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.



Reclaim your Homeschool Joy webinar

What is the real work of homeschooling?

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.

When we take the time to address our inner struggles, we often find that our homeschooling experience becomes calmer, more effective, and more connected.

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.

The Relevance of Emotional Awareness

Homeschooling as a parent means navigating emotions, your kids and yours. However, many of us weren’t taught how to identify or express them.

Unprocessed emotions build up, manifesting in stress, anxiety, or even physical symptoms. Sometimes they manifest in withdrawing or losing our marbles. By acknowledging and working through our emotions, we’re able to show up in a healthier and more present way for our kids. Emotional awareness is also a skill that, once modeled, becomes part of our children’s emotional toolkit.

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.

It’s easy to NOT build a solid support network because we’re busy, we’ve already got loads of social contact (aka the kids), but we need a support network outside our homeschool families.

A strong community offers perspective, encouragement, and often the insights we need to change unhelpful thought patterns.

Sharing openly with trusted individuals who understand the unique homeschooling journey can make a significant difference, helping us grow through our challenges instead of feeling bogged down by them.

Of course, you are also invited to book a no-obligation conversation with me if you’d like to learn more about coaching.

Teresa Wiedrick, Certified Life Coach & Homeschool Mentor

Mindfulness and Thought Management in Homeschooling

Mindfulness practices, like daily self-check-ins, reframing thoughts, and managing our mindset, play a key role in reducing stress. Techniques like Byron Katie’s 4 Questions help us reframe negative thoughts and transform our emotional experience.

The Work of Byron Katie involves asking four questions about each belief that causes us pain:

  1. Is it true?
  2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
  3. How do you react when you believe that thought?
  4. Who would you be without the thought?

Additionally, consider the turnarounds: Could the opposite be as true?.

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.

If you’d like access to these four questions in a reminder form you can pin to your bathroom mirror, grab them here.


Thought Care Checklist for Homeschool Moms

Rethink Success in Homeschooling

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.

Around the third or fourth year, challenges like burnout or overwhelm often prompt a reassessment, while by year eight, many homeschool families find a renewed commitment and confidence in their unique family rhythm.

(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.

man standing beside his wife teaching their child how to ride bicycle: what is the real work of homeschooling?

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.

Learn more about the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective here.



November in the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective

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.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary


People also ask:


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.

Subscribe to the Homeschool Mama Self-Care podcast

Call to Adventure by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3470-call-to-adventure
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/