“The determined homeschool mama hunkers down to her routine despite exhaustion or aggravation.
The new homeschool mama begins homeschooling with fervor, then quickly realizes she’s consumed and spent.
Homeschool mamas grapple with overwhelm, doubt, perfectionism, loneliness, anger, boredom, and impatience.
Basic self-nurturing is easily overlooked with a steady stream of childhood needs.
It's a challenge to build our needs, our desires, and our personality into our homeschools, but it can be done as we instill habits that nurture the nurturer.
Reframing uncomfortable feelings provides a perspective shift that helps the homeschool mama turn her homeschool challenges into her charms.
You'll find straight talk about self-nurturing practices that address real homeschool mama's needs.”
Let's start with the basics:
"It was like going on a retreat in the comfort of my home!
I loved the way you phrased so well what I have been feeling as a HS Mom, such as “homeschool is messy,” and “ homeschool burnout is not selective.” You really make me feel understood and validated. I felt like you sympathize with our plight and cheer us on (Go HS Moms, get the laundry, have the kids do the dishes, Go team!)
You even seem to understand my love of dark chocolate, and lack of shower days (you don’t have spy cameras over here, I hope). 😏"
Kristina, Homeschool Mom
I found myself completely, utterly, depleted. I had returned from my first mental health unit stay and was surrounded by 7 children, 4-17 who needed me. I realized how I desperately needed to care for myself as well as I care for my children. I didn’t know where they began and I ended. Suffice to say, i had virtually no boundaries and in addition, had a very idealized version in my head of what my homeschool SHOULD look like. When I was offered a review copy of Teresa Wiedrick’s book I jumped at it. First, the author is HILARIOUS! She covers so much from looking into the “Whys” of homeschooling, managing our many diverse emotions, and caring for our body, minds, but also to be mindful of things we might otherwise not notice. She offers a plethora of idea for having fun; alone and with kids alike. She shared the value of community and of being organized. Overall, I just think this book is fantastic and I think that any homeschool mom could benefit from it.
Becca, Homeschool Mama of 7
" Wonderful book. Down to Earth and relatable. A must-read for homeschooling moms."
Celeste, Homeschool Mama
This book is a must have for any homeschool mom. Full of practical tips and lots of encouragement. I love how Teresa is open and honest, sharing her story along the way.
Meaghan, Homeschool Mom of 3
We have great expectations of our homeschools.
We have:
Oh, and all the corners of the house are never clean at the same time.
We all have different challenges, but we all have challenges.
Do you have self-care strategies for...
If you haven't considered the self-care basics, because you are an afterthought in your homeschool world, you can reconsider your needs.
The homeschool lifestyle can help you expand your own sense of self, if you take advantage of it.
You can learn to identify your own interests, your learning needs, and even create space for alone time.
You can learn about You!
No one asks about the homeschool mama's needs for socialization.
She needs:
The care & keeping of the homeschool home provides:
Skip the entire book and get some good ole fashioned mom to mom encouragement:
Know why you're homeschooling and be clear why you're pursuing this homeschool path.
You got this girlfriend,
oh yes you do!
Teresa is eager to share the freedoms of the homeschool lifestyle with the skeptical, the intrigued, and the curious.
Teresa is a hearty advocate of home education and encourages other homeschool families but she is keenly aware of the intensity and demanding nature of this lifestyle.