Homeschooling is a sacred, personal journey.
But it’s so easy to feel like we’re falling short.
Maybe you’ve felt it.
Scrolling Instagram.
Hearing about another mom’s curriculum.
Watching someone else’s kids “excel.”
Suddenly, your own journey feels… not enough.
Today, let’s talk about how to break free.
Because comparison steals what matters most:
your joy, your confidence, and your connection with your children.
Why We Compare
Comparison is natural.
Our brains are wired to assess where we fit.
In ancient times, it kept us safe.
Today, it often just keeps us insecure.
Especially in homeschooling, where there are no report cards for you —
no awards, no public praise.
So we look sideways.
Am I doing enough?
Am I doing it “right”?
But Paul warned:
“They measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12)
God didn’t call you to their path.
He called you to yours.
The Cost of Comparison
When we live in comparison, we lose:
- Our joy
- Our gratitude
- Our peace
- Our energy
- Our ability to see the miracles right in front of us
Comparison breeds resentment.
It paralyzes us with fear.
It damages the beautiful culture we’re trying to create at home.
Small efforts matter.
“Out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” (D&C 64:33)
Why External Validation Fails Us
When we live for approval, we become slaves to public opinion.
But God calls us higher.
He calls us to build something unseen.
Something eternal.
As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said:
“We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other…” (The Laborers in the Vineyard, April 2012, General Conference)
You’re not behind.
You’re not less.
You’re just on your timeline.
Moving from Comparison to Creation
Comparison shrinks you into shame.
Mission lifts you into creation.
Here’s how to shift:
1. Reclaim Your Own Race
Stay in your lane.
Focus on your family’s mission.
Focus on your current trajectory, not someone else’s results.
James Clear reminds us:
“You should be far more concerned with your current trajectory than with your current results.”
2. Practice Gratitude Aggressively
Gratitude destroys scarcity thinking.
It reminds you that what you have is beautiful and enough.
Every day, write down three specific things about your homeschool you are grateful for.
3. Celebrate Others Without Diminishing Yourself
Another mom’s success doesn’t threaten you.
It lights the path for what’s possible.
Appreciate her journey.
And stay anchored in yours.
Real-Life Comparison Reframes
Comparison Thought:
“Her kid reads classics. Mine struggles to read.”
Creator Reframe:
“I’m building a lifelong learner, not racing a timeline.”
Comparison Thought:
“Their family goes on amazing trips. We barely get out.”
Creator Reframe:
“Peace and stability are our foundation this season.”
Comparison Thought:
“Her homeschool room is perfect. Mine is chaotic.”
Creator Reframe:
“Real learning is beautifully messy.”
Comparison Thought:
“Their teen is taking college classes. Mine struggles with consistency.”
Creator Reframe:
“We’re building character and ownership, not rushing to impress.”
Comparison Thought:
“She’s always calm. I’m a mess.”
Creator Reframe:
“I am growing my patience, and everyone is human and has flaws.”
Comparison Thought:
“They do magical nature studies. We hardly get outside.”
Creator Reframe:
“We connect to wonder in our own way, at our own pace.”
Final Thoughts
You were called to homeschool your children — not anyone else’s.
Their timeline, their victories, their systems — they are not your standard.
Your mission is sacred.
Your family is unique.
Your journey is unfolding exactly as God designed it.
