Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer

Teresa Wiedrick
Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer

Homeschool mama's self-care needs are easily overlooked with a steady stream of childhood needs and interpersonal interactions. Homeschool mamas grapple with the not-good-enough feeling, perfectionism, loneliness, anger, doubt, boredom, impatience, and overwhelm. You know, all the human feels. This podcast explores aspects of self-care that will serve the homeschool mama in her real homeschool days. You'll be introduced to homeschool mamas that you need to know so you can build self-care strategies into your real homeschool world.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    7 Red Flags That Say You Need Homeschool Wellness Coaching—Before Burnout Hits

    If you’re a homeschool mom who has ever lain awake at night wondering if you’re doing enough or started your day full of hope only to feel drained and exasperated by midday, know that you’re not alone. The journey of homeschooling isn’t just about lesson plans and learning outcomes—it’s about creating a balanced life that nurtures both you and your children.So what does homeschool wellness truly mean, why does it matter, and how can the homeschool wellness coaching help overwhelmed moms help you shift from stress and self-doubt to a life of confidence and connection?Claim Your Free Mini-CourseHomeschool Wellness Coaching for Overwhelmed MomsWhat Is Homeschool Wellness and Why Does It Matter?When I first began homeschooling, I believed success meant:* Sticking to my preordained lesson plans * Hitting every learning outcome * Constantly finding new learning opportunitiesBut somewhere in my third year, I found myself overwhelmed and wondering–this wasn’t how I thought I’d feel in this homeschool life, but I don’t see how it could be any different, because the kids don’t always want to do what I’ve planned.They argue way more than I’ve ever imagined. Everyone questions what I’m doing, and when I’m not mentally creating my three-point essays defending my homeschool choice, I have a hard time sleeping through the night wondering if what we’re doing is really good enough. It just wasn’t as easy as I assumed it must be. Even with my husband’s creative homeschool contributions, our home sometimes felt more like a battleground than the nurturing space it could have been.If you’ve ever felt this way, stuck in survival mode, doubting whether you’re doing enough or feeling disconnected from the satisfaction you thought this homeschool life would bring, I feel you.Today I want to talk about how to move from stress and second-guessing to confidence, connection, and a rhythm that works for your unique family.I’ll share practical tools, mindset shifts, and real-life stories that will help you reimagine what your homeschool life can be. So you can build a life that nurtures both your kids and yourself. Has this been your experience?Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night wondering if you’re doing enough for your kids?Or maybe you start each day with the best intentions only to feel drained, defeated, and exasperated before lunch? If so, you’re in good company. What is homeschooling anyway?* Homeschooling isn’t just about the popularly held desire to help our kids develop a lifelong love of learning. * Homeschooling is not just about introducing our kids to new learning opportunities. * It’s not just about giving them a safe space from the onslaught of outside influence or school-side bullying. * It’s not just about providing unique learning they might not access at a brick-and-mortar school. * And it’s not just a way that can enable them to grow and learn at their own pace and in their way. * It’s not just about the freedom to create world schooling opportunities for them to expand their minds. Homeschooling is about creating a life that nurtures both you and your kids. Homeschool wellness is about way more than academics. It’s about homeschooling in a way that feels aligned with your truest values, supports your mental and emotional health, bolsters your relationships, and allows your kids and you to thrive. It’s the combination of mindset, emotional well-being, relational health, and practical strategies that work for your unique family. When your homeschool aligns with your core values,

