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Homeschooling is a freeing family lifestyle like no other, and also—it can be overwhelming. For many homeschool moms, the overwhelm happens easily.
We’re not just educating our kids; we’re managing homes, routines, part-time jobs, and, most of all, ourselves.
Today, I want to share some insights and tools to declutter your homeschool mama mind that have helped me clear the mental clutter, navigate those tough emotions, and actually enjoy this incredible journey. Here’s how I went from feeling overwhelmed to on purpose in my homeschool life, and how you can, too.
My Story of How I Learned (& How You Can too) — Declutter your Homeschool Mama Mind
Years ago, in the early years of homeschooling, I remember feeling like I was just barely keeping my head above water. I had this beautiful vision of creating a joyful, enriching environment for my kids, but on many days, I felt like I was losing myself. Constant interruptions, unrealistic expectations, and my own emotions were always simmering beneath the surface.
One day, I had a breakthrough realization: it wasn’t just the daily challenges of homeschooling that were overwhelming me—it was my internal stories.
It was my unaddressed triggers, my need for control, and my unresolved expectations that were weighing me down.
And here’s the hard truth I had to face: those triggers? They weren’t my kids’ fault, and they weren’t my partner’s responsibility. They were mine.
As Dr. Shefali Tsabary says in The Awakened Family, “Our children are not ours to control; they are independent souls on their own journey.” That shift was powerful for me. My children didn’t exist to fix or fulfill me. Their behavior was simply a mirror, reflecting my own internal struggles and providing an invitation to grow and heal.
Understanding Triggers as part of our Personal Growth Journey
So, what does it mean to deal with our triggers?
For me, homeschooling became an opportunity to learn about myself and unpack what was underneath my reactions. Homeschooling was inviting me into a journey of self-awareness, and instead of seeing it as something to just “handle,” I saw it as a path toward growth.
Our triggers are like mental clutter—little stories or beliefs we carry about how things should be. Maybe it’s a fear of failure, a belief that our homeschool should look perfect, or a feeling that we need to prove our worth. These inner stories often show up in our homeschool, impacting our peace, our relationship with our kids, and our ability to be present.
As Shefali Tsabary also says, “If you want your children to be free, you must first be free.” Our internal work isn’t separate from our parenting; it directly affects our children’s freedom and joy. If we’re bogged down by unrealistic expectations or unexamined triggers, it affects the entire atmosphere of our homeschool life.
The 4-Question Approach by Byron Katie
One tool that has been incredibly transformative for me in addressing my triggers is Byron Katie’s 4 Questions. This simple process helps you look deeper and question the beliefs that might be causing your overwhelm. Here’s how it works:
- Is it true? – Start by asking yourself if the story you’re telling yourself is true. For example, if you’re thinking, “I’m failing as a homeschool mom,” pause and ask, “Is that actually true?”
- Can I absolutely know that it’s true? – This question goes even deeper. Often, the answer is no. We might be struggling, but that doesn’t mean we’re failing. We may just be having a hard day.
- How do I react, what happens, when I believe that thought? – Notice what happens when you believe in that story. Do you get tense? Snap at your kids? This step helps you see the impact of holding onto the thought.
- Who would I be without that thought? – This question is my favorite because it allows me to envision my homeschool day without the weight of my limiting beliefs. Without the thought that I’m failing, I feel more open, more relaxed, and more present.
This process has been a game-changer for me. And it can help declutter your homeschool mama mind too.
By working through these questions, I can untangle myself from the stories that are causing me stress. I’ve even put together these questions as a free download so you can try them out yourself and see if they help you find clarity.
Journaling Through Big Emotions
Of course, dealing with our thoughts is only one part of the process. Sometimes, as homeschool moms, we face big emotions—feelings of frustration, self-doubt, and even guilt. And that’s okay. Instead of pushing these feelings aside, I’ve learned that it’s necessary to face them and give them space to be understood.
I created a Big Emotions Journaling Workbook for homeschool moms who want to dive deeper into their emotional world. Journaling has been a powerful tool for me to process my emotions, recognize where they’re coming from, and work through them instead of letting them cloud my day. Giving myself permission to feel and to understand these emotions has created space for more peace, acceptance, and joy in my homeschool life.
As Tsabary reminds us, “Parenting is about letting go of control and embracing your children’s autonomy.” Allowing myself to experience my emotions without trying to control every outcome has been freeing, both for me and my children.
Declutter Your Mind, Open Up Space for Joy
As a graduated homeschool mom and Certified Life Coach, I’m here to help you shed what’s not working, so you can thrive in your homeschool and life.
So here’s my encouragement for you today: the next time you feel overwhelmed or triggered, take a moment to pause and ask, What’s really going on here? Is there a story or belief you’re holding onto that’s weighing you down? Try using Byron Katie’s 4 Questions to dig a little deeper, and if you’re ready to go even further, explore your emotions through journaling.
Download the Free 4 Questions
If you’d like to use these questions as a tool for navigating those tough emotions, download them here.
Big Emotions Journaling Workbook
Ready to explore your emotional world? Get the Big Emotions Journaling Workbook for a guided journaling experience!
Our homeschooling journey is as much about our own growth as it is about our children’s learning. When we do the work to declutter your homeschool mama mind and heart, we’ll make room for more joy, connection, and freedom—not just for us, but for our kids too.
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.”
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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.
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