First Things First

Sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by teacher’s manuals, new plastic wrapped curriculum, and a whole lot of overwhelm I began crying.

First quietly.

Then big ugly crocodile tears.

My husband stopped dead in his tracks as he entered the kitchen with his empty coffee mug. Fighting the urges to turn on a dime a run or pretend he didn’t see me on the way to the coffee pot, he paused.

“I can’t do it,” I sobbed.

He smiled.

First things First

Oh, those were the good ol’ days. If anyone looks you in the eye and snorts as you declare that homeschooling is ridiculously hard, feel free to toss a proverbial empty cup their way.

Homeschooling is for the VALIANT, Brave, and inspired.

• Parents who want to roll up their sleeves and educate their kids
• Folks who desire to weave their child’s passions, talents, and abilities with practical academic abilities
• People like me who like to cry over curriculum, and then push it all aside and find better ways to educate their kids than that shrink wrapped textbook

Valiant

It’s with complete determination that we roll out of bed to face our kids and their futures head on with amazing stories, lessons, and life skills that will shape their future.

Focus on the Heart of Homeschool: the Heart, Attitude, and Character of your kids.

But what about all that shiny curriculum?

As I sat in the kitchen wiping my tears off on my apron, my husband sat down. He was careful to NOT provoke my emotions further, but he did want to now why books were the cause of my heartache at the moment.

• Too many books
• Too much responsibility falling on my mama’s shoulders
• Overwhelming dread that I’d fail my kids and ruin their education.

He made me a hot cup of coffee and pulled me away from the books.

What are our MASTER Homeschool Goals?

Right there, with the pile of curriculum lurking in the background, we established our benchmarks for success in homeschool.

I’d ask you, “What are YOUR master homeschool goals?”

Brave

Step away from your Curriculum for the afternoon (or week) and ask yourself, “What do I want the kids to KNOW by the time they graduate high school?”

Related: A wonderful reminder for you as you focus on the right things in homeschooling. Free Printable

Inspiration

When you look back at your homeschool journey, you will see your fingerprints all over the lives of your kids.

Allow yourself to enjoy the journey and sprinkle areas of surprise into their lives. Bring in the unexpected.

• Science experiments that explode their curiosity
• Hands-on building projects that surprise them in the mail
• Sprinkles of art, disguised in “mommy and me time” each week.

You’re NOT alone when your heart begins to race as you look at a stack of math textbooks, quizzes, tests, workbooks, and papers a company sends you to help you teach your kids.

There’s so much you CAN teach your kids.

Don’t let a publishing company, well-meaning blogger, or curriculum designer lead you in your educational journey with your kids.

As I look back on that day at my kitchen table, tear stained face, confused and bewildered husband, and supplies that cost more than my first sofa… I can’t help think of you.

No matter where you are in your homeschooling Journey, you don’t have to navigate it all alone.

I’ve made good use of my time during 2020.

I’ve condensed all the core areas of homeschooling into bite-sided videos and tutorials and mixed them with my love of Doodling and telling stories.

Inside you’ll find laughter, practical tips, and How-to videos that help you dry your eyes and step away from your pile of overwhelm.

Homeschool Quick Start

Who is the quick start for?

• New and frustrated homeschoolers
• Moms who are sitting at their kitchen table crying over curriculum
• Dads who stumble into the kitchen hoping for a hot cup of coffee and find a weeping woman instead
• Anyone who wants to get down to the heart of homeschooling their kids

Yes! That’s me too!

Homeschool Truths

• Homeschooling is NOT for everyone
• There are no such things as perfect children, families, or curriculum
• What works for my family may not work for yours.
• When you figure out what works for child number one, be prepared to learn again. It will NOT work for child number 2
• Homeschool siblings fight just like public school siblings
• Laundry is an evil foe
• If you don’t begin your day with a plan for dinner, you’re gonna get frustrated at 5:00

GOLD: You CAN Teach your child!

• People will judge you and your kids
• A day of hiking, collecting leaves and flowers, grocery shopping, reading a story with hot chocolate, and drawing a picture is a full homeschool day covering: gross motor development, science, critical thinking, language development, and art

For you: Your Quick Start to grabbing your Homeschool Confidence

• Homeschooling can be LONELY for mom
• Watching your kids delight in learning is addictive
• Seeing your kids develop convictions, passions, talents, and compassion makes it all worth it

You’ve got this.

I know you’re likely staring at a kitchen table and feelings of overwhelm are beginning to rise. But take a deep breath.

You’ve got this.

You CAN teach your kids with confidence and enjoy the journey.

---

PRINT THIS FREE HOMESCHOOL MOM REMINDER.

This post comes with a free printable reminder list to help keep your heart focused on the heart of homeschooling. I always have the hardest staying focused. This printable simplifies it!

Here is a sneak preview…

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE

1. Download the checklist. You’ll get the printable, plus join 9,000+ homeschool moms who receive my weekly parenting tips and ideas!
2. Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be ideal.
3. Place it on your refrigerator as a helpful reminder.