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Homeschooling

Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool

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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

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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.

Home Economic Skills to Teach Your Kids

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

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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.

Ways for Kids to Make Money

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

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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.

basic manners for modern kids

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

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.

basic etiquette for kids
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Knock on closed doors, not just locked ones. I know this seems so obvious but I’m telling you, it isn’t for everyone.
  9. 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!
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

manners at the dinner table

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.

  1. Put your napkin on your lap at the start of a meal.
  2. Don’t start eating until everyone has their food.
  3. Keep your crap off the table (purses, keys, cell phones, feet, etc.)
  4. Chew with your mouth shut.
  5. Don’t talk with your mouth full.
  6. On that note, take small bites – if you have to open your mouth unnaturally to take a bite , it is TOO BIG!
  7. Push your chair in when you leave the table, even if you’re coming back.
  8. 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.

basic manners kids need
  • 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

Gardening with Kids

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Gardening with kids should be part of our family legacy. Gardening teaches so many wonderful skills, not to mention kids love to eat what they grow! I’d like to share my 10 reasons for gardening with kids and some great ways to get them started.

gardening with kids

Gardening with Kids

I believe a child’s garden should be part of every family’s backyard farm. My youngest daughter has always been in the garden helping; I’ve seen the difference it can make first hand. But for now I’ll share my Top 10 Reasons to get Gardening with Kids. I hope it encourages you to get your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews out in your vegetable garden very soon!

10 Reasons To Start Gardening with Kids

Gardening with Kids
My daughter, years ago, starting seeds for her garden.
  1. A Child’s Garden Encourages Healthy Eating – when kids grow fruits, vegetables and herbs they eat more of them. They are excited to try produce that, normally they’d have turned up their noses to. Kale is a perfect example, or Swiss Chard; my kids looked sideways at these veggies when I brought them home from the store. But once we had them growing in the garden, that they helped to plant and tend, it was a different story!
  2. Gardening with Kids Teaches Them a Valuable Life Skills – when children garden they learn to provide for themselves. Growing our own food isn’t a skill most modern adults have, much less children. This is something that should be passed on as a legacy of self sufficiency.
  3. A Child’s Garden Teaches Appreciation – When I kid knows first hand the time and work that went into providing the food they are much less likely to waste it. They learn to appreciate the fruits of their labor, so to speak. Many adults find this when gardening for the first time too!
  4. Kids Gardening Means Less Screen Time – In our modern world our children spend a lot of time in front of tvs, computer, tablets and phones. There is nothing like a garden to get the out in nature!
  5. Gardening with Your Kids is Family Time – when parents (or guardians) garden with children you create a special bonding time. This is create face to face time, no distractions. I’ve been able to have some pretty awesome conversations with my kids over soil.
  6. Kids that Garden Will Grow Up And Pass It Down – A child’s garden can become a legacy and a beautiful vintage skill that gets passed down from one generation to another.
  7. Gardening with Kids is Great Exercise – That’s a win-win for both of you! I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that kids these days are not active enough. I’ve seen research that says this generation may be the first to live a shorter life than their parents. I know gardening can’t fix it all but digging, hoeing, building boxes, pulling potatoes…you can get that heart pumping and break a sweat!
  8. A Child’s Garden it Educational – As a homeschool family we look for opportunities to teach outside of the “box”. A garden offers kids a natural learning opportunity. Gardening really is science! From seed growth and photosynthesis to how the soil is alive. Older children and teens might enjoy Gardening for Geeks as a text. For younger children check out this free gardening curriculum. Don’t forget the math of planning a garden and figuring cost of growing vs buying at the store.
  9. Gardening with Kids Teaches Problem Solving – If you are a gardener you know that every beginner has issues. But most of us use our failures as lessons but learning how to fix them; kids will too! They’ll learn from your experience and from doing their own reading and research.
  10. Your Child’s Garden Will Give Them a Sense of Pride – When a kid serves their friends and family a salad full of the vegetables from their garden there is a real sense of accomplishment and pride. There is nothing quite like providing food for the people you love. Not to mention the bonus of sacrificing their time and energy to the benefit of others (giving).
gardening with kids

The Best Vegetables for Children’s Gardens

These vegetables are great when you first start gardening with kids! They are easy to grow, will grow in a variety of spaces and most kids love to eat them.

Radishes 

In my experience, radishes are the easiest vegetable to grow. They’ll grow in boxes and pots too. Radishes are also pretty fast vegetables so they’ll be something to harvest quickly. Because they are a root vegetable you’ll want to start these where you plan to grow them, no transplanting. I know store-bought radishes are not everyone’s cup of tea but there are some amazing varieties that have more mild or sweeter flavors. See Radish Seeds

Carrots

Most kiddos love carrots – a sweet root veggie. No while carrots are pretty easy to grow, they do take some patience because they are slow growing. In my years of gardening I have never found one that grows as fast as the seed packet says it will; but they are worth the wait. I have grown carrots in pots, 6 and 12 inch garden boxes with equal success. And you’ll never have a better tasting carrot than the one you eat right out of the garden! Did you know there are purple carrots? See Carrot Seeds

Tomatoes

Most gardeners will tell you to start with tomatoes as a beginner. They are one of those vegetables (which are actually a fruit) that will grow just about anywhere. Growing tomatoes are good for learning how to prune for growth and you can keep growing the same tomato bush for several seasons. Kids typically like cherry tomatoes but you might be surprised by all the fun smaller varieties that you can grow! We love the Yellow Pear.

Zucchini

The hardest thing about growing zucchini is what to do with it all! With a good harvest we can usually share quite a bit with neighbors, friends and family; because we get tired of it. I recommend starting your zucchinis inside about 4 – 6 weeks before you’re ready to plant them outdoors. We often the Black Beauty variety. See my tips on growing summer squash. 
Be sure to check out these amazing zucchini recipes for your harvest!

Bell Peppers

Bells are a wonderfully sweet pepper that kids usually love to eat. They are truly an easy vegetable to grow too! They typically do well in warmer weather and ours have survived the the long hot Phoenix summers! They also come in a wonderful rainbow of colors, though that does not really change the flavor in my opinion. See Bell Pepper Seeds

family gardening with kids

Tips for Gardening with Kids

  • Make it fun – they are more likely to do it again if you have fun with it.
  • Set goals together – decide what your goals are for your garden. Maybe a salad or salsa garden only to start?
  • Keep it simple – sometimes just starting a simple herb garden is best. Don’t feel like you need a dozen square foot garden boxes!
  • Keep it organic – your children really don’t need exposure to any pesticides!
  • Order some seed catalogs to look at together. See Seed Catalogs You Need!
  • Plant what you eat first – sure I encourage variety and trying new things but the first few veggies should be ones they eat already.

Further Reading for Your Child’s Garden

Here are a few books you may want to consider as you dive into gardening with your kids.