Homeschool Graduation: A Mom's Reflections on Change

My daughter is graduating from our homeschool this year, and I’ve been thinking a lot about what homeschool graduation actually means—for her, and for me.

I have a journal that was actually given to me by one of my OT professors at my baby shower. It was fitting since my daughter was born 3 weeks before I finished my final internship for my Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. My, apparently very hungry, infant daughter cried all the way through my graduation speech. It’s fitting to say we’ve done this entire occupational therapy and especially homeschool parent journey TOGETHER.

In that journal, I’ve written to her many days that were fantastic, and many days that were not. I wrote an entry agonizing over the decision to begin to homeschool when she was in 3rd grade in public school while we were moving from Maryland to Pennsylvania.

The Question I Asked When We Started Homeschooling

“I wonder if we will be friends when we are done? I actually wonder what ‘done’ means as a homeschool parent or even ‘friends’ for that matter? How will we find those in a new state with this homeschooling thing?”

I laugh now at the “done” question because, since 2017, my definition of homeschooling has completely changed- as has as my definition of education. And that question about friends? It came straight from the old stereotype of isolated kids.

I can happily say that we are friends and also that she has never been isolated -though there have been times of loneliness.

I can also say that I’m not done as an educator… but wow will it look differently.

Today, as we have her diploma printed, her display board of accomplishments ready, and her cap and gown hanging for the co-op graduation, I find myself thinking less about the milestone- and more about the shift.

The Roles We Take On as Homeschool Parents

As an occupational therapist, everything we do during the day to occupy our time, falls under the umbrella of occupational therapy.

Brushing our teeth
Cooking meals
Choosing curriculum
Planning the day
Teaching lessons
Hiking with friends
Relearning math, history, English
Learning math, history, English because I think it has all changed
Driving to co ops, practices, events
Waiting at co ops, practices, events

With the exception of brushing our teeth, every single occupation will change after graduation.

I wanted to do this transition well. I wanted to make this day – and this season- to be about my daughter , not about me.

So, as a good little Charlotte Mason Educator, I read books (The After Party of the Empty Nest by Kate Batistelli). As a good little occupational therapist, I considered what new occupations I would pursue (including stepping more fully into direct OT services alongside HomeschoolOT!).

But, what I didn’t expect was this:

Not only am I feeling the joy, excitement, and pride of watching my child step into something new… I’m also feeling the emotions of moving on from a job.

A job that was

challenging, yet beautiful
successful, while always needing improvement
fast-paced, with some really long days
exhausting, yet invigorating
a privilege and a sacrifice

I fully recognize that not all homeschool parents arrived here by choice. For some of us, homeschooling wasn’t a preference- it was the only option to truly fit our child. But regardless of how we cot here, these occupations become woven into our daily lives. The role becomes central. It becomes a priority.

Then slowly…. or sometimes all at once… it changes.

What Happens After Homeschool Graduation?

Today, I find myself asking a very similar question to that original entry years ago:

“I wonder if we will be friends now that you’re into a new stage of life? I actually wonder what ‘friends’ means in this different role? How will we figure this out?”

Maybe that’s the answer… We will figure it out, together. Just like we always have.

If you’re in the middle of homeschooling- whether you’re just starting, deep in the daily rhythm, or approaching a transition like this- I’d love to hear from you.

What questions are you holding right now?