homeschooling to the schooled world, because the kids are typically at home doing their work, but the government does not acknowledge it as such. You don’t get to choose your educational program. You’re accountable to the BC Ministry of Education. My youngest and I planning a field trip in Vancouver Everyone chooses different approaches for different reasons: so, to each their own, of course. But since I went into this lifestyle for a whole lot of freedom, I chose the Registered Homeschooling path. Freedom to learn what we want to learn. Freedom to live a less constrained life. And freedom to live a family-centric life. Freedom to travel. Also freedom to enable an individualized education. Freedom to choose our social connections. Just freedom, freedom, freedom… …And now that I’ve done this for as long as I have, I know I don’t need outside intervention to direct my children’s education. (Eventually, most homeschoolers gradually grow in this confidence too). And I know that Section 12/13 Registered Homeschooling of the British Columbia School Act maximizes my family’s home learning freedoms too. ps I’m not one for learning provincial law for fun either, but it serves you to be familiar with this part of the law so you are more confident and can address others’ concerns (like when you have to field random concerned questions from your aunt or your neighbor, or the grocery cashier…cause girlfriend, those questions will come). When you’re asked “Is homeschooling legal?” you can confidently answer, “Heck yeah, you can check it out under the BC School Act under Section 12/13.” (And you’ll also know how to address school officials who aren’t familiar with the law because a lot of them don’t know either.) So much freedom in the homeschool lifestyle. My first perceptions about homeschooling before I did it… Once upon a time, I had an expectation my family would experience utopia via a homeschool life. Early on, I wrote about my three little girls in white dresses, slamming screen doors as they ran in from our Prince Edward Island homestead garden, enjoying readalouds with tea in the afternoon, reading classics like Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables, on our white couch, and living happily ever after. You know, utopia. And yes, for some reason, it had to happen in Prince Edward Island, not British Columbia. And why a white couch? Because I already purchased one from Ikea (which I might add is the antithesis of homeschool utopia: a white couch in any family home is always unwise!) Grab your free Confident Homeschool 101 Guide — your quick-start roadmap to homeschooling with clarity, confidence, and calm. https://youtu.be/TMgP2KMy-Zs?si=4lbEC5H5iLLeOYKn I learned that homeschool is not utopia, there are plenty of challenges along the way, but if you’re clear on why you’re doing it and you’re willing to learn a few strategies, you’ll overcome a lot of those challenges. Turns out my three little girls are way past wearing white dresses now: they’re 22, 20, and 18. (They’re more likely to wear Lulu lemons or waist-high jean cut-offs.) We added a son to the mix. He’s 14 and about to enter high school. I learned you can homeschool in every province of Canada, not just PEI. We have indeed read a bajillion readalouds with tea in the afternoon, we got rid of that white couch, and didn’t live happily ever after, but have enjoyed so many moments and memories because of this big beautiful freedom-based lifestyle called homeschooling. There are remarkable opportunities as a homeschool family: whether you register to homeschool or enroll in online learning. My reality and my original vision definitely were not the same, but freedom most certainly has remained a constant family companion. Here are a few of the challenges I’ve had to overcome: How to Handle Homeschool Overwhelm What to do when I was fed up homeschooling? 16 Practical Self-Compassion Tools to Help for Homeschool Moms how to manage impatience in your homeschool: 14 strategies to freedom How to Address Homeschool Mama’s Big Emotions 7 ways to find quiet & build boundaries in your homeschool How my story of deschooling brought more freedom & purpose Finding quiet, building boundaries & handling overwhelm No question, it hasn’t been utopia, but what an amazing lifestyle for family living! https://youtu.be/hRIiXLOxNvI?si=nL3iKztXCm1IWF1X Now to the legalities of homeschooling in British Columbia: you have to choose registered homeschooling versus online learning before you start. There are two ways to learn how to start homeschooling in British Columbia. One way to homeschool in British Columbia is known as registered homeschooling, and another way is known as online learning.  Let’s talk about the difference between registered homeschool versus online learning… 1. You can register as a homeschooler according to Section 12/13 of the BC School Act. If you choose the Registered Homeschool option, you are not required to follow the BC curriculum, there is no mandatory testing at all, and your child is not required to work toward grade 12 graduation with a Dogwood Certificate. ps I had a daughter graduate from high school without a Dogwood and without a high school diploma, yet she still took local community college classes before she left home and will graduate from her college program this week. The only thing required of you is to provide an educational program that you believe will sufficiently… An educational program is designed to enable learners to become literate, to develop their individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy, democratic and pluralistic society and a prosperous and sustainable economy. –British Columbia School Act definitions for Section 12/13 Yet, with this homeschool freedom, you do not receive government funding. Also note: Registered Homeschoolers can e
