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Intentional living means aligning your values with your actions, and as a homeschool mom it means making choices that enrich both your children and yourself.
One of the most significant influences on my path to intentional living has been books. Though I know I don’t KNOW these authors, though I have been honoured to meet only a few of them, I have learned they have shaped my thoughts, and informed my teaching approaches, and, at times, grounded me when life felt “too much”.
Today, I want to share the voices that have inspired, challenged, and guided my path of homeschool mom life intentionally. Here is a Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Intentional Living…
A Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Intentional Living
Recognizing your influencers when you’re a homeschool mom living with intention.
Books are incredible influencers. They offer fresh ideas, shift perspectives, and help us grow into the women we want to be, both inside and outside of our homeschool journey.
Celebrating 5 years: My Bookaversary
I’m also excited to share that it’s nearly my 5th bookaversary! I’ve been asked, what will I do with this book? Will I rerelease? More on that later…
Turns out, I wrote a second homeschool book not long after that first book. It’s on self-directed education, and I’m sharing tidbits in the private podcast in the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective if you’d like to listen to that.
This is why I wrote Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer…
“The determined homeschool mama hunkers down to her routine despite exhaustion or aggravation. A new homeschool mama begins homeschooling with fervor, then quickly realizes she’s consumed & spent. Homeschool mamas grapple with overwhelm, doubt, perfectionism, loneliness, anger, boredom, and impatience. Basic self-nurturing is easily overlooked with a steady stream of childhood needs. You’ll find straight talk about self-nurturing practices that address real homeschool mama’s needs.”
Teresa Wiedrick, author of Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer
Writing my book, Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer, was one of those bucket list things, and to celebrate, I’ve been revisiting some of my favorite reviews.
It’s humbling to know that this book has made an impact on so many homeschool moms.
These last five years have been a time of developing thoughts on the key topics I cover in the book—everything from self-care & personal growth, emotional regulation and self-compassion, setting boundaries & cultivating relationships, deschooling and leaning into child-inspired learning, and cultivating deep satisfaction & purpose in (& beyond) the homeschool life.
I’ve expanded on these ideas through courses and even group coaching programs, helping moms live with intention in both their homeschool and personal lives.
“It was like going on a retreat in the comfort of my home! I loved the way you phrased so well what I have been feeling as a HS Mom, such as “homeschool is messy,” and “homeschool burnout is not selective.” You really make me feel understood and validated. I felt like you sympathize with our plight and cheer us on (Go HS Moms, get the laundry, have the kids do the dishes, Go team!) You even seem to understand my love of dark chocolate, and lack of shower days (you don’t have spy cameras over here,
Kristina, Homeschool Mom
I hope).”
No spy cameras Kristina! I just happen to know that you need encouragement to take care of you too!
If you want some good ole fashioned mom to mom encouragement, join me for the last section of the book, the Coffee Chats with me, for 1st-year homeschool mamas, for established homeschool mamas, for moms of many kids, for the tired homeschool mama, and for the unexpected homeschool mama.
“I found myself completely, utterly, depleted as I had returned from my first mental health unit stay and was surrounded by 7 children, 4-17 who needed me. I realized how I desperately needed to care for myself as well as I care for my children. And I didn’t know where they began and I ended. Suffice to say, I had virtually no boundaries and had a very idealized version in my head of what my homeschool SHOULD look like. When I was offered your book I jumped at it. First, you’re HILARIOUS! You cover so much from looking into the “Whys” of homeschooling, managing our emotions, and caring for our body, minds, but also to be mindful of things we might otherwise not notice. You offer a plethora of idea for having fun; alone and with kids alike. Overall, I just think this book is fantastic and I think that any homeschool mom could benefit.”
Becca, Homeschool Mama of 7
I routinely engage women who share similar stories: women depressed and anxious, women dissatisfied with their relationships, those dissatisfied with the connection with their kids, and women who have hard stories before they even became a mother.
Turns out, I have learned there is no new hard story under the sun. You are not alone!
“Initially when I discovered Teresa, I fell in love with her calm and clear message to mamas; like listening to one of your favourite homeschool buddies. Although not sure if we needed another homeschool self-help book on our shelves; however, I read rave reviews and so decided to give it a go. Once it arrived, I found myself ditching ‘class’ for just one more chapter. Nurturing the Nurturer is now in the Top 3 of books that I will read regularly and recommend for encouragement, support and gentle reminders of what life is truly like as a homeschooling mama and what it means to take care of yourself in the whirlwind that is educating your own. Beautifully written and touches on so many relevant topics. Clearly, we’re not alone on this journey.”
Sarita
No, dear Sarita, you are most definitely not alone. None of us are. We only FEEL like we are at times.
“Clearly, Teresa writes from years of valuable experience, and so generously shares them with new homeschool momma for their benefit. If you’re trying to figure out how to get started taking the stress out of your homeschool day, the section where she shares her own story of overwhelm is pure gold! You’ll find solid, experience-tested examples from her own life on creating an environment that is conducive to real education. Also, take note of the authors she recommends as her influencers. If you have to pick a section to start somewhere, there it is!”
