Let’s face it, being a homeschool mom pretty much guarantees a full life. Even so, in order to encourage our kids to pursue a lifetime of learning, homeschooling parents have to be diligent about making time for personal growth.
What does that personal growth look like when lessons need to be planned and resources must be prepared for tomorrow’s homeschool day? What does that look like when the laundry is piling up and dishes need to be washed?
It’s not always easy, but I do my best to make time for my personal growth each day. Some days I’m more successful than others, but here’s a look at what works best for me.
4 Ways I Make Time for
Personal Growth as a Homeschool Mom
1. Podcasts
One of my favorite tools for personal growth is podcasts. I depend heavily on these while I’m doing things around the house. Anytime I’m doing laundry, dishes, or cleaning, I’m most likely listening to a podcast or audiobook (we’ll talk about books later in a moment).
Here’s a look at some of my podcast subscriptions:
- The Next Right Thing, A Delectable Education Podcast, The Mason Jar, The Homeschool Sisters Podcast, and Joyfully Homeschooling are all loaded on my listening devices.
- I turn to Create If Writing, The Hopewriters Podcast, and a few others for continuing education and encouragement in regards to ministry, writing, and business.
- I listen regularly to sermon podcasts from several churches and pastors.
- Revisionist History is my go-to for gaining new perspectives on past events or generally accepted ideas. It pushes me to think about other people and how life looks through their eyes.
I love listening to these because they present the perfect opportunity to multitask. I can listen and grow without sacrificing additional time in my days.
2. Newsletters
Subscribing to a handful of helpful email newsletters also helps me make time for personal growth as a homeschool mom. I subscribe to several, but there are only a few that I make it a point to read anytime they hit my inbox. The others vary according to subject and how busy I am at the time I receive them.
When iHomeschool Network sends a newsletter, I read it because it’s going to have homeschool information and encouragement that I want to see. When Jess Connolly or Ann Voskamp send a newsletter, I read because I know my soul will be nourished. If Amy Lynn Andrews sends a Useletter, I read because I know it will help me become more efficient in my work.
By subscribing to a few great newsletters, I know I won’t miss the information and encouragement I need. Their easy format makes reading quick, but they pack a big punch by helping me grow and learn.
(By the way, if you’re in the market for a new email newsletter,
may I suggest our weekly newsletter? You won’t regret it, I promise!)
3. Reading Challenges
Some folks think I’m crazy for creating reading challenges for myself, but it’s important to me for my kids to see me reading. Once again, if I want them to follow, I have to lead!
My usual reading goal is to read five books each month. How do I find time to read five books in a month? I read when the opportunity allows. Instead of scrolling social media, I read. Instead of watching television, I read. The key to making time for reading is nothing more than making the choice to do so.
4. Smart Social Media
Facebook doesn’t help me grow. There are times when it’s okay, but I can’t really say I’m better for all the time I spend on Facebook reading what everyone’s mad about these days. I’m not saying it can’t be a smart use of your time, but I know it’s not a smart use of mine. At least for the sake of personal growth.
As a work-at-home homeschooling mom, my most rewarding time spent on social media happens on Instagram and Twitter. At this point, you may be saying something like, “But no one uses Twitter” or “My friends aren’t on Insta.”
You may be right as far as your personal circles are concerned, but that’s exactly why these platforms are great for personal growth. Since you aren’t utilizing them to keep up with your friends from childhood or family members across the country, you don’t have to worry about cluttering your feeds with things that aren’t conducive to bettering yourself.
There’s nothing wrong with using social media to connect with family and friends, but following homeschool publishers and bloggers will connect you with information that will encourage you and help you in your homeschool journey. The same thing goes for any other topics that interest you.
While there aren’t necessarily fewer voices on these social media platforms, the voices are different. I find it much easier to only follow the voices that I want to hear through Twitter, Insta, and even Facebook, the voices that help me grow. By following only those who encourage growth, my time on social media is more productive.
Want more tips on making time for personal growth?
Stop by iHomeschool Network to see what’s other homeschooling parents grow and learn despite the demands of daily homeschool life.
What about you? How do you make time for your personal growth amidst all of your homeschool responsibilities? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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These are great ideas! This is my first year homeschooling, and it feels like I have already kind of pushed personal growth right out of my schedule as I’m trying to get other things done… I totally agree, though, that it is super important for myself and for even my homeschooling, so I’m going to start with some of these tips. Thanks so much!
You are welcome, Meredith! For sure, you’ve got to make time for yourself… You can’t give what you don’t have!
I am always in the market for great podcasts. I would much rather listen to something along those lines than watch meaningless TV while getting my chores done. Thank you for sharing.
I totally agree, Elizabeth! 🙂
I love this post, Emily. Thank you so much for the shout-out, it means more than you know to both Kara and I! <3
You are welcome, Cait. I love listening to you and Kara while I’m cooking dinner! 🙂
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Every time I read your blog, Emily, I think we would hit it off as friends! These are my thoughts, almost exactly, although I don’t think I can read 5 books a month (counting read aloud books, maybe) but podcasts are my #1 way to grow and keep my house running somewhat smoothly. And you tipped me off to the Useletter which I now look forward to each week. Just signed up for yours, too! Great suggestions for an already full life of a mom.
That’s super sweet of you, Heather, and I think you’re right. 🙂
I usually manage my five books a month, but only because the homeschooling books are usually shorter e-Books. Most of those authors know that homeschool parents only have so much time for that kind of reading. 😀
I’m starting my first “real” year of homeschooling this year (pre-k) and I’m just hoping that I’ll be able to balance it. I want to make sure that I’ve got the feel of it down before kindergarten is here! These are great tips, thanks for sharing at Titus 2 Tuesday!
I think preschool is the perfect place to start, Stefani! It gives you and your kiddo time to ease into the routine and get a feel for it. It’s been a wonderful time for homeschooling with both of my kids. Good luck and have fun! 🙂
Great tips! It’s so important to not burn out.
Thanks so much, Rebecca. 🙂