When meeting a new acquaintance, people often ask what I do.
When I answer that I homeschool my kids, I am often met with curious looks. Instinctively, I want to defend and explain to myself, all the merits and benefits, and freedoms of homeschooling.
And I do. But there are disadvantages of homeschooling too.
So what would I say are the disadvantages of homeschooling?
Non-homeschool parents know it intuitively, as their jaws drop to discover I homeschool.
The look on their faces often tells me, she is NUTS.
They might think I’m nuts because…
- The kitchen floor never stays clean,
- I get to see a lot more kids arguing and complaining,
- I get to see my ugly side more often,
- I don’t get to be in my home alone, let alone in the bathroom…
- The bathroom always looks like a college dorm bathroom.
- I own too many books and they are everywhere.
- I spend my waking hours relearning math concepts.
- There is always a homeschool experiment on the kitchen table.
- There is a rats’ nest of erasers, pens, markers, scissors, Lego, or Barbie shoes tucked in the sofa (and hither and yon).
- No one ever knows where the scissors are (oh right, they are under the sofa cushions).
- Computer toner is always on the “to purchase” list.
- I have to learn to multitask my thoughts because I’m usually thinking my thoughts and listening to someone else’s.
Would the non-homeschooling mom be right? Yup, sometimes. Because there are disadvantages to homeschooling.
There are definitely those days that make homeschooling seem like a less-than-happy making life choice.
But we also know that we get to enjoy all the freedoms and the upside of homeschooling.
Big Emotions Journal for the Homeschool Mom
Are you a homeschool mom navigating the ups and downs of daily life with your kids? Introducing the Homeschool Mama’s Toolbox—a powerful resource to help you manage big emotions like anger, guilt, or overwhelm with clarity and intention.
This journal features guided prompts, mindfulness practices, and Dr. Amen’s three questions for self-reflection, all designed to encourage emotional awareness and purposeful living. You’ll also find a Thought Care Checklist and daily meditation practices to help you handle challenging situations and sharpen your mental tools for a more balanced homeschool journey.
Start your journey to emotional well-being today with this empowering journal created specifically for homeschool moms. Enhance your homeschool experience and show up with purpose for yourself and your family.
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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.
Love it!
I had to giggle as I read this one! Yup, hello ugly side! Hehe