January 20, 2025 • 11 mins
Feeling overwhelmed as a homeschool mom? In this episode, we tackle the root causes of homeschool overwhelm and provide practical, faith-filled solutions to help you regain peace, focus, and joy in your daily routines. Learn how to manage stress, set realistic expectations, and embrace grace for yourself and your family.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(01:49):
Hi friends.
Welcome back to my channel.
I'm Susie lovers.
A homeschool mom and life coach Here to walk alongside you.
As we navigate the ups and downs.
Of this homeschooling journey.
Today, we're tackling a topic.
That's very close to my heart.
Overcoming overwhelm as a homeschool mom.
I don't know about you.
(02:10):
But.
Some days.
The weight of everything.
Lesson plans and housework, sibling squabbles.
And let's be real.
Our own expectations.
Can feel so heavy.
If you've ever felt like running away to a desert island.
We're no one can call mom for 30 seconds.
(02:32):
You're in the right place.
Let's unpack this together.
With practical tips and a whole lot of encouragement.
First things first.
Let's just admit it.
Being overwhelmed.
Does it mean that you're failing? It means that you're human.
Let me say that again.
For the mums in the back.
(02:52):
Feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean that you're failing.
Homeschooling is a big responsibility.
You're teaching your kids.
You're running a household.
And everything in between Doing all the things that you need to do.
Running around.
To doctor's appoint dentist appointments, homeschool functions.
It never ends.
Plus you're still alive.
(03:14):
And you need to make nutritious meals for your family.
There is a lot to be done.
So when you're overwhelmed.
Don't feel like you're doing the wrong thing.
It's no wonder with what you have to do.
That you feel stretched thin sometime, or maybe a lot of the time.
And give yourself permission to say.
This is hard.
(03:35):
It's not weakness.
It's honesty.
Okay, a quick fun story.
One time I walked into the kitchen to find one kid using the blender with no lid.
Another was practicing science by microwaving a crayon.
I had a moment where I thought.
How did I get here? But, you know what.
(03:55):
I survived.
And you will too.
Let's dig a little deeper.
Overwhelm is usually a symptom.
Of something bigger.
It's like a flashing light on the dashboard of your car saying, Hey.
Something here needs attention.
Ask yourself.
Am I over-scheduling myself or the kids.
(04:18):
Am I expecting perfection from myself or my kids.
Or from our homeschool.
Am I trying to do this all alone.
Is my physical or emotional tank running on empty.
Take a few minutes to journal.
Or just think about it.
Journaling is a wonderful way to put your feelings on paper.
(04:38):
And it's really much better than what you think, but if you don't have time to journal, as you're doing the dishes, think about it.
What is really at the heart.
Of your overwhelm.
For me, it's often trying to fit too much in one day and trying to please too many people.
Without filling my own cup.
What is it for you? That's causing your overwhelmed.
(05:02):
Now let's move on to the good stuff.
How do you overcome? Overwhelmed.
And the first thing I would suggest.
Is to simplify your schedule.
Ladies.
It's time.
To Marie Kondo your homeschool.
Look at your schedule and say, what is sparking the joy here? Okay.
(05:22):
Maybe not the joy, but what is truly essential.
If something feels like.
Too much right now.
It's okay to hit pause on it.
For example.
You don't need to do a craft.
The science experiment and an art project all in one day.
Sometimes a good book with some cuddles on the couch are more than enough.
(05:43):
My second suggestion would be to delegate.
Delegate.
You're not a one woman show.
Get your kids involved.
Even the little ones can fold laundry.
Or at least at the table.
And trust me.
If you turn chores into a game or play music while cleaning.
It becomes a fun win-win.
Here's a tip.
(06:03):
Create a simple chore chart.
Or a task, a jar where kids can pick up.
Fun slip of paper.
That.
We'll take on their job for the day.
My third suggestion would be to take mini breaks throughout the day.
Here's your phone.
Put the timer on.
Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique? It's a game changer.
(06:27):
Set the timer for 10.
15.
Twenty-five minutes, whatever you can handle, whatever you can do.
For focused time.
Then after the 25 minutes or 10 minutes.
Take a five minute break.
Use that break to stretch.
Breathe.
Or just sit in silence.
(06:47):
I know that's a rare gift.
But do it for your kids too.
So we're going to work for 25 minutes.
We're going to take five minutes off.
My fourth suggestion.
We'll be.
To ask for help.
Yep.
Ask for help.
Let's normalize asking for help.
Whether it's from your spouse.
A friend.
