RETURN TO JOY: SELF-CARE FOR HOMESCHOOL PARENTS

With endless to-do lists, the responsibility of homeschooling, and adulting in general, it is easy to lose focus on what brings you joy. Self-care is abuzz in homeschool circles, but how can you put one more thing on your plate? Hear the secret to sustainable self-care from Camille Kirksey, founder of The Intuitive Homeschooler. She explains how self-care isn’t an all-day spa retreat or an hour soaking in the tub (but it can be if that’s what works for you!). It’s a simple strategy to return to what brings you joy! Camille Kirksey has homeschooled her three children since 2013 and is the author of the book, Coming Home: A Quick & Practical Guide for Preparing a Mother's Heart, Mind, & Home for Homeschooling.  ★★★ LISTENER COUPON CODE Request your coupon code to use on any purchase at bookshark.com. Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com. TIMESTAMPS 02:04 Self-care can feel like another task on the to-do list. 03:41 What is self-care? 07:49 Apply the same creativity we use for lesson planning and family activities to our own self-care. 08:28 Self-care looks different at different stages of mothering and life. 09:21 How the all-or-nothing mentality will ruin your attempts at self-care. 10:14 Why it's important for your children to see you set boundaries to care for yourself. 13:29 How texting with tweens and teens can improve communication. 17:02 Finding the sweet spot of providing the structure kids need while also giving them freedom. 22:37 Releasing the need to constantly be productive and busy. 25:38 Using gratitude and indulgence as guides to self-care. 31:37 Indulgence isn't eating too many sweets. It's the ordinary delights that you enjoy simply to fulfill yourself — no other goals. If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.