CATCH YOUR BREATH with Inga, Your Homeschool Coach and EncouragerI Homeschool Tips for Moms | Stop Stressing and Beat Burnout

61//What Does Homeschooling Feel Like to You? (Let's Name it Today)

If you had to finish this sentence, "Right now, homeschool feels...," what would you say? Most moms never pause long enough to answer. 
In this episode, if you can get past the coughing, we pause long enough to notice what you’re actually feeling today.
You’ll hear:
what it shows you about your days
one simple step you can take right now
Your One Thing for Today:Name your word. Talk to God about it.
If this helped you slow down or breathe a little easier, share it with another mom so she can find her word too.And if you’d like, send me yours at hello@ingamasek.com. I'd love to hear from you.

60//The Everyday Back-and-Forth in Homeschooling

If you’ve ever felt yourself bouncing between:
wanting to be gentle, and then realizing you came in a little strong
trying to stay on top of things, and then noticing the whole day went to tasks
wanting to just enjoy your kids, and then remembering there’s still learning to lead
this episode will make sense to you.
Homeschooling often means holding more than one priority at a time.Not choosing one or the other — just navigating the shifts as they come up in real life.
This episode is a conversation about that everyday back-and-forth, how it often shows up in normal days, and one simple way to respond in the moment when you feel it happening.
Your One Thing for Today
When you notice the swing, just acknowledge it. Name it.That’s it.Tune in to the episode to hear how to use that in real time.
Send Me Your Question
If there’s something you’d like me to talk about on a future episode — a situation, a challenge, or something you’re wrestling with — send me an email or a voice note. I read every message, and your real-life questions shape these conversations.
Share This With Another Mom
If this episode made you nod, pause, or exhale a little — share it with one other mom who might be feeling this same back-and-forth. We don’t do this alone.
Connect
Instagram: @homeschool.wellness.coach
Email: hello@ingamasek.com

59//Breathing Again: The Pause, the Pivot, and What’s Next

After more than 18 months away, I’m back — and this episode gets honest about what that season really looked like.
I share how grief, overwhelm, and life changes brought me to a full stop… and how that pause helped me restart toward a breathable life.
I walk through my belief-to-mindset-to-action apprach — how aligning what I believe, think, and do has changed everything — and end with a simple One Thing for Today: notice where you’re holding your breath, and give yourself permission to release it.
I don’t want this to be a one-way conversation — I’d love to hear from you. If this episode resonated with you — or if you’ve been in a season where catching your breath has felt hard — I’d love to hear from you.
What’s been on your plate lately? What parts of life feel the hardest to breathe through right now?
Email me at hello@ingamasek.com and tell me what you’d love to hear more about this season — or just say hi and let me know you’re listening.You can also share the questions you’d love me to unpack in future episodes. I read every message — and your stories and ideas help shape what comes next here.
Let’s breathe through this season together. 💛
 
 

58//Update: Why I've Been MIA and What's Next!

Hi friend,
In this quick update, I'm sharing a little about why things have been quiet lately and why I'm hitting pause to take my advice to reflect, reset, and refresh. To Be still and remember He is still God, especially during the most difficult seasons of our life.
Please know it's certainly not goodbye, just a short break to adjust and come back stronger. In the meantime, I hope you'll subscribe, go back and listen to your favorite episodes, and keep sharing with other moms who need to catch their breath.
Till then, remember - in every challenging season of life or homeschooling, pause. Breathe. And remember, He is God, and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
 
Thanks for your understanding and all the support!
xo,
Inga 

57// Why You Don't Need Permission to (Fill in the Blank)

