In the whirlwind of homeschooling, finding time for personal creative pursuits can feel like an elusive endeavor. Yet, amidst the demands and responsibilities, writing serves as a sanctuary—a space where the adult voice can thrive in a child-oriented world. It is through writing that we can carve out moments of quiet reflection, explore our artistic intentions, and let our creativity flow. This journey to prioritize writing in the midst of homeschooling is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.
The writer acknowledges the continuous voices that permeate their world, from the soft whispers to the full-decibel demands. Game pieces move, dishes clink, brooms swish, and children seek solace and guidance. In this cacophony, finding the quiet place within becomes crucial. It is here, in the depths of their own mind, that the writer can fully tap into their creative wellspring.
Creativity takes various forms in each of us, whether it’s through writing, pottery, oil painting, cabinetry, cooking, or chess strategy. For this writer, writing is their chosen path—a calling that compels them to seek out dedicated moments to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.
However, making time for writing can be challenging. The writer embraces the demands of the study year, balancing multiple subjects, languages, and guiding their children’s spirits. Amidst this juggling act, they recognize the importance of being firm and carving out dedicated writing time. Setting boundaries and declaring their quiet space after the afternoon study session, they declare that interruptions are reserved for emergencies. By prioritizing this time, they honor their creative groove, allowing it to flourish even amid the responsibilities of homeschooling.
Even outside the homeschooling routine, the writer finds solace in a charming mountain town. Renting a table, sipping a non-fat cappuccino, they immerse themselves in the communal hum of the surroundings. Here, they focus on writing their weekly blog posts or refining chapters of their greater novel. It is a sacred time, dedicated to their craft and their creative journey.
So, when do you find your own creative sanctuary? As a homeschool mom, incorporating writing into your daily routine is vital for nurturing your creative voice. Here are a few strategies to help you prioritize your writing practice amidst the beautiful chaos of homeschooling:
1️⃣ Morning Journaling: Begin your day with moments of quiet reflection and writing. Journaling allows you to express your thoughts, dreams, and goals while setting a positive tone for the day.
2️⃣ Writing Breaks: Take short breaks throughout the day dedicated solely to writing. Utilize quiet moments when your children are occupied to immerse yourself in your writing projects.
3️⃣ Incorporate Writing into Homeschool Lessons: Integrate writing exercises into your children’s curriculum. Use prompts and creative writing activities to foster their imaginations while simultaneously engaging in your own writing practice.
4️⃣ Writing as Self-Care: Carve out specific moments for self-care that include writing. Prioritize time during nap times, after the kids have gone to bed, or by waking up a bit earlier. These dedicated moments are essential for your own relaxation and creative expression.
5️⃣ Outdoor Writing Sessions: Embrace nature’s inspiration by incorporating outdoor writing sessions into your homeschool routine. Set up a cozy writing spot in your backyard or visit local parks and nature reserves to invigorate your creativity.
6️⃣ Writing as Community Engagement: Join writing groups, forums, or online communities to connect with other homeschool moms who share your passion. Engage in challenges, workshops, and critique sessions to enhance your skills and grow as a writer.
Writing.
It’s the adult voice in my child-oriented world.
It’s the ear that always listens when a human ear isn’t available.
It’s the transmission of mind to paper when a surge of artistic intention burns through.
For me, that’s writing.
It could be pottery. Or oil painting. Cabinetry. Cooking. Or chess strategy.
For me, I must. I must find a time to write.
Which can be challenging. There are most often continuous voices in my world. Soft voices sometimes. But mostly loud, full-decibel voices. Game pieces moving. Dishes clink in the kitchen. Brooms swishing. “Mom, she’s not being nice to me. Can you talk to her?” Thump thump thump of footsteps bounding down the stairs. Now bounding up the stairs.
I must go into my own place. Inside my head. To the quiet place.
And let myself flow into my creative place.
Differently, creativity takes its forms in each of us. But it always takes form when we allow it to manifest in our daily routines.
