Homeschool Decisions: How to Make & Feel More Confident

Episode 6 – Homeschool Decisions: How to Make & Feel More Confident 

Decision making is a HUGE part of homeschooling. From deciding to homeschool to choosing curriculum, schedules, and approaches, the sheer number of choices can feel overwhelming.

In this episode, I’m breaking down common struggles with decision making, sharing practical strategies to make those tough choices easier, and giving you the tools to feel confident in your decisions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why homeschool decision making can feel so challenging.
• Common struggles homeschool moms face.
• The 4 key parts of effective decision making.
• 5 smart decision making techniques for homeschool moms.
• 4 helpful decision making tips.
• 3 affirmations you can use to boost your decision making.

Resources Mentioned:

• MindTools SWOT Analysis Worksheet
• Episode 2: How to Get a Strong and Positive Start to Homeschooling.
• Episode 5: Your Homeschool Vision.

You’ve got this, mama! Let’s make those homeschool decisions with confidence so you can rock your homeschool!

How to Make Homeschool Decisions You Can Feel Good About

Hey there, mama! In this episode of the Positively Homeschooling Podcast, I want to talk about a topic that I think is super important for homeschool moms – decision making. I don’t think the struggles related to homeschool decisions are talked about enough.

If you’ve been homeschooling for any length of time (or interested in getting started), then you know that there are A LOT of choices to be made. I’m going to dive into all of that, common struggles with decision making, and things that you can do to help you make smart decisions that you can feel good about.

Homeschool Decisions Don’t Have To Be So Hard!

Decisions are a big part of our homeschooling journey. And those decisions often fall on you, the homeschool mom. 

Of course, the first decision is to homeschool or not. (And if you’re just getting started, make sure to listen to episode 2 for getting a positive and strong start to homeschooling).

Then, you need to decide on a homeschool approach or style – or not. For example, will you be a Charlotte Mason homeschooler, classical, Waldorf, or other approach? Or maybe you’ll be like me and go with the relaxed eclectic? 

Then, there’s your homeschool schedule or routine. I’ll be chatting all about homeschool schedules vs. routines in episode 9! When will you start homeschooling? What time of day? For how long each day? Will you homeschool on a traditional calendar or year-round?

And, then there’s the big decision of what curriculum to use! Will you go with a boxed curriculum, specific company, or pick according to subject? Will you use the same curriculum for each of your kids no matter what or mix it up? 

All of those questions can be overwhelming and a lot to think about. And those examples are only the tip of the iceberg!

Maybe homeschool decisions come naturally to you? (If so, that’s totally awesome! I’d love for you to share your tips and how you do it.) If so, I’d put you in the middle of what I call the Homeschool Decisions Continuum. 

But, if you’re like many homeschool moms that I know, you’re somewhere at either end of the continuum, with one extreme being Impulsive and making decisions faster than you can snap your fingers to Frozen and unable to make a decision at all.

And where you are on that continuum might depend on the specific decision to be made. Picking your homeschool start and end dates might be super easy to you but choosing a curriculum has you up at nights!

No matter where you are on that continuum of making homeschool decisions – no worries! I’ve got you!

3 Common Struggles when Making Homeschool Decisions

1. Overwhelm

Why does overwhelm happen? Sometimes, it’s due to having too many choices (like with curriculum options). Maybe you’ve heard of Jam Theory? In 2000, researchers found that having about 6 jams to sample (vs. 24-30 options) made it easier for shoppers to make the decision to purchase. I like to think of it as less is more – and better for your stress levels! 

This is also known as “the paradox of choice”. By reducing the number of options you have, you’re less likely to experience analysis paralysis, buyer’s remorse, and ego depletion – basically, decision fatigue is greatly reduced – helping you feel better about the decision that you ultimately make.

2. Fears :

Worry can have a big impact on decision making. It can feel like a big wrench has been thrown into the situation, causing you to freeze up. OR it can feel like you’ve had way too much caffeine and your brain is going a mile a minute.

Why does fear have such a big impact? Well, we can experience FOMO (fear of missing out). Maybe you’ve had this experience? You’re all set to make a decision but then you suddenly see an ad or hear a friend talk about a different product. A bunch of thoughts might pop up that make you question your choice, like, “Oh! I’m not sure if I’m getting the best one. Am I going to mess up my kids if I don’t get this new shiny one?” OR “Everyone else in the homeschool group is getting super-duper books and I’m not. If I don’t get those books, I’ll feel left out and won’t know what’s going on. Plus, it just might be better than what we have and then my kids will get behind or maybe never even learn this stuff!”

Fear can also contribute to spinning out in the research phase. Have you ever been stuck in the research phase, unable to make a decision? Or maybe you’re asking everyone you know for their opinion and now feel bogged down by their conflicting answers? Perhaps you’ve put together spreadsheets and lists to find “the perfect” curriculum – and still haven’t come to a conclusion weeks later?

First of all, no judgment here! I’ve been there and done that! And it can feel paralyzing. 

