I hope this video is an encouragement to you all! If you want to check out skillshare, click the link right here: ***The 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/graceandgrit09201
This video was so needed! I always wanted to homeschool but didn’t feel capable but after the remote learning experience once the schools closed I knew I wasn’t going to put my boys through that again (5 and 8 yrs) So I am homeschooling this year. Nervous but excited and this video put what’s important into perspective!! Thanks!
"Best days of your life" you had me in tears. I'm in this season now, three kids ages 4.5, 3, and 4 months. I watched this while wearing my baby and cleaning the kitchen. Thank you Ashlee for all your encouraging words. You are a gift to this community ❤
As a momma of 2 graduated homeschoolers and 1 still in the nest I just want to tell you that I wish in my early years there had been someone to mentor me. What you are doing for young and some new homeschooling moms is sooo essential! Keep up the mission God has given you😊 ( and you are right... you will see the fruits of your labor in little ways along the way and big ways later on) Many blessings to you 🌻
This was all so beautifully put. Homeschooling really is such a refining fire and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do it. My mom homeschooled myself and my 3 siblings and oh what a legacy she's given us!
This Homeschool House It's so rare to hear from an adult homeschooler. So glad to hear of your positive experience and your respect for your mom. I am always wondering how my kids will view their childhood and homeschool experience when they get older. I try my best to make it as amazing as possible. We take field trips, learn about amazing stuff that I never even learned about, have lots of friends, and I see how much they're learning and feel great about what we're doing often. but sometimes it's really hard. Sometimes we argue, and I'm afraid they'll only remember the challenges or wish I had done things differently. There are glimpses I get where they show gratitude for how they're being raised, and I'm so grateful for those moments, but I worry that when they get older and see other ways of doing things that they'll pick me apart for the choices I made and how I did things. I just want to give them the best childhood and education that I can, and I hope they see that when they're older. Your comment gives me hope ❤
As a "just-starting-out" homeschooling mom, kids ages 5, 4 and 2...this video is gold to me. Thank you. I savored everything you said. Also, because you are such on honest, straight-forward, no-nonsense type of person...I (and probably many/most people) am able to take your encouragement and practical advice very seriously. I know you didn't just try to think up some good-sounding reasons to make a youtube video--that is evident, as it is with every video you post. Thank you for your presence here on UA-cam. I have a lot of respect for you and appreciate your content so much. Also, I cried when you said these are the best years. I know you are right, and so I try to remind myself of this every day, and be present and cherish it all. Thank you for that reminder of truth.
I needed to hear this advice. This is my first year homeschooling my son kindergarten. I never expected to be here. A friend said to me recently “Gods plans are better than our plans.” Not many people were supportive of our choice, I worried if I was making the right decision, if I was doing enough, what his future would look like etc. On the hard days I felt like I was making a mistake. My heart is finally sinking in comfortably with the decision and full of hope for the future. Thank you.
UA-cam took me back a year to this video after I caught up on your content this week and I have to tell you how much this blessed me! I have a kindergartner and twin 1 year old girls. Your words spoke right to me! “You are living the best years of your life”. I needed this perspective. Just here to say, thank you.
The extended family “pop-quiz” is real! My 8 yr old couldn’t figure out why grandma always wanted to know every detail about her day and exactly what she was learning along with proof of her work... I finally just told my daughter that grandma (who is an educator) loves you enough to make sure you are learning and will never really understand why we homeschool. One thing I love about you and the way you share, is how you always share just enough about your journey and how you do things without making us feel like we need to be doing it the exact same. Some of our best ideas for our family have been sparked by something you said or did!
I have a 8, 4, and 3 year old and my husband also works nights and when you said these are the best days I literally burst into tears. They really are though and I try so hard everyday to soak them all in
Awhh THANK YOU so much for this video it had me tearing up. I have no friends or family that homeschool. I've been watching your videos since we decided to start our homeschooling. All of your advice and thoughts on education have really, truly helped us. I often find myself looking ahead thinking they need more information, more grammar, more projects, etc etc. looking back and saying I could've done more here and there. They are learning though and I know that some of the best times come without a plan. This video was so needed right now!
Sometimes even as a homeschool mom four years now you relearn lessons over again. After the first week back I was exhausted from doing all the things. This week I streamlined and we are doing much better. I have to constantly stop myself from trying to do too much.
I would say this was your realest video yet. I appreciated your words and you are a seasoned veteran now. I signed up for skill share through your link and if you pay for the year it’s literally a cup of coffee a month and my husband, daughter, and I have all enjoyed our first class.
Just discovered your channel and I'm loving it. I was homeschooled myself, but now I'm just starting to homeschool my kids and it's been a learning experience 😂
So thankful for this advice! I've yet to build any sort of homeschooling community and I'm just trying to learn all that I can as far as curriculum, general approach, scheduling, community engagement, outings, etc... it can feel overwhelming at times but these are amazing reminders. I'm excited to find our rhythm and start this journey very soon!
I totally understand the one day at a time focus. Definitely time and emotion wasted. I read in spurts. I absolutely stick to the basics in the younger years. You’ll always feel you’re not doing enough.
I’m a new homeschool mom. My littles are in kindergarten and preschool. My husband and I are going through a tough season because I’ve lost my job last March due to the pandemic. So I really needed to hear all of this, thank you 🙏🏼 😭
I loved the part about reading books! Instilling a love of reading in your children is everything! I also think reading comprehension is huge. We're not always going to love what we're reading (instruction manuals, etc.) but truly understanding the text is vital.
