Hey, Friend! Now that we have our homeschool figured out for the Christmas season {if you don't, check out episodes 103, 106, and 107!} but now let's chat about our holiday break. How much time can homeschoolers take off? Let's also chat about how to keep our home clean during this busy season because that is no small feat. And then my last listener question is about how we give gifts in our family! This was a fun episode to do and I hope these questions give you lots of direction and encouragem...
Dec 08, 2022•15 min
Hey, Friend! Are you worried about staying on track this homeschool holiday season? Do we need to keep up with the curriculum? How much of our Christmas content counts as school? Is it okay to adjust our homeschool days? In today's episode, I am answering YOUR questions. This episode is sure to give you plenty of ideas and direction moving forward this Christmas season. ♥ Leigh Let's work together and get your homeschool to the place you just know it can be. We all can get stuck and not know wha...
Dec 05, 2022•12 min
Hey, Friend! We look around at all the fun and cute activities homeschool families do during the holiday season and we wonder what do we do now with a high school age student. Should they continue full speed ahead every day in December? Can they take a lot or even a little time off? And what if we have younger children we are homeschooling as well, how do we balance the academics of high school with our family Christmas plans? After graduating two homeschool high-schoolers, along with currently ...
Dec 01, 2022•23 min
Hey, Friend! It's that time of the year when we, as homeschool mom's feel overwhelmed by all the things on our to-do list. We want to create simple experiences with our family, but get overwhelmed by all that everyone else is doing. I remember that feeling all too well. It seemed like other families had tons of time and an unlimited budget. But I decided not to let that keep me down and for 10+ years, we have been enjoying these ten simple and budget-friendly traditions as a family. Grab your pl...
Nov 28, 2022•25 min
Hey, Friend! Whether we realize it or not, the thoughts others have about us and our homeschooling can greatly hold us back from living it out fully. Why does this happen and how do we break free from it? Well, there are a few reasons, but there is one huge solution to embracing and thriving to our family's full potential. And that's exactly what we're going to do today in this episode! ♥ Leigh Use coupon code "BLACKFRIDAY2022" to get 30% off the one-time payment plan between now and 11:59PM EST...
Nov 24, 2022•18 min
Hey, Friend! You are homeschooling and now there are all the holiday celebrations, unit studies, family gatherings, Christmas concerts, and a host of other commitments to fit in too. Is it possible to do it all? Well, yes. And no. Let's realize that your days are already full and there will need to be some adjustments. I've got a bunch of ideas for you to create a holiday season that brings you joy, maintains your sanity, and is a source of memories for years to come. ♥ Leigh Use coupon code "BL...
Nov 21, 2022•20 min
Hey, Friend! There is no doubt that you've been hearing about clean products, natural living, toxin-free, and so on. And it sounds good to you but you may be feeling stuck in where to start. Or maybe you're on board already with living in a way with less toxins, fragrances, and all the chemicals in products and you're curious about how my family has made changes. Either way, let's air the dirty laundry and dive into a great place to start: your laundry room. I promise not to leave you high and d...
Nov 17, 2022•23 min
Hey, Friend! Did you know that you can celebrate Advent at home as a homeschool family? Or maybe you know that, but aren't sure where to start. Growing up, Advent was something we only did at church. But once we began homeschooling, I realized that it was a way to deepen our faith at home, alongside our children each Christmas season. Join me in this episode as I share our favorite resources, as well as some practical tips for how to choose the best way to incorporate Advent into your family's d...
Nov 14, 2022•24 min
Hey, Friend! I have a super important question for you. And it's one that we often gloss over quickly, but I think it's pivotal in our decision and resolve to homeschool. This episode has been nine months in the making and here we are at episode 100. Wow! Grab a piece of paper and a pen because I know that today's episode is going to give you the fuel to keep going...even {and especially} on the hard days. ♥ Leigh Let's work together and get your homeschool to the place you just know it can be. ...
Nov 10, 2022•18 min
Hey, Friend! Do you have amazing plans for your school-age homeschool children, but you are also juggling little ones? It's no small feat to balance a busy toddler or preschooler, along with your lesson plans. What you need are some simple tips and tricks full of ideas on how to have a productive homeschool day while keeping younger siblings engaged. And I have exactly that for you! Grab your homeschool mom notebook and a pen and get ready to get creative and plan out some ideas that are going t...