So, why do we get stuck in the research phase? Well, it feels safe to plan and prepare. If you’re actively researching, it means that you’re putting in even extra time to find the perfect thing, right? Um, not necessarily…

When you’re stuck in researching, you don’t have to take the next step and actually do – which can feel super scary. You have no chance of “failing” – so perfection wins out. But, you‘re also really holding yourself – and your kids – back.

3. Lack of self-confidence:

You might struggle with making homeschool decisions (or decisions in general) because you don’t trust yourself. 

You feel like you’re “not enough” – like you’re not smart enough or experienced enough. For whatever reason, you believe that you don’t have what it takes to make this decision. And that’s simply not true, my friend! 

As I was talking about those 3 common struggles with decision making (overwhelm, fears, and lack of confidence), could you relate to any of them (or all of them)? If so, you are definitely not alone. Every single homeschool mom that I’ve met has dealt with these struggles in some size, shape, or form. 

The good news: There are simple skills and tools that you can learn and use to feel more confident in your decision making!

4 Important Parts of Decision Making

• Getting clarity – Get as specific as you can on what decision actually needs to be made. It’s way too easy to get caught up in distractions)!
• Reminding yourself of your capabilities – Guess what? You make decisions all the time (ie. grocery store, meal planning, what to wear). Yes, homeschool decisions can feel like a lot of pressure. But, your stress and concerns come from a good place – because you care about and want what’s best for your kids. 
• Trusting and believing in yourself – You know your kids and yourself best. You are by far the best person to make these homeschool decisions.
• Learning and growing from our decisions and by taking action – If you make a “mistake”, look at it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Use it to gather information that you can use for future decisions to be made. (More about mistakes = opportunities in an upcoming episode!)

My Example of Homeschool Decision Making

I thought it might be helpful to chat about a homeschool decision that I struggle with and how I overcame it. It’s about our homeschool math curriculum.

I needed a curriculum that could be used by multiple students, budget-friendly, did most of the work (because math is a subject at different grades and with 5 boys, I simply did not have the time), effective, and engaging. 

We had tried a bunch of different programs (including CTCMath which we ultimately have stuck with – I’m not an affiliate – just really love this program! Well, I bounced around with a few math curriculum options because I either had shiny object syndrome, FOMO, or I got something free because of a sponsored blog review. 

All of that bouncing around did none of us any good. I had to have a serious parent-teacher conference (one of my favorite homeschool mom jokes that my boys just cringe at). I had to take a really close look at why I was struggling with this decision and why it was important to go for it.

Finally, I got solid on my decision to stick with CTCMath and felt the stress roll off my shoulders. Total success and not looking back!

5 Decision Making Techniques to Try as a Homeschool Mom

** First and foremost, it’s imperative to get crystal clear on the decision to be made! Do you research – but set limits (especially if you get stuck here). I’ve got tips on this part so stick with me!

1. Brainstorming
   1. Self – write/journal/type, voice record
   2. With kids
   3. With friends/family
2. Priorities:  Going back to your homeschool why and vision, focus on what your priorities are as you move forward with making decisions.
3. Pros & Cons List
4. SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats): I don’t often use this option. MindTools has some fantastic information about this one and a free worksheet to help.
5. Decision Tree – good for complex issues to help you map out potential outcomes (like homeschool high school planning, etc.) – I think of this process as an if/then. For a simple example, if my son takes biology in 9th grade, then he could take chemistry or advanced biology in 10th grade. 

Personally, I stick with the basics – brainstorming and pros/cons. I have a tendency to overthink and get stuck. If I go too deep, it can take a lot to dig me out!

5 Decision Making Tips for Homeschool Moms

1. Set a deadline – to avoid decision fatigue (which happens when we put off making a decision as time goes on)
   1. For research step
   2. For your decision technique (or techniques) of choice
2. Focus on the benefits of what your decision will bring (and not the nasty, negative “what ifs”)
3. Narrow down – limit your choices (to eliminate analysis paralysis)
4. Go with what you feel good about (intuitive) –  your decision does NOT need to be perfect – you just need to make a decision!
5. Focus on your family – put on blinders, other peoples’ opinions do not matter in the end

3 Decision Making Affirmations

I have three affirmations that you can use when you’re struggling to make a decision. You can use these affirmations on a daily basis to build up your decision making muscles, too!

“I trust my instincts and know what’s best for my family.”

“Every choice I make helps my children grow, learn, and thrive.”

“I give myself grace and permission to adjust as we learn together.”

Also, if you haven’t got my FREE printable Homeschool Mom Boost Cheat Sheet yet, now is the perfect time! It can really help you with quick and easy ways to boost your confidence, feel more patient, and relaxed so you can enjoy your homeschooling journey – including decisions! – a whole lot more. 

Quick recap of this episode on making more confident homeschool decisions: 

I talked about 3 common struggles with making homeschool decisions. Then, I shared 4 important parts of the decision making process. I gave you 5 tips to make decision making easier. And, finally, I shared 3 affirmations that you can use to build up those decision making muscles so you can feel good about your choice.

Remember: You ARE capable and informed. Embrace the decision(s) you make. Own those decisions. Pick one affirmation and use it to build & reinforce your powerful decision making!