Homeschooling

103 Activities for Social Distancing

March 17, 2020 by Tiffany Davis Leave a Comment

Are you and your family practicing social distancing? Already feel like you’ve been quarantined? Help is here!

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highly advised to avoid gatherings over 50 people for a minimum of eight weeks. Across the world, restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, churches and more businesses are shutting down. In an effort to contain the current virus, it is recommended to practice social distancing (or even quarantined).

During this time, here is a list of interesting, fun and productive things that you can do to keep yourself (and your kids) busy.

Feeling isolated during this time of social distancing or quarantines may be the hardest part. But I hope this list shows you how much we can do right in our own homes.

103 Things to Do
While Practicing Social Distancing

Go back to school and earn your degree online
Watch a documentary.
Become an herbalist online. I recommend Herbal Academy.
Watch a Ted Talk.
Plan your spring garden and order your seeds.
Listen to Podcasts.
Build a fort and camp out in the living room.
Read a non-fiction book or try something from classic literature.
Listening to books on Audible is great too!
If you’re in school, get ahead on homework.
Learn how to knit or sew or another Vintage Skill.
Go on a hike or nature walk.
Take your dog for a walk.
Fly a kite.
Watch a Disney movie.
Binge read the Harry Potter series, then watch all the movies.
Learn the dance to a song.
Do some online shopping.
Take a bike ride.
Rearrange a room in your house.
Start spring cleaning early.
Paint
Color
Watch home videos.
Put together a scrapbook.
Start your own blog or YouTube channel.
Take a bubble bath.
Give yourself a mani/pedi.
Have a movie marathon.
Tell funny stories from when everyone was little.
Learn a new language.
Work on 5000 piece puzzle. I highly recommend the White Mountain Puzzles!
Do a crossword puzzle.
Play Sudoku.
Learn to play an instrument.
Work on a DIY project.
Download new apps to play on your phone or tablet.
Learn how to write poetry or songs.
Make a list of places you want to travel.
Work out at home – Amazon and YouTube have great “classes” you can try (Zumba is a family fav).
Make a bucket list.
Call friends or family members and catch up.
Learn how to do origami.
Play Xbox or another gaming console.
Make a new music playlist.
Sketch
Play with Play-doh.
Make slime.
Play a board or card game.
Listen to new musicals.
Put on a face mask.
Mediate
Binge-watch a new series on a streaming service.
Organize closets and cabinets.
Try on all your clothes and see what you want to keep and what you want to donate.
Try new recipes.
Analyze a film or pieces of art and find their meanings.
Plant an herb garden. See 10 Herbs to Grow in Pots.
Plant some flowers. Flowers to Plant in Your Vegetable Garden.
Start seeds for your vegetable garden.
Make a bird feeder.
Do yoga.
Write a short story.
Learn how to braid or French braid.
Watch makeup tutorials on YouTube and try to recreate them.
Go through and delete photos on your camera roll.
Make a list of things you’re grateful for and keep it handy.
Pray and read your Bible.
Try to hula-hoop, roller skate, jump rope or play hopscotch.
Do an indoor scavenger hunt.
Dye your hair a new color.
Review your budget.
Bring out your old Legos and build something.
Watch every Star Wars film.
Attempt things with your non-dominant hand.
Get some extra sleep.
Watch the sunrise or sunset.
Cuddle with your pets or significant other.
Find new inspirational quotes, share them on your social media to encourage others.
Make soap. See all my soap “recipes”.
Update your resume.
Meal prep. Real Plans is VERY helpful with that!
Do your laundry and actually put it away. Up can even make your own DIY laundry detergent.
Improve your photography skills.
Start a journal.
Karaoke at home.
Organize your jewelry.
Build a first-aid kit.
Try to recreate a movie theater at home.
Watch old cartoons or movies from your childhood and laugh at how silly they were.
Build an at-home coffee bar.
Make lotion or a salve
Make candles.
Tie-dye shirts.
Research the flora and fauna in your area.
Watch comedies.
Clean your email box.
Do car maintenance that you’ve been putting off.
Get out in the sun for some vitamin D.
Make a handmade card.
Get some yard work done if the weather is nice.
Perform a random act of kindness.
Write and send old fashioned, handwritten letters.
See the Lost Art of Letter Writing

Social distancing activities are going to be very important over the next few weeks.