(07:08):
A fellow homeschool mom.
Maybe you could trade off teaching.
Subject or even swap babysitting.
So you can get a break at some point in time.
Also, I just want you to know that I am here.
Contact me.
I can help you set up a schedule set up.
I don't even want to use the word schedule.
I want to use the word routine set up a routine that works for you.
(07:32):
And I'm willing to also.
Hold you accountable.
So that you.
Feel yes, I can do this.
And we can go through things again and again, to make sure that we meet the right routine for what works for you.
So please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
For my fifth point.
(07:52):
I would say, create a glance filled routine.
So here again.
Don't make rigid schedules.
Think of your date as a rhythm.
Leave a margin for interruptions.
And grace for the things.
That don't go as planned because they will always happen.
Life happens.
And that's okay.
Because it just happens.
(08:14):
My sixth.
Idea would be to prioritize yourself care.
Mamas.
We need to talk about self care.
And no, I don't mean spa days, even though they're very lovely.
I'm talking about the small, sustainable habits.
Like drinking water.
Stepping outside.
For fresh air.
(08:34):
Spending time with God.
Those little things.
That add up to a big difference.
In your day and in your life.
Some.
Here's something that changed the way I view overwhelmed.
It's not about doing more.
It's a boat doing what matters.
Focus on your relationships with your kids.
(08:55):
Focused on creating a home.
We're learning and love.
Go hand in hand together.
Let go of the Pinterest perfect homeschool.
Your kids don't need.
Perfect.
They need you.
And remember homeschooling isn't just about academics.
It's about raising kids.
Who love God.
Love learning and love each other.
(09:17):
Okay.
So let's make this fun.
Here's a little challenge for you.
Write down.
One thing you're going to let go of this week.
Maybe it's an unrealistic expectation.
Or an unnecessary activity.
Posted in the comments.
I'd love to cheer you on.
and while you're at it, Share your funniest overwhelmed mum moment.
(09:41):
And let's remind each other that we all have these problems and we're all in this together.
And sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
Mamas.
You're doing an incredible job.
Overwhelm does not define you.
Grace does.
Take it one step at a time if this has encouraged you.
(10:04):
And share it with some fellow homeschool moms.
Who might need some hope today? For more encouragement tips.
And fun moments like these.
Until next time.
Stay rooted in grace.
And keep finding joy in this beautiful, messy, meaningful journey.
Bye for now.
Remember, you've got this mama.
Hi friends.
Welcome back to my channel.
I'm Susie lovers.
A homeschool mom and life coach Here to walk alongside you.
As we navigate the ups and downs.
Of this homeschooling journey.
Today, we're tackling a topic.
That's very close to my heart.
Overcoming overwhelm as a homeschool mom.
I don't know about you.
(02:10):
But.
Some days.
The weight of everything.
Lesson plans and housework, sibling squabbles.
And let's be real.
Our own expectations.
Can feel so heavy.
If you've ever felt like running away to a desert island.
We're no one can call mom for 30 seconds.
(02:32):
You're in the right place.
Let's unpack this together.
With practical tips and a whole lot of encouragement.
First things first.
Let's just admit it.
Being overwhelmed.
Does it mean that you're failing? It means that you're human.
Let me say that again.
For the mums in the back.
(02:52):
Feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean that you're failing.
Homeschooling is a big responsibility.
You're teaching your kids.
You're running a household.
And everything in between Doing all the things that you need to do.
Running around.
To doctor's appoint dentist appointments, homeschool functions.
It never ends.
Plus you're still alive.
(03:14):
And you need to make nutritious meals for your family.
There is a lot to be done.
So when you're overwhelmed.
Don't feel like you're doing the wrong thing.
It's no wonder with what you have to do.
That you feel stretched thin sometime, or maybe a lot of the time.
And give yourself permission to say.
This is hard.
(03:35):
It's not weakness.
It's honesty.
Okay, a quick fun story.
One time I walked into the kitchen to find one kid using the blender with no lid.
Another was practicing science by microwaving a crayon.
I had a moment where I thought.
How did I get here? But, you know what.
(03:55):
I survived.
And you will too.
Let's dig a little deeper.
Overwhelm is usually a symptom.
Of something bigger.
It's like a flashing light on the dashboard of your car saying, Hey.
Something here needs attention.
Ask yourself.
Am I over-scheduling myself or the kids.
(04:18):
Am I expecting perfection from myself or my kids.
Or from our homeschool.
Am I trying to do this all alone.
Is my physical or emotional tank running on empty.
