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 Homeschool Moms Can Do Hard Things: Encouragement from Dr. Kelly Cagle

Homeschooling is a rewarding journey, but let’s be honest—it’s also incredibly challenging. Between juggling lesson plans, parenting, and daily responsibilities, homeschool moms often feel like they’re carrying the weight of the world. But here’s the truth: you can do hard things.

Dr. Kelly Cagle, a motherhood coach and homeschool mom of three, knows the ups and downs of this path all too well. On The Feast Life podcast, she shared her inspiring story of resilience and offered practical advice for moms who feel overwhelmed. Here’s how you can embrace the challenges of homeschooling and thrive.

Hard Things Are Possible: Dr. Kelly’s Story

Dr. Kelly’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. After moving from Brazil to the U.S. at age 11 without knowing English, she navigated a system that didn’t always equip her to succeed. Yet, she persevered.

As a mom, she returned to school to earn her PhD while raising three young children—including a newborn who didn’t sleep.

"I cried a lot and had many sleepless nights, but I restructured my life, set strong habits, and relied on grace," she shared.

Her story is a powerful reminder that hard things often require us to step out in faith, set boundaries, and push through challenges.

3 Lessons for Moms Doing Hard Things

1. Embrace the Growth Mindset

Dr. Kelly stressed that mindset is everything. Whether it’s learning to homeschool, pursuing a personal goal, or navigating tough seasons, adopting a growth mindset allows you to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

"We can do hard things because hard things make us grow. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress," she said.

By embracing this mindset, you can model resilience for your kids and teach them to approach their own struggles with courage.

2. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Energy

  One of the secrets to doing hard things is learning to say no to what doesn’t serve your family’s rhythm. Dr. Kelly shared practical strategies for creating a sustainable home environment:

• Be Selective: Only say yes to activities that align with your values and current energy levels.
• Prioritize Sleep: Rest is foundational to handling life’s challenges. "An exhausted mom can’t be the mom she wants to be," she reminded listeners.
• Create Rhythms: Establish routines, like a laundry schedule, that simplify your day and reduce mental clutter. These boundaries give you the capacity to tackle the hard things in life without burning out. 

3. Let Go of Perfectionism

  Perfectionism can be paralyzing, especially for homeschool moms. Dr. Kelly encouraged moms to focus on the bigger picture rather than micromanaging every detail.

"It’s not about controlling every aspect of your child’s learning. It’s about guiding their journey and letting them grow at their own pace," she shared.

For instance, she partnered with her reluctant reader son by letting him set his own reading goals and choose books that interested him. This approach empowered him to take ownership of his learning rather than viewing it as a chore.

Doing Hard Things as a Family

Homeschooling doesn’t mean sacrificing your personal goals or dreams. In fact, Dr. Kelly believes that pursuing your own growth can inspire your kids to pursue theirs.

"Your kids can come alongside you in your journey. It’s not an either/or—it’s both," she explained.

Whether you’re starting a new project, pursuing further education, or simply trying to maintain a peaceful home, your perseverance teaches your kids invaluable life lessons.

Encouragement for the Overwhelmed Mom

If you’re feeling exhausted and questioning whether you can keep going, Dr. Kelly offers this encouragement:

"Your home is your haven. You set the rhythm. Let go of what doesn’t serve you and embrace the fact that you can do hard things. With the right boundaries and mindset, you’re capable of more than you think."

Every hard season is an opportunity to grow stronger and more confident in your homeschooling journey.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Kelly Cagle helps moms simplify life so they can stop living in a constant state of overwhelm and start truly enjoying the daily little moments. With a PhD in education, she is a motherhood coach and the host of the Parenting IQ podcast, where she equips parents during their child’s academic years by combining educational research and everyday life. Her research has been published in the Journal of Research on Christian Education, Christian Educators Journal, and Focus on the Family. Dr. Cagle’s latest work is a children’s Bible study, God’s Promises as Waves, a devotional that helps kids grow in self-awareness and fight anxious thoughts through God’s Truth. When not recording, writing, or coaching, you can find her with a cup of coffee, enjoying the outdoors, or cheering for her boys at their sporting events. Dr. Cagle lives in Arlington, Texas with her husband, Josh, and their three sons Levi, Titus, and Micah. 

Connect with Dr. Kelly Cagle:

• Website: https://www.drkellycagle.com/ 
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/drkellycagle 
• Podcast: https://www.drkellycagle.com/podcast/parentingiq 
• Free Resource: "Multiple Intelligences Theory for Your Learner" -https://www.drkellycagle.com/multiple-intelligences-guide 

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling is not for the faint of heart, but as Dr. Kelly reminds us, it’s also an opportunity to grow, thrive, and create a meaningful life for your family. By embracing challenges, setting boundaries, and letting go of perfectionism, you can do hard things—and inspire your children to do the same.

For more inspiration, follow Dr. Kelly Cagle on Instagram at  @drkellycagle or visit her website at  drkellycagle.com. Don’t forget to grab her free resource on multiple intelligences to tailor your homeschool to your kids’ strengths.