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Comfort For the Homeschool Mom

It is bittersweet to have finished the homeschool race with my children.

One of the most significant benefits of the time spent home educating is the gift of HINDSIGHT. As I continue to write in this space, I would love to share tidbits from my rearview mirror and things I am enjoying currently that I think a homeschool mom would also love.

As we’ve been snowed in for a few days, it’s given me time to reflect on what most nourishes our souls. In a world where it is so easy to scroll Instagram and see what the over-achieving homeschool mom who makes the perfect reels is doing in her homeschool. You and I both know that isn’t reality, but it’s hard when you watch too much of it.

Please let me encourage you… give yourself and your children the gift of QUIET. Slow down, stay in your own lane, and partake in things that nourish your soul.

Comfort For the Homeschool Mom

20 Cozy and Comforting Books

Cozy and comforting books offer a sanctuary and provide relaxation and QUIET amid our busy lives. Even if you steal 15 minutes daily, that time can greatly benefit! I would read when my children had quiet time, and often, I would read at night when everyone was asleep.

I have chosen titles that often weave heartwarming narratives or share practical wisdom, creating an inviting atmosphere for much-needed escape and edification.

From stories celebrating family ties to guides empowering personal growth, these books are gentle reminders of the joy of learning with and nurturing our children. I hope these books will evoke a sense of warmth, making reading a cherished part of your daily routine.

Cozy and Comforting Music

Music is kind of my thing. So often we forget the power of great music - and it’s one of the easiest things that can dramatically shift the mood of our day.

I’ve created this playlist of relaxing instrumental music for you on Spotify. It is difficult for me to focus when music has words, which is why all of these are instrumental. It includes a few “classical” pieces, but also some modern favorites as well.

Enjoy!

A Few of My Favorite Cozy & Comforting Things

These are a few things that bring me joy and comfort - especially in these cold winter months!

  • Magnesium Lotion - This has been a favorite of mine for a LONG time - it’s good for so many things, and I use it every night before bed.

  • Trader Joe’s Lavender Dryer Pouches - I don’t live close to a Trader Joe’s, so when I run out, I use those from Amazon that are just as good!

  • Mighty Leaf Tea - A friend gifted me with this tea and it’s such a wonderful luxury!

  • Deep Sleep Pillow Spray - Every single night, I spray this on my pillow. I swear by it!

  • Overnight Lip Treatment - This is also part of my nightly routine. Magnesium Lotion, Lip Treatment, Pillow Spray…

The Best Magnesium Lotion

  • Some Lines a Day - This 5-year memory journal allows you to write down a sentence or two each day. The time investment is small, but the payoff is big! I love mine.

  • My Favorite Pen - I’ve been using this pen for MANY years. I buy ink refills and keep them in my desk. I love the way it writes, and it inspires me to use my best handwriting. (Use it in your Some Lines a Day journal!)

  • Candle Warmer - There is one in my kitchen and one in my office. And guess what? I just use candles I find at Aldi, and they are great!

  • Muk Luks - These were a Christmas present from my husband several years ago, and they might be one of my only true excitements for cold weather!

My Favorite Pen

It is important for to enjoy our surroundings (our home!) because we are in them so much with our children.

It is also important for us to take care of ourselves and do little things that can nourish our bodies, souls, and minds.

My hat is off to you as a homeschooling mother. I know it isn’t easy, but I can tell you with 100% certainty that it is worth it!

5 Good Things for the Homeschool Mom

Sometimes I just want to tell you about wonderful little things I’ve discovered.

Sure, I share quite a bit in my Instagram stories, but I’d like to start putting the things I just HAVE to share with you in a more permanent format.

Some of these goodies will be related to homeschooling, but others will be little luxuries I like for myself. Over the years I’ve discovered that keeping my homeschool running smoothly also entails keeping mama happy (I’m just being honest.)!

I’ve also learned not to feel guilty about desiring these things - or admitting that it’s ok to have my own indulgences. I work hard and I want to enjoy myself when I can.

5 Good Things for the #Homeschool Mom

You know how it goes, though, right? Most often the things I “indulge” in have something to do with my children and benefit them, too!

As we’re coming out of this past year of isolation due to the virus, I feel like it’s been the “little things” that have become big.