Nov 07, 2022•24 min
Hey, Friend! In some seasons of life, our days can be full and unpredictable as homeschool moms. We worry about our children's education and really want to fit in all the subjects we want to teach them. Join me as I share a few tips and one super tip that is gold! You'll want to start including this in your unpredictable season immediately. Let's get you on the path out of feeling like you are failing your children and onto the road of peace and contentment in this season of your life. ♥ Leigh R...
Nov 03, 2022•20 min
Hey, Friend! Has your baby gone and grown into a lanky, semi-awkward, sometimes weird tween/early teen? If you are a parent, you've been through this season in life yourself. Puberty, friends, parents, growing into your thoughts and personality. We've done that and can remember well, but how do we relate now that we are the parent? These years can be so fun and as homeschoolers, it can bond moms and tweens/early teens even more if we are intentional. Wondering where to start? I have 10 ideas tha...
Oct 31, 2022•22 min
Hey, Friend! I know you have a lot going on with the raising, nurturing, and educating of your children. And then I tell you that feeling overwhelmed means you should continue with homeschooling? Our culture will tell you that, as a homeschool mom, if you are overwhelmed, then just put your kids in school. Problem solved. Not so fast. You have decided to live your life a different way and homeschooling isn't going to be put aside. But this emotion does mean you should continue. I have a few key ...
Oct 27, 2022•21 min
Hey, Friend! Whoa! This topic can be a touchy one and it can get some worked up. But I don't think it should. Grab a warm cup of your favorite fall drink and pull up a chair. Let's have a chat about the topic of homeschooling families {or any Christian family} taking part in and/or celebrating Halloween. Using my family's experience over my 20 years of parenting, I am hoping to share a point of view and some thoughts that you may not have considered. Are you ready? I am! ♥ Leigh Ready for a simp...
Oct 24, 2022•28 min
Hey, Friend! Are you over there flying by the seat of your pants? Winging it with your day to day with homeschool? Or maybe you had a plan, but it just isn't going over very well. I know how you feel. When I first began homeschooling, I had no idea that I could do anything differently than how school was presented to me in my childhood. But you! You know that your daily routine can serve your family well and help you all thrive. Let's get you there with these 5 simple steps! ♥ Leigh Ready for a ...
Oct 20, 2022•24 min
Hey, Friend! It's wonderful that family wants to spend time with you and your children. But what if you are feeling overwhelmed by it and boundaries are being crossed? There are some difficult conversations that need to be had and I am sharing some simple tips to help you preserve the homeschool and lifestyle you have established. It may feel hard, but the other side of this can lead to peace and respect in your relationships. Let's not be afraid to step into this sometimes touchy subject and le...
Oct 17, 2022•24 min
Hey, Friend! Let's discuss some super practical homeschool high school subjects like English and math. It can feel overwhelming to give your teen that solid foundation they'll need for further educational pursuits. But let's simplify it and evaluate what is best for this child this homeschool year. Join me as I dive into some next steps and give some of my favorite resources for these two subjects. ♥ Leigh Ready for a simple and straight-forward approach to homeschooling? Register for this brand...
Oct 13, 2022•18 min
Hey, Friend! Do you have the unexplained nagging in the back of your mind that has you questioning whether you are doing enough in your homeschool? You're doing the lessons, field trips, read alouds, play dates, and on and on the list goes. But is it enough? Are your kids going to be okay in the future with the education you are providing them with? Let's break this down, so you know for sure whether you are doing enough today. And tomorrow. And this entire homeschool year. I hope this episode e...
Oct 10, 2022•21 min
Hey, Friend! So, you decided to homeschool and on day one, your family looks like a scene out of the local public school...just a few less people though. School being the only way to receive education is all you know. And that is completely normal. But what if I told you that it doesn't have to be this way? You feel the nudge to give your children a childhood and education that is contrary to what you received. But you're feeling stuck. Until now. Are you ready to shake things up? I hope so beca...
Oct 06, 2022•21 min
Hey, Friend! If you've been around the homeschool realm for more than a hot minute, then you've certainly heard the chatter about instilling the love of reading in children. But how does a homeschool mom practically do that? And why even bother? That is exactly what we'll cover today. There are 3 very simple ways to create the love of reading in your child and a great explanation for why this is important. but what about kids who "don't like to read" or are having difficulty? There are a couple ...
