I remember i once made my eldest child tear up when he was 6. We were doing math and i snapped at him because he didn’t understand a concept. He was already ahead, he was doing 2A of primary math while he was in first grade. And my darling angel he didn’t want me to see him get upset so he hid is eyes and tried to quickly wipe his tears and hide his face but of course I saw it. I instantly pushed away the math book, told him i’m sorry for being short with him it’s not his fault at all and I just hugged him and we took a break. I read him a book and then later that day we picked up where we left off. That moment will always stick in my mind.
Thank you so much!! You are such an encouragement to me! That’s a good idea! I’ll have to think about what I’ve done right! So often we focus on the negative, but you’ve got a point. There is a lot to be thankful for! ❤️💕❤️
You're right, don't neglect the very indoctrination you accuse public schools of! -A pagan homeschool mom who does it because common core won't get them into Cornell.
In the last few days I have watched hours and hours of curriculum/ homeschool tip reviews. So I'm just here to say this is my FAVORITE video I have ran across thus far! Thank you for sharing your wisdom gained from these lessons of "regret".
Yah!!! You’re so welcome!!! I’m so happy I am able to encourage other moms even by sharing my own “mistakes!” Sometimes we just need to hear another perspective to nudge us in one way or another. 😁
Let me say this- As a child I was a VORACIOUS reader. Like, teachers told me to put books away because I’d read them under my desk. BUT- I did NOT have parents who read to me. I did NOT have great language arts teachers early on. What was unique in my circumstance was that I was an only child with a very sick parent and another parent who was too busy to deal with me. I didn’t go on a single vacation in my childhood. Not one. I didn’t have many friends. It wasn’t all bad, but truly, in hindsight, my parents did little with me, and so I had to entertain myself. Thankfully I lived before the Internet took off and I fell in love with reading. I became a reading teacher. Now I’m a homeschooling mom and my own kids are very good readers, but not super into it. It’s hard because I think, “What am I missing?” But someone pointed out to me that my kids are making crafts, going on outings, meeting up with other kids, traveling with us, playing with each other. They have a mom who is really working to be engaged with them. In that way the reading experience probably isn’t so essential to their entertainment or way of life like it was for me. I do think reading out loud helps. But also consider the whole picture of what your kids DID grow up with.
I agree!! I’ve had a friend tell me that also when I complimented her on something she did and wished I did that. And she pointed out, yes, but my kids don’t get…and then she named something I did. So yea, each kids’ experience will be different and there are blessings no matter which way you look at it. (I still wish I would’ve read aloud more though bc really, I neglected it for things that I now deem as less important. And maybe I’m a little selfish, but I ENJOY reading kids books and seeing their wonder. And as my kids age, they are a little less excited about picture books or reading something like “the mouse and the motorcycle.” So it may not have made them voracious readers, but we memories still come from books. And it’s ok….bc now I look forward to reading with my youngest. And I know I’ll be a reading grandmother!! 😜💕
I was a Sonlight mom, I read aloud ALL…DAY…LONG. My kids are not devourers of books yet either (they are in high school now). My sister was also a Sonlight mom and has one devourer and one who is not at all. Grace mama!😊 Great advice I heard from somewhere…. If you can’t take credit for all of the successes, you can’t take credit for all the failures.
Thank you for this!!! I have so many nieces and nephews that love to read, and I thought it was partially bc I didn’t read enough. So this is very encouraging to me. I appreciate your encouragement!!
I was a Sonlight mom and was tired of it. I thought it was dry. It got us to read more but now I am more lax about it. We read daily for learning but let them choose what to read a night. I think that Sonlight didn’t allow that balance of choice.
"Choose the relationship every time." I LOVE THIS!!! I sometimes think using tgatb for English and math isn't "rigorous" enough, or maybe it's too simple bc it's open and go, but my kids ADORE the curriculum and think it's a lot of fun. Both my older kids are ahead in their subjects, so sometimes I think I could find something more intense for them - but then maybe they'd lag behind out of frustration. So if you're having fun with your kids, if they're enjoying the work, if it's something they have to work at but they're not struggling, you're in a sweet spot. Enjoy that with your kid.
You’ve told my story. I’ve graduated 3, I have a 12th grader and one in 1st grade. I am doing things differently with my last because of the same things I learned and regrets I have with my older ones. I so wish I had someone like you when I started. For all the new homeschool moms she is so spot on. Thank you for being so transparent. It does help those of us veteran homeschoolers to feel we are not so alone.
@@AbidingHomeschool wow!!! That’s amazing!!! I’d LOVE to have another little one!!! I bet it’s so different as well…bc now with a baby, you have helpers!!! I keep trying to convince my husband that’s why we should have another baby! 😂
Yes! 100% relate with your feelings. I've also graduated 3, and now have an 8th & 1st grader. I think as we get older we learn from our mistakes, and see what is worth fighting about and what isn't. Plus, we are a little tired, and yet can enjoy the experience because we see our adult kids and realize the time has passed so quickly.
“Having to incentivize playing with their toys..” This is my life. Even having to push them outside. It’s so frustrating. I’m glad I’m not alone. There’s a constant eb and flow in our house, a love hate relationship if you will, with screen time.
Listening to this has just given me confirmation on a choice I made. I have a 4 and 6 year old. We were doing all the things, and everyone was feeling like school was a drag. It was very hard for me, but I decided to strip it down to reading lessons, math, handwriting, and read alouds. I have been such happier, and my kids love that we now have the time to the interest led stuff and the art projects.
My kids are grown and have kids of their own. I’m here to gleen for my grands. Your kids are babies compared. Have great fun experiences with fun books, playing, exploring. Your really creating a foundation for all book learning when they experience the world they really live in.
Thank you for your transparency! I just love your videos so much! I’m so tired of people bragging about their kids and how over achieving they are. Your channel is so refreshing ❤
Thank you so much!! It can definitely feel lonely when you see others in life or on social media who are telling you how to do this and that and they appear to have a perfect homeschool. It can make us feel alone even though I know those mamas don’t mean to make us feel that way. I’ve watched other homeschool moms videos and realized that watching them is making me wonder why they have it all together and I don’t. And it can make you feel bad about yourself. So I’m happy to share our struggles bc that’s real life. And everybody has these issues in some way or another and it’s nice to be able to relate!!!
There's nothing wrong with seeing those channels of kids succeeding, either. Quite a few people like seeing that success Everyone has a different method of how they do homeschooling and what it should be like and how they show it. This channel is no different in showing it's approach and it's great to see it, too.
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan As for being frustrated about seeing others on social media, Our there's an easy answer to it: stay off of it. It's not something you need, as much as it tries to convince you you need it. If you just stay focused on your channel and ignore what other homeschool parents do, it will be fine. With all this said, thank you for this channel and all the work you do. We need more parents like you that homeschool and understand how important it to teach your children yourself. You seem like a wonderful mom with great children. God Bless!
@@LouieKaboom i completely agree with you!! I get a lot of ideas from social media. You have to balance it. I’ve found that if it’s starting to make me feel inadequate, as you said, I take a break from social media and viewing those things that are making me feel less than. It’s not those moms fault. Im not saying that. But we do have a tendency to compare and ask ourselves why our children or school or home isn’t like that. And it is nice to be able to relate to somebody else’s struggles. Being reminded that no home is perfect is very grounding. Everybody’s got something!! I totally agree with you!! And I’ve definitely shared my own successes on this channel as well and hope I’m being helpful and not unintentionally making somebody feel like they aren’t “doing it right.” 😉
A homeschool mom who I grew up around, rarely ever let her children play video games or watch movies. She was VERY hands on with her children and their homeschool. Today they are all graduated and working. Almost all of them love to play video games when they get home. She often wonders where she went wrong and I honestly can find almost no fault in her mothering. At the end of the day, we are only responsible for so much. Our children are individuals, after all.
Thank you for this. We are in year 4 and have recently hit a wall. 10 yr old ADHD boy. But after a long talk with my husband and being reminded that I started this journey so he could be taught the way HE needed, we're back on track again! I've never been one for the "vision statement" or writing down what you want homeschool to look like, but I am thinking it might be helpful for our family. I am so thankful for grace and the chance to reevaluate and move on.
Yes!! You can adjust as often as much as you need! ADHD is no joke. I was just telling my mom the other day….when my daughter was first diagnosed, I described it as something that sucks the life out of you! 🙃 we love our kids, and will do anything for them….but IT IS CHALLENGING & can be exhausting for the parents!! Hang in there and keep loving on your boy!! You’re the best one to teach him!! ❤️
I had lovely times and my children still say they were the best years and I did strict school hours in the morning till noon. It was putting God first in our lives and HIS WORD that gave us peace and success! All glory goes to God. Just be strict with love, be consistent and firm, but stay cool and calm and have fun! I now teach other moms children in my own home.
I can honestly say that my 14 year old cannot handle the temptation to not plays games instead of doing work. You are not alone in all these things. I am in my 3rd year and learning to slow the heck down and enjoy them.
The internet temptation is unfortunate. Do you also struggle with allowing them to do any kind of research or even type papers?? If I can’t sit there the entire time my daughter is on it, I just don’t trust her. And I don’t have that many hours to spare for research and typing!!! It’s a real struggle. I’m glad I’m not the only one. Good for you for slowing down!!! You’ll never regret that!
Thank you so much for sharing this honest heart to heart with us! I beat myself up all the time and have so many regrets. I see so many super moms on UA-cam and I fall so short of that. But as I was listening to you (I share all the same regrets) you know what came to mind? (I think this was from the Lord for BOTH of us!!) I heard “but do your kids feel loved?” Yes Lord! I know they know they’re loved. “Do they know me?” Yes Lord! They know you! “Then all the rest doesn’t really matter!” ❤️🙏🏻 I went to public school all my life and didn’t learn a darn thing until UA-cam was born. Praise God for UA-cam! 🙏🏻 Our kids can learn all they need on their own thanks to the internet. Not every child loves to read. Mine don’t, I don’t, unless it’s non fiction and I can learn from it. Fiction makes me feel like I’m wasting my time, lol. The fact that you care so much to reflect on the homeschool experience you provided for your kids tells me you were and are a great mom who has always done what she thought was best at the time. You always made decisions based on love. And at the end of the day, that’s what our kids will remember. And Lord willing, you will have an opportunity with your future grandkids to do read aloud and nature walks with them without the pressure of having to make sure they’re “learning something.” That’ll be your grown kids jobs, lol! I pray you feel God’s peace and love and let go of those regrets bc that is just Satan trying to make you feel not good enough or that you fell short. You didn’t! You protected your children from the VILE public schools that we’ve all had to grow up in and that alone is everything!! ❤️ Ps… your video helped me so much. Just yesterday I was in tears after watching a UA-cam “perfect” mom’s video on how to be a screen free family and other utopian promises… and I got to the end of the 40 min video only to find out she would share her “secrets” and systems for just … $300!!! 😢😢 I was already feeling like crap before the video but I figured hey, I can be a super mom too after I’m done with the video. Nope. Just greedy people out there claiming they want to “help” other moms and claiming to be Christian, too. Ugh!! The hypocrisy! Anyway… thanks for letting me vent. I know God sent your video, a REAL MOM!!, to me!❤️❤️
Oh Mama!!! I feel this so much! (I giggled when you said you feel like you’re wasting time when you read fiction! I share that sentiment -for adult literature -I do love to read fiction to my kids though. and I don’t fault those who love to read anything. It’s just why I don’t read fiction. Not a reader. Would rather read to learn. 😜) Thank you for your encouragement!!! And amen!! Christ first! And I always did that! And my kids know HE is a top priority! “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” ❤️ I’m so sorry you felt bad watching another video and I admit I’ve felt inadequate after watching some videos also. Some moms just seem to have it all together and it leaves you wondering, why does it seem so much harder for me? Her way isn’t working for me! So I feel you. And I’m sorry you were disappointed and felt led astray. I’m glad I can be real. Sometimes I wonder, am I sharing too much? But as long as my husband and kids don’t mind, I figure it’s helping people at least feel like somebody understands and here’s some more ideas you could try! 😜 Blessings to you, Mama!!! Thank you again for your sweet words!
I love this video!!! Thank you! Wow, so many of these apply to me. My kids are 4th grade, 1st grade, and a newborn. Simplifying the early years is the only way I could survive! I learned the hard way that what works for one child doesn’t always work for the next. I still struggle with letting go of the grade level comparison, but I’m working on it. Another thing you mentioned spoke to me: school was always easy to me growing up, so I have a hard time being patient when my kids aren’t grasping a “simple” concept we’ve gone over multiple times. When they get frustrated and whine/complain/give up in that moment, it seems to me that they just aren’t putting forth the effort and are being ornery. Any tips on how to handle that? I want school to be a positive learning experience, not an angry butting of heads.
