The Real Work of Homeschooling: Inner Growth Matters More than you Think
In the first years of this homeschool life, our focus is often on finding the right curriculum, establishing routines, and meeting academic goals.
However, many seasoned homeschoolers will tell you that the real work of homeschooling lies not in lesson plans but in the internal growth and self-awareness it demands.
What we don’t realize in the early years, but soon discover, homeschooling is about enabling a nurturing environment for your kids by first working on your emotional well-being, relationships, and thought patterns.
The Invitation to the Real Work of Homeschooling: Inner Work and Emotional Health
The real work of homeschooling doesn’t require a simple change in curriculum or trying a new method to solve our challenges. The true obstacles stem from unresolved emotions, past experiences, and stressors.
This requires that we move toward examining what’s within.
What better way to examine what’s within than learning from our kids. If you know, you know. Motherhood invites you to see yourself a little more closely in your mini-mirrors.
Modeling Vulnerability and Growth for Our Children
Our children learn so much from how we handle our feelings and challenges. By showing them that it’s okay to feel, make mistakes, and grow, we are setting a powerful, helpful example.
When we are vulnerable and open, they gain permission to explore their own emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
This builds emotional intelligence and helps them understand that they, too, can work through their feelings and navigate tough moments.
And from a homeschool mom who didn’t begin her family life with self-awareness, know this: you can learn it wherever you’re at right now. I learned self-awareness and emotional engagement, so I know you can too.
Homeschool Mom Community and Support Are Essential
Homeschooling can feel isolating, but building connections with others can provide much-needed support, connection, and gentle accountability.
By consciously shifting our thoughts, we learn to approach challenges with a calmer and more positive mindset, which in turn creates a healthier atmosphere for learning.
The real work of homeschooling isn’t academic success. It isn’t enabling your child to get admitted into a college or having them graduate with secure employment; it’s about creating a space where children feel valued, seen, and encouraged to grow.
Homeschooling can be a journey of self-discovery and connection, both for you and your child.
Ask yourself these questions:
How do I define homeschool success?
What values do I want to impart to my child?
How will I know I’ve achieved that version of success?
The Long-Term Homeschooling Story
For many, the path to a confident homeschool approach unfolds over years.
(These are my informal observations, not rigorously tested, double-blind, randomized controlled trial affirmed observations.)
This long-term perspective helps us stay grounded, knowing that our story will evolve, and so will we.
Support through the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective
To support you in your journey, the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective offers weekly gatherings and “coaching in your back pocket,” providing a consistent source of support, encouragement, and accountability. Being part of a community where homeschool moms can be real and authentic helps maintain motivation, resilience, and clarity over the years.
Final Thoughts: Inner Growth as the Foundation of Homeschooling
The journey of homeschooling is as much about our personal growth as it is about our children’s education. When we work on our inner struggles and prioritize emotional health, we can create a nurturing and fulfilling homeschool experience.
After all, how we show up for ourselves directly impacts how we show up for our kids.
This homeschool family life can be one of the most rewarding experiences, not because of academic achievements but because of the relationships we build, the character we foster, and the personal growth we can achieve along the way.
I’d love to hear from you:
The quest for wholeness can never begin on the external level. It is always an inside job.
Journal questions & workbook that aid in your self-exploration to help address your needs, gain satisfying relationships and shift your homeschool perspective.
This can be a self-coaching workbook can be a self-coaching tool to help you discover the barriers getting in the way of your satisfying homeschool life, create a plan to address your relationships, needs & homeschools, and thereby, shift your homeschool experience.
$9.99Original price was: $9.99.$5.99Current price is: $5.99.
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.