Week of January 15, 2012
St. Monica, pray for us.

Does the word "homeschool" inspire the following: stacks of enticing books spilling from bookshelves, cheerful alphabet songs happily sung, snow-white poster board just waiting for an English lesson and enthusiastic, self-directed research by your teen-ager? Home education is all this--and so much more. In fact, it means--or should mean--a total lifestyle.

Today on the web and in bookstores, there is an enormous amount of information about curriculums and textbooks. This makes sense. Obviously, "school" is the focus of teaching at home.

But sometimes it is easy to forget, ignore or be careless about the other essentials that really make home teaching work. Homeschooling doesn't exist in a vacuum. Life goes on...and it's here, in daily living, that crucial decisions are made.

The academics should be supported and enhanced by the child's entire environment. Family relationships, faith, friends, entertainment, interests and hobbies must be coordinated to reinforce this unique form of education.

Two weeks after we began educating our children at home, the importance of these "extras" was poignantly proven. It was the first of February when our little daughters, five and nine years-old, came to me to ask, "When is the St. Valentine's Day party?"

We had just started homeschooling! A celebration was the last thing on my mind! But the longing and apprehension in their faces caused me to immediately answer, "Oh, gosh, girls, we'll have it on the 14th." We scrambled to assemble a festive and gay little party, one with all the fixin's--lots of streamers and red and white hearts, candy and cupcakes and pink punch, and six other families also beginning this amazing journey. Everyone had a wonderful time...but more importantly, my husband and I learned a valuable, never-to-be-forgotten lesson.

Children are children whether homeschooled or not. They still yearn for parties and friends, acceptance and fun. They have to learn obedience and self-discipline. They need to be encouraged to read great literature and understand the importance of learning. They relish a challenge and rise to meet it. For a child to reach his God-given potential, each of his very human needs must be met.

Educating our children at home has been our way of life since 1987. It has thoroughly enriched each member of our family of seven. Here, at homeschool-living, we offer our experience and longevity. We share the result of these 19 years of joy (and a little agony)...what we have learned, observed and discovered. This will save you time, worry, and difficulties regarding decisions that are over and above curriculum.

Common concerns:

• "What are some fun--but wholesome--books for leisure reading?"

• "My house is always a mess!"

• "What are good games for a co-op party?"

• "What is the Dad's role?"

• "What about electives?"

• "My children won't do their work."

Solutions to these questions are here. Find inspiration, encouragement and information about discipline and order, co-ops, recommended reading, electives and holiday celebrations. We particularly address the all-important, but sometimes unnerving, teen years.

So please make this site a part of your homeschooling odyssey!

Free Gift for Visitors

Please accept this free e-book, WAHM-IT!, The Masters Course. Written by work-at-home Moms (WAHM) for stay-at-home Moms who may want or need to earn extra income. Be home with your children. Continue homeschooling.