    26 min
  2. FEB 4

    How to Motivate Your Homeschool Child toward Curiosity & Independence

    We all want our kids to feel motivated, alive, and engaged in their worlds. However, we may find ourselves pushing our kids toward certain goals or activities, only to be met with resistance and disinterest.Our homeschool kids might do what they’re told if their resistance and disinterest are met with your consequences, but this will not internally motivate them. I believe true motivation comes from within, and our homeschool mother’s role lies in creating an environment that nurtures curiosity, independence, and a genuine desire to explore.So, can you motivate your homeschool child? In this post, we explore the key points that highlight the importance of allowing children the freedom to discover their own passions and develop intrinsic motivation on their own terms.Get the free mini-course to Reimagine your HomeschoolStep 1: Why Do You Want to Motivate your Homeschool Child?Before we explore how to foster motivation, let’s take a step back and ask:What is the underlying concern when I worry about my child’s motivation?* Am I concerned they’ll fall behind academically? * Am I worried they won’t develop a love of learning? * Does their lack of motivation make me question my teaching abilities? * Am I comparing them to other children or siblings? * Am I anxious about their future success?And what does ‘motivated’ actually mean to me?* Do I want them to show enthusiasm? * Am I looking for independent initiative? * Do I want them to work without complaints? * Am I expecting them to look like traditionally schooled children?What pressures am I feeling?* Am I worried about justifying our homeschool choice? * Am I feeling judged by family or friends? * Or am I carrying guilt about their education? * Do I feel responsible for their every academic outcome?What season are we in?* Is this a temporary phase? * Are there external factors affecting their motivation? * Have I given enough time for natural curiosity to emerge? * Are my expectations aligned with their developmental stage?Sometimes, simply gaining clarity on our concerns helps us approach motivation from a more grounded and compassionate place. Step 2: What Do I Believe About Education?Our beliefs about motivation are often tied to our deeper beliefs about education itself. If we want to encourage meaningful learning, it helps to ask:What is the true purpose of education?* Is it about gathering facts, or learning how to think? * Is it about passing tests, or understanding the world? * Getting into college, or becoming a whole person? * Is it about academic achievement, or character development?How do real learning and growth happen?* Does meaningful learning always look ‘productive’? * What role does play have in learning? * How important is joy in the learning process? * What did my own most powerful learning experiences look like?What assumptions am I carrying about learning?* Am I holding onto beliefs from my own schooling that might not serve us? * Have I defined ‘success’ too narrowly? * Am I seeing my child’s unique learning style clearly? * What if resistance or boredom are actually telling me something important?What kind of person am I hoping to raise?* Beyond academics, what qualities matter most? * How does my child’s natural way of being fit into this vision? * Am I preparing them for real life, or just for more schooling? * What skills will they actually need in their future?

    43 min
  3. JAN 27

    How I Learned to Build Healthy Relationships in My Homeschool Family (And How You Can Too)

    Everything I learned about healthy relating, connecting & dealing with conflict originated with a whole lot of work in my family of creation.I did not come by it naturally. I wasn’t taught it as a child. Building healthy relationships in my family-of-creation has been my adult journey.Because I came from a high-conflict home, I did not have healthy connection skills. Naturally, I didn’t know how to build healthy relationships in my homeschool family.30 to 40 years ago – –* I learned to defend myself by being angry, withdrawing, or fleeing. * And I learned not to trust, even if I consciously wanted to. * I learned it wasn’t safe to be the real me.Because I was unaccustomed to being seen, heard, or understood, I certainly didn’t know how to give that beautiful gift to others.When I learned about self-soothing, life & relationships began to change.Get Your FREE Mini-Course to Build Harmony in Your Homeschool!Here’s what I’ve learned about “average” family dynamics:* Every family and every relationship has conflict. * Relationships are a dance between two people, each trying to honor their true sense of self and the other’s. * Disappointment and frustration are inevitable; no human can prevent them completely. * Healthy, satisfying relationships are built on being seen, heard, and understood—and they take work. * As a dear counselor and friend once told me, “Relationships are living, breathing organisms that need continual feeding and nurturing.”This nurturing includes our relationship with ourselves. How we treat others reflects how we treat ourselves.Recently, I shared that I was looking forward to one of my daughters coming home, reminiscing about the simpler times when they were younger and less adept at handling conflict. Not because I wanted conflict, but because I anticipated it. When she returned home, I didn’t see the conflict I expected. My children have learned to engage with each other, to see, hear, and understand one another enough to have a whole lot less conflict. Ultimately, my goal is to see, hear, and understand those within my family. Perfectly imperfectly, of course! Yet, I see the fruits of this effort in how my children relate to each other.For all you homeschooling moms out there, know that it’s possible to create a harmonious family atmosphere, even if it feels like an uphill battle in seasons. It’s about being intentional, nurturing relationships continually, and starting with yourself. If your goal is to help build healthy relationships in your homeschool, consider incorporating a few of these tools, strategies, or mindset shifts.Tools and Strategies to Help You…1. Active Listening Exercises:Practice active listening techniques, such as repeating back what someone has said to ensure understanding and validating their feelings.If you want to learn how I taught my kids these basic...

