Time Boosters for the Busy Homeschool Moms

May 25, 2026 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Burnout

Time Boosters for the Busy Homeschool Mom: Simple Productivity Tips That Actually Work

Are you constantly overwhelmed by your homeschool schedule, household responsibilities, and endless to-do lists? In this encouraging episode of Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network’s Vintage Homeschool Moms, host Felice Gerwitz shares practical and faith-filled strategies to help busy homeschool moms reclaim their time, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.

Sponsored by CTCMath, this episode offers realistic productivity advice for homeschool families who feel like there are never enough hours in the day.

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Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone

Do you ever feel like:

Your homeschool schedule is impossible to keep up with?
Your to-do list never gets shorter?
You’re constantly busy but not accomplishing what matters most?
You end each day exhausted and discouraged?

Felice reminds homeschool moms that the problem often isn’t laziness or failure—it’s unrealistic expectations, poor prioritization, and trying to do too much at once.

In this episode, she shares simple mindset shifts and practical systems that helped her balance homeschooling, parenting, business ownership, podcasting, and family life more peacefully and effectively.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Take Time to Recharge Spiritually

One of the biggest productivity boosters isn’t another planner—it’s spending intentional time with God.

Felice encourages moms to:

Begin the day with prayer and Scripture
Create quiet moments throughout the day
Invite children into a peaceful, faith-filled atmosphere
Focus on spiritual renewal instead of constant hustle

She reminds listeners that an empty vessel cannot continue pouring into others.

2. Identify What’s Stealing Your Time

Sometimes the biggest time-wasters are habits we don’t even notice:

Constant phone interruptions
Checking emails at the wrong times
Starting unnecessary tasks before leaving the house
Overcommitting daily schedules
Procrastination disguised as productivity

Learning to recognize these patterns can dramatically improve your homeschool day.

3. Create a Simple Planning System

Felice shares an easy A-B-C-D-E planning method for organizing:

Daily priorities
Weekly responsibilities
Monthly goals

Her system helps moms:

Delegate responsibilities
Identify tasks only they can do
Prioritize effectively
Reduce mental overload
Stop feeling guilty about unfinished lists

4. Focus on What Truly Matters

At the heart of this episode is an important reminder:

If there was only one thing you could accomplish today, what would matter most?

For Felice, it’s making sure her children and family know they are loved.

This episode challenges homeschool moms to:

Reevaluate priorities
Let go of perfectionism
Focus on relationships over performance
Build a peaceful homeschool atmosphere

Mentioned in This Episode

Goodbye Survival Mode by Crystal Paine
Flourish at Home by Mary Jo Tate
Media Angels resources and online classes
American History and Government courses from Media Angels

Encouragement for Homeschool Moms

Homeschooling isn’t about accomplishing every task perfectly. It’s about building relationships, nurturing faith, and creating a home centered on what matters most.

If you’ve been feeling burned out, discouraged, or behind, this episode will encourage you to slow down, simplify, and take back control of your time with grace and purpose.

Listen to More Encouraging Homeschool Podcasts

Discover more homeschool encouragement, parenting advice, and practical tips at:

Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

You’ll also enjoy:

Sponsor

Today’s episode is sponsored by CTCMath — an online math curriculum designed to help students truly understand math concepts through engaging video lessons and flexible learning tools.

Learn more at:

CTCMath

Handout:

TimeBoosters_Handout_VintageHomeschoolMoms

How to Stay Consistent in Your Homeschool — Even When Life Gets Crazy

March 16, 2026 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Organization

Vintage Homeschool Moms: Discover Your Passion

Feeling like there’s never enough time to do homeschool “right”?

Feeling like it’s hard to get started… or stay consistent in your homeschool?

You’re not alone. Sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t curriculum—it’s simply finding your rhythm and knowing when it’s time to lean in and begin again.

This encouraging episode will help you rethink what really matters, create space for meaningful learning, and give your child room to discover what lights them up.

🎧 Listen to This Episode

Need encouragement while you fold laundry, prep dinner, or reset your homeschool plans? Press play here.

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New Here?

If you’re looking for practical homeschool encouragement, start here:

Keep Listening

A Special Replay Episode

We’re excited to bring you this replay of a beloved episode from the Vintage Homeschool Moms archives! Whether you’re new to our show or revisiting this valuable conversation, we hope you’ll find fresh inspiration and practical wisdom for your homeschool journey. This timeless discussion about helping children discover their passions and making the most of your homeschool time is just as relevant today as when it first aired.

This Episode Is Especially Helpful If…

you feel behind in your homeschool
you’re worried your child hasn’t “found their thing”
your days feel too rushed or too reactive
you want to make space for meaningful learning
you need permission to slow down a little

Episode Overview

Do you feel like you don’t have enough time to give your kids the education you dream of? In this encouraging episode, host Felice Gerwitz challenges one of the biggest myths in homeschooling: the idea that we don’t have enough time. The truth? You have all the time in the world—because YOU are in charge of your schedule!