Pat Fenner
I’ve heard it more than once, my humble book sits on homeschool mamas bedside tables to be reread and I am honoured.
Intentional living: how to navigate life with purpose
Living an intentional life doesn’t just happen—it’s cultivated. As homeschool moms, we need to be aware of our influences, from the books we read to the people we spend time with. Here’s a guide to help you live more intentionally:
1. Prioritize Self-Care: You’re not just a homeschool mom—you’re a whole person with emotional and physical needs. Don’t neglect them.
2. Move Your Body: Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or even dancing in the kitchen with your kids, movement is essential for your body and your mind.
3. Learn Alongside Your Kids: You have a seat at the homeschool table too. Incorporate subjects you love into your homeschool.
4. Nourish Your Brain: Along with nutritious meals, consider supplements that support cognitive health. What you feed your body fuels your mind.
5. Create Quiet Time: Carve out moments of quiet for yourself. Even in the busyness, a few minutes of quiet can reset your day. A mindfulness moment at 11 am most days!
6. Foster Friendships: Build a support network of fellow homeschool parents. These relationships can offer you both practical advice and emotional encouragement.
7. Rediscover Yourself: Beyond your role as a mom, who are you? Explore those parts of yourself you may have forgotten.
8. Set Relationship Goals: Nurture your relationships with intention—whether it’s with your partner, your friends, or your family. Relationships ground you.
9. Show Up on Purpose: Reflect on how you’re engaging with your emotions and time. Are you reacting to life or responding with purpose?
10. Lean into Your Uniqueness: Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling or motherhood. Celebrate what makes you and your family unique.
You can create a more fulfilling homeschool experience – not just for your kids, but for yourself too.
If you’re a homeschool mom looking to blend personal growth with your homeschool experience, the Homeschool Mama Book Club is the place for you.
Why Join the Homeschool Mama Book Club?
In the Homeschool Mama Book Club, we discuss some of our favorite authors to discover how their insights can shape our homeschools and empower us to show up more intentionally in our lives.
These discussions are more than just books; they’re about applying lessons and growing as women and home educators.
📜 Sign up for the Homeschool Mama Book Club Newsletter here
Don’t worry if you haven’t read the book—I’ll read it for you!
Our discussions are designed to be enriching and insightful, so you’ll leave feeling inspired, even if you haven’t flipped through a single page. But, if you can read along, you’ll love the exploration.
The Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Intentional Living: Personal Growth Through Reading
As homeschool moms, we know that what we allow ourselves to think directly impacts how we feel, act, and engage in our daily lives. The greatest influencer of our thoughts is you.
- Get the Homeschool Mama Personal Growth Reading List here
- Grab the Homeschool Mama Reading List here
- Grab the Homeschool Mama Relationship Reading List here
Some of the books we’ve read this year
- The Charge: Activating 10 Human Drives That Make You Feel Alive by Brendon Burchard
- Teach Your Own by John Holt & Pat Farenga
- Growing Yourself Up: How to Bring Your Best to All of Life’s Relationships by Jenny Brown
- Project-Based Homeschooling: Mentoring Self-Directed Learners by Lori Pickert
- Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson
- Unschooling to University by Judy Arnall
- The Homeschool Option: How to Decide When It’s Right for Your Family by Lisa Rivero
- Thinking Differently About Learning by Angela & Maren, the Homeschool Unrefined podcast
- Healing the Mother Wound for Homeschool Moms
These books have sparked heart-to-heart conversations and created a supportive community where homeschool moms can connect and grow together.
This upcoming Book Club season, we will discuss…
- Shefali Tsabury, the Awakened Family
- Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
- Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
- The Not So Big Life by Sarah Susanka
- More than Enough by Kara S. Anderson
- Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
- Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection
And so many more…
Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Intentional Living: choose personal growth for you and your family
Doing the internal work, choosing to grow ourselves up, and incorporating personal growth practices leads to more harmony and more authentic connection in our homes.
Homeschool moms and writing children’s books
One delightful trend I’ve noticed among homeschool moms is their desire to write children’s books. It’s such a joy to see moms channeling their creativity into stories for kids, often inspired by their own children’s learning journeys.
Now I am not a children’s publisher, nor will I venture in that direction, but I will be a firm supporter of your curiosities and interests. If you’re eager to develop your writing voice, or you have another writing direction you’d like to explore, you’re welcome to join me in the Writer’s Room in the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective.
I want to leave you with this thought as we just finished Canadian Thanksgiving & many of you are about to move into American Thanksgiving: I am grateful for you.
Whether we’ve met or not, whether we chat regularly or you’re new here, I see you. I see all that you do, and I’m here to cheer you on, helping you clarify what matters most to you.
Know that I’m here, supporting you in this journey. I raise my mug of pumpkin-spiced latte to you: here’s to living your homeschool mom life with intention!
Would you share below?
How do you plan to show up more intentionally in your homeschool journey? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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 homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life.