    44 min
  4. JAN 21

    Reignite Your Spark as a Homeschool Mom in 10 Powerful Ways

    Rachel Marie Martin—author of Get Your Spark Back, is an author, speaker, mom of seven, and a true advocate for women finding their passion and purpose. She’s been on her own journey of rediscovery and has become a powerful voice for those looking to reignite their spark.Rachel’s journey is one of transformation. She’s faced her own struggles with fear and burnout and has learned the value of vulnerability and creativity in reawakening her dreams. Through her work, Rachel helps women embrace their fears, break through limiting beliefs, and step into their fullest potential.Many homeschool moms find themselves struggling with feelings of burnout, boredom, or disconnection from their passions. If you’re feeling a bit lost or stuck, it’s time to rediscover your spark. That’s why we’ll be discussing: the 10 ways you can reignite your spark as a homeschool mom.Reignite Your Homeschool Passion—Get Started with your FREE Mini-Course Today!Here are 10 ways to reignite your spark as a homeschool mom.1. Value VulnerabilityIn this episode, both Rachel & I speak to the moment that compelled us out of our masks and false selves–naturally, they began with very challenging scenarios. But we took them as opportunities to step into the direction of the most authentic next step in our lives.Why It Matters: Vulnerability builds connection and can make the homeschooling journey feel less isolating. When moms allow themselves to be open and honest about their challenges and triumphs, they foster a more supportive, authentic environment for both themselves and their children.Takeaway: Embrace your imperfections and be open with your homeschooling community. Authenticity leads to stronger connections.2. Reconnecting with PurposeWhy It Matters: Over time, it’s easy for homeschool moms to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, forgetting why they chose to homeschool in the first place. Reigniting the spark requires reexamining and rediscovering that deeper purpose.Takeaway: Reflect on your “why” for homeschooling. What drew you to this path, and what continues to inspire you? A clear purpose can renew motivation.You can listen to the episode by pressing play above. Connect with Rachel Marie MartinExplore More on Rachel’s Website:For even more resources, courses, and tools to help you thrive as a homeschooling mom, head over to Rachel’s website. You’ll find blog posts, coaching, and much more to support you on your journey.Visit Rachel’s WebsiteGet Your Copy of Rachel’s Book:Rachel’s “Get Your Spark Back” is a must-read for moms looking to rediscover their courage and purpose. Packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories, it’s designed to help you embrace your unique journey as a mother and homeschooler.Grab your copy here!Stay Connected on Social Media:Rachel shares daily inspiration, personal stories, and practical tips on her social media platforms. Be sure to follow her for encouragement and connection:* Instagram: @FindingJoy * Facebook: @FindingJoyBlog“Let’s face it: most of life is ordinary. Most of our days don’t consist of the grand trips or milestone moments. Rather, daily life is often the same thing, coupled with time passing by. And I truly believe that finding your spark happens within the ordinary.”Rachel Marie Martin3. Creativity as Fuel to Reignite Your Spark as a Homeschool MomWhy It Matters: Creativity isn’t just for lesson planning—it’s essential for staying energized and engaged...

    1h 4m
  5. JAN 13

    Fed Up with Homeschool? 18 Strategies to Regain Joy

    Is your homeschool working for you, or are you fed up with homeschool? Overwhelm doesn’t breed happiness or peace, and that’s ultimately what we all want in our homeschools: joy, connection, and a sense of fulfillment. But sometimes, as homeschool moms, we hit a wall. We feel burnt out and frustrated.Transform Your Homeschool—Get the Free Mini-Course!The Big Question: Why Do We Feel Fed Up with Homeschool?There are so many reasons why we might feel fed up, but here’s the thing—since we’re all unique humans with different circumstances, the reasons we’re overwhelmed aren’t all the same. However, there are some common threads. Let’s dive into a few of them:* Trying to keep a clean house while homeschooling * Comparing ourselves to other homeschool families or conventional schools * Constantly trying to please everyone, whether it’s family, friends, or your child’s needs * Feeling like homeschooling has to look like someone else’s version of it (Charlotte Mason, John Holt, etc.) * Expecting perfection and not giving yourself the grace to grow with your kids.And while these reasons might sound familiar, let me tell you that you are not alone, and it’s okay to feel this way. Overwhelm is common in homeschooling, but there are ways to shift from burnout to balance. Fed Up with Homeschool? I’ve got strategies to help you regain your joy.1. Require boundaries: homeschool moms need separateness. Being a mom at home all the time, always available to our children, means that we sometimes lose our sense of separateness. These kids don’t actually want us all the time (not usually anyway), but since they are just down the hallway putting together that electrical circuit thing with their siblings they will surely need you within minutes as they don’t always share with their siblings.These kids know they shouldn’t interrupt you on the phone or chat with you while you’re using the toilet, but they do anyway. Cause you’re there. Sometimes we forget that we’re separate human beings outside our homeschool mom role too. Because we’ve been doing this homeschool thing for so long, also because that is sometimes the only name we hear all day long: “Mom”.We don’t know we’re separate human beings with separate brains and separate life experiences. Sometimes we need to tell our kids (and ourselves) to do something separately, like leaving the house without kids or toileting without an audience. Whatever it is that helps you maintain separateness, make sure you’re doing that something.And if you’ve forgotten who you are and what you might do separately, this might remind you.2. We need to take activities off the list if we’re fed up with homeschool. More is not better. More can overwhelm the kids’ senses too (not just yours).You don’t need more…* curriculum * study time * learning opportunities * extracurricular activities * friend activities * chocolate eating (okay, maybe chocolate eating)A little solitude can go a long way in encouraging your child’s...

