My 7 Secrets for an Easy Homeschool Experience

Homeschooling a child can be one of the most intimidating thoughts for moms to consider. It’s a journey filled with twists, turns, and often a fair share of chaos. Some brave souls even dared to dabble in “homeschooling” during the turbulent times of COVID, only to find it as messy and stressful as juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. For others, the mere notion of homeschooling leaves them wondering how they’d ever manage to get anything done, let alone educate their kids effectively. And then there are those who believe their children would sooner solve complex math equations in their sleep than listen to them as their homeschool teacher.

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. If you want to do my course on how to homeschool, click here.

But guess what? I’m one of those moms who homeschools her kids, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not because I’m a superhero (though a cape would be cool), or because I have a covert tutor stashed away in the attic.

It’s certainly not because I’m swimming in cash and can afford to buy every educational resource known to humankind.

No, it’s none of the above.

What’s my secret, you ask? Well, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make it possible for me to homeschool my kids, run a business, cook, clean the house, and wear many more hats without feeling like my head’s about to explode.

Let me share my secrets with you…

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Secret #1: Morning Quiet Time

Ah, the morning rush – a battlefield for many parents.

But I’ve discovered that giving myself the gift of an hour or two before the little ones rise from their slumber is like a magic elixir for the day.

It’s during this quiet time that I get to think, pray, and plan the day ahead.

I’ve found that days tend to go a lot smoother when I’m not competing with the kids for bathroom time.

While you’re having quiet time, do a little reading everyday on how to improve your homeschool. This post on homeschooling in high school is helpful.

Secret #2: Choosing the Right Homeschool Curriculum

When it comes to homeschooling, one size definitely does not fit all.

Picking the right curriculum can make or break your homeschooling experience.

Some of the most popular homeschool curriculum programs are like ready-to-eat meals, while others require hours of prep work.

I personally opt for open-and-go programs like:

No fuss, no muss.

Plus, BJU Press even offers online lessons, making it a breeze for kids to learn independently.

Secret #3: Getting Kids into Chores and Cleaning

Let’s face it, a cluttered house can turn your homeschool into a chaotic battlefield, complete with landmines of Legos and minefields of misplaced school supplies.

Teaching your children the art of tidying up after themselves and the importance of diligently packing away their toys can be a game-changer.

It transforms your living space from a potential disaster zone into an oasis of calm and focus.

Imagine this: a home where every item has a designated place, where crayons and textbooks aren’t hiding under the couch cushions, and where you can confidently navigate without the fear of stepping on a stray toy.

It’s not just about creating an organized living environment; it’s about fostering a sense of responsibility in your children and helping them understand that maintaining a tidy space makes the whole homeschooling experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Developing considerate and helpful homeschoolers who clean the house with you is one of the things I talk about in my homeschool fundamentals course, The Homeschool Parenting Program. Check it out here.

Secret #4: Enforced Afternoon Quiet Time

Homeschooling is indeed a full-time commitment that can sometimes leave you feeling like you’re juggling a thousand balls while walking a tightrope.

To preserve your sanity and ensure the learning atmosphere remains vibrant, I’ve discovered that a structured day is essential.

It starts with a bustling morning filled with educational activities, exploration, and curiosity.

However, what really works wonders for both my children and me is what I refer to as our “Afternoon Quiet Time.”

This is a daily time of peace that has been ingrained in our homeschooling routine for as long as I can remember.

During this precious interlude, my kids have the opportunity to engage in activities of their choice, whether it’s getting lost in the pages of a good book, enjoying captivating audiobooks, or basking in the great outdoors.

It’s a time that allows them to unwind and recharge their own batteries.

But here’s the secret sauce: it’s also a time for mom to recharge, even if the kids don’t necessarily need it.

This is my moment to sip a cup of tea, catch my breath, and reset, even if it’s just for a little while.

The key to its effectiveness lies in the name – ‘Quiet Time.’

It’s a time when we collectively step away from the hustle and bustle, allowing our minds and bodies to recharge.

During this period, the rule is simple: no loud noises, no interruptions unless it’s a true emergency, like a pea mysteriously finding its way up a sibling’s nose.

Secret #5: Meal Planning

After a day filled with the joys and challenges of educating and entertaining your children, the last thing you want is to dive headfirst into a culinary adventure that ends in exhaustion.

Many homeschool Youtubers (including the How to Homeschool channel) rave about meal planning.

They’ve discovered life becomes significantly easier when mealtime is a well-thought-out, stress-free affair.

Enter the star of the show: meal planning.

It’s like a dream in a Tupperware container.

Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you can whip up a delicious dinner in about 10 minutes flat.

No more standing at the stove, wiping away oil spots from the stove splashback and wondering if you’ve forgotten something.

Meal planning transforms your evenings into an oasis of calm and efficiency.

But here’s the only drawback: it’s so effortless that your spouse might think you’ve suddenly become a domestic dynamo, effortlessly balancing homeschooling, work, and household duties.

Secret #6: Nature Walks

Homeschool life can get stressful, and we all need a breather now and then.

Amidst the chaos, a peaceful nature walk comes to the rescue.

It offers more than just a break; it provides a golden opportunity to connect with your children, engage in meaningful conversations, and even take a moment to apologize for any slip-ups during the day (“Why were you shouting so much at me today, mom?”)

These walks serve as a poignant reminder that, as homeschooling parents, we are human too, capable of making mistakes and learning from them.

If you don’t know how to do a nature walk, watch my video below and SUBSCRIBE!

Secret #7: Exercise

There are days in the world of homeschooling when you might find yourself feeling like a deflated balloon, your energy reserves tapped out, and your patience running on fumes.

The rigors of educating and engaging with your children throughout the day can leave you yearning for a reset button.

That’s where the joy of exercise comes into play.

It’s not just a luxury; it’s your lifeline to ensuring a smoother and more manageable homeschooling journey.

After the whirlwind of dinner, baths, and tucking your kids into bed, the post-bedtime routine can be your ticket to personal rejuvenation.

This is when I typically pass the torch of bedtime reading duties to my husband.

It’s not just a moment to catch my breath, but a dedicated time to recharge, both physically and mentally.

I lace up my sneakers or hop on my bike, and for a little while, it’s just me and the wind through my hair.

The rush of endorphins and the serenity that comes from stretching and unwinding can work wonders for your spirits.

Exercise isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s about carving out a tranquil space for yourself, enabling you to face the challenges of homeschooling with a fresh perspective and renewed vigor.

In the end, there are days when homeschooling is hard. It’s not always a walk in the park; it can sometimes feel like wading through a jungle of challenges.

But here’s the good news: by slowing down, making some adjustments, and embracing these secrets, you can turn your homeschool into the dream you’ve been yearning for.

You’ve got this!