Little by Little Homeschool - Christian Homeschooling and Motherhood

Hands down, this is the number one concern among homeschool moms. And it's a valid one at that.

But what if the things you fear have you so focused that you miss out on what is more important during the homeschool years?

After seeing the success of countless homeschool families and having first-hand experience of seeing what post-homeschool can look like, I feel very confident in my list of what I think should be the priority in your homeschool.

♥ Leigh

DESIGN YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE HOMESCHOOL TH...

This school year is not quite over, but I know that all the shiny new curriculum is catching your eye. And I can see why. There are so many amazing options out there.

Before you start researching and have 150 tabs open at once, give this episode a listen.

We're going to talk about the essential foundation that will make choosing curriculum so much easier, whether this is your first or fifteenth year of homeschooling.

So, put all of those browser tabs on hold, hit play on this, and then, I promise that you...

The struggle is all too real and familiar for homeschool moms...

Distraction.

Whether it's from outside you or from your own mind, there are various ways you are being pulled away physically and mentally from your homeschool. And it's frustrating to have goals and purpose for the home education of your children, only to find that those are not being met.

First, you are not alone. This happens to all of us more often than we'd like to admit.

But!!!

That does not mean we should stay stuck in...

As a Christian homeschool mom, Jesus needs to be your anchor. What you have said yes to when it comes to raising your children needs to be grounded and tethered to your Savior.

Over the years of homeschooling, I've had my shares of ups and downs and whether it's a high or low time, God's Word has kept me afloat. It's been a lifeline.

As I look back upon homeschooling children from preschool through high school, there were three verses that I kept going back to over and over again. And I want to share...

You know how it goes...the homeschool mom puts in so much time and effort only for that to be met with a child who stares off into space, all the while with a very unfinished math worksheet in front of them.

This scenario is played out every day in homeschool homes all over. And even though you know that you are not alone in this plight, a little bit of help would be nice.

This episode is meant to give you some ideas and things to try as you attempt to motivate the child...

Have you heard the news? Apparently there is talk about learning styles being outdated information.

What are your thoughts?

This episode is all about presenting some research, asking questions, encouraging you to do your own research, but most of all to make this season about meeting your children's needs and home educating them well.

Grab a cup of coffee, keep an open mind, and let's talk about something that has been so deeply ingrained into us as homeschool moms and see where we land in the end.

♥ Leigh

Whether it's your mother-in-law, the worker at the grocery check-out, a random Facebook user, or just your own brain, the question of whether you are smart enough to homeschool your child can cast a dark cloud.

And I do not want that for you!

Let's pull back the layers of this question and expose the flaws within it. But then, I promise not to just leave you there feeling vulnerable. Let's link arms and grow your confidence in your abilities and what that means {in a very positive way} in the home education of your...

When you chose to homeschool, you had grand ideas and assumptions about how it would go. And somewhere admist the curriculum, co-ops, and the many snack breaks, I have noticed a few ways that the home education tends to go awry.

No one plans to get off the rails of their homeschool plan, but in today's culture, even the most intentional homeschool mom can fall into a few common traps.

Let's pull back the curtain on 3 ways that I have seen homeschool moms at all stages of life and homeschooling get off track and go...

As a Christian homeschool mom, you know that it is important to get "Bible time" each day and cover all the religious topics. But have you thought about how your faith impacts your children?

Unintentionally, we can have so much focus on our children that we ignore some hurdles and roadblocks that we have put in their way. Yes, God will use everything for our good and His glory. But what if just creating awareness could help? I think you'd jump at the chance for your faith to be inspiring and not a roadblock to your homeschoolers.<...

At first, it feels like a dream come true to have a compliant child who just wants to be a help and keep mommy happy. And don't get me wrong because these are amazing children with kind hearts.

However, as an adult who is well-versed in the world, the homeschool mom quickly realizes that she must be on guard to protect this child and prepare them to establish their own healthy and safe boundaries as they get older.

Welcome to a three-part series specific to particular types of children that moms will often find themselves...

