What I Would Do Differently
A mom once asked me, “What would you do differently if you could go back?” That question has been haunting me lately. Beginning next week, I actually get that chance. I get to go back — with the same child — and I definitely plan to do things differently.
We’re Abandoning the Traditional School Year
When we were eclectic homeschoolers, I didn’t worry about finishing our books each school year. We reached the end of May (or April!) and called it good.
But since we found our purpose for homeschooling, I’ve learned that some some things need to be fully done before we move on. Otherwise, I’m depriving my children of a strong foundation — while expecting them to build on top of it.
So the question became: how do we finish our studies without ruining our summer?
Planning High School — When You Don’t Know Where They’re Headed
Like many teens, my 15 and 16 year olds’ future plans have changed yearly since 8th grade. Even more so for my oldest. Sometimes it looked like he would need a four-year degree, other times he said he would only need a one-year certificate.
Still other times, it looked like he wouldn’t need to go to college at all!
{From the Trenches}: How to Handle Burnout
To my fellow moms who are experiencing burnout and/or depression, I’ve been there many times — including the past two weeks. I hope this video brings peace and hope to your heart.
An Unexpected Win in the Battle Over Schoolwork
Ever since he started at age 7, our youngest boy has been convinced that school is “too hard,” “takes too long,” and is “really boring.” I couldn’t exactly blame him for this outlook.
I Didn’t Want a Boxed Curriculum
Up until four years ago, we were eclectic homeschoolers. We did everything from Charlotte Mason to Montessori, Traditional, Unschooling, and Unit Studies. The one thing I never thought I’d use was a boxed curriculum.