Hopefully, you can do one or many of these things from this list over the next few weeks. Times may be overwhelming lately, but staying busy and working on productive things can help the time go by faster and get your mind off of what’s going on. Try your best to stay off of social media if it stresses you out, and stay positive and healthy!

Avoid large gatherings and wash your hands.

Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool

July 27, 2019 by Tiffany Davis Leave a Comment

Are you trying to decide if homeschooling is the right educational journey for your children? Are you feeling stressed about your children transitioning from public school to homeschool and making such a drastic change? I don’t blame you. This is a scary, uncertain time. It is also a time full of excitement and hope in how your child’s educational life will begin to change.

It may seem impossible to not stress about it, but you can rest assured that many children have dealt with this transition and have come out stronger for it. If you want to further prepare yourself and your child for transitioning from public school to homeschool, here are some of the tips that I have found to be most helpful:

Don’t Over Think It

I recently had a conversation with a friend who told me that her biggest problem when transitioning her children from public school to homeschool was that she was over-thinking it. She spent almost an entire school year worried that she wouldn’t be able to teach them properly, or that the children would hate it, or they would suffer socially for it. She put so much stress into thinking about the what-ifs that she almost changed her mind completely and because of this, her kids spent an extra year in public school.

Homeschooling FAQs Answered!

Allow for Homeschool Adjustment Period

I can tell you, going into my 23rd year of homeschooling, that you’ll need time to adjust to this new life. You are not going to be a homeschool pro right out of the gate, so don’t give up when things don’t go right instantly. Just like with every other change in life, there is an adjustment period, just be sure to keep that in mind.

Don’t Tackle Everything at Once

Do not start your first day of homeschooling with all of the subjects. This is an adjustment period for a reason. Start small and go from there. You and your child have to learn how to work together in a teacher/student relationship in addition to a parent/child relationship so allow time for that without adding in an overwhelming amount of work.

Homeschool Advice From Veteran Moms

Do Not Try to Recreate School in Your Home

One of the biggest mistakes I made in the beginning was trying to make a school in my house. I set up a room to try to look like a school with desks, chalkboard, teacher’s desk, etc. This didn’t work for me or the kids. I found we all worked best sitting around the dining room table or scattered around the house as they got older and more independent. You might find your family homeschools best sitting in the grass outside. It is your school – make it work for you!

Make it Fit Your Family’s Schedule

Homeschooling is not a one-size-fits-all like traditional schools. I know families that are done with school be lunch and others than school in the late afternoon because mom works in the morning. One of the greatest things about homeschooling is that you can do it on your own schedule. Your kids learn better in the afternoon? Great! Set up learning times in the afternoon! You want afternoons free for family time? Great! Set up learning times in the morning!

Also you don’t have to do a Monday – Friday schedule either. We have almost exclusively schooled 4 day per week with one day for extra curricular activities and outings. I have also given the kids Saturday school from time to time. The point is you can make your week work for your schedule and family.

Let Your Child Help to Set Your Curriculum and Schedule

Give your kid/s some input into your curriculum and school time. Giving them some ownership may help the transition from public school to homeschool a bit easier; it won’t feel as forced.

In addition to making your homeschooling curriculum work with your family’s schedule, you might consider letting your child have a say in setting your schedule and curriculum will help them feel more in control of their learning environment, which for many kids is a huge motivator.

Look for Programs that Have Teachers Available

One thing that can make the public school to homeschool transition easier to getting some help! Don’t feel bad about using programs that do some or all of the teaching for you. For example, we’ve used Teaching Textbooks for years! I am not a great math teacher but this program does all the teaching for you! It is ok to get help with subjects you feel less confident in teaching.