    38 min
  6. JAN 7

    6 Challenges Every Struggling Homeschool Mom Faces — and How to Transform Them

    If you’re a struggling homeschool mom, this is for you. Did your last homeschool year end on a satisfied or an unpleasant note? Or if you just closed the door on your homeschool space, trying to put the frustrations behind you, and shifted instead to planning next year, I get you. I know I did that for more than a few years.This is my story as a struggling homeschool mom…Transform Your Homeschool—Get the Free Mini-Course!I was optimistic as I drove to Target (or Walmart) for my first day of homeschool supplies. Purchasing a new box of smelly markers, pencils, and notebooks and expected they would put me in a positive, optimistic space. And they did! I’d come home to scour homeschool resource websites or Facebook groups to find the next perfect resource, science experiment box, book, curriculum, or you-fill-in-the-blank. This year will be different, I’d declare!  The summer break didn’t just get me vitamin D. It got me enthusiasm too. A little bit of sun and a break from routine is always good, then add new resources, a fresh box of pencil crayons (even though I already owned 6,564), and we were rip-roaring ready to go.  I love that September energy every year. You too? But I’ve learned that September lasts, well, for September, and then challenges arise by October, and the enthusiasm tends to wane by November. What all the summer fun and planning enthusiasm don’t circumvent is the frustrations we had last year. My previous year’s frustrations weren’t magically transformed by a box of Smarties, a new pencil case, and a few new readalouds (although that definitely did work for the first day;)Give it enough time and I felt like we were in a scene from Groundhog Day (even though it wasn’t February, it was November). Back to being a struggling homeschool mom…So if you relate and you don’t want to repeat last year: feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or uncertain about various elements of your homeschool journey, you’re not alone!And you don’t have to IF you do something about your struggles.I’ve got something special for you: the Reimagine Your Homeschool mini-course. This free mini-course is for homeschool moms who want to transform their journey toward confidence, connection, and deeper satisfaction.This mini-course is designed to help you homeschool the way you want to, with clarity and confidence. Not feeling like you’re trying to carve out a path in unknown territory and discover you’re on the wrong path, again! You can paint a new picture for your homeschool story.So find your groove and create a meaningful home education for you & your kids —and know for sure that what you’re doing is enough.You’ll know this free Reimagine your Homeschool Mini-Course is for you if…* you’ve been struggling with anger, stress, or feeling overwhelmed * reassure to create the “perfect” homeschool experience with high academic achievement and a harmonious household * or you’re unsure how to relate to each of your kids * dealing with feelings of isolation or loneliness as a homeschool mom * there’s too much bickering (with the kids or with your partner) * you’re not able to make your routine work for you * struggling to balance being a mom, teacher,

    27 min
  7. 2024-12-31

    Re-Envision Your 2025 Homeschool: A 5-Day Vision Challenge Homeschool Moms

    As we look ahead to 2025, it’s the ideal time for you to re-envision your 2025 homeschool.You can step into your new year with a clear vision, confidence, and actionable goals that support both you and your family.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or even disconnected from your homeschool goals, now is the moment to recreate a purposeful, fulfilling year ahead. Whether you’re seeking clarity, need help setting achievable goals, or looking to reignite your passion for homeschooling, this free challenge is for you!Join the 5-Day Vision Challenge for Homeschool MomsWhy Re-Envision Your 2025 Homeschool?2025 is almost here (what even!) Not sure where that year went, but here we are. Every year, at just this time of year, I was in a flurry planning for Christmas…but when Christmas hit, the energy would drop to a hushed still and I would have the quietest week of my year!You too? What do you do with that time of year? I have always stayed in my pajamas (or new yoga pant set, thank you Santa!) and planned planned planned. (I routinely used Sarah Susanka’s book, The Not So Big Life, to reassess my past year and dream of my next year).No more wondering if you’re on the right track, or doing enough; and no more feeling burnt out. Instead, you can reflect on your homeschool journey and envision a future that aligns with your values, goals, and needs.I have two ways you can re-envision your upcoming homeschool year.Join the free 5-Day Vision Challenge for Homeschool Moms. Use the 5-Day Vision Challenge to guide you in your hopes and intentions for 2025 (make sure you grab your journal before you open those emails).(I love planning and visioning, don’t you?)In the 5-day challenge, you’ll get invaluable insights delivered straight to your email inbox, guiding you to:* Discover how to infuse intentionality into your homeschool, empowering you to show up with renewed purpose every day. * Learn practical strategies to align your daily activities with your overarching homeschool vision, creating a seamless connection between your aspirations and actions. * Tackle real-life homeschool challenges head-on with actionable tips and techniques tailored to your unique situations. * Address the individual needs of your homeschooled kids. * Celebrate you—you, incredible homeschool mama—I see all that you do (I KNOW all that you do) and I offer support for your personal growth within your homeschool mom journey.Click here to get this 2025 party started: Homeschool Mama Vision Challenge.Here’s to an extraordinary 2025 filled with boundless possibilities & freedom in your homeschool mom life! 🥂🍾Attend the Re-Envision 2025 workshop & I will guide you through a personalized process where you can:* Clarify your homeschool goals and values * Create actionable steps for the next few months (from January to Spring) * Walk away feeling aligned, empowered, and ready to tackle 2025 with purpose and momen...

