So, what exactly is homeschooling, anyway? Am I qualified to teach my children? How will I juggle it all? Won't they miss out? And, what about socialization?

These are just a few questions that I have heard whenever homeschooling is mentioned. Watch the video below to learn more about the basics.

If you're new or just considering homeschooling, I would encourage you to check out a documentary released by Kirk Cameron. It's lots of interviews of homeschooling families and helps to dispel common myths and misconceptions. It really puts things into perspective and further affirmed that we were making the right choice for our family. 

Check it out here. 

A bit overwhelmed with where to start? In the video below, I talk about a few different options as far as WHAT/HOW to teach. Note: There is no "right" way, everything depends on your child(ren) and lifestyle. 

I really think the best approach is a mix of methods and curriculums. Pull all the best pieces out that you love and use those. Children are resilient and very adaptable most of the time, so changing school up every once and a while will keep things running smoothly and allow you to do what fits best for your family. 

In case you haven't already discovered, I am a green personality! I love organizing and color coding things. Lists abound in my life. I have to be careful that I don't become too rigid with our homeschool because that can really take the fun out of the whole process. Be flexible. 

One book that I think every homeschooling parent should read is Teaching from Rest. Of all the homeschool books and blogs that I have read, this one has helped me the most. With a public school teacher's background, I tend to have a rushed and hurry up kind of way of teaching. This is the complete opposite of what homeschooling should be! We need to model for our children what learning is and how to learn, not what to learn. I'm not concerned with my children falling behind their peers, I just want them to improve. Learning is not a race, it's a marathon. I want my children to love learning and embrace it, not memorize things just for a short period of time to ace a test. 

Here are some tips for preparing for your homeschool year.

You can find the homeschool planner I reference in the video here.

We also love to incorporate natural ways to support the body during our daily lives. I discovered essential oils about 8 years ago. During school time, I have the diffuser going to help with emotions. Read more about diffusers here. We love to start our day with an antioxidant drink called NingXia Red and vitamins.

Throughout the homeschool day, we love to use Lemon, Peppermint, and KidPower to help focus and concentrate. I've found that when you give your body what it needs, you can be proactive and not reactive.

Here are some more tips for a more relaxed homeschool life:

1. Make sure your child(ren) gets(get) enough sleep! 

2. Prepare a healthy breakfast with protein and not a ton of sugar. I love to mix up eggs and pour into muffin tins with cheese and a breakfast meat. Easy to pop in the air fryer to reheat the next day too!

3. Have a general schedule (or a specific one if that fits your style!) so that things generally happen around a certain time. This predictability will be helpful as your child(ren) gets(get) older and can become more independent.

4. Make sure you prep anything the night before so you're not scrambling in the morning. Teaching from rest, remember? 

5. Be ready to change things up or abandon lessons that are not working. There's no sense in finishing a lesson while your toddler is in a full blown meltdown. Take a break when you need to and give your child a break too. If you start something and it is not a good fit, go on to something else. Be flexible! Take a wiggle break. Go outside for a little walk. There are endless ways to recharge and refocus. 

6. If you have more than one child, look for ways to involve all of your children in something. Do a read aloud, go on a nature walk, bake in the kitchen. Regardless of their age, all children can feel that they are contributing and participating in some way. 

7. Last, but definitely not least, PRAY! Take all aspects of your homeschool life to the Lord in prayer. 

Click here to see other things that make homeschooling a little bit easier.

I pray that this blessed and encouraged you! I promise, it will get easier! 

Here's an easier way to access all of the products I linked above. It's free to join and there is no obligation to purchase again! 

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are the children of one's youth." -Psalm 127:3-5