Ashley I've watched several of your videos now and I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am that you make these videos. I'm currently pregnant with my 4th baby, am in my first year of homeschooling and my weight is not where I'd like it to be. But you have given me so much hope with all of those concerns. I am literally crying as I write this. Thank so much and keep doing what you're doing.
Ashley, you are incredible. Thank you for your encouragement. I'm going on year 2 homeschooling, and you've really helped my first year go so well. Thanks for your strength and bravery to share your home school journey with us. I learn so much from you! It blesses so many of us! Hugs!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful words of wisdom. We are only 2 weeks in- newbie homeschoolers with a 1st grader and a tornado 2 year old ;) and I’ve been feeling like a complete failure. I know it will take time to get our rhythm down and I needed this reminder today to keep my focus on Jesus and on loving my kiddos. Not on getting frustrated if we don’t get thru every math problem or science question or getting upset if the baby has completely emptied all the cabinets into a pile on the kitchen floor. 😬 Thanks so much for sharing your heart and encouraging mine. 😊💕
I just came across your channel. Im a 1st time homeschooling mom of a 6th grader and i also work full-time and am working on my Master's degree. Needless to say, I was very nervous about my decision, BUT GOD, has led me to this and will see me through it. Thank you for your advice, it bolsters my decision even more especially the 'don't wait for approval from others, because you'll never get it'. Thanks for the encouraging testimony!
This is so beautiful!! Thank you so much Ashlee!! I was feeling overwhelmed yesterday and watched a few of your encouraging videos and I feel so much more confident today! I found you back in 2020 when we first started homeschooling and your sharing your heart with us is so very helpful! God bless you and your precious family! Our family is thankful for you! (Forth Family Day School Pensacola, Florida) Come to the beach some time down here...it is absolutely breath taking!! Lots of love to you! Angela Grace
Today, homeschool left me in tears and me asking myself “am I doing enough?” and “am I doing a good job?” I needed this video so stinking much! It was truly a God send! Thanks so much for the amazing advice!😭🙌🏼
Completely agree with reading to your kids! My 22 year old daughter, who was always homeschooled, is constantly reminding me of books I read to her that I now must read to her little brother. The memories are priceless!
Ashlee, I have been homeschooling for 8 years and this is still so encouraging to me. The other day was a rough one, mostly because my kids had negative attitudes. It really helped to hear that sometimes it's not that I'm failing, it's just that my kids aren't always going to be their best happy selves and it's not my fault. Thank you!
Thank you so much. I've been homeschooling my 3 kids for a total of 4 years now. They're 14, 10, and 6. It's been 4 years and I still have 0 approval from ANYONE, literally ANYONE (apart from my husband), in my family about my decision to homeschool . When I first began homeschooling, my parents (namely my dad) stopped talking to me for about 3.5 months. I appreciate this video. Thank you.
Been a subscriber for about 3 years now. This is our 5th year homeschooling and all of your videos are so helpful and encouraging. You are wise beyond your years and I admire you for being strong in your beliefs. Not being afraid to speak the truth is rare to find in this culture. With all that’s going on with schools these days, I have had many inquiries about homeschooling. I am quick to share your channel with them, and this video is one of the best you have done! Thank you for listening to the Spirit’s prompting and sharing your heart 💜
I know you don't like the word inspiration, so I won't use it. But I truly believe God put you here for affirmation of mine and my husband's decision to start homeschooling our three kids. You have been such an encouragement to me to start our journey. Thank you for being open and honest about what you share. It is so greatly appreciated.
Yessss..u spoke the cry of my heart, beloved❤️ U hit it all right on the head. 5 going on 6 years homeschooling, for my family. Every. Single. Thing. U. Said. Was. Absolutely. Relatable. Thank u for sharing this. It was a timely word of encouragement. God bless u and yours!! 💖🙏🏽
In tears while watching this especially when you talked about your husband working graveyard. My husband was working two full time jobs for five years and we barely saw him, it was such a rough season for us all but looking back there were so many precious memories carved out from that time that I cherish now. Thank you for this amazing video and your encouraging words. As always, just what I needed to hear in this new season of motherhood. 🥰
My family is in our 3rd year of homeschooling and the summer before starting I binged UA-cam homeschool videos to help grasp what I was stepping into. Your videos have been a part of our life since that summer. This particular video is so beautifully put together. So much truth and reminders as we are in the beginning of a new school year. Thanks for sharing and keeping things real. 💕
This was an incredible video!!! I'm literally going through many of the same things you mentioned. This encouraging message was just what I needed. And I totally agree that 2nd grade feels so old hahah. My oldest is there right now and his two younger siblings aren't even at an age yet for formal schooling. Makes me relieved to hear all your advice. Thank you for sharing friend.
I loved this video. I totally agree with focusing on the year at hand. I, like you, thought I was but really was forecasting also. And now, seven years later, it's nothing how I thought it would be, but it is so much better!! All your advice is phenomenal and while I'm sure this is super encouraging to newer homeschoolers, it encourages more seasoned homeschoolers too, like me! Hahah! And focusing more on what we are doing instead of what we aren't doing hit me smack dab in the heart. I needed to hear that. Thank you for always being so open and vulnerable.