Oct 03, 2022•25 min
Hey, Friend! How do we navigate the homeschool years with teens when it come to friendships? Are these important? And to what extent? You've decided to homeschool for some very specific reasons and now wonder how to balance your teen's need for friends with the extreme importance our culture puts upon friendships. Is it possible to continue to meet your family's goals for your homeschool lifestyle and meet your teen's desire for friends? Yes, no, and maybe. Let's tackle this subject so that you ...
Sep 29, 2022•24 min
Hey, Friend! Whether this is your first, second, third, or however many years of homeschool, we all want one thing as homeschool moms: to have the best year ever. Is this just a crazy pipe dream that can never be achieved? I don't think it's unattainable at all. Actually, I know it is a worthwhile goal. And that is why I am sharing two secrets I have learned from my 11 years of homeschooling and 20 years of motherhood in today's podcast episode. I pray it blesses you and that this truly is YOUR ...
Sep 26, 2022•27 min
Hey, Friend! "How will your kid be ready for the 'real world' if you homeschool?" Have you heard that one yet? If so, and you're like me, I don't really know how to answer the person asking it. What I do know is how our homeschool teens can be prepared to take the next step when they leave our home and make their own lives. After guiding my three children through this, I am sharing 6 tips that you can begin today with a child of any age that will give you the peace and confidence that they will ...
Sep 22, 2022•25 min
Hey, Friend! Are you struggling with maintaining the house cleaning while raising your children, along with the momentous task of homeschooling them? Sometimes we can wonder if we'll ever get out regular homemaking tasks done, let alone the extras on the to-do list. Is it even worth to bother trying? Yes! It really is! And today I am going to tell you why giving space in your homeschool days to get the housework done is important. We'll also cover 3 steps to make your house cleaning productive. ...
Sep 19, 2022•27 min
Hey, Friend! You know that you are supposed to enjoy these days of homeschooling your children. But, each day feels so long and there is so much correction and instruction that you wonder if you'll get through them. Let's not merely survive and "get through" each day. We aren't meant to live that life. We should be thriving! Let's take a look at 5 simple and quick ideas that you can begin today that will make your homeschool days more enjoyable. You are meant for joy! Let's learn how to make tha...
Sep 15, 2022•19 min
Hey, Friend! When it comes to school choice, a family is either homeschooling or they are not. And the path they are on is a decision they've made, whether parents want to admit that or not. Sure, it's "easier" to just follow along with the crowd. But what if you're being called to step out of the crowd and build a new way of life for your family? Ah, then homeschooling is what you need to look into. But you have "reasons" for why you don't homeschool. Personally, I like to call those excuses an...
Sep 12, 2022•27 min
Hey, Friend! You have this beautiful bright-eyed elementary age homeschool child and you do all the things for them. And they're happy. But you wonder if it's enough to bond you two through all the years that are ahead. Maybe. But what if there were some simple ways that you could strengthen your relationship? There are! And I am sharing 10 {I promise simple!} ways for a mom to bond with your child during these younger years. Grab a pen and paper...or maybe your homeschool mom notebook...and get...
Sep 08, 2022•26 min
Hey, Friend! The days are just so full. Between activities, appointments, naptime, cleaning, cooking, homeschooling, and more, you are an overwhelmed homeschool mom. How does anyone manage all of this? And then get up and do it again tomorrow? I have 3 essential tips for you to make some big changes for your family that will get you from busy and overwhelmed to having control over your days. Let's do this, friend! I am excited for you to experience peace and contentment over these days of homesc...
Sep 05, 2022•25 min
Hey, Friend! Are you feeling overwhelmed by homeschool or like something is missing in your day? Or maybe you need a reset button? Did you know that 10 minutes can completely change your day? It can! And there are 3 simple, yet important things you can do today to set your homeschool day straight. Add one, two, or three to each homeschooling day and you'll find that your hearts and heads will be straightened out. Better yet, your day will be much more enjoyable. ♥ Leigh Let's work together and g...
Sep 01, 2022•17 min
Hey, Friend! You are feeling the pull to make some changes in what your family eats, but you're lost in where to start. I felt the same way 10+ years ago. There were 3 steps that I took in order to make the shift from the typical American diet to one that offers real health. And I am excited to share these with you today so that you and your family can begin the journey of eating healthy meals and snacks as homeschool families. ♥ Leigh Let's work together and get your homeschool to the place you...
Aug 29, 2022•20 min
