Stress-Free Holidays Are Possible: Here’s How (Holiday Replay)

December 8, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Discover tips for stress free holidays with careful planning and creative entertaining ideas that wow your guests every time.

Short Cuts – Hints & Holiday Tips by Felice Gerwitz

Discover tips for stress free holidays with careful planning and creative entertaining ideas that wow your guests every time.

How does Felice Gerwitz tirelessly entertain 20+ guests of all ages, use real dishes, cloth tablecloths & napkins with home-made napkin rings, and still remain sane after the last guests have left? With some careful planning, cooking ahead and getting some amazing deals and after holiday sales, Felice pulls off the Martha Steward look year after year.

Learn how to create a wish list and look for deals, bake ahead and freeze, enlist help from your family members and guests, make fresh flower centerpieces that look like you’ve slaved for hours and other tips that Felice has learned during the years. She enjoys baking and entertaining but most of all rejoicing in God and celebrating the special ties between family and friends.

Here is a handout along with a free printable to hang on your wall! Vintage Handouts Stress Free Holidays

Recommended Resources from Media Angels

Introducing the Christmas Planning Printables from Media Angels – your ultimate toolkit for a joy-filled and organized holiday season! This 3-pack bundle includes three essential printables: the Christmas Planner, the Christmas Kids Activity Planner, and the Christmas Week Planner, each thoughtfully designed to elevate your festive preparations.

 

 

 

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Summer School That Doesn’t Feel Like School

June 11, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Discover fun and engaging summer learning ideas that don’t feel like school! From nature walks to podcasts, these relaxed homeschool activities will keep your kids learning all summer long.🌞 Summer School That Doesn’t Feel Like School

Is it possible to keep the learning going this summer without the eye rolls and groans? Can we really have summer school that doesn’t feel like school?

Absolutely.

If your homeschool feels like it’s barely recovered from the spring chaos, the idea of “summer school” might sound like too much. But what if summer learning could be relaxed, flexible, and even… fun?

We’ve rounded up easy ways to weave learning into your summer—without a single workbook (unless your kiddo loves those). These ideas blend real-world discovery, family connection, and creativity—and they’re all inspired by our favorite summer-themed podcast episodes from the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

🎒 1. Take Learning Outside

Trade desks for dirt! Nature walks, gardening, and scavenger hunts all build observation, classification, and reasoning skills. Plus, they’re screen-free and sibling-friendly.

🎧 Listen to this episode for ideas:
Outdoor  Fun for Summer – Vintage Homeschool Moms

Grab the Creation Camp Digital Download: Each day you study one day of God’s amazing Creation! One Week of Full Activities or break it up into a longer period of time. Your choice.

✈️ 2. Go on a Virtual Adventure

Too hot to play outside? No problem. Take a virtual field trip to a National Park, art museum, or historical site. Make it interactive by having your child journal their “trip” or draw postcards from the places they explore.

🎧 Try this episode:
Virtual Field Trips and Online Resources – Vintage Homeschool Moms

🛠 3. Let Curiosity Lead the Way

Summer is the perfect time to lean into your child’s interests. Whether it’s space, insects, or baking, follow that rabbit trail! You’re still teaching research, logic, and communication—you’re just sneaking it in.

🎧 Episode idea:
Using Tech for Summer Learning – Homeschooling with Technology

📚 4. Make Reading an Adventure

Start a summer reading challenge! Set a family goal, visit the library weekly, or choose books to match upcoming vacations. Let kids earn badges, treats, or screen time.

🎧 Get inspired by this episode:
Books for Summer – Vintage Homeschool Moms

✍️ 5. Keep Writing Light & Creative

Forget the five-paragraph essay. Try a summer writing challenge with silly prompts like “If my shoes could talk…” or “A squirrel runs for mayor.” You’ll build skills and spark imagination—without pressure; maybe even write a book!

🎧 Perfect episode:
Summer Writing Challenge – Vintage Homeschool Moms

🎙 BONUS: Let Podcasts Teach for You

Need a break from being “the teacher” for a while? Let our Just for Kids audio episodes do the heavy lifting!

These short, engaging podcast episodes are designed specifically for younger learners. They build character, faith, and critical thinking—all while giving you 15-20 minutes of quiet time.

🎧 Start here:
Soldier Lessons – Just for Kids
Power of Words – Just for Kids
Gratitude – Just for Kids

Science Fun (blog post): Waterpressure!