I was listening to this video while getting ready for church this morning and I had to pause to comment because it was exactly what I've needed to hear. I have a 5 year old (we've been doing abeka k5) and a 2 year old and it has been heavy on my heart the last few weeks wondering if I'm doing enough, if I'm raising them right, teaching them enough about Jesus. It's making me feel choked up even typing this because I've been praying for patience so I can slow down and enjoy these days while not constantly feeling like a completely overwhelmed, stretched-thin mom. I was raised church of Christ and also homeschooled and growing up we had such a tight knit homeschool community within our church circle full of kids my age and like minded mothers-- but I have struggled to find a community like that here and it has felt very discouraging. (My mom is a great source of love and help and I'm so grateful for her!) But this kind of encouragement is really what I needed and I'll be watching more of your videos right away. Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts with the world, you've helped this young homeschool mama for sure. 🤍
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and all those things you would have told yourself. It really encouraged me; I only have a preschooler at the moment with a 7 month old to follow lol but your video helped give me a little peace of mind about homeschooling.
I really like this video. This is my first year. We aren’t doing any virtual but I chose all the curriculum myself... which of course I doubt my choices all the time. But I have a 8 and 9 year old. 4th and 2nd grade. But I like your point on not having to cover everything in the younger years and to savor the moments. Also the last point of not seeing the fruit of your labor all at once. Very encouraging. Thank you 💕
My small fry is about to turn 3 and I am already torn between school outside our home and school at home because we have to get on wait lists now in the event the world has calmed down by then. There are so many benefits to both...but he will have the world forever and only be young once. Your points in this video definitely speak to me 💚
I just watched a lot of your videos, im in the process of pulling kids out of public , and starting actual homeschooling. Great advice , specially reading ! That hit the nail for me. Thank you.
Savor it!!! So true! This is my last year homeschooling my oldest and I'm heartbroken about it, but oh so grateful for the wonderful journey we've enjoyed together!
This made me emotional!!! Especially since i have littles. Thank u sooooo much for sharing ur words of wisdom Ashlee ! I love ❤️ u girl. Shout out frok California!
Whewwwww girl! This is probably my favorite video from you so far. Number 3 got me good. I am trying really hard to keep my planning and approaches simple because I have a 2nd grader and a 4 and 2 yo. It is so easy to think we all need all the things from curricula to activities to outings. But I am really going to take all the things you mentioned to prayer and really meditate on it with the Lord. He has been so kind to me and I am so grateful for this task of serving my kids in this season. I hope it lasts until they graduate but I will take each year as it comes. Thank you for sharing your heart and praying your year continues to show fruit all for the glory of God. 🤍🌿
New follower here and new homeschool mom. My son is 8, he is in 3rd grade and its already been a little hard for us. But I keep reminding myself that this is what God wants, what I want, and even my son wants this. Watching videos like yours has brought my mind at peace. Reminding myself that this is new to both of us, we both are learning, and to slow down. Funny thing is its only been 2 weeks lol. Love Watching your videos. Thank you for being real.
For me, 60% of homeschooling is just perseverance. If it's hard but in reach, that's the sweet spot. That's where learning happens. It hurts to grow, but we gotta do it anyway!
😭😭😭 It’s like you were speaking just to me! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!! So many good nuggets of truth! In my SUPER short homeschooling journey my middle child has already accepted Jesus. THAT is all the encouragement I need to keep going for awhile. SO worth the hard days! Random: is your comforter from Target? I love it!!
Thank you so much for sharing this!!!! Seriously best advice ever, I think every new homeschool mom should watch this video lol!! It really blessed my heart, thank you ❤
I have 2 6 years old , a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Last year we decided to homeschool are oldest. You always give us amazing advice to help me go through my days. I have always struggle about not thinking that I don't give them enough.
Thanks Ashley for this video. We started homeschool Kindergarten with my son today. This was very encouraging. It was also convicting when you said to savor the younger years. I have a newborn and a toddler as well and some days I want to fast forward to when they are older when I can get more sleep, but it's a good reminder that it goes by fast and I need to live in the now.
Oh my how I needed to hear this today! I love your videos and I searched homeschool encouragement tonight and this came up. I cried actual tears hearing you talk about these being the best years. I completely needed to hear that I should focus only on this year also! I have a third grader and I can get so caught up in big picture that I’m missing today. You definitely reached my heartstrings tonight! ❤️
Awesome Ashlee! I choked up too. This was very encouraging! We are on our 2nd year starting after labor day. We had a baby in August 2019, a 4 year old, and a kindergarten last fall as we journeyed through our first year of homeschooling. It's been an adventure! Thanks for being real and sharing! On to PK and 1st grade, and toddlerhood!
Great video Ashlee! “The hard days are the best”. So true. But hindsight is 20/20 isn’t it? This has been my realization also. I have homeschooled for 4 years and when Iam in the throes of mess and chaos and baby tears.. i always remind myself.. that somehow i will look back upon these years as the sweetest and most cherished. That always gives me the strength to take that one deep breath and go on for a bit longer.
Thanks so much for this video! I appreciate it, SO encouraging!!! I needed to hear: if a book is not working out put it aside. That happened recently and I was feeling so guilty. I completely agree with you, this season is so short, I’m so enjoying my kids, time flies! Sacrifices are so worth it! ❤️
Thank you for the reminder that we only need to focus on the basics while the kids are young. There's something that someone said to me last school year that, while planning for this school year has started to bother me: When I told another homeschooling mom that for our preschooler we were focusing on letters and numbers and only phonics and basic math for our son in kindergarten. Then, adding in things like science and geography when we find the time. She said, "That's good, I hear that unschooling works great for some families and I'm glad to hear it's working well for you, too." There's nothing wrong with unschooling but, I don't think that I'm unschooling. We're just focusing on what needs to get done now and we'll go more in depth with science, history, etc when they get older. I was going to become more serious about science, history and geography but now, I don't think I will. We'll just keep doing what we've been doing for this year and maybe I'll switch things up next year.