Too often, homeschool moms feel overwhelmed by raising and home educating a strong-willed child. They begin to question their ability to do so and seriously consider throwing in the towel.

Or the relationship between mom and child becomes contentious and leads to arguments, outbursts, and a fractured connection.

There is hope though! You and your strong-willed child can not only survive, but thrive during the homeschool years. It may not always be easy, but today's episode will give you the hope that you are so desperate for right now.

Give that strong-willed child...

Welcome to the first in a three part series about specific types of personalities found in homeschool children. This is going to be a fun little series with tactical tips and encouragement about how God has created your child.

What to do about the fidgety child with lots of questions? They just keep on moving and have to touch everything...all while peppering you with why questions.

And you, the homeschool mom, are often tired and just want to get the homeschool lesson done for the day so you can move on. Meanwhile, your homeschooler...

We all have those days that just don't start off on the right foot. Our attitude is a bit off and there is an inner {and sometimes outer} groan about the homeschool day ahead.

Every homeschool mom knows that the tasks before them are important, but it just doesn't feel like today is going to be a good day. And you find yourself here, listening to this episode.

Well, I'm glad you are here because my goal is to help you go from waking up with an "ugh!" feeling to then look back on the...

Just when I think there could not be anything I haven't answered already, you show up with new questions! And I love it!

Let's tackle a few questions submitted by homeschool moms, just like you. These topics cover homeschooling a strong-willed child, how many children to have, and broaching the discussion with your doctor about homeschooling.

I promise to share my honest thoughts and then, I want you to consider your own circumstances and pray for clarity to determine where you stand.

♥ Leigh

ASK YOUR QUESTION TO BE A...

The one constant in life is that it will change. And one day, you will find yourself at the end of your homeschool years and wonder what is next.

It can suddenly sneak up on you, mostly because homeschool moms should be die-hard until the end, pouring their heart into it until the very last day. I've heard from moms who were caught off guard by this sudden shift. And I don't want you to feel like the rug was pulled out from under you.

Whether you are in year one, the middle of your...

You know that homeschooling is supposed to be different. But, it's so easy to fall into old familiar patterns in hopes that your kids will get all the education that they need.

In the process, you can miss out on the huge benefits of having them home with you every day.

Today's episode is all about pulling back the veil of thinking homeschool is not enough for your children. Let's expose what you don't need to do in order to see the beautiful possibilities ahead of you.

♥ Leigh

DE...

Gone are the Little House on the Prairie days when we, as homeschool parents, didn't have to try and be a step ahead of the culture. Even when we try to create a safe and innocent childhood, we can't stick our heads in the sand.

This is not an episode about fear. Rather, it's about encouraging you to be the first ones to reach your children. You GET to teach them about how to live in this world, but not be of it. And this is a great and awesome responsibility, which can be done along with...

Does it feel like all the other homeschool moms have days full of happiness and things are always perfect and you, on the other hand, are just trying to get through the day? 

"If I can just get through today."

Does that sound familiar? If so, you are in the right place with this episode.

Let's get to the root of the issue so that you can get to the other side and reach the point of enjoying your homeschool days...even in the midst of the ups and downs.

♥ Leigh

Today's episode is a little off topic from what I usually discuss on the podcast. However, it is one of my favorite things to chat about...right after Jesus and homeschool.

But, I've been asked so many times online and even in person about how I lost 30 pounds and I want you to learn the "secret" to weight loss as a homeschool mom too. I promise no gimmicks or sales pitch! Just the honest truth of how I achieved this goal.

You're going to want to take a few notes and listen to the follow-up...

Wouldn't it be so nice to sit down across from each other at a cute coffee shop and chat all things homeschool? And I would promise to answer all of your questions, including the one where you want to know what I wish that I knew when I began. 

Until we can meet in person, how about you grab a cup of your favorite hot cocoa, tea, or coffee and pop your earbuds in? I've already admitted to my fair share of homeschool mistakes on the podcast and I am not ashamed of these 4 things that I w...

