Little by Little Homeschool - Christian Homeschooling and Motherhood

What if I told you there is ONLY one thing you need to begin and to continue homeschooling? Nope. It's not curriculum. And no, it isn't a big budget or fancy manipulatives.

Just one simple thing that will act as your foundation and anchor in all the years of homeschooling ahead. And it doesn't cost a thing.

Sound too good to be true? I promise that it's not. Let's dive into that one thing, so you can homeschool with the right perspective.

♥ Leigh

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I promise that I'm not adding "one more thing" to your to-do list. But, the summer typically means a bit of a break from academics for homeschool families.

The curriculum is great, but if you child is not prepared for the world when they step out on their own, they'll have a lot of catching up to do, no matter what level of math they achieved, the science experiments you did, or the classic books they've read. Don't get me wrong, those things are fine. But, there is more to life than book knowledge. 

There i...

It's about that time, homeschool mom! Summer break!

Did I see a little yipee from you? Or maybe a feeling of dread came over you because summer seems to be a free for all and at the end of it, you don't feel like you have anything good to show for it.

What if, you took some purposeful time this summer and used it wisely to build and edify yourself as a homeschool mom?

I'm breaking down some areas to consider pouring into this summer in hopes that you take back your time...

There is such pressure in our society to create an over the top experience for every part of our children's lives. And that can feel overwhelming. The FOMO is real.

But what if your children could have an amazing summer that filled them...and you...up? One that was reminiscent of an 80's and 90's childhood, but with a 21st century twist. Does that appeal to you?

Or maybe you're just intrigued and need some more ideas in your arsenal for the summer.

No matter the reason you clicked on this episode, I...

Do you want to look back on this summer and feel good about how you and your homeschool children spent their time? Now, I'm not saying there isn't room for rest, refreshment, and even a lot of fun. But, what about all the time in between? Maybe it's the days you are just home. Or maybe it's the free time your kids will have in between activities.

No matter if you like a jam-packed summer or prefer one more relaxed, there is something to coming alongside our kids and showing them how to be productive and helpful...

As a homeschool mom, you made that intentional decision to educate your children at home, which means, everyone is home with you...all the time. And when summer comes, it can be very easy to disengage a little bit.

This usually happens because the curriculum is completed and you are mentally and emotionally drained.

But, you've got that mom guilt hanging over your head too. "Everyone" seems to have an opinion about how you should spend your summer. And I'm not here to give you a list that will only add more burden to you.<...

You've got this "crazy" idea that you want your children to go screen-free this summer. And you're wondering if it's possible...or if you can even pull it off.

Whether you rely heavily upon screens or it's sparingly used in your family, the tips in today's episode are applicable. Why? Because even though it may matter how much your child needs to detox, the suggestions are still the same.

I'm excited that you have this desire and want to try it out. Who knows where it will lead beyond the summer, but now is a...

Should our homeschool summer break be a free for all or should we continue with our normal lessons? Or maybe something in between?

Today, I am sharing three lessons that I continued with my children every single summer. There are three intentional reasons behind each of these lessons and I'll share my whys with you.

Let's not lose the ground and the breakthroughs we had during the school year over the summer. With a little bit of forethought...and maybe some sneakiness, we can keep our family moving forward.

♥ Leigh

Your homeschool summer break is right around the corner! But let’s not lose ground in establishing routines and living with some predictability. It is 100% possible to have a great summer, but also be intentional in how your days and weeks are carried out.

I am so excited for you to hear these 3 options and get your mind going on figuring out the best routine for your homeschool family this summer. You and your children can thoroughly enjoy your school break and not live in chaos.

Let’s find that balance of fun, flexibility, rest, and...

Homeschooling is not just something we do, it's how we live. And we should honor that all the way through graduating our child from their formal education years.

What does a homeschool graduation ceremony look like? Well, I have 10 simple tips to creating an amazing celebration that honors your graduate, your family, and the years you have been pouring into raising and educating them.

