Special Replay: Extracurricular Overkill

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Extracurricular Overkill - How to filter extracurricular activities into your homeschool with Homeschooling IRLExtracurricular Overkill on the HIRL Podcast

On this week’s special back-to-school replay with Fletch and Kendra, they talk about Extracurricular Overkill.  When is enough too much?

On this episode of HomeschoolingIRL, Fletch, and Kendra answer a letter from a listener wondering how to filter extracurricular activities into your homeschool. When should you say yes? When should you say no?

We invite good friends Nate and Ali Miller into the studio to talk through the topic of extracurricular overkill. Listen in as we discuss how they made the decision to pull back from gymnastics, swimming, baseball, and choir in their family of three pre-teens. We hope you are encouraged by this discussion of choosing extracurricular activities in your homeschool family.


SHOW NOTES For Extracurricular Overkill

Recommended Resources:

Joann Kraft – Just Too Busy
Betty The Surf Dog Twitter Feed – Home of Betty the Surf Dog
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter



Music clips used on this episode:
Breathe In Breathe Out Move On – Buy it on iTunes Here

 

Love this Episode of HIRL? Check out these podcasts from Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Homeschool Lifestyle
Last Minute DIY Tips
Money-Saving Field Trips
All About Teaching
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
Six Homeschooling Insider Tips
Best Staycations for Kids
Avoid Curriculum Pitfalls
Top 10 Parenting Secrets
45 Family Date Night Ideas

Find them all at Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, including Vintage Homeschool Moms, Homeschooling with Technology, LifeSkills101, and more!

 

 


Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor, CTC Math! A Cathy Duffy top 103 Pick for Homeschool Curriculum

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – we are pleased for their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum and learn how homeschoolers can save 50%!


Help! I Don’t Want to Homeschool Anymore! Dealing with Homeschool Burnout

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

It happens to the best of us; homeschool burnout. We grow weary of homeschooling and we’re ready to throw in the towel. Rather than giving up, let’s look at how we got to this state and what actions we can take to get out of homeschool overwhelm.

What Homeschool Burnout Looks Like

Think back to when you first began homeschooling. You were full of hope and excitement and couldn’t wait to pour over homeschool curriculum catalogs. You had a new identity to celebrate, you were now a homeschool mom!

New friends were made, conventions visited, and curricula purchased. Things went great in the beginning, or even for a while.

Then it happens, burnout!

Now you dread getting up to more schoolwork, more laundry, more meal prepping, more of anything. You’re just tired, and there seems to be no end in sight.

How Homeschool Burnout Happens

The truth is, you didn’t just wake up tired of it all one morning. Let’s look at the road to burnout and see if you can identify with any of these:

  • you don’t have a predictable schedule
  • you have an overly stressful schedule
  • your homeschooling a wide variety of ages and levels
  • your partner works long hours
  • you’re not plugged into co-op or homeschool group
  • you are overly committed to a co-op or homeschool group
  • lack of support from friends or family
  • expecting too much of yourself
  • putting everyone else before your own basic needs
  • over-commitment to church
  • neglecting your spiritual life

If any of that sounds familiar, you might be in homeschool burnout.

What We Do About Homeschool Burnout

There are some action steps you can take to help yourself walk out of burnout to relief. Try a few of these to see what works.

  1. Practice the art of saying “no.” You don’t need to do everything. If you feel like you need permission to bow out gracefully, granted.
  2. Understand the difference between roles and responsibilities. Your role is mom, wife, sister, daughter. You have different responsibilities within each of those roles. Make a quick list of what your true responsibilities are. This will also help you learn to say no.
  3. Re-think your identity. Yes, you homeschool. But, your identity isn’t a homeschooling mom. You’re a mom who homeschools, right? And most importantly, you’re a daughter to the One who made you, loves you, and doesn’t want you sit in homeschool burnout.
  4. Make prayer a priority.

PRAYING AND WORKING. I Like that saying of Martin Luther, when he says, “I have so much business to do to-day, that I shall not be able to get through it with less than three hours’ prayer.” Now, most people would say, “I have so much business to do to-day, that I have only three minutes for prayer; I cannot afford the time.”

But Luther thought that the more he had to do, the more he must pray, or else he could not get through it. That is a blessed kind of logic: may we understand it! “Praying and provender hinder no man’s journey.” If we have to stop and pray, it is no more hindrance than when the rider has to stop at the farrier’s to have his horse’s shoe fastened; for if he went on without attending to that it may be that ere long he would come to a stop of a far more serious kind.—C. H. Spurgeon.

