It’s that time of the school year again! As we enter the home stretch, many parents have a sinking feeling. Instead of crossing the finish line triumphant, hands high in the air, they are weary and limping, hoping to crawl across the line and pull the kids with. If you’re running on empty, not sure how much farther you can go, you are not alone! You just need a fresh wind to come along and put a spring in your step!
When our littles wake up or refuse to nap and show big emotions, we instinctively extend grace and compassion. As our big-feeling little ones try to accomplish day-to-day tasks, we guide them, break down big tasks into small steps, take our time, and make things fun. When a spouse or a loved one returns from a long day at work and that exhaustion is visible, we evaluate, adjust, and extend grace as we interact. Why is it, then, that when we look in the mirror or evaluate our semester of homeschooling, grace can get thrown out the window?! We tend to be our own worst critics, and this has a way of derailing even the best things in our lives.
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.
Have you ever been there? Are you there now? You are doing your best to juggle all that is in your life, but the balls are dropping constantly. This can be a defeating place to be, and at some point, all moms have felt like this, especially the homeschool mom. Here are some thoughts about how to not just survive but to thrive during this time of life.
When it comes to homeschooling your children, you might have thoughts such as, “Am I doing enough on a day-to-day basis?” or “How do I juggle teaching older and younger children?” These are valid questions most homeschoolers often ask themselves. The good news is your children are still learning a great deal regardless of your doubts. However, what are some practical things you can do to feel less overwhelmed and more confident in the homeschool year? Here are some ideas!
Embarking on a lifestyle journey—and homeschooling is a way of life—means an action plan is always necessary. An action plan helps give you direction, keep you focused, hold you accountable, and bring you back on mission. But where is this helpful action plan? Well, reader, it is something you are going to develop specifically for you and your family!
There are so many great board games that we did not have room in our 2025 Christmas catalog to show you, but I would love to recommend four that I personally own and enjoy for various reasons. I have chosen them from the age groups beginning from 8-12 years. Three of these are quick, pick up and go...
If you ask a young child what the Christmas season is all about, you probably won’t hear them say spelling or history or extra homework. Most kids would be happy to skip schoolwork altogether once December rolls around. According to my kids, any and all “school” has a way of crushing the Christmas...
With the holiday season fast approaching, we look forward to a break from our typical busy routines, and to time spent together with family and friends. Hopefully this means MORE cozy mornings and LESS rushed evenings. More time around the table or fireplace – steeped in conversation or playing...
Family traditions at Christmas are important because they create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and provide a sense of stability and belonging. They bring us together, allowing for shared experiences and deeper connections with our loved ones. When it comes to making memories, there are truly...
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...