6 Books Every Working Homeschool Mom Should Read
As a working homeschool mom, the two universal things we’re looking for are guidance for homeschooling, home life, etc. and how to get it all done in the limited time we have each week. While I don’t know of any books written specifically for working homeschool moms, there are several books that, when pieced together, can create a fairly helpful guide for the busy lives we lead.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of six books that have deeply influenced the way I homeschool, manage my home, and show up for my work without losing my sanity in the process. My hope is that you’ll find something helpful among them, too.
The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment
Best for: Figuring out what you want your homeschool to look like
This was the very first book I ever picked up about homeschooling as a mom. I was homeschooled as a kid, but honestly never gave much thought to whether I would homeschool my kids until my first son was born. Somehow, I stumbled upon this book when my son was a newborn and I remember reading it on my phone during late night feeds. While I didn’t agree with everything in it, it was instrumental in my decision to homeschool.
If you’re somewhat new to homeschooling and trying to figure out what you want your homeschool to look like, I highly recommend this book. It gives a brief overview of various educational philosophies often used by homeschoolers and can be a very helpful starting point.
Home Management: Plain and Simple by Kim Brenneman
Best for: Home systems, practical tips, and managing a full household
This book feels like a deep exhale. It’s written by a fellow homeschool mom who has a large family and learned how to manage home life with lots of littles underfoot. It’s very practical and covers everything from laundry systems to meal routines and attitude shifts.
Full disclosure: I didn’t find the book to be all that well-written and it can feel a bit old-fashioned or irrelevant at times, depending on your personality. But there are enough helpful nuggets to make it a worthwhile read, especially if you’re craving a little more structure in your day-to-day.
The Lifegiving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson
Best for: Creating a meaningful family culture and rhythms of rest
This might be my all-time favorite book and I can’t imagine creating a must-read list without it. This book is about the heart of home more than the logistics. In moments when I feel like I’m drowning in to-do lists, this book continues to remind me that my home can and should be a place of peace, beauty, and belonging.
Sally and Sarah walk through the rhythms of each month and how to build a family culture through traditions, meals, and intentionality in the small and big moments. If nothing else, this book has taught me the importance of my own attitude in shaping the culture of our family and home.
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Best for: Focus and productivity
Okay, shifting gears a bit – because this book has nothing to do with homemaking or homeschooling. But hear me out: Deep Work changed how I approach my work blocks. If you’re juggling professional responsibilities in limited time windows, this book is gold.
It makes the case for working with focus and intention and helped me learn to protect spaces for deep, focused work. Setting better boundaries and protecting my brainpower has, in turn, allowed me to accomplish more meaningful work even when I have just an hour here or there. Now, I see my ability to do deep work as my most valuable work asset.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Best for: Building better routines
Atomic Habits is wildly popular for a reason. I love the way it breaks down habit-building into small, doable changes. As a working homeschool mom, I don’t have the margin for complicated systems. This book is my go-to when I’m working on a new habit, like sticking with a morning routine.
The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington
Best for: Setting and reaching goals
Never say never, but I can’t imagine myself setting goals any other way than with a 12 week framework after reading this book almost ten years ago now. This book is perfect for those of us who love to plan but need structure to actually follow through. The 12 Week Year reframes goal-setting into short, focused sprints – helping you prioritize what really matters and take consistent action without getting overwhelmed.
I use this approach in how I set all my goals – for work, homeschool, and even personal habits – and it’s built into my productivity system. It’s way more forgiving (and effective) than an annual goal list that gets forgotten by March.
One Last Thought
These books aren’t a perfect how-to manual for working homeschool moms – our lives are beautifully unique, after all – but, together, they’ve shaped the way I approach this full life of homeschooling, working, and managing home (without losing my mind in the process).
I’ve taken pieces from each of them and slowly built a system that works for me – a rhythm of planning and routines that actually helps me feel present and productive (most days). It’s become the foundation for how I juggle all the moving parts.
If you’ve got a favorite book that’s helped you on this journey as a working homeschool mom, I’d love to hear about it!