Explore the full Just for Kids series on Vintage Homeschool Moms

🌞 Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to be a break from learning—it can be a break into a new way of learning.

Let it be fun. Let it be flexible. And let us help.

Want more ideas like these delivered to your inbox? Subscribe here and get bonus downloads and updates from our network of homeschool moms and mentors.

Visit our Network Sponsor, Judson College.

At Judson College, students are equipped to give their lives for the cause of Christ—whether that’s on the mission field, in the workplace, or in the local church. With more than 25 majors and innovative bachelor’s-to-master’s tracks, Judson prepares young adults with both biblical grounding and professional skills. Learn more at JudsonCollege.com.

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Science Labs on a Budget: Hands-On Learning at Home

June 3, 2024 by Leave a Comment
📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Science

Tried and True Science Labs |Tried and true science labs depend on good equipment but also a good curriculum. |j #podcast #homeschoolpodcast #teachingsciencelabs

Science Labs on a Shoestring Budget

Want to do science at home? Tried and true science labs are finally easy to do at home. With labs on a shoe-string budget, you will find the information you need to stock your science lab at home.

What is contained in a tried and true science lab?

All purpose science kit.

Biology Kit

Chemistry Kit

Physics Kit

Tips on keeping all of your materials organized.

Where to purchase “real” science equipment.

Science labs depend on good equipment but also a good curriculum. This book has hundreds of recommended books and many are available in libraries.

Tried and true lab sheets!

An added bonus to this book contains blank science experiment sheets – we’ve used these over the years with our children and hundreds of children have used them in science labs I’ve hosted. These lab sheets will keep the kid’s notes organized and are great for science lab notebooks.

Author and publisher, Felice Gerwitz of Media Angels, Inc. will discuss tried and true science labs to incorporate science labs within the home – this presentation is taken from her book, Teaching Science and Having Fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Create a Homeschool Mom Podcast Playlist

January 2, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Create a homeschool mom podcast playlistHomeschooling is a rewarding but demanding journey, and every homeschool mom deserves a source of encouragement and inspiration. In the digital age, podcasts have emerged as powerful tools for personal growth and support. Let’s explore how you can effectively use podcasts to uplift and motivate yourself as a homeschool mom.

1. Discovering Relevant Content:

The first step in using podcasts for encouragement is to find content that resonates with your homeschooling journey. Seek out podcasts that discuss topics such as homeschooling tips, time management, dealing with challenges, and nurturing a positive homeschool environment.

Top Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcasts

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

2. Create a Playlist for Every Mood:

As a homeschool mom, your emotions may fluctuate throughout the day. Create personalized playlists with podcast episodes catering to different moods. Whether you need a boost of energy in the morning or a calming voice in the evening, curate a playlist that suits your emotional needs.

Top Homeschool Sanity Podcasts

Overcoming Feelings Of Inadequacy

How To Be A Patient Homeschool Mom

What To Do When Your Day Is A Dumpster Fire

Rewrite Your Story To Live Happier Ever After

3. Utilize Commute and Chore Time:

Turn routine activities into opportunities for personal growth by listening to podcasts during your daily commute or household chores. These moments provide a valuable chance to absorb new ideas, gain insights, and foster a positive mindset without adding extra time to your schedule.

Redeeming Chore Time

4. Connect with Like-Minded Communities:

Many podcasts build communities around their content, providing a platform for homeschool moms to connect, share experiences, and support each other. Engage with these communities through social media or podcast-specific forums to build a network of like-minded individuals.

Join our Favorite Homeschool Podcasts Facebook Group

5. Set Realistic Goals with Podcasting:

Instead of overwhelming yourself with a multitude of podcasts, set realistic goals. Choose a few favorite shows and commit to listening to them regularly. Consistency will help you establish a routine of self-care and encouragement through podcasting.

Much Loved Shows on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

6. Turn Challenges into Learning Opportunities:

Homeschooling comes with its fair share of challenges. Find podcasts that address common struggles faced by homeschool moms and turn these challenges into learning opportunities. Hearing stories of triumph over adversity can inspire you to navigate your own obstacles with resilience.

Episodes That Inspire

7. Prioritize Personal Development:

In the midst of focusing on your children’s education, don’t forget about your own personal development. Look for podcasts that cover a range of topics beyond homeschooling – self-care, time management, goal-setting, and more. Investing in your personal growth will have a positive ripple effect on your homeschooling journey.

