Homeedding is amazing but let’s be real—it’s also a full-time commitment that can easily consume your time and energy. You might find yourself constantly putting your own needs on the back burner. But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty teapot. Taking time for yourself while home-educating is not a luxury—it’s essential.
I want to share how I balance home-educating, running a business and working a part-time job while carving out time for myself, even when it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Spoiler alert: it’s all about giving yourself permission to prioritise you.
Accept That You Deserve It
As mums, especially when we’re homeschooling, we tend to carry this invisible weight—always feeling like we need to be on, available, and giving every ounce of ourselves to our kids. But remember, you deserve time too. The first step is accepting that your well-being is just as important as the lesson plans and the science experiments and meet ups.
In fact, when you’re rested & calm, you’re a better teacher, a better parent, and a better version of yourself. For me, this was a hard lesson to learn, but it completely changed the way I approach my days.
Schedule Your “Me Time” Just Like the lessons and meet-ups.
Reading, real-world maths and those meet-ups are scheduled, right? So should your self-care. I started treating my self-care as a non-negotiable part of our daily rhythm. Whether it’s my morning moments, time to journal, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in peace, I slot it in like any other subject on our home ed agenda.
If you’re juggling multiple kids with different needs, especially in a neurodiverse household like mine, this can be tricky. But even micro-moments—like pausing for deep breaths or sneaking in 5 minutes of meditation—make a difference. discipline is key. You may not get an hour, but even 10 minutes of intentional time for yourself can reset your energy.
Involve Your Kids in Your Self-Care Rituals
One thing I’ve learned is that it’s okay to involve your kids in your self-care practices. In fact, it can be a learning moment for them too! We sometimes do family meditation sessions or take nature walks together as part of P.E. Not only are these activities good for them, but they also give me the chance to recharge while spending time with my kids.
My kids have also come to recognize that when mummy is taking a few minutes to herself, it’s not just for fun—it’s because I need that time to be a better version of myself. Now, it’s not perfect (nothing in motherhood is!), but this little practice of leading by example is teaching them to value self-care for themselves too.
Let Go of Perfectionism
I used to feel guilty for wanting time for myself, thinking it would make me a “bad mum” if I wasn’t constantly available. But I realise that home edding doesn’t have to look like the perfect Insta-worthy scene every day. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let go of perfectionism and embrace the messy, beautiful chaos that is motherhood is.
It’s okay if the kids spend an extra hour playing outside so you can grab a moment for yourself. It’s okay if the lesson plan gets pushed back by a day. Prioritising your mental and emotional well-being isn’t just allowed—it’s necessary.
Use Essential Oils for Quick Resets
One of my favourite quick resets during the day is using essential oils. A few drops of orange or peppermint can work wonders for my mood and energy levels. When the day feels overwhelming, and the noise level in the house hits a high, a simple whiff of a calming oil helps me breathe through the chaos. I even diffuse oils during the day to create a more calming, focused atmosphere for everyone.
Create a Simple Evening Wind-Down Ritual
After the chaos of the day—after the learning, the inevitable mess, and the emotional ups and downs—I’ve found that having a wind-down rhythm in the evening is essential for me and the kids. Whether it’s putting the diffuser on, using a bit of my favourite skincare, or reading a few pages of a book or watching a show I take this time to reflect and reset.
Ask for Help When You Need It
I know this can be tough, but it’s important to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or even hiring a babysitter for an hour or two, give yourself permission to ask for support. You’re not expected to do it all alone.
In our house, my husband takes the kids to give me some quiet time to myself. This simple routine has helped me recharge for the week ahead and helped us both value teamwork in our parenting journey.
You Matter Too
Home education is a beautiful way to spend time with our kids, to watch them grow, and to take charge of their learning. But that doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges. Remember, taking time for yourself is not just important—it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty teapot, and by filling your own, you’re able to pour so much more love, patience, and joy into your family.
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath, remember these tips, and remind yourself that you matter too. And when you take care of yourself, everything else tends to fall into place.
For more tips and real-life insights on finding balance as a homeschooling mum, be sure to follow me on Instagram at @ninaaspencer.
