Little by Little Homeschool - Christian Homeschooling and Motherhood

It's that time of the year where everyone is talking about resolutions, goals, and intentions. Whether you enjoy that sort of thing or not, it is a really good time to take inventory of your homeschool before starting back up from your holiday break. But, there is a way of doing this that will give you clarity and not cause more stress or add to your to-do list. Let's be super intentional...

Pretty soon, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season will be over and it will be back to reality. You know, that one where you homeschool. It can be hard to transition into the routine again, especially if you've had a really good Christmas season. Where did you actually leave off? Do you need to do everything that you were doing before? Is there a way to change things up that weren't...

In some recent Q&A episodes, we've talked about the influence of other children upon your homeschooler and what to do if that is a negative influence. But, what if the negative influence is actually coming from your homeschool child? You're trying all the things and you are emotionally exhausted parenting one of your children. And all your efforts don't seem to go anywhere. I know...

Let's take a little break from all the sounds, smells, and sights of Christmas and I'm giving you just some normal everyday conversations in today's episode. I always enjoy a Q&A and I hope that hearing these questions help you to find solutions to your concerns about homeschooling. Pull up that newest cookie recipe, pop your earbuds in, and let's have a chat! ♥ Leigh   ASK YOU...

Oh, the great "should we have a to-do list?" debate. And I'm weighing in on it now after 14 years of homeschooling and 23 years of motherhood. Let's talk about why lists get a bad rap, how to avoid the traps of them, and then I'm going to share my favorite lists as they help me to remain sane as a homeschool mom. Grab a pen and paper so you can jot a few notes...you know, a lis...

You may have to buckle in for this one...depending upon how sensitive you are. But, I felt like these concerns needed to be voiced as they make their way into the Christian mom space and the homeschool space. My generation of mothers has not been perfect, but I always appreciated the voices of women a little ahead of me pointing out some potential mine fields. It may have stung a bit at the time,...

You took the time to research and scour the internet for the best curriculum for your homeschool family. And now, "it's failing you." Or is it? This is a common concern when homeschooling, but that doesn't mean it isn't frustrating and a hard place to be. It also does not mean you have to stay in this negative space. Let's explore some options that you have right now when t...

Few topics elicit more feelings than the ones surrounding how to raise our children. I think a pretty close second is homeschooling since everyone has an opinion about education. Let's step into deep water today and combine those two and discuss an often used phrase in our culture. I know you've heard it and have your own thoughts. "It takes a village to raise a child." With two ad...

We're back with another Q&A! I am loving all of these questions and I hope today's episode is informational, fun, and helpful for you. Be sure to submit your question for the next Q&A. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving! ♥ Leigh   ASK YOUR QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED ON THE PODCAST: https://bit.ly/homeschoolquestion   DESIGN YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE HOMESCHOOL THAT YOU'LL LOVE! https:/...

Are you craving a return to simpler times this holiday season? I think many of us are after life has just gotten too crazy and busy. There really is something to slowing down, especially during what can be a hectic time of the year. This slow down can result in a really good holiday season for your homeschool family. Let's evaluate what you really do want for the next 6 weeks and how to practi...

This week marks a significant day for our family. 25 years ago, James and I said, "I do" to each other. While I believe that our marriages should be kept private, today's episode is about sharing the ways that I have personally sinned and caused harm to our marriage over the years. My hope is that it exposes and names areas that you may be struggling in, but the bigger mission is to en...

We've been duped by modern society to think that our children need to be entertained and provided with experiences because regular ordinary days are not enough. But, when you get to the heart of a child and what childhood should be like, the ordinary really is extraordinary to them. I know this episode is going to encourage you in the day to day of life as a homeschool mom. Give it a listen an...

Wowzers! There is a lot going on in the homeschool world and I think you will relate so much to the questions in this episode. And if you have not encountered these scenarios, you probably will. Give it a listen so when, one day, it becomes your reality, you've already thought it through and just then have to carry through. Thank you for asking vulnerable questions for these Q&A's. I k...

