When You Forget How Hard It Was

Written by Krista Smith.

“Mom! I am never going to figure this out! I don’t understand how it works and I’m tired of feeling stupid.”

I wish I could tell you that I have always had a hug and a wise answer on the other side of that sentence. But, sadly, I have blown it. Many times. And sometimes, even when nothing comes out of my mouth, I blow it in my mind. The Lord, in His goodness, has given me grace in this area even as I continue to stumble through these sometimes-difficult days with my children.

Why I Don't Regret Staying Home to Teach My Kids

Written by Krista Smith.

There is an unspoken secret many homeschool moms keep, myself included. It’s a question we try to ignore but one which still finds its way into our thoughts more often than we care to admit.

Is homeschooling my children just as important as having a job? Am I missing out on some "pivotal" role in society by choosing to stay home with my children?

The 10 Most Popular Posts of 2020

According to a recent poll by Education Week, the number of families who choose to homeschool more than doubled in America this past fall. 

With the pandemic making traditional classroom environments less-than-ideal, it's no wonder that so many parents decided to bring the learning home. Needless to say, books and blogs about homeschooling were trending on all the charts.

Nurturing a Hyggelig Homeschool

Cozy. Peaceful. Calm. 

I'd venture to guess that when you began thinking of homeschooling, these were the words that played on permanent repeat in your head. You envisioned pastoral scenes--children meandering through lush fields, collecting nature samples in hand-woven baskets or gathered on an heirloom quilt in the backyard, reading a hardbacked classic out loud to one another.

You hoped for the stuff of Instagram.

But a week or so in, and you're realizing that your homeschool looks nothing like the picture on the front of the homeschool catalog. Your days are loud. Disordered. Chaotic.

The Power of Life-Giving Words in Your Homeschool

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

It has been said that in every man there is a king and a fool. A wise person will appeal to the king in someone, and not the fool. This idea can probably be applied to every man, woman, and child, as we are all born sinners, with the ability to respond from a higher or lower nature. But I think it's especially applicable to kids and how we as moms speak to them.

A Little Perspective for Homeschooling with a Baby

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

What is a good perspective to have when thinking about the importance of babies and toddlers, how they should be treated, what role they play in our society today? It seems like because children are small and cannot always articulate their needs and wants in a desirable manner, that much of society has devalued their worth and relegated them to the nuisance category.

If we're not careful, we, too, can easily slip into this mindset during the homeschool day. Admittedly, babies add an element of upheaval to a school lesson. But should we allow the minor struggles of homeschooling with a baby to spoil the short time we have in this season of parenting?

The Easier Way is Not Always the Better Way, Mama

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

What a mixed-up world we live in at the moment. For many people life is not held to be particularly sacred--people are cavalier with their own lives and with those of others. While the value of life is diminished, at the same time the value of one’s image and own desires is being magnified at an alarming rate.

6 Mom-tips for the Monotony of Mid-Winter Homeschooling

Written by Jessica.

With the quiet season of mid-winter comes opportunity in our homeschools to accomplish much, enjoy our children and family time, and make the most of cozy days indoors. But if we're being honest, sometimes these post-Christmas winter days can feel rather bleak and monotonous compared to the delight and extra-ordinary of the holiday hubbub of last month.

Sometimes a slight pivot or minor change in thought or routine can make all the difference and gently point you to the comfort and cozy that winter homeschooling has to offer. Here are six mid-winter ideas to help you find both:

When to Switch and When to Keep Your Curriculum

Written by Jessica.

One of the amazing things about homeschooling today is the vast amount of teaching and learning resources within reach. The homeschool curricula market is a huge one, and the dizzying array of choices reflects that. No matter your teaching style, the needs and abilities of your children, your budget, or what your core values and beliefs are, there is - quite literally - something for everyone. I know that I have logged more hours than I could possibly count reading about and researching curriculum options for every subject, for each of my kids.

Encouragement for the Early Years

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

I once heard a pretty famous speaker say that the Enemy wants to steal every season from us--to make us miserable in each stage of our life. She said that we either wish our children were young again or that they would grow up. We wish that we did not live in such a small house or that we did not have such a large house to keep clean.

When Your Homeschool Looks Nothing Like the One on Instagram

Written by Jessica.

In September, at the start of a new school year, everything feels optimistic and promising. The school supplies are still shiny and new. All the curricula that were carefully chosen still feel like good picks. The school area and the house are picked up and organized.

