Mindset

Fuel Up

I’ve met a wide variety of homeschoolers from really relaxed to super structured. Though I definitely fall on the “structured” side of the spectrum, I am not nearly as structured as some. One friend told me she fills up her car every Thursday. “Why would I wait until the car is nearly empty of gas?” …

Fuel Up Read More »

Two-Sevenths

We have a recipe we enjoy for a dessert that uses Mascarpone. Originally, the recipe was for Tiramisu, but I made some modifications. First of all, we don’t drink coffee, so I eliminated that. We added some orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice instead. We also don’t use sugar, so we had a substitute. …

Two-Sevenths Read More »

The Ninety Minute Gift

During the holiday season, gift-giving is a big focus for parents.  Like you, I search for gifts that communicate my love.  Ultimately, one of the gifts I am most proud to have given my children is actually a consistent experience: ninety minutes of daily free time. Without exception, whether weekday, weekend or holiday, this is …

The Ninety Minute Gift Read More »

Abundance of Time

Perhaps the biggest difference between homeschooling and more mainstream forms of education is the quantity of time as a resource. I recently came across this quote and it resonated with me, especially in the context of homeschooling: Someone who experiences time as a scarce commodity…is creating a completely different personal reality from someone who perceives …

Abundance of Time Read More »

Forbidden Words

Throwing down the pencil in disgust and tossing aside the papers in frustration, my child unleashes a stream of forbidden words: “I hate this; I can’t understand this; this is impossible; I’ll never understand.” Moaned in one continuous exhale, my child repeats what has become a familiar script.  She’s only 13, yet she is convinced …

Forbidden Words Read More »

NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY

Beach Uncrowded, empty stretches of beach.  Single family homes lined up behind the dunes.  No lifeguard on duty.  This is our experience each time we visit the Barrier Islands near Wilmington, North Carolina. What does it mean if there is no lifeguard on duty?  No supervision.  No additional help.  No one else to blame.  Sounds …

NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY Read More »

How My Summer is Different

I’m a homeschooling parent.  Here are four ways my summer is likely different from yours. Doing Algebra Poolside For my family, school continues year-round.  We don’t have an official “last day” in June, nor do we have an official “first day” in September.  We keep going.  This horrifies many people.  “Your children NEED a vacation,” …

How My Summer is Different Read More »