Juggling Big Life Changes and Homeschool

Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

Are you in a season where homeschooling just feels… well, impossible? Juggling toddlers, moving houses, job changes—or maybe even facing heart surgery for your baby? Deep breath—friend, this episode is proof you really can keep going, even in the crazy!

Today I’m joined by my friend, marketing pro, and veteran homeschool mom Tracey Matney. Tracey’s not only teaching her 8-year-old son (since Pre-K!)—she’s also wrangling a busy toddler after a wild couple of years filled with moving, house fires, a not-quite-soon-enough home build, having a newborn in a borrowed back-house, and that earth-shaking moment when her baby needed open heart surgery at just four months old.

If you’ve ever thought, “How am I supposed to homeschool through THIS?”—Tracey’s story will encourage you and give you a good reality check on what truly matters. (Spoiler: Perfectionism is out, “the main things” are in.)

What You'll Learn About Homeschooling While Under Pressure

• The only subjects that really matter during a crisis season (and what to ditch)
• How to build resilience—even when chaos reigns at home (hint: Bible, breakfast, and deep breaths)
• The power of homeschool community and leaning on others when you simply can’t do it all
• Practical ways to pivot your plans, release perfection, and keep going—even when you want to quit
• How Autopilot planning (and a clear homeschool vision) transforms your confidence and sanity—not just your lesson lists
• Why letting your kids see you grow is its own kind of homeschool win

Links and Resources From Today’s Show

• Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot
• Beast Academy math (for independent/gifted math)
• IEW Fix It Grammar
• Story of the World (history)
• Tracey’s Instagram
• Free Homeschool Community

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt40

Mentioned in this episode:

Autopilot Bonus 2025

Get the Independent Student Planner Bundle FREE when you purchase Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot by June 27. Go to pambarnhill.com/autopilot today!

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