6 Hidden Challenges of the Homeschool: Support for Parents

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We often choose to homeschool because the lifestyle is filled with freedom. But we soon discover that homeschooling has plenty of challenges too.

When we decide to homeschool, we join a group of freedom-minded folk: we’re able to provide an individualized education infused with our family values and equip our kids to live their lives on purpose, authentically, and confidently too.

During our homeschool years, we learn a ton about what we didn’t learn when we were in school (who really gets the best education anyway? It’s likely you, mama).

We also learn that many of our schooled notions don’t serve our homeschooled kids.

Sometimes, we learn we have unrealistic expectations, we’re challenged to deal with stress & overwhelm, we discover we have anger issues, and we can nearly burnout because we haven’t dealt with our needs or boundaries. And we may even forget who is beyond the homeschool mother role.

That’s why I offer homeschool support for parents.

Book a conversation with Teresa

I offer homeschool support for parents, so they can homeschool authentically, confidently, and purposefully.

Do you need support? You can be supported beyond your direct homeschool challenges too.

(Although I love chatting deschool, and clarifying your homeschool vision & intentions too, there are other things we might need someone to walk alongside us.)

So, stuff happens in life: like heartbreak, heartache, fatigue, post-partum depression, a significant move, a new baby, or even seasonal affective disorder.

Sometimes we just need someone to bounce off an idea or plan for a new venture.
Sometimes we need to get a little clarity about our intentions in a relationship dynamic.
Or sometimes we need to get clarity in discovering who we are, why we’re here, and the next step in this season of our lives.
And most of the time, we need someone to help us clarify our big emotions and triggers for our homeschooled kids.

That’s why I’m here: I offer life coaching for the homeschool mama.

So if you’re curious, join me in a free coaching consultation so we can clarify your challenge and create a plan to address it.

Join the Homeschool Mama Support Group. This is my paid support for homeschooling parents.
Sign up for my free virtual retreat. It’s here to rejuvenate you.
Book a coaching consultation to address your homeschool or life challenges.
Discover helpful resources on my blog.
Read the book of homeschool mom encouragement, Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer.
Listen to the Homeschool Mama Self-Care podcast to nurture the nurturer.

Get your Guide for 1st Year Homeschool Mamas

Get your guide to your 1st homeschool year

Homeschool support for parents in varying situations:

If you’re a new homeschooler, I have a podcast season (& other resources) dedicated to you.

Get your Overcoming Overwhelm Assessment

Hidden Challenge #1: Feeling overwhelmed, but not knowing why.

Before we dive into these strategies, I want to share a bit of my personal journey with you. I’ve been exactly where many of you are right now – feeling overwhelmed, questioning my abilities, and wondering if I was doing right by my kids.

Can you relate to any of these feelings? If you can, know that you’re not alone. Most homeschool mamas go through these challenges.

Now, let’s break down the three pillars of overcoming homeschool overwhelm:

Addressing Your Needs – We’ll explore how taking care of yourself is a vital part of successful homeschooling. It’s about recognizing and meeting your basic needs, carving out “me time,” and nurturing your well-being.
Nurturing Your Relationships – We’ll delve into how your relationships impact your homeschool journey. From setting boundaries to fostering supportive communities, we’ll ensure you have the backing you need.
Refining Your Practical Homeschool Routines – This pillar is all about practicality. We’ll discuss time management, setting achievable expectations, and creating a homeschool environment that aligns with your unique circumstances.

Now, let’s introduce a helpful strategy you can start using today to combat overwhelm: “Mindful Moments.” Amidst your busy day, take just a few minutes to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the present moment. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and take a few deep, mindful breaths. Pay attention to the sensation of the air filling your lungs and the calmness it brings.

Another powerful tool you can try is “Journaling.” Grab a notebook and jot down your thoughts, fears, and even your successes. This process can provide clarity, helping you identify the sources of your overwhelm and allowing you to release pent-up emotions. It’s like a mental decluttering session.

Lastly, “Mirror Work” is a transformative practice. Stand in front of a mirror and look into your own eyes. Speak positive affirmations or words of encouragement to yourself. Remind yourself that you are capable, doing your best, and that it’s okay not to be perfect. This practice can boost your self-esteem and self-compassion.

These simple yet effective strategies, combined with the three pillars we’ve discussed, can be implemented today to help you navigate overwhelm, regain clarity, and find balance in your homeschool journey.

Imagine a life where you not only tackle homeschool challenges with confidence and a clear plan but also create space for yourself, nurture your well-being, and feel supported in your homeschool journey. This journey is your opportunity to explore these transformative pillars and start your path towards homeschool mama wellness. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone; we’re here to support you every step of the way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together!

If you’re an overwhelmed homeschool mama, I have a podcast season (& other resources) dedicated just to you (homeschool Support for parents who are overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed homeschool mom needs homeschool support

Download the Deschool your Homeschool Checklist

Hidden Challenge #2: We’re trying to do all the learning things everyone else is doing and we don’t know why it isn’t working.

When we talk about wellness, we’re not just referring to physical health but also the mental and emotional well-being that stems from finding the right approach to education for your family.