I’m so glad this resonated with you!! There’s plenty of time and years for learning so need to over complicate it now! 😉 Advice for learning struggles: Just don’t assume it’s an attitude issues. Sit and go over it with them, patiently. Pray with them. Try to think of a different way and come from a different angle. And if all that is still not working, walk away and move on to something else. Is it a concept that absolutely cannot be addressed from a different assignment? Is it something you can skip and trust it will come up later? My advice is just to be patient and understanding. Give them a hug. Sometimes another day brings clarity! 😉
This was super helpful, thank you so much ❤ I have a 3 year old and a 7 month old and I'm struggling to just make it through the days as a stay home mom. I will be homeschooling them and it's so reassuring to know that I won't regret trying to take it easy for the first few years of homeschooling when we start. I hope to be very flexible and do my best to follow my children's interests. Thank you for sharing your wisdom 😊
Needed this! I have constant anxiety that I'll forget to teach something they need in life. I'm just going to slow it down and focus on experiences and the basics for a while. Thank you for sharing
Thank you very much for how authentic and honest this video is. Each of these items resonated with me and I appreciate you allowing yourself to be vulnerable. You’ve blessed me so much and made me feel like I’m not alone and to keep learning authentic to each individual child in love. Thank you! ❤
You’re welcome!!! You’ll never regret your decision bc even though the journey is not easy, it’s worth it!! You’ll be so glad you had ALL this time with your kids!!! 😊
I thank you so much for your open and honest video! Your sharing has helped me so much!! I homeschooled my 2 daughters from 2nd and 5th grade through graduation. Now I am homeschooling 2 of my grandchildren and I still have regrets and I still am learning!
Been homeschooling for 9 years and have all the same regrets. I've grown in some areas and still need a ton of growth in others. It is helpful and necessary to share our journeys with others new or old to homeschooling. However, we all have to go on a journey where we learn through our failures. It is part of how we grow in our reliance upon the Lord. Plus, it keeps us humble as we press forward.
So honest, raw, relatable and realistic. And that is why I am subscribing today. Thank you for this. So many perfect homeschool moms out there. Thank you for allowing yourself to not be perfect. We appreciate it. 🙏
❤️❤️❤️ I’m honored by your words. I’m truly touched by how so many have responded to this video. Truly, truly thankful that I can be used to encourage you!
I just watched this video a third time. I don’t recall any UA-cam video that I have watch more than I’ve watched this one. It’s such a good video. Especially for the winter blues. 🥹
Oh my word!!!! What?? U mean to tell me that we're not alone over here?? May I please just tell you how much I LOVE U!!!!! & Your willingness to be so transparent??!!!!! Once again, thank U so much for taking the time to share your heart!!! U are truly a blessing to so many mums & families out here in the trenches of homeschooling....Always an absolute breath of fresh air!!! Wish we were in the same neck of the woods!!!!! LUVVVSSS!!! PS: U could still explore that LOE foundations w/ any age if you wanted to...Just sayin! =)
❤️❤️❤️ you are NOT alone! 😉 Thank you for that encouragement! I’m so glad that my willingness to share my weakness & failings helps others! I sold all of my logic of English curriculum just about a year ago. 🙃 I thought about using it for my youngest, but really TGATB is similar in approach, I think. What my daughter loved about it was the games!!!! Anything to make learning fun is a huge bonus!!! Do you use logic of English??
@@shayj3373 wow! I’m truly humbled by your sweet comments! Thank you!! Rage cleaning….haha!! I’ve been there! I try really, really hard to avoid that! 😜 I do cherish those special moments with my kids and I’m more relaxed about our days than ever….every year…a little piece of the old mindset breaks away!! One of my fav homeschool speakers, Todd Wilson, says that many of us have been duped. But it’s really more about HOME than SCHOOL. It’s hard to wrap our head around at times (I even have a couple videos scripted testing to this topic….not sure when I’ll get them recorded but hopefully early next year) but our children do not have to know millions of facts before they become adults. Learning is lifelong. But what have we gained JUST from being home. Those blessings are immeasurable! Selling curriculum…I’ll add it to my list. I don’t sell very often. When I sold last, I felt like it consumed my life for over a week, so i didn’t sell what thing last year. But I’ll consider a video about this for next year!! When do you sell? Or when do you think you want to sell?
This video is sooo helpful! Thank you for sharing the wisdom you have gained. I have a 1 and 5 year old and will officially start homeschooling next year. We will be using Logic of English foundations too! And I already feel the pull to include so many activities based on what I see out there in the homeschool world, and I could definitely understand how those read alouds get pushed out. Those are so important to me so this was a great reminder.
I’m soooooo happy that I was able to say all this for young moms like you!! The read alouds are so important! And they’ll spark ideas and interests in your children and you can follow those!! You ABSOLUTELY can keep it simple and your homeschool experience will be so rich!!
I don’t know if you’ll see this comment since this is an older video, but I just want to say.. I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and other homeschool mom videos and I’m SO THANKFUL for them!! My daughter is currently 18 months so we have some ways to go until we officially begin pre-k+, but I am planning on starting early preschool at home and continuing on with homeschool from there on out. I taught elementary in the public school system for 8 years, but decided I wanted to stay at home and raise my girl (and my future kiddos as well). Homeschooling just seems so different; I want to make sure I’ll be doing it correctly, and watching all the videos have been relieving and assuring. With that said, I needed to watch this video. The past two weeks, I’ve been looking up all sorts of curriculum and comparing, watching videos, looking into classical conversations as an option and blah blah. Wow! There’s so much to look at and decide and has given me a mix of emotions- excited mostly because I do love to teach and miss being in the classroom, so I’m looking forward to starting homeschool but also reminding myself to calm down and enjoy my little toddler too. Haha but this video in particular really reminded to slow down and as you mentioned- the curriculum is just a tool. Our school doesn’t revolve around the curriculum and it’s pacing. I think also teaching at a public school, I’m so used to that mentality where we gotta do so much and fit everything in a day that if I don’t then it seems like I’m “behind”. That’s one of the reasons why I’m not sending my child to public school when the time comes! It’s like a mind renewal process needs to happen for this too. Anyway, lots of rambling to say.. this was what I needed to hear and thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your experiences. You honestly sound like a wonderful mom and you should be proud!
You're so very welcome! And yes...coming from a public school background, whether as a teacher or a student, old habits die hard. But every year I go along in this homeschool life, the more I see....Its less and less about curriculum and checking the boxes, and more about fostering the family relationships and helping your children just BECOME who are they are supposed to be. They WILL learn! Just watch, pay attention, share with them the things that you LOVE, because the enthusiasm of Mama is huge as well! And enjoy life and learning together! It will be a wonderful experience!
Oh wow!! How many years did you do MFW? I really did like it (except for feeling like I wasn’t doing enough! Lol!) if I could’ve done one of those “synergy” groups, the co-op idea where everybody is doing MFW, I would’ve loved it. That’s why I jumped ship for classical conversations. But nobody I knew wanted that kind of community accountability. I’ve struggled with finding “my” tribe from the beginning. Maybe everyone feels that way….but I haven’t met one homeschool family who wants to do homeschool the way I want to! 😉 anyway….loved that MFW was kind of eclectic in its own way and had lots of variety.
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan YES!!! We used MFW for a few years because it was all I knew and I didn’t feel confident enough to go out on my own. I have been extremely blessed to have found several women on my journey that homeschool and it’s been so helpful. We bounce ideas off each other. ❤️
I have regrets too, many but listening to you about electronics...this I'm so happy we didn't do. My kids only watch movies we Ok. And that's it. I'm very thankful we didn't let them use any if much at all
I’m glad for you too!! I know many who limit TV and decided, etc and I so envy them. I have to admit, I’m more conservative than my husband in this area and so that is some of the challenge. So if both parents can agree….that’s the other thing….both parents agreeing this the best way, then I see no negative result from kids limited devices and screens!
Such a great video! I'm in the thick of the period that this commentary is retrospectively analyzing. So this was very useful. Thank you! I feel like in my hardest moments, you are that friend I can bounce ideas off of! I watched your burnout video about 6 months ago and it was so comforting. Thank you for your time and efforts in making this channel.
Oh, I’m so glad you told me this! I’m happy that my experiences can help you figure out your own vision or sort through your struggles! This is why I share!!! ❤️
How do you know there won't be gaps with an eclectic style? I think I'm the type who would let things go and just not plan out lessons but I'm tired of being tied to a boxed curriculum :/ I need lessons but also simplicity. I'm not craftsy and would prefer to read all day, except sometimes my throat does get bothered. Also next year, my oldest will be in fifth 😭 Is that too old to pare it down?
There’s a lot to unpack here. 😉 my video about not being weighed down by curriculum and also the one I just recently did about when your homeschool doesn’t go according to plan probably explain where I stand about “gaps.” 😜 I don’t really worry about it. How do you know there won’t be “gaps” with a boxed curriculum? Are there “gaps” in your own education? Or do you know and remember everything you were ever taught? If you really think about the purpose of education, you might realize that we think about it all wrong. I totally get your need for simplicity but also direction. I looking for that happy balance also. I don’t think 5th grade is too old to pare down AT ALL!!! And there are many homeschool veterans who would say the same.😉 Are you weighed down by curriculum video: ua-cam.com/video/ejVoimOHV1Q/v-deo.html When your homeschool doesn’t go according to plan video: ua-cam.com/video/G7zYqK2hVIg/v-deo.html
If you want you kids to be readers: carve out quiet reading time into the day (ours is the hour before bedtime). Provide a basket for each child filled with books to pick from. I would fill it with books at their reading level, graphic novels, magazines, fun books like eye spy & Where's Waldo. Overtime they gravited to the actual books and I couldn't fill those baskets fast enough. Also I would always have my kids take a book with them to vacations, appointments, parks, anywhere where there might be a waiting period. Despite protest that they didn't want or need a book---- at least 5/10 times they would end up reading. I also read before bed and keep a book with me. Habits & modeling. 😊
Thanks so much! My kids are literally 2, 6 and 8 so similar to your spread. We are scheduling in chore time - bed and day clothes required before breakfast to help us start out right. A am a few years in and video like this very helpful - but those of us starting today have advantage of larger community for support and idea sharing
Oh!!! Yep! Those ages are about exactly what I started with when we began homeschooling!! ❤️❤️❤️ I am so glad I get to be a part of that larger community to help!! The idea sharing definitely helps! Semi-tangeant: When I was new to homeschooling, I had discovered that UA-cam had homeschool content until I had started. I found a helpful video from Pinterest. And i loved it so much but that channel didn’t post regularly. There were only 2-3 channels that i found had helpful content and only 1 of those that posted regularly. I remember constantly looking for new homeschool content and channels that I WANTED to watch regularly. My, how things have changed. There are so many homeschool channels and videos these days. You have so many ideas….it’s so fun to be a part of it!
Thank you for sharing, we just started homeschooling as well, and it's all new for all of us. I'm glad to know all these things on time. Very helpful.❤
This video helped me get over my worry about taking time away from “normal” school subjects for our Christmas unit this year. We are using that Christmas book u recommended a few years ago. I’m so excited!!
Yes!!! Enjoy the season!! That book is awesome! It’s history! It’s art! It’s science! (Baking 😜) it’s a wonderful little book that is easy to add on to according to your interests or just relax and read other picture books!!!! I hope you love it! We are doing it again this year bc my girls love it too!
@@ljenk6752 it’s this book: www.amazon.com/dp/152710334X/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_PEWAA08A31FY5WJ2BM92?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ml2&tag=ourhomesch09f-20 I did a video showing it here: HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS book: my FAVORITE Christmas School book! History, recipes, Bible, etc for 2022! ua-cam.com/video/QcS9i-AyBbA/v-deo.html
Loved your willingness to share this honest video. Many of these reasons are tied into my belief that second-generation homeschoolers often have the gift of an easier start--we've known about this way of life from a young age and it's not such a big adjustment. Meanwhile, first-generation homeschool moms have a tougher road. Your first point made me giggle. Yes, there's a lot of talking as a homeschooler. I was in teaching before I had kids so I was kind of used to the talking...and I have always LOVED reading aloud. Because my kids are so little--I have been very firm on no computer games.--would my son learn how to read a big faster if he played "educational" games? Maybe...but what's the rush? What I noticed on the first day my younger son was born was how different he seemed from my oldest--I very much think that their education will be adapted and unique to each of them!