How to create a homeschool routine that works for you (& your homeschool kids)? When you create a homeschool routine that works for you, you have to be clear on these things: What do you think an education is anyway, Get clear on what your vision for your homeschool is, Know how you and your kids function during your days. First-Year Moms: Start by jotting down your hopes for your child’s learning and your family rhythm. Experienced Moms: Revisit your vision—how has it evolved over the years? Are your routines supporting the growth you’ve seen so far? Grab your FREE Confident Homeschool 101 Guide for 1st (& 2nd) Year Homeschoolers. Grab your Confident Homeschool 101 Guide for 1st (& 2nd) Year Homeschoolers How Will You Create a Homeschool Routine That Works for You? Here are six tips to help you create a homeschool routine that works for your family: Set Clear Goals – Define your educational objectives and priorities. Determine what you want your child to achieve academically, socially, and personally. Establish a Consistent Schedule – Consistency is key for a successful routine. Decide on a daily or weekly schedule that fits your family’s rhythm. Include Core Subjects – Allocate time for math, language arts, science, and history. Plan when these subjects will be taught each day, keeping in mind your child’s peak learning times. Incorporate Breaks – Short breaks between subjects or activities help prevent burnout and maintain focus. Use breaks for stretching, outdoor time, or a healthy snack. Flexibility Within Routine – Allow for flexibility. Some days might require more time on a challenging topic, while other days allow for extended exploration of interests. Include Enrichment Activities – Hands-on activities, projects, and field trips aligned with your child’s interests enhance learning and make the routine more engaging. First-Year Moms: Focus on one or two key tips this week—don’t overwhelm yourself. Experienced Moms: Use these tips to refine your existing routine. Ask yourself: “What’s working, and what could be improved?” Remember, a homeschool routine is a tool to help you achieve your educational goals while also maintaining balance and well-being for your family. It’s important to attempt to include both structure and flexibility to create an environment that supports your child’s growth and learning journey. https://youtu.be/dmRou0KU6_8 Create a routine, not a schedule… Staggering Learning for Different Ages If you’re teaching multiple children at different ages, consider staggering learning blocks to match their attention spans and energy levels. First-Year Moms: Plan one or two staggered blocks per day so older kids can work independently while you guide younger ones. Experienced Moms: Rotate learning blocks to challenge older kids and allow guided exploration for younger ones. Use a visual schedule so each child knows when it’s “their time.” This reduces overwhelm and meets each child where they are. Set Up Your Morning Routine One of the most important things we can do is set our day with intentional energy and thoughts. Listen to yourself before you listen to your kids. I start the day with a cup of coffee and milk, use a UV light in the morning, read my daily morning mama affirmations, and journal. Create a morning routine for us, homeschool moms, to get kick-started before the kids are awake. Yeah, I know that is a real challenge if you have young kids. It might not even be realistic, but it is still the goal. So does that mean you have to get up at 4:00 am? No, I am not suggesting that. I would never have done that myself. My kids would laugh if I even suggested that to you. Still, the goal is to be up before the kids are awake, especially the younger ones, so you can set your day with intention. First-Year Moms: Journaling can help you track curriculum, routines, and what sparks your child’s interest. Keep it simple! Experienced Moms: Expand journaling beyond academics—capture family dynamics, emotional atmosphere, memories, and your personal growth. Reflect on what’s working and what patterns you want to change. https://youtu.be/21rYyt6eRSU?si=FP21TifvPqHQa6Dh Write three focus words at the top of your journal to remind yourself how you want to show up today. This year: encourage, expand, invite. Choosing focus words sets our mind to approach the day the way we want. First-Year Moms: Pick one focus word per week to avoid overwhelm. Experienced Moms: Revisit your focus words each month—do they align with your values, homeschool goals, and life intentions? https://youtu.be/XXNvekywzk4?si=rRAhkMldZqKtnJJp How can you incorporate your interests in your morning basket? Speak Daily Affirmations to Yourself There’s no magic bullet in reading daily affirmations, but it does set our minds on the right things. Praying and meditating with intention and asking God for help strengthen my resolve and clarity. At the same time, I read my daily morning mama affirmations. This helps us set our minds thinking about the things we want in our homeschool and how we want to engage our children. Speak