Tag: parenting

Will i find fulfillment in motherhood?

Published on by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

Today as I struggled to get all boys to bed for the night I thought to myself, wow – motherhood is a beautiful and transformative journey, and it is also one of the most challenging sacrificial roles I have ever known. The endless nappies, sleepless nights, mental gymnastics, and constant demands often leaves me feeling not only exhausted and depleted, but questioning whether this is the place where joy can truly be found.

In the midst of the chaos, there is a deep fulfillment to be found—a fulfillment that goes beyond the immediate, and touches on the eternal. As Christian mothers, we are called not only to care for our children but to see the sacred in the everyday moments and train them up in the ways of the Lord, even when it feels really really hard (and most days, it does). I believe that God created and uses the role of mother to not only refine and transform us into the best version of ourselves, but to help us see His nature and character as we fall short daily.

It’s in those very moments of weakness—when patience runs thin, when exhaustion settles heavy—that God’s grace meets us most profoundly. Motherhood, in all its labour and sacrifices, becomes a living testimony of His strength made perfect in our weakness. The fulfillment we find is not in our perfection, but in the daily surrender, in knowing that our small acts of love and intentionality ripple through their lives into eternity.

Rocking a baby to sleep, correcting with gentleness (or firmness for the 10th time), or offering a whispered prayer over a child’s future are not insignificant; they are kingdom work. Fulfillment comes when we begin to see that this calling is less about what we accomplish in our own strength and more about how Christ shines through us as we do our best to lean wholly on Him.

What does fulfillment mean practically?

Practically, this means first learning to accept that we will not do it all perfectly. There will be days when the house is messy, the laundry undone, or tempers are tested and we are overstimulated more than we can bear. Accepting our human limitations frees us from the crushing weight of comparison and high expectations, and allows us to lean on God’s strength rather than our own.

Alongside acceptance, we can also be intentional about building rhythms into our days that anchor us in God’s presence—whether that’s beginning the morning with a short prayer before the children wake, listening to Scripture as we fold clothes, or finding small pockets of quiet to breathe and remember whose we are. Fulfillment often grows not from grand, sweeping gestures, but from the faithful repetition of ordinary acts offered to the Lord.

We can also build community into our journey, surrounding ourselves with other mothers who encourage, pray, and walk alongside us. In doing so, we are reminded that we are not alone in this calling, and that together we can point one another back to Christ when the days feel long and tiring.

Motherhood is sanctifying. The hard days do not mean failure; they are opportunities for God to grow patience, humility, and love within us. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2–3)

Will I be as fulfilled in motherhood? I miss my independence.

I think it’s natural for us to wrestle with the fear of “losing ourselves” in the midst of motherhood. For many, the world measures success by productivity, financial achievement, and visible recognition, and stepping into the unseen work of raising children can feel like stepping away from seen purpose. I remember processing the shock of my time no longer being my own when I had my first son, and feeling like my life was suddenly sucked into a vacuum. As much as I felt overwhelming joy and purpose in this new role, I deeply grieved the freedom and independence that I once felt, because all of a sudden, my life was under a spot light- being constantly watched by a little person!

Yet, Scripture gently reminds us that our worth is not rooted in what we do or what we earn, but in who we are in Christ. Motherhood may shift how our time and talents are expressed, but it does not erase them. In fact, it can refine and deepen them. The same skills of creativity, leadership, and problem-solving that shine in a career are often exercised in new, hidden ways at home and we can build up the courage and incremental time to explore these areas of our lives.

While the world may not applaud nappy changes, middle-of-the-night prayers, or the wisdom spoken into a child’s heart, heaven sees and honours these acts as holy work. The truth is that God does not ask us to trade fulfillment for sacrifice—He calls us to find a richer kind of fulfillment through sacrifice, one that is eternal rather than fleeting.

At the same time, embracing motherhood does not mean abandoning every dream, ambition, or calling outside the home. For some, “their own thing” might be pursued alongside motherhood in a different season or at a different pace, and that is okay. God is not wasteful; the gifts He has placed in you are not meant to be buried, but stewarded in His timing.

What motherhood does invite is a reordering of priorities—placing eternal impact above temporary accolades. It means asking not only, “What makes me feel successful?” but also, “What fruit will last beyond me?”