You definitely have an advantage having been down this road as the “experiment!” And then watching your mom adapt to your other siblings. When I was growing up, we didn’t even know any homeschoolers except for the college liberals who I’d see out at the libraries 😜 -we grew up in a university city- and one VERY conservative Christian family (conservative in dress and lifestyle….no tV in their home…..that was so ODD back then….kind of like homeschooling…and now lots of families see the value in it.) So you definitely have the inside scoop into the homeschool lifestyle!! I have the inside scoop into the behavior of public school girls. The mean girls….the immoral behavior and chatter that haooens on school buses and in locker rooms….and that was decades ago before all that was even pushed as much as it is now on TV and in music. I can’t imagine how it is now. I wish I had your inside scoop instead!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan Meanwhile I always joke that everything I know about high school I learned from movies...and at least the movies make me feel like there was NOTHING good I missed out on. haha!
I’m a new homeschooling mom. My daughter is 6 and this is our first year. She’s in 1st but she’s way ahead of the curve. I have no idea where to start. It’s all so overwhelming. I haven’t picked a curriculum yet. Which do I choose?! HELP!! Please please please someone help me! (Edit- last year in Kindergarten we were at HCA Hamilton Christian Academy. It was wonderful, and we enjoyed our time there and it’s just been super heavy on me that homeschool is what I’m supposed to be doing. If you can please just point me in a direction. My daughter and I are really excited for this new thing the Lord is doing and I know it’s going to come with obstacles…I just feel so lost right now)
I ❤️❤️❤️your heart!! Since it’s your first year, I’d honestly keep it simple and see what happens. Reading, writing, and arithmetic. You can learn science and history from library books. If you’d rather me recommend things for this, I can. But if your overwhelmed, it’s totally ok to keep it simple at this age! So I love My Fathers World! It would have everything (and more) that you would need. Although I’ve never done their 1st grade curriculum. I’ve done K and 2/3 grade! They have lots of reading and lots of hands on activities. But if you go this route, I give you permission to NOT stress about science and history if you do happen to fall behind. 😉 Another great easy option is The Good and the Beautiful language arts. Easy, open and go, fun activities! Very solid and advanced as well! So many people love their math as well!! And if you wanted to add a science, their science units are fun! I wouldn’t by more than a couple though and just see how it goes! You could always buy more. But going to parks, state park homes, etc and observing nature counts as well! Don’t neglect those simple things bc they are so wonderful at this age! For history, I’d just read books! Find some good historical fiction and explore what your library has as your child shows interest! (if you went with MY Fathers World, this would all be incorporated as well as science and Bible!) So if you want an all in one curriculum-look at My Fathers World If you don’t want that much-check out The Good and the Beautiful! Those are my recommendations! If you go this route and need a Bible curriculum suggestion…I’ll have to think about that. We’ve always used our Sunday School curriculum which is GREaT! I made a video about it in “Teaching Biblical Discernment” playlist! I hope that helps!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan oh my goodness thank you so much!!! Thank you thank you thank you!! I could cry right now because you’re the very first one who’s given me helpful advice. I’m going to watch more of your videos because I actually feel not so heavy to hear from another mom.
@@cindylouhart6945 it’s gonna be fine!!! Your first year will really help you figure out what you want! By your 2nd year, you’ll feel so much secure! You’re doing a wonderful work! ❤️
Thank you so very much for sharing this video. We are into our 2nd year of home education with our 13 and 6 year olds and I really needed to hear this. ❤️
Thank you for posting this. It brought me back to those days.... My kids are now older entering high school and 8th grade. I am wondering what you would now for them as they are older. Would you send them to CC Challenge so they can be prepared for college? Would you get online videos to teach them harder math? Would you just continue reading books and having a relaxed type atmosphere? I am at a crossroad to be honest. And I feel the same way you do and have similar regrets as you do.
Awe! I think its very typical to wonder all of those things. For me....Its part of the process of letting go. Because you cannot go back. But the looking back is very sentimental because really, we're in a way "sad" that they're growing up and this stage of life is almost over, and we're wondering if we DID enough or did we "screw them up." 🙂. We DID fine! And now our job is to help instruct the younger women...like Titus says in the Bible, so that if they want to make decisions like we wish we had, they'll have more info. to work with and more support to do it. But we definitely can't live in regret. Just like we can't dwell on our weaknesses. God is able to fill in all the spaces where we may have "failed." And he will fill them in completely and more excellently than we could have, and because of that, he'll get the glory! Working through people who make mistakes so that he can show his power and his grace in those things....it's kind of his thing! We can trust that though we may fail, he will not 😉
You can set a time limit on Apple devices with the parental control. My kids get 1 hour per day of screen time then it locks automatically. Works great and they play with toys :)
10 years in. My biggest mistake was buying package curriculum. Last year I finally realized that researching and watching reviews helps tremendously! I realized that the companies that specialize in one subject tend to really excel in that subject because it's their specialty. I will never buy a "grade set" again. It's more effort in research, but we are learning more and learning it easier. It's also way more fun and engaging.
I love this! Thank you! Your video popped up on my feed. I have a baby, 2, 4 and 6 year old. I really needed this. In fact, we may just go on a field trip tomorrow and skip school! 🙌🏻
You’re so very welcome!! I’m very grateful to be able to share my lessons learned with you, Mama!! If I can help one mom not have the same regrets, that would be a wonderful thing to me!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan I’m back after binge watching most of your videos and again you have really been a life saver. Great content please keep this up. My daughter (8 yrs) is doing much better as I became the problem stressing myself out (no support or help or guidance and cps called on me 32 times for homeschooling by a family member) so your channel has really been a BIG help for me. We live on a homestead and I had no idea how weird ppl think you are for living this way….so again thanks so much! Officially subbed👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍👍🏾
@@kiiwhee7688 oh my goodness! That’s awful! I can honestly say I haven’t had to deal too much with people thinking homeschooling is weird. 90% of the time, people tell us, “good for you! You’re doing the right thing!” I think GENERALLY speaking, perceptions of homeschoolers have shifted dramatically. But there are still those who believe big government and their schools are the only way. 🥲 I’m glad you’re enjoying the content! Thank you for watching!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan Yea, you’re right. I think it’s all of it. Moving away. Starting a farm… I guess when they found out about homeschooling it just became an issue. I am currently looking for support (and a church) to attend… It’s a huge relief to see that I am not alone. 😊 Can’t wait to see what’s next Happy homeschooling many blessings to you and your family
Found this first time viewer. Thanks and super proud of you. And your mistakes are others wins and vice Versa! I feel for you and we have Logic of English in common. I still use those LOE phoneme and spelling cards for tutoring because they are great. It’s great to hear brutal honesty and I think it’s ok for some families to go way fast, way slow, to their own drum. My solo child is very lucky she will never see just how badly I may be screwing up 😅 but we have a BLAST and that’s the important thing. She leans over to whisper in my ear “I want to do my reading” which is just so precious seeing her ask to do school work
Thank you for sharing. Because of my speech impairment, I don't actually read aloud outside of my teaching. However, I use Audible for the read alouds. I'll make this more if a priority. Coming from public school my whole life. I have a hard time letting go of the grade level & where my daughter should be with her reading. I just pray I'm instilling a love for learning & reading. Thank you for reminding me that the curriculum is the tool or guide. It's okay to go outside of that and explore.
Yes! Use audio books! I may even do this more bc I was thinking, if I wasn’t reading aloud, I could color with them! Or we could do an art project while the book reads…or just eat a snack! You’re welcome! I’m so glad I can encourage you!! Homeschool is more about relationship than the books!!
My son and I starting before five in a row in January and your video made me so happy because this "curriculum" is all based on reading picture books and pulling all subjects out of them and making your own creative ideas from it. I was planning to do my fathers world for kindergarten but in a full year rather than just a typical school year. We plan to continue five in a row upper levels as well. I am thinking we will do christian light for actual grade levels. So it does feel like I'm using a lot of styles but you made me like that's okay.
Yes! Yes! Yes!!! What you are doing is ok!! Infact….if I would’ve known about 5 in a row when I started, that would’ve been what I wanted too!! I think 5 on a row allows so much flexibility but you are also learning so many things!!! You’ve made an excellent choice, IMO!! ❤️
I just love the idea because it's geared towards 2 year olds so not writing. My son is less than 2 but absolutely obsessed with books so I know he will love it
Yes when he is a bit older I plan to do the peaceful preschool I believe it's called and much older do the prairie primer and playful pioneer. I love good books and thankfully so does he :) he isn't even two yet and wants to look at books in his playtime and wants a story during the day and two or 3 books before bed!!!
We are a FIAR family too! My kids are 3 months, 2, 4, and 6. We did Before FIAR last year and are doin More Before this year. Sometimes I feel like we’re not doing enough for my oldest but this video is a great reminder.
Wow mom being this open is putting yourself on the spot, but honestly i totally get it too, you have given me the best tips after my 1st yr of homeschooling and other areas lol like making kids do their bed lol
I totally agree pretty much everything you said and especially #4. I've graduated one, have a high schooler and two in upper elementary now. I just told my husband recently I really wish I'd realized how much better it could be in elementary to focus on language arts and math and let social studies and science be interest led. The have very little retention of things they're not interested in and then they learn to think they don't like the subject. We're in a hybrid school this year, but next year I'm hoping to do this with my rising 5th grader (youngest) to at least get a couple years in before they have certain things they have to do. As far as your regrets about not doing many nature walks, even that depends on the kid. I bought Exploring Nature with Children a few years ago to do with my younger two kids. I love the idea of it, but both of them moaned and groaned about it. It's just not their interest. My oldest would have loved it, though, but she was in high school before I discovered it and was covered up with high school requirements.
That’s such a bummer when you get something that you’re excited about bc you envision all the wonder and joy it will bring, but the very mention of it and what it could be makes your kiddos moan and groan!!! 😳 I’ve been there!!! One year my kids told me they wanted more science experiments and the. Next year, they wanted nothing to do with science! Their interests will fluctuate too. It’s so bittersweet, though, to realize the stage of wonder, where every idea you have for your kids is magical….is suddenly over bc now they have their own opinions. 😬 that’s when I tell myself…..maybe I can do this with my future grandkids…..🤪
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan yes, or I think about how my oldest daughter, who wants to be a homeschool mom, can do it with her own future kids. 😄Even though I didn't even know about nature study when she was younger, in her junior or senior year of high school, she started becoming the plant lady. 🪴 She has so many potted plants in her dorm room now! And she didn't learn that from me. I buy fake indoor plants because most of my real ones don't survive. So, it's nice to realize that just because we didn't cover something as homeschool moms doesn't necessarily mean they won't pursue those things on their own when they're older. That can help take some of the pressure off of us moms in the meantime. I did buy her the game Planted for Christmas, so I can still feed into her interests in fun ways. I also didn't know about the idea of incorporating handicrafts into homeschool when I started homeschooling. I grew up in public school, and our homeschool journey started out very traditionally. But she learned how to do embroidery on her own in high school and is good at art, and my other high schooler learned how to crochet with just the help of a friend at church to get her started and some UA-cam videos. 🙂 I enjoyed watching several of your UA-cam videos last night. I hadn't seen your channel before, but you're very relatable. We're a former CC family as well. My oldest actually graduated from Challenge IV, but my other 3 kids are in other co-ops now plus some dual enrollment for my junior. Anyway, nice "meeting" you! God bless!
@@TheMom2girls2 I’m so glad you found me!!! That’s wonderful about your daughter learning all those things on her own! That’s definitely something that makes Mama’s heart SO HAPPY when they find an interest and run with it!
The Lord is so good. He is so merciful. Even when we fail He is faithful. In so many ways I'm not able to homeschól the way I wish I could or things just don't go as planned, or I just did not know better or know how... But the Lord has always been so, so faithful. Thank you for sharing. ❤❤❤
I love this video and it was really helpful. I have a 5 year old and 3 year old. I think years ago there wasn’t as many homeschool moms making content saying the wisdom that you are sharing, so thank you! Also it’s funny because I thought I my daughter had ADHD, figured out I was wrong and that I actually have it, she has a really good memory like how you mentioned your learning style is, she was bored in preschool and having trouble fitting into a box. Since she is so “advanced”, reading chapter books, I still find myself pushing the curriculum at times, but we are going to slow down and do more picture books! Thanks again!
Looking back I wish I would have read to my now 16 year old and I wish I would have homeschooled a few years at least. At the same time though he’s a good kid so I feel it’s a win. Now I have an almost 5 year old and a 3 year old. I’m doing things way different so let’s see how that goes ❤
This is definitely refreshing. I have many many regrets myself as a homeschool mom. Most of them are what yours are and also being too involved into trying to get housework done. I have been homeschooling for 11 years and I still don’t have anything figured out. My oldest son has ADHD and autism. He was not diagnosed until he was 11. My oldest daughter I just found out has ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.
