Congratulations on starting your homeschooling journey! I’ve put together a well-curated list of must haves for homeschooling moms that will make your homeschooling journey feel less stressful and more enjoyable.
While it’s a privilege to homeschool your child/children I would be lying to you if I said it’s going to be fun and you will love every single second of it!
The truth is you will have days when you will say to yourself -“I’m done, it’s time I get them into public school!” Or, “I’m not cut out for this homeschooling thing!”
It’s all normal and every single one of us homeschooling moms has had these days (and maybe still do). It gets better with time for sure!
So, without further ado, let us get into what those must haves for homeschooling moms are:
10 Must Haves For Homeschooling Moms
1. Homeschool Planner
A homeschool planner is a must for helping you stay organized, and plan your days and lesson plans. Store passwords, etc.
Over the years, I’ve used many homeschooling planners, but it was only when I stumbled upon the Erin Condren Homeschool Planner, that I was 100% satisfied. It’s durable, has enough writing space, and is super cute!
2. Big Calendar
This inexpensive calendar is another gem that will help you stay organized, especially if you have multiple kids and a whole lot of things going on. Extra activities, visits to the library, online classes, and homeschool meet-ups.
Or, maybe to help you keep things organized in your household such as meal planning, days you need to run errands, call mom, etc.
The first years of homeschooling I did not have a big calendar and I always felt overwhelmed with everything happening. Since getting a big yearly calendar where I could easily make notes under any given date, I feel so much more organized.
3. Books / Kindle
While social media is a great place to connect and learn from seasoned homeschooling moms. It can also be a place that makes you feel less than others and fall victim to the comparison trap.
Reading blog posts and books written by homeschooling experts themselves was a game changer in boosting my confidence in homeschooling. Having a Kindle allows you to access these books at any given time.
Some of my favorite must-reads for homeschooling moms are:
- The call of wild and free
- Homeschool Bravely
- The Brave Learner
- Raising Good Humans
- Hold On To Your Kids
4. Water Bottle
As a busy homeschooling momma there will be days when you forget a simple act as drinking water. I found that having a bottle dedicated to water and myself reminded me to drink water.
So, every morning, before we start our homeschooling day, I make sure to fill my water bottle and take it with me to our homeschool room. Even if you are homeschooling in your dining room or kitchen having that water bottle will remind you to drink water.
5. Coffee Marker
Chances are you already got yourself a coffee marker but if you don’t and is currently like what I was when I first started homeschooling with a kettle to boil water. I highly recommend getting yourself a Keurig Coffee Marker (or asking for it as a gift).
Here’s why – there were many days when I turned the kettle on and forgot I was boiling water. I found that having a Keurig to be more efficient in producing that cup of coffee for me. And I bet you will too.
6. Instant Pot
Let me guess: you’re probably thinking why an Instant Pot!!!!!
😂Yes, this instant pot will become your best friend in your kitchen. If you don’t already own an instant pot, I highly recommend looking into getting one because it will be life-saving when it comes to having a nice home-cooked dinner.
Even though you won’t be spending all day homeschooling your littles your time is still going to be crunched on many days and this instant pot will ease the load of having to spend hours in the kitchen.
My favorite recipe is a beef chili or roasted beef and potatoes. It takes me less than 30 minutes to prep everything before turning the slow cooker on and not having to worry about dinner for the rest of the day. YouTube has many great slow cook recipes so you will not be out of ideas.
7. Comfy Sweaters and leggings
When I first began homeschooling, I did so in my Pajamas for a short time until I realized that getting dressed, brushing my hair, and using face moisturizer not only made me feel clean, neat, and tidy but I was able to gain more confidence in who I was as a homeschooling mom. I was able to be more productive and accomplish our daily goals.
Throwing on a nice sweater and comfy leggings will be your go-to. Honestly, getting dressed in the mornings before starting my day is like second nature now.
8. Printer
As a homeschooling mom, you will be printing tons of worksheets, activities, and coloring pages for your kiddos. Heading to your local library or Staples or Walgreens will cost you way more than just getting a printer from the get-go!
The Brother HLL2305W Compact is one of the best and most cost-effective printers for homeschooling families.
9. A Library Card Or Libby Access
Your local library can be a place that allows you to save a whole lot when it comes to buying books. Of course, you will have those must-have fiction books or read aloud. But, I have found our library to be a great resource center in getting books for our unit studies – such as Rocks, Geographic, Health, and Nutrition and even read-aloud!
The Libby app is also great for you and older kids. So definitely, consider asking your librarian if they are part of the Libby program. All you do is download the Libby app on your phone or tablet and you will get access to whatever book you wish to read for 2-3 weeks (depending on your location).
10. A Journal/ Diary
Taking care of yourself is imperative and one way I found caring for myself mentally is through journaling.
Whether it’s just doing a brain dump for the day at night or being mindful in the morning and writing the things I’m grateful for or my feelings. Journaling has been a great source of help. If you have not tried journaling I highly recommend you grab a scrapbook, any notebook, or a guided prompt journal and start your journaling journey as you begin homeschooling. Journaling will change the trajectory of your homeschooling.
So, there you have it! 10 must-haves for homeschooling moms that will make your homeschooling journey less stressful and more enjoyable.
Bonus
I know what life is like as a homeschooling mama – especially if you also have a side hustle or work from home. It’s chaotic!
At least that’s how it’s for me most days.
Getting a good night’s rest can help make those stressful days feel less stressful. When you are rested you can cope with tantrums or mishaps that may happen throughout the day more calmly.
If you find yourself heading to bed earlier and still unable to sleep, you can consider lighting a calming candle, lavender oil on pillow case or even investing in a cozy pillow.
The one I used and loved and could not do without is the Good Pillow from Pillow Fight.
Related Posts:
- How to balance homeschooling and breaks
- How to deschool before homeschooling
- 8 ways to be a better homeschooling mom
- Best homeschooling quotes for moms
- How to take care of yourself as a homeschooling mom
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Head to your homeschooling mom board on Pinterest and save these must haves to come back to later.
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