Joyfully Homeschooling

One common theme that I have noticed over the years that rubs me the wrong way is this assumption that homeschool moms can do it all. It's like we think that we can work at home, take care of the kids, run the errands, keep the house clean AND homeschool our kids. I often get asked how I do it all. And, when I do, I laugh because moms let me tell you I DON'T do it all. In this episode, I am sharing how I imperfectly attempt to balance it all.

One of my very first guest blog posts was on Karyn Tripp's blog, Teach Beside Me.  She was always one of those “big” bloggers that I never thought would talk to me. Then… I got to know her and I have to say she is one of the sweetest persons I’ve ever met. Karyn has a heart for homeschooling, a heart for moms, and a desire to encourage us all to have more fun and hands-on experiences in our homeschool. I am so excited to share her wisdom and insight with you all today.

“Lord, I can’t do it. I know I can’t. You’re wrong” I remember saying those words after God laid homeschooling in my heart. I had been feeling the calling for a while but wasn’t ready to answer it. I was afraid. Of failure. I am sharing where that homeschool fear came from, how I overcome it, and how I believe you can overcome it too in this episode.

Today I am talking with Heather from Heather Gerwing. We chat about the ups and downs in our homeschool days, and one of the big takeaways I got from Heather is the reminder that there is no right or wrong way to homeschool. Our journey is always changing, and oh what a journey it is.  This episode will encourage you to enjoy your kids and to find those eye-opening moments in your own homeschool.

This podcast season I seem to be sharing an awful lot of confessions. In this episode, I am sharing with you all 10 things I don't do in my homeschool. Some of these are slightly embarrassing to admit, but, I am hoping by sharing all that we DON'T do it will encourage you to remember that you are doing exactly enough in your own homeschools. 

Will homeschooling mess up my kids? I have heard this question before, and that is why I am so excited to have Holly Giles on the podcast sharing with me that homeschooling is NOT going to mess up my kids. It may just help them become exactly who God wants them to be. 

High school. Ugh. I shared with you all on episode 16 that high school is a huge fear of mine. BUT, it is something I'm overcoming. Slowly but surely.  How am I doing that? I'm sharing with you in this podcast episode some resources that have helped me overcome the fear, and how I am working on it each and every day.  This episode is sponsored by Schoolhouse Teachers. This is a great resource for high school electives. Right now they are offering buy one year, get one year FREE! That's two years for $1

Homeschool seasons come and go, and in this episode of the Joyfully Homeschooling podcast, I am chatting about those seasons with Leah Courtney from As We Walk Along the Road.  Leah shares homeschooling high school tips, how to embrace the season of littles, and how she finds homeschool joy in relationships with her kids. This is a don't miss episode if you are entering a new season of homeschooling, or if you just feel overwhelmed in the season you are in. 

I've seen the photos of huge curriculum piles. The homeschool rooms that make me think mine is less adequate. I dream of being able to take my kids anywhere they want to go for a field trip. And all these things make me lose sight of the big picture. They zap my joy, steal my energy, and make me want more. Without realizing what I have. You see, it's not about the material possessions. It's not about what we have to use in our homeschools. The best gift we can give our kids? The answer may surprise you!

Is homeschooling fun? Yes! And Amy Milcic from Rock Your Homeschool is the QUEEN of homeschooling fun. In this episode I am chatting homeschool fun, morning time, raising and homeschooling boys and so much more. After this episode, you will be ready to ROCK your homeschool with some fun ;) 

Woohoo! The second season of the Joyfully Homeschooling podcast is here. In today's episode, I am sharing with you five things that I'm afraid to tell you. Yes, it's homeschool confession time! Homeschooling isn't easy, and sometimes it's important to put it all out there. Yep, you're not alone, and hopefully neither am I... These are confessions related to homeschooling, my family, and life in general. Hopefully, after this episode you still love me :)

We are officially done with school for the year! I look forward to Summer vacation each year, but it wasn't always like that. There was a day when I started a new school year, still burnt out from the year before. Then, I realized what the problem was.  I was doing what a homeschool mom should NOT do on summer vacation. I am sharing what that is, and how you can enjoy your summer, and give your kids the gift of a more joyful mom! 

Yes, homeschooling works. That is one thing that Colleen Kessler has taught me through the years. If you have ever doubted your ability as a homeschool mom or wondered if you were screwing up your kids, Colleen is here to encourage you.  In this episode, she shares how she trusts herself as a homeschool mom, finds joy in observing her kids, and reminds herself daily that balance is a myth!

While I may love homeschooling, there are also numerous things I dislike about homeschooling! I am sharing a few of those homeschool pet peeves today. While homeschooling has been a HUGE blessing to my family, it's not all peaches and cream. Here are some things to consider before you begin homeschooling. 

In a world that tells our kids everything a Christian is not, we need to be able to point them back to the Lord. My friend Lynna is telling us how to do that with grace, and maybe some mistakes along the way. She is sharing her fears, struggles, and finding joy in the midst of it all. Let's learn how to raise our children to love the Lord with Lynna Sutherland.  Lynna's blog Homeschooling without Training Wheels Learning Year by Year with Rebecca Rupp Schoolhouse Teachers Art Choose Joy Challenge