Learn Something New

8. Journaling and Reflection:

After listening to an impactful podcast episode, take a moment to journal your thoughts and reflections. This practice not only reinforces the lessons learned but also provides a space for self-discovery and growth. Share your reflections with fellow homeschool moms or keep them as a personal record of your journey.

Subscribe to our free monthly journal or printable.

9. Encourage Family Listening Sessions:

Introduce podcast listening to your homeschool routine by incorporating family-friendly episodes. This not only provides educational content for your children but also fosters a shared experience. Discussing podcast topics together can strengthen family bonds and open up valuable conversations.

Family Favorites

10. Rotate Your Playlist:

Keep your podcast experience fresh by rotating your playlist regularly. Explore new shows, listen to different perspectives, and embrace the diversity of content available. Staying open to new ideas and approaches will enrich your homeschooling experience and keep you motivated.

Try Something New: Visit the Archives

Podcasts Are the Way to Go

Podcasts have become a great resource for homeschool moms seeking encouragement and support. By intentionally integrating podcasts into your daily life, you can turn moments of solitude or routine tasks into opportunities for personal growth. As you embark on this journey of podcast-driven encouragement, may you find inspiration, wisdom, and a renewed sense of purpose in your role as a homeschool mom.

Build your own playlist for free here.

Happy listening!

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How Homeschool-Themed Podcasts Empower and Encourage Homeschool Moms

August 7, 2023 by Leave a Comment

How Homeschool-Themed Podcasts Empower and Encourage Homeschool Moms (plus some faves you won't want to miss listening to!)Homeschooling is a beautiful journey filled with ups and downs, challenges, and triumphs. As a homeschool mom, you have taken on the noble responsibility of educating and nurturing your children at home, providing them with a personalized learning experience. However, like any journey, there might be times when you feel overwhelmed or unsure of your choices. During these moments, homeschool-themed podcasts can be a source of inspiration, guidance, and encouragement. In fact, that’s a BIG part of how the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network came to be!

Hey-ya! Don’t miss our Homeschool Do-Over’s Giveaway.

Let’s explore how you can use homeschool-themed podcasts to empower yourself, grow as an educator, and find the support you need to thrive on this incredible homeschooling adventure.

1. Finding Community and Connection:

Homeschool-themed podcasts create a sense of community by connecting you with other like-minded homeschooling parents and experts in the field. Listening to these podcasts allows you to hear real-life stories, struggles, and successes of other homeschool moms. It reminds you that you are not alone in this journey and that there is a vast network of support available to you. Embrace the shared experiences and connect with these virtual communities, which can help you feel understood, supported, and motivated to continue on your path.

2. Gaining Valuable Insights and Advice:

Many homeschool-themed podcasts feature experienced homeschool moms and educators as guests, sharing their knowledge, tips, and tricks. By listening to their advice, you can gain valuable insights into various aspects of homeschooling, such as curriculum choices, time management, creating a conducive learning environment, handling challenges, and nurturing your child’s passions. Learning from others’ experiences can help you refine your own homeschooling methods and strategies, ultimately leading to a more enriching educational experience for your children.

3. Fostering Self-Care and Personal Growth:

As a homeschool mom, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and personal growth. Listening to homeschool-themed podcasts allows you to take some time for yourself, even in the midst of a busy day. By dedicating a few moments to listen to episodes that resonate with you, you can gain fresh perspectives, encouragement, and renewed energy to keep going. These podcasts might inspire you to explore new hobbies, develop your skills, or simply encourage you to take a well-deserved break when needed.

4. Staying Informed about Current Trends and Research:

Education is an ever-evolving field, and homeschool-themed podcasts often highlight the latest trends and research in the homeschooling community. Staying informed about innovative teaching methods, educational resources, and advancements in the homeschooling world can help you stay ahead of the curve and continually improve your approach as an educator. Being up-to-date with relevant information will boost your confidence and allow you to make well-informed decisions about your homeschooling journey.

5. Celebrating Milestones and Progress:

In the fast-paced world of homeschooling, it’s easy to overlook the little victories and milestones achieved by you and your children. Homeschool-themed podcasts often share heartwarming stories of families celebrating their successes, both big and small. By listening to these stories, you can gain a sense of pride and fulfillment in your own accomplishments. Celebrate each milestone you and your children reach and acknowledge the hard work and dedication you put into their education.