Key Takeaways

Breaking Free from the School Model

Your homeschool doesn’t need to mimic public or private schools
The goal is creating a love of learning, not covering every subject daily
Teaching children HOW to research and find answers is more valuable than rote memorization

You ARE the Giver of Time

You control your homeschool schedule
Even college-bound students can have time for passion exploration
Start small: 15-20 minutes before lunch or dinner

What Does Passion Look Like? When children discover their passion, they:

Get excited and want to share with others
Show enthusiasm naturally
Return to activities repeatedly
Want to learn more and go deeper

Practical Ideas for Younger Children

The Creativity Box – Collect Recyclables:

Toilet paper and paper towel rolls
Sturdy plastic yogurt containers
String, balloons, and straws
Tape (kids love tape!)
Paper cups and baggies

Simple Science Activities:

Balloon rockets on string ziplines
Baking soda and vinegar experiments
Magnifying glass exploration (outside!)
Paper towel roll marble runs

Building and Creating:

Blocks and bricks (Legos, Duplos)
Fort-building with blankets and chairs
Open-ended construction materials

Tips for Encouraging Discovery

Be Encouraging and Enthusiastic – Even when things get messy!
Ask “Tell Me About It” – Instead of “What is that?” which can discourage children
Listen Patiently – Give children time to explain their creations and ideas
Provide Resources – Start simple and gradually add complexity
Offer Hands-On Learning – Let children explore topics in their own way (videos, projects, presentations)
Model Creativity Yourself – Children catch what they see, not just what we teach

For Older Children

Electronics and Technology:

Consider waiting before introducing electronic devices
Use monitoring tools like Covenant Eyes for internet safety
Allow time for learning video editing, stop-motion animation, and other digital skills

Micro Businesses:

Encourage entrepreneurial projects for high school credit
Examples from Felice’s children:
- Small engine and electronics repair business
- Stop-motion LEGO video creation (Brick Films)
- Homemade fudge-making business with shipping experiments

The Power of Self-Directed Learning: Michael’s stop-motion video story illustrates how children can:

Research independently
Problem-solve without constant adult intervention
Create impressive projects when given time and space
Develop marketable skills through passion projects

Important Reminders

Schedule It In – If free exploration time isn’t on the schedule, it won’t happen. Be intentional about protecting this time.

Manage Expectations – Some children haven’t found their passion yet; others have too many interests. Both are normal!

Respect Boundaries – If you tend to be “too helpy,” learn to step back and let children own their projects.

The Spiritual Dimension – Quiet, unstructured time also gives children space to hear God’s still, small voice.

Resources Mentioned

Media Angels – Over 65 products including books, novels, and downloadable classes at MediaAngels.com
CTC Math – Comprehensive K-12 math curriculum with engaging video tutorials at ctcmath.com
Truth Seekers Mystery Series – Christ-centered novels that teach about God’s creation
Covenant Eyes – Internet monitoring for family device safety
Dollars and Cents Podcast – By Carol Topp on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network, great for micro business ideas

Connect with Felice

Website: MediaAngels.com
Visit: TheVintageHomeschoolMoms.com
Find show notes and links for each episode
Rate and review on iTunes to help others discover the show!

Final Thought

By giving your children time to think, explore, and create, you’re not just developing their passions—you’re teaching them to slow down, listen, and be present with the Lord. In our busy world, this might be one of the greatest gifts we can offer.

Vintage Homeschool Moms is a production of the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Sponsored by CTC Math and Media Angels Publishing

See: Blog Post here including the video I discussed in the audio – Mike’s LEGO brick video (in progress).

See the Blog Post for the Printable – 11 Steps to Creating a Brick Film

FAFSA 12 Best kept secrets

September 26, 2024 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

FAFSA – 12 Best Kept Secrets Application Tips with Jean Burk

Episode 62

FAFSA Quick Start for Homeschool Families

If your student is college-bound, the FAFSA is one of the most important financial aid forms to complete—even if you think you won’t qualify for aid.

Start with these essentials:

Use the official FAFSA site only: StudentAid.gov
Create your student + parent FSA IDs early
File as early as possible once it opens
Double-check names, Social Security numbers, and signature

🎧 Prefer to Listen?

Listen to Jean Burk walk through FAFSA mistakes families make—and how to avoid leaving money on the table.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

New Here?

If you have a college-bound homeschool teen, start here:

Here are the FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets. Did you know that 80-90% of families make mistakes on the FAFSA that cost them tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money? This information is timely before October 1 – so please listen and share this show with your friends with college-bound students.

