Amber’s Homeschool Day in the Life (with a 9-, 11-, 13- and 15-year-old)

Amber’s Homeschool Day in the Life (with a 9-,11-, 13-, and 15-year-old) ~ 
Written by Amber O’Neal Johnston from Heritage Mom

Two years ago, I was recuperating from a life-threatening illness.

Last year, I was caretaking for my sister as she bravely battled breast cancer.

This year, I intended to write about the bountiful and beautiful homeschool days we’d finally reclaimed.

Before I could even begin, my mom was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Thankfully, we’d just moved her across the country to be near us—what providence! Still, this week alone, I’ve spent at least four hours each day in doctors’ offices or hospitals for her outpatient procedures. I find myself constantly torn between being fully present as a homeschooling mom to my four children (ages 9 to 15) and a daughter determined to surround her mother with love and care.

I don’t claim to have figured out the balancing act, but I’m living both roles—messily, but faithfully.

Here’s a glimpse into a recent day when I happened to be home all day.

Amber’s Homeschool Day in the Life (with a 9-, 11-, 13- and 15-year-old)

5:30 AM: A Healthy Start

The alarm goes off early, and I head to the gym with my husband and our oldest. Recently, she’s developed a strong interest in health and wellness, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this passion with her. These early morning car rides provide rare, uninterrupted time for the three of us to connect.

After our workout, we return home around 7:00 AM, eat breakfast together, and she heads upstairs to shower and dive into her schoolwork. Many of her lessons are now online as she pursues dual enrollment credits, so my role is less hands-on teacher and more guidance counselor and cheerleader—a transition I’m savoring.

8:00 AM: Morning Hustle

The rest of the kids start waking up, drawn by the smell of piping hot oatmeal topped with bananas, strawberries, and cinnamon, plus scrambled eggs and toast. As they settle in, I read the Bible, lead a prayer, and dive into our morning time routine: hymn, poetry, picture study, and two read-alouds.

Morning time is the heart of our homeschool, anchoring us before the inevitable interruptions.

9:00 AM: Independent Lessons

After morning time, I go over math lessons with my 11- and 13-year-olds, who then work through their independent subjects. They pop in and out of the kitchen to ask questions or (more likely) pester each other. Meanwhile, I stay at the table with my 9-year-old.

Though he can now read his schoolbooks on his own—a huge milestone—he still likes me to be close by. With everything going on, he’s been clamoring for extra attention, and I’m happy to give it to him.

Midday: The Gift of Community

By late morning, my youngest two wrap up lessons, and they head outside to play with friends—three similarly-aged boys who recently moved in across the street. Homeschool recess is alive and well, no matter the weather!

Watching their friendships blossom has been a reminder of the beauty of community and “neighborly relations,” as old folks used to say.

While the boys are outside and the girls are immersed in personal projects—journaling, reading, sewing, or painting their nails—I grab a couple of hours to work on launch materials for my upcoming book, Soul School.

With its release just weeks away, this season is busier than usual, but it’s fulfilling to know this project will soon reach families everywhere.

4:00 PM: Dinner Prep

By late afternoon, as the kids wind down from their activities, I shift gears to focus on preparing dinner. I love cooking when I’m not rushed, so I’ve learned to start prepping dinner early. While chopping vegetables and gathering ingredients, I listen to gospel music. My husband eventually joins me in the kitchen after wrapping up in his home office.

I relish these moments of casual chatting as I transition to my evening chill mode.

Dinner is a simple but hearty meal—sweet potato and peanut soup and arugula salad. I’ve learned that food doesn’t have to be fancy to bring everyone to the table, and in our home, the dinner table is sacred.

6:00 PM: Family Dinner

We all gather around the table, sharing stories from the day. I listen as the kids talk about their lessons, the latest escapades in the neighborhood, or random musings about life. It’s my favorite part of the day—a chance to connect and laugh together.

After dinner, the kids rotate through their kitchen duties. Tonight, my 13-year-old is in charge of cleaning up. She’s blasting her favorite musical soundtrack, loudly singing along while scrubbing dishes.

It’s chaotic, and the volume is a bit overwhelming, but I love that she brings so much joy to even the most mundane tasks.

Evening Wind-Down

With the kitchen clean and the day winding down, the kids scatter to their own spaces. My younger two are playing Forbidden Island (afflink), my 13-year-old is sketching in her notebook, and my oldest is re-decorating her room. I sneak away to tidy my room, reset for tomorrow, and squeeze in a little planning for the week ahead.

Around 9:00 PM, I tuck in my youngest, curled up with his Kindle, and tell the older three goodnight. I used to be the one tucking everyone into bed, but now I’m often the first to call it a night.

Reflections Before Bed

As I climb into bed, my thoughts drift to the week’s challenges. Caring for my mom, homeschooling my kids, and keeping up with work as an author and speaker sometimes feels like juggling flaming swords. But as I look back on this day, I’m reminded that “normal” doesn’t mean easy or without trial.

Homeschooling isn’t an Instagram reel or a perfectly curated highlight.

It’s messy, imperfect, and real. It’s sitting down to math lessons while your heart is heavy with worry for your mom. It’s saying yes to extra cuddles from a child who needs your attention. It’s showing your kids how to sacrifice and love when life feels overwhelming.

I know I’ll look back on this season and see the lessons my kids learned about resilience, service, and the beauty of doing life together, no matter how chaotic it feels. So, I “count it all joy” and embrace this season for what it is—a chance to live out love and learning, one imperfect day at a time.

Encouragement for You

To the moms who feel like they’re at the frayed end of the rope, I see you. You’re not alone, and you’re doing an incredible job. We’ve got this, together.

Tomorrow’s another day, and we’ll rise to meet it—mess and all.

My, how the days have changed:

• 2023: Amber’s Homeschool Day in the Life (with a 7, 9, 11, & 13-year-old)
• 2024: Amber’s Homeschool Day in the Life (with a 8-, 10-, 12- and 14-year-old)

What’s Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie’s quiz now and receive a free personality report to help you organize your homeschool based on what your personality type needs most!