That is refreshing to know that many moms who’ve been doing this awhile, end up with the same conclusions. There’s got to be something to that!! 😉 And these kiddos with learning challenges….they certainly keep us humble. But at the same time, the permission to throw the rules out the window bc they don’t fit the “typical” student….that’s freeing too. I’ve found with my ADHD daughter, the rules don’t matter. Only what she needs matters! 😉 and it’s a wonderful puzzle to figure out! ❤️💕❤️ God bless you!!
We use Mother of Divine Grace, and we are also enrolled in their school. (Their syllabi include some other materials but they also publish their own beautiful and well-put together classical curriculum) being enrolled means we get an amazing consultant to help us (plus accredited diplomas at graduation) and her help has helped us so much! Their curriculum is already very very gentle in the early years but having their curriculum plus my consultant telling me “it is enough” has helped us enjoy the process so much more. Kindergarten is 47 minutes a day 👏🏻🙌🏻 I never would have believed it was enough just researching in my own. (I was also public schooled) You’ve inspired me to be ever more focused on these early years and all the flexibility and fun that comes with them. I can’t imagine starting on my own and not having the MODG curriculum and syllabi plus my consultant to customize for our needs. It’s really something special 💕🙏🏻
👏 👏 👏 yea! Have fun with your little ones!! That will spark a love for learning that will hopefully carry them through in the older years bc they’ll be learning the rest of their lives!!
I read aloud a lot to my 6 kids but my 3 oldest hardly read for pleasure at all. Actually, the oldest has begun to but he is now 20. He mainly listens to audio books. There is so much pull towards screens no matter how much we resist it and hold off. Reading takes some degree of discipline unlike the instant entertainment screens provide. It may happen one day for them that they discover a love for reading, but even a ton of reading aloud when they are young doesn’t guarantee it. Good video! I’m sure it will help a lot of people. :)
You’re right. Even adults have the pull to screens!! I’d love to read more, but more often, I end up watching the news or a tV show instead. It’s easier. 😬 I do read a lot more in the summertime though bc I love going outside! Something about reading outside!!! Thank you!!
I appreciate literature-I have a degree in English Lit-and I assumed that if I read aloud to my kids that they would develop an automatic love for reading. It’s just not the case. Yes, I still believe it’s a great thing to do, but they may or may not latch on to it for themselves. It’s really ok. The many conversations I have had the privilege to have because they are home with me and the close relationships that have come as a result as they go through the trials of life is the most important thing. They see me reading the Bible and referencing Truth here and there as it applies to life. We show them the Good Book and trust that God will add the other things. The battle is His! 2 Chronicles 20:15 May we be faithful servants, recognizing our human limitations. We were not meant to be God-the only perfect One with NO regrets-to our kids. May they see their need for Him just as we do! Have a great day. ☀️❄️
We could be friends! 🤣 I also did LOE but I did one book a year ending right before they were 9! So I switched in thinking by age and not grade. Mayne it was my coping mechanism. 🤣 I have sooooo much mom guilt. I'm pretty much letting go of most things and spending more time at home with my kids, read a lot and be less on the run. I made a huge paradigm shift and I'm finally ready for next year and looking forward to it. I suffer from burn out every year!
Yah! Another friend! 😜 I think every mom has some level of guilt and those who say they don’t….they’re probably lying. 😎 Burn out is a thing for real!! I’m at the pool right feeling vacation vibes! We HAVE go just let go and relax every once in awhile despite the very long to do list. You are very smart to recognize it. (Less in the run….boy would that make a difference too!)
Oh my heart.... 15:10 is exactly what my heart needed to hear... This entire video I needed to hear. Its interesting how the Lord places things for us everytime... this video has repeatedly been suggested and while ive saved it to watch later, its like God kept saying.. "here it is, watch it now". Thank you again for being your wonderfully honest self and real. Its refreshing to hear us moms are not alone in some of these areas.
I get a lot of these and I have regrets but I try not to think about it. So the style of homeschooling.... yes, we use to do Charlotte Mason but I was not a purist. I have had to tailor it and many of things and ways for each of my children. I don't like when you get those hoity-toity type of homeschool moms that will look down on you if you don't do a certain "style" the same way or you might be a bit more eclectic.
Yeah…i think I’m feeling more nostalgic lately since my oldest is in high school and my baby is growing up. I think every mom, even non homeschoolers, look back and wish they they could turn back time and start over! It’s part of motherhood!! Regarding the hoity-toity homeschool moms….I’m happy to say I don’t personally know that many. But yes, there are some who think their curriculum or their way is THE only way….THE BEST…and the rest of us our all inferior. I tend to be more amused at those, though, than be offended by them. 😜 that thinking is not much different than the modern education way of thinking…
Same here! I want to encourage you because you can totally undo the device thing. I have totally been there! And you can just be honest and open with your children and just say, “you guys are spending a bit too much time on video games, screen time and devices so we are going to have that be something special that you can do on the weekends for a couple of hours. I know this is going to be a big change, but we are going to figure out other ways to use our time for God‘s glory.” After about a month, my son had transitioned and was playing with more things and playing with his toys and doing a lot of alternative activities. Initially, it was hard, and he even cried once because he was bored, but I just apologized to him that he had had so much screen time and let him know that I understand it’s an adjustment, and we can figure out more things for him to do together. You can totally ween them off too much tech! It’s not to late! They may need encouragement and support as they transition so the can figure out how to play independently and engage in other activities.
So good. I have come to realize that our homeschool is Christian, relaxed, eclectic, unschooling, homeschool. Montessori thrown in. At first, I started school like learning. We hated it. Then I went Montessori and have been for a while. But now, well when I start up next year, we are going to be more relaxed. I pray it works for us. I pray my kids enjoy this. I've learned that I could teach something and it fit into several different categories. Which is great. I'm focusing on math, reading/phonics and writing. Everything else wil fall into place.
Where do i go to find more information on homeschool conventions happening. I have never heard of this, and i am in my 1st year with my daughter, and it's going great, but i would love to expand and talk to other families.
Two national conventions are Teach them diligently. Those Christian and n 5 major cities. They have a website with info. Another national convention is Great Homeschool conventions. This is secular, maybe a little more geared to classical learning. The Creation Museum/Ark Encounter has a smaller homeschool convention in the spring. It’s geared more to discipling. Your state will likely have a state wide convention. Mine is called Illinois Christian Home educators (ICHE) it’s very good. But most states would have a Christian one. And then there may even be smaller conventions in major cities. We have another small convention near us on the winter, but it’s much, much smaller. I find out by following these conventions Facebook groups, or by following speakers I like. I follow Heidi St John, Todd Wilson, Kristi Clover, Israel Wayne,….These are speakers that would be at Christian conventions. Hope that helps!
This is so interesting, since I'm from a classroom background (I always added activities to the curriculum. I can't help it 😂). Thanks for the video! Wonderful insight!
You’re welcome!!! So I’ve wondered about teachers of classrooms. I remember having some variety in my schooling bc teachers seemed to add activities. How many lessons of a curriculum do schools actually do? I just saw a substitute teachers Instagram reel and she said what she did all day. The 1st grade students only did math, reading, and “workshops” (not sure what that is) and being a Christian school, they also had Bible and recess. So it just got me wondering….seems like the teachers have some freedom or there wouldn’t be so many products on teachers pay teachers also.
After 10 years invested in and 5 previous kids I finally changed math curriculums for my 2nd grader. I can't believe how much I wished I had done this sooner!
Hi, I'm considering home schooling but it's such an alien concept to me. I worry I'm not cut out to give my LO what he needs academically, then what about higher education, do they leave home schooling and have the same qualifications and therein same opportunities as children who attend public or private school? Thanks to anyone who might answer me.
Homeschoolers are being courted by colleges. You need not worry about “qualifying” them. You’re not fully educating them. Trust me. You’re teaching them HOW to learn. Think about your own education. What did it actually supply you with in order to function in the world. You probably didn’t and don’t recall as much from it as you think you did. Anyway- I have lots of videos on this channels addressing your concerns. I hope you explore my channel page and playlists and find some reassurance.
I have a lot of kids. One graduated from public schools--- a real regret. Everyday I miss the time I could have had with her. My next two, I could just hand them books and they would learn the material, except for math, I taught math. But the next few kids have been different, and I have had to find different ways to do everything. I agree that you do not need to let the curriculum dictate you, but you dictate the curriculum. Still, I am glad to have that reminder. Great video.
Thank you!!! Yes, the time with these kids is a HUGE blessing and that’s one of the main things I tell people who may wonder why we homeschool. We’ll never get these years back. And we’ll be glad that we intentionally poured into these lives!
I remember i once made my eldest child tear up when he was 6. We were doing math and i snapped at him because he didn’t understand a concept. He was already ahead, he was doing 2A of primary math while he was in first grade. And my darling angel he didn’t want me to see him get upset so he hid is eyes and tried to quickly wipe his tears and hide his face but of course I saw it. I instantly pushed away the math book, told him i’m sorry for being short with him it’s not his fault at all and I just hugged him and we took a break. I read him a book and then later that day we picked up where we left off. That moment will always stick in my mind.
That just tugs at the heart strings! You even made me tear up bc I’ve been there! I’m glad your story ended on a good note and a hug was involved.
You made me cry
Now make a video on all you’ve done right!! I know you’ve done a lot well too (like Bible teaching and THAT’s a mark you don’t want to miss) ❤️
Thank you so much!! You are such an encouragement to me!
That’s a good idea! I’ll have to think about what I’ve done right! So often we focus on the negative, but you’ve got a point. There is a lot to be thankful for! ❤️💕❤️
I second this idea!
@@ml7363 I’ve already started jotting down ideas! 😉🥰
You're right, don't neglect the very indoctrination you accuse public schools of!
-A pagan homeschool mom who does it because common core won't get them into Cornell.
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan Yes, please!! ☺️❤️
In the last few days I have watched hours and hours of curriculum/ homeschool tip reviews. So I'm just here to say this is my FAVORITE video I have ran across thus far! Thank you for sharing your wisdom gained from these lessons of "regret".
Yah!!! You’re so welcome!!! I’m so happy I am able to encourage other moms even by sharing my own “mistakes!” Sometimes we just need to hear another perspective to nudge us in one way or another. 😁
Let me say this-
As a child I was a VORACIOUS reader. Like, teachers told me to put books away because I’d read them under my desk. BUT- I did NOT have parents who read to me. I did NOT have great language arts teachers early on. What was unique in my circumstance was that I was an only child with a very sick parent and another parent who was too busy to deal with me. I didn’t go on a single vacation in my childhood. Not one. I didn’t have many friends. It wasn’t all bad, but truly, in hindsight, my parents did little with me, and so I had to entertain myself. Thankfully I lived before the Internet took off and I fell in love with reading. I became a reading teacher.
Now I’m a homeschooling mom and my own kids are very good readers, but not super into it. It’s hard because I think, “What am I missing?” But someone pointed out to me that my kids are making crafts, going on outings, meeting up with other kids, traveling with us, playing with each other. They have a mom who is really working to be engaged with them. In that way the reading experience probably isn’t so essential to their entertainment or way of life like it was for me.
I do think reading out loud helps. But also consider the whole picture of what your kids DID grow up with.
I agree!! I’ve had a friend tell me that also when I complimented her on something she did and wished I did that. And she pointed out, yes, but my kids don’t get…and then she named something I did. So yea, each kids’ experience will be different and there are blessings no matter which way you look at it. (I still wish I would’ve read aloud more though bc really, I neglected it for things that I now deem as less important. And maybe I’m a little selfish, but I ENJOY reading kids books and seeing their wonder. And as my kids age, they are a little less excited about picture books or reading something like “the mouse and the motorcycle.” So it may not have made them voracious readers, but we memories still come from books. And it’s ok….bc now I look forward to reading with my youngest. And I know I’ll be a reading grandmother!! 😜💕
I was a Sonlight mom, I read aloud ALL…DAY…LONG. My kids are not devourers of books yet either (they are in high school now). My sister was also a Sonlight mom and has one devourer and one who is not at all. Grace mama!😊
Great advice I heard from somewhere…. If you can’t take credit for all of the successes, you can’t take credit for all the failures.
Thank you for this!!! I have so many nieces and nephews that love to read, and I thought it was partially bc I didn’t read enough. So this is very encouraging to me. I appreciate your encouragement!!
I was a Sonlight mom and was tired of it. I thought it was dry. It got us to read more but now I am more lax about it. We read daily for learning but let them choose what to read a night. I think that Sonlight didn’t allow that balance of choice.
I Loved all the Sonlight reading. My oldest is all about reading my youngest not so much.