Take a few minutes to journal.
Or just think about it.
Journaling is a wonderful way to put your feelings on paper.
(04:38):
And it's really much better than what you think, but if you don't have time to journal, as you're doing the dishes, think about it.
What is really at the heart.
Of your overwhelm.
For me, it's often trying to fit too much in one day and trying to please too many people.
Without filling my own cup.
What is it for you? That's causing your overwhelmed.
(05:02):
Now let's move on to the good stuff.
How do you overcome? Overwhelmed.
And the first thing I would suggest.
Is to simplify your schedule.
Ladies.
It's time.
To Marie Kondo your homeschool.
Look at your schedule and say, what is sparking the joy here? Okay.
(05:22):
Maybe not the joy, but what is truly essential.
If something feels like.
Too much right now.
It's okay to hit pause on it.
For example.
You don't need to do a craft.
The science experiment and an art project all in one day.
Sometimes a good book with some cuddles on the couch are more than enough.
(05:43):
My second suggestion would be to delegate.
Delegate.
You're not a one woman show.
Get your kids involved.
Even the little ones can fold laundry.
Or at least at the table.
And trust me.
If you turn chores into a game or play music while cleaning.
It becomes a fun win-win.
Here's a tip.
(06:03):
Create a simple chore chart.
Or a task, a jar where kids can pick up.
Fun slip of paper.
That.
We'll take on their job for the day.
My third suggestion would be to take mini breaks throughout the day.
Here's your phone.
Put the timer on.
Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique? It's a game changer.
(06:27):
Set the timer for 10.
15.
Twenty-five minutes, whatever you can handle, whatever you can do.
For focused time.
Then after the 25 minutes or 10 minutes.
Take a five minute break.
Use that break to stretch.
Breathe.
Or just sit in silence.
(06:47):
I know that's a rare gift.
But do it for your kids too.
So we're going to work for 25 minutes.
We're going to take five minutes off.
My fourth suggestion.
We'll be.
To ask for help.
Yep.
Ask for help.
Let's normalize asking for help.
Whether it's from your spouse.
A friend.
(07:08):
A fellow homeschool mom.
Maybe you could trade off teaching.
Subject or even swap babysitting.
So you can get a break at some point in time.
Also, I just want you to know that I am here.
Contact me.
I can help you set up a schedule set up.
I don't even want to use the word schedule.
I want to use the word routine set up a routine that works for you.
(07:32):
And I'm willing to also.
Hold you accountable.
So that you.
Feel yes, I can do this.
And we can go through things again and again, to make sure that we meet the right routine for what works for you.
So please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
For my fifth point.
(07:52):
I would say, create a glance filled routine.
So here again.
Don't make rigid schedules.
Think of your date as a rhythm.
Leave a margin for interruptions.
And grace for the things.
That don't go as planned because they will always happen.
Life happens.
And that's okay.
Because it just happens.
(08:14):
My sixth.
Idea would be to prioritize yourself care.
Mamas.
We need to talk about self care.
And no, I don't mean spa days, even though they're very lovely.
I'm talking about the small, sustainable habits.
Like drinking water.
Stepping outside.
For fresh air.
(08:34):
Spending time with God.
Those little things.
That add up to a big difference.
In your day and in your life.
Some.
Here's something that changed the way I view overwhelmed.
It's not about doing more.
It's a boat doing what matters.
Focus on your relationships with your kids.
(08:55):
Focused on creating a home.
We're learning and love.
Go hand in hand together.
Let go of the Pinterest perfect homeschool.
Your kids don't need.
Perfect.
They need you.
And remember homeschooling isn't just about academics.
It's about raising kids.
Who love God.
Love learning and love each other.
(09:17):
Okay.
So let's make this fun.
Here's a little challenge for you.
Write down.
One thing you're going to let go of this week.
Maybe it's an unrealistic expectation.
Or an unnecessary activity.
Posted in the comments.
I'd love to cheer you on.
and while you're at it, Share your funniest overwhelmed mum moment.
(09:41):
And let's remind each other that we all have these problems and we're all in this together.
And sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
Mamas.
You're doing an incredible job.
Overwhelm does not define you.
Grace does.
Take it one step at a time if this has encouraged you.
(10:04):
And share it with some fellow homeschool moms.
Who might need some hope today? For more encouragement tips.
And fun moments like these.
Until next time.
Stay rooted in grace.
And keep finding joy in this beautiful, messy, meaningful journey.
Bye for now.
Remember, you've got this mama.
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