Homeschooling often begins with high expectations. We aim to provide the best education for our children, but sometimes, we inadvertently add stress and rigidity to our daily routines.

Like many of us, I started on this journey with lofty ideals, but soon realized it wasn’t working for my kids or me. So when I discovered a book from a public library, John Holt’s “Why Children Fail”, the concepts of leaning into child-led learning and deschooling felt incredibly relevant.

Those concepts taught me to let go of conventional expectations and instead embrace a more flexible and personalized approach.

Deschooling is the process of unlearning the rigid notions of education we grew up with and allowing our children to take the lead in their learning journeys.

This approach offers a multitude of benefits…

including increased confidence in your homeschooling choice,
a sense of purpose in your family life,
and the freedom to tailor your homeschool to your family’s unique rhythm and your children’s needs.

It’s about understanding that learning opportunities exist everywhere, every day, and that every moment can be a part of your child’s education.

Child-led learning lies at the heart of this approach: it’s about recognizing your child’s individual interests and talents, nurturing their curiosity, and understanding that learning isn’t confined to a classroom or a specific curriculum.

Learning doesn’t have to include formal curriculum, grades, testing, and meeting standards.

As homeschooling moms, we need to redefine what education means – it’s about getting out of their way, giving them the tools to take the next step to a meaningful life, and facilitating their curiosities so they can live their lives on purpose.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of deschooling and want to learn more, I’ve created a 5-Day Deschool Challenge to help you on this transformative journey. Imagine a homeschool life where you feel confident, purposeful, and free to create an education that suits your children and brings joy to your family. It’s not only possible; it’s within your reach.

So I challenge you today (or even all week long): keep a record of your child’s questions, activities, and interests.

At the end of the week, reflect on whether your child is fully engaged, passionate about what they’re doing, and learning more than you expected: that’s a child who’s living life on purpose, loving it, and learning.

Homeschool support for parents who want more resources on deschooling for you:

Deschool your homeschool: homeschool support for parents

When you need a plan to address your big emotions, get the Big Emotions Audit

Hidden Challenge #3: While homeschooling is a rewarding experience, it also stirs up big emotions.

The Value of Addressing Big Emotions

Our emotional well-being directly affects our homeschool environment. When we’re stressed or overwhelmed, it can impact our children’s learning and well-being. That’s why addressing our big emotions is crucial.

Explore Your Emotional Toolbox

Understanding our feelings is the first step. Homeschool moms often experience emotions like anger, irritation, loneliness, guilt, and stress. Self-awareness is key. Journaling is a powerful tool to process these emotions and gain clarity. A Journaling Notebook for Big Emotions designed for homeschool moms can be a valuable resource.

Additional Tools: Grounding Techniques and Mirror Work

Grounding techniques help bring us into the present moment. Sitting quietly, taking deep breaths, and acknowledging our senses can be remarkably effective. Mirror work, although unconventional, can provide a unique perspective on our feelings, fostering self-compassion.

Seeking Support When Needed

Professional support, such as therapy or coaching, can be invaluable. Don’t hesitate to seek help when navigating challenging emotional terrain.

Addressing your big emotions as a homeschool mom is essential for creating a harmonious homeschooling experience. Embrace tools like journaling, grounding techniques, and mirror work. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey, and your emotional toolbox equips you to navigate homeschooling’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.

When you’re challenged by anger, frustration, guilt, or failure I’ve got homeschool support for parents:

Get your Build your Boundaries Checklist

Hidden Challenge #4: Boundaries are essential invisible shields that protect our well-being, ensuring we safeguard our time, energy, and inner peace.

They’re not walls to isolate us but guidelines to maintain authenticity, balance, and purpose in our lives.

Boundaries address your needs, relationships, and identity.

We need clarity in addressing our needs, building our relationships, and rediscovering our identity. And this will nurture more fulfilling relationships, help us find daily purpose, and encourage us to rediscover ourselves.

The Power of Boundaries: Establishing boundaries empowers us to advocate for ourselves, fostering authenticity and compassion. My personal experiences with boundary challenges highlight common struggles faced by homeschooling parents.

Spending too much time worrying about what other people think about your homeschool.
Wanting more time for yourself but never quite getting it.
Answering the phone when you should be fully present with your kids.
Recognizing the need for personal development but not knowing where to start.
Feeling pulled into extracurricular activities because of external pressures.
Giving your time away to many things but not the most important ones.
Fielding unsupportive questions about your homeschooling choice.
Experiencing exhaustion due to conflicts with your partner.
Knowing you’re not showing up as you’d like with your kids but not understanding why.
Feeling guilty or ashamed of your interactions with your children.
Desperately longing for a separate space or time away from your kids.
Believing your kids are mistreating or disrespecting you but not being sure.

Can you relate to any of these?