In this light, I am learning to see that motherhood is not the end of identity or purpose, but the widening of it. It is stepping into a calling where unseen work shapes eternal souls, and where success is measured not by titles or paychecks but by faithfulness and love. The world may not always understand or applaud this, but fulfillment in God’s design often looks different from what culture celebrates. It is slower, quieter, and sometimes hidden—but infinitely more enduring.

I hope this encourages you on your journey.

Alethea x

Homeschooling my children is making me feel depressed and like a failure. what should i do?

Published on by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

When Homeschooling Feels Heavy

If homeschooling has you feeling depressed or like you’re failing, please know you’re not the only one. So many parents quietly carry those feelings, even while pouring their hearts into teaching at home.

I almost had a crash recently just because of pure exhaustion and dealing with changing behaviour from one of my boys.

Homeschooling is beautiful, but it can also feel like an endless weight. We are the teacher, the parent, the organiser, the encourager — sometimes it feels like too many hats on one head. And when the day doesn’t go as planned, it’s easy to believe the lie that you’re not enough.

But here’s the truth: you are not failing. The very fact that you care this much already means you’re showing up in the most important way.

If your heart feels heavy and you are flat out exhausted, here are a few gentle reminders from my heart to yours:

  • Keep it simple– Learning doesn’t have to look like a perfectly structured school day. Reading stories together, cooking a meal, going on a walk, or even long conversations all count as rich learning. Our children are always absorbing.
  • Let go of comparison– It’s so tempting to measure ourselves against polished blogs, Instagram accounts, or even traditional schools. But homeschooling isn’t about recreating the classroom. It’s about creating a space where our children can thrive in our family’s way.
  • Find your people– Homeschooling can feel isolating. Most days, it’s just us and our children in all things. So whether it’s a local co-op, a Facebook group, or a few trusted friends, connecting with others who “get it” can lift so much weight off our shoulders. Sometimes just hearing “me too” makes things lighter.
  • Take care of you, too- It’s easy to burn out when all your energy goes into teaching. Make time — even small moments — for things that recharge you. We can’t pour from an empty cup. A quiet walk, a favourite tea, a few minutes of journaling, a warm shower, and chat to a trusted friend— can help us feel more like ourselves.
  • Ask for support when you need it– If your feelings of sadness or failure don’t lift, reaching out to a counselor or doctor can make a world of difference. Getting help is not weakness; it’s strength.

Low-effort homeschooling hacks

I’ve thought of a few “low-effort homeschooling hacks” — ways to give our children meaningful learning while taking pressure off ourselves when things feel heavy.

1. Audiobooks = built-in teacher.
Pop on an audiobook during meals, car rides, or quiet time. Our children absorb so much just by listening — vocabulary, storytelling, history, even accents. (Bonus: you get a little break.)

2. Documentaries & educational shows count.
Sometimes we feel guilty about screen time, but there’s no rule that says learning can’t happen through TV. Nature documentaries, history series, cooking shows, even YouTube channels can spark amazing conversations, learning and curiosity.

3. Turn everyday life into lessons.
Cooking = maths (fractions, measurements), science (how heat changes things), and life skills. Grocery shopping = budgeting and planning. Nature walks = biology. We are always teaching way more than we realise.

4. Lean on online resources.
Free platforms like Khan Academy, Crash Course Kids, or even local library apps can take the teaching role for a while. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

5. Interest-led “unit studies.”
Instead of following a rigid schedule, pick something your child is already curious about (dinosaurs, space, baking, bugs) and weave lessons around it. Read a book, watch a video, do a craft — done! Children learn best when they’re interested.

6. Outsource where you can.
Co-ops, community classes, or even a trusted family member teaching a skill can give you breathing room. You don’t have to be the expert in every subject.

7. Embrace “slow days.”
Not every day has to be full of worksheets and structured lessons. Sometimes a day of reading, drawing, building Legos, or just talking counts just as much as the busy days.

On the really heavy and exhausting days, I remind myself that the secret to homeschooling is that it doesn’t have to look like school at home. The most powerful thing our children gain is the time, attention, and love that I am giving them.

Love, Alethea

How to build a home schedule that works

Published on by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

If you’re anything like me, juggling the homeschooling of three energetic boys and in general young children can sometimes be so overwhelming. Between the teaching, snack breaks, constant tidying up of little people and cooking, it can feel like the day is running us instead of the other way around. But fear not! I’m here to share some tips on how to build a home schedule that actually works—at least most of the time.