I appreciate things so much more; after seeing so many people I love become sick, and after losing my own father to this virus - I’m acutely aware of the importance of taking joy in the ordinary, seemingly “simple” things of life.

5 Good Things for the Homeschool Mom/Spring Edition

Books

You knew this was going to be at the top of my list. It would truly be punishment if you took away my books. In fact, if I don’t get the chance to read at least a little bit each day my mood suffers.

A few months ago a friend asked me if I used Scribd. I had used it a long time ago - but not recently.

I had no idea what I had been missing.

Scribd is essentially audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts, periodicals, and MORE. For my $9.99/month subscription I have had a steady supply of ebooks (I read in bed at night on my iPad) and audiobooks (how else does one get their laundry and chores accomplished?).

I’m reading for pleasure, but I’m also investigating a lot of books for our school year next year because they are literally right at my fingertips. This has been one of the best educational investments we’ve made in the past year.

You can try it for 30 days free if you’d like by clicking here. I promise - it’s marvelous.

And — here are the five best things I have read/listening to on Scribd in the past few months;

  • Perennials, by Julie Cantrell

  • 🎧 Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (Middle Grades)

  • The Eliot Family Trilogy, by Elizabeth Goudge

  • 🎧 A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle

  • 🎧 Jane of Lantern Hill by LM Montgomery

You can share the subscription with your kids, too. There are so many good middle-grade books on Scribd - I’ve been particularly impressed with that!

Scribd

Waffles

Yes, that’s correct. Waffles.

Mother’s Day was a joyous day in my house because I had waffles for lunch AND dinner! My husband surprised with a Stuffler. This stuffed waffle maker is the best thing we’ve gotten for the kitchen in a LONG TIME. Not only does it make the most yummy stuffed waffles, but it is also super easy to use and makes basically NO mess.

On Mother’s Day, my husband made Cream Cheese Blueberry Stuffed Waffles for lunch and then Reuben Stuffed Waffles for dinner.

This morning we had sausage, egg, and cheese stuffed waffles.

You could teach your children to use this waffle maker - then you too can have all kinds of wonderful meals. Cooking is a life skill we want to teach our kids, right? Get yourself a Stuffler!

Presto Stuffler Stuffed Waffle Maker — Yum!

Pretty Nails

I really enjoy having my nails look nice. Once the virus hit I wasn’t going to the nail salon anymore, but I was getting despondent every time I would look down at my ugly nails. (I know. Shallow, right?).

But really, looking and feeling good is important for a homeschool mom. We give so much of ourselves every single day, that’s it feels good to just LOOK NICE.

Well, I had no idea these little things called GEL STRIPS existed - they are essentially gel stickers for your nails that really WORK. I am kind of obsessed with them now and am always looking at Ulta and TJ Maxx to see what the latest patterns are. For a fraction of what it costs to get your nails done you can use these fun little strips on your own at home!

I know there are people that sell these same strips - Color Street. I tried those and didn’t like them nearly as well as the ones I just find at Target, Ulta, etc… The brand I like is Dashing Diva, and you can even find them on Amazon.

Dashing Diva Gel Nail Wraps


Better Sleep

Sleep is a non-negotiable for me — and I cannot survive on 5 or 6 hours. It has to be 8. I’ve learned this about myself the older I get, and people in my house have just had to accommodate.

Another lovely byproduct of age is that sleep seems to be more difficult. I’ve found, however, a couple of things that really help me with sleep.

  • Magnesium Lotion - I rub this on my neck and calves before I go to bed and it truly relaxes me. Best thing? This lotion is made by a homeschool family!

  • Sleep Spray - Using this lavender sleep spray helps me fall asleep.

Technology

The speed of technological change makes it hard to keep up with all of the opportunities available to homeschoolers. When my own children were small we used a lot of YouTube videos, but online classes weren’t nearly as popular or numerous as they are now.

Every time I teach a SQUILT LIVE! lesson I think how wonderful it would have been for my own children to have these opportunities to learn about certain subjects from experts who make it interesting and fun.

These are five of my favorite opportunities right now:

SQUILT LIVE! Music Appreciation

Those are the five things for this installment - like I said, it’s the little things that can be big!

Do you have a favorite thing right now?

Tell me about it in the comments below!

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