The question is not if you will ever feel burned out as a homeschool mom, it's when. And this time of the year tends to be a common time for moms to feel like this.

There are a few factors that contribute to burnout and the key to overcoming it, so you can stay in the game with homeschool, is to recognize the signs, get to the root cause, and create a reasonable solution.

Burnout should not lead to shame. Rather, it should bring us to our knees so that you can surrender the day...

We always have a good time with a Q&A episode, so why should this one be any different? The only thing missing is your question, so be sure to submit it soon!

Meanwhile, let's tread into the territory of what to do when our expectations for how a child would be is not the same as the child you are parenting, keeping ADHD kids focused for homeschool, and how should you "teach" music to your children?

Grab a hot cup of cocoa, listen in, and then let me know what you think!

♥ Le...

It's not usually fun to talk about money and budget, but peace in homeschooling can come from operating within our means. The amount of money spent on homeschooling does not determine success or failure. However, it does help homeschool moms make some important decisions.

I promise this episode won't hurt and we'll cover it all from why, how, and a little of my personal experience with setting a budget and sticking with it.

Grab a pen and paper and let's have a little chat!

♥ Leigh

DESIGN YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE HOM...

All the time and effort you put into homeschooling and you probably wonder if what you're doing is worth it. What will your children say someday about these days and years once they have graduated?

Today, I am offering a rare glimpse into some feedback that I received from my graduated homeschoolers. Like you, I questioned what I was doing and if they would even appreciate it someday.

I hope today's episode gives you a little peek into your future, a few ideas, and a little more steam to keep on going.

♥ Leigh

Phew! You made it. The kids are in bed and you just want to become a blob on the couch.

But, hold up. 

I know how you feel, but what if you could spend a few strategic moments and set the next day up for less stress and to be successful?

Enter a simple list of things you should do in the evening before bed as a homeschool mom. This isn't meant to be painful or take hours, but the few minutes it does take will repay you much tomorrow morning.

G...

Between homeschool requirements and the fun resources you have found, it's hard to fit it all in. Throw on top of that in the back of your mind, you have a running thought that is making you feel guilty for not doing Bible reading with your children. Or maybe you do include it, but you're just doing it to check off a box.

Sound familiar?

Let's discuss what the solution is to this dilemma and I'm going to share what Bible time can actually look like for your homeschool family.

Together, let's shed...

Is it possible to find a balance between having order and predictability to your day with enjoying the freedom of the homeschool lifestyle?

I believe it is. 

Not every year is going to look the same, but there can be a framework for the day that allows you to accomplish what you need to, meet your homeschool goals, and enjoy the fact that you get to educate your children at home.

Let's explore the possibilities that are held within creating a rhythm for your homeschool...

♥ Leigh

DES...

So, you decided to homeschool and figured you'd just do what they do in school, right? But then you began and a whole world of possibilities opened up.

Maybe now you are looking to pare down or possibly you are needing guidance on what needs to be the core of your home education and get out of being stuck in the weeds.

No matter the reason, we really should sit down once in a while and figure out what we actually need to be doing. And you're in luck because that is what we're doing...

Every single child is different. You know that and I know that. But, homeschool moms tend to get very worried when their child is struggling to read.

I get it. Been there and walked through that to the other side.

But you are sitting there in the in-between and it has you anxious and possibly stressed out. Questions are constantly going through your mind and you are praying for a quick solution.

Let's tackle the topic of what to do if your child is struggling with learning to read. The goal is to...

I know that you are the type of mom who wants to be successful with homeschooling your children. But you might be feeling like you are spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere.

What if there was one way of thinking that could get you to achieve that desire to be successful no matter your style of homeschool or your goals for it, would you want to know what it is?

If so, pop those ear buds in and let's have a good old heart to heart...from one homeschool mama to another.

♥ Le...

It's that time of the year where everyone is talking about resolutions, goals, and intentions. Whether you enjoy that sort of thing or not, it is a really good time to take inventory of your homeschool before starting back up from your holiday break.

