The Work Life Homeschool Balance Myth

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This Mommy Jammies Podcast is sponsored by exSTEMsions {exSTEMsions, grows mathematicians, critical thinkers, and problem solvers through an online subscription based problem solving math program} for kids ages 10 and up. Co-owned and developed by two teachers turned homeschooling moms working to balance their own version of life, homeschool, and work. Visit exSTEMsions for a free trial today.

Which brings us to the topic of today’s podcast: The Work, Life, Homeschool Balance Myth.  {If you’re listening online, scroll to the bottom of the post to find the audio player. }

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The Myth of Balance

Balance. What is it anyway? You might be surprised (I know I was) to learn that balance has to do with an equality of passions. As Webster’s 1828 tells us, “As balance signifies equal weight, or equality, it is by custom used for the weight or sum necessary to make two unequal weights or sums equal; that which is necessary to bring them to a balance or equipoise. ”

And now we know why balance is a myth.

There is no way we can ascribe equality to the moving pieces of our lives, especially when we are talking about our children. Why do moms agonize over going back to work, taking time for themselves, or even taking a weekend away with their spouse. I think it’s because as moms, we are always balancing the needs of our family against every other need.

So, you guessed it — there’s always a certain amount of imbalance.

This also means that the other things vying for importance, will become “most important” at certain times and not at others. The struggle is real! And it’s OKAY.

Tips to Keep Things Moving

So, what’s a girl to do? Well, first let’s keep things moving. This means evaluating our priorities. ( Listen to the previous podcasts, Developing a Wholehearted Business Mindset or Recovering from Burnout).

Once we have our priorities outlined, they deserve the attention that systems and processes in your business along with a doable schedule at home can provide.

Some ideas to outline your priorities in this way include:

 

Eyes on the Prize

In the end, it’s helpful to keep our eyes on the prize. Why are we trying to do all.the.things anyway? What’s our goal? Why do we want a business, ministry, or work at home career?

If by your providing additional income to your family helps you to stay home with your children, and that’s one of your goals, remind yourself of that very thing.

This helps you count all the chaos as blessing.

The truth is, yes, we are sometimes checking our phones with kids in tow while dropping our oldest off at Japanese lessons. But, we’re doing this in the middle of the day, around our own schedules, accommodating the needs of our family. That freedom is priceless.

And learning to, not balance anything, but give priority to the things that we’re called to do, is a beautiful thing.

Action Step:

This week, make a list of all of the reasons you are thankful for the chaos that is working at home.

 

Bible Verses to Help You Gain “Balance”-

Matthew 6:33-34 // But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Proverbs 11:2 // A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.

Philippians 4:8 // Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Isaiah 41:13  // For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Colossians 3:17  // And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Finding Balance as a Homeschool Mom

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

How to Find Balance as Homeschool Mom: The Homeschool Sanity Show Podcast

Achieving balance requires constant effort for homeschool moms. Hopefully the tips in this week’s episode will help.

LISTEN ON ITUNES

Links

free Funny Winter Writing prompts

Echo smartpen from Livescribe.

the personal devotions challenge

a Periscope broadcast recently in which I shared that if we are doing the most important things, we won’t get everything done

how your calendar is your most important organizing tool.

Homeschool Sanity on Facebook

Have a happy homeschool week!

How to Set Goals that Outlast New Year’s Resolutions – FAH episode 11

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Think you’re too busy to set goals? The truth is that the busier you are, the MORE you need to set goals and create a plan for meeting them! In this episode of the “Flourish at Home” show, I share how setting goals helped me move from the chaos of flying by the seat of my pants to a more peaceful, balanced life. You’ll learn my strategies for setting specific, measurable, big, written, shared goals that will make a powerful difference in your daily life.

Setting Goals

If you want more encouragement, inspiration, and practical tips, you’ll enjoy my book, Flourish: Balance for Homeschool Moms. It’s available at www.FlourishAtHome.com.

FLOURISH_final cover

MBFLP – Balancing Family and Business in a Family Business

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

MBFLP Balancing Family and Business

One of the things that makes a family business attractive is the freedom to have more time with your spouse and kids! Yet entrepreneurs quickly learn there’s a balancing act going on — it’s no longer your employer which drives your schedule, but your own sense of urgency and ambition! This show, we talk with experienced business owners and trainers Philip and Carroll Sue Priddy about how to make sure you keep these two valuable things in balance, and how to keep “family” and “business” in harmony–not competition!