As I sit here reflecting on this whirlwind of a year, I can hardly believe how much life has changed. It feels like just yesterday that I was taking my first tentative steps into graduate school while simultaneously embarking on the homeschooling journey with my two little ones. Balancing a five-year-old brimming with curiosity, a two-year-old who’s mastered the art of joyful chaos, and my own aspirations for personal growth has been nothing short of an adventure.
Starting Two Journeys at Once
When I enrolled in grad school, I knew it would be a challenge. I’d envisioned long nights filled with textbooks and research, punctuated by moments of quiet triumph as I inched closer to my degree. What I hadn’t accounted for was deciding to home school my five-year-old at the same time. It wasn’t an easy choice—but it was the right one for our family. The first few months were a blur of lesson planning, changing curriculum multiple times, and wondering if I was completely out of my depth.
Every morning began with a balancing act. At some point in the day, I’d set up my five-year-old with an engaging activity—like geometric puzzles, cut and glue worksheet – while keeping my two-year-old entertained with coloring books or snacks (lots of snacks). In between answering a thousand curious questions, I tried to squeeze in readings and write papers, often with a toddler perched on my lap.
The Highs and Lows
Looking back, there were moments when it felt like everything was clicking. Like the time my five-year-old wrote his name for the first time, or did basic math. Or when I aced a difficult paper after doubting myself for weeks. These victories, however small, kept me going.
But let me be real: this year was far from perfect. There were days when the house felt like it was closing in on me—toys scattered everywhere, dishes piled high, and deadlines looming. My once zero-TV household gradually turned into one where the TV became a regular tool to occupy the kids while I worked on my research. I struggled with guilt, wondering if I was giving my kids enough attention while also questioning if I was taking on too much.
One particularly hard day stands out. I had a major project due, and my five-year-old had a meltdown over math. My two-year-old decided that was the perfect moment to experiment with dumping flour all over the kitchen floor. I wanted to cry—and I did. But then, after deep breaths and a long hug with my kids, I reminded myself: we’re all learning together.
The Tips That Kept Me Grounded
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that surviving (and sometimes thriving) in this chaotic season requires a mix of grace and strategy. Here are a few tips that helped me navigate:
Embrace Flexible Schedules:
I’ve learned to let go of rigid timelines. Some days, school starts later because I need extra time for grad work. Other days, my kids are up early and ready to dive into lessons. Flexibility has been key.
Utilize Quiet Time:
Whether it’s during nap time or an early morning before the kids wake up, I try to carve out small windows of focused time for studying.
Ask for Help:
I’ve leaned on my community more than ever—grateful for my friends and family for supporting me on this journey, as it wouldn’t be possible with out them.
Celebrate the Wins:
No matter how small, every win matters. Whether it’s finishing a paper or seeing my kids grasp a new concept, I take time to acknowledge our progress.
Prioritize Self-Care:
This one’s a work in progress, but I’ve started scheduling time for myself—even if it’s just 5 minutes of sitting quietly.
Looking Ahead
As I step into a new year, I’m filled with hope and determination. There’s so much I want to refine—from creating a smoother home school rhythm to finding better ways to balance my academic and personal goals.
I’m also dreaming big for the year ahead. I want to expand the ways I engage with my kids’ learning, explore new strategies for time management, and deepen my connections with other moms on similar journeys. If this year has taught me anything, it’s that growth happens in the messy, imperfect moments.
This year wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. Grad school, homeschooling, and raising two little ones has stretched me in ways I never expected. While I’m still figuring it out day by day, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. To any mom reading this who feels like she’s juggling too much: you’re not alone. Let’s keep learning, growing, and embracing the beauty in the chaos together.
What tips or lessons have you learned while juggling multiple roles? Share your story in the comments below.