When you add homeschooling to the responsibilities of parenting, it can be really difficult—especially when we don’t have a lot of good role models for how to navigate the journey of families both teaching their kids AND enjoying them in the process.
These articles are designed to share what that can look like, and how to find the joy in learning and in living as family. No one said this would be easy, but it sure is worth working towards!
How Parenting Can Change Learning
If I were to ask about your memories of being in school, what images pop into your mind? Do you see a desk, a stack of books, a chalkboard, a report card, recess? Perhaps your impressions run more along the lines of a stern and forbidding teacher or the camaraderie of your…
Joyful Parenting
Oooooo! Imagine a beautifully-wrapped box in front of you. Here are some clues to this mysterious gift: your name is on the label; the giver of the gift (whose name is also on the label) is one who loves you deeply; the wrapping is so beautiful that you are certain that the actual…
Wearing 2 Hats as a Homeschool Mom
Homeschool moms play two major roles for our children: Parent. . .and. . .Teacher Learning how to wear both hats at once takes experience and thought! Parenting Parenting changes our life. For years, it required every bit of heart, every brain cell, and much of our energy. Here are two…
Homeschooling: A List or an Invitation?
Imagine this scenario with me: As you start today, you don’t have any pressing demands. What utter luxury! You might even have time to finish reading that mystery you started a few nights ago (you had had to stop right at the cliff-hanger!). Ah. . .what an amazing feeling to have…
Essentials of Homeschooling
What is absolutely necessary to your homeschool? What gives you and your kids joy and freedom in this educational journey? Take a look at these three intriguing essentials. I think you will be encouraged in new ways. THE FIRST ESSENTIAL YOU. Your relationship with your kids—your involvement, your love, your interaction—is the…
Refresh Homeschooling with 4 Simple Steps
Are you feeling increasingly trapped by the day-to day, same-old same old of homeschooling this year? Is it more and more burdensome to pull those books off the shelf for class? Are you looking longingly at that yellow school bus? If so, here are 4 simple recommendations (that may change…
Handcrafted homeschooling
Years ago, as a speaker at a homeschool event in Toronto, my husband and I ended up with a day to ourselves just for seeing the sights. It was one I will never forget. One place sounded particularly fascinating. Casa Loma, a “medieval” castle built in the early 1900’s by a…
Sharing Your Passions with Your Kids
Your kids don’t automatically absorb your love of a place, a food, or a subject area. As parents, it’s our privilege and responsibility to gently introduce them to these things in such a way that they, too, can begin to know and love what we hold precious. Here’s a story…
Give Yourself a Break!
When I began homeschooling in 1985, I was naive and oblivious regarding the time commitment I was taking on. . .for the next twenty years! But it didn't take long to figure out that being a homeschool mom tends to be a 24/7 career. Why? Well, it's because our kids…
Balancing Character and Academics
Memories If I were to ask about your memories of being in school, what images pop into your mind? Do you see a desk, a stack of books, a chalkboard, a report card, recess? Perhaps your impressions run more along the lines of a stern and forbidding teacher or the camaraderie of…
Relationship lessons from. . . Birdwatching?
In previous posts, I have talked about the incredible impact it makes when a teacher knows her students. But this topic is so essential, so vital to really wrap our minds and hearts around, what I think we need is some good old-fashioned birdwatching. Yep, that’s what I said: birdwatching.…
The deal with growing
Many years ago, I was hospitalized with a bad case of pneumonia. In response, our small church in South Dakota graciously bought me a small rubber plant to brighten the hospital room. Normally, I’m a lover of bright-colored, audaciously gorgeous flowers, but since this wee plain plant was given in love,…