How Rachel Lyne Addresses the Challenges of Homeschooling
My Interview with Rachel Lyne
Homeschooling wasn’t on Rachel Lyne’s radar until 2020 changed everything—but what began as a temporary solution became a calling that reshaped her priorities, her faith, and even her writing. She’s learned to balance structure with flexibility, leaning into co-ops, creative scheduling, and grace when life gets chaotic. Through it all, she’s found that homeschooling isn’t just an educational choice—it’s a deeply personal, generational journey that’s made her more aware, more grounded, and more intentional in every part of her life.
How do you address socialization for your children?
This is where balance is crucial. So many parents actually fall into the trap of trying TOO hard to get their children interactions that they forget about themselves and their need for adult interaction AND alone time, too! As we fill our children’s cups, ours needs to be filled in the same turn. Adult interaction is simply being present with your kids while being with other adults doing the same things. Go on a hike together, skating rink, or do life together - menial tasks like shopping. Attend the soccer practices and get to know other “soccer moms.” The balance comes in finding time for yourself, too. As a recommendation (and not as a law), I suggest having no more than 4-5 purposeful interactions per week so your schedule isn’t overloaded with the “doing.” Church counts! 2 for kids only (one where you are with other homeschooling parents and one for alone time), 1 structured event for kids and parents (let’s get a group together and go bowling), 1 unstructured for kids and parents (want to come over and have some coffee?), and 1 for academic purposes (co-op, day camp, group field trip etc..)
What inspired you to become a writer alongside your homeschooling responsibilities?
My writing inspiration came well before having children, but I will admit that it is a challenge to make sure I get adequate time for writing amidst daily schedules. Some days and weeks, I get zero writing done. And that has to be okay in this season.
Do you involve your children in your writing process or business?
Oh, yes. I ask their opinions on storyline, book covers, and more. The mind and imagination of a child takes us places we’d nearly forgotten as adults. Their creativity helps jumpstart mine.
How do you carve out time for your writing while managing homeschooling?
As mentioned earlier, it’s difficult. I’ve realized that no one else will carve out my writing time for me but me. It’s something I daily need to recognize and manage within my own control and capacity. I become anxious and frustrated when I don’t write for long stretches, so when I recognize those feelings piling up, I let my husband know I need like 2 hours to write, and I choose what time works best for our family. On occasion, I’ll take a writing retreat away for a day or weekend from all household responsibilities. I get the most writing done during those times, but those times need to be in moderation. Balance.
Has your homeschooling experience provided material or themes for your writing?
I’d say it’s more provided mindsets over material and theology over themes. What I mean by that is, homeschooling has shown me more efficient and meaningful mindsets toward writing (plotting, grammar, structuring time, etc.) and a theology of showing myself grace, looking to God’s perspective a little more thoughtfully, and understanding how important the holy calling of writing spiritual truths is. Considering my children and their giftings in homeschooling, I’ve come to appreciate what God has given me, as well.
What advice would you give to a parent considering homeschooling?
That the path meant for them will bring peace, but not perfection. Also, not to let the peer pressure of “everyone’s doing it” to sway any decision. I never want to drive a wedge between me and my public or private school mom friends based on their schooling choice. Those schools work for them and I want them to know I respect whatever decision they’re making. If a friend is leaning toward homeschooling, I’d assure them that no one is perfect, to give themselves grace, to be free to change things up as needed, and that they’re already doing their best by wanting to invest in their children and understanding that children aren’t “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to school.
How do you handle teaching subjects you may not feel confident in?
I defer to video tutorials, whole video curriculums, or co-ops for that subject. I only frustrate myself when I force teaching what I’m weakest in. As we recognize our children’s strengths and weaknesses, we need to recognize them in ourselves, too, and be gracious regarding our own limitations. This doesn’t give cause to give up, since we’re always learning, but it helps us keep expectations of ourselves at manageable levels. We are our own hardest critics.
What's something about the homeschooling lifestyle that might surprise people?
That it’s fulfilling in the most indescribable way that weaves generations together. As a woman and mother, I oddly feel connected to the ancient matriarchs of the past who were with their children 24/7, too. As a homeschooling mother, I sense a peculiar confidence in who I am and who I was meant to be, which during pre-Covid, I didn’t even know existed. That surprised me completely.
How do you measure success in your homeschooling journey?
When my children wholly learn, not just academically, but spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
How has homeschooling changed you as a person and professional?
I’m 100% more mindful, thoughtful, and aware of others’ needs other than my own. Homeschooling is truly a selfless sacrifice and that’s what God calls us to, which is why I think it’s so gratifying to experience.
A fiction and nonfiction author and an inspirational public speaker, Rachel D. Lyne’s heart is to share the love of Christ through written and spoken word. Her nonfiction book, The Apple, A Woman’s Battle Plan: Overcoming Forbidden Fruit in Marriage, hit shelves & online bookstores September 2021 and is CURRENTLY OFF MARKET for 2nd Edition Edits under New Publication. The Apple is a spiritual guidebook with reflective journaling to help readers through struggles with forbidden fruits in marriage. Lyne invites you to join her in being Warrior Wives and Warrior Women against a common spiritual foe. Healing in your life and marriage is possible. There is hope!
Lyne’s first fiction novel released October 2024: Pure Heart: Book 1 in The Tales of Rizalia Series. This YA Fiction novel is available in paperback, ebook, audiobook (NEW!), and in person at book events. With loose faith-based themes and steeped in fantasy, Lyne hopes to bring goodness and hope to the generations through “The Tales of Rizalia Series.” BOOK 2 COMING SOON!
Lyne’s passion is writing, but she also loves composing music and singing, as well as creating art. She served in various capacities at a local church for over 27 combined years and currently edits Living Lights Curriculum’s homeschool curriculum and homeschools her children. Other interests include immersing herself in the Japanese culture, volleyball, and video games (yes, you read that right).
To connect with Rachel D. Lyne, you can email her at rachel.d.lyne@gmail.com