It's easy to think that home ed is all about your child. It's not. It's also about you.
Thriving in home ed depends on the well-being of the whole family. Being a parent is already a big responsibility, adding home ed amplifies it and there’s rarely an ‘off switch’.
The energy we bring matters - there’s no getting around that. It starts with how we choose to live, what we prioritise and whether we make space for ourselves in the swirl of daily life. We deserve to be supported, fulfilled and an active part of the learning journey - not just the one making it happen.
When we've lost sight of this as a family, it's been much harder for us to keep up the energy and connection that home ed requires. I've had times when I've questioned whether it's actually working for us.
But when I stop and reflect, I often find it's not that home ed isn't working, but that we're focusing on the wrong things or worryingly unnecessarily.
It's easy to get caught up in the 'shoulds' of home ed - fretting over how our kids are learning instead of enjoying time together, prioritising seemingly urgent tasks over connection or filling our weeks to the brim and exhausting ourselves in the process, instead of slowing down and making space for what we actually need.
Because when we’re exhausted and barely holding it together - trying to stay calm and patient amid everything going on, plus external pressures like judgment and relationship struggles - it’s hard to show up for our kids in the way they need us, or the way we’d want to.
What I've learned - a little too slowly to be honest - is that you don’t have to sacrifice your life to give your kids a good one. You can live a good life with them.
Finding That Home Ed Energy
Early on, I met a few mums who'd been home educating for a while and who seemed to be thriving, even with the constant and often overwhelming realities of home ed. That's what I wanted but was struggling to find - urgent demands and exhaustion left little room for anything else.
What I found when speaking to these mums - some facing very real challenges like divorce, financial strain or navigating their child’s complex needs - was that none of them had it all figured out. Not at all. But what they did have was an ability to prioritise what they needed to keep themselves grounded: making time and space for rest, hobbies and things that brought them fulfilment. They knew it wasn't selfish, it was essential. They had a type of energy about them - it was contagious and inspiring and it reignited my excitement about home ed.
We still have tough days - plenty of them! But focusing on the wellbeing of every member of the family - not just the kids - has made a huge difference. It creates a positive ripple effect that actually creates a better environment for the kids to learn.
Coming Soon
The first part of this In-Depth guide is available to read for free. The full guide will be accessible to paid subscribers.
This series is for parents who feel stuck in “just getting through the day.” I’ll be sharing the real, practical strategies that helped us move beyond survival mode - and start building a home ed life that feels more meaningful, more manageable and more connected as a family.
💚 Part 1 helps you identify what really matters to you and how to start making room for it in everyday life.
Coming Soon
💚 Part 2 will look at the practical side of prioritise our needs in a busy home ed life and exploring how we can find time for ourselves, even when things are at rock bottom.
💚 Part 3 will help you discover what fulfilment and rest look like for you, and how this will benefit your kids and the rest of your family.