In this season of motherhood, I wear many hats: homemaker, homesteader, homeschooler, small business owner, wife, mama – and most importantly, daughter of the King.
When I launched Oak & Olive Homestead, it was out of a heart that longed to live more simply and intentionally – rooted in God, close to creation, and poured out for others. When I started Root & Refuge Cottage School, it was because I believed deeply in discipling my children at home through a gospel-centered education.
And many mamas have asked me lately, “How do you balance the duties of your homestead with homeschooling your kids?” “How do you do it all without losing your peace?”
The short answer? I don’t.
Not in my own strength.
But the long answer is this: I’ve learned how to walk in rhythms of grace, not hustle.
One Heart, Two Callings: The Root Behind It All
Though Oak & Olive and Root & Refuge seem like two different worlds – one grounded in dirt and the other in books – they’re truly two branches of the same tree.
They were both born from the same mission: To build a home where Christ is central, creation is honored, and children are raised in truth and love.
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:27
Whether I’m kneading sourdough or teaching phonics, collecting eggs or reading the book of Ruth, it’s all Kingdom work. My “job” is to faithfully tend what’s in front of me – both the physical soil and the soil of my children’s hearts.
What Balancing Homesteading and Homeschooling Really Looks Like
I won’t sugarcoat it: some days are hard. The garden needs weeding, the goats (or cows) break our of the pen, the toddler melts down mid-math lesson, and dinner is late… again.
But I’ve learned that the answer isn’t “doing more.” It’s in *doing what matters most -* and letting God’s grace cover the rest.
Keyword-rich truth: Balancing homesteading and homeschooling is about blending callings, not battling them.
My Grace-Filled Rhythms for a Rooted Life
Here are the rhythms and mindsets that help me live this out, day by day – with Jesus at the center.
1. Start With the Lord, Not the List
Each day begins not with a to-do list, but with the Word of God and prayer. I keep a Bible, a notebook, and a warm cup of coffee at my morning chair. Before the chores, before the curriculum – I ask “Lord, what do You want me to sow into today?”
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
This posture helps me discern what truly matters in the moment. Sometimes it’s a lesson, sometimes it’s a heart-to-heart, sometimes it’s rest.
2. Blend, Don’t Compartmentalize
I no longer separate “school” and “homestead.” They flow together, just like life.
When we tend the garden, we’re learning about life cycles and God’s provision. When we gather eggs, we talk about stewardship and kindness towards animals. When we preserve food, we talk about gratitude, service, and using what we’ve been given.
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Lord Jesus.” – Colossians 3:17
Our homeschool isn’t perfect, but it’s deeply meaningful – and most of it happens shoulder-to-shoulder, side-by-side, in the living and the doing.
3. Anchor Your Day in Rhythms, Not Routines
Routines break when babies don’t nap and chickens get loose. But rhythms? Rhythms bend with the seasons.
In summer, we school lightly and lean into hands-on learning.
In winter, we slow down and go deeper with books and Scripture.
In spring, the farm takes center stage, and the lessons follow the planting.
In fall, we reestablish structure and routine with purpose.
These rhythms are not rigid – they are rooted. Rooted in reality. Rooted in the Spirit. Rooted in grace.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
4. Say No to Perfection, Yes to Presence
Perfection is a lie. Presence is a gift.
I use to chase the perfectly checked-off homeschool list. Now, I chase connection. I ask: “Did we point to Jesus today?” “Did I speak kindly, even when I was tired?” “Did we worship, even in the mess?”
If I can say yes to those things, the day was fruitful – even if the math lesson didn’t happen.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Encouragement for the Mama Walking This Path
If you’re standing in muddy boots with a toddler on your hip and wondering if you’re doing enough-
If you’re teaching phonics while checking for squash bugs-
If you’re torn between the garden and the grammar workbook-
I see you.
I am you.
And I want you to know this: God will meet you in the in-between.
Balancing homesteading and homeschooling isn’t about doing more – it’s about surrendering more.
Your obedience matters. Your unseen work matters. Your small, faithful “yes” in the quiet moments? It is changing generations.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Final Thoughts: Building a Life That Reflects His Glory
For me, Oak & Olive Homestead and Root & Refuge Cottage School are not separate endeavors – they are two expressions of the same calling: to live a life that reflects the heart of God.
I don’t balance it all perfectly – but I walk it out with grace, grit, and Gospel truth.
So if you’re a mama trying to navigate faith-filled motherhood while balancing homesteading and homeschooling, know this:
You were made for this.
You don’t need to do it all.
You just need to abide in the One who holds it all.
If this encouraged you, I’d love to invite you deeper into our journey. You can read more about the mission behind our homestead in “The Heart of the Home: Introducing Oak & Olive Homestead” and learn why we chose to build our homeschool in Christ in “Christian Homeschooling: Why We Started Root & Refuge Cottage School.” Whether you’re just beginning or knee-deep in the middle of this calling, remember: you’re not alone – and grace is always enough.
