I still remember the moment like it was yesterday.
I was at a birthday party, talking with another homeschool mom I barely knew. Somehow the conversation turned honest — the kind where you lower your voice without realizing it.
She said something that stopped me cold.
She explained that when her kids messed up, she used to react instantly, snapping, yelling, getting upset, and her kids learned to manage her emotions.
Then she said, “I realized I had to take responsibility for my reactions. I learned there’s a one- to three-second pause before we respond.”
I stared at her and said, without thinking: “I don’t think I have that.”
She smiled gently and said, “Sure you do.”
But inside, I knew something was wrong.
Because for me, it didn’t feel like a pause existed at all.
I wasn’t choosing to snap — it was like my body beat me to it. One second I was fine, the next second I was already yelling. Tight. Loud. Overstimulated. Reacting before I even had a chance to decide how I wanted to respond.
That was my first realization: Awareness didn’t magically give me capacity.
Knowing what I wanted to do didn’t mean my nervous system could actually do it.
I didn’t walk away feeling better.
Honestly, I walked away feeling a little shaken — because if there really was a pause everyone else had… why couldn’t I find mine?
And I didn’t know what to do with that yet.
I didn’t know if this was something that could change, or if this was just how I was wired. I kept trying for years. I kept caring. I kept showing up.
I just didn’t have the support I needed.
And if that’s where you are right now — if you’re realizing, “I don’t have the pause either” — I want you to know you’re not alone. And there's support for you.
🌿 Escaping Overwhelm — A gentle guide for homeschool moms who feel maxed out
If reading this story stirred something in you — especially the realization, “I don’t have the pause either” — I created Escaping Overwhelm as a gentle place to land.
It’s a short, supportive video and companion guide that helps you understand what’s actually happening beneath the stress — without asking more of you.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about making sense of what you’re already carrying.
You can learn more here if you’d like — it will be here when you’re ready.
✨ NEON Kidz Education Expo at the Keizer Event Center
📅 February 28, 2026 9am - 1pm Keizer Event Center, OR FREE
The 4th Annual Education Expo brings together trusted vendors, alternative education resources, and experienced speakers for one encouraging, information-filled morning. Explore curriculum options, ask questions, and learn from leaders who support homeschooling families every day.
✨ Portland Homeschool & Alternative Education Fair at Rose City Park United Methodist Church
📅 March 7, 2026 📍 Portland, OR FREE
This fair is a great option if you’re in the Portland area and want to see a wide range of educational philosophies and resources all in one place. It’s especially helpful if you’re in a season of re-evaluating what’s working (and what’s not) and want exposure to new ideas without pressure.
✨ Oregon Park Meetup Days
FREE
This spring and summer, I’ll be hosting Oregon Park Meetup Days — simple, come-as-you-are gatherings for homeschool moms and kids to connect, breathe, and let the kids play.
These meetups are intentionally low-key. No curriculum talk required. No pressure to have it all figured out. Just real-life connection with other families walking a similar path.
They’ll be especially great if you’re:
New to homeschooling
Considering homeschooling and feeling curious
Or simply wanting more community for you and your kids
If you live in Oregon and would like details as plans come together, click below and I’ll make sure you’re the first to know as we head into spring.
AGES 3–8 YEARS OLD This is one of those books that feels especially made for families with a wide age spread. If you have a busy, impulsive little one and older siblings who are learning patience the hard way, this book hits just right.
Rex is enthusiastic, destructive, and genuinely trying his best — which makes him both hilarious and very relatable. The story gently helps older kids examine their reactions while letting everyone laugh at the chaos.
We’ve had this one for almost a decade, and it still earns its place on our shelves. That kind of longevity says a lot.
For moms: a lighthearted way to talk about grace, frustration, and sibling dynamics without lecturing. For kids: silly, validating, and surprisingly comforting — especially if they’re the “wreck-it” kid or the one dealing with them. It’s funny, warm, and one of those picture books that grows with your family.
🦤 Lesser Spotted Animals by Martin Brown
AGES 8+ YEARS OLD (and yes, my teen still enjoys it) This is a sneaky educational win — the kind kids don’t realize is teaching them anything at all.
Instead of spotlighting the usual “celebrity animals” like pandas and tigers, this book focuses on lesser-known creatures and tells their stories with humor, curiosity, and genuinely interesting facts.
It’s approachable without being dumbed down, and engaging without being flashy. The kind of book kids pick up, flip through, and then casually start sharing facts from at the dinner table.
For moms: an easy way to expand curiosity beyond the obvious without assigning a lesson. For kids: fascinating, funny, and different — perfect for animal lovers who’ve already memorized the basics. This one quietly broadens their view of the natural world.
🌌 Indescribable by Louie Giglio
AGES 5–9 YEARS OLD This is a beautiful entry point into devotionals for kids — especially those who are captivated by nature, space, animals, and how the world works.
Each reading pairs a short devotional thought with something from creation, making it accessible for kids who can’t read yet and meaningful for early readers who want to engage more deeply. It invites wonder first, then reflection — not the other way around.
When we started with these, this was the only one. Now there’s a whole series, but this original still holds a special place for us.
For moms: an easy, low-pressure way to introduce faith conversations through curiosity and awe. For kids: engaging, visual, and full of “wow” moments that connect what they see in the world to bigger questions. It’s gentle, thoughtful, and a lovely rhythm-builder for young hearts that love creation.
P.S. Did a friend send this to you? This weekly newsletter is your dose of encouragement, practical strategies, and real talk to help you create a homeschool that actually works for your family. Shared with ~6,000 readers every week. Subscribe here so you don't miss the next one.
Enjoy our emails? Forward to a friend and let them know where they can subscribe. Hint: It's here.
This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my referral link, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my small business. Read my privacy policy.
You can unsubscribe or change your email below. Please note that if you unsubscribe, you will not receive communication or updates about any products or courses you have purchased from us in the past.
600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
No hard feelings, just a gentle ‘you got this, mama’ before you go. Unsubscribe
The weekly email designed to help you reclaim your time, create meaningful connections, and build a homeschool that’s as unique as your family. Join 6K+ homeschool moms who treat this newsletter as their trusted guide to confident and joyful homeschooling. Disclaimer: This newsletter may bring unexpected breakthroughs, peaceful homeschool days, and that “finally, I’m doing enough” feeling.