Family and Home Life

It’s after the holidays. The long, cold, dark days of January have set in. So, it’s time to have some fun and celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day!

Every November the Christmas catalog would arrive and my kids would circle and label their top picks. But now, decades later, what we remember best are not things but rather the experiences we shared. As homeschoolers we have a lot of time with our children. But the holidays are great times to invest in ourselves and community. Try the gift of doing together!

Once upon a time families gathered round the table to eat three square meals a day. Now, only about 50% of families carry on this tradition once a day. A sad reality. Homeschool families have the benefit of adjusting their day to accommodate this tradition whether it be a big breakfast, lunch, or supper. Whatever it looks like for your family, I would strongly encourage you to seize those moments. Be intentional about your family table and even use it as a teaching tool!

The value of teaching kids about thankfulness should never be underestimated. It is a quality in a person that creates peace and inner joy. Instead of relying on external things to decide how we measure our joy, it is best to model gratefulness and discover what a difference it makes within our hearts. With Thanksgiving around the corner, it might be fun to devote some time this month to practicing this attribute. Here are some thoughts to get you started!

By now, you are settled (or mostly settled!) into a homeschool routine that is working well for your family. You may be surprised to discover that there is free time available to pursue other activities and interests! Fall is the perfect time of year to incorporate nature-based activities and craft projects.

You can feel the summer days slipping away, but how can you make the most of what’s left? It may be easier than you think! Here are some ideas for carving out more of those moments that matter, while ending the summer rested and refreshed.

Social Emotional Learning - I am sure you have heard the phrase. It’s the new buzz word circulating the educational realm. This phrase may be described as 21st century skills, character education, or soft skills. You may wonder, what exactly do these terms mean?

While many find themselves enjoying the lazy days of summer, some of us find ourselves restless – in need of more direction. If this describes you, here are a few ideas to spice up your summer through fun and educational learning opportunities!

There is no greater joy, as a kid, than to open one’s eyes in the morning and see your world blanketed in snow. For some, this joy and enthusiasm wanes as we grow and must navigate our world, now covered in frozen fractals. For children, this joy should be fostered. Winter is full of magic and wonder ready for children of all ages to encounter. Let’s fill your arsenal with winter literature, games, activities, and crafts this season!

Christmas is the time for making special memories with your kids. Now that our four children are ages 18-23, we look back and realize even more that it was the little things that made the best memories. I love listening to them reminisce and recall favorite traditions and experiences. Here’s just a few!