    22 min
  8. 2024-12-17

    What 2024 Taught Me About Supporting Homeschool Moms

    Every homeschool mom faces moments of doubt, frustration, and uncertainty– I’ve come to realize that these challenges are universal. When I first wrote about my struggles in this homeschool life, I had no idea how many other moms were experiencing the same things. The responses I’ve received have been nothing short of eye-opening.In this post, I’ll explore some of the biggest challenges we face as homeschool moms, from managing our feelings of “enoughness” and understanding our partners to navigating sibling bickering and being realistic with our kids and ourselves to overcoming imposter syndrome as home educating parents.Hopefully, you’ll find valuable insights and encouragement from my work supporting homeschool moms, making your 2025 homeschool life a little lighter.Join the 5-Day Vision Challenge for Homeschool MomsWhat 2024 Taught Me About Supporting Homeschool MomsThe Common Struggles Every Homeschool Mom FacesThey validated the experiences I had in my homeschool — every family and every homeschool mom is challenged by something. One mom shared with me that she has dog-eared almost every page in my book, which has sat on her nightstand for the last few years. She felt that I was a fly on her wall.You have no idea how many times I’ve heard those words. It’s wild to write a book, vulnerably sharing the challenges in my own home, and then discover over the next five years that these struggles are common in most people’s homes.Homeschooling Challenges Are Not Just for Homeschool FamiliesI wish I’d known when I was homeschooling that these challenges aren’t just in homeschool families’ homes. They’re in everyone’s homes.* The struggle to listen to our kids and understand their needs. * We struggle to manage our own emotions, understand them, and be compassionate toward ourselves as a mom. * The struggle to understand and be understood by your partner. * The struggle to balance homeschool, work, life, and tidying while honouring the present moment and still recognizing the end goal.These are universal challenges that every parent and human faces. Four Key Insights I Gained Greater Clarity On About the Homeschool Mom ExperienceThe Importance of Connection and CommunityI wish I’d known earlier that homeschool families face these challenges too. It would have given me a sense of community and connection, making me feel like I wasn’t facing the struggles alone. To be fair, I had a close friend who shared authentically with me, and I was able to do the same with her. We cared about each other’s families, and we still do. Our families were at different stages, but we were able to cheer each other on.This is what I see in the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective — a naturally growing community of women who support each other through the challenges and joys of homeschool life.What Surprised Me Over the Last Year: Why Homeschool Moms Struggle to Take BreaksAnother thing I’ve heard from nearly every homeschool mom is that her partner encourages her to take a break — to leave home, do something she loves, or at the very least, go out for a cup of coffee. But many homeschool moms don’t feel able to because they don’t think their partner is up to the task.Oh, how I remember feeling the same way! I likely didn’t say it out loud, and it wasn’t because my husband wasn’t capable.If you were to visit our local ER with a child who had a broken limb or had been sick for weeks, you’d find that my husband is a baby magnet. He’s playful with toddlers, engaging them as if they’re on the same level. He’s even curious about their thoughts, asking them how old they think he is. He’s also incredibly respectful of a teenager’s ...

    34 min
4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Homeschool mama's self-care needs are easily overlooked with a steady stream of childhood needs and interpersonal interactions. Homeschool mamas grapple with the not-good-enough feeling, perfectionism, loneliness, anger, doubt, boredom, impatience, and overwhelm. You know, all the human feels. This podcast explores aspects of self-care that will serve the homeschool mama in her real homeschool days. You'll be introduced to homeschool mamas that you need to know so you can build self-care strategies into your real homeschool world.

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