Let’s talk homeschool mom appearance and the typical “Mom Dress Code”.
Homeschool Mom Vibes
When it comes to appearance, I feel like many non-homeschoolers have an inaccurate view of what most homeschool moms look like.
We are typically placed into one of these 2 categories.
Homeschool moms are either a) wearing floor-length dresses to every outing that we obviously sewed ourselves or b) sitting at home in our pajamas all the time.
There’s rarely a happy medium, you guys!
I tend to get a lot of surprised reactions when others find out that I homeschool.
As strange as it sounds, I just don’t give off very strong homeschool mom vibes.
Apparently, my generic mom look of jeans and cardigans doesn’t fit the preconceived homeschool mom mold.
Homeschooling in Real Pants
For all the ordinary homeschool moms, like myself, homeschooling in real pants is the only way I can do this thing, you guys!
Personally, I don’t feel like I can tackle anything in our homeschool until I’ve taken the time to get ready for the day.
As silly as it may sound, it’s the complete truth.
That said, I know the whole real pants thing can be a touchy subject for some and I’m not here to judge those who don’t swap their jammies for jeans on the regular.
I’m simply just sharing my preferances and my wisdom!
I’m a jeans girl.
Call me crazy, but I feel like slipping into a simple pair of jeans is essential to having a productive day around my house.
If I stayed in my pajamas all the time, I simply wouldn’t be able to accomplish the important things on my daily to-do list.
While your real pants preference may differ from mine, I truly feel like every homeschool mom should take a little pride in their appearance.
Not only does getting dressed and ready for the day help children understand the importance of personal hygiene and responsibility, but it’s also a super simple way to teach our children that homeschooling isn’t an excuse for laziness.
To be completely honest, my kids have used homeschooling as an excuse for laziness in the past and it can be a hard habit to break, you guys!
That’s why I always, always stress the importance of routine in all areas of our life.
From our morning routine to our quiet time routine.
Homeschooling in Pajamas
While I’m a big fan of routine, I do have my moments every now and again.
I have lazy days, bad days, and days where I have to drop the daily stuff to catch up on the other stuff.
That said, I do find myself homeschooling in [my version of] pajamas on ocassion.
Since I sleep in leggings and sweatpants, that’s what you’ll find me in on my off days, you guys!
Honestly, I sometimes even plan a pajama DEAR day in advance just for a simple refresh in our homeschool!
While the random pajama day can be a blast, they simply can’t be the regular in our home.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a comfort pant or pajama hater, I simply know that I function better when I slip out of those pajamas and into something more structured, as do my kiddos.
With that said, my 13-year-old son doesn’t always see the value in the whole get ready to stay home thing.
Then again, he also doesn’t see the value in anything that happens before noon.
I’m pretty sure this kid lives for lazy pajama days, you guys!
Homeschool Mom Appearance
While I believe getting ready each day is important, I do not believe that appearances are everything.
It’s incredibly important that we teach our children discernment when touching on the issue of appearance.
There is a huge difference between taking a few moments to get ready for your day and dressing to impress.
That said, I’m typically an easygoing gal.
Jeans, a simple top, and a cardigan are my go-to staples for everyday wear.
Then, when I want to take it up a notch I simply throw on a little concealer and mascara.
I don’t dress to show off or give off stereotypical vibes.
I simply like feeling (and looking) put together.
Finding Balance in Your Appearance
When I made the transition from the mom of private school kiddos to a homeschool mom, I had a choice to make.
I could let myself go and hang around the house in my sweatpants every day or I could do what I’ve always done.
I chose the latter.
Showering, changing my clothes, and making myself presentable for the upcoming day is essential for me, you guys!
That said, finding your perfect balance might be more of a challenge for you than it was for me.
All I can do is offer this simple advice for your journey.
Don’t dress to match a mold or idea of what others think your appearance should look like and don’t dress to impress.
Dress 100% for yourself.
Practice self-care and clothe yourself in a manner that makes you feel like you!
Most importantly, do for yourself what you expect your kids to do for themselves.
If I always stayed in my pajamas and never brushed my hair, my daughter would likely do the same.
Our children pick up on everything we do, you guys!
Homeschool Mom Guilt
If you take one thing from this article, please let it be this – I am in no way judging the homeschool mom in floor length dress, the one in pajamas, the one in leggings, or the one in jeans!
I’m simply sharing my thoughts on the stigma surrounding homeschool mom appearance.
I’ve worn the shoes of a judged homeschool mom and I know exactly how disheartening it can feel.
While I do see the value in getting dressed on a daily basis, I would never hate on the mom who doesn’t.
You know what else? I’ve totally been the dressed-up mom and the pajama mom.
Life is hard. Homeschooling is hard and fitting some type of mold is way too much work.
Just remember, taking a little time every morning to make yourself presentable is a good thing.
If you aren’t taking the time to get dressed and ready each morning because you feel guilty, know this, homeschool mom guilt doesn’t even apply here.
If getting dressed helps you to be a more productive, more involved momma, or it simply helps you feel more like yourself, it’s 100% essential!
Happy homeschooling, you guys!