This was just what I needed today. We just started homeschooling last year, and I learned so much from that first year, but I still found that I needed encouragement like this as we start a new school year.
Thank you so much for sharing you hard earned wisdom. My husband and I are just about ready to make the leap to home schooling and I will remember your words as I start out.
LOVE THIS SO MUCH!! :) This message is SO needed! After 15 years homeschooling....you hit the nail on the head! My sentiments exactly!! Thank you, Ashley! ;)
Love this video! I had seen your old videos on this...they were a confirmation that I was looking for from God when I made the switch but this one is more of a boost like you said. As I go into middle school years with my oldest this is refreshing and just what I needed to hear.
Such great advice! I wish I had heard ALL of this back when we started our journey 7 years ago! And even though I've been doing this a while (I'm homeschooling 1st grade, 7th, and 9th this year) I still found this helpful today. It was truly a blessing! Thank you!
Wow Ashlee. Thank you so much for your encouragement! I needed it so much! I focus so much on getting it done that i miss the little moments sometimes. Thank you for opening my eyes again. You are such a sweet momma with much wisdom!
“ Stick to the basics” you have no idea how much weight has been taken off my shoulders. I have a 1 year old and almost 3 year old 😂 and I constantly feel like I’m already failing them. Not doing enough!
I needed to hear this, thank you! I also have a habit of focusing on what I’m not doing well rather than my areas of success. I’ll probably have to rewatch this on a regular basis!
Being a mom of 6 (25, 22, 7, 7, 5, & 2) I feel the same about what you have said in this video. The only one that I would add for myself is... Yes you can. My two older boys I let myself convince me that I wasn't capable, trained, knowledgeable enough etc. So my 25 yr old was home schooled his senior year only. My 22 you old chose to finish HS at public school. Then with my 7, 7, & 5 yr old they started public till corona and after that remote learning in the spring we are now home schooling. I have to remind myself regularly of those mentioned by you. Even though I've been there with my boys... That even when it seems overwhelming that it goes by so quickly. We need to show down and enjoy the process. My 25 yr old and his wife are also homeschooling. He has been 💯% in since they were born. My dil had had all those doubts but now that she's doing it she's realizing she is what they need.
Thank you Ashlee for this advice. I've been watching your videos since last Fall and have learned so much. We will be starting our first homeschooling year this Fall! You have been such a blessing. 😊❤
Thank you so much for this video this is my first time doing this with a 9 month old 5yr old and a 7 yr old. You have given me a lot to think about and it helps. God bless you 😇🙏😇👏❣️
Thank you so much!!! We are definitely in thr early years and I really appreciate your wisdom for these years. It is easy to get caught in thr trap of making sure my 6 year old is Harvard ready but I need to remember to slow down and lighten up. :) I see a lot of my own shortcomings feeding my desire to control and master her education and I am thankful for the reminder that God is in control and my job is to walk in his path instead of my own.
thank you so much for this we are starting our homeschool journey officially this week and I'm excited and scared all at once. but this really helped put things in perspective.
All such great advice. ❤️ every point you made I was nodding like “yep that’s me!” My oldest is in 1st and I totally agree a lot of the extras I’m trying to incorporate are more for me 😂🤣 ❤️❤️
Was up lying in bed thinking about Th is last night ! It goes so fast! Everyday seems like so much to do then I lay in bed and wish I would have skipped it all to just snuggle and play ! Constant balance !!!
I hope this video is an encouragement to you all! If you want to check out skillshare, click the link right here:
***The 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/graceandgrit09201
This video was so needed! I always wanted to homeschool but didn’t feel capable but after the remote learning experience once the schools closed I knew I wasn’t going to put my boys through that again (5 and 8 yrs) So I am homeschooling this year. Nervous but excited and this video put what’s important into perspective!! Thanks!
"Best days of your life" you had me in tears. I'm in this season now, three kids ages 4.5, 3, and 4 months. I watched this while wearing my baby and cleaning the kitchen. Thank you Ashlee for all your encouraging words. You are a gift to this community ❤
Thankyou❤️
❤️😭 same. I’m with you
As a momma of 2 graduated homeschoolers and 1 still in the nest I just want to tell you that I wish in my early years there had been someone to mentor me. What you are doing for young and some new homeschooling moms is sooo essential! Keep up the mission God has given you😊 ( and you are right... you will see the fruits of your labor in little ways along the way and big ways later on) Many blessings to you 🌻
Trace Atkins “your going to miss this” came to mind while listening to your video. Cherishing the little years with my 4 and 1.5 year old
So trueB love that song!
Thanks, right now I'm with 3 kids under 7 and listening to you I cry , I thanks God to find this video in this season of my motherhood
This was all so beautifully put. Homeschooling really is such a refining fire and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do it. My mom homeschooled myself and my 3 siblings and oh what a legacy she's given us!