A Rewarding Experience

Homeschooling is a rewarding and challenging experience, and as a homeschool mom, you have embarked on an incredible journey of lifelong learning with your children. Homeschool-themed podcasts can serve as a powerful tool to inspire, guide, and encourage you throughout this adventure. By finding community, gaining valuable insights, fostering self-care, staying informed, and celebrating milestones, you can nurture your passion for homeschooling and create an enriching environment for your children’s education. Embrace the power of podcasts, and let them empower you as you continue to embrace the joys of homeschooling!

Podcasts to Get You Started

Vintage Homeschool Moms:

 Making Biblical Family Life Practical

Military Homeschool Podcast

LifeSkill101

Homeschool Sanity Show

 

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Special Replay- How to Prepare Your Homeschooled Teen for College

June 21, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Military Education Services Coordinator, Kelly Robinson, shares tips and insight on preparing homeschool students for college so they can get the most out of their college experience!Military Education Services Coordinator, Kelly Robinson, shares tips and insight on preparing homeschool students for college so they can get the most out of their college experience!

The subject of college is often at the forefront of every parent’s mind during the high school years. However, for military parents who homeschool, the thought can be a little confusing and even intimidating. Questions arise like: Can my homeschooled teen get into college? How well do homeschooled military kids adjust? How do I prepare my teen for college? Upper Iowa University specializes in providing quality, affordable education to service members and their families. UIU’s Military Education Services Coordinator, Kelly Robinson, explains how to take the stress out of college prep.

Kelly Robinson is a military spouse and proud mom to 3 great kids. Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She has worked in higher education for more than two decades in athletics, admissions, career and academic advising, and as an adjunct instructor. She is currently the military education services coordinator at Upper Iowa University, where she enjoys the opportunity to work with service members and their families to reach academic goals at UIU in both an admissions and advising capacity. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, painting, coaching her kids’ athletic teams, and sipping coffee on her front porch.

Resources:

Show Sponsor:

Upper Iowa University is committed to providing quality, affordable education to service members and their families. Service members, spouses and dependents qualify for tuition savings with their Military Family Grant on undergraduate and graduate degrees. UIU programs are available online, on campus and at one of their learning centers across the country. Work one-on-one with an advisor to reach your educational goals. Learn more at UIU.EDU/MilitaryHomeSchool

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go it alone; tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

  1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
  2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app
  3. Or listen right here (just scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or have show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

 Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

Enjoy this show? Listen in to Vintage Homeschool Moms Show

Top Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcasts

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

 

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Special Replay – New Year New Focus

December 27, 2021 by Leave a Comment

New Year New Focus: Meredith and Felice cover three important goals each have set for their well-being.

Special Replay – New Year New Focus
Meredith Curtis & Felice Gerwitz

Join Meredith Curtis and Felice Gerwitz monthly for Lunch with Meredith and Felice the first Monday of each month. This month Meredith and Felice cover three important goals each have set for their well-being. If you are a Christian wife, mother and a homeschooler you will benefit from this session.

Here is a printable for you to hold onto or take notes on as you listen to today’s session. NewYear_NewFocus_LunchwithMeredith&Felice

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TRUE Love of Christ for Mom

December 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

true love of Christ | The true love of Christ is never more evident than at Christmas time and Easter. During this season we look to Christ, #Homeschool #homeschooling #podcast #happinessinchrist True Love of Christ

The true love of Christ is never more evident than at Christmas time and Easter. During this season we look to Christ, His coming as an infant and look at this sacrifice for us! We celebrate Christmas in so many different ways. Without loved ones, or sometimes alone. I’ve spoken to many single moms who share time with their children and explain that Christmas is a time of loneliness.

Do you feel the true happiness comes from Christ? Do you reach out to others in need? Do you look at the transformation that can come into your life by placing yourself in God’s hands?

In this special episode, I want to share the true love of Christ!

Merry Christmas from Vintage Homeschool Moms!  Back in 2013, I shared a story I wrote especially for you, the busy and weary mom. Felice writes a tale of a woman you can probably identify with at some point of your journey as a wife and mother. She writes about the transformation that takes place when this woman places herself totally into the hands of Christ.

We hope you enjoy this special story – and share it with your friends!

Please follow this show at VintageHomeschoolMoms.com and visit our sister website the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network and my show A Few Minutes with GodPodcast.

 

 

 

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Curriculum, Learning Styles, and Choices… Oh, My!

July 19, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Curriculum learning stylesAs a new homeschool mom with an arsenal of degrees and certifications to show for my years of college and experience in the preschool and special education arena, I thought I was prepared. I handled a class of 25+ students in the sixth through ninth grades of Specific Learning Disabilities classes. Surely I could handle two children who were my own.