"Choose the relationship every time." I LOVE THIS!!! I sometimes think using tgatb for English and math isn't "rigorous" enough, or maybe it's too simple bc it's open and go, but my kids ADORE the curriculum and think it's a lot of fun. Both my older kids are ahead in their subjects, so sometimes I think I could find something more intense for them - but then maybe they'd lag behind out of frustration. So if you're having fun with your kids, if they're enjoying the work, if it's something they have to work at but they're not struggling, you're in a sweet spot. Enjoy that with your kid.
Absolutely!!! If they are enjoying schoolwork, that’s golden!!
You’ve told my story. I’ve graduated 3, I have a 12th grader and one in 1st grade. I am doing things differently with my last because of the same things I learned and regrets I have with my older ones. I so wish I had someone like you when I started. For all the new homeschool moms she is so spot on. Thank you for being so transparent. It does help those of us veteran homeschoolers to feel we are not so alone.
Oh, I’m so glad I can reassure you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! And it’s good for me to hear that as well! I’m glad you get the chance to “redo” it!
I feel the same! I've graduated 2 so far. I have 2 more that are currently 5th and 6th grade and then I have an 8 month old.
@@AbidingHomeschool wow!!! That’s amazing!!! I’d LOVE to have another little one!!! I bet it’s so different as well…bc now with a baby, you have helpers!!! I keep trying to convince my husband that’s why we should have another baby! 😂
Yes! 100% relate with your feelings. I've also graduated 3, and now have an 8th & 1st grader. I think as we get older we learn from our mistakes, and see what is worth fighting about and what isn't. Plus, we are a little tired, and yet can enjoy the experience because we see our adult kids and realize the time has passed so quickly.
@@simplyv5115 yes!!! ❤️
“Having to incentivize playing with their toys..”
This is my life. Even having to push them outside. It’s so frustrating. I’m glad I’m not alone. There’s a constant eb and flow in our house, a love hate relationship if you will, with screen time.
Amen!!!! I feel you!!
Listening to this has just given me confirmation on a choice I made. I have a 4 and 6 year old. We were doing all the things, and everyone was feeling like school was a drag. It was very hard for me, but I decided to strip it down to reading lessons, math, handwriting, and read alouds. I have been such happier, and my kids love that we now have the time to the interest led stuff and the art projects.
Yes!!! Yes!! Yes!!! I’m so happy for you!! ❤️❤️❤️
I’m trying to do the same thing now
@@toneyfox6328 👏 👏 👏
My kids are grown and have kids of their own. I’m here to gleen for my grands. Your kids are babies compared. Have great fun experiences with fun books, playing, exploring. Your really creating a foundation for all book learning when they experience the world they really live in.
Thank you for your transparency! I just love your videos so much! I’m so tired of people bragging about their kids and how over achieving they are. Your channel is so refreshing ❤
Thank you so much!! It can definitely feel lonely when you see others in life or on social media who are telling you how to do this and that and they appear to have a perfect homeschool. It can make us feel alone even though I know those mamas don’t mean to make us feel that way. I’ve watched other homeschool moms videos and realized that watching them is making me wonder why they have it all together and I don’t. And it can make you feel bad about yourself. So I’m happy to share our struggles bc that’s real life. And everybody has these issues in some way or another and it’s nice to be able to relate!!!
There's nothing wrong with seeing those channels of kids succeeding, either. Quite a few people like seeing that success Everyone has a different method of how they do homeschooling and what it should be like and how they show it. This channel is no different in showing it's approach and it's great to see it, too.
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan As for being frustrated about seeing others on social media, Our there's an easy answer to it: stay off of it. It's not something you need, as much as it tries to convince you you need it. If you just stay focused on your channel and ignore what other homeschool parents do, it will be fine. With all this said, thank you for this channel and all the work you do. We need more parents like you that homeschool and understand how important it to teach your children yourself. You seem like a wonderful mom with great children. God Bless!
@@LouieKaboom i completely agree with you!! I get a lot of ideas from social media. You have to balance it. I’ve found that if it’s starting to make me feel inadequate, as you said, I take a break from social media and viewing those things that are making me feel less than. It’s not those moms fault. Im not saying that. But we do have a tendency to compare and ask ourselves why our children or school or home isn’t like that. And it is nice to be able to relate to somebody else’s struggles. Being reminded that no home is perfect is very grounding. Everybody’s got something!! I totally agree with you!! And I’ve definitely shared my own successes on this channel as well and hope I’m being helpful and not unintentionally making somebody feel like they aren’t “doing it right.” 😉
A homeschool mom who I grew up around, rarely ever let her children play video games or watch movies. She was VERY hands on with her children and their homeschool. Today they are all graduated and working. Almost all of them love to play video games when they get home. She often wonders where she went wrong and I honestly can find almost no fault in her mothering. At the end of the day, we are only responsible for so much. Our children are individuals, after all.
Thank you for this. We are in year 4 and have recently hit a wall. 10 yr old ADHD boy. But after a long talk with my husband and being reminded that I started this journey so he could be taught the way HE needed, we're back on track again! I've never been one for the "vision statement" or writing down what you want homeschool to look like, but I am thinking it might be helpful for our family. I am so thankful for grace and the chance to reevaluate and move on.
Yes!! You can adjust as often as much as you need! ADHD is no joke. I was just telling my mom the other day….when my daughter was first diagnosed, I described it as something that sucks the life out of you! 🙃 we love our kids, and will do anything for them….but IT IS CHALLENGING & can be exhausting for the parents!! Hang in there and keep loving on your boy!! You’re the best one to teach him!! ❤️
I had lovely times and my children still say they were the best years and I did strict school hours in the morning till noon. It was putting God first in our lives and HIS WORD that gave us peace and success! All glory goes to God. Just be strict with love, be consistent and firm, but stay cool and calm and have fun! I now teach other moms children in my own home.
Wow!! Other people’s kids! That’s very admirable of you!!
I can honestly say that my 14 year old cannot handle the temptation to not plays games instead of doing work. You are not alone in all these things. I am in my 3rd year and learning to slow the heck down and enjoy them.
The internet temptation is unfortunate. Do you also struggle with allowing them to do any kind of research or even type papers?? If I can’t sit there the entire time my daughter is on it, I just don’t trust her. And I don’t have that many hours to spare for research and typing!!! It’s a real struggle. I’m glad I’m not the only one.
Good for you for slowing down!!! You’ll never regret that!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan yup! Playing babysitter when using the laptops and finding time. It is so crazy how much influence screens hold.
I miss the days before the Internet too. I would go back in a heartbeat.
So much simpler!!
Thank you so much for sharing this honest heart to heart with us! I beat myself up all the time and have so many regrets. I see so many super moms on UA-cam and I fall so short of that. But as I was listening to you (I share all the same regrets) you know what came to mind? (I think this was from the Lord for BOTH of us!!) I heard “but do your kids feel loved?” Yes Lord! I know they know they’re loved. “Do they know me?” Yes Lord! They know you! “Then all the rest doesn’t really matter!” ❤️🙏🏻
I went to public school all my life and didn’t learn a darn thing until UA-cam was born. Praise God for UA-cam! 🙏🏻 Our kids can learn all they need on their own thanks to the internet. Not every child loves to read. Mine don’t, I don’t, unless it’s non fiction and I can learn from it. Fiction makes me feel like I’m wasting my time, lol. The fact that you care so much to reflect on the homeschool experience you provided for your kids tells me you were and are a great mom who has always done what she thought was best at the time. You always made decisions based on love. And at the end of the day, that’s what our kids will remember. And Lord willing, you will have an opportunity with your future grandkids to do read aloud and nature walks with them without the pressure of having to make sure they’re “learning something.” That’ll be your grown kids jobs, lol! I pray you feel God’s peace and love and let go of those regrets bc that is just Satan trying to make you feel not good enough or that you fell short. You didn’t! You protected your children from the VILE public schools that we’ve all had to grow up in and that alone is everything!! ❤️ Ps… your video helped me so much. Just yesterday I was in tears after watching a UA-cam “perfect” mom’s video on how to be a screen free family and other utopian promises… and I got to the end of the 40 min video only to find out she would share her “secrets” and systems for just … $300!!! 😢😢 I was already feeling like crap before the video but I figured hey, I can be a super mom too after I’m done with the video. Nope. Just greedy people out there claiming they want to “help” other moms and claiming to be Christian, too. Ugh!! The hypocrisy! Anyway… thanks for letting me vent. I know God sent your video, a REAL MOM!!, to me!❤️❤️
Oh Mama!!! I feel this so much!
(I giggled when you said you feel like you’re wasting time when you read fiction! I share that sentiment -for adult literature -I do love to read fiction to my kids though. and I don’t fault those who love to read anything. It’s just why I don’t read fiction. Not a reader. Would rather read to learn. 😜)
Thank you for your encouragement!!! And amen!! Christ first! And I always did that! And my kids know HE is a top priority! “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” ❤️
I’m so sorry you felt bad watching another video and I admit I’ve felt inadequate after watching some videos also. Some moms just seem to have it all together and it leaves you wondering, why does it seem so much harder for me? Her way isn’t working for me! So I feel you. And I’m sorry you were disappointed and felt led astray. I’m glad I can be real. Sometimes I wonder, am I sharing too much? But as long as my husband and kids don’t mind, I figure it’s helping people at least feel like somebody understands and here’s some more ideas you could try! 😜
Blessings to you, Mama!!! Thank you again for your sweet words!
You are a sweet gem!❤️😊
I love this video!!! Thank you! Wow, so many of these apply to me. My kids are 4th grade, 1st grade, and a newborn. Simplifying the early years is the only way I could survive! I learned the hard way that what works for one child doesn’t always work for the next. I still struggle with letting go of the grade level comparison, but I’m working on it.
Another thing you mentioned spoke to me: school was always easy to me growing up, so I have a hard time being patient when my kids aren’t grasping a “simple” concept we’ve gone over multiple times. When they get frustrated and whine/complain/give up in that moment, it seems to me that they just aren’t putting forth the effort and are being ornery. Any tips on how to handle that? I want school to be a positive learning experience, not an angry butting of heads.
I’m so glad this resonated with you!! There’s plenty of time and years for learning so need to over complicate it now! 😉
Advice for learning struggles:
Just don’t assume it’s an attitude issues. Sit and go over it with them, patiently. Pray with them. Try to think of a different way and come from a different angle. And if all that is still not working, walk away and move on to something else. Is it a concept that absolutely cannot be addressed from a different assignment? Is it something you can skip and trust it will come up later? My advice is just to be patient and understanding. Give them a hug. Sometimes another day brings clarity! 😉
This was super helpful, thank you so much ❤
I have a 3 year old and a 7 month old and I'm struggling to just make it through the days as a stay home mom. I will be homeschooling them and it's so reassuring to know that I won't regret trying to take it easy for the first few years of homeschooling when we start. I hope to be very flexible and do my best to follow my children's interests. Thank you for sharing your wisdom 😊
You’re so welcome!! And yes! Yes! Yes!! Take it slow and easy! Enjoy exploring with them! There’s plenty of time for more rigorous learning!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Needed this! I have constant anxiety that I'll forget to teach something they need in life. I'm just going to slow it down and focus on experiences and the basics for a while. Thank you for sharing
You’re very welcome!! The learning doesn’t stop at 18!!!! You’ll have plenty of time to continue teaching them what they need for life! 😉
I was homeschooled and my mom would read out loud to us and we loved it!! A core memory I'll never forget and I plan on doing with my kids.
I love this!! I hope my daughters look back with joy since I read aloud more now!! 💕
One of the most real homeschool videos I have came across good job mama
Thank you! ❤️
I am so thankful you shared this ❤️
😁you’re welcome!
Thank you very much for how authentic and honest this video is. Each of these items resonated with me and I appreciate you allowing yourself to be vulnerable. You’ve blessed me so much and made me feel like I’m not alone and to keep learning authentic to each individual child in love. Thank you! ❤
I’m so glad I can be a blessing!! Thank YOU for encouraging me with your kind words!! ❤️
Mom thanks for sharing… I’m about to start my journey homeschooling. Your advices are so precious
You’re welcome!!! You’ll never regret your decision bc even though the journey is not easy, it’s worth it!! You’ll be so glad you had ALL this time with your kids!!! 😊
I thank you so much for your open and honest video! Your sharing has helped me so much!! I homeschooled my 2 daughters from 2nd and 5th grade through graduation. Now I am homeschooling 2 of my grandchildren and I still have regrets and I still am learning!
Oh wow!!! You have so much experience!!
You’re welcome! I’m honored to be able to help!
Been homeschooling for 9 years and have all the same regrets. I've grown in some areas and still need a ton of growth in others. It is helpful and necessary to share our journeys with others new or old to homeschooling. However, we all have to go on a journey where we learn through our failures. It is part of how we grow in our reliance upon the Lord. Plus, it keeps us humble as we press forward.