Now, let’s imagine a different reality:

You feel content with your homeschooling choices, regardless of what others think.
You have enough time carved out just for yourself.
Your kids know not to interrupt you when you’re on the phone.
You have a clear sense of identity beyond the homeschool mama role.
Your homeschool activities are intentional and aligned with your values.
You feel supported in your homeschooling decisions.
You have the energy to engage fully with your homeschooled kids.
You’re confident that you’re showing up as the parent you want to be.
You no longer carry guilt or shame regarding your interactions with your children.
You don’t perceive your kids as mistreating or disrespecting you.

This is possible, and it starts with setting internal and external boundaries.

The Power of Boundaries: I’ve come to realize that the energy we have for our homeschools and our lives is directly proportional to the boundaries we set.

Practical Steps: We offer actionable steps like protecting homeschool hours, prioritizing personal time, and fostering respectful communication. Also, reflecting on these aspects helps you become more authentic and purposeful.

If you’re looking to build your boundaries in your homeschool and life, I have homeschool support for parents here too.

Schedule a Coaching Consultation to Clarify your Challenges

Hidden Challenge #5: Life’s demands often consume our identities. Amidst the responsibilities, it’s easy to forget who you are beyond being a dedicated homeschool mama.

Yet, you are more than your roles – you are a unique individual.

The mantra “You be you” invites you on a path of self-discovery. Just as you nurture your children’s growth, it’s time to do the same for yourself. The question is, how can you find your authentic self amidst the homeschooling whirlwind?

One powerful tool is journaling. Ask yourself: What are your interests beyond homeschooling? What did you love doing as a child? These questions guide you toward your buried passions.

The “You Be You Checklist” empowers you to incorporate your insights into your life. What have you learned? What do you want to include or exclude based on these revelations?

Embrace Martina McBride’s wisdom: “Dream it anyway.” Your journey of self-discovery not only enhances your well-being but also enriches your homeschooling. You’ll bring authenticity, passion, and self-understanding to your children’s lives.

📋 Your “You Be You” Checklist: I have provided a checklist to help you on your journey of self-discovery.

Here are some steps to becoming the best version of yourself:

Remember who you were before you were a mother.
Acknowledge what you liked to do before motherhood.
Recognize new interests in your life.
Identify your emotional challenges.
Explore your thoughts during sleepless nights.
Engage in creative activities.
Attend a musical concert or listen to one at home.
Keep learning and growing.
Support others in their choices.
Spend a day away from the kids.
Meditate daily.
Try thought experiments for self-reflection.

Embrace your uniqueness, follow your passions, and let your true self shine in all aspects of your life. You are more than just a homeschool mom; you are a remarkable individual with boundless potential.

Here are resources and homeschool support for parents designed for you, homeschool mama.

Hidden Challenge #6: We sometimes don’t get enough socialization.

It’s the mamas that are driving, coordinating, managing a house, helping small children, and teaching lessons.

By the end of the day, mama is tired, and she hasn’t been hanging out with friends.
She’s tired enough that she doesn’t feel like asking a friend for coffee or a chat.

Mama would rather get into her PJs after a nice hot bath, sliding into bed with Netflix or a book, a bowl of potato chips, and a gin and tonic (this might be lifted from real life).

It’s not the homeschooled child’s socialization that the general public should be concerned about.

Sometimes, lost in her homeschool world, mama remembers she hasn’t talked to an adult all day, possibly not all week, except for superficial conversations with grocery clerks, post office people, the dance, or the violin teacher.

When dad comes home, if a dad comes home, mama wants to talk. And mama has a lot to talk about. Even if dad has spent all day talking. A solid partnering relationship can certainly be part of healthy socialization for mama.

However, it’s not all she needs, and it is a heavy need to satisfy.

Building relationships and connections takes work and requires a lot of conjuring to step outside the mama role and build friendships for the sake of her well-being.

So, how to build and create a community as a homeschool mom? Be the community you want to see!

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Why join the Homeschool Mama Self-Care Patreon Community?

Extended LIVE interviews with Homeschool Mama Self-Care podcast guests: you can chat with them & learn from them too!
Homeschool Mama Support Chat: a monthly chat where we can connect and share in our homeschools, how we’re showing up on purpose, and just a fun “getting to connect” time.
Discounts on group coaching and one-on-one coaching opportunities.
Access discounts on self-directed Homeschool Mom courses in deschooling, self-compassion, overcoming overwhelm, the homeschool mom retreat, new homeschool mom mentoring, and building boundaries.
Learn the latest offerings and encouragements from the Homeschool Life Coach from www.capturingthecharmedlife.com

In summary, homeschooling offers freedom but also hidden challenges but here is homeschool support for parents.

Teresa Wiedrick provides vital support for parents, addressing overwhelm, deschooling, emotions, boundaries, and self-discovery.

Join her community and resources to navigate homeschooling with confidence and personal growth.

Homeschool mama, your well-being matters on this homeschool journey too.

Wellness Guide: Homeschool Help for Moms

Introducing Your Ultimate Wellness Guide, an ideal guidebook for homeschool moms seeking effective strategies to maintain physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips, actionable steps, and easy-to-follow instructions to help you prioritize self-care, manage stress, and enhance your overall homeschool experience. Get your copy now and take the first step towards a healthier and happier homeschool mom life!

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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.