There are also FREE programs you can employ. Homeschooling can get really expensive, but it doesn’t have to. Don’t think that you have to buy every single program out there, instead, do a little bit of research into the free programs that may be offered. You can make these free programs work just as well as the programs that you buy toward your homeschooling goals. There are even free home-based public schools like K12.

Check out Homeschooling for Free with YouTube

Take Breaks

Allow for school breaks. We school year round at our house and take shorter breaks throughout the year instead of a huge summer break.

You and your kids will need time to just be a family. Enjoy your time off of school. It is good to look at your year and have planned breaks but I always allow for some “flex” time just in case of illness or other unexpected time off.

Homeschooling year round has been a great fit for us and we spend a lot less time re-learning things because of long breaks. But if your family loves a long summer break, then take it! There is no magic to year round or traditional calendar schooling; just choose the best fit for your lifestyle.

Don’t Worry About Socialization

One of the craziest things people worry about when transitioning from public school to homeschool is “socialization”. Well unless you live in a very remote area, with little to no contact with the outside world, your child will get time to be social. But should it look like school? I say NO! Where in your life, after school, will you be only around people your age? I think homeschooling actually teachers BETTER social skills as children will learn to speak and interact with people of all ages.

Sure, extra curricular activities are great too. Things like PE, coops, drama, speech & debate, etc are great ways to meet other homeschoolers, make friends and get support; but you don’t need them for socialization alone.

Your kids will be fine.

Join a Homeschool Co-Op

We have done co-ops on and off through the years and they have been a huge blessing to our family. Now that I am only homeschooling the youngest (older 3 have graduated), we are starting a new co-op with a few families with youngest or only kiddos. I am the history and geography teacher, which is my passion!

If you feel like you need a little bit of extra help or support, you might consider joining a homeschool co-op. A homeschool co-op is an organized group of homeschooling families. These families meet up regularly and work together toward their homeschooling goals. Co-ops often set up times for the kids to do school work together, field trips, activities and more.

Take a Deep Breath

I know that this time of transitioning from public school to homeschool can feel a bit overwhelming; but I promise, it is going to be ok! Trust your gut, talk to veteran moms and allow time to make this new life work for you and your kids.

Have you ever dealt with transitioning your children from public school to homeschool? What would you do differently if you had the chance?

Home Economic Skills to Teach Your Kids

June 23, 2019 by Tiffany Davis Leave a Comment

Running a household is not that easy. It’s more than just keeping a home nice and tidy. Learning how to cook, clean, and be a domestic engineer of sorts requires skill and patience. You should not be doing it all on your own, however. Even the youngest children can help with cooking, cleaning, and other household chores. Here are five home economic skills to teach your kids that will set them up for a lifetime of success in and outside your home.

5 Home Economic Skills
to Teach Your Kids

Cooking

Teaching your kids simple cooking skills like measurements and proportions, safe food preparation, and following recipes are essential for young people to know to survive on their own (eventually) and stay healthy. I like to think of the home economic skills they learn growing up not only as things that benefit our household but will serve them well moving forward.

Simple recipes using ground beef, vegetables, and chicken will help your children learn how to make food from scratch. Cooking with fresh ingredients is healthy and will save you money!

Also See: The Importance of Cooking from Scratch

Meal Planning

To go along with cooking, it’s important to teach your children how to plan for meals. Teach them how to use a tool like Real Plans or sit down with them and plan out breakfast, lunch, and dinner on paper or in a planner. Meal prepping one day a week can help you and your family save time. Preparing the ingredients, freezing meals when necessary, and having the proportions correct will help your children get involved and your meal times run smoothly.

Budgeting

Money may not seem like a relevant topic for young people not contributing to the household finances, but it’s never too early to help your children understand how to save and what to spend money on. Being self-sufficient and living off what we have at home is helpful, but it’s good to let the kids know that everything isn’t “free”. There are utilities and household expenses to pay. Without revealing your whole financial status, you can start by teaching your kids ways to make money and help them set up their own budget.