The holiday season is upon us and as a homeschool mom, you may have a moment (or two...or more) of panic about all the things you feel need to happen these next few weeks. Today's guest, Lyndsey Mimnaugh, of Treehouse Schoolhouse says that the holiday season can be a powerful time of discipleship with our children. It isn't one more thing to do, but rather THE focus this Christmas season. ...

It really is that time to start thinking about Advent. That doesn't mean you need to decorate for Christmas if you are not ready for that yet. But, if you want to be intentional about the Advent season, it's time to figure out your plans. Growing up, Advent wasn't anything more than a special reading and candle lighting at church on Sunday. But when we began homeschooling and I realize...

Have you noticed that you, the homeschool mom, sets the tone of the home? And as a homeschool family, this directly affects home education. The autumn is a perfect time to be intentional about a few specific homemaking rhythms that can result in a more peaceful home and calmer homeschool days. It doesn't require anything drastic or over the top. Choose even one of the tips that I share in this...

Wow! You came in hot with these questions today.  Here are my off the cuff comments and I hope that each gives you a place to begin and you take it from here. My only wish is that we could sit over a cup of coffee and discuss these in person. Until then, happy listening and enjoy what's in your mug! ♥ Leigh     ASK YOUR QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED ON THE PODCAST: https://bit.ly/homeschoolquestion...

Hanging over your head is the thought of writing a transcript for your high schooler. It sounds like an overwhelming task, but what if I told you that it isn't. After 2 graduates and 1 who is close to that, I used to be in your shoes. I thought there was some special skill needed for this, but it turns out that anyone can do it: even me and you! I have a few simple steps that will help you be...

One of my goals through this podcast is to be honest and open about homeschooling and my own journey throughout the years. I have personally seen great benefit in hearing stories from other homeschool moms throughout the years. Today, I want to share with you 4 things that made me want to quit homeschooling. My hope is not to bring you down, but rather to encourage you that what you are feeling co...

So much of your time as a homeschool mom is spent with your own children and it can feel like an island at times. You're probably wondering how your days match up against other moms who are homeschooling their children. But there is also the question looming in your mind about what you should be doing each day. Are you doing the right thing? Are you wasting time on things that don't matter...

Whether you've been dreaming about homeschooling your children for years or just started thinking about it last week, our kids aren't always on board as much as we, as the homeschool moms are. For some reason, they don't always appreciate all of the hours that have been devoted to choosing curriculum and thinking through your approach to education. Which means, they aren't quite as...

Wow! You really brought the questions for this one! I loved the variety and the chance to answer some fun and some really tough homeschool questions. It was a really good time answering these and I hope that you enjoy it too! ♥Leigh   ASK YOUR QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED ON THE PODCAST: https://bit.ly/homeschoolquestion   DESIGN YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE HOMESCHOOL THAT YOU'LL LOVE! https://littleb...

When we start homeschooling, it's all sunshine and happy happy thoughts. And then, we each begin to slowly {or not so slowly} encounter the same circumstances as every homeschool mom does.  You've probably wondered why no one told you these? {Would you have believed them anyway?}  Or why isn't anyone talking about this now? Well, I am today.  Let's recognize that there are some thi...

You chose some amazing resources and curriculum and have so many goals for the homeschool year and it's just so hard to fit it all in. Am I right? A year into homeschooling, I discovered two times in our days that I was neglecting to take advantage of. It was a complete game changer when I began to use these times to work towards the educational and discipleship goals that I had for our homesc...

Today's episode has been ruminating in my mind for the past few months and I think it's a really important conversation to have. There is no perfect step by step plan to guarantee a specific outcome. But we are called, as Christian homeschool parents, to teach our children the Gospel and to guide them in growing their faith. That can often get lost in the day to day tasks of running a hous...