So honest, raw, relatable and realistic. And that is why I am subscribing today. Thank you for this. So many perfect homeschool moms out there. Thank you for allowing yourself to not be perfect. We appreciate it. 🙏
❤️❤️❤️ I’m honored by your words. I’m truly touched by how so many have responded to this video. Truly, truly thankful that I can be used to encourage you!
Well, you’ve done it again. This is a home run of a video. Could this be your best video yet? I know I said that before but you’re rocking it. ❤
😂💕you are too, too kind!!! Thank you!!
I just watched this video a third time. I don’t recall any UA-cam video that I have watch more than I’ve watched this one. It’s such a good video. Especially for the winter blues. 🥹
@@bestlandhomeschool oh my goodness!! I’m so flattered that you are finding this encouraging!! ❤️⛄️❤️ thank you so much for sharing that with me!!
That’s exactly where I am now. Thank you for sharing. I always thought I was the only mom who struggled with all these issues.
I’m glad I can help! It’s always refreshing to know we aren’t the only ones! 😉
Thank you so much for sharing all this great wisdom and you shared it with transparency and humor which was great!
You’re welcome!!! I’m glad I can be an encouragement to you!
Oh my word!!!! What?? U mean to tell me that we're not alone over here?? May I please just tell you how much I LOVE U!!!!! & Your willingness to be so transparent??!!!!! Once again, thank U so much for taking the time to share your heart!!! U are truly a blessing to so many mums & families out here in the trenches of homeschooling....Always an absolute breath of fresh air!!! Wish we were in the same neck of the woods!!!!! LUVVVSSS!!! PS: U could still explore that LOE foundations w/ any age if you wanted to...Just sayin! =)
❤️❤️❤️ you are NOT alone! 😉
Thank you for that encouragement! I’m so glad that my willingness to share my weakness & failings helps others!
I sold all of my logic of English curriculum just about a year ago. 🙃 I thought about using it for my youngest, but really TGATB is similar in approach, I think. What my daughter loved about it was the games!!!! Anything to make learning fun is a huge bonus!!!
Do you use logic of English??
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan Yes & Amen..
@@shayj3373 wow! I’m truly humbled by your sweet comments! Thank you!!
Rage cleaning….haha!! I’ve been there! I try really, really hard to avoid that! 😜
I do cherish those special moments with my kids and I’m more relaxed about our days than ever….every year…a little piece of the old mindset breaks away!! One of my fav homeschool speakers, Todd Wilson, says that many of us have been duped. But it’s really more about HOME than SCHOOL. It’s hard to wrap our head around at times (I even have a couple videos scripted testing to this topic….not sure when I’ll get them recorded but hopefully early next year) but our children do not have to know millions of facts before they become adults. Learning is lifelong. But what have we gained JUST from being home. Those blessings are immeasurable!
Selling curriculum…I’ll add it to my list. I don’t sell very often. When I sold last, I felt like it consumed my life for over a week, so i didn’t sell what thing last year. But I’ll consider a video about this for next year!! When do you sell? Or when do you think you want to sell?
My husband doesn’t want our bed made and often will take an afternoon nap. I rarely make the bed because it doesn’t last long.
That’s what my husband says too. “Why make it when you’re just gonna get back in it again?” But i like it made. Cleans up the space! 😉
I love all your videos of you sitting in your bedroom sharing your advice!!! You have so much wisdom and thankful you're willing to share!
I love those videos as well!!! Thank you so much!!!🥰
This video is sooo helpful! Thank you for sharing the wisdom you have gained. I have a 1 and 5 year old and will officially start homeschooling next year. We will be using Logic of English foundations too!
And I already feel the pull to include so many activities based on what I see out there in the homeschool world, and I could definitely understand how those read alouds get pushed out. Those are so important to me so this was a great reminder.
I’m soooooo happy that I was able to say all this for young moms like you!! The read alouds are so important! And they’ll spark ideas and interests in your children and you can follow those!! You ABSOLUTELY can keep it simple and your homeschool experience will be so rich!!
Ps. Don't regret anything. You do your best God will fill in the holes.
Yes!! He will fill in the holes!
Thank you! My kids are all little, and this was so helpful.
You’re welcome!
Thanks for the bed making tip. It's been hard for my family and I as well. Now it'll be a part of the morning routine.
You are so welcome!
I don’t know if you’ll see this comment since this is an older video, but I just want to say.. I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and other homeschool mom videos and I’m SO THANKFUL for them!! My daughter is currently 18 months so we have some ways to go until we officially begin pre-k+, but I am planning on starting early preschool at home and continuing on with homeschool from there on out. I taught elementary in the public school system for 8 years, but decided I wanted to stay at home and raise my girl (and my future kiddos as well). Homeschooling just seems so different; I want to make sure I’ll be doing it correctly, and watching all the videos have been relieving and assuring. With that said, I needed to watch this video. The past two weeks, I’ve been looking up all sorts of curriculum and comparing, watching videos, looking into classical conversations as an option and blah blah. Wow! There’s so much to look at and decide and has given me a mix of emotions- excited mostly because I do love to teach and miss being in the classroom, so I’m looking forward to starting homeschool but also reminding myself to calm down and enjoy my little toddler too. Haha but this video in particular really reminded to slow down and as you mentioned- the curriculum is just a tool. Our school doesn’t revolve around the curriculum and it’s pacing. I think also teaching at a public school, I’m so used to that mentality where we gotta do so much and fit everything in a day that if I don’t then it seems like I’m “behind”. That’s one of the reasons why I’m not sending my child to public school when the time comes! It’s like a mind renewal process needs to happen for this too. Anyway, lots of rambling to say.. this was what I needed to hear and thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your experiences. You honestly sound like a wonderful mom and you should be proud!
You're so very welcome! And yes...coming from a public school background, whether as a teacher or a student, old habits die hard. But every year I go along in this homeschool life, the more I see....Its less and less about curriculum and checking the boxes, and more about fostering the family relationships and helping your children just BECOME who are they are supposed to be. They WILL learn! Just watch, pay attention, share with them the things that you LOVE, because the enthusiasm of Mama is huge as well! And enjoy life and learning together! It will be a wonderful experience!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlanso sweet ❤ thank you!!
We will start homeschooling in the fall and this video REALLY HELPED me! Thank you!
You’re so welcome!!!! 💕
I really appreciate this video. I relate to so much of this. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom ❤
You’re welcome!! I’m glad it was a blessing!
I’m blown away at how similar our journeys have been. We started w MFW first too. I have absolutely never felt like I do enough.
Oh wow!! How many years did you do MFW? I really did like it (except for feeling like I wasn’t doing enough! Lol!) if I could’ve done one of those “synergy” groups, the co-op idea where everybody is doing MFW, I would’ve loved it. That’s why I jumped ship for classical conversations. But nobody I knew wanted that kind of community accountability. I’ve struggled with finding “my” tribe from the beginning. Maybe everyone feels that way….but I haven’t met one homeschool family who wants to do homeschool the way I want to! 😉
anyway….loved that MFW was kind of eclectic in its own way and had lots of variety.
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan YES!!! We used MFW for a few years because it was all I knew and I didn’t feel confident enough to go out on my own. I have been extremely blessed to have found several women on my journey that homeschool and it’s been so helpful. We bounce ideas off each other. ❤️
I have regrets too, many but listening to you about electronics...this I'm so happy we didn't do. My kids only watch movies we Ok. And that's it. I'm very thankful we didn't let them use any if much at all
I’m glad for you too!! I know many who limit TV and decided, etc and I so envy them. I have to admit, I’m more conservative than my husband in this area and so that is some of the challenge. So if both parents can agree….that’s the other thing….both parents agreeing this the best way, then I see no negative result from kids limited devices and screens!
Such a great video! I'm in the thick of the period that this commentary is retrospectively analyzing. So this was very useful. Thank you!
I feel like in my hardest moments, you are that friend I can bounce ideas off of!
I watched your burnout video about 6 months ago and it was so comforting.
Thank you for your time and efforts in making this channel.
Oh, I’m so glad you told me this! I’m happy that my experiences can help you figure out your own vision or sort through your struggles! This is why I share!!! ❤️
I have lots of mom guilt from 2 years ago when we homeschooled as well.. similar issues 😞💔 praying for peace and comfort to you 🙏
Thank you!!
How do you know there won't be gaps with an eclectic style? I think I'm the type who would let things go and just not plan out lessons but I'm tired of being tied to a boxed curriculum :/ I need lessons but also simplicity. I'm not craftsy and would prefer to read all day, except sometimes my throat does get bothered. Also next year, my oldest will be in fifth 😭 Is that too old to pare it down?
There’s a lot to unpack here. 😉 my video about not being weighed down by curriculum and also the one I just recently did about when your homeschool doesn’t go according to plan probably explain where I stand about “gaps.” 😜 I don’t really worry about it.
How do you know there won’t be “gaps” with a boxed curriculum?
Are there “gaps” in your own education? Or do you know and remember everything you were ever taught?
If you really think about the purpose of education, you might realize that we think about it all wrong.
I totally get your need for simplicity but also direction. I looking for that happy balance also. I don’t think 5th grade is too old to pare down AT ALL!!! And there are many homeschool veterans who would say the same.😉
Are you weighed down by curriculum video: ua-cam.com/video/ejVoimOHV1Q/v-deo.html
When your homeschool doesn’t go according to plan video: ua-cam.com/video/G7zYqK2hVIg/v-deo.html
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan Thank you, I'll check those out.
This video is INCREDIBLE!!! Thank you for being honest! ❤💐💐💐💐💪🏻🙏🏼
I’m so glad it was helpful to you!! You’re welcome! 💕
I so love your attitude and style! We’re in our 2nd year and we’re still learning how to get in a groove. Needed to hear these!
Thank you so much!!! I’m so happy to be an encouragement!! 😉
Thank you very much for this! I've been homeschooling for 4 years now and this is very helpful to me!
You’re welcome!! I’m so glad I can help!
If you want you kids to be readers: carve out quiet reading time into the day (ours is the hour before bedtime). Provide a basket for each child filled with books to pick from. I would fill it with books at their reading level, graphic novels, magazines, fun books like eye spy & Where's Waldo. Overtime they gravited to the actual books and I couldn't fill those baskets fast enough. Also I would always have my kids take a book with them to vacations, appointments, parks, anywhere where there might be a waiting period. Despite protest that they didn't want or need a book---- at least 5/10 times they would end up reading. I also read before bed and keep a book with me. Habits & modeling. 😊
Thanks so much! My kids are literally 2, 6 and 8 so similar to your spread. We are scheduling in chore time - bed and day clothes required before breakfast to help us start out right. A am a few years in and video like this very helpful - but those of us starting today have advantage of larger community for support and idea sharing
Oh!!! Yep! Those ages are about exactly what I started with when we began homeschooling!! ❤️❤️❤️
I am so glad I get to be a part of that larger community to help!! The idea sharing definitely helps!
Semi-tangeant: When I was new to homeschooling, I had discovered that UA-cam had homeschool content until I had started. I found a helpful video from Pinterest. And i loved it so much but that channel didn’t post regularly. There were only 2-3 channels that i found had helpful content and only 1 of those that posted regularly. I remember constantly looking for new homeschool content and channels that I WANTED to watch regularly. My, how things have changed. There are so many homeschool channels and videos these days. You have so many ideas….it’s so fun to be a part of it!
Thank you for sharing, we just started homeschooling as well, and it's all new for all of us. I'm glad to know all these things on time. Very helpful.❤
You’re welcome! I’m glad I can help!
This was so good, and much needed. Thank you for the tips!
You’re very welcome!!! ☺️
This video helped me get over my worry about taking time away from “normal” school subjects for our Christmas unit this year. We are using that Christmas book u recommended a few years ago. I’m so excited!!
Yes!!! Enjoy the season!! That book is awesome! It’s history! It’s art! It’s science! (Baking 😜) it’s a wonderful little book that is easy to add on to according to your interests or just relax and read other picture books!!!! I hope you love it! We are doing it again this year bc my girls love it too!
Oooo what book is this??
@@ljenk6752 it’s this book: www.amazon.com/dp/152710334X/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_PEWAA08A31FY5WJ2BM92?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ml2&tag=ourhomesch09f-20
I did a video showing it here: HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS book: my FAVORITE Christmas School book! History, recipes, Bible, etc for 2022!
ua-cam.com/video/QcS9i-AyBbA/v-deo.html
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan ahhh this looks wonderful! Thank you so much 😊
I needed this tonight. Thank you!! I feel the kind of relief I get when I've just had a good chat with a friend over coffee.
Oh that makes me so happy to read!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ you’ve made MY night now!!