Hey friend,
Ever feel like you’re waiting for a nod or a green light to just... breathe? To decide what’s truly right for you and your family? You’re not alone.
This episode is all about breaking free from the ‘permission slip’ we think we need—whether it’s to pause for self-care, shift gears, or dive into homeschooling. It’s time to talk about why we stall, waiting for approval that, deep down, we know we don’t need.
Why do we do this to ourselves? Guilt, doubt, fear of judgment—these shadows loom over us, making decisions feel heavier than they should.
We’re diving deep into self-trust (or the lack thereof), the fear of falling behind, and the worry about what others will think. It’s these feelings that often send us seeking validation from anyone but ourselves.
Tune in for a real talk on granting ourselves the permission to live on our terms. Discover strategies to manage the inner critic, celebrate our autonomy in homeschooling, and more.
You’ll learn to embrace planning with flexibility and how to build your own circle of trust for those moments when you crave a bit of backup in your choices.
Though we zero in on homeschooling, this episode is a must-listen if you’ve been waiting for someone else to say “It’s okay” about any aspect of your life.
Listen, breathe easier, and share the journey with a friend. It’s time to claim the power of your choices.
xo,
Inga, your Homeschool Life Coach
 
 
 
 
 
 
🔗 What's Next?1. Come hang with me in the CYB Facebook Community. 
2. Want to learn how to create a homeschool where you have space to breathe, click the link to book a Discovery Call, Not sure if coaching is for you, there are no strings attached to have a call. 
3. Know another mom who could use a reminder to take a break? Don't hold back; share the love.
Looking for extra support for your child's mental wellbeing? Learn how to help your child navigate tough emotions. Join our upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid training. It's a straightforward way to enhance your support for your child’s emotional well-being. Secure your spot now and bring more understanding and support into your homeschooling. Email me at hello@ingamasek.com for the deets.
 

56// Answering Your Question: How Do You Make and Maintain Friendships as a Homeschool Mom?

HI friend,
I'm tackling a question that's been on the minds of many in our community: how do we create and deepen friendships as busy homeschooling moms? This topic, sparked by a question from one of our community members, is something I'm really excited to talk about.
Tune in to learn
why finding joy in your own company can actually attract more meaningful friendships,
why the quest for the perfect 'mom friend' might not be the answer, and
how embracing the natural ebb and flow of friendships can be incredibly rewarding.
This episode is all about discovering deeper connections without the usual pressures, finding friends who truly understand you by following your own interests, and making room for these relationships in the whirlwind of homeschooling.
Get ready for down-to-earth advice and actionable tips on building your social network, all inspired by a conversation that started right here, in our homeschool circle. 
As always, if this podcast encourages you in any way, please share it with another mom or leave a review.
Enjoy!
Here cheering you on every step of the way with a prayer in my heart and a smile on my face!
Your Homeschool Lifestyle Coach,
Inga
 
**If you're stressed out and overwhelmed and feel like you're almost ready to throw in the towel but know you don't want to put them in school, book a discovery call, and let's chat about how I can help.**
 

55// Endurance for Homeschooling: Building Your Capacity for the Long Run

Hi friend,
In this episode, we're exploring the concept of gentle endurance in homeschooling.
Tune in to learn
the importance of maintaining energy, focus, and compassion throughout your homeschooling journey.
3 simple strategies to keep your passion and motivation high throughout the school year and beyond, and
how to reframe the concept of endurance in homeschooling
what you have to stop doing if you want to homeschool for the long-term
As always, if this podcast encourages you in any way, please share it with another mom or leave a review.
Enjoy!
Here cheering you on every step of the way with a prayer in my heart and a smile on my face!
Your Homeschool Lifestyle Coach,
Inga
 
**If you're stressed out and overwhelmed and feel like you're almost ready to throw in the towel but know you don't want to put them in school, book a discovery call, and let's chat about how I can help.**
 
 

54//Why You Can Stop Stressing About Having the Perfect Balance in Homeschooling and Life

