5 Powerful Yet Simple Ways to Be a More Relaxed Homeschool Mom

Do you dream of becoming a more relaxed homeschool mom but have no idea how to do it?

If you're tired of feeling robotic or like you have to do #allthethings, check out these ideas and tips for being a more chill homeschool mom.

Does It Feel Impossible to Relax as a Homeschool Mom? I SO Get it!

Have you ever heard that or read advice that recommends that you need to do less if you want to do more? Sounds counterproductive but it really does work!

I had to learn that lesson the hard way as a homeschool mom 😉

When we unexpectedly jumped into our homeschool adventures, my Type A tendencies went into overdrive. My only experience with education (like most of us) was public school. So, I tried to replicate public school at home.

It was exhausting and miserable!

I had so many unrealistic expectations, like sticking to a strict schedule (while also trying to care for a toddler and newborn).

Or making sure the boys had enough busywork to keep them sitting way after they'd completed their required assignments.

Oh, and this unbelievable pressure to push ahead in a subject (or go way too slow) just because the plans said to!

I had so many fears that my boys would get behind or have gaps. My guilt also grew because I worried about the boys missing out on "fun" stuff like school parties and field trips.

But, I think the biggest part of my misery and exhaustion came from feeling like I could never do enough.

I felt like I could never relax and just enjoy these precious experiences with my boys. You know, one of the main reasons that we started homeschooling!

Why It Can Be a Struggle to Relax as a Homeschool Mom

Girl, I know how hard it is when you want to be a more relaxed homeschool mom.

In your head, you know you need to let go. But, the struggle is real!

Maybe you can relate to any (or all) of the following?:

• You feel like if you relax that you're not doing enough
• There are always so many things to do (and never enough time to do them all)
• If you relax, things will turn into chaos (or become even more chaotic)
• You'll lose control
• Others (like family and friends) will think that you're not doing anything all day
• Your kids will get behind or have gaps
• Relaxing means you're lazy or don't care

I'm guessing that if you've been homeschooling for any amount of time, you can easily add to that list 😉

Another personal struggle for me was the type of student I had been in public school. I was a high-strung overachiever. Top classes, top marks, and lots of activities. Constantly studying or busy with some way to improve my high school transcript.

Although I thrived with that type of pressure, I discovered that it is totally unnecessary as a homeschool mom. And, in fact, sucks the joy out of learning at home for the boys and me.

Can you relate to carrying over some of your own public school experiences to your homeschool? But, maybe for you, it's that you did the opposite and want more for your kids? So, you think you have to push and do more?

The thing is that you can tell that being all uptight and stressed out isn't doing anyone any good. Your kids drag their feet or give you an attitude. You feel like you're coming undone at the seams.

You know you need to back off and relax. But, you're scared. Lots of "what if...?" and "But, we have to or..." type of thoughts going on.

Here's the good news:  You CAN be a more relaxed homeschool mom and still be successful.

It can take some soul-searching (like why do you even want to be more relaxed?!?) and practice, but I KNOW you can do it.

Believe me, if I can be a more relaxed homeschool mom, you can, too 🙂

WooHoo! You CAN Be a More Relaxed Homeschool Mom

I almost didn't realize how important it is to be able to chill as a homeschool mom until it was almost too late.

After overplanning our first few days of homeschool, my boys and I were ready to throw in the towel. We were all so stressed out! And I felt like a complete failure.

Deep down, I knew that it didn't have to be this way - miserable and frustrating.

I really did want to create an atmosphere where life and learning could be fun. I wanted to make this homeschool thing work for our family.

I backed off. I talked with other homeschool mamas who got it. And I made the choice to be a more relaxed homeschool mom.

Here's what I did to get started on the path to being a more relaxed homeschooler:

1. What does "relaxed homeschool mom" mean to you?

Just what are you trying to achieve when you dream of being a more relaxed homeschool mom?

Jot it down in your journal, planner, or even a scrap of paper. Think about:

• What would you look like? Not look like?
• What are you doing? Not doing?
• What thoughts are you thinking? Not thinking?
• How will your homeschool day flow?
• When will you know that you're being a more relaxed homeschool mom?

Break it down so you know what to work towards (and what you don't want to be doing!).

2. Put some work into it

I had this false notion that relaxed homeschoolers didn't do much, especially when it comes to planning, prep, and organization. Oh my stars! That's SO not true!

Being more relaxed doesn't mean not doing anything or letting things go. It means doing what YOU need to do to feel more relaxed.

For me, that means I must have my planning and prep period (usually about 30 minutes on Sunday night) to feel together for the week. When I've had that time to take a realistic look at our upcoming week and map out what needs done plus what we'd like to do, it feels like a massive weight is off my shoulders.

Perhaps for you that means getting your homeschool area organized in a way that makes sense for you?

Or maybe you need to figure out how to have time each morning to yourself so you can feel refreshed and relaxed?

The thing that you need to feel relaxed as a homeschool mom will not magically happen. You'll need to put in a bit of work to get there. But, it will be so worth it!

3. What are your 3 things?

Ask yourself this question:  What are 3 things that you need to accomplish in order to relax?

You can totally change this number! I wouldn't recommend adding to it, especially if your life is busy. One or two things to focus on will work just as well 🙂

You can ask this question about your day, week, month, and year.

Defining those 3 things will help you know when it's okay to say, "Aah! Now, I can relax." It's like giving yourself a permission slip to be a more relaxed homeschool mom.

4. Create a Chill Collection

Have a stash of activitiesstash of activities to turn to when you want to chill and enjoy time with your kids. Call it whatever you want - Fun Kit, Relaxed Stash, Chill Collection.

Include materials and resources that YOU enjoy. Please don't feel pressure to have anything that causes you stress. If you're not into glitter or playdough, by all means, keep it out!

You can have a separate collection just for you, too. Do you have a hobby or passion that helps you relax? Some moms love to knit or sew. I love to play in my planners with washi tape, stickers, and colorful pens.

5. Smart Self-Care

I'm a firm believer in making sure that you have self-care time as a homeschool mom. You may need to get creative with it to make it fit your lifestyle. But, self-care is key to relaxing as a homeschool mom!

If you need some quick and easy ideas for self-care for moms, grab this free list. I've included a variety of ways to treat yo' self (💗 Parks and Rec!) depending on your needs at that time.

My biggest piece of advice when it comes to becoming a more relaxed homeschool mom:  Don't stress about it!

I know that you're trying so hard to do your very best in your homeschool. You're doing an amazing job 🙂

Remember:  Do less to do more. Not such an easy pill to swallow for a mama. 😉

Go back to Tip #1 and read how you defined "relaxed homeschool mom". Repeat.

That's your why. Use it as a reminder on this journey.

You've got this. You totally have it within your power to be a more relaxed homeschool mom. Decide that it's what you want and how you're going to do it. Use these tips. And know that I'm cheering you on!

Do you struggle with relaxing as a homeschool mom?
What else would you like to know that would help you in this process?

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