kind loving words to yourself before you begin your homeschool day. Download your Homeschool Mama Daily Affirmations Managing Multiple Morning Routines Morning routines can look very different depending on the age of your children. First-Year Moms: Focus on a simple routine for yourself first. Then, gradually layer in routines for the kids—brush teeth, breakfast, morning activity. Experienced Moms: Create age-specific routines. Older kids might begin with independent reading or journaling, while younger ones have hands-on play or guided activities. Timers or visual cues help everyone stay on track. The goal is to start the day with calm and intention, not chaos. Create a Routine, Not a Schedule A schedule is forced confinement; routines are guidelines. Routines are flexible, predictable, and productive. First-Year Moms: Start with routines that give structure without pressure. Think of them as gentle guides. Experienced Moms: Audit your routine—are there areas where you’re over-scheduling or underutilizing time that could be better spent on relationships, fun, or self-care? https://youtu.be/EN2dg1dQSL8?si=1OqxB8nPFjiM9aZp Include Fun, Connection, and Enrichment Make fun memories a homeschool goal. Include poetry teatime. Include nature study. Include readalouds. Include special party days: a not-back-to-school picnic with other homeschoolers, the first day of the homeschool party, a 100-day party, the last day of the year party, and family birthdays are days off! Include gameschooling. Create time to connect with your most important relationships. Build space and time in your week to build a supportive homeschool community. Include pinschooling. Create a time for a chores routine where all of you work together to clean the house. One hour each week. Teach your kids to cook! First-Year Moms: Start small—choose one fun ritual each week. Experienced Moms: Review fun and connection activities—are they still meaningful? Can you add new experiences that match your children’s evolving interests? https://youtu.be/Lnij0u8ts7s?si=B4wfoEEvTzuRES5V What do you want to include in your day? Write it down. Carve out a morning routine. Begin the day alone. Just fifteen minutes. Create a morning routine with the kids: a prayer, a lovingkindness meditation, yoga, readalouds, and discussing plans for the day. Ask the kids what their hopes and plans are for the day and make sure you let your kids know yours too. Include study time or engage in learning opportunities. (Think in subject areas or follow their curiosities). Include a post-lunch communal quiet time. Get outside and active every day. Slot in screen time. Include fun every day. Include household chores in your weekly routine: everyone helps. Include extracurricular activities, co-ops, and part-time jobs in your routine. Inject some homeschool hygge in your day! Alone Time with Older Kids One-on-one time with older children is important, but tricky when younger ones need guidance. First-Year Moms: Schedule a short 10–15 minute solo activity with an older child while younger children play independently. Experienced Moms: Create a rotating schedule where each older child gets a longer block of alone time each week. Involve younger kids in parallel independent activities or a “helper project.” This ensures older children feel seen, encourages independence, and nurtures individual relationships. What activities would you like to include in your life? Get clear: what are the most important things to you? What do you value? Do you see those values reflected in your daily activities and life? Don’t do things that aren’t important to you. Like grammar and sentence diagramming for me. You get to decide what you want to include in your homeschool day. Time-Blocking and Practical Scheduling Time-blocking provides clarity on how long activities take. First-Year Moms: Track time for a week to set realistic expectations. Experienced Moms: Compare actual vs. planned time—are there patterns where energy dips or tasks take longer? Adjust routines accordingly. https://youtu.be/EN2dg1dQSL8?si=ySa4KoeIF_B6n03A If you’re looking to create an effective first homeschool year, consider grabbing your New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide to Avoid 9 Mistakes for a Stress-Free First Year. “The New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free First Year” will help you confidently begin your homeschooling journey! This Quick Guide, crafted by an experienced homeschool parent, is your roadmap to a successful start. The New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free First Year “The New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free First Year” will help you confidently begin your homeschooling journey! This Quick Guide, crafted by an experienced homeschool paren
