Articles by Gina Burmeier

Homeschooling during the holidays doesn’t need to be stressful. It can be a joyful time if you adapt your schedule and mindset to focus on making wonderful memories while still learning. Putting in a little thought ahead of time will save you from feeling overwhelmed so you can still have productive school time while also enjoying the magic of the holidays. With careful planning and a healthy mindset, you can enjoy this special time of year without all the stress. 

It’s that festive time of year again! This has always been my favorite time of year. When I look back at my childhood, my fondest memories were the fun traditions my family made together during the holidays.  Children find comfort and bonding in these traditions and it generates a special joy around the home. Now my kids are all grown up but they still enjoy the traditions we made together and really look forward to the holidays.  I believe it is because we come together as a family unit, enjoy fun activities together, and most of all look outside ourselves. I would like to share some ideas as well as some of our favorite traditions my family began years ago!

We’ve all met kids and adults who seem to have more curious minds than others. Those with a higher curiosity tend to retain information easier, think critically, stay involved in their community, and become lifelong learners. Can we foster or acquire a higher thirst for knowledge? You bet! Below are some practical and fun ways you can spark healthy curiosity with your children.

The comparison game. I know I’ve played it. It’s a game that leaves you unhappy, unsure, and unclear about where the road you’re on is taking you. It’s not a fun and exciting game or one you can ever win. It doesn’t leave you feeling accomplished or satisfied, but instead it allows you to think that your best just isn’t good enough. Comparing yourself to others is already a dangerous game, but comparing your homeschool or your children’s accomplishments to others is even more precarious!

Homeschooling during middle school can be challenging but also rewarding. Kids mature at different ages, and while some might be ready for more independence in their schoolwork, others may need more time with you. This is a transition time, not only in kids’ studies but also in their physical bodies. Here are 7 things to remember as a parent as you both navigate this season!

Are you thinking about homeschooling but unsure if you can take on the task? Lately, we have had a few customers call desiring special training so they can homeschool their children. Even with a college degree, they still feel inadequate to teach their children. Their thought? Get some kind of brief training before attempting to teach. After all, it’s been years since the parent was in elementary school. How could they possibly know how to teach them when they have been removed from it for so long?

Have you thought about learning a new skill with your family purely for the sake of enjoyment? Homeschooling gives you the flexibility to venture out and explore other areas of interest kids might not have time to do otherwise. Here are a few ideas to explore!

Motherhood can be a thankless job. A homeschooling mom can even feel more unappreciated. It’s been said the hardest things in life bring about the greatest rewards. After homeschooling my three children, I can truly say that even though it was the biggest challenge for me, the biggest rewards and blessings have come from it. If you have felt defeated, tired, and frustrated, hang in there! Remember you are investing in your children’s future and God will continue to give you the wisdom and strength to move forward. Here are some encouraging thoughts to remember.

We all have choices to make in life. Some of our choices have made us very happy and some have made us wish we could go back in time and change them. As parents, we have the opportunity to invest in our children, teaching them wisdom and good judgment. Here are some good reminders to think about as you go through the busyness of raising your precious flock.

It’s a new year! For many of us, this is when we really try to hit the books hard. The holidays are over, and now is the time to get down to business. But some of us might be feeling a bit of burn-out. So we are continuing on each morning (hopefully with a smile on our face) in hopes to make every day as productive as possible. Today, I would like to send some encouragement your way to spur you on as you joyfully finish out the year and prepare to begin a new one.