It’s been over two years since my last kiddo graduated high school, and just recently I finally moved the last of our homeschool folders and projects out of the dining room. I know, I know—it’s been too long. And here’s the truth: I didn’t even throw them away or place them neatly in a special keepsake box. They’re sitting on the floor, near our upstairs storage cupboards, waiting for me to sort through them.

Why is this season so difficult for me?

The Rabbit learns that being “real” isn’t about how he looks, but about being loved. That truth echoes what we see in Scripture—that our worth and identity aren’t defined by appearances, accomplishments, or the opinions of others. Instead, we are transformed by the love of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

It’s the go-to question at family gatherings, the concern from well-meaning neighbors, and sometimes even the fear that keeps new parents from taking the leap into homeschooling. The assumption? That homeschool kids sit at home all day, locked away with nothing but dusty textbooks and a few lonely goldfish for company.

But here’s the truth, mama: that couldn’t be further from reality.

If you’ve ever tried to homeschool with a toddler in the house, you know it’s equal parts beautiful and challenging. Toddlers bring joy, laughter, and boundless energy—but they also bring interruptions, messes, and unpredictable schedules. As a homeschool mom, it can feel overwhelming trying to meet the needs of your older children while also caring for your little one.

Sitting in my office today, tapping away at my work, the quiet of my home suddenly hit me.
Not just a passing awareness, but a deep, soul-level recognition.

When my kids were small, quiet was suspicious. If you’re a mom, you know exactly what I mean. Quiet meant someone was drawing on the walls with a crayon, emptying an entire bottle of sunscreen on the kitchen floor to play indoor “slip and slide”, or painting a sibling blue from head to toe. (Yes, those things really happened.) In those days, quiet meant I needed to get up and investigate—quickly.

But now… quiet means something entirely different.

There’s something so refreshing about the start of a new school year. It’s a blank slate—a fresh chapter filled with possibility, growth, and the quiet hope that this year will be the best one yet.

Over the years, as a homeschooling family, we embraced the beginning of the school year with a special tradition that became a cornerstone of our home : family goal setting.

This wasn’t just about academics or checking off a list of accomplishments. It was about intentionally seeking God’s direction, growing together as a family, and creating space to dream, reflect, and pray over the year ahead.

When I first started homeschooling, the thought of making it all the way through high school felt overwhelming. It was easy to picture teaching my kids their ABCs or helping with elementary projects. But high school? Transcripts, credits, advanced math, college prep? That seemed like a different world.

But now, having walked through it (and still walking through it!), I can say this: Homeschooling through high school is absolutely possible—and deeply rewarding.
Not because it’s always easy, but because it’s personal, flexible, and full of opportunities to pour into your teen’s heart during these important years.

There’s a quiet pressure many of us feel as homeschool moms.

We tell ourselves we have to keep the house spotless, prepare home-cooked meals, plan engaging lessons, attend co-ops, juggle toddlers, manage schedules, and somehow never run out of patience. We scroll social media and see moms who seem to do it all—with matching curriculum bins and smiling kids who love every subject.

But can I gently remind you of something today?

You don’t have to do it all.
You were never meant to.

There’s something sacred about gathering on the couch with your kids, a warm cup of tea in hand, and a good book open between you. The room quiets, imaginations awaken, and hearts lean in.

Teaching through literature is one of the most beautiful, effective, and connection-rich methods you can use in your homeschool. It’s not just about reading stories—it’s about building character, growing minds, and drawing your family closer together.

Whether you're a new homeschooler or simply looking for a simpler, more heart-centered approach, here are five powerful reasons to consider teaching through literature in your homeschool.

Some days, it hits like a wave:
“I’m not doing enough.”
“I’m not patient enough.”
“I’m not smart enough to teach this.”
“I’m failing them.”

If you’ve ever whispered those words through tears during nap time—or thought them while staring at a messy table full of half-finished worksheets—you are not alone.

The truth is, every homeschool mom will face seasons of insecurity and inadequacy. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But mama, that’s not where the story ends.

Because the beauty of homeschooling as a Christian mom is this :

You don’t have to be enough. God already is.