Reflecting on a Homeschool Journey: Jamie's Last Day with Older Teens

Jamie’s (FINAL) homeschool day in the life (with a 17-, 18-, & 19-year-old) ~
Written by Jamie C. Martin in 2023, published in 2025

In January 2023, I drafted this piece but held off on posting it as I recorded a podcast episode with my son Jonathan. Now, as a retired homeschool mom, I’m excited to share this unique glimpse into our family's educational journey.

This entry serves as a cherished time capsule from our final year of formal homeschooling, marking an end to 15 years of this shared endeavor.

The Transitioning Years

The evolution of our homeschooling journey is evident, yet some aspects remain constant. I’m grappling with the reality that I’m now the proud mother of two homeschool graduates, which is both liberating and bittersweet.

Being a mother to three children who are so close in age brings about its own set of challenges, particularly as each child transitions to their next phase while I navigate my own shifting role.

Our Morning Routine

Now, our mornings revolve around breakfast, shared amongst whoever is present at home. The charming storytime rituals of reading Little House or Narnia are now replaced with reflective moments over devotions or stories from Guideposts magazine.

After a prayer, the daily chores commence. My mornings frequently involve driving my two special needs teens, who don’t drive, to work or volunteer placements.

Creating a fulfilling life for my children remains paramount, not unlike the focus we maintained in our homeschooling years. This commitment mirrors our earlier days, filled with opportunities for personal growth.

Lessons of Patience

With my 17-year-old, Elijah, lessons in reading and math still take center stage. Despite teaching him for a decade, fluency eludes us, which can be disheartening. We’re now investigating assistive tech and considering pathways for public school support, which would extend until he turns 22.

Reflecting on our homeschooling experience, I remain thankful for its holistic approach, which has instilled in each of my children a sense of self-advocacy and resilience that would have likely been undermined in a traditional school setting.

The emphasis has always been on nurturing individual strengths while acknowledging weaknesses. Their mental and emotional well-being has been a priority alongside academic pursuits, nurturing a more rounded growth.

Redefining Roles Post-Graduation

I once believed that my time would free up significantly after graduation. (Stop laughing!) Instead, I find myself immersed in helping my children apply for jobs, prepare for interviews, and maneuver the paperwork that comes with being their primary educator.

Prioritizing Personal Time

Daily reflection has remained essential throughout my journey. I appreciate the wisdom of experienced homeschool mothers who urged me to carve out personal moments, whether reading in front of the woodstove or sneaking a few minutes of solitude in a locked bathroom.

Encouraging Literacy

I embrace the role of “guardian of the books,” encouraging all my children to explore literature that inspires them. My son Jonathan and I maintain our Chapter a Day Book Club, fostering our connection even when he’s pursuing adventures such as his recent trip to Los Angeles for a lighting project.

At Thanksgiving, Jonathan expressed that homeschooling fostered a unique perspective in him, enabling the development of his technical skills to a high level.

As each of my children now embarks on their employment journeys, it’s rewarding to witness them thriving and growing in unique ways. Balancing support for their independence while providing guidance is both exhilarating and heartwarming.

Family Values

We maintain a culture of responsibility at home, which includes helping with chores, cooking, reading, and some form of spiritual or devotional time, alongside getting outside for fresh air.

Walking with my older children has become a cherished routine, allowing for deep conversations and insights.

Our family, composed of one biological child and two internationally adopted children with special needs, truly stands out. This diversity contributes to the richness of our homeschool experience.

This distinctiveness is part of why we chose homeschooling. All three kids still express gratitude for their educational experience, which I deem a monumental achievement.

Reflecting on my journey, I wish I had worried less along the way. I would love to reassure my younger self that despite the expected challenges, everything would ultimately be alright.

Today, I hold that faith for the next decade ahead, confident in the continuity of support and growth.

Explore Jamie's Journey

• 2011: Jamie’s homeschool day with a 5, 6, & 7-year-old
• 2012: Jamie’s homeschool day with a 6, 7, & 8-year-old
• 2013: Jamie’s homeschool day with a 7, 8, & 9-year-old
• 2014: My homeschool day with an 8, 9, & 10-year-old
• 2015: My homeschool day with a 9, 10, & 11-year-old
• 2016: My homeschool day with a 10, 11, & 12-year-old
• 2017: My homeschool day with a 11, 12, & 13-year-old
• 2018: My homeschool day with a 12, 13, & 14-year-old
• 2019: My homeschool day with a 13, 14, & 15-year-old
• 2020: My homeschool day with a 14, 15, & 16-year-old
• 2021: My homeschool day with a 15, 16, & 17-year-old
• 2022: My homeschool day with a 16, 17, & 18-year-old
• 2023: My final homeschool day with a 17, 18, & 19-year-old
• Homeschool Day in the Life podcast episode #103

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