Be flexible

First things first, let’s talk about flexibility. As much as I love the idea of a perfectly structured day, with every minute accounted for, I’ve learned that life with kids, especially boys, just doesn’t work that way. There’s always going to be something that throws a wrench into our plans, whether it’s spilled food, an unexpected discovery of a “treasure” in the garden, or a tired and unmotivated gloom of the day. So, while it’s important to have a schedule, it’s equally important to hold it loosely. I like to think of our schedule now as more of a guideline than a strict timetable.

Create blocks of time

One thing that has been a game-changer for us is creating blocks of time instead of specific time slots. For example, we have a morning block for our core subjects like devotion, maths, reading, penmanship etc, an afternoon block for creative activities, and an evening block for family time. This way, if we spend a little extra time on a science experiment (or cleaning up from said experiment), it doesn’t throw the whole day off. It gives us the flexibility to dive deeper into subjects that capture the boys’ interest without feeling rushed.

Another tip is to incorporate plenty of breaks. Boys, in particular, seem to have an endless supply of energy, and expecting them to sit still for hours on end is a recipe for disaster (I’ve tried and learnt my lesson)! We do short bursts of focused learning followed by movement breaks. This may mean a quick game of hide and seek, a workout break, a few minutes on the trampoline, or even a spontaneous dance party in the living room with a Youtube video. These breaks help them burn off energy and come back to their work refreshed and ready to concentrate. I’ll always communicate to them and let them know what’s coming next in the day. This helps to prevent tantrums and resistance when it’s time to move on to the next activity.

Time for ourselves

It’s also crucial to build in some time for ourselves – even though most of the time it feels absolutely impossible! This season simply doesn’t permit me to have my free time as I would like all the time so I am learning that it is possible to infuse things that I enjoy throughout my day. Considering this as self care really helps me to know that I am not counting myself out of the family schedule and planning.

Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea before the boys wake up, a quick workout, some time spent in prayer and reflection, spraying a little perfume, a 5 minute make up routine, or putting on smart clothes for the day, taking care of ourselves even in the littlest way helps us to take better care of our families Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So, carve out those moments of rest and rejuvenation whenever you can.

Use tools to stay on track

Using tools to stay on track can be incredibly helpful in maintaining a sense of order in the home. I have found that keeping a family calendar on the fridge helps everyone stay informed about daily plans and responsibilities. Additionally, a simple to-do list or planner can bring structure to the day and prevent tasks from feeling overwhelming. Personally, I enjoy using a prayer journal alongside my schedule—it not only keeps me organized but also allows me to reflect on God’s presence in my day-to-day life. Whether it’s a digital app or a traditional planner, having a system in place makes a big difference in staying consistent and finding peace amidst the busy routine.

Reassess and adjust regularly

Reassessing and adjusting regularly is crucial to maintaining a healthy and sustainable home schedule. It’s one of the things that I really struggled with initially, but the reality is that life is constantly changing—children grow, schedules shift, and unexpected circumstances arise. Taking time each month or even each week to evaluate what’s working and what’s causing stress can make a big difference. I like to pray over my schedule, asking God for wisdom to discern what needs to be adjusted. If a routine is feeling burdensome, it might be time to simplify or delegate tasks. Being flexible allows for grace in our daily lives, ensuring that our schedule serves us rather than us becoming slaves to it. Adjustments are not signs of failure but of growth and intentionality in creating a home filled with peace and joy.

So there you are! A few tips which I hope you’ll find helpful and encouraging. Building a home schedule that works is all about finding what fits your family’s rhythm and being willing to adjust as needed. With a little planning, a lot of flexibility, and a healthy dose of humor, you can create a routine that keeps everyone learning, laughing, and loving the homeschooling and home life. Keep up the great work, mama! You’ve got this.

nature school sign

When doubt creeps in: Encouragement for the homeschooling mum who feels she might have made the wrong choice

Published on by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

I don’t know about you, but there are some days when I look around at the chaos of our homeschool and wonder, What in the world is going on? The boys are arguing, fighting and screaming over toys, I am getting resistance with sit down book work and reading, and my youngest is determined to turn all the walls of my house into his museum of drawings. Meanwhile, I’m nursing a cold cup of coffee, a very messy kitchen (even though it was cleaned the night before), and sleepiness from waking up at 4:45am just to get a head start on the day before everyone wakes up. With fatigue, strain, frustration and overwhelm at an all time high, its easy to question whether we made the right decision to homeschool.