This Homeschool House It's so rare to hear from an adult homeschooler. So glad to hear of your positive experience and your respect for your mom. I am always wondering how my kids will view their childhood and homeschool experience when they get older. I try my best to make it as amazing as possible. We take field trips, learn about amazing stuff that I never even learned about, have lots of friends, and I see how much they're learning and feel great about what we're doing often. but sometimes it's really hard. Sometimes we argue, and I'm afraid they'll only remember the challenges or wish I had done things differently. There are glimpses I get where they show gratitude for how they're being raised, and I'm so grateful for those moments, but I worry that when they get older and see other ways of doing things that they'll pick me apart for the choices I made and how I did things. I just want to give them the best childhood and education that I can, and I hope they see that when they're older. Your comment gives me hope ❤
As a "just-starting-out" homeschooling mom, kids ages 5, 4 and 2...this video is gold to me. Thank you. I savored everything you said. Also, because you are such on honest, straight-forward, no-nonsense type of person...I (and probably many/most people) am able to take your encouragement and practical advice very seriously. I know you didn't just try to think up some good-sounding reasons to make a youtube video--that is evident, as it is with every video you post. Thank you for your presence here on UA-cam. I have a lot of respect for you and appreciate your content so much. Also, I cried when you said these are the best years. I know you are right, and so I try to remind myself of this every day, and be present and cherish it all. Thank you for that reminder of truth.
I needed to hear this advice. This is my first year homeschooling my son kindergarten. I never expected to be here. A friend said to me recently “Gods plans are better than our plans.” Not many people were supportive of our choice, I worried if I was making the right decision, if I was doing enough, what his future would look like etc. On the hard days I felt like I was making a mistake. My heart is finally sinking in comfortably with the decision and full of hope for the future. Thank you.
UA-cam took me back a year to this video after I caught up on your content this week and I have to tell you how much this blessed me! I have a kindergartner and twin 1 year old girls. Your words spoke right to me! “You are living the best years of your life”. I needed this perspective. Just here to say, thank you.
The extended family “pop-quiz” is real! My 8 yr old couldn’t figure out why grandma always wanted to know every detail about her day and exactly what she was learning along with proof of her work... I finally just told my daughter that grandma (who is an educator) loves you enough to make sure you are learning and will never really understand why we homeschool.
One thing I love about you and the way you share, is how you always share just enough about your journey and how you do things without making us feel like we need to be doing it the exact same. Some of our best ideas for our family have been sparked by something you said or did!
I have been homeschooling for 6 years n relate with all you talked about .God Has been so faithful n we believe He will continue. All the way from UK
I have a 8, 4, and 3 year old and my husband also works nights and when you said these are the best days I literally burst into tears. They really are though and I try so hard everyday to soak them all in
Awhh THANK YOU so much for this video it had me tearing up. I have no friends or family that homeschool. I've been watching your videos since we decided to start our homeschooling. All of your advice and thoughts on education have really, truly helped us. I often find myself looking ahead thinking they need more information, more grammar, more projects, etc etc. looking back and saying I could've done more here and there. They are learning though and I know that some of the best times come without a plan. This video was so needed right now!
Sometimes even as a homeschool mom four years now you relearn lessons over again. After the first week back I was exhausted from doing all the things. This week I streamlined and we are doing much better. I have to constantly stop myself from trying to do too much.
I would say this was your realest video yet. I appreciated your words and you are a seasoned veteran now. I signed up for skill share through your link and if you pay for the year it’s literally a cup of coffee a month and my husband, daughter, and I have all enjoyed our first class.
Just discovered your channel and I'm loving it. I was homeschooled myself, but now I'm just starting to homeschool my kids and it's been a learning experience 😂
So thankful for this advice! I've yet to build any sort of homeschooling community and I'm just trying to learn all that I can as far as curriculum, general approach, scheduling, community engagement, outings, etc... it can feel overwhelming at times but these are amazing reminders. I'm excited to find our rhythm and start this journey very soon!
I totally understand the one day at a time focus. Definitely time and emotion wasted. I read in spurts. I absolutely stick to the basics in the younger years. You’ll always feel you’re not doing enough.
I’m a new homeschool mom. My littles are in kindergarten and preschool. My husband and I are going through a tough season because I’ve lost my job last March due to the pandemic. So I really needed to hear all of this, thank you 🙏🏼 😭
This was one of the best “I wish I knew” videos I’ve ever seen!
BAWLING 😭😭 Thank you so much for this.. 3 years in at our home and I needed this from you sweet mama! 💗
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Today was my first day homeschooling so it was a blessing to watch this. Especially the part about not planning too far out into the future.
I loved the part about reading books! Instilling a love of reading in your children is everything! I also think reading comprehension is huge. We're not always going to love what we're reading (instruction manuals, etc.) but truly understanding the text is vital.
Thank you for the advice! Helped me. And thank you for supporting us homeschooling mom's!
Ashley I've watched several of your videos now and I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am that you make these videos. I'm currently pregnant with my 4th baby, am in my first year of homeschooling and my weight is not where I'd like it to be. But you have given me so much hope with all of those concerns. I am literally crying as I write this. Thank so much and keep doing what you're doing.
Re-watching this 👏❤️ My oldest is 3rd grade (then 2nd + K) and we are starting back after an 8 week summer break. I need the reminders!! Thank you!!
