As a homeschooling mama of three, I understand both the benefits and joys of educating your children at home. Even so, let’s face it—homeschooling can be very draining. Managing the household, lesson planning, and extracurricular activities can quickly trap you in the daily grind and lead you to neglect taking care of yourself. However, self-care is not a luxury— it’s crucial. Here’s how to refuel and find balance so you can be the best version of yourself, both for you and those little ones around you all day (everyday).

Make “Me Time” a priority.

Setting aside time for yourself is okay. Little things like getting up thirty minutes early for a relaxing cup of coffee or fitting in a quick yoga session during nap time can have a big impact. Start off by scheduling this time into your day, treating it like any other unavoidable appointment. At first, it might feel strange, but after you realize how revitalizing it is, you’ll question how you survived without it.

I remember being so obsessed with making everything perfect when I first started homeschooling that I totally neglected myself. There was a time when I felt like I had nothing left and would get angry with my kids for no apparent reason.I finally had enough one morning after spending yet another night barely sleeping because of my mind’s constant racing. To get some quiet time before the kids woke up, I set my alarm for thirty minutes earlier than usual.

I am definitely NOT a morning person, so at first it was difficult. But that quiet thirty minutes of watching the sunrise while drinking coffee on the porch soon became my oasis. I had time to myself to relax, reflect, and simply be. It’s now my favorite part of the day, and it’s helped me become a much more patient and calm mom. I promise you that those brief periods of “me time” can make a significant difference.

Engage with Other Homeschooling Parents

Feeling alone is one of the biggest sources of stress for parents who homeschool their kids. We forget we need support too because we are so involved with our kiddos. Look for a local group of homeschoolers or create a virtual network of other parents in the same boat as you. It can be immensely liberating to share struggles, triumphs, and even some laughter with people who “get it”. These connections serve as a helpful reminder that you are not alone in this.

My life changed when I joined a local homeschool group. We get together once a week, which gives the kids a chance to learn and socialize with one another while also giving us parents an opportunity to connect with one another. We trade resources, tell each other stories, and at times just vent. It has been such a relief to know that I have a group of like-minded parents who understand the ups and downs of homeschooling. It serves as a reminder that I don’t have to do this by myself.

Make Your Routine Simpler

There’s no need for homeschooling to be difficult. You’re stressing yourself out by unnecessarily taking so much on. Make your routine simpler by concentrating on the important things. It’s okay if your days don’t always consist of meticulously organized events. Sometimes impromptu events have the most valuable lessons. Give yourself permission to let go of the urge to accomplish everything and trust your gut instincts.

I used to spend hours organizing every aspect of our homeschooling week, including complicated craft projects and detailed lesson plans. But as time went on, I noticed that it was wearing me out and offering me little flexibility. Now I maintain a basic weekly schedule with an emphasis on important subjects. We make lots of room for outside time and hands-on learning. This one change has greatly lowered my workload and boosted the kids’ appreciation of learning.

Try a Creative Hobby

Do you remember what passions you had before homeschooling took over your life? Whether they include painting, writing, gardening, or something else entirely, make time for your creative projects. Hobbies are more than just ways to relax; My happy place has always been in the garden, but when homeschooling took over, I completely forgot about it. Last spring I made it a point to get back into it. Now I take a short break every afternoon to spend time in the garden, sometimes with the kids and other times by myself. I feel the most fulfilled and at peace when I’m taking care of my plants and watching them grow. Even though it’s a simple pleasure, I gain so much happiness and harmony from it.

Show Gratitude and Practice Mindfulness

Although homeschooling can seem overwhelming at first, you can drastically reduce stress and anxiety by just changing your perspective. Start off by trying mindfulness exercises that focus on living in the present instead of worrying about the past or future.

I make it a point to spend some time every night thinking back on the day. Listing three things that went well or for that I’m grateful for. Some days are more significant, like when James makes progress with his reading. On other days, it’s something silly, like Clara’s contagious laugh while playing her favorite game. No matter how chaotic the day may have been, this practice has helped me end it on a positive note every time. Even though it’s a small habit, it completely transformed how I see each day.

Self-care is not selfish; actually it’s essential. Improving your mental and physical health will make you a happier, more patient, and creative parent in along with reducing the stress and anxiety that comes with being a homeschooling parent. And that’s the best gift you can give your little ones.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. If you’re ready to simplify your homeschool journey, sign up for my newsletter to get access to the Homeschool Essentials Bundle, for FREE. It’s packed with how-to guides, easy to use templates, plus plenty of other resources to help you stay organized, no matter what your day may bring!