It is also essential that kids learn how to balance a checkbook! I know checks are not used as often today as in the past but balancing your accounts is still very important. Programs like Quicken are fantastic and there are also phone apps that can been very helpful.

Also See: Budget Saving Tips for Groceries

Laundry

Having your children be responsible for their own laundry can be helpful in running your household efficiently and giving them an added responsibility. Teach them how to use the washer, separate colors, and use proper cycles as well as which clothes to machine dry, lay flat, and hang dry. Since we teach our children vintage skills, doing laundry by hand is something I have insisted that my children know. It’s a great skill to have to prepare in case gas or electricity is not available, and it saves money!

Also See: Clothesline Drying Like a Boss! and DIY Laundry Detergent

Household Cleaning

Teaching your children to keep a house neat and tidy starts with modeling the behavior. It may help to set up a cleaning schedule and give your children a list of tasks to complete. Sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing counters, mopping floors, and doing dishes are just a few important tasks that make a household run smoothly. Every member of the household should be responsible for some chores, and keeping a clean house is a major part of these duties. Lastly, make sure your kids know how to properly make a bed. See: How to Make a Bed in 12 Steps

Other Home Economic Skills to Teach

Gardening to grow food
Sewing and mending
Basic car maintenance (or at the very least WHEN to have maintenance done)
Building a food pantry and canning
How to do yearly taxes
Manners

Children need to understand and practice vintage skills as much as adults need to model them. These five home economic skills to teach your kids are essential for any family, especially the modern homesteading family. Practice these skills at home with your own children.

Whatever home economic skills you decide to teach in your home, your kids will be ahead of the game and more prepared than most these days. Sadly home economics is rarely taught in the public school system and many parents are not teaching them either; but we still need them.

What home economic skills do you teach your children?

Ways for Kids to Make Money

April 23, 2019 by Tiffany Davis 4 Comments

Summer, believe it or not, is just around the corner. Maybe your kids, under 16, are looking for a way to make money this summer. I know my adult kids are pretty entrepreneurial and liked making their own money; now my 13 year old does as well. I want to share some easy ways for kids to make money this summer, or anytime of the year really.

We Do Not Pay Allowance

We don’t pay for chores. I know, this is controversial to some. But here’s the thing, I don’t get paid to take care of my house or personal responsibilities. I wanted my kids to understand that we do chores because we have the privilege of living in a home and having personal items. Now that doesn’t mean I never give my 13 year old money; but we don’t have a set allowance that she gets regularly.

I think if you want to give your kids money, consider giving them special projects as “side jobs” that you are willing to pay a set amount for.

Why Should a Kid Have a Business?

I know many people will say, let them be kids. I’m all for that; I don’t want to rob anyone child of that short and precious time of childhood. But a business and a job a very different things. A job is working on other people’s schedules and usually involves doing things we don’t like. A business works around your schedule (you don’t see stores opening at your convenience) and doing something you already love.

I also believe that we sell kids short. They have a lot to offer and giving them an opportunity to shine with a money-making business is just one of them.

Honestly, I’d rather my kid be working as an entrepreneur than spending hours playing video games or on a cell phone.

Ways for Kids to Make Money

What are some good ways for kids to earn money? Yes! But before we get into the list of ways kids can make money, let’s talk safety. It should be obvious that you need to make sure that any adult your child “works” for is a safe adult. Personally I think you or your spouse should be with your child during any working situation. Your child’s safety comes first!

Also make sure what laws your city or state has concerning minors and money. For instance, how much money can a minor make before taxes are owed. Most kids are going to make money via cash but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have no tax responsibility.

Kids Making Money Should Save

Talk to you kids about money management before you decide HOW they are going to make money. I personally think you have a huge opportunity to teach life-long financial responsibility with their little side business.