I’ve been homeschooling long enough now to know, however, that there are going to be bumps, distractions, failures, mishaps, mistakes, and tough days ahead. It won’t feel like September all year long! And it’s during these more turbulent times that homeschoolers can fall prey to comparison.

I Never Thought I'd Ever Homeschool {an honest confession}

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

I never thought that I'd ever homeschool my children. I was not homeschooled, and none of my friends were either. I went to a private, Christian school from first grade through graduation. I enjoyed it and was grateful for the opportunity.

I then went on to Baylor University and eventually the University of Colorado School of Law. I practiced law for five years and always assumed I would work after I had children, and that my wonderful mother would take care of them while I was at work.

Fast-forward a few years. I got pregnant and eventually looked into the eyes of my girl for the first time. My world stopped and I fell in love with that sweet baby.

I knew I could not leave her.

When the Homeschool Year Gets Derailed: A Cautionary Tale

Written by Jessica.

Last September, I was anticipating our best homeschool year yet. I had years of homeschooling experience and for once felt confident. I’d researched and purchased what I thought was the just-right curriculum for my kids and was ready and organized. I had ideas and plans to keep my kids busy in their waiting times, to schedule our day, and to add in some fun. I was eager to start the year.

We had a happy and awesome first day and a few really productive early weeks of homeschooling. But then the year took a dramatic turn and our homeschool slowly started unraveling. I didn’t know it yet at that time, but our entire year would be quite the challenge.

Anxious Homeschool Mom, Keep Sowing. The Harvest Comes Later

Written by Patty Wolf.

It was a rainy morning in 1991 when we embarked on our homeschool journey. My bright, enthusiastic kindergarten daughter dressed up for the occasion and sat at an antique, wooden school desk ready to begin.

She wasn't the only one ready.

I had a notebook filled with plans for that first week not knowing that my eager first-born would zip through them in two days.

I was ready, but if truth be told, I was also a bit anxious.

If Homeschooling is Worth It, Spread the Word

You did it. Your support for homeschooling pushed it to #1.
My book, Home Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child With Confidence is the #1 New Release in Christian Homeschooling resources on Amazon and I am overwhelmed. I've been ugly crying all week. My husband is starting to get a little concerned.

I Can't Homeschool Because I'm Not a Teacher

"I have a teaching degree. So just calm down. My kids are gonna be fine."

For the past twelve years, that's often been my go-to response to all the naysayers. It's an easy one to grab because it's true, and it works. It quickly diverts the mounting criticisms and defuses any lingering doubt.

But if that's the only retort that seems to shut the mouths of lions, where does that leave the Mama who doesn't hold a degree? Does that mean she can't teach her kids? That her kids are not gonna turn out "fine?"

Top 5 Things Every New Homeschool Mom Needs to Know

I’m not one to hold too much stock in statistics, especially as they relate to education. I think there are so many factors that come into play when you’re trying to quantify something as large as learning. But when faced with the grim reality that 1/3 of all newbie homeschool moms quit after the first year, I definitely take note.

Can it really be true? Are so many moms looking for the exit ramp even before they’ve ever had a chance to see the thing take off?

Join the Homeschool Bravely Launch Team!

Three years.
I’ve been waiting to write these words for three whole years.
Yes, I realize that three years may not seem like a long time in the grand scheme of things. I’m pretty sure I have cans of tuna in my cupboard older than that. (I promise to toss them out as soon as we’re done here. Pinky swear.) But in the online world, writing years are like dog years: one feels like seven. So I suppose if I break it all down in digital math, I can say that I’ve been anticipating this moment for 21 years, give or take a few months.

When You Feel Like Sending Them to "Real" School {Part 2}

Written by Jessica.

February is late winter, a time many educators feel unmotivated or stuck in a rut. Some call this “the blahs.” It’s the no-man’s land of the school year – the freshness of a new school year is long past, the fun of the major holidays are over, and spring is still far away. It’s in this season that our day-to-day challenges and real-life shortcomings can seem magnified.

5 Changes Every Homeschooler Should Make in the New Year

Written by Chelsea Gonzales.

A new year is here, and for many, that means a chance for a fresh start. January is a time for reboots, tweaks, and small shifts. Of course, most people make New Year’s resolutions that involve weight or money.

If you, like millions of folks, have made lifestyle resolutions and goals, great! Go ahead and hang onto them. However, I'd also encourage you to consider making a few changes to your homeschool.

Before you roll your eyes or keep scrolling, please hear me out. I'm not trying to shame shift here. I know from personal experience that any bit of change that happens from a root of shame is not sustainable.