Ashley, you are incredible. Thank you for your encouragement. I'm going on year 2 homeschooling, and you've really helped my first year go so well. Thanks for your strength and bravery to share your home school journey with us. I learn so much from you! It blesses so many of us! Hugs!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful words of wisdom. We are only 2 weeks in- newbie homeschoolers with a 1st grader and a tornado 2 year old ;) and I’ve been feeling like a complete failure. I know it will take time to get our rhythm down and I needed this reminder today to keep my focus on Jesus and on loving my kiddos. Not on getting frustrated if we don’t get thru every math problem or science question or getting upset if the baby has completely emptied all the cabinets into a pile on the kitchen floor. 😬 Thanks so much for sharing your heart and encouraging mine. 😊💕
I just came across your channel. Im a 1st time homeschooling mom of a 6th grader and i also work full-time and am working on my Master's degree. Needless to say, I was very nervous about my decision, BUT GOD, has led me to this and will see me through it. Thank you for your advice, it bolsters my decision even more especially the 'don't wait for approval from others, because you'll never get it'. Thanks for the encouraging testimony!
#4 (not comparing, being kind to yourself, focusing on your strengths) really hit home for me
This is so beautiful!! Thank you so much Ashlee!! I was feeling overwhelmed yesterday and watched a few of your encouraging videos and I feel so much more confident today! I found you back in 2020 when we first started homeschooling and your sharing your heart with us is so very helpful! God bless you and your precious family! Our family is thankful for you! (Forth Family Day School Pensacola, Florida)
Come to the beach some time down here...it is absolutely breath taking!!
Lots of love to you! Angela Grace
Today, homeschool left me in tears and me asking myself “am I doing enough?” and “am I doing a good job?” I needed this video so stinking much! It was truly a God send! Thanks so much for the amazing advice!😭🙌🏼
Completely agree with reading to your kids! My 22 year old daughter, who was always homeschooled, is constantly reminding me of books I read to her that I now must read to her little brother. The memories are priceless!
Ashlee, I have been homeschooling for 8 years and this is still so encouraging to me. The other day was a rough one, mostly because my kids had negative attitudes. It really helped to hear that sometimes it's not that I'm failing, it's just that my kids aren't always going to be their best happy selves and it's not my fault. Thank you!
Thank you so much. I've been homeschooling my 3 kids for a total of 4 years now. They're 14, 10, and 6. It's been 4 years and I still have 0 approval from ANYONE, literally ANYONE (apart from my husband), in my family about my decision to homeschool . When I first began homeschooling, my parents (namely my dad) stopped talking to me for about 3.5 months. I appreciate this video. Thank you.
Been a subscriber for about 3 years now. This is our 5th year homeschooling and all of your videos are so helpful and encouraging. You are wise beyond your years and I admire you for being strong in your beliefs. Not being afraid to speak the truth is rare to find in this culture. With all that’s going on with schools these days, I have had many inquiries about homeschooling. I am quick to share your channel with them, and this video is one of the best you have done! Thank you for listening to the Spirit’s prompting and sharing your heart 💜
I know you don't like the word inspiration, so I won't use it. But I truly believe God put you here for affirmation of mine and my husband's decision to start homeschooling our three kids. You have been such an encouragement to me to start our journey. Thank you for being open and honest about what you share. It is so greatly appreciated.
Yessss..u spoke the cry of my heart, beloved❤️
U hit it all right on the head.
5 going on 6 years homeschooling, for my family.
Every. Single. Thing. U. Said. Was. Absolutely. Relatable.
Thank u for sharing this. It was a timely word of encouragement.
God bless u and yours!! 💖🙏🏽
In tears while watching this especially when you talked about your husband working graveyard. My husband was working two full time jobs for five years and we barely saw him, it was such a rough season for us all but looking back there were so many precious memories carved out from that time that I cherish now. Thank you for this amazing video and your encouraging words. As always, just what I needed to hear in this new season of motherhood. 🥰
My family is in our 3rd year of homeschooling and the summer before starting I binged UA-cam homeschool videos to help grasp what I was stepping into. Your videos have been a part of our life since that summer. This particular video is so beautifully put together. So much truth and reminders as we are in the beginning of a new school year. Thanks for sharing and keeping things real. 💕
This was an incredible video!!! I'm literally going through many of the same things you mentioned. This encouraging message was just what I needed. And I totally agree that 2nd grade feels so old hahah. My oldest is there right now and his two younger siblings aren't even at an age yet for formal schooling. Makes me relieved to hear all your advice. Thank you for sharing friend.
I loved this video. I totally agree with focusing on the year at hand. I, like you, thought I was but really was forecasting also. And now, seven years later, it's nothing how I thought it would be, but it is so much better!! All your advice is phenomenal and while I'm sure this is super encouraging to newer homeschoolers, it encourages more seasoned homeschoolers too, like me! Hahah!
And focusing more on what we are doing instead of what we aren't doing hit me smack dab in the heart. I needed to hear that. Thank you for always being so open and vulnerable.
I was listening to this video while getting ready for church this morning and I had to pause to comment because it was exactly what I've needed to hear.
I have a 5 year old (we've been doing abeka k5) and a 2 year old and it has been heavy on my heart the last few weeks wondering if I'm doing enough, if I'm raising them right, teaching them enough about Jesus.
It's making me feel choked up even typing this because I've been praying for patience so I can slow down and enjoy these days while not constantly feeling like a completely overwhelmed, stretched-thin mom.
I was raised church of Christ and also homeschooled and growing up we had such a tight knit homeschool community within our church circle full of kids my age and like minded mothers-- but I have struggled to find a community like that here and it has felt very discouraging. (My mom is a great source of love and help and I'm so grateful for her!)