Will you require them to save a certain percentage? I’d recommend 10% minimum.
Are you tithers? If you tithe to your church then you should definitely talk to you children about tithing. But let them decide, from their heart, if they’ll tithe from their income. The tithe of our finances is 10%, talk to them about that amount and decide if they’ll tithe to the children’s ministry or to the main church tithe.
How will kids making money save their money? Opening a savings account can be a great way to teach savings and make younger kids feel especially grown up; they may take the savings more seriously. This also gives older kids an opportunity to learn how to manage a bank account.
You may want to consider opening a checking account with older pre-teens as well.

A List of Jobs for Kids to Make Money

This list is just meant to be a jumping off point. Think about what your child is already talented in, excited about, talks about constantly; help them to turn that into a business they can thrive in!

A Service Business for Kids

A Pet Service Business
Pet sitting, cleaning small animal cages, cleaning dog poo from the yard, dog walking, pet grooming (wash, brush, trim nails)
Lawn Care and Weed Pulling
Mowing, trimming bushes, pulling weeds, etc.
Car Cleaning
Washing outside of car, cleaning and detailing the inside of the cars..
House Cleaning
Is your child a great cleaner? This could be a great job for them. Or have them offer “spot” cleaning, like just bathrooms or mopping weekly.
Babysitting
A tried and true way to make money for responsible and mature pre-teens. Consider just offering “mother’s helpers” service when the parents are home but need to get tasks accomplished.
Helping Out of Town Neighbors
Water plants, pick up newspaper and mail, take care of animals
Holiday Helpers
Have a gift wrapping station or help to set up and take down decorations.
Painting
Have a awesome DIY kiddo? Let them offer to do painting.

Sales Based Business for Kids

Lemonade Stand…Coffee Stand?
Why not switch up that old lemonade stand for a coffee stand? If you preteen likes to bake you could offer baked goods too. This works especially well for early bird kiddos.
Yard / Garage Sale
Need to de-clutter? Pay the kids to do that and/or let them sell un-needed items in a garage sale. See How to Have a Awesome Garage Sale

Skills Bases Business for Kids

Arts and Crafts
If your child is artsy let them sell art work, jewelry or other craft projects. Consider opening an Etsy for a larger audience.
Online Business
Start a blog! This can be a way to make an extra income as well as becoming a more proficient writer. This could be a great homeschool subject too!
Tech Jobs
Is your preteen a technically savvy kid? Can they make and edit videos or create a website? What about editing photos? There are so many ways to use the love a technology for a small business.
Sewing and Other Needlework Crafts
If you child can sew, knit or crochet then making small projects like a coffee cozy, aprons or dresses could be a great income. What about a mending business?
Tutor Younger Kids
Help younger kids with reading, math or any subject they have a passion for and are proficient in.

Be sure to see Homestead Kids Businesses Too!

I hope this helps get you and your kiddo started on a business idea that can make a little income. Remember instilling a entrepreneurial spirit now can mean great things for your son or daughter in the future!

Have you help you kid make money with a business of their own? Tell us about it in the comments!

Basic Manners for Modern Kids

April 18, 2019 by Tiffany Davis 5 Comments

Basic manners for modern kids has been on my mind a lot. I have raised 4 children, 2 nieces and several foster children over the years. I can tell you each and every one of the kids that lived in my home were taught basic manners (and some additional ones too).

One thing people comment on the most with my kids, especially my youngest who is 13, is how polite they are. This didn’t just happen! I not only taught manners, I modeled them. Both modern kids and adults seem to have lost the art of being polite.

Now maybe manners were never a thing YOU were taught so you struggle to know what is appropriate to teach your kids (and teens). I have a basic manners for modern kids list that will help you.

Basic Manners for Modern Kids

This lists are my top basic manners that need to still be practiced and taught to kids, teens and sometimes to adults.