So I set off as many of you do, to recreate the school within the home, only to find it was a dismal failure. Well, not totally. We loved waking up each morning to a hot breakfast, and then I’d take my second cup of coffee and my two little ones to my room where we’d snuggle up and I’d read the Bible, a biography, and often we’d end up back there again to read after lunch. My oldest child had some learning struggles and he was not getting math. Simple facts were beyond him and asking him to memorize the multiplications facts in later years was like asking him to recite the Pythagorean Theorem.

That’s when I discovered that while I could read most things and remember them, I had hands-on learners who loved exploring and delving into things, getting their hands dirty, and loving it! So instead of just talking about rockets, we turned the refrigerator box into a space ship, complete with countdown to blast off music. My children wore bicycle helmets and pretended to be astronauts.

When our lot flooded, I would have been happy to read about the flood plain, and use words like – “cypress slough” in a sentence or learn about all the animals that like the flood water habitat using an illustrated children’s nature book, but, nooooo, not my children! They had to don boots and drag their brand-new red wagon my parents purchased for them around our flooded yard. They would play outdoors for hours. One day my son ran in all excited and asked, “Is it red-on-yellow kill a fellow, and red-on-black friend of Jack?”  Do you see a recurring theme here?ChristinaSpaceShip

These two were not happy to read about nature in a book, they had to experience it, and so when I happened upon Cathy Duffy at a homeschool conference, it finally made sense! Learning styles, yes – I remember learning about those in my special education classes and then it hit me! Our styles were completely different and not only those of my children, but mine as well.

That doesn’t mean it happened overnight, nor does it mean that I couldn’t encourage my strong visual child to learn things orally as well. It just meant that I wasn’t trying to fit a square peg into a round hole any longer. I finally was able to hit on some compromises that worked for our family and we happily became a unit study, Charlotte Mason, textbook, workbooks, biographies, fiction author, eclectic type of family. One size does not always fit all – and I’m a case in point.

Have you struggled finding curriculum that works for your family? Or did you finally have an, “Aha!” moment like I did?

 

Felice Gerwitz is the host of Vintage Homeschool Moms show that airs on Monday at noon eastern time. Her guest is Cathy Duffy.

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Stress-Free Celebrations

June 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Stress-free celebration

 

Regardless of the holiday you’re celebrating, there’s always a certain amount of stress to go with it. There’s no magic wand to make that disappear, but some thinking ahead can go a long way. Here’s what Felice has to say …

 

Is stress-free enough? Every year, I dream of a stress-free celebrations. I’ve created seminars on the topic for my Thanksgiving and Holiday Expo, I’ve drilled down to the things that really bother me during the holiday, and I plan ahead. Throughout the year, I keep an eye out for holiday bargains that won’t break my budget. But I’ve realized that during the holidays, there is going to be some measure of stress that just can’t be avoided. The strategies below keep me sane: enjoy this list from my Stress-Free Seminar.

Which one of these things can you implement in your holiday planning?

  • Plans with Prayer
    • Make a Plan
    • Plan to Break It
    • Cross Out
    • Add To
    • Discuss
  • Adult Privileges
    • Just Say No!
  • Exceptions:
    • Brings you peace and joy
    • You want to do it
    • You are obligated
  • Mommy Time Out
    • Meditations
    • Focus – 60 seconds
    • Praise music
  • Revive Your Soul
    • Music
    • Reading
    • Praying
    • DO the ONE thing
  • Gift Giving  –card wrap
    • Time
    • Creativity
    • Exchange
    • Encouragement
  • Back Up Plan
      • You aren’t in control
      • Take out the List and cross out
      • Enlist help
      • Regroup
    • The Reason for the Season
      • CHRISTmas (or THANKSgiving)
      • Attitude Check
        • Expectations – yours?
        • Expectations – family?
        • Others WORSE off
  • Permission Granted
    • Neck rub
    • Foot soak
    • Hand massage
    • Family snuggles
    • Eat chocolate or cookies!
  • Affirmations
    • You are loved
    • You are a child of God
    • You are special
    • You are unique
    • You are treasured

 

Regardless of the holiday (or holy day), with a little advanced planning you can make your celebrations more stress-free.

How do you plan to avoid stress during family celebrations? I’d love to hear from you!

Felice Gerwitz is a wife, mother and author who strives to keep stress out of her life — but knows that only with GOD are all things possible! Here is a handout she hopes you enjoy: Vintage Handouts Stress Free Holidays

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