Practical steps:

  1. Keep a simple schedule.
  2. Keep meals simple.
  3. Plan time with friends and don’t talk about homeschooling.
  4. Communicate your needs clearly to your partner, friends, and family.
  5. Partner with an online homeschool provider to handle some of the teaching load.

Working through these 8 quick steps can help you gain clarity for yourself, your relationships, and your homeschooling. Keep things simple!

 

Starting Your Homeschool Over

Listen, I hear you! You’ve already purchased all of this curriculum. You’re determined to use it.

You’ve already purchased the convention tickets and reserved the hotel.

Your church is counting on you.

Your partner isn’t supportive.

All of that can be true, and you can still simplify.

That curriculum? Set a timer and work through it for a set amount of time. No one says you have to do all.the.things!

Let your kids know that for a while school is during the hours of x and x and after that mom needs a recess or reboot.

Go the convention, but change your aim. Have fun! And if you want to, cancel it. No one is judging you. There’s always next year.

Your church probably does need you, that’s the nature of it. But they want the best version of you. Not the stressed-out, burnt-out version. Have a conversation about volunteering boundaries for this season. They will understand.

You’ve Got This!

Just do the next thing. Pick one area to simplify. You’ve got this. And maybe some of these podcasts will help: *scroll to the bottom of the page to play the podcast

Let me know how this article and the podcasts have helped. Have more advice? Leave a comment and bless another mom.

Why Every Homeschool Mom Needs a Homeschool BFF

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

homeschool mom needs a homeschool mom bff

Why Every Homeschool Mom Needs a Homeschool BFF

Every homeschool mom goes through a similar experience. We start with the conviction that we should homeschool our children. Moms get excited with shopping for and choosing curriculum. We spend our summer planning.

Then we begin. And it’s not long before we start to feel like we’re going at this thing alone.

We Question Ourselves

Once the loneliness sets in we start to question our decision to homeschool.

One days when our children’s behavior or lack of interest in their studies sets in, we want to give in and hand it over to someone else. Even if we don’t admit that out loud.

It doesn’t mean we’ve lost faith in our conviction, it just means we really are meant to be in community with one another. We need a friend who gets it.

Reaching out to Friends and Finding a Homeschool BFF

This is where having a homeschool BFF can really make your homeschool experience so much better. She understands your struggles. She can hold you up with you’re feeling down. It’s often that homeschool mom BFF who reminds you of why you’re doing this in the first place. And if she’s a true friend she points you back to Jesus, so you don’t lose your way.

Friends for Life

And these friends aren’t just friends for a season. You never really outgrow them. In this podcast I share a little about Mom School and how that experience introduced me to a circle of friends who are still my friends to this day. Good friends.

The Homeschool Sisterhood

That’s why I’m kinda (okay, a lot) excited about the Homeschool Sisterhood  (referral link) with Ana Willis. I wish I’d had this opportunity when I was a brand new homeschooling mom. The opportunity to learn from a veteran homeschool mom who can share how to stay focused would’ve been such a blessing.

Wherever you’re at in your homeschooling journey, check out The Homeschool Sisterhood (referral link) and get yourself plugged in.

PS. Check out …

My podcast interview with Ana Willis, topic: How to Stop the Hustle and Find Your Purpose

Join the Mommy Jammies Podcast Community on Facebook.

 


Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Overcomer Movie

Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth… until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey.
Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendrick Brothers return to theaters with OVERCOMER, their newest feature following FACING THE GIANTS, FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, and the #1 box-office hit, WAR ROOM. The inspiring family film stars Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and introduces Aryn Wright-Thompson.

Opening nationwide on August 23, OVERCOMER dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you?

Click here to learn more!


Recovering from Burnout | Tips to Turn Things Around

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Recovering from Burnout | Tips from a work at home mom to get back in your business after burnout

 

Recovering from Burnout | Tips from a work at home mom to get back in your business after burnout

Have you ever experienced a fast-track to success only to discover yourself burnt out? That’s where I found myself and this podcast about is how I turned things around.

