Parenting

Ep 202. The Real Truth about Juggling Business + Homeschool

I'm Ashley!

My mission at The Purpose Gathering is to help driven momtogs like you level up, so you can build a sustainable business AND a fulfilling family life. I do that through authentic brand photography and my signature program for mompreneurs: The Efficient Mompreneur.

hey there

FREE 14 DAY PROFIT SHIFT CHALLENGE 

sign me up

Motherhood mindset shifts, parenting hacks, marriage
tips + more

TOp categories

Learn where to start with self-care + how to make time for what matters most to you

Tips + strategies for growing a profitable and sustainable photography business

How to Optimize Your Limited Time & Maximize your Revenue as a Mompreneur 

Hey Mama, if you’ve ever wondered how to juggle business, motherhood, and homeschooling without losing your sanity—you’re not alone.

I used to think homeschooling wasn’t for me. I had every excuse in the book:

My kids wouldn’t listen.
I’m not patient enough.
I’d mess them up.
I don’t have enough time.

And yet, here I am—four years into homeschooling, running a business, and learning (sometimes the hard way) how to make it all work.

It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And if there’s even a small part of you that’s considering homeschooling, I want to pull back the curtain and show you what it really looks like—struggles and all.

The Moment I Knew I Had to Homeschool

For years, I resisted homeschooling. It felt impossible. But when COVID happened and my kids were suddenly home with me full-time, something shifted. I saw glimpses of what it could look like, and a tiny voice in my heart started whispering: Maybe you can do this.

Then, I listened to a podcast episode that changed everything. The speaker asked:

“Do you really want your children spending over 56,000 hours outside of your influence by the time they graduate?”

That hit me HARD. I started questioning everything—who was shaping my kids? Who was teaching them about life? About faith?

I realized that I had been outsourcing my kids’ education, their character development, and even their spiritual foundation without even thinking twice. That was the moment I knew I had to make a change.

The Fears That Held Me Back

Even after feeling convicted to homeschool, I still had so many doubts:

What if I mess up their education?
What if they struggle socially?
What if we don’t get along and it ruins our relationship?
How will I possibly balance homeschooling with my business?

If you’re feeling these same fears, let me reassure you:

  • No homeschool mom has it all figured out.
  • Your kids will be just fine socially (and probably better off!)
  • Your relationship with your kids will actually deepen.
  • It’s 100% possible to homeschool and run a business—you just need the right rhythms.

Letting Go of the “Perfect” School Model

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that homeschooling doesn’t have to look like traditional school.

I had to release:

  • The idea that my kids have to follow strict grade-level expectations.
  • The pressure to cover every single subject every single day.
  • The belief that I have to teach them everything.

Instead, I focus on teaching my kids three core things:

  • How to love God
  • How to love others
  • How to love learning

Because if they master those, they’ll be set for life.

What Our Homeschool + Business Routine Looks Like

Every homeschool family does it differently, and that’s the beauty of it. For us, I structure our schedule around a rhythm that supports both homeschooling and business.

Monday: Kids attend an enrichment program (electives like art, PE, and broadcasting).
Tuesday & Thursday: Dedicated homeschool days.
Wednesday: Light homeschool + adventure day.
Friday: Kids go to my mother-in-law’s, and I work.
Weekends: Flexible learning & work time.

I also realized that trying to work and homeschool in the same day leads to frustration—so I now separate them as much as possible.

Resources That Have Made Homeschooling Easier

If you’re considering homeschooling but feel overwhelmed, here are some game-changers:

  • The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment—debunks so many homeschooling myths and fears!
  • Brave Learner by Julie Bogart—completely shifted how I approach learning.
  • Gather Round Homeschool—a simple, faith-based curriculum that lets all my kids learn together.
  • Teaching Textbooks—a self-paced online math program that takes the pressure off me.

The Hardest (and Best) Part of Homeschooling

Here’s the truth: homeschooling is HARD. It requires sacrifice, patience, and a willingness to let go of control.