Loved your willingness to share this honest video. Many of these reasons are tied into my belief that second-generation homeschoolers often have the gift of an easier start--we've known about this way of life from a young age and it's not such a big adjustment. Meanwhile, first-generation homeschool moms have a tougher road. Your first point made me giggle. Yes, there's a lot of talking as a homeschooler. I was in teaching before I had kids so I was kind of used to the talking...and I have always LOVED reading aloud. Because my kids are so little--I have been very firm on no computer games.--would my son learn how to read a big faster if he played "educational" games? Maybe...but what's the rush? What I noticed on the first day my younger son was born was how different he seemed from my oldest--I very much think that their education will be adapted and unique to each of them!
You definitely have an advantage having been down this road as the “experiment!” And then watching your mom adapt to your other siblings. When I was growing up, we didn’t even know any homeschoolers except for the college liberals who I’d see out at the libraries 😜 -we grew up in a university city- and one VERY conservative Christian family (conservative in dress and lifestyle….no tV in their home…..that was so ODD back then….kind of like homeschooling…and now lots of families see the value in it.)
So you definitely have the inside scoop into the homeschool lifestyle!! I have the inside scoop into the behavior of public school girls. The mean girls….the immoral behavior and chatter that haooens on school buses and in locker rooms….and that was decades ago before all that was even pushed as much as it is now on TV and in music. I can’t imagine how it is now. I wish I had your inside scoop instead!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan Meanwhile I always joke that everything I know about high school I learned from movies...and at least the movies make me feel like there was NOTHING good I missed out on. haha!
Lol!!! There’s a lot of truth to your conclusion! 😂
I’m a new homeschooling mom. My daughter is 6 and this is our first year. She’s in 1st but she’s way ahead of the curve. I have no idea where to start. It’s all so overwhelming. I haven’t picked a curriculum yet. Which do I choose?! HELP!! Please please please someone help me!
(Edit- last year in Kindergarten we were at HCA Hamilton Christian Academy. It was wonderful, and we enjoyed our time there and it’s just been super heavy on me that homeschool is what I’m supposed to be doing. If you can please just point me in a direction. My daughter and I are really excited for this new thing the Lord is doing and I know it’s going to come with obstacles…I just feel so lost right now)
I ❤️❤️❤️your heart!! Since it’s your first year, I’d honestly keep it simple and see what happens. Reading, writing, and arithmetic. You can learn science and history from library books.
If you’d rather me recommend things for this, I can. But if your overwhelmed, it’s totally ok to keep it simple at this age!
So I love My Fathers World! It would have everything (and more) that you would need. Although I’ve never done their 1st grade curriculum. I’ve done K and 2/3 grade! They have lots of reading and lots of hands on activities. But if you go this route, I give you permission to NOT stress about science and history if you do happen to fall behind. 😉
Another great easy option is The Good and the Beautiful language arts. Easy, open and go, fun activities! Very solid and advanced as well! So many people love their math as well!!
And if you wanted to add a science, their science units are fun! I wouldn’t by more than a couple though and just see how it goes! You could always buy more.
But going to parks, state park homes, etc and observing nature counts as well! Don’t neglect those simple things bc they are so wonderful at this age!
For history, I’d just read books! Find some good historical fiction and explore what your library has as your child shows interest! (if you went with MY Fathers World, this would all be incorporated as well as science and Bible!)
So if you want an all in one curriculum-look at My Fathers World
If you don’t want that much-check out The Good and the Beautiful! Those are my recommendations! If you go this route and need a Bible curriculum suggestion…I’ll have to think about that. We’ve always used our Sunday School curriculum which is GREaT! I made a video about it in “Teaching Biblical Discernment” playlist!
I hope that helps!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan oh my goodness thank you so much!!! Thank you thank you thank you!! I could cry right now because you’re the very first one who’s given me helpful advice. I’m going to watch more of your videos because I actually feel not so heavy to hear from another mom.
@@cindylouhart6945 it’s gonna be fine!!! Your first year will really help you figure out what you want! By your 2nd year, you’ll feel so much secure! You’re doing a wonderful work! ❤️
Thank you so very much for sharing this video. We are into our 2nd year of home education with our 13 and 6 year olds and I really needed to hear this. ❤️
You are so welcome!!! I’m very thankful to share if just to encourage you to relax. It’s gonna be fine! 😊
Thank you for posting this. It brought me back to those days.... My kids are now older entering high school and 8th grade. I am wondering what you would now for them as they are older. Would you send them to CC Challenge so they can be prepared for college? Would you get online videos to teach them harder math? Would you just continue reading books and having a relaxed type atmosphere? I am at a crossroad to be honest. And I feel the same way you do and have similar regrets as you do.
Awe! I think its very typical to wonder all of those things. For me....Its part of the process of letting go. Because you cannot go back. But the looking back is very sentimental because really, we're in a way "sad" that they're growing up and this stage of life is almost over, and we're wondering if we DID enough or did we "screw them up." 🙂.
We DID fine!
And now our job is to help instruct the younger women...like Titus says in the Bible, so that if they want to make decisions like we wish we had, they'll have more info. to work with and more support to do it.
But we definitely can't live in regret. Just like we can't dwell on our weaknesses. God is able to fill in all the spaces where we may have "failed." And he will fill them in completely and more excellently than we could have, and because of that, he'll get the glory! Working through people who make mistakes so that he can show his power and his grace in those things....it's kind of his thing! We can trust that though we may fail, he will not 😉
Thank you… new at this and planning to homeschool my daughter…. She will be 4 next mth
How wonderful!!!!! Enjoy those wonder years!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
You can set a time limit on Apple devices with the parental control. My kids get 1 hour per day of screen time then it locks automatically. Works great and they play with toys :)
Yes I know. 😉
10 years in. My biggest mistake was buying package curriculum. Last year I finally realized that researching and watching reviews helps tremendously! I realized that the companies that specialize in one subject tend to really excel in that subject because it's their specialty. I will never buy a "grade set" again. It's more effort in research, but we are learning more and learning it easier. It's also way more fun and engaging.
Yea it is!!! (It’s also more fun to research! 😜)
I love this! Thank you! Your video popped up on my feed. I have a baby, 2, 4 and 6 year old. I really needed this. In fact, we may just go on a field trip tomorrow and skip school! 🙌🏻
Do it!!!!!!!! Enjoy the simplicity of life!! You can totally do that!!! I’m so glad my video was helpful to you!!
Thank you for making this video, this is something I needed to hear : ).....
You’re welcome!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Lol, edited my comment 😁
I thank God for your video. You have helped me so much as I am experiencing all of this right now and I really needed to watch this
Bless you.
You’re so very welcome!! I’m very grateful to be able to share my lessons learned with you, Mama!! If I can help one mom not have the same regrets, that would be a wonderful thing to me!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan
I’m back after binge watching most of your videos and again you have really been a life saver. Great content please keep this up. My daughter (8 yrs) is doing much better as I became the problem stressing myself out (no support or help or guidance and cps called on me 32 times for homeschooling by a family member) so your channel has really been a BIG help for me. We live on a homestead and I had no idea how weird ppl think you are for living this way….so again thanks so much! Officially subbed👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍👍🏾
@@kiiwhee7688 oh my goodness! That’s awful! I can honestly say I haven’t had to deal too much with people thinking homeschooling is weird. 90% of the time, people tell us, “good for you! You’re doing the right thing!” I think GENERALLY speaking, perceptions of homeschoolers have shifted dramatically. But there are still those who believe big government and their schools are the only way. 🥲
I’m glad you’re enjoying the content! Thank you for watching!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan Yea, you’re right. I think it’s all of it. Moving away. Starting a farm… I guess when they found out about homeschooling it just became an issue. I am currently looking for support (and a church) to attend… It’s a huge relief to see that I am not alone. 😊 Can’t wait to see what’s next
Happy homeschooling many blessings to you and your family
Thank you so much for this video!! I’m just starting out home schooling
You’re welcome!! I hope you find your homeschool journey amazing!! You’ll never look back and regret this time with your kids!! 😉
Found this first time viewer. Thanks and super proud of you. And your mistakes are others wins and vice Versa! I feel for you and we have Logic of English in common. I still use those LOE phoneme and spelling cards for tutoring because they are great. It’s great to hear brutal honesty and I think it’s ok for some families to go way fast, way slow, to their own drum. My solo child is very lucky she will never see just how badly I may be screwing up 😅 but we have a BLAST and that’s the important thing. She leans over to whisper in my ear “I want to do my reading” which is just so precious seeing her ask to do school work
Yea!! That is a blessing!!! And you are NOT screwing her up!!! 😜
I’m so glad you found me!!!
Thank you for sharing. Because of my speech impairment, I don't actually read aloud outside of my teaching. However, I use Audible for the read alouds. I'll make this more if a priority.
Coming from public school my whole life. I have a hard time letting go of the grade level & where my daughter should be with her reading. I just pray I'm instilling a love for learning & reading.
Thank you for reminding me that the curriculum is the tool or guide. It's okay to go outside of that and explore.
Yes! Use audio books! I may even do this more bc I was thinking, if I wasn’t reading aloud, I could color with them! Or we could do an art project while the book reads…or just eat a snack!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad I can encourage you!! Homeschool is more about relationship than the books!!
Great video! This was so helpful. Yes, screen time can so quickly become an issue. Thanks.
You’re welcome!
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
You’re welcome!
My son and I starting before five in a row in January and your video made me so happy because this "curriculum" is all based on reading picture books and pulling all subjects out of them and making your own creative ideas from it. I was planning to do my fathers world for kindergarten but in a full year rather than just a typical school year. We plan to continue five in a row upper levels as well. I am thinking we will do christian light for actual grade levels. So it does feel like I'm using a lot of styles but you made me like that's okay.
Yes! Yes! Yes!!! What you are doing is ok!! Infact….if I would’ve known about 5 in a row when I started, that would’ve been what I wanted too!! I think 5 on a row allows so much flexibility but you are also learning so many things!!! You’ve made an excellent choice, IMO!! ❤️
I just love the idea because it's geared towards 2 year olds so not writing. My son is less than 2 but absolutely obsessed with books so I know he will love it
Yes when he is a bit older I plan to do the peaceful preschool I believe it's called and much older do the prairie primer and playful pioneer. I love good books and thankfully so does he :) he isn't even two yet and wants to look at books in his playtime and wants a story during the day and two or 3 books before bed!!!
We are a FIAR family too! My kids are 3 months, 2, 4, and 6. We did Before FIAR last year and are doin More Before this year. Sometimes I feel like we’re not doing enough for my oldest but this video is a great reminder.
Wow mom being this open is putting yourself on the spot, but honestly i totally get it too, you have given me the best tips after my 1st yr of homeschooling and other areas lol like making kids do their bed lol
I’m glad I’m able to help!!
Your an awesome mom. Helpful video as moms we do the best we can and leave the results to God.
Thank you and amen!
I LOVE these! Thank you! I agree do one about everything you've done that you are thankful you did!
You’re welcome!!
I have so many ideas for future videos. This one is on the list!! 😉
I totally agree pretty much everything you said and especially #4. I've graduated one, have a high schooler and two in upper elementary now. I just told my husband recently I really wish I'd realized how much better it could be in elementary to focus on language arts and math and let social studies and science be interest led. The have very little retention of things they're not interested in and then they learn to think they don't like the subject. We're in a hybrid school this year, but next year I'm hoping to do this with my rising 5th grader (youngest) to at least get a couple years in before they have certain things they have to do. As far as your regrets about not doing many nature walks, even that depends on the kid. I bought Exploring Nature with Children a few years ago to do with my younger two kids. I love the idea of it, but both of them moaned and groaned about it. It's just not their interest. My oldest would have loved it, though, but she was in high school before I discovered it and was covered up with high school requirements.
That’s such a bummer when you get something that you’re excited about bc you envision all the wonder and joy it will bring, but the very mention of it and what it could be makes your kiddos moan and groan!!! 😳 I’ve been there!!! One year my kids told me they wanted more science experiments and the. Next year, they wanted nothing to do with science! Their interests will fluctuate too. It’s so bittersweet, though, to realize the stage of wonder, where every idea you have for your kids is magical….is suddenly over bc now they have their own opinions. 😬 that’s when I tell myself…..maybe I can do this with my future grandkids…..🤪
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan yes, or I think about how my oldest daughter, who wants to be a homeschool mom, can do it with her own future kids. 😄Even though I didn't even know about nature study when she was younger, in her junior or senior year of high school, she started becoming the plant lady. 🪴 She has so many potted plants in her dorm room now! And she didn't learn that from me. I buy fake indoor plants because most of my real ones don't survive. So, it's nice to realize that just because we didn't cover something as homeschool moms doesn't necessarily mean they won't pursue those things on their own when they're older. That can help take some of the pressure off of us moms in the meantime. I did buy her the game Planted for Christmas, so I can still feed into her interests in fun ways. I also didn't know about the idea of incorporating handicrafts into homeschool when I started homeschooling. I grew up in public school, and our homeschool journey started out very traditionally. But she learned how to do embroidery on her own in high school and is good at art, and my other high schooler learned how to crochet with just the help of a friend at church to get her started and some UA-cam videos. 🙂
I enjoyed watching several of your UA-cam videos last night. I hadn't seen your channel before, but you're very relatable. We're a former CC family as well. My oldest actually graduated from Challenge IV, but my other 3 kids are in other co-ops now plus some dual enrollment for my junior. Anyway, nice "meeting" you! God bless!
