Episode Details

Unrealistic expectations as homeschool moms — we’ve all been told to manage them, lower them, be more realistic. But what if they’re actually your greatest asset?

Because here’s what I know about us homeschool mamas: we have lofty ambitions. For our kids, for their education, and honestly, for ourselves. And I don’t think that’s a problem. I think it’s actually the whole point.

We spend so much energy trying to talk ourselves out of our expectations — lowering the bar, managing our hopes, bracing for disappointment. But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question entirely? The question isn’t are my expectations too high? The question is are my expectations fuelling me or quietly wearing me down?

Because some of your expectations — the ones about who your children could become, about what your days together could feel like, about the kind of mother you’re becoming through all of this — those are worth keeping. Those are the reason you started.

So let’s get honest about where our expectations as homeschool moms trip us up. And where they absolutely, beautifully don’t.

Homeschool Mom Expectations: Be Realistic About What You Can Do

Turns out, you can’t do everything. And truly, you can’t. Everyone else isn’t doing everything either. Actually, no one is doing everything. They’re doing some things. Just as you will be when you honestly, kindly, accept yourself as being a normal human being that can only do so much. And that it is even good enough.

It’s essential to set achievable goals and prioritize what truly matters.

I remember the year I planned Latin, four languages, nature journaling, NaNoWriMo every November, violin, ballet, and all of Shakespeare. For my own children. In my dining room. I got a great education out of it. The kids probably learned some cool things too. But at what cost? Learning to ask does this actually serve my child — or does it serve my anxiety? changed everything.

Try a time audit. Evaluate how you’re actually allocating your time and energy. It will help you identify where you’re overcommitting and where you’re not leaving margins for the unexpected — or for yourself.

Unrealistic Expectations Homeschool Moms Have About Sibling Harmony

Darn it. (But wouldn’t that be nice if they would?)

Here’s what I used to imagine: children moving harmoniously through their days, appreciating each other, grateful for every opportunity I lovingly prepared. Here’s what actually happened: someone breathed wrong and a sibling took offense. Sound familiar?

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