How to Balance it All as a New Working Homeschool Mom

Time and time again, I get asked by new working homeschool moms how to balance it all. I think it’s something that many of us crave as humans – everything to be perfectly aligned.

Unfortunately it’s not possible. So let’s get that out of the way. But there are definitely ways to feel like you’re spending your time well, that you have control over your schedule and that you’re consistently doing what lights you up.

You Can't Balance it All

Like I said, finding balance is unattainable. Trying to give everything an equal amount of attention and effort, is going to leave you feeling depleted and frustrated.

You also have to consider the fact that you might be trying to balance lots and lots and lots of different things. You’re a mom, right? But this is going to take you even further away from any feeling of equilibrium.

Some things are going to have to go. Sounds simple, I know. But it can be harder than it seems. We often cling onto things because they feel comfortable, we do them on autopilot, or we feel obliged to do them. 👋🏻 Hello, ultimate people pleaser over here!

But, in order to feel more in control, you’re going to have to take a long hard look at your life. What’s not serving anymore? What brings you joy and fulfillment? A time audit is a great way to do this.

Take note of how you spend your time.
Categorize all your activities.
Decide what can stay and what should go.
Have more control over your time and what you’re trying to balance.

Know Your Values and Priorities

As I said above, some things are going to have to go. But sometimes it’s not so easy to know what’s actually important and what isn’t. The only way you’re going to be sure is to actually write down what your values and priorities are.

As yourself these questions:

What are the things I simply can’t live without?
Which people are really important to me?
What really lights me up?
What makes me feel really proud?
What would the perfect day look like?
What would the perfect year look like?
What do I want for my kids and their future?
What do they want?

Positive Psychology has an in-depth post with questionnaires that will help you to identify your core values. Once you’ve done the work to really figure out what matters to you, you’re going to be able to make decisions that align.

It will make it much easier to let go of some of the plates you’re trying to spin. And it’s also going to make it a bit easier because you’ll know that they’re not actually important to you. Bye bye excess plates!

Setting boundaries is also an integral part of this process. Once you’re crystal clear about your values and goals, you’re going to be able to set boundaries around yourself, your time and those values.

Self Care Gives You Balance

Once again, there’s no way to balance it all. But you can feel more balanced as a human. Just as good, right? And much more attainable!

A good way to feel aligned and at peace, is to prioritize self care. You need to give yourself time to rest, to do what you love and to have time alone. It should be on that priority list – right at the top!

Now I know that self care isn’t always easy. I recently had to reevaluate what it meant to me. If you’re on my mailing list you’ll know I’ve been going through some family stuff.

My husband had to remind me to take some time for myself so that I could regroup. It was hard because I felt guilty. But it was so very necessary because I was one the verge of crashing. Not good for anyone!

Self care doesn’t have to be extravagant, take loads of time or be expensive. I have some ideas for quick self care activities you can do. And as you feel more comfortable, you can do more.

Support Will Help You Balance it All

The last element I want to mention when it comes to ‘balance’ is asking for help. After giving up some of the plates you’re trying to spin, giving them to someone else is the best way to keep them spinning. Phew, what an analogy! 😆

Asking for help is not always easy. I know for me, I’m so darn proud. And I have to stop myself from feeling like I’m unable to cope when I ask for help. So not true!

In fact, asking for help is actually seen my mental health professionals as something that requires a lot of bravery and guts. The video below debunks more myths about mental health.

Help can come in so many different forms. Not everyone has a supportive spouse, friends who will lend a hand, money to see a psychologist, or a loving family who is always on call. I’ll tell you that I don’t have all of these things.

But it doesn’t mean that help isn’t at hand. You can still find people to support you. It’s important to reach out and to be open. And if that doesn’t work, then you could also create a community around yourself, rather than joining one.

Community for me has been almost entirely online. And I have met the most wonderful people who have become true friends. These relationships are as important to me as any other IRL relationship. And they have supported me on my working homeschool mom journey.

Final Thoughts on how to Balance it All

I know that as you start on your new working homeschool mom journey, you may be feeling overwhelmed. It’s normal! Anything that’s truly worthwhile is going to take work and effort.

I want to leave you with one last thought. Since I started on my journey, I have spoken to many, many, many working homeschool moms. Each experience is different. But there is one thing we all share – we figured it out.

The same will happen for you, I promise! If you’re committed to this way of life, you’re going to find out what works. You’re going to find a way to fit everything that’s important into your day. You WILL find your form of balance.

It might just take some time. But it will be oh so worth the effort and growth and stress. Because being a working homeschool mom is above all else, a worthwhile endeavor!

Follow me Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more homeschool shenanigans, advice and resources. And please check out my working homeschool mom coaching if you need some extra help and support.