{Juggling Family Schedules // Let's Look Linkup}

Joining Shay at Mix and Match Mama and Erika at A Little Bit of Everything for this month’s “Let’s Look” link-up where we’re talking all about juggling family schedules.

Oh August... how I used to dread and loathe you...

Back when Mason was in public school, I could feel my heart start to sink the minute we flipped the calendar to August. That back-to-school countdown would begin, and it honestly felt like a dark cloud hovering over the last few weeks of summer. I just loved having my sweet boy home with me, and I did not enjoy handing him over to school every day. I missed him terribly, and that Mama-heart sadness was so real.

But God had something better in store.

When Mason was in 5th grade, God clearly led us into the world of homeschooling, and it has been the biggest blessing to our family. Now? August isn’t dreaded anymore...in fact, it’s a month we love! There’s no more back-to-school dread, just a slow, intentional ease into a new season.

Because we homeschool, we typically start our studies after Labor Day and finish up around Memorial Day. That gives us a summer that’s actually long enough to rest, reset, and enjoy our family time. Mason uses an online, Bible-based curriculum called Monarch, and it’s been a great fit for him. His desk is set up right here in my home office where I work remotely, so I’m nearby if he ever needs anything. And honestly? I just love getting to spend my days with him.

We live in a sweet, quiet town, but it’s zoned to a school district about 25 minutes away that just wasn’t the right fit for our family. Knowing Mason is learning in a safe and loving environment...without me constantly worrying...is such a gift. Homeschool has allowed him to thrive rather than be held back. He gets to work at his own pace and typically finishes his entire school day in about two hours! That freedom has been a game changer.

So when it comes to juggling family schedules… ours might look a little different, but it works beautifully for us.

• I work from home Monday through Friday, 8am–4pm.

• Nate works Monday through Thursday from 5:30am–4:30pm, about 45 minutes from home.

• Mason usually starts school around 10 or 11am and finishes up by late afternoon.

Evenings are often filled with hockey...whether it’s practice, lessons, or games. Nate’s schedule is flexible enough to accommodate early ice times.

And a major perk? Nate has Fridays off! We use that day to knock out errands...like driving an hour to the hockey store, getting Mason to appointments, or squeezing in haircuts. But best of all, it gives Nate and Mason some much-needed one-on-one time, which I absolutely love.

I’m just so grateful for the way our life and schedules have been shaped to fit our family. It might not look like everyone else’s rhythm...but it gives us time together, peace of mind, and space for each of us to grow in our own ways.

So that’s a little peek into our day-to-day and how we juggle it all.

What does your family schedule look like this time of year? I’d love to hear how you manage the rhythm of school, work, and everything in between!