In a world that glorifies busyness, it can feel countercultural—almost rebellious—to slow down and create space for rest. As a homeschooling family, our days are filled with lessons, activities, chores, and the beautiful chaos of life. But over the years, I’ve learned a vital truth: our family thrives when we protect our downtime and embrace margin.

Margin isn’t just about having extra time; it’s about intentionally creating space for rest, connection, and the unexpected joys of life. Here’s why it matters and how you can prioritize it in your home.

The Power of Margin

When our schedules are packed to the brim, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Every small inconvenience—a traffic delay, a last-minute assignment, a sick child—can feel like it derails the entire day. Margin acts as a buffer, giving us room to breathe when life happens.

But margin isn’t just practical; it’s also restorative. It’s in those unplanned, unhurried moments that we:

• Have deep conversations with our kids
• Notice the beauty of a sunset or a quiet morning
• Rediscover hobbies or interests that bring us joy
• Cultivate a sense of peace and presence

In short, margin allows us to live more fully and meaningfully.

The Cost of Constant Busyness

Without margin, we risk burnout—not just for ourselves but for our entire family. Overscheduling can lead to increased stress and anxiety, strained relationships due to lack of quality time, a loss of creativity and spontaneity, and fatigue that makes even enjoyable activities feel like a chore. Children, too, are affected by busyness. They need time to play, daydream, and process their thoughts without the constant hum of activity. Protecting downtime gives them the freedom to explore their interests and develop their imaginations.

How to Protect Downtime in Your Family

Creating margin requires intentionality, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some ways to protect downtime in your home:

1. Say No More Often
   It’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity, from sports teams to extracurricular activities to social events. But every “yes” comes with a cost. Be selective about what you commit to, ensuring it aligns with your family’s values and capacity.
2. Schedule Rest
   Just like you plan lessons and activities, plan for downtime. Block off evenings, weekends, or even entire days where nothing is scheduled. Treat this time as sacred.
3. Simplify Your Days
   Look for ways to streamline your daily routines. Can you combine errands? Simplify meal prep? Reduce the number of subjects you tackle in a single day? Small adjustments can free up valuable time.
4. Unplug Regularly
   Technology, while useful, can consume a lot of our margin. Set boundaries around screen time for both you and your kids, and use that reclaimed time for rest or connection.
5. Prioritize Family Connection
   Use your downtime to nurture relationships. Play a board game, do a handcraft, take a walk, or simply sit and talk. These moments build bonds and create lasting memories.

The Beauty of Doing Less

At first, protecting downtime can feel uncomfortable. We’re so accustomed to equating busyness with productivity that slowing down might feel like we’re not doing enough. But over time, you’ll begin to see the beauty in doing less.

When we create space in our lives, we leave room for:

• Spontaneity: Saying yes to last-minute playdates or taking an unplanned adventure.
• Reflection: Thinking about what’s working (or not working) in your homeschool and life.
• Joy: Appreciating the little things we often overlook in the rush of busyness.

Our Experience with Margin

For our family, protecting downtime has been transformative. When we leave space in our days, we’re more patient with each other, more open to creative ideas, and more connected as a family. It’s in those quiet moments that I see my children’s personalities shine and feel the richness of this homeschooling life we’ve chosen.

Final Thoughts

In a culture that values doing more, protecting downtime is an act of resistance—but it’s also an act of love. It’s a way to show your family that rest, connection, and presence matter more than endless productivity.

If you’ve been feeling stretched too thin, I encourage you to take a step back and create some margin. Start small, but start somewhere. Your family will thank you for it, and you might just find yourself rediscovering the joy in slowing down.

Have you found ways to protect downtime in your family? I’d love to hear about them in the comments! Let’s inspire each other to embrace margin and make room for what truly matters.

Get a glimpse of how we use our downtime on Instagram @heritagemomblog. If you’d like help with protecting your family’s downtime as you homeschool, be sure to check out my homeschool coaching.