But, there is a way of doing this that will give you clarity and not cause more stress or add to your to-do list. Let's be super intentional as we set realistic New Year's Goals. You know, the ones that will add life to your family and not suck you dry.

...

Pretty soon, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season will be over and it will be back to reality. You know, that one where you homeschool.

It can be hard to transition into the routine again, especially if you've had a really good Christmas season. Where did you actually leave off? Do you need to do everything that you were doing before? Is there a way to change things up that weren't working?

Let's answer those questions and more as you work to wrap your mind around restarting the second half of the homeschool...

In some recent Q&A episodes, we've talked about the influence of other children upon your homeschooler and what to do if that is a negative influence. But, what if the negative influence is actually coming from your homeschool child?

You're trying all the things and you are emotionally exhausted parenting one of your children. And all your efforts don't seem to go anywhere.

I know how you feel because I've been there. Drawing on my many years of parenting a strong-willed child, I'm sharing what had the biggest impact upon our homeschooler as my...

Let's take a little break from all the sounds, smells, and sights of Christmas and I'm giving you just some normal everyday conversations in today's episode.

I always enjoy a Q&A and I hope that hearing these questions help you to find solutions to your concerns about homeschooling.

Pull up that newest cookie recipe, pop your earbuds in, and let's have a chat!

♥ Leigh

ASK YOUR QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED ON THE PODCAST: https://bit.ly/homeschoolquestion

DESIGN YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE HOMESCHOOL THAT YOU'LL LOVE...

Oh, the great "should we have a to-do list?" debate. And I'm weighing in on it now after 14 years of homeschooling and 23 years of motherhood.

Let's talk about why lists get a bad rap, how to avoid the traps of them, and then I'm going to share my favorite lists as they help me to remain sane as a homeschool mom.

Grab a pen and paper so you can jot a few notes...you know, a list...and then get ready to dive in a little deeper to create a few lists that will give...

You may have to buckle in for this one...depending upon how sensitive you are. But, I felt like these concerns needed to be voiced as they make their way into the Christian mom space and the homeschool space.

My generation of mothers has not been perfect, but I always appreciated the voices of women a little ahead of me pointing out some potential mine fields. It may have stung a bit at the time, but if it would help me in my motherhood, I was willing to listen.

That's what I'm hoping you do...

You took the time to research and scour the internet for the best curriculum for your homeschool family. And now, "it's failing you."

Or is it?

This is a common concern when homeschooling, but that doesn't mean it isn't frustrating and a hard place to be. It also does not mean you have to stay in this negative space.

Let's explore some options that you have right now when that math, science, or writing program just isn't cutting it. I promise that there is a solution!

♥ Leigh

Few topics elicit more feelings than the ones surrounding how to raise our children. I think a pretty close second is homeschooling since everyone has an opinion about education.

Let's step into deep water today and combine those two and discuss an often used phrase in our culture. I know you've heard it and have your own thoughts.

"It takes a village to raise a child."

With two adult children and an older teen, I've seen and heard a lot and have had my own experience so I thought we should discuss this...

We're back with another Q&A! I am loving all of these questions and I hope today's episode is informational, fun, and helpful for you.

Be sure to submit your question for the next Q&A. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving!

♥ Leigh

ASK YOUR QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED ON THE PODCAST: https://bit.ly/homeschoolquestion

DESIGN YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE HOMESCHOOL THAT YOU'LL LOVE! https://littlebylittlehomeschool.com/blueprint

CREATE YOUR HOMESCHOOL FAMILY'S HOME TASK SYSTEM https://www.littlebylittlehomeschool.com/tidyhome 

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Are you craving a return to simpler times this holiday season? I think many of us are after life has just gotten too crazy and busy.

There really is something to slowing down, especially during what can be a hectic time of the year. This slow down can result in a really good holiday season for your homeschool family.

Let's evaluate what you really do want for the next 6 weeks and how to practically go about making it happen.

Grab a hot cup of cocoa, settle in with a cozy blanket, and take...