Some days, these are my thoughts, so first of all, I want to assure you that if you have felt any of this, you are not alone. There is no homeschooling mum on this planet (or probably even in the universe, if alien homeschooling mums exist) who hasn’t wondered at least once if she made a monumental mistake. It’s normal. We’ve all had those moments of doubt—when the curriculum doesn’t click, when the kids resist every lesson, or when we constantly feel that we are not enough. But let me remind you of something that God has been whispering to my heart lately: His grace is sufficient. Even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days. Here’s a beautiful hymn for you to tuck away in your heart.

I get it, though. It’s easy to romanticise homeschooling before we start. We picture morning devotionals with well-behaved children, afternoons spent exploring nature, and evenings reading classic literature in a cosy setting. Reality looks a little more like Weetabix smeared on every surface, (AND THEN DRYING IN A BLINK OF AN EYE!!), disruptive food requests every. five. minutes, and a “read-aloud” where you’re the only one actually listening to the story. And yet, even in the mess, there are so many beautiful moments waiting to be noticed.

A few tips and encouragement

When doubt comes knocking, I’ve found it helps to revisit why my husband and I chose this path in the first place. For me, it’s about nurturing my boys’ hearts as much as their minds. It’s about weaving our faith into their education and having the freedom to teach them in a way that honours their unique gifts and strengths. Yes, even when those gifts include making fart noises during lessons. (Lord, give me strength with these boys.)

Sometimes we just need to change our perspective. If a lesson is flopping or the kids are bouncing off the walls, maybe it’s time to pause the plan for the day. Go outside for a walk (which is my absolute go to), build a blanket fort, or get in the kitchen and bake and call it “life skills.” It all still counts. I have learnt that homeschooling isn’t about sticking rigidly to a schedule; it’s about creating a life where learning happens naturally and joyfully—well, most of the time for the children, and for us as mums.

Another thing that helps is connecting with other homeschooling mums. Join a co-op, find a support group, or just call that one friend who always “gets it.” There’s something so comforting about hearing someone else say, “Oh, me too!” We were made for community, and sharing our struggles often lightens the load.

Grace is available

Don’t forget to extend yourself some grace. God didn’t call us to this journey because He thought we would do it perfectly. He called us and wants us to depend upon Him every step of the way. Your children don’t need a perfect teacher; they need you. They need your love, your laughter, and yes, even your occasional meltdowns. (I firmly believe that seeing us apologise, pray for strength, handle difficult moments and regroup is an important life lesson for them.)

So, on the days when you’re tempted to throw in the towel, remember this: You are planting seeds, even when you can’t see the harvest yet. The hard days are part of the story, but they’re not the whole story. And who knows? Maybe one day, your children will look back on these years and thank you for the gift of learning together. They’ll remember a specific day (that you thought was pretty awful) and say that was one of the best moments of their lives. Or at least in my case they’ll remember how to bake really good cakes. Either way, you’re doing just fine, Mama. Keep going. ❤️

Affirmations for mothers at home

Published on by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

I am humbled by the breadth and depth of my role as a mother to my 3 boys. I am even more humbled (and often overwhelmed!) by the opportunity to be able to be with them each and everyday – watching them grow and come into their own.

The motherhood journey isn’t easy at all, and yet I truly believe that it is a sacred calling. It is an incredibly enriching and character shaping role in which we need all the encouragement and love to just keep going- one- day-at -a -time. It is deeply refining.

I am guilty of getting lost in the busyness of everyday life and responsibilities (because it all needs to be done!) and I often forget to fill my cup up as I am pouring into others everyday. It is easy for me to reach burnout and I have come to realise that daily short reminders and affirmations are a great way for me to incorporate multiple infusions into my mind and heart as I train, live with, enjoy, discipline and disciple my children.

I am always researching, reading, downloading, printing and creating something for the boys and you must do too! I thought that while we are busy making wonderful resources for our children, we should also be encouraged along the way, because as tough as our motherhood journey is, it is also incredibly beautiful and we can thrive in it by the grace of God.

I created these downloadable and free printable scripture based affirmations for mums. May they encourage, edify and remind you of your significant significant role as mum.

Motherhood Affirmation cardsDownload yours here