Homeschooling has a whole lot of beautiful parts. It can also be downright hard.
How’s that for not mincing words and burying the lede?
Today is day two of my three-part series on the state of homeschooling moms. Yesterday, I talked about what people do inside their homeschools to teach and raise their children. Today, I will pull back the curtain on the incredible joy we find in this journey and the oh so very real struggles we navigate.
Let's start with the good stuff. Because this is the stuff that truly fuels us.
In the survey, over and over, what bubbled to the surface as the "most significant reward" was the sheer gift of time with our kids and witnessing their learning unfold right before our eyes. There's unparalleled magic in being there when a concept clicks, and that spark of understanding ignites. Whether it's the triumphant grin after finally mastering a tricky math problem or the thoughtful questions sparked by a captivating book we're reading together, these are the moments we tuck away and cherish. This deep connection to their learning journey is a powerful motivator, the heart and soul of why so many of us choose – and continue to choose – this path.
But let's be real:
It's not all sunshine and light. Even though sometimes, let’s be real, it can feel like everyone else’s experience is all sunshine and light when looking on social media (ugh).
The challenges in homeschooling are real. One theme that most moms are feeling right now is the pure exhaustion of the constant juggling act. So many moms shared the immense challenge of balancing homeschooling with everything else life throws our way—work (whether inside or outside the home), the never-ending household tasks, and trying to carve out even a sliver of personal time. Time management becomes an Olympic sport, and some days, we feel like we're barely keeping all the balls in the air.
And then there are our incredible, unique kids. Each one comes with their own set of learning styles, paces, and sometimes, specific needs. Navigating those individual paths, supporting different learning curves, and ensuring everyone is thriving can feel like a complex puzzle. Some days the pieces fit smoothly; other days, it requires every ounce of our creativity, patience, and maybe even a little extra coffee.
Despite these very real hurdles – the constant balancing act, the demands on our time, and the beautiful complexities of our children – one thing was overwhelmingly clear in the survey responses: the strong intention to continue homeschooling. There's a deep-seated belief in the value of this educational choice for our families and a personal fulfillment that, despite the challenges, makes it all worthwhile.
Tomorrow is our last day AND I HAVE SOMETHING SO COOL TO SHARE WITH YOU! How’s that for excitement?! I’m screaming in all caps because it’s a need I’ve craved for myself to help me through the challenges I’ve felt. I haven’t found it yet, so I decided to create it for us — the moms who need a space for ourselves as we navigate this journey.
Be excited! (I know I am)!
~ Kimberly