Presently, the flow is easier. The expectations of the day are less demanding, with fewer writing projects to check, math work to check, and communal history reading or anatomy discussions after lunch. The routine is filled with more invigorating activities, being outdoors and visiting, and learning new salad combinations, and making yet another batch of preserves.
During the study year, I must be firm. I’ll be in my quiet space after the afternoon study time. I will not be disturbed. If someone is not dying or the house is on fire, your interruption will earn you a chore. It is hard enough for me to get into a creative groove when I have spent five hours managing studies, processing new languages, or gathering my children’s spirits to work together. But I often do.
Even with a trip to town for some extracurricular or other, I rent my table with a non-fat cappuccino and I sit within the communal hum of my charming mountain town and focus on writing the weekly blog post or cleaning up the 1500-word narrative piece of my greater novel.
What is your go-to creative and when do you make time to do it?
1️⃣ Morning Journaling: Start your day with a few moments of quiet reflection and writing. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, find a cozy corner, and let your thoughts flow onto the pages of your journal. Write about your dreams, goals, or simply express gratitude for the day ahead. This practice can help set a positive tone for the day and ignite your creativity.
2️⃣ Writing Breaks: Throughout the day, take short breaks dedicated solely to writing. Whether it’s during a quiet moment when the kids are engrossed in their own activities or during a designated “quiet time” period, use these intervals to work on your writing projects. Set a timer for 15-30 minutes, find your favorite writing spot, and allow yourself to dive into your creative world.
3️⃣ Incorporate Writing into Homeschool Lessons: Integrate writing exercises into your children’s homeschool curriculum. Use writing prompts, storytelling activities, or creative writing exercises to engage their imaginations and develop their writing skills. As you guide them, seize the opportunity to write alongside them, fostering a shared writing experience.
4️⃣ Writing as Self-Care: Carve out specific moments during the day that are dedicated solely to your own self-care, and include writing as part of that routine. Whether it’s during nap time after the kids have gone to bed, or even after waking up a bit earlier in the morning, prioritize this time for yourself. Use it to explore your thoughts, work on personal writing projects, or simply enjoy the act of writing as a form of relaxation and expression.
5️⃣ Outdoor Writing Sessions: Take advantage of nature’s inspiration by incorporating outdoor writing sessions into your homeschool routine. Set up a cozy writing spot in your backyard or visit a local park or nature reserve. The fresh air, serene surroundings, and change of scenery can invigorate your creativity and provide a welcome break from the typical homeschool environment.
6️⃣ Writing as Community Engagement: Join writing groups, forums, or online communities where you can connect with other homeschool moms who share a passion for writing. Engage in writing challenges, workshops, or critique sessions to enhance your skills and expand your network. Sharing your work with others and receiving feedback can be motivating and help you grow as a writer.
7️⃣ Carve Out Writing Time: Set a specific time each day or week that is designated solely for your writing. Communicate your needs to your family, setting boundaries and explaining the importance of uninterrupted writing time. Whether it’s a couple of hours on weekends or a dedicated writing evening during the week, having a consistent schedule ensures you prioritize your creative outlet.
Remember, finding time for writing amidst the chaos of homeschooling can be challenging, but it’s essential to nurture your creative voice. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you’ll be able to cultivate your writing practice and find fulfillment in expressing yourself through words. So, make the commitment, find your creative space, and let your words flow. When and where do you find your own creative sanctuary? Share your experiences and insights!
A Daily Homeschool Mama Journal for You!
Introducing the Daily Homeschool Mama Journal, your perfect companion to build time for yourself! With daily journal questions, weekly planner, and self-care activities, enhance your self-awareness and explore your identity while taking care of yourself. Start practicing self-awareness today!
People also ask:
- Five Points for Finding Your Writing Voice as a Homeschool Mom
- just write, they say: how to teach writing in homeschool
- 11 Useful Guidelines to Spark Creativity for Homeschool Moms
- Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer
- Do you offer one-on-one coaching?
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.
Definitely writing. I always feel like I need to have written something every day. It’s like breathing. So other other things I like to turn to every now and then when I need them are reading and drawing.