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Homeschooling with Faith: Letting Go, Growing, and Trusting God

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Never in a million years did I ever think I would be a stay-at-home mom with two kids—let alone homeschooling. This season of life has been unexpected, but in many ways, it has been a blessing. I’ve learned more about my kids and what they need educationally, but let me be clear: I do not have it all under control, nor do I know everything about homeschooling. This whole experience has been a massive shift in mindset for me.

Both of my kids attended a private Christian school from the start. We were incredibly fortunate to have a Christian school in our church. But when my mom retired, there was no one to take over, and I found myself standing at a crossroads. I did my research, thought about my kids and what they needed, and realized homeschool was the best option for this season.

Going into it, I had no idea what to expect. I was especially concerned about teaching my son—he’s energetic, needs a lot of attention, and thrives on activity. I worried I couldn’t keep up as a parent. Yet, here we are, over halfway through the year, and I’ve learned that he is surprisingly strong in math and absolutely loves science. My daughter has also excelled, especially with my mom stepping in to help her through the tougher subjects like Geometry and Physical Science.

One of the biggest shifts for me has been letting go of rigid schedules. I’m naturally organized and structured, and when I helped at our Christian school, everything ran like clockwork. Homeschooling? Completely different. If the kids are overwhelmed by schoolwork, we change it up—watch a documentary, explore the outdoors, or even learn through cooking dinner. And honestly? The kids have been healthier and better rested. I don’t have it all figured out, but we are working on it.

I don’t know why this is the season we’re in, but I do know this: I’ve watched my kids grow in ways I didn’t even realize they needed. It has brought us closer together—even in moments of frustration. We’ve been able to take field trips and dive into subjects that truly interest them. God knows what He’s doing—even when I don’t.

Just as Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” This season of homeschooling has been one of unexpected challenges but also beautiful growth.

Clearing Away Old Expectations

Let me be real: homeschooling is not Pinterest-perfect. It can be hard. There are moments when I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and shift gears. One of my biggest struggles was not wanting to be the one to teach my son. Not because I don’t love him, but because I didn’t want to be the “bad guy” when it came to school. I wanted him to learn without feeling like I was nagging him. But guess what? He has meltdowns, and in those moments, we find new ways to learn together.

Both of my kids have inherited my perfectionist tendencies (Lord, help me). I’ve had to let go of the expectation that every lesson will go smoothly or that we will finish everything in one day. Sometimes, a lesson takes two days, and that’s okay. I’ve had to establish a new rhythm—waking up before the kids, having my coffee and devotion, and making breakfast. Homeschooling is now part of our daily routine, but so is life. I still have housework, church responsibilities, and errands. The balance isn’t always easy, but I treat this like a job—with love at the center.

Do I feel like I’m failing my kids sometimes? Absolutely! Social media makes it easy to see so many incredible homeschool parents with their color-coded schedules and engaging projects. I admire their creativity! That’s just not where my strengths lie, and that’s okay. But I remind myself: my kids are learning, they are growing, and they are thriving in ways that matter to our family. The best thing we can do as parents is give our children what they need in this season, and that looks different for everyone. What matters most is that we are doing our best, and that is enough.

Through it all, I’ve learned to lean on Proverbs 16:3“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” On the tough days, I remind myself that this is a journey of faith and obedience, not perfection.

If you want to know more about some of my research, you can read this blog post from my sister-in-law about her first-year homeschooling experience: Homemaking Harmony: Embracing Homeschooling – A Journey of Faith and Practical Tips for Families.

Welcoming Growth—Even in the Messy Middle

Spring is a season of growth, and this homeschool journey has been no different. I’ve had to embrace the process. I don’t know what next year holds, but I trust that God will guide us.

I’ve watched my son learn to measure ingredients in the kitchen—using math skills in a way that makes sense to him. I’ve seen my kids, who are seven years apart, grow closer. Those are the wins that matter.

For every mom—whether you homeschool or not—learn to embrace progress over perfection. Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes, you have to adapt. Change your dinner plans, adjust your schedule, and shift when things don’t work out. The school closed, so we adapted. We researched, learned, and kept moving forward.

How Homemaking & Homeschooling Work Together

I am a naturally structured person, so changes in plans throw me for a loop. But I’ve had to learn to let go and move forward. Being home with my kids every day has given me the opportunity to teach them about responsibilities and taking care of their home. My kids have chores, and we’ve established a daily routine that even my youngest can follow (though he needs a little more guidance).

I’ve also been able to teach them how to cook—something I regret not learning earlier myself. My youngest loves it, while my oldest does it for survival (because she thinks I’ll live forever and always cook for her). They’ve both become part of my sourdough journey, and they love contributing ideas to Makin’ Macon. Seeing their excitement and support means the world to me.

Mom, take time for yourself, but also get your kids involved in the home. Teach them to care for what they have. Be present in their lives. And yes, that sometimes means stopping what you’re doing to watch their latest karate moves—because those moments matter, too.

Homeschooling has also deepened my perspective on Proverbs 22:6“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse doesn’t just apply to academics—it’s about instilling values, faith, and a love for learning in a way that resonates with our children.

Trusting God in the Learning Process

This season of homeschooling has taught me that I am learning just as much as my kids. Maybe even more.

I don’t know what next year holds. I don’t know if we will homeschool again. But I do know that right now, this is the season we’re in, and I’m going to do my best in it. I trust that God has a plan, even when I can’t see the full picture.

If you’re in a season of change—whether it’s homeschooling, a new job, or a different life transition—give yourself grace. God is still working, even in the messy middle. And I promise, you’re not alone in figuring it all out.

This season has taught me the truth of Proverbs 3:5-6“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Even when I don’t have all the answers, I know He is leading us where we need to go.

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