5 Steps for Successful (Not Stressful) Family Living

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Is it really possible to have a successful, not stressful, family life? As fall settles in, those carefree summer days quickly turn into jam-packed schedules filled with homeschooling lessons, extracurricular activities, and family responsibilities. The busyness can feel overwhelming, but I’ve discovered that with a little intentionality, we can create a family life that’s both successful and peaceful. Here are five steps that have helped our family find more joy and less stress, especially during the busy homeschool season.

1. Create a Simple Family Routine

Years ago, I found myself overwhelmed with the daily demands of homeschooling, household chores, writing deadlines, and the unexpected things that popped up. I felt like I was constantly running, yet never catching up. One day, a friend suggested that I create a routine for our family—a set schedule for errands, homeschooling, and even fun activities. It was a simple yet brilliant idea!

I started by setting aside a specific day each week for errands with my grandma. Then, I created a routine for grocery shopping and my kids’ chores. Suddenly, life felt more manageable. By establishing a predictable rhythm, we reduced the daily scramble and had more space for what truly mattered.

For homeschool families, a routine can be a lifesaver. Choose one day for errands, one day for co-op classes, and block out time for rest. Involve your kids in the planning so they know what to expect and can help. This brings order to the chaos and allows everyone to focus on learning and growing together.

2. Focus on Family Over Perfection

We often get caught up in striving for a picture-perfect life—whether it’s a spotless house, the best homeschool curriculum, or perfectly behaved children. But when we focus too much on perfection, we miss out on what really matters: our relationships.

“Our choice reveals what we love the most, what we fear, what is of ultimate value to us, and what we think we need in life—in other words, our choices expose the dominant desires of our heart,” writes Leslie Vernick, author of How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong.

Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to build strong family bonds. But this connection doesn’t come from a perfect home or the most organized schedule; it comes from spending time together. It’s okay if the dishes pile up sometimes or if the house is less than tidy. What will your kids remember more—a clean kitchen or the afternoons spent baking cookies, reading together, or taking spontaneous nature walks?

Jesus said in Mark 8:36, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” In the same way, what does it profit our families if we have the most organized homeschool room but neglect the hearts of our children? Focus on building memories and nurturing relationships rather than trying to keep up appearances.

3. Make Self-Care and Rest a Priority

As homeschool parents, it’s easy to pour everything into our kids and leave nothing for ourselves. We may think that by putting rest off, we’re being better parents, but the truth is, burnout helps no one! We need to take care of ourselves so we can continue to pour into our families.

Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as waking up 15 minutes early to enjoy a cup of coffee and quiet time with God before the day begins. It might mean scheduling a daily walk after dinner, a bubble bath, or a night off where you do something just for you. I’ve found that when I carve out time for self-care, I’m more patient, joyful, and present with my family.

Make rest a priority for the whole family, too. Set aside one evening each week for a family movie night or a quiet afternoon with no agenda. Rest is a gift from God, and embracing it can transform our homes into places of peace.

4. Involve the Whole Family in Daily Responsibilities

In the past, I assumed that all the household and family responsibilities rested on my shoulders. But I’ve learned that a successful family life involves everyone pitching in. Children, even young ones, can help with chores and take on responsibilities. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also teaches them valuable life skills and the importance of working together as a team.

My mother-in-law often says, “Many hands make light work”, and we’ve embraced that concept as a family. We’ve involved our kids in tasks like meal planning, grocery shopping, and cleaning. These activities not only help things run smoothly but also provide opportunities for connection. There’s something special about working together toward a common goal, whether it’s tidying up the living room or raking leaves in the yard.

5. Practice Gratitude Together

Gratitude can shift the atmosphere of your home. A few years ago, our family embarked on a 12-month journey to move from grumbling to gratitude. We intentionally practiced thankfulness in all circumstances, and it transformed our hearts and our home. We learned to focus on God’s blessings rather than the daily irritations that can so easily steal our joy.

For homeschool families, practicing gratitude can be woven into your daily routine. Start or end your homeschool day by sharing something you’re thankful for. Keep a family gratitude journal where everyone can jot down blessings they notice throughout the week. This simple practice can change your perspective and create a positive, joyful environment in your home.

Embrace Imperfection

Intentional family living isn’t about filling every moment with structured activities or maintaining a perfect home. It’s about creating an environment where each family member feels loved, supported, and valued. It’s about finding balance and giving yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan.

Since embracing these steps, our family has found more peace and joy in our daily lives. We’ve learned to set ourselves up for success, not by doing everything perfectly, but by making intentional choices that reflect our values and bring us closer to one another.

I invite you to join me in this journey of successful (not stressful) family living. And if you’re looking for a deeper transformation, consider exploring our story of moving from grumbling to gratitude in The Grumble Free Year. This journey changed our family, and it might just change yours too.

What step will you take today to cultivate a more peaceful, joy-filled family life?

Homeschool Success Course

Are you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your homeschooling journey? Do you wish you had a roadmap to help you navigate the challenges and achieve success? Look no further than Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course! Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling expert with over 20 years of experience, and she has poured all of her knowledge and wisdom into this comprehensive course. In each video, Tricia shares practical tips and strategies for homeschooling, from choosing a curriculum to managing your time effectively.

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

• Create a customized curriculum that meets your family’s unique needs
• Develop a daily routine that maximizes your time and energy
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• Foster a positive homeschooling environment that nurtures relationships and builds character
• Navigate the challenges of homeschooling with confidence and grace

Tricia’s warm and engaging teaching style will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to tackle any homeschooling challenge that comes your way. You’ll also receive a workbook with actionable steps and reflection questions to help you apply your learning to your homeschooling journey. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the most respected homeschooling experts in the industry. Enroll in Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course today and start your journey to homeschooling success!

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