But this kind of encouragement is really what I needed and I'll be watching more of your videos right away. Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts with the world, you've helped this young homeschool mama for sure. 🤍
Not a new homeschooling family here, but your video speaks nothing but the truth! Loved watching this one!!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and all those things you would have told yourself. It really encouraged me; I only have a preschooler at the moment with a 7 month old to follow lol but your video helped give me a little peace of mind about homeschooling.
I really like this video. This is my first year. We aren’t doing any virtual but I chose all the curriculum myself... which of course I doubt my choices all the time. But I have a 8 and 9 year old. 4th and 2nd grade. But I like your point on not having to cover everything in the younger years and to savor the moments. Also the last point of not seeing the fruit of your labor all at once. Very encouraging. Thank you 💕
My small fry is about to turn 3 and I am already torn between school outside our home and school at home because we have to get on wait lists now in the event the world has calmed down by then. There are so many benefits to both...but he will have the world forever and only be young once. Your points in this video definitely speak to me 💚
I just watched a lot of your videos, im in the process of pulling kids out of public , and starting actual homeschooling.
Great advice , specially reading ! That hit the nail for me. Thank you.
Savor it!!! So true! This is my last year homeschooling my oldest and I'm heartbroken about it, but oh so grateful for the wonderful journey we've enjoyed together!
Oh my heart! I sooooo needed this today. Such wise words. Thank you. One of your best videos.
Thank you so much, I just found your channel and am so glad I did... first year homeschooling:):)
This made me emotional!!! Especially since i have littles. Thank u sooooo much for sharing ur words of wisdom Ashlee ! I love ❤️ u girl. Shout out frok California!
Whewwwww girl! This is probably my favorite video from you so far. Number 3 got me good. I am trying really hard to keep my planning and approaches simple because I have a 2nd grader and a 4 and 2 yo. It is so easy to think we all need all the things from curricula to activities to outings. But I am really going to take all the things you mentioned to prayer and really meditate on it with the Lord. He has been so kind to me and I am so grateful for this task of serving my kids in this season. I hope it lasts until they graduate but I will take each year as it comes. Thank you for sharing your heart and praying your year continues to show fruit all for the glory of God. 🤍🌿
Just starting to home school my 4 children and feeling a bit overwhelmed so I'm so grateful to have found you please keep sharing...Thank you💜
New follower here and new homeschool mom. My son is 8, he is in 3rd grade and its already been a little hard for us. But I keep reminding myself that this is what God wants, what I want, and even my son wants this. Watching videos like yours has brought my mind at peace. Reminding myself that this is new to both of us, we both are learning, and to slow down. Funny thing is its only been 2 weeks lol. Love Watching your videos. Thank you for being real.
For me, 60% of homeschooling is just perseverance. If it's hard but in reach, that's the sweet spot. That's where learning happens. It hurts to grow, but we gotta do it anyway!
😭😭😭 It’s like you were speaking just to me! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!! So many good nuggets of truth!
In my SUPER short homeschooling journey my middle child has already accepted Jesus. THAT is all the encouragement I need to keep going for awhile. SO worth the hard days!
Random: is your comforter from Target? I love it!!
It is! Thankyou for letting me know you enjoyed it!
Crying over here! I told my husband this yesterday that it’s SOOO hard but every moment is worth it! Thank you!
It really is!
Thank you so much for sharing this!!!! Seriously best advice ever, I think every new homeschool mom should watch this video lol!! It really blessed my heart, thank you ❤
I have 2 6 years old , a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Last year we decided to homeschool are oldest. You always give us amazing advice to help me go through my days. I have always struggle about not thinking that I don't give them enough.
Thanks Ashley for this video. We started homeschool Kindergarten with my son today. This was very encouraging. It was also convicting when you said to savor the younger years. I have a newborn and a toddler as well and some days I want to fast forward to when they are older when I can get more sleep, but it's a good reminder that it goes by fast and I need to live in the now.
Oh my how I needed to hear this today! I love your videos and I searched homeschool encouragement tonight and this came up. I cried actual tears hearing you talk about these being the best years. I completely needed to hear that I should focus only on this year also! I have a third grader and I can get so caught up in big picture that I’m missing today. You definitely reached my heartstrings tonight! ❤️
This was such a lovely, well considered video. Thank you for sharing ❤
Awesome Ashlee! I choked up too. This was very encouraging! We are on our 2nd year starting after labor day. We had a baby in August 2019, a 4 year old, and a kindergarten last fall as we journeyed through our first year of homeschooling. It's been an adventure! Thanks for being real and sharing! On to PK and 1st grade, and toddlerhood!
So beautiful!! Thank you for sharing your heart and encouragement 💕 love how you called it a ministry.
I think the reading is so true! That's why I love the sunlight curriculum!
Great video Ashlee! “The hard days are the best”. So true. But hindsight is 20/20 isn’t it? This has been my realization also. I have homeschooled for 4 years and when Iam in the throes of mess and chaos and baby tears.. i always remind myself.. that somehow i will look back upon these years as the sweetest and most cherished. That always gives me the strength to take that one deep breath and go on for a bit longer.
It hurts to grow. That's why it seems like the hardest days show the most progress. Change is so hard! Persistence pays off though!
3rd year homeschooling here (K-2nd now) Such an encouraging video!! Thank you!!
