Homeschooling Through the Years: A Conversation with Vicki Tillman

Introduction

Homeschooling is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and the incredible privilege of walking alongside our children as they grow into adulthood. In this conversation with Vicki Tillman, we delve into her homeschooling journey, her work with Seven Sisters Homeschool, and her wisdom for both new and seasoned homeschooling moms. Vicki shares her experiences as a homeschooling mom of five, a counselor, and a curriculum developer, offering insight into what it means to homeschool well, navigate challenges, and build a strong community of support.

Meeting Vicki Tillman

When I first came across Vicki Tillman, I knew I wanted to talk to her. She has such a wealth of experience and wisdom in the homeschooling world, particularly in navigating the high school years. Our mutual connection, Teresa Wiedrick, introduced us, and from there, I took a deep dive into her work with Seven Sisters Homeschool and the Homeschool High School Podcast.

Vicki has been instrumental in helping homeschool families successfully navigate the often daunting high school years. Seven Sisters Homeschool provides curriculum, coaching, and a sense of community for homeschool families. One of the first things I wanted to ask her was about the unique name of her organization.

"There are six of us who co-founded Seven Sisters Homeschool," Vicki explained. "We are a mix of biological sisters, sisters in the Lord, and even sisters connected by marriage. But the seventh sister? That's you! Our homeschooling community is made up of all the wonderful homeschool moms out there, working hard to give their children a great education."

That sense of belonging and community is something that resonates deeply with many homeschool moms. We are not alone in this journey, even when it feels like it.

The Beginning of Her Homeschooling Journey

Vicki began homeschooling in the early days before it became as widely accepted as it is today. "When I was in high school, back in the hippie days," she laughed, "if you loved education and enjoyed things like research papers, you were considered a nerd, and that was a bad thing. I didn’t want my kids to feel that way about learning. I wanted them to embrace knowledge without shame."

Vicki homeschooled all five of her children from kindergarten through high school graduation. Her journey took her from Florida to Pennsylvania, where she found a strong homeschool community that helped sustain her family’s homeschooling years. The move reinforced her desire to continue homeschooling, as she realized how much she valued the close-knit, supportive relationships that developed through the process.

Challenges in Homeschooling

Homeschooling is not without its struggles. When I asked Vicki what the most challenging part of homeschooling was for her, her answer was immediate: "Chemistry!"

"Stoichiometry, balancing equations—it was all so confusing to me," she admitted. "I had to push through and just get it done."

For many homeschool moms, subjects like chemistry, higher-level math, or foreign languages can be intimidating. But Vicki reminded me that we don’t have to be experts in everything. There are so many resources available now, from online classes to co-ops, that no mom has to struggle alone.

Balancing Work and Homeschooling

Many homeschool moms juggle more than just homeschooling. Some work outside the home, run businesses, or have other responsibilities. Vicki, in addition to homeschooling her five children, became a licensed counselor.

"We were living in South Philadelphia at the time, and it just wasn’t safe for my kids anymore. We needed more income, so I went back to school and got my master’s degree in counseling. I was always the person people would randomly talk to about their problems at the grocery store, so it felt like a natural fit."

Balancing homeschooling and work was challenging, but her homeschool community played a huge role in making it possible. "We worked together," she said. "My sisters in homeschooling would take my kids to places I couldn’t be, and I would serve as an academic advisor for their kids. Everyone brought something to the table, and we all made it work."

The Importance of Homeschool Community

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was the importance of community. While many people worry about socialization for their children, homeschool moms need socialization just as much.

"When you’re deep in the trenches of homeschooling, having a support system makes all the difference," Vicki said. "It’s easy to feel like you’re failing when you look around and see other moms who seem to have it all together. But the reality is, everyone struggles in some way. Community reminds us that we’re not alone."

For those who are just starting homeschooling and looking for a community, she encourages moms to explore different options. "There’s no one right way to do homeschool co-ops. Some are very structured, and others are relaxed. The key is finding one that aligns with your family’s needs and values."

Homeschool Success: Defining the Wins

I asked Vicki about the moments in homeschooling when she felt the most successful. For her, it was watching her children and the children she had mentored graduate.

"Every year, I would oversee the graduation ceremony for 20 to 40 students," she said. "Seeing them in their caps and gowns, knowing they had a solid plan for their future—whether it was college, a trade, the military, or something else—was incredibly rewarding. It meant they were prepared to step into adulthood with confidence."

Advice for New Homeschool Moms

For moms who are just starting their homeschooling journey, Vicki has three pieces of advice:

1. You can do this. Even if it feels overwhelming, you are capable.

2. There isn’t just one right way to homeschool. What works for one family may not work for another, and that’s okay.

3. If you feel stuck, seek support. Whether it’s from a homeschool coach, a veteran homeschool mom, or a local community, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Overcoming Homeschool Burnout

Burnout is a real issue for many homeschool moms. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to take care of ourselves. Vicki emphasized the importance of self-care and finding ways to stay motivated.

"Moms need to remember that taking a break is not failing," she said. "Whether it’s stepping away for a few hours, leaning on your support system, or changing up your curriculum to better fit your family’s needs, it’s okay to adjust."

Finding Joy in the Journey

Ultimately, homeschooling is about more than just academics. It’s about fostering a love of learning, building strong family relationships, and guiding our children to become independent thinkers.

"Enjoy the journey," Vicki advised. "It goes by fast. Find the joy in the little moments, and know that you are making a difference in your child’s life."

Homeschool High School Podcast