Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics.
My husband works from a home office, which allows us to eat most of our meals together, but sometimes it can be a challenge when the kids need to be quiet for an important meeting. I used to work part time from home, but three years ago, I quit to focus on homeschooling! Miller is the oldest. He is more reserved and serious. He enjoys building things and being very active. Hunter is the middle child, and he is the “class clown”. He enjoys playing instruments and playing Pokemon. Harper is the youngest but keeps up with her brothers with no problem! She enjoys making crafts and playing games.
How long have you been homeschooling? What was one of the main reasons you chose to homeschool?
We will be going into our seventh year of homeschooling. We chose to homeschool for many reasons. I worked in school-based adolescent health research for many years and realized that children need the freedom to be physically active throughout the day. Additionally, many children do not fit the “mold” of our current public school system, and many children are exposed to topics that are not age appropriate.
Finally, one of the main reasons we homeschool is having the ability to incorporate God and the Bible into every part of our day.
In what activities does your family participate?
Our family is very involved in our church. All three children attend Sunday school, Kids Club, and our oldest soon begins youth group. The children attend a Ninja/Parkour class once a week that they really enjoy. The boys play fall soccer, and Harper has participated in two sessions of dance. We intentionally try to limit our extracurricular activities to prioritize rest and quality family time. We really enjoy playing board games! We also call ourselves “sort of homesteaders” because we have six acres and raise a few steer, goats, and chickens along with two dogs and a guinea pig, so that keeps us busy at home too!
What have been your most helpful resources?
Other homeschool moms have been one of the most helpful resources for us! They have provided support, guidance, wisdom and friendship. A more tangible resource has been the use of audiobooks. My oldest is dyslexic, so this method of learning has really worked for him!
What educational philosophy/curriculum do you follow?
We do not follow any single philosophy or curriculum. Instead, we incorporate things that work for us. I would say we have incorporated methodologies from the Charlotte Mason method, unschooling, game-schooling, and delight-directed. We use an eclectic curriculum, including resources from The Good and The Beautiful, All About Learning Press, Dianne Craft, and a lot of audiobooks and podcasts.
What has been one of the highlights for you in homeschooling your children?
Just knowing that they aren’t tied to a desk, being forced to fit a mold, and seeing them grow as individuals.
What was your favorite field trip(s)?
Our favorite field trip this year was the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. We spent four-and-a-half hours there but could have stayed even longer! It was very hands-on and engaging!
What was one of the funniest things to happen during a homeschool day?
We do our formal schooling mostly in front of a large window, and we often see animal activity in the yard. One time we saw a fox walk past with one of our chickens in its mouth! It was more shocking than funny, but it certainly was a sight we did not expect to see!
What have you found to be a challenge in homeschooling? Any tips in dealing with that challenge?
I find the greatest challenge to be the pressure that I put on myself when I compare myself to others. I am my own worst critic. In these times, I find it helpful to talk to my husband about how I am feeling. He reminds me of why we homeschool and helps to calm my anxious spirit. Also talking to other homeschool moms is so helpful as it reminds me that I am not alone. Another challenge is the different learning needs each child has. This of course is a reason that we homeschool, but it can be frustrating when something works for one child and not the other. To deal with this challenge I try to remember the individuality that God has given them, and try to embrace it instead of change it.
What advice would you give to someone who has just begun homeschooling?
Give yourself and your kids grace. Do not try to “school at home”, rather take the time to try out different schedules, curriculums, and philosophies. Once you have found your groove, things will go much smoother for everyone. Lastly, pick a theme verse to help you stay the course. Ours is Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (NASB 2020).
