How to Do All the Mom Things: Balancing Homeschooling, Extracurriculars, Laundry, and Self-Care
Being a mom is a full-time job in itself. Add homeschooling multiple children, extracurricular activities, and the never-ending list of household chores, and it can feel like you're juggling a million things at once. There’s the constant challenge of fitting everything in: teaching, making time for activities, doing laundry, taking care of the house, and still finding time for yourself. It can feel overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t have to be!
In this blog post, I’ll share how I balance homeschooling, extracurriculars, household responsibilities, and self-care—and the systems I’ve put in place to keep everything running smoothly. Spoiler alert: it’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about being intentional and creating systems that support our family’s flow.
1. Embrace a Flexible Homeschool Schedule
One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility it provides. While a typical school schedule might be rigid and inflexible, homeschooling allows you to work with your children’s individual needs and interests. But this flexibility comes with its own set of challenges, especially when you have multiple children of different ages.
How I Make It Work:
Block Time for Focused Learning: I start by setting up a general framework for each day. This includes blocks of time for focused learning—math, reading, writing, etc. During this time, my older kids might work independently on tasks, while I focus on one-on-one teaching with my younger child. I try to schedule these learning blocks in the morning when my kids are freshest.
Rotate Activities: When you have kids of different ages, it’s essential to rotate your attention. I often work with one child while the others are engaged in independent activities like crafts, puzzles, or hands-on learning materials. This allows me to get quality one-on-one time with each child without disrupting the flow of the day.
Use Time Wisely: Instead of sticking strictly to a set schedule, I allow our homeschool day to flow naturally. If one child is particularly engaged in an activity, we extend that learning time. If someone finishes early, they have the freedom to go outside or read while I work with another child. Flexibility is key!
2. Extracurriculars: Keep Them Fun, Not Stressful
Extracurricular activities are wonderful for helping children develop new skills, meet new friends, and explore interests. But let’s face it—fitting extracurriculars into an already-packed schedule can feel like a huge challenge. Add in the pressure to get everyone where they need to be on time, and it can quickly become stressful.
How I Make It Work:
Limit Activities: While it’s tempting to sign up for every activity that comes along, I’ve learned to limit extracurriculars to the ones that truly align with our family’s values and my kids’ interests. This means not overloading our schedule with too many commitments.
Group Activities: When possible, I try to find activities that allow multiple children to participate at the same time, such as group lessons, team sports, or family-friendly events. This saves time and energy by keeping everyone in the same place for a few hours rather than driving to different locations.
Keep It Fun: The key is to keep extracurriculars fun and not turn them into another source of stress. If something isn’t working out—whether it’s a class, activity, or schedule—it’s okay to scale back or try something new. Homeschooling already provides plenty of structure, so the last thing I want is for extracurriculars to feel like a burden.
3. Tackling the Mountain of Laundry and Household Chores
Laundry. Dishes. Cleaning. It can feel like a never-ending cycle of household tasks, especially when you have multiple kids at home. The good news is that with a bit of planning and a few systems in place, it doesn’t have to consume your life.
How I Make It Work:
Laundry Routine: I’ve found that doing small loads of laundry each day (or even multiple times a day) keeps it manageable. Instead of saving all the laundry for one big day, I throw in a load of laundry in the morning while we do schoolwork and then fold it during downtime. This keeps the mountain of laundry from piling up.
Teach Kids to Help: One of the most empowering things I’ve done is involve my kids in household chores. As they grow older, they’re able to help with folding laundry, setting the table, sweeping, and tidying up. Assigning responsibilities makes it easier to keep the house running smoothly, and it also teaches them important life skills.
Daily Chore Lists: I keep a running chore list for myself and the kids. I try to break up chores into small, manageable tasks. Everyone knows what’s expected each day, and I rotate tasks to keep it fair. I’ve found that a five-minute reset at the end of the day—tidying up, putting things back in their places, and wiping down surfaces—helps keep the house from getting overwhelming.
4. Making Time for Self-Care: It’s Essential
As a mom, it’s easy to put your own needs last. But if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t show up as our best for our families. This is where self-care becomes essential. It doesn’t have to mean an hour-long spa retreat (though that sounds amazing!). Simple, consistent moments of self-care can make a huge difference in your well-being.
How I Make It Work:
Morning Routine: I’ve found that starting my day with a morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet time, journaling, stretching, or enjoying a cup of tea, having this small moment for myself makes me feel more grounded.
Incorporate Movement: Physical activity is a key part of my self-care routine. Whether it’s a short yoga session, a walk around the block, or a dance party in the living room, moving my body helps me clear my mind and stay energized.
Prioritize Rest: Homeschooling and managing a household can be exhausting, so I make sleep a priority. Going to bed at a reasonable hour, even if it means letting go of a few tasks, ensures that I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Ask for Help: Sometimes, the best form of self-care is asking for help. Whether it’s my husband taking the kids for an hour or scheduling a playdate with friends, I’ve learned to delegate when needed. It’s okay to ask for support, and it’s essential to take breaks when things get overwhelming.
5. The Systems That Keep Everything Moving
The key to managing homeschooling, extracurriculars, household tasks, and self-care is systems—whether it's routines, schedules, or tools that help keep everything in motion. A few systems that work for me include:
Digital Calendar: I use a digital calendar to keep track of homeschooling lessons, extracurricular activities, doctor appointments, and family events. This way, everything is in one place, and I can quickly reference it throughout the day.
Weekly Planning: Every Sunday evening, I sit down with my planner and outline the week’s homeschool lessons, any appointments, and extracurricular activities. This helps me anticipate busy days and plan ahead for grocery shopping, chores, and other tasks.
Family Calendar: In addition to my personal planner, we have a family wall calendar that includes important dates, extracurricular schedules, and meal planning. This ensures everyone in the family knows what to expect each day.
It’s All About Balance, Not Perfection
As a busy mom, you might not always feel like you’re doing it all perfectly—and that’s okay. There will always be days when things don’t go according to plan, when the laundry pile feels insurmountable, or when you feel drained. The key is to find balance, not perfection.
By embracing systems, creating a flexible homeschool schedule, and prioritizing self-care, you can keep everything moving in a way that supports both your children’s growth and your own well-being. And remember: you don’t have to do it alone. Asking for help, letting go of perfection, and being gentle with yourself are just as important as everything else on your to-do list.
How do you balance all the "mom things"? What systems or routines do you rely on? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below!