Grab your notebook and a pen and get these tips written down whether you have a graduate this year or in 10 years. 

♥ Leigh

Can you even believe that the end of the homeschool year is here? Where did the time go? Well, probably to lessons and meals and bedtime stories and on and on...

When it comes to the end of a school year, moms usually have a sense of feeling ready to move on to the summer, but a lingering feeling of regret or uncertainty can hang overhead. What if, instead of focusing on the "if I only," you decided to be intentional about looking at the progress that was made instead?

Inside of today's episode, I...

It's been a little while since we've done a Q&A and these were such great questions that I knew we needed to talk about them ASAP.

As always, there is only so much that can be shared with each question and I inevitably think about something else I should have said after I'm done recording. But, my goal is to get you started in thinking through a concern or difficulty. Then it's up to you to carry through in the best way that you can.

Grab a cup of coffee and let's talk about...

Homeschooling your children is no small task. It takes hard work, determination, and a willingness to adjust when needed. Most parents don't think about the years ahead of them on day one. But at some point you wonder how long you're willing to do this.

It's no secret that I am a huge advocate for homeschooling long-term and helping moms wrap their minds around this goal.

Today, as I prepare to "retire" from my homeschool career, I want to share 4 perspective shifts that will help you stay committed for the days and years ahead. I...

Most homeschool moms are reassessing education and what that looks like in their homeschool. We want to prepare our children for their futures, but don't want to destroy their natural inclination towards curiosity.

Can it actually be done?

Let's explore this possibility and what it can look like in all of the various ages of our homeschool children.

♥ Leigh

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

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In the homeschool world, there are so many opinions about everything. And every mom has them, along with a list of reasons to back up those convictions.

As I close in on my final homeschool graduate, I can look back and see that there were times I planted a flag so firmly in the ground that it blinded me to other possibilities. Even just this year, I had to rethink a decision.

There are definitely some lines to draw, but many can be adjusted. And that is why one of my new mottos is, "Never...

I really wish that I didn't have to do this episode. But, it felt necessary with all the stories I have heard from many homeschool moms over the years.

Disagreements and different opinions are just a part of living life in relationship with other people. And you probably went into your co-op with happy thoughts of everything being perfect. But then, the bumpy road started showing through.

My goal is to pull back the veil a little bit, give you some perspective, and hopefully some guidance on how to walk through drama at your co-op...

As homeschool parents, we've heard all the one-liners about our choice to home educate our children. Maybe this is a new one for you though: "You are selfish for homeschooling your children."

Instantly, that comment can put us on the defense. And possibly curb our enthusiasm for homeschool now that it is considered "selfish."

Well, what do you think? Are you selfish or not?

Let's unpack this question and I'm going to give you my opinion, along with a perspective shift that will put that enthusiasm right back into your life.

♥ Le...

The first thing most homeschool moms want to talk about is curriculum. And a big age range for that question is with preschool and kindergarten.

How should you introduce learning? What resources are best suited for young children? Do you even need a curriculum? And if so, what should it include?

Today, I am sharing with you my top suggestions for preschool and kindergarten homeschool curriculum. You'll want to jot those down.

But I won't just leave you there...I want to give you a few guidelines that will help you determine if...

As the homeschool year winds down, you are probably starting to run out of steam. You didn't need much to keep you going at the beginning of the school year, but right now, it feels like an uphill battle.

You want to look back and confidently say that you gave this homeschool year your all, but your emotions want to flake out and call it good enough.

When you began the year, you were determined to finish it out well. This is when that goal...and the rubber...meets the road. What does finishing strong...

I've been spending more time lately looking back and looking around. I am no longer overwhelmed with homeschooling young children and wondering if what I was doing would help my husband and I to reach our vision and goals. Plus, I have the privilege of seeing so many other homeschool graduates successfully take their place in the world.

So many years of worry and meeting the needs of children can keep a homeschool mom overwhelmed. But what if there were just a few things that when done, could help relieve that burden you feel?

Because...

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...