  • Fast track to business success in the Virtual Assistant world
  • Where I’ve been the last five months
  • How I got back in my business

Dealing with Your Business Brain

“If you’re overwhelmed, I know one thing about you. Your head is full of junk!” – Mel Robbins

Action Creates Momentum

 

Special Edition of HIRL: Mid-Year Slump

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free homeschool podcast about surviving the Mid-Year SlumpThis week on Special Edition – Homeschooling IRL – Enjoy this episode replay sponsored by Christian Standard BibleMid-January. Harumph. Are you feeling the mid-year slump in your homeschool, too? 

In this episode of Homeschooling in Real Life, Fletch and Kendra talk about how the mid-year slump affects their homeschooling and give several practical ways in which you can beat the mid-year slump, too.


SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
Lost and Found, by Kendra Fletcher
Key Life Ministries with Steve Brown
Interview with Key Life

Follow Fletch/Kendra:
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Follow the Studio Dogs:
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
The Worst Is Yet To Come, Keb’ Mo – Buy it here on iTunes

Music clips used on this episode:
None


Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Christian Standard Bible

The Christian Standard Bible captures the Bible’s original meaning without compromising clarity. An optimal blend of accuracy and readability, this translation helps readers make a deeper connection with God’s Word and inspires lifelong discipleship. The CSB is for everyone—for readers young and old, new and seasoned. It’s a Bible pastors can preach from and a Bible you can share with your neighbor hearing God’s Word for the very first time.

Find out more here!


Back to School Replay: Extracurricular Overkill

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Extracurricular Overkill - How to filter extracurricular activities into your homeschool with Homeschooling IRLOn this week’s special back to school replay with Fletch and Kendra, they talk about Extracurricular Overkill.  When is enough too much? On this episode of HomeschoolingIRL, Fletch and Kendra answer a letter from a listener who is wondering how to filter extracurricular activities into your homeschool. When should you say yes? When should you say no?

We invite good friends Nate and Ali Miller into the studio to talk through the topic of extracurricular overkill. Listen in as we discuss how they made the decision to pull back from gymnastics, swimming, baseball, and choir in their family of three pre-teens. We hope you are encouraged by this discussion of choosing extracurricular activities in your homeschool family.


SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:

Joann Kraft – Just Too Busy
Betty The Surf Dog Twitter Feed – Home of Betty the Surf Dog
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Music clips used on this episode:
Breathe In Breathe Out Move On – Buy it on iTunes Here

 

 


Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor, Kiwi Crate!

 

We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor, Kiwi Crate!

KiwiCo has monthly subscriptions of hands-on projects that make learning fun! Their core offering is projects that make learning about STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art, and math — accessible and are designed to spark creativity, tinkering, and learning. Some recent favorite crates are the Slime Lab, Physics Carnival, and Paper Circuits.

Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network is excited to be able to offer you the chance to try them for FREE. To learn more about their projects for kids ages 2 to 16 AND to redeem this exclusive offer, click here to get your first month free today (just pay $4.95 for shipping)


How To Deal With Homeschool Burnout – Special Replay

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free homeschool podcast discussing how to deal with homeschool burnoutThis is our second stab at the topic of homeschool burnout. Back in Episode 39, we interviewed four homeschool moms and discussed the topic: I Love Homeschooling, But I’m Totally Burned Out.  On that episode we verified that homeschooling moms burn out often and regularly.

Our listener Anna, wrote in and asked if we would expand the topic a little more. “I’m just having a really hard time figuring out how to carve out some (consistent) space in our life for me to recharge my batteries, and I’d love to know how other moms manage to do that.”  Anna, this episode is just for you!

We decided to hit this topic alone. We are not strangers to burnout. In fact, we are in the middle of our own homeschool/homeschooling/homeschoolers burnout as we sat down to record this show. Our listeners get a front row seat as we discuss honestly how we are choosing to work through our own burnout.

Tune in as we offer practical advice to both mom and dad as we answer the question about how to deal with homeschool burnout.

Timeline
1:53– Introduction
8:00 – Letter #1 – Jennifer, Binge Listener/Fluff Lover
10:37 – Letter #2 – Heather, Hope Shifting
16:00 – Homeschool Burnout – Segment 1/Practical Response
31:58 – Homeschool Burnout – Segment 2/”Me” Time
41:30 – Homeschool Burnout – Segment 3/Fletcher Burnout

Music clips used on this show:

“Slow Down'” Keb’ Mo’ (Buy It Here On iTunes)

 


Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!