Say please, thank you and you’re welcome. Practice using them in your family, then they’ll be 2nd nature when they are out and about.
Hold the door open. This is NOT just for boys. If someone is coming in or out at the same time as your kid, encourage them to hold the door.
Make eye contact!!! For the love of Pete, we need to teach our children to look people in the face and make eye contact during conversation. Frankly, I know a lot of adults that could use this skill to.
A firm handshake – teach both girls and boys how to greet with a firm handshake. I know “the hug” is really modern and that’s great; but let’s not forget how to greet a stranger.
Table manners (let’s start eating at a table again). Too many of us are eating in front of the TV or computer these days. How can you teach table manners like that!
Send a thank you note. Let me be honest, this was something I didn’t do as a younger woman. But there is so much to be said for a handwritten note or card to thank someone. Teach it! Live it! See The Lost Art of Letter Writing.
Learn how to use the phrase, “excuse me”. Do you need someone’s attention? Do you need to interrupt a conversation? Wait patiently and use the words, “excuse me”. This is also one to use when you bump into someone by accident.
Knock on closed doors, not just locked ones. I know this seems so obvious but I’m telling you, it isn’t for everyone.
Ask how you can help. When you are at someone’s house or out and about in life, look for opportunities to offer help and service. For example after a meal at someone’s house, offer to do the dishes!
Stand to show respect. Not going to go into a huge diatribe here but this is a life skill everyone seems to be lacking these days.
Show respect to your elders. Most of them have earned it! Now this will vary by culture and even location, so I’ll leave that up to you.
Addressing people by their names. Ok, first off children should be taught to use Miss / Mrs / Mr followed by last name always when addressing an adult. Not until said adult has asked to be called by a first name or another version should that be used. This is also a form of respect.

What are some basic etiquette kids need?

Etiquette is defined as the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

My list of basic manners had to include basic etiquette. These are based on the past and current standards in the USA. You can adjust for your country and culture. I’m mainly covering table etiquette which is sorely lacking these days.

Put your napkin on your lap at the start of a meal.
Don’t start eating until everyone has their food.
Keep your crap off the table (purses, keys, cell phones, feet, etc.)
Chew with your mouth shut.
Don’t talk with your mouth full.
On that note, take small bites – if you have to open your mouth unnaturally to take a bite , it is TOO BIG!
Push your chair in when you leave the table, even if you’re coming back.
Ask for things to be passed – do not reach over people to grab things on the table.

See Top Table Manners by Emily Post

Basic Social Skills to Teach Your Kids

Social skills are in serious lack, along with manners.

BE ON TIME! BE ON TIME EVERY TIME. Being late is rude, selfish and self-serving. If you know that YOU have a problem with it, your kids probably will too. Treat other people’s time with respect and arrive a little early.
Foul language and curse words are not appropriate in public and that includes social media. Look I’m not trying to be preachy or a prude but you need to think about how that is perceived by others and younger children.
Not looking at your phone, computer, tablet, smart watch, etc when someone is talking to you.
Teach your kids stranger danger but also teach them to have a decent conversation with safe adults. Most kids mumble, don’t make eye contact and do not participate in a volley of conversation with adults (see above).
Don’t interrupt.
Be an active listener – meaning give verbal or physical cues that you are actually listening.
Learn to “fight fair”. No I am not talking about fist fighting here. I mean that today most people think having a verbal debate is equal to hatred. We need to teach our kids to have debates or even heated conversations without making it or taking it personally.
It is OK not to want to hug someone. Ok this one isn’t basic but I feel I need to include it. I see WAY too many parents forcing physical affection on their kids with distant relatives, friends, even close family members. If your kid doesn’t want to hug or kiss someone, it is ok. Teach them to be secure in saying NO to unwanted physical touch. Your family and friends will get over it when a firm handshake, eye contact and verbal acknowledgement is there.

Ok I think I’ve probably given you enough of, what I consider, basic manners for kids (teens and adults too). I hope you’re already doing this and it won’t be too overwhelming.

Do you think I missed anything? Let me know if the comments!

You might also like Vintage Skills Modern Kids Need

Homeschooling