I was at a homeschool conference dinner, and I was busy complaining about the dishes. All the endless dishes. The never-ending cycle of it all. Especially as homeschool parents who feed our children like little Hobbits…
She sat patiently listening to my story.
Then she said: "I wish I could complain in 5, 10, 20 years about all the dishes. But I won't be here to do that."
This mama was fighting cancer. She knew she didn't have years with her kids.
And there I was, wishing away the very thing she was running out of time for.
At this time, I didn't have any mentors walking alongside me. In our entire town, there were maybe four other families homeschooling. Four. And I was one of them. (Hence the reason I sprung for a local homeschool conference).
I couldn't call someone up and ask how they handled a difficult learning situation. I couldn't sit down with an experienced mom and get advice. I was basically figuring this out on my own.
But at least I wasn’t fighting for my LIFE…
So maybe being alone wasn’t that bad after all.
Not having people to lean on forced me to turn to God. Really turn to Him. It forced me to research and listen to moms across the country writing books and blogs about homeschooling in the 90s. It forced me to be intentional about why we were doing this in the first place since there was no “village.”
Because without God – without my CONVICTION to homeschool, I wouldn’t have persisted.
THE SHIFT:
It wasn't until 2020 that the homeschool scene exploded. Suddenly everyone was asking questions and homeschooling became the cool thing to do. My phone was blowing up with "tell me how to homeschool" from parents who were forced into it and hoping there was a quick fix.
And I felt something I'm not proud of: betrayal.
So many of us had been doing this faithfully for YEARS without guidance. Without community. Without the resources that now seemed to be everywhere. But for homeschool parents jumping in during 2020? A lot of parents never actually wanted to homeschool in the first place. These parents were forced into something they didn't choose.
That's the difference…
Are we yearning for more time – like this mama who passed away within months of my dull complaints – or are we slogging through just hoping our homeschool days will get easier?
THE Conviction:
If you’re still here – you’re in it to win it. Because you chose it. Because you feel called to homeschool.
Because if this is our last year – and we don’t know it yet – wouldn’t we want it to be our BEST?
It's really difficult to offer guidance and encouragement to people who don't have the conviction or are forced to homeschool. Because when all else fails—when the curriculum doesn't work, when a kid struggles, when you're exhausted and questioning everything—your WHY matters more than your WHAT.
So here's my question for you: Do you have the conviction to homeschool?
If that answer is YES, then you're in the right place.
NOW WHAT?
Here's what I want you to know: whether you had mentors or you felt completely alone like I did—you're not the only one walking this path right now.
You're not the only one questioning if you're doing it right. You're not the only one facing learning challenges or struggling with curriculum choices. You're not the only one wondering if you have what it takes.
But what you ARE—what we all are—is called.
We’re called to be the best homeschool parents we can be.
And that's worth showing up for.
My Question for You: If this was your last year homeschooling, what would you do?
Would you pour everything you have into it?
If that answer is YES – know I’m praying for YOU. I’ve been where you are. I’ve been through the tears, the struggles, the frustration and the angst that comes from feeling alone.
But I hope by now, in 2026, you NEVER feel alone in your journey. Thankfully, there are more than enough resources to choose from.
I’m simply grateful for the moms who came before us who are still encouraging us in ways they could have never predicted, even after they’re no longer homeschooling, or here with us at all. 🩷
If you’re still here – I have to VERY exciting promotions currently happening:
1) The 1000 Hours Outside Collection [CLICK HERE TO SEE INSIDE]
(Ending soon). Don’t miss this homeschool bundle with resources to help you and your family get outside worth over $800.
2) The Simplified Homeschool Summit:
The summit runs January 19-23, 2026, and it's completely FREE.
You don't need it to be a great homeschool mama this year — but it's here if you’d enjoy of some free insight, tips and encouragement.
MY TWO FREE TALKS:
Day 1: Character Before Curriculum: Raising Kind, Thoughtful Learners – because who your kids become matters infinitely more than what they know.
Day 3: Teaching the Way They Learn: Finding Joy in Every Learning Style – because when you understand how your kids actually learn, everything gets easier and more joyful.
But you'll also hear from others who have walked these roads. It’s packed with over 40+ workshops by homeschool experts and women just like us who’ve faced the same struggles.
Or, if you know you'll want more time to watch at your own pace and really implement what you're learning, the is only $20. You'll get lifetime access to everything, plus Bonus gifts from contributors ($1,300+ value), daily live trainings, a workbook with implementation guidance, and so much encouragement to help you actually make the most of the summit.
Either way, come lean on us for a spell and enjoy being in community with others who feel as convicted as you do.
