Ever feel like no matter how hard you try, it’s just not enough?
You plan the perfect week. You set up the cutest lesson. You stay up late organizing, printing, prepping—and then by Tuesday morning, someone’s crying (maybe you), someone’s sick, and the dog chewed the map of Ancient Greece.
If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. And you’re not failing.
You might just be wrestling with perfectionism—and today, I want to show you a better way.
What Perfectionism Really Is (and Isn’t)
Perfectionism isn’t the same as high standards.
It’s the fear that if you don’t get it all right, you’re not a good enough mom, teacher, or disciple. With perfectionism, you equate your worth to what you accomplish or don’t accomplish.
If life feels heavy instead of light the majority of the time, you may be a perfectionist.
I know. I am a recovering perfectionist.
Researcher Brené Brown calls it a “twenty-ton shield” we carry to avoid shame and judgment. But the irony? It actually blocks connection, joy, and growth.
6 Ways to Let Go of Perfectionism and Choose Growth
1. Name the Armor
Perfectionism often hides behind phrases like:
- “I just want to do it right.”
- “We’re behind again.”
- “If I don’t get this exactly right, I’ve failed my child.”
Start by calling it what it is: a shield. And then ask: “Is this actually helping me—or just wearing me out?”
2. Practice Self-Compassion
Instead of beating yourself up when things go wrong, try this:
- Pause and notice how you’re feeling.
- Remind yourself that every homeschool mom struggles.
- Speak kindly to yourself—the way you would to your best friend.
It’s not weakness. It’s strength.
3. Shift to a Growth Mindset
Instead of “I’m just not good at this,” try:
- “We’re figuring this out together.”
- “This is hard, but we’re growing.”
- “Today wasn’t perfect, but it mattered.”
Your child doesn’t need a perfect mom. They need a learning, growing, grace-filled mom.
4. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Success isn’t checking every box. It’s building a family culture of love, learning, and flexibility.
Instead of “Finish the whole curriculum,” try:
- “Explore math with curiosity.”
- “Practice reading daily without pressure.”
- “Follow their interests and adjust when needed.”
5. Celebrate Imperfect Action
Here’s a fun challenge:
Post a photo or tell a friend about something that went totally off the rails this week—and what you learned from it.
Imperfection invites connection. You never know who might be inspired by your honesty.
6. Anchor in Grace, Not Performance
Here’s the truth: Your worth is already complete.
You are loved, chosen, and guided—no matter how the spelling lesson went today.
As Ether 12:27 reminds us, God gives us weakness so we’ll turn to Him. And He promises to make those weak things strong.
Being a disciple of Christ isn’t about being perfect. It is about being intentional.
You Don’t Have to Carry the Pressure Alone
Perfectionism tells you: “You’re never doing enough.”
But God gently reminds you: “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)
Let that truth sink in today.
You don’t need a perfect homeschool.
You need a home full of grace, learning, love, and progress.