What does it look like to homeschool with confidence, especially when you’ve never bought a curriculum, started in the middle of a pandemic, and are learning to accept yourself along the way? In this episode of the Homeschool Mama Self-Care Podcast, I chat with Sigbrit, a homeschool mom, Enneagram 8, and member of the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective, about her unique and authentic homeschooling journey. Together, we explore the lessons she’s learned about interest-led homeschooling for confident moms—and how self-awareness, experimentation, and even Brené Brown’s wisdom on vulnerability play a role in creating a life-giving homeschool. What You’ll Learn About Interest-Led Homeschooling for Confident Moms In this episode, we discuss: Why Sigbrit chose not to use formal curriculum and instead patchworked her homeschool from books and observation The importance of watching your children learn before deciding how to teach How to balance parental interests with children’s passions in a homeschool lifestyle Why it’s okay if your child reads (and rereads!) Diary of a Wimpy Kid The value of deep conversations, curiosity, and experimentation in learning How coaching and the Enneagram helped Sigbrit feel more rooted and confident Brené Brown’s reminder: “Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” Navigating challenges in marriage and family dynamics when homeschooling What to do when you feel like you’ve “messed up” your kids How outsourcing subjects you don’t know is a strength, not a failure The power of journaling, self-coaching, and carving out quiet morning reflection “Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection Meet Sigbrit Sigbrit was born and raised in Denmark and moved to the U.S. 15 years ago. Now living near Baltimore, she homeschools her three daughters (ages 11 and 9-year-old twins) with what she calls a “relaxed homeschool” style. She draws inspiration from nature, history, creativity, and her children’s interests. Her homeschool motto: follow curiosity, embrace flexibility, and make learning fun. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Homeschooling isn’t about perfection or sticking to someone else’s formula. As Sigbrit’s story shows, it’s about learning alongside your children, embracing vulnerability, and creating a homeschool that reflects the real people in your home. If this episode spoke to you, would you share it with a fellow homeschool mom who might resonate with it too? ✨ Ready to realign your homeschool with your values and season of life? Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Coaching Session—a 1:1 space to reflect, reimagine, and take your next right step with confidence. 💛 Want extra support for those overwhelming homeschool moments? Grab your free Big Emotions Journaling Workbook—a gentle guide to help you (and your kids) process, pause, and reset with clarity and calm. Rediscover Yourself Beyond Homeschool Mom Guidebook NURTURING YOU: A Digital Workbook for Homeschool Moms | Instant Download Rediscover yourself beyond homeschooling with this 14-page guide. Packed with exercises for creativity, self-awareness, and personal growth — perfect for busy moms looking for balance and “me time.” $13.99 Original price was: $13.99.$12.99Current price is: $12.99. Shop now People also ask: Homeschool Help for Mom: Create a Plan for your Big Emotions interest-led homeschooling: beauty is in the eye of the beholder Healing the Mother Wound for Homeschool Moms Understanding the Enneagram for Homeschoolers Homeschool Help for Mom: Dealing with her Big Emotions How to Maintain Authenticity in our Homeschool with Betsy Jenkins How to Tame the Homeschool Stress Dragon with 23 Strategies Supporting the Overwhelmed Homeschool Mama on the Podcast 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 12 Insider Tips for Homeschool Moms to Lower Stress Tackling Homeschool Mom Overwhelm in the Homeschool Mom Podcast Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 Homeschool Help Podcast for Your (Real) Homeschool Mom Life 7 Common Homeschool Conversations with a Life Coach Teresa Wiedrick I help homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life. Book a no-obligation conversation with Teresa Latest episodes The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Human Development for Homeschool Moms: Realistic High School Expectations October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom’s Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Spark Natural Learning August 19, 2025 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) August 13, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 5 Challenges Working Homeschool Moms Face—And How to Overcome Them August 5, 2025 How to Manage Overstimulation as a Homeschool Mom July 30, 2025 Reclaim You: Rediscover Life Beyond the Homeschool Mom Role July 22, 2025 A Summer Reset for Homeschool Moms: The Secret to a More Peaceful Year Ahead July 15, 2025 How to Help Reluctant Writers: Julie Bogart on Homeschool Writing July 7, 2025 7 Ways Brené Rescued Me from One of those Homeschool Days June 30, 2025 Morning Affirmations for Homeschool Mama: A Simple Practice for You to Parent with Intention June 24, 2025 5 Overlooked Mistakes That Are Stressing You Out as a Homeschool Mom (& How to Fix Them) June 18, 2025 The Soul School Way: Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Voices for Homeschool Families June 3, 2025 Sibling Bickering in Homeschool Families: What’s Normal & How to Handle It May 27, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundaries: 6 Truths That Will Set You Free May 20, 2025 How the Mother Wound Affects Homeschool Moms—and How to Break Free May 12, 2025 Homeschool Mom Boundary Issues? You’re Not Doing This… May 6, 2025 How to Deschool as a Homeschool Mom and Rediscover Your Identity April 30, 2025 How my story of deschooling brought more freedom & purpose April 22, 2025 How to Know if Deschooling is Right for You: 7 Signs you Need to Deschool April 13, 2025 Why Do You Want to Deschool? Understanding Why it Matters April 11, 2025 Is My