Its almost the middle of the year for homeschoolers and it's time to take inventory. What is working for you and what is not working for you? What schedules and routines have been a blessing and which one feels like you are pulling teeth? What is something you are thinking about changing in the New Year? Let us know in the comments below!

Homeschooling often starts with big dreams and aspirations. We think of waking up everyday ready to face reality with a new sense of purpose and direction. Each day learning and growing and soaring to new educational heights. But what about when we don’t feel that way? What about when life gets to us and we start to get weary on the path? I definitely know I have been there before as a homeschooling mom of 8 kids. Nervous system regulation is such a hot topic these days and it is relevant for us in the homeschooling world as well. Taking time to back up and reevaluate our school system can be a really helpful thing to reset your homeschool life. It’s ok to take an “administrative” day once a semester to revisit plans, thoughts and ideas of what you wanted your homeschool to look like and how to get it back to that place. Take a look at what your days are looking like. Write down some areas where you think things are going well and then write down where you think things are not going as well. Where are some areas you could improve your schedule and where are some areas you could actually take some time to clear your schedule? I am going to break this down because I think it’s really important to help keep you on track when things feel like they are getting rocky. Distraction. Feelings do not equal truth. Kids need more than math and handwriting. Preparing for adulthood is the ultimate goal. We will start with distraction. What things are distracting you from getting focused on your homeschool day? Is it the dishes in the sink? I know for myself I cannot focus when I have too many cleaning tasks unaccomplished before school. Is it a kid needing another snack? Making sure kids have had a good meal before lessons really helps keep them focused! Is it the phone going off? Just because you are at home does not mean you are available. Your job as a homeschool parent should be treated as such- a job. A doctor is not seen without an appointment and your job is just as important as theirs.

Hey friends! Today is Monday and its time to get back to school after our Thanksgving break! I hope all of you had a wonderful break and got good memories with friends and family! I was so thankful to get to see my Grandma for a few days! Mondays can be a stressful day-especially in a large family after a long break. A lot of times things have gotten behind around the house and the kids are off their schedules. Sometimes WAAYYY off their schedules. My kids stayed up super late every night of Thanksgiving break and played Mario together. They were laughing and having so much fun, we decided that was ok for them to stay up late on a break. Staying up late also means sleeping in, so yep we were all a little off our groove! So as a homeschooler I am thankful that on this Monday I am in charge of my schedule. I got up and straightened the house and got the kids up and asked them to get started on their day as well. We started laundry and then we are going to play some simple games for school today. We have a multiplication game called SPLAT and I am going to do a reading lesson with Jack. We are practicing gymnastics and being active. I am doing inventory of what I have gotten for Christmas for the kids and going through the mail. That, coupled with making meals and doing the dishes is good for me today. I hope that encourages you to start your week back the way that bests serves you and your family unit. Homeschooling should work for you, not the other way around. We should always strive to be productive, but what that looks like everyday can be different according to what season we are in. Be encouraged friends!

Happy Tuesday everyone!! Today on TikTok Josh is bringing to you a financial freedom call! This time of year especially it is easy to let finances overwhelm you and to get distracted by all the things. Josh is going to help you today to get a better mindset and reach your financial goals!