Motherhood is one of the most rewarding (and exhausting) callings out there, isn’t it? Between homeschooling lessons, snack runs, and trying to keep tiny humans alive (and relatively clean), it can feel like there’s barely a second to breathe—let alone chase any personal dreams. Throw in the idea of picking up some extra learning or training for yourself, and it might seem like a hilarious joke. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to choose between pouring into your family and pouring into your own growth. With the right mindset, tools, and a little creativity, you can thrive at both.
Today, I’m sharing a few practical (and mom-tested) ways you can keep learning and growing—even while homeschooling, homemaking, and handling everything else life tosses at you.
Contents
- 1 1. Define Your Why
- 2 2. Pick a Learning Path That Fits Your Life
- 3 3. Build a Realistic Weekly Rhythm
- 4 4. Set Boundaries You’ll Actually Keep
- 5 5. Learn to Say No (Without Apologizing)
- 6 6. Lean Into Your Support System
- 7 7. Use Technology to Your Advantage
- 8 8. Let Go of Perfect
- 9 9. Make It a Family Affair
- 10 10. Don’t Forget to Care for Yourself
1. Define Your Why
Before you jump into a new course, certification, or skill, stop and ask yourself: why am I doing this? Are you hoping to better support your family? Strengthen your homeschool? Stretch yourself in a new direction? Whatever your reason, make it clear—and write it down.
On the days when everything feels overwhelming (because they will come), that little reminder of your “why” can keep you grounded and focused on the bigger picture.
2. Pick a Learning Path That Fits Your Life
Trying to squeeze a rigid school schedule into an already full homeschool life is a recipe for burnout. Flexible options, like online learning, make way more sense. For example, an online masters in human resources management is a great choice if you’re looking to grow your skills in leadership and administration, all while keeping your family’s needs first.
Many online programs now cater to busy moms, with recorded classes, flexible deadlines, and tons of virtual support to make the juggle doable.
3. Build a Realistic Weekly Rhythm
Once you know what you’re aiming for, take a realistic look at your week. Where can you carve out a little space for learning? Early mornings? During quiet time? After bedtime? Set up a rhythm you can stick with most days—and give yourself grace for the days that don’t go as planned. Homeschool life isn’t exactly predictable, and that’s okay.
4. Set Boundaries You’ll Actually Keep
Your time is precious, and so is your focus. Let your family know when you’re “in school” too! Set a visual reminder—a sign, a closed door, a special chair—whatever works.
And remember, it might take a few reminders (or a hundred), but kids and spouses can learn to respect your study time just like any other important commitment.
5. Learn to Say No (Without Apologizing)
You’re already juggling a lot. Adding more commitments “just because” isn’t going to serve anyone. It’s okay to say no to extra activities, events, or volunteer work when you need to protect your energy.
You’re not being selfish—you’re being a wise steward of your time and your family’s well-being. And that’s something worth modeling for your kids too.
6. Lean Into Your Support System
If you’re blessed with family, friends, church family, or even a homeschool co-op, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Maybe Grandma can take the kids for an afternoon. Maybe your spouse can take over dinner duty once a week.
People who love you want to see you grow—and many times, they’re happy to step in if you just let them know you need it.
7. Use Technology to Your Advantage
We live in a time when tech can either be your biggest distraction—or your best sidekick. Use calendar apps, timers, task managers, or even just your phone alarms to keep yourself on track and to help you stay organized.
If your course or program offers extra help like tutoring or discussion groups, jump in! The more you simplify your workload, the more energy you’ll have for what matters most.
8. Let Go of Perfect
Spoiler alert: you will not get it all right. Some days the homeschool lessons, dinner plans, and personal goals will crash into a beautiful mess. That’s normal. Progress matters way more than perfection.
If you miss a study session or dinner turns into cereal night, it’s not failure—it’s just life. Keep going, even if it’s messy.
9. Make It a Family Affair
Your personal learning journey doesn’t have to happen in secret! Let your kids see you study, struggle, and succeed. Share your goals. Tell them about your projects. Invite them to do their reading or quiet work beside you.
You’re not just teaching them fractions and phonics—you’re modeling what lifelong learning looks like.
10. Don’t Forget to Care for Yourself
This probably isn’t the first time someone’s told you this (and it won’t be the last), but it’s worth repeating: you matter too. Rest, good food, water, fresh air—these aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities.
When you’re taking care of yourself, you show up better for your family and your learning goals. You’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.
Going back to school—or just adding new skills to your toolbox—while homeschooling and raising a family isn’t easy. But it is possible. It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing what matters most, one small, faithful step at a time.
And the best part? Your kids will see it. They’ll watch you push forward, trust God, and grow—and that’s a legacy that lasts way longer than any degree ever could.
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Forest Rose is a God Loving, Blessed Wife, & Mama to 3 girls. She’s passionate about lifting moms out of the trenches that are discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling alone or isolated. Her hope is to point them to Christ and equip them to rise up with a newfound hope and joy within, that He alone can provide. Besides blogging, she also loves to create printables!
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