But it’s also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

I used to feel like I never got the best version of my kids because they spent all day in school, giving their energy to teachers and classmates. Now, I see the whole picture—their strengths, struggles, and growth.

They aren’t coming home drained, frustrated, and emotionally exhausted from trying to hold it together all day at school. Now, I can actually help them navigate challenges in real-time.

And while some days are tough, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Thinking About Homeschooling? Here’s My Advice.

If there’s even a tiny part of you that feels drawn to homeschooling, I want to encourage you:

  • You don’t have to have it all figured out.
  • You don’t have to do it alone—there are incredible resources and communities available.
  • You ARE the best teacher for your child. God entrusted you with them for a reason.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

  • Your homeschool doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
  • Your kids don’t need to know everything—they need to know how to love learning.
  • The biggest gift you can give your kids isn’t a perfect education—it’s YOU.

A Personal Invitation to TPG Live 2025

If you’re trying to figure out how to balance business, motherhood, and homeschooling, I want to personally invite you to The Purpose Gathering Live—a two-day, faith-based event for Christian mom business owners.

At this event, we’ll dive into:

  • How to structure your business in a way that supports your family.
  • How to create rhythms that prevent burnout.
  • How to fully surrender your business to God’s plan.
  • How to cultivate a community of like-minded women who truly get you.

If you’re tired of feeling pulled in a million directions, this event is for you.

Join us in person or virtually!
This is your opportunity to build a business that supports your homeschooling journey—so you can be present with your kids while pursuing the work God has called you to.

Grab your in-person ticket here
Join us via livestream here

I’d love to hear your thoughts—are you homeschooling, or considering it? Send me a message on Instagram @thepurposegathering and let’s chat!

Until next time, keep trusting, keep learning, and keep taking the next faithful step forward.

And as always, I’m here rooting for you.

signature

Complimentary Episodes:

  1. Ep 196. From Mom Guilt to Emotional Confidence with Alicia Michelle
  2. Ep 193. Be Present Where Your Feet Are
  3. Ep 160. Enjoying Every Moment with Your Kids
  4. Ep 146. ​​Teach Your Kids How to Manage Their Boredom + Get Along
  5. Browse All Parenting Related Episodes

Resources:

  1. The Purpose Gathering Live In-Person Event – A transformative two-day experience for women ready to trade worldly hustle for Kingdom impact, where you’ll learn to infuse God’s wisdom into every area of life and discover sustainable success His way
  2. The Purpose Gathering Livestream – Can’t make it in person? Join us virtually and experience the event from anywhere!
  3. Local to Gilbert/Mesa Arizona (For Mom Business Owners) Join our in person membership community
  4. Need support managing your time well and creating systems to streamline your business? Join the Organized CEO Bootcamp (6 Week Group Program)
  5. Message me on Voxer (My username is afreehan)
  6. Have a question for me? Or a specific struggle you’re dealing with? I’ll address your question on the podcast. Submit your ‘Ask Ashley’ question here

+ show Comments

- Hide Comments

add a comment

Reply...

My mission is to help fellow mom business owners experience success in business and in motherhood. As an Arizona brand photographer for mompreneurs, I’m passionate about capturing authentic images that show off my clients’ unique personalities so they can connect with their ideal clients. And as an online business coach for mompreneurs, I LIVE for helping mamas experience incredible transformations that help them build a business they love, without sacrificing their precious time with their littles.

Learn more

free 14 day challenge

Profit Shift Challenge

Struggling to juggle your business and family life? Join me  for daily challenges, some of which include a video lesson, containing time-saving systems and strategies to streamline both your business and personal life. In just two weeks, you'll learn how to maximize your productivity, boost your revenue, and finally create the work/life balance you've been craving as a mompreneur.

JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY

Surround yourself
with like-minded mom business owners

Life was not meant to be lived alone. Join us inside the Purpose Gathering Mamas community where you can connect, engage and grow in both your motherhood and your business. 

we start on the 1st of each month