Hey Friend,
We're rethinking the whole balance game. Instead of chasing after this idea of perfect balance, I'll show you how to weave harmony into your day-to-day. We'll explore how setting up time blocks can seriously upgrade your routine and how embracing the AIM strategy (that's Accepting, Interrupting, and Managing stress) can be a game-changer.
And because I know how tough this homeschooling journey can be, we're all about celebrating those little wins and patting ourselves on the back for the imperfections too. Plus, I can't stress enough how crucial it is to take care of you. Self-care isn't just nice; it's necessary for keeping everything else running smoothly.
I'll also share the scoop on setting goals that feel doable and the power of finding your tribe in homeschooling communities. 
So, if you're ready to shift from feeling frazzled to feeling harmonious, this episode is your invitation. Let's embrace the beautifully imperfect journey of homeschooling and life together. Trust me, it's okay not to have it all figured out. What matters is we're here, learning and growing together. Can't wait for you to join me!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Next Steps:
1. Sharing is caring: If this episode, or any other episodes, have encouraged or blessed you, share with another homeschool mom. Share the podcast. Share our online community. Share what's encouraged you the most. 
2. Learn how to have realistic balance:  Book a strategy session if you're feeling swamped and looking for a way to breathe easier and enjoy this homeschooling adventure. The discovery call is free as you learn all about how I can help you. 
3. Join me at the Thrive! The NCHE Homeschool Conference May 23-25, 2024,   in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  We'll be working on giving you a mindset makeover so you can embrace imperfection, and then we are going to practice the art of celebration. Register Here!
 

53// 9 Ways to Ease Frustration When Your Child is Struggling. I'm Spilling the T.

Hey friend,
Have you ever been in a situation where your child is struggling to understand a certain subject or topic? It feels like no matter how much you both try, it just isn't clicking, leading to frustration for you and your child!
 
In this episode, we talk about '9 Tips'—simple yet effective strategies to help navigate these challenging moments. Not only will these support your child through their struggles, but they'll help you keep your cool too. There's hope, and you and your child can overcome this hurdle with the right approach. Tune in to find out how.
 
And remember, I am here cheering you on every step of the way, with a prayer in my heart and a smile on my lips.
 
Your Homeschool Coach, 
Inga 
 
 
Join the Conversation: After you listen to this episode, I'd love for you to jump into our Facebook Community. For February, we're chatting about what we love most about homeschooling. Join the conversation.
Personalized Guidance: Feeling overwhelmed with how to start homeschooling or is the struggle stressing out? I can help. Book a Discovery Call to love your homeschooling journey.
Spread the Love: If this episode made you smile and think of a friend who could use a little boost of love, share it with her. Let's help each other find joy and love in our homeschooling journey. It's amazing how a simple act of sharing can spread so much positivity.

52//Exposing the Myth of the Perfect Homeschool Mom!

Hi friend,
Are you a homeschooling mom grappling with the pressure to be perfect? Then this episode is for you.
We're exposing the myth of the 'perfect mom' in the world of homeschooling and the damaging effects of this unrealistic ideal. We're stressing the benefits of community over competition.
Tune in to learn the simple mindset shift that can help us
shed the illusion of perfection.
foster authentic relationships with each other.
shed light on the fact that no mom is perfect.
remember that each of us brings unique strengths to the table that complement our supposed 'flaws.'
embrace the truth that you've been endowed with unique gifts that make you perfectly equipped to educate your children.
Hit play and be ready to get rid of the myth of the perfect homeschool mom. 
And remember, I am here cheering you on every step of the way, with a prayer in my heart and a smile on my lips.
Your Homeschool Coach, 
Inga 
 
 
Join the Conversation: After you listen to this episode, I'd love for you to jump into our Facebook Community. For February, we're chatting about what we love most about homeschooling. Join the conversation.
Personalized Guidance: Feeling overwhelmed with how to start homeschooling or is homeschooling stressing you out? I can help. Book a Discovery Call to love your homeschooling journey.
Spread the Love: If this episode made you smile and think of a friend who could use a little boost of love, share it with her. Let's help each other find joy and love in our homeschooling journey. It's amazing how a simple act of sharing can spread so much positivity.