Homeschooler Behind? The Truth About Learning at Their Own Pace April 1, 2025 A Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Purposeful Living March 25, 2025 10 Simple Steps to the Homeschool Life (& Live it on Purpose) March 17, 2025 The Three Lies Homeschool Moms Tell Themselves March 11, 2025 The Myth of the Perfect Homeschool: 3 Common Challenges March 5, 2025 Tired of Homeschool Sibling Fights? Try These 3 Simple Strategies! March 4, 2025 11 Powerful Affirmations Every Homeschool Mom Needs to Hear February 25, 2025 6 Homeschool Burnout Signs that Suggest You Need to Try Something New February 18, 2025 7 Red Flags That Say You Need Homeschool Wellness Coaching—Before Burnout Hits February 12, 2025 How to Motivate Your Homeschool Child toward Curiosity & Independence February 4, 2025 How I Learned to Build Healthy Relationships in My Homeschool Family (And How You Can Too) January 27, 2025 Subscribe to the Homeschool Mama Self-Care podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify
How do I unschool my child and just let my kids learn? And by the way, that’s the reason to talk about unschooling: it helps us let go of the control of our child’s education and just let them learn already. So how do I unschool my child? Start Your 1st Year of Homeschooling withConfidence — Grab your Guide! How do I unschool my child? Let them learn on their own terms, learn what they want to learn, how they want to learn, and why they want to learn it. There’s this notion out there, that if you set up a system, organize it, with a lot of people to officiate it, and administer a grade and a class, a lecture, a lesson plan, and an exam, then children will learn (and have received an education.) (But straight up, there have been two seasons in our homeschool.) Yes, kids will still learn stuff. In spite of our rigid expectations and approaches, children learn. It’s what they do. Interested teachers increase the chance of someone wanting to learn. Of getting kids interested. Of engaging. But the motivation to learn is on the kids. They don’t receive an education, they engage in an education (if they’re invested). Kids want to learn. Unless they’ve been seriously neglected or abused, children will grow and learn. Kids aren’t necessarily eager to learn what you want them to learn, when you want them to learn, in the way you want them to learn though. Occupy their time in meaningful ways, or let them occupy themselves. Give them lots of space to be quiet, pursue new interests, and discover themselves past boredom. Let them discover their interests in solitude. Allow for a balance between prescribed and exploratory time. Give them opportunities to be exposed to new concepts, new places, and new ideas. Give them meaningful work that contributes to the well-being of their family and community through housework, childcare, farm work, volunteer work, or whatever interests them. Then let them play. No learning plans are hidden behind their play, just easy, entertaining play. ps Did you know there have usually been two seasons in our homeschool: formal studies or unschooling? https://youtu.be/TMgP2KMy-Zs?si=4lbEC5H5iLLeOYKn How do I unschool my child? Consider what you want them to learn. You’re their parent, so you get to determine what you want them to learn too. You don’t have to assume that because the neighbor kids are learning about plate tectonics your kids must be learning that too. But it might be a prompt. A federal election might compel a discussion on the major political parties. What are the reasons one might vote for different party platforms? This, and other current affairs, often grace our dinner table since my husband passionately engages in discussions in politics, history, and economics. Me, I like reading. I move through quite a few books for a mama of four. So I read with my kids. I Am Malala, To Set A Watchman and Trevor Noah’s youth memoir were our recent readalouds. I get to share my passion through books. This is your chance to share your passions with your kiddos. (Hey, and have you ever wondered How to Encourage Independence in your Homeschool?) Observe and listen to who your children are. What are they about? Listen to them. They are developing and coming into their own, but you can take cues from their lives, even as young children. Do they like earning money? Encourage them to start a lemonade stand. As they get older, they might want to market their baking capabilities. Another might do yardwork for neighbours, or childcare for their mom’s friend. Is your child crafty? A Pinterest board might give them ideas. Learn to knit? Tie-dye t-shirts? Create their own decorative bed cushions? Observe and listen to who your children are and you will help them learn more about themselves. The New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free First Year If you’re a new homeschool mom, I created The New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free First Year. Think of it as your roadmap for a smooth beginning—packed with practical strategies, real-life encouragement, and the kind of wisdom you’d normally only get from a seasoned homeschool friend over coffee. Inside, you’ll uncover:➡️ Simple steps to handle legal requirements and curriculum decisions with ease➡️ Smart ways to balance family rhythms while homeschooling➡️ Personalized learning tips that actually fit your child➡️ How to respond confidently when others question your choice➡️ Encouragement to release perfection and embrace flexibility Homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This guide will help you avoid common pitfalls and start strong—so you can focus on what really matters: raising confident, curious kids in a home filled with connection and purpose. 