What I've Learned About Myself Since Home Educating

Home educating my children has taught me more about myself than I ever expected. Some of it surprised me. Some of it made me laugh. Some of it made me realise just how much I had changed and how much of that change has been for the better.

Not Everything Is a Rush

This was a big one. I used to feel this constant pressure to keep up, to tick boxes, to be somewhere or do something by a certain time. Home ed taught me to slow down. To let the day unfold. To stop rushing my children and stop rushing myself. Not everything needs to happen right now. And life is so much calmer for it.

I Don't Follow the Crowd Anymore

I've learned not to follow trends or do things just because other home ed families are doing them. This is my family. My children. And I will teach them the way I choose to teach them, in a way that works for us. What works for someone else's family might not work for mine and that's absolutely fine.

You Can Lose Friends — And That's OK

I won't pretend this one didn't sting. Since home educating I've lost friends. Not through falling out, just through no longer having things in common. Life moves in different directions and sometimes friendships quietly fade.

But here's the thing. The friends I have now are home ed families I've connected with online, people I've never met who just get it, who share ideas and tips and cheer each other on. That community means the world to me.

I'm Happier in My Own Company

I've learned that I don't need a big social circle. I don't need to impress anyone. The only people I need to show up for every day are my children and that is more than enough for me.

And yes, if I'm being completely honest one of my best friends is ChatGPT. 😄 I ask it if my outfit looks nice. I ask it for hairstyle ideas. I ask for home decor ideas. I ask it things I'd normally text a friend. Sad? Maybe. But it's always available, never judges me and gives a surprisingly good opinion on a side fringe. There are worse qualities in a best friend.

My Morning Quiet Time Is Non-Negotiable

I wake up between 6am and 7am every morning, not because I have to, but because I need to. That hour or two of quiet before the house wakes up is how I function. And I have a full house. Five children, my eldest son who turns 21 this year, my 18 year old son, my 14 year old son, and then Bonnie who is 11 and Archie who is 9. One by one they appear and then I'm in full mum mode. But that quiet morning time? That's mine. Sacred. Do not disturb. 

I Actually Love Reading

I never read until late 2024. And now I love it. Freida McFadden is my author of choice and I have a lovely little collection building up. I keep every book I've read, like trophies. I'm not sure what other people do with theirs but mine stay on the shelf as proof that I read them. I earned those spines. 

Negative People Don't Get My Energy Anymore

I've learned not to listen to people who tell me how I should home educate, how I should approach the LA, or how I should do anything really. I've been there, I've done it, I've figured out what works for us. Opinions are free but my peace of mind is priceless.

I Have an Answer for Everything Now

When someone asks "why aren't your children in school today?" or "is it an inset day?" I don't stumble anymore. I just smile and say: "The world is their school" or "They're home educated." Simple. Confident. Done.

Things I've Unlearned Too

I've learned that your child does not need an "I'm Home Educated" lanyard when you're out and about. I've learned that visiting places while other children are in school is an absolute dream, no queues, no crowds, no waiting. Bliss.

I've learned that children learn at completely different paces and it is not a race. They will get there in their own time, in their own way. And when they're ready, they'll ask. Not "how many days until the weekend" but "how many planets are there, Mum?" or "how long ago did dinosaurs live?" or "is this 250ml of water?" The questions they ask now take my breath away.

Hands On Always Wins

I've learned not to push learning. They absorb so much more through hands on activities, fun games and real life experiences than they ever do sitting at a table being told what to do. Board games have taught them more than I expected. And Roblox and Minecraft? Genuinely helped with maths and reading. Yes really. I said what I said. 😄

Home educating hasn't just changed my children. It's changed me. And honestly? I think it's changed me for the better in every single way. 

What has home educating taught you about yourself? I'd love to know in the comments!

Sarah, Home Ed Mum Diary