Episode24 ⋆ Art of Homeschooling

Looking Back on Homeschooling

As I was turning over the soil in our garden last weekend, I was thinking about all the living we’ve done in this backyard! We’ve had a wooden climbing structure, sandbox that turned into a mud hole, and even a ghost named Bob who sustained himself by dining on woodchips. Yup! Lots of wonderful memories.

My three children have all graduated now from high school and homeschooling. My husband and I are officially “empty nesters” after over 30 years of parenting!

If you are on a homeschooling journey, know that I’ve traveled your same path! I am looking back now and oh, the things I wish I had known and truly believed.

On my podcast episode this week, here’s what I miss the most. And what I don’t miss. Along with what I wish I’d done differently.

And I will tell you that the adage “the days are long but the years are short” is so, so true.

What I Miss the Most

Hiking with friends and family trips, all considered to be “school.”
Reading books on the couch, “couch time”.
Being close to my children every day.
Gathering around the family table for meals, drawing, painting, projects, and learning.
All the time watching and witnessing the learning.
Putting on plays.
The laughter and even, yes, the noise.

The Hard Things I Won’t Miss

Arguing and whining.
Fatigue.
Lack of space for my own thoughts.
Underestimating how very long things take with small children!

What I Wish I’d Known

To dive in, experiment & observe as we go.
To believe that it’s not about perfection; it’s all about connection.
To give myself more space & grace.
To be more lighthearted, curious, and confident that all will be well.
That uncertainty and doubt are part of the journey.
To have more patience and acceptance, rather than anxiety and critical thoughts.
To simplify & customize the curriculum.
That daily family living is learning, no matter what.
To let go of comparisons and feeling less than enough.

In a Nutshell, Relax, Simplify, & Trust

Because the days are long and the years are short, my friend.

Looking Back on Homeschooling

As a homeschooling mentor, I hope that by sharing these tips, I can encourage you to plant and cultivate the seed that you CAN do this homeschooling thing even when some days are wild & wonky.

To truly embrace the idea that homeschooling is a long game.

And that you, dear homeschooling parent, are doing important work in this world.

I feel so honored and grateful now to spend my days guiding others on the homeschooling journey. To help you develop the clarity and confidence to find a path for yourself that works for your unique family.

The days are long, but the years are short!

As for my own family these days, we are all spread out too far geographically for this Mama’s taste! For the moment, we have one adult child living at home with us as she finishes up her last year of college. And the other two are happily off on their own.

I savor the moments when our whole family is back together again at holidays, family events, and summer camping trips. And I celebrate how unique each of my kids are and the gifts that they share.

And I wouldn’t trade those 25+ years of homeschooling for anything.

It’s been an amazing journey.

Remember my friend, “The days are long but the years are short.”

I hope this episode has truly helped you to see that you’re right where you need to be!

More Inspiration

More about my family’s homeschooling journey on Episode #1 of the Art of Homeschooling Podcast.

If you’re looking for homeschooling support, I encourage you to check out my membership community Inspired at Home, where you can get over 20 masterclasses, weekly small group coaching, and planning support so you can make homeschooling work for your family.

Rate & Review

If this episode inspired you, I’d LOVE it if you could rate and review the Art of Homeschooling Podcast on your favorite podcast player! Reviews can be left on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Podcast Addict, or Stitcher.

Or simply pop on over to lovethepodcast.com/artofhomeschooling and choose where you want to leave your review.

And if you want to show your appreciation for the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, you can buy me a coffee!