The final transcripts are sent, the last math lesson is logged, and—almost without warning—you find your house a little quieter than before.
Years ago, when we first began our homeschool journey, I obsessed over getting it “right.” Would my children be ready for the “real world?” Would I be ready when this chapter closed?
Let me whisper what I wish I could tell my younger self: “It’s going to be okay, friend. Truly, it is.”
Pause and Breathe: Embrace the Bittersweet
Let’s be honest. When our homeschoolers toss their caps in the air (or maybe they don’t, because we don’t do a lot traditionally, do we?), we often feel a mix of joy, relief, pride, and maybe even a tinge (or two)of sadness—the bittersweet ache of closing a sacred season.
Please know that you aren’t alone if you find yourself a little weepy while cleaning out a closet or driving past your favorite field trip spot. It’s normal to grieve the ebb of togetherness and the routine that carried you for so many years.
Rediscovering Yourself
Homeschooling may have filled your days and focused your purpose, so don’t be surprised if you sense a “now what?” echoing through your heart.
It’s time to rediscover you.
Give yourself permission to explore passions or projects that may have sat on the back burner. Maybe you’ll pick up that book pile, nurture new hobbies, or finally join the Bible study (I highly recommend it—what a blessing it’s been for me to have been in Bible Study Fellowship the past two years!).
Might I also suggest that every parent of adult children read Doing Life With Your Adult Children: Keep Your Mouth Shut & The Welcome Mat Out. Trust me, it’s the best book you can read during this stage of life!
For some, new work opportunities or volunteering call your name. For others, the deep joy of being present and available for adult children as they chart their own paths becomes its own fulfilling work.
I’ve been blessed to continue my work in the music appreciation curriculum I started so many years ago, while also being a listening ear for my oldest, who is a special needs teacher at a school in our area. I love that I can chat on the phone with her after a challenging day, attend the school’s programs, and even volunteer in her classroom!
There Will Be Unexpected Gifts
Homeschooling equips our children for meaningful, real-life adventures. Don’t be surprised when your graduate calls home, not homesick, but thriving, well-prepared to face fresh challenges with confidence.
Remember: their independence isn’t a sign they’ve forgotten you, but a beautiful fruit of years spent learning and growing together. (I’m having to remind myself of this daily, especially with my youngest as he counts down the days until he returns to college for the fall semester!)
Pour Back Into Community
You now possess a wealth of wisdom—from transcript woes to great ideas for field trips —that’s pure gold to the next generation of homeschool parents.
Consider mentoring, writing, or simply being that welcoming face (with a cup of coffee!) for a family just starting their journey. It’s a way to honor your own experience and keep your heart invested in something meaningful.
My husband and I invest in young families through our church and also through a nonprofit organization we have become involved with. What a blessing it is to take a lot of our hard-won knowledge and gently share that with the next set of parents coming along! Many times, I learn so much from them and find I’m growing from our relationship, too.
I’m also loving volunteering with the special needs community right now. In my heart, I think I always wanted to be a music therapist or special education teacher, so I’m living out a dream.
You’ve Done Well
Exhale.
You are not defined solely by your role as a homeschool mom (or dad); you are a vibrant, multi-faceted person with dreams yet to be discovered.
Celebrate the years you gave to your children’s education, but don’t lose yourself in nostalgia. This is a time for gratitude, self-compassion, and excitement for what God has in store, both for your children and for you.
If you feel lost, call a friend. If you feel inspired, jot down those ideas for the future. Know that it’s okay to feel everything all at once. And always remember: this life after homeschool is not an end, but a gentle invitation to become, explore, and flourish anew.
You’ve shepherded your family well. Now, let yourself honor—and even savor—this next chapter. You’ve earned it.