Visit College Prep Genius, and Jean Burk- author of the award-winning curriculum for SAT prep.

Important Note

FAFSA timelines, school limits, and filing details can change over time. This episode is still helpful for avoiding common mistakes, but always verify current deadlines and instructions at StudentAid.gov before filing.

This Episode Is Especially Helpful If…

you have a homeschool high school student applying to college
FAFSA paperwork feels confusing or intimidating
you’re worried about missing scholarships or aid
you think your income might be “too high” to bother filing
you want to avoid expensive mistakes

Show Notes: FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets

Did you know that many times students do not complete the FAFSA application completely? You must complete the FAFSA all the way through. It is an application for low-interest student loans and grants. If you don’t complete it, you can lose out on thousands of dollars.

You can do this beforehand to be prepared to fill out the FAFSA application. Pre-work – download the PDF from the website. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov

FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets:

Scams: Be aware of scam copies – A company purchased this website àcom they will charge you for the FAFSA – it is a FREE application. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov
ID: Get your FAFSA ID ahead of time. You get a username and a password. If you are considered a dependent student, you need your separate ID. It can take a few weeks to get your ID. There can be a backlog at the last minute. Do not share your ID with others. This information you are putting on your FAFSA is sensitive information. Store it in Lastpass.com (you can get a free account) or a paid account is $20 per year, and it keeps your ID safe.
Date October 1 in your senior year. Many states will run out of money early. You can put in ten colleges when you are filling out your FAFSA. You use your prior-prior taxes or two years before you apply for the loan. You need to pull that out and bring out the information. If you have had a decrease in income from 2015 to now – that can also be adjusted – an addendum must be filled out with each college.
Deadlines: To maximize your scholarship opportunities, fill it out by October 1 – Each school and state will set their deadlines. October 1 is the FIRST day you can apply – deadlines are months later, but why wait?
Which ID? Do not use your ID (parents) when you start your FAFSA – they will give you the option to enter the student information. USE the student ID – it will automatically add your personal information.
Knowing the lingo on the FAFSA helps – certain questions that you automatically know, but you may make mistakes –
1. Legal guardianship – Students will answer yes here. You are not considered a legal guardian of yourself! So the answer is NO.
NUMBER: The number of family household members – specific definition. Many students put the wrong number down. It has no bearing on who claims the parents in a divorce situation. How many are in your household – that is in your entire family. Siblings. Read instructions carefully.
1. The number of family members who are in college and private school. If you are thinking about just your siblings. Don’t forget to include yourself. You are also going to college.
Common Mistakes:
- If it says You or YOUR – it means the student.
- Put in your full name as it appears on your social security card – no nicknames. It will bring you delays if you are not accurate.
- Double-check your social security number.’
Income Information:
- How much income tax – not your AGI (adjusted gross income) – IRS data retrieval tool that will tell you how to fill it out.
- Be sure to see if they ask for your income vs. your parent’s income. Do not get them confused.
The parent section is color coded – you can fill out the parent information. (Even if you live on your own. It still can help you.)
Add More Colleges: Students may only consider one or two colleges. You have up to ten schools you can list. Take advantage of this tool; the other colleges cannot see the schools you are sending this to. You can always remove and add more schools.
Sign It! Don’t forget to sign your FAFSA; this will cause an incomplete FAFSA. You sign it with your ID number. You can mail a signature page if you want. It is not necessary. You can check the status of your application at any time.

Show originally aired 9/17/2024

🎧 Listen Next: More College Prep Help

Filed Under: College Prep Genius Tagged With: college prep, college prep genius, homeschool help, homeschool high school, homeschooling high school, organization

I Love Homeschooling, But I’m Totally Disorganized

July 1, 2024 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Organization

So you love the idea of homeschooling, but you are totally disorganized? Is this a deal killer? Should you pack up your kids and send them off to the local school house where they will be kept on track by rigid teaching plans that maintain scope and sequence?

Thank you to our sponsor: CTC Math

It’s time for us all to get real with one another. Is your lack of organization thwarting your efforts at homeschooling? At the end of the day, the week, the month, are you constantly playing catch-up and putting out the fires caused by disorganization? If so, this is the episode you will want to listen to.

What about the other side of this issue? As a busy productive homeschool parent, have you forgotten along the way that relationships need to come before agendas? Are you such a task-master that you forgot the children God gave you to develop loving relationships with?

Organization in the homeschool can be both a blessing and a curse. On this episode of Homeschooling In Real Life, join Fletch and Kendra as they get transparent with their listeners and have the discussion out loud about balancing the need to bring organization into your family and preventing that same organization from destroying relationships.

Thank you to our sponsor: CTC Math

Filed Under: Homeschooling IRL Tagged With: Andy Fletcher, Fletch, get organized, homeschool organizing