👉 Grab your copy today and set yourself up for a year of calm, clarity, and confidence. The New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free First Year “The New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free First Year” will help you confidently begin your homeschooling journey! This Quick Guide, crafted by an experienced homeschool parent, is your roadmap to a successful start. Inside, you’ll discover: – Strategies to navigate legal requirements and curriculum choices – Tips for balancing family life with homeschooling – Insights on creating personalized learning routines – Advice on managing family dynamics – Confident responses to common homeschool questions Perfect for new homeschoolers or those in their early years, this guide addresses real concerns like socialization, patience, and unrealistic expectations. Learn to trust your instincts, embrace flexibility, and celebrate progress. Don’t let doubt hold you back. With practical advice and encouraging wisdom, you’ll build a strong foundation for a fulfilling homeschool experience. Welcome to the rewarding world of homeschooling—you’ve got this, girlfriend! $9.99 Original price was: $9.99.$7.99Current price is: $7.99. Shop now How do I unschool my child? Don’t educate out of fear. There will always be gaps. Imperfect educations. My favourite term for this is ‘lopsided education’. Yup, that. We’ve all had those gaps. Whether we’re homeschooled or conventionally schooled. When someone suggests, “I don’t know if you should homeschool, because you might miss something,” they’re probably right. Your kids might not learn something. After twelve years of academics, are you hoping your kiddo can outwit Google or God? No? Then don’t educate in fear. Because what is an education anyway? Reimagine your Homeschool (for the 3rd Year Homeschooler & Beyond!) Maybe you’ve been homeschooling for a while, but lately it feels like you’re just checking boxes. Routines that once worked now feel heavy, and doubt sometimes sneaks in: Am I really doing this the best way for my kids… and for me? The Reimagine Your Homeschool Mini-Course is your invitation to pause, step back, and refresh your approach with intention. In this self-paced mini-course, you’ll:✨ Reconnect with your homeschool vision and values✨ Uncover what’s not working—and create space for what does✨ Learn practical strategies to bring more ease, creativity, and confidence into your days✨ Begin building a homeschool rhythm that feels aligned and life-giving It’s not about starting over—it’s about reimagining what’s possible. 👉 Reimagine Your Homeschool Now I’m Ready to Reimagine my Homeschool! How do I unschool my child? Enjoy the process. Yes, educating your children is a big responsibility. (Especially daunting when you know people are looking over your shoulder or questioning you directly.) But your kids were put on this earth for a special purpose. They are growing up right before your eyes, growing independent and capable, and eventually growing right out of your home. You had these little kids for a reason, so enjoy them while you have them. And though you discovered parenting was a lot of work (yup, you were right there), you didn’t have them so you could check another box off the list, another makework project, like homeschooling them. Don’t make home education an unreachable makework project. They already want to learn, they were hardwired for it. So have fun with it. There! That’s unschooling in a nutshell: not so daunting after all. Starting your homeschool journey? Let’s set you up for success. The early days of homeschooling can feel exciting—but also full of doubts. You might be wondering if you’re “doing it right,” how to handle the random questions (or opinions!) from others, or how to quiet that little voice that whispers imposter syndrome. That’s why I created the Aligned Homeschool Reset Session. In this 1:1 session, you’ll:✨ Gain clarity on what matters most in your homeschool (not someone else’s)✨ Learn how to confidently respond to the “What about socialization?” questions✨ Identify the unique strengths you already bring to homeschooling✨ Create a simple, aligned plan to begin with calm, confidence, and joy You don’t need to prove yourself—you just need a little space to align your homeschool with your family’s values and vision. 👉 Book your Aligned Homeschool Reset Session today and begin your journey with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot less second-guessing. Book your FREE Aligned Homeschool Reset Session today! People also ask… How to unschool high school. do you know who you are homeschool mama? Unschool Mothers: Candid Conversation with Virtual Kitchen Table What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? Is there an art and a science to an education? 7 Freedom-Loving Ways John Taylor Gatto Informs your Homeschool Can you homeschool without a homeschool room? How to Deal with Anger in Your Homeschool with Judy Arnall how to live your simple homeschool life on purpose How to Do Unschooling with Robyn Robertson Unschool music training by doing nothing at all John Holt &
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