@@TheMom2girls2 I’m so glad you found me!!!
That’s wonderful about your daughter learning all those things on her own! That’s definitely something that makes Mama’s heart SO HAPPY when they find an interest and run with it!
The Lord is so good. He is so merciful. Even when we fail He is faithful. In so many ways I'm not able to homeschól the way I wish I could or things just don't go as planned, or I just did not know better or know how... But the Lord has always been so, so faithful. Thank you for sharing. ❤❤❤
He will fill in the gaps bc He is faithful!! 🩷 thank you!!!
I love this video and it was really helpful. I have a 5 year old and 3 year old. I think years ago there wasn’t as many homeschool moms making content saying the wisdom that you are sharing, so thank you! Also it’s funny because I thought I my daughter had ADHD, figured out I was wrong and that I actually have it, she has a really good memory like how you mentioned your learning style is, she was bored in preschool and having trouble fitting into a box. Since she is so “advanced”, reading chapter books, I still find myself pushing the curriculum at times, but we are going to slow down and do more picture books! Thanks again!
You’re welcome!!! It’s amazing to me how many adults are now finding they have ADHD!
Yes…slow down and enjoy good stories with your babies!!
Looking back I wish I would have read to my now 16 year old and I wish I would have homeschooled a few years at least. At the same time though he’s a good kid so I feel it’s a win. Now I have an almost 5 year old and a 3 year old. I’m doing things way different so let’s see how that goes ❤
You didn’t know what you didn’t know back then! And it’s also so wonderful that you now get a chance to do it differently! ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is such an eye opener 😍
You’re welcome!!
I just came across your channel and this video is 🙌 thanks for beging honest and open!! Love it.
You’re very welcome!!! 😉
This is definitely refreshing. I have many many regrets myself as a homeschool mom. Most of them are what yours are and also being too involved into trying to get housework done. I have been homeschooling for 11 years and I still don’t have anything figured out. My oldest son has ADHD and autism. He was not diagnosed until he was 11. My oldest daughter I just found out has ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.
That is refreshing to know that many moms who’ve been doing this awhile, end up with the same conclusions. There’s got to be something to that!! 😉
And these kiddos with learning challenges….they certainly keep us humble. But at the same time, the permission to throw the rules out the window bc they don’t fit the “typical” student….that’s freeing too. I’ve found with my ADHD daughter, the rules don’t matter. Only what she needs matters! 😉 and it’s a wonderful puzzle to figure out! ❤️💕❤️ God bless you!!
Thank you for sharing your video. It came up as a suggestion. I am now subscribed. I’m enjoying your videos!
@@Mom2my4blessings thank you so much!! I’m glad you found me!
We use Mother of Divine Grace, and we are also enrolled in their school. (Their syllabi include some other materials but they also publish their own beautiful and well-put together classical curriculum) being enrolled means we get an amazing consultant to help us (plus accredited diplomas at graduation) and her help has helped us so much! Their curriculum is already very very gentle in the early years but having their curriculum plus my consultant telling me “it is enough” has helped us enjoy the process so much more. Kindergarten is 47 minutes a day 👏🏻🙌🏻 I never would have believed it was enough just researching in my own. (I was also public schooled)
You’ve inspired me to be ever more focused on these early years and all the flexibility and fun that comes with them.
I can’t imagine starting on my own and not having the MODG curriculum and syllabi plus my consultant to customize for our needs. It’s really something special 💕🙏🏻
👏 👏 👏 yea! Have fun with your little ones!! That will spark a love for learning that will hopefully carry them through in the older years bc they’ll be learning the rest of their lives!!
I read aloud a lot to my 6 kids but my 3 oldest hardly read for pleasure at all. Actually, the oldest has begun to but he is now 20. He mainly listens to audio books. There is so much pull towards screens no matter how much we resist it and hold off. Reading takes some degree of discipline unlike the instant entertainment screens provide. It may happen one day for them that they discover a love for reading, but even a ton of reading aloud when they are young doesn’t guarantee it. Good video! I’m sure it will help a lot of people. :)
You’re right. Even adults have the pull to screens!! I’d love to read more, but more often, I end up watching the news or a tV show instead. It’s easier. 😬 I do read a lot more in the summertime though bc I love going outside! Something about reading outside!!!
Thank you!!
I appreciate literature-I have a degree in English Lit-and I assumed that if I read aloud to my kids that they would develop an automatic love for reading. It’s just not the case. Yes, I still believe it’s a great thing to do, but they may or may not latch on to it for themselves. It’s really ok. The many conversations I have had the privilege to have because they are home with me and the close relationships that have come as a result as they go through the trials of life is the most important thing. They see me reading the Bible and referencing Truth here and there as it applies to life. We show them the Good Book and trust that God will add the other things. The battle is His! 2 Chronicles 20:15 May we be faithful servants, recognizing our human limitations. We were not meant to be God-the only perfect One with NO regrets-to our kids. May they see their need for Him just as we do! Have a great day. ☀️❄️
Thank you for your post. It was very encouraging ❤.
You’re welcome!! 😉
We could be friends! 🤣 I also did LOE but I did one book a year ending right before they were 9! So I switched in thinking by age and not grade. Mayne it was my coping mechanism. 🤣 I have sooooo much mom guilt. I'm pretty much letting go of most things and spending more time at home with my kids, read a lot and be less on the run. I made a huge paradigm shift and I'm finally ready for next year and looking forward to it. I suffer from burn out every year!
Yah! Another friend! 😜
I think every mom has some level of guilt and those who say they don’t….they’re probably lying. 😎
Burn out is a thing for real!! I’m at the pool right feeling vacation vibes! We HAVE go just let go and relax every once in awhile despite the very long to do list. You are very smart to recognize it. (Less in the run….boy would that make a difference too!)
Oh my heart.... 15:10 is exactly what my heart needed to hear... This entire video I needed to hear. Its interesting how the Lord places things for us everytime... this video has repeatedly been suggested and while ive saved it to watch later, its like God kept saying.. "here it is, watch it now". Thank you again for being your wonderfully honest self and real. Its refreshing to hear us moms are not alone in some of these areas.
❤️You’re so very welcome!! What an awesome encouragement! I love that about God too! ❤️
The video I needed, thank you so much.
You’re welcome!!
I get a lot of these and I have regrets but I try not to think about it. So the style of homeschooling.... yes, we use to do Charlotte Mason but I was not a purist. I have had to tailor it and many of things and ways for each of my children. I don't like when you get those hoity-toity type of homeschool moms that will look down on you if you don't do a certain "style" the same way or you might be a bit more eclectic.
Yeah…i think I’m feeling more nostalgic lately since my oldest is in high school and my baby is growing up. I think every mom, even non homeschoolers, look back and wish they they could turn back time and start over! It’s part of motherhood!!
Regarding the hoity-toity homeschool moms….I’m happy to say I don’t personally know that many. But yes, there are some who think their curriculum or their way is THE only way….THE BEST…and the rest of us our all inferior. I tend to be more amused at those, though, than be offended by them. 😜 that thinking is not much different than the modern education way of thinking…
Same here! I want to encourage you because you can totally undo the device thing. I have totally been there! And you can just be honest and open with your children and just say, “you guys are spending a bit too much time on video games, screen time and devices so we are going to have that be something special that you can do on the weekends for a couple of hours. I know this is going to be a big change, but we are going to figure out other ways to use our time for God‘s glory.”
After about a month, my son had transitioned and was playing with more things and playing with his toys and doing a lot of alternative activities. Initially, it was hard, and he even cried once because he was bored, but I just apologized to him that he had had so much screen time and let him know that I understand it’s an adjustment, and we can figure out more things for him to do together.
You can totally ween them off too much tech! It’s not to late! They may need encouragement and support as they transition so the can figure out how to play independently and engage in other activities.
Thank you for that encouragement! ❤️
So good. I have come to realize that our homeschool is Christian, relaxed, eclectic, unschooling, homeschool. Montessori thrown in.
At first, I started school like learning. We hated it. Then I went Montessori and have been for a while. But now, well when I start up next year, we are going to be more relaxed.
I pray it works for us. I pray my kids enjoy this.
I've learned that I could teach something and it fit into several different categories. Which is great.
I'm focusing on math, reading/phonics and writing. Everything else wil fall into place.
👏 👏 👏 I hope it works for you too! It sounds wonderful!
Where do i go to find more information on homeschool conventions happening. I have never heard of this, and i am in my 1st year with my daughter, and it's going great, but i would love to expand and talk to other families.
Two national conventions are
Teach them diligently. Those Christian and n 5 major cities. They have a website with info.
Another national convention is Great Homeschool conventions. This is secular, maybe a little more geared to classical learning.
The Creation Museum/Ark Encounter has a smaller homeschool convention in the spring. It’s geared more to discipling.
Your state will likely have a state wide convention. Mine is called Illinois Christian Home educators (ICHE) it’s very good. But most states would have a Christian one. And then there may even be smaller conventions in major cities. We have another small convention near us on the winter, but it’s much, much smaller.
I find out by following these conventions Facebook groups, or by following speakers I like. I follow Heidi St John, Todd Wilson, Kristi Clover, Israel Wayne,….These are speakers that would be at Christian conventions.
Hope that helps!
Yes that is somewhat helpful. I was looking for the Christian based ones i should have specified. Thanks 😊
This is so interesting, since I'm from a classroom background (I always added activities to the curriculum. I can't help it 😂). Thanks for the video! Wonderful insight!
You’re welcome!!!
So I’ve wondered about teachers of classrooms. I remember having some variety in my schooling bc teachers seemed to add activities. How many lessons of a curriculum do schools actually do? I just saw a substitute teachers Instagram reel and she said what she did all day. The 1st grade students only did math, reading, and “workshops” (not sure what that is) and being a Christian school, they also had Bible and recess. So it just got me wondering….seems like the teachers have some freedom or there wouldn’t be so many products on teachers pay teachers also.
I regret not knowing my daughter was dyslexic sooner. And all the tears trying to find the right thing to teach her to read. But we did it!
I feel for you!! But wasn’t it a relief when you found out bc now you can make a plan!? 😉❤️
Such humble and helpful advice. THANK YOU. ❤
❤️you’re welcome!
This is so comforting. Thank you.
You’re welcome! 💕
After 10 years invested in and 5 previous kids I finally changed math curriculums for my 2nd grader. I can't believe how much I wished I had done this sooner!
Well good for you for doing it! Better late than never! 😉
You are one of my homeschool heroines 🎈! Grace to you sister!
Thank you so much! I’m humbled and honored by your encouragement!
Amen. I get all of these too!!! ❤ Thanks for truth!!!🎉
You’re welcome!
Hi, I'm considering home schooling but it's such an alien concept to me. I worry I'm not cut out to give my LO what he needs academically, then what about higher education, do they leave home schooling and have the same qualifications and therein same opportunities as children who attend public or private school?
Thanks to anyone who might answer me.
Homeschoolers are being courted by colleges. You need not worry about “qualifying” them. You’re not fully educating them. Trust me. You’re teaching them HOW to learn. Think about your own education. What did it actually supply you with in order to function in the world. You probably didn’t and don’t recall as much from it as you think you did.
Anyway- I have lots of videos on this channels addressing your concerns. I hope you explore my channel page and playlists and find some reassurance.
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan Thanks for the reply, your words are a confidence builder. I'll be sure to browse your repository of videos for further reference.
I have a lot of kids. One graduated from public schools--- a real regret. Everyday I miss the time I could have had with her. My next two, I could just hand them books and they would learn the material, except for math, I taught math. But the next few kids have been different, and I have had to find different ways to do everything. I agree that you do not need to let the curriculum dictate you, but you dictate the curriculum. Still, I am glad to have that reminder. Great video.
Thank you!!!
Yes, the time with these kids is a HUGE blessing and that’s one of the main things I tell people who may wonder why we homeschool. We’ll never get these years back. And we’ll be glad that we intentionally poured into these lives!
I’m so grateful for this ❤
😉❤️