Being a new homeschooling mum of 3 right now, and hearing your words, it makes this journey less daunting. Tips taken to heart. Thank you so much 😊
❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much for this video! I appreciate it, SO encouraging!!! I needed to hear: if a book is not working out put it aside. That happened recently and I was feeling so guilty. I completely agree with you, this season is so short, I’m so enjoying my kids, time flies! Sacrifices are so worth it! ❤️
Thank you for the reminder that we only need to focus on the basics while the kids are young. There's something that someone said to me last school year that, while planning for this school year has started to bother me: When I told another homeschooling mom that for our preschooler we were focusing on letters and numbers and only phonics and basic math for our son in kindergarten. Then, adding in things like science and geography when we find the time. She said, "That's good, I hear that unschooling works great for some families and I'm glad to hear it's working well for you, too." There's nothing wrong with unschooling but, I don't think that I'm unschooling. We're just focusing on what needs to get done now and we'll go more in depth with science, history, etc when they get older.
I was going to become more serious about science, history and geography but now, I don't think I will. We'll just keep doing what we've been doing for this year and maybe I'll switch things up next year.
This was just what I needed today. We just started homeschooling last year, and I learned so much from that first year, but I still found that I needed encouragement like this as we start a new school year.
I never comment on anything but you knocked it out of the park on this video! Timely and wise words, thank you!
Thankyou for your comment💙🥰
Thank you so much for sharing you hard earned wisdom. My husband and I are just about ready to make the leap to home schooling and I will remember your words as I start out.
LOVE THIS SO MUCH!! :) This message is SO needed! After 15 years homeschooling....you hit the nail on the head! My sentiments exactly!! Thank you, Ashley! ;)
I really appreciate these videos. I havent yet bit the bullet but watching your videos are slowing building my confidence
Good morning Ashley, thank you so much for sharing your story, it is a great help to us all ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏 New Beginnings
Love this video! I had seen your old videos on this...they were a confirmation that I was looking for from God when I made the switch but this one is more of a boost like you said. As I go into middle school years with my oldest this is refreshing and just what I needed to hear.
Such great advice! I wish I had heard ALL of this back when we started our journey 7 years ago! And even though I've been doing this a while (I'm homeschooling 1st grade, 7th, and 9th this year) I still found this helpful today. It was truly a blessing! Thank you!
Beautifully said! This is also our 6th year homeschooling and I wish I could start over with what little wisdom I have now! 💜
I’m homeschooling my 5 year old, and I appreciate your advise. Thank you.
Wow Ashlee. Thank you so much for your encouragement! I needed it so much! I focus so much on getting it done that i miss the little moments sometimes. Thank you for opening my eyes again. You are such a sweet momma with much wisdom!
“ Stick to the basics” you have no idea how much weight has been taken off my shoulders. I have a 1 year old and almost 3 year old 😂 and I constantly feel like I’m already failing them. Not doing enough!
I needed to hear this, thank you! I also have a habit of focusing on what I’m not doing well rather than my areas of success. I’ll probably have to rewatch this on a regular basis!
Excellent excellent message! Thank you! 😘❤️
Being a mom of 6 (25, 22, 7, 7, 5, & 2) I feel the same about what you have said in this video. The only one that I would add for myself is... Yes you can. My two older boys I let myself convince me that I wasn't capable, trained, knowledgeable enough etc. So my 25 yr old was home schooled his senior year only. My 22 you old chose to finish HS at public school. Then with my 7, 7, & 5 yr old they started public till corona and after that remote learning in the spring we are now home schooling. I have to remind myself regularly of those mentioned by you. Even though I've been there with my boys... That even when it seems overwhelming that it goes by so quickly. We need to show down and enjoy the process. My 25 yr old and his wife are also homeschooling. He has been 💯% in since they were born. My dil had had all those doubts but now that she's doing it she's realizing she is what they need.
Thank you Ashlee for this advice. I've been watching your videos since last Fall and have learned so much. We will be starting our first homeschooling year this Fall! You have been such a blessing. 😊❤
Thank you!! First year homeschooling and you have really spoken to me this morning...
Thankyou for letting me know!
Thank you ❤
God bless your house!
Thank you so much I really needed to hear this!!🙏💖
Thank you so much for this video this is my first time doing this with a 9 month old 5yr old and a 7 yr old. You have given me a lot to think about and it helps. God bless you 😇🙏😇👏❣️
Absolutely loved this video. God directed this video for sure. Thank you so much for being willing to share this. What a blessing xox
Yes! Yes! Yes to all of this!! ❤️ ❤️ you and your ministry here are truly a great gift!! Thank you!!!!
Thank you so much!!! We are definitely in thr early years and I really appreciate your wisdom for these years. It is easy to get caught in thr trap of making sure my 6 year old is Harvard ready but I need to remember to slow down and lighten up. :) I see a lot of my own shortcomings feeding my desire to control and master her education and I am thankful for the reminder that God is in control and my job is to walk in his path instead of my own.
Amen mama! ❤️
thank you so much for this we are starting our homeschool journey officially this week and I'm excited and scared all at once. but this really helped put things in perspective.
Thank you! I really needed to hear this. The burden can be so heavy, but I appreciate your encouragement.
All such great advice. ❤️ every point you made I was nodding like “yep that’s me!” My oldest is in 1st and I totally agree a lot of the extras I’m trying to incorporate are more for me 😂🤣 ❤️❤️
This is so helpful! Thank you!!
Was up lying in bed thinking about Th is last night ! It goes so fast! Everyday seems like so much to do then I lay in bed and wish I would have skipped it all to just snuggle and play ! Constant balance !!!
Thank you this was much needed 👍😊
Wonderful video Ashlee! Such great advice that everyone can use! Thanks for sharing💛💛💛