 

We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Sony and their new DVD release, The Star, the Story of the First Christmas!

Visit  here to learn more.


 

I Love Homeschooling But I’m Totally Burned Out

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

For the rest of the year, we will be running a “Best of” series of the Homeschooling IRL episodes. Many of these episodes were earlier episodes that you might have missed. Enjoy!


Homeschool BurnoutLet’s be real folks! It’s February and the mid-year homeschooling doldrums can hit any of us. One of our listeners sent us a great email with five questions all about homeschool challenges and wanting to throw in the towel.

As we read through the questions he asked, we decided to combine all of them into one podcast and return  to a popular theme and call this episode, I Love Homeschooling But I’m Totally Burned Out. Don’t be confused. You may think this is an episode for just the homeschool moms, but moms and dads alike are going to relate to the questions and discussions.

As we answered his questions, we also turned our microphones onto other loyal listeners and asked three seasoned homeschool moms how they survive homeschool burnout in their home. These moms did not disappoint! Their answers were terrific and timely as we all approach midyear burnout in our homeschool  classrooms.

Episode Timeline
2:12 – Introduction – The Fluff!
10:30 – Question 1 – Have you ever wanted to throw in the towel and put the kids in public school?
18:33 – Question 2 – Has mom ever been burned out?
24:35 – Question 3 – Has there ever been a disagreement about the direction of your homeschool between mom and dad?
33:28 – Question 4 – What do you do with lazy kids?
37:33 – Question 5 – Has dad ever needed to step in and stop the direction of the family? Academically Socially?

Show Notes:

Guests: Michele White, Kari Clark, and Cheryl Pitt

Intro clip: Wipeout by the Surfaris – We encourage you to purchase this directly from iTunes
—————————————————————-


Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!


We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Sony and their new movie, The Star, the Story of the First Christmas – Coming in Theaters November 17th!

Visit TheStarMovie.com to learn more.


Mid-Year Slump – HIRL Episode 135

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free homeschool podcast about surviving the Mid-Year SlumpMid-January. Harumph. Are you feeling the mid-year slump in your homeschool, too? 

In this episode of Homeschooling in Real Life, Fletch and Kendra talk about how the mid-year slump affects their homeschooling and give several practical ways in which you can beat the mid-year slump, too.


SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
Lost and Found, by Kendra Fletcher
Key Life Ministries with Steve Brown
Interview with Key Life

Follow Fletch/Kendra:
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Follow the Studio Dogs:
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
The Worst Is Yet To Come, Keb’ Mo – Buy it here on iTunes

Music clips used on this episode:
None


SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Use code HIRL


C_Logo_2012


LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.


Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades.

Extracurricular Overkill – HIRL Episode 96

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free homeschool podcast about balancing extracurricular activityWhen is enough too much? On this episode of HomeschoolingIRL, Fletch and Kendra answer a letter from a listener who is wondering how to filter extracurricular activities into your homeschool. When should you say yes? When should you say no?

We invite good friends Nate and Ali Miller into the studio to talk through the topic of extracurricular overkill. Listen in as we discuss how they made the decision to pull back from gymnastics, swimming, baseball, and choir in their family of three pre-teens. We hope you are encouraged by this discussion of choosing extracurricular activities in your homeschool family.


EPISODE TIMELINE
2:11 Fluff Time (Holy week, small pencils and Casey Kasem)
9:28 Extracurricular Overkill Part 1
19:00 Extracurricular Overkill Part 2
29:00 Letters from listeners
33:38
 Wrapping up the show, What’s Coming up next?


SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:

Joann Kraft – Just Too Busy
Betty The Surf Dog Twitter Feed – Home of Betty the Surf Dog
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Music clips used on this episode:
Breathe In Breathe Out Move On – Buy it on iTunes Here


SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

  1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
  2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
  3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
  4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
  5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
  6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

  1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
  2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

BECOME A PATRON AND SUPPORT HomeschoolingIRL

Hey HIRLers! Do you enjoy what we have created on the podcast? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help us continue to make great shows? Just like the great artists of the past, in order to provide great shows, we need patrons to financially support our creative efforts.

Please consider becoming a patron and supporting Homeschooling In Real Life? 

Follow this link and head over to Patreon.com and show your support of our show!
Thank you!

HIRLPatreonSupport


ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order.


C_Logo_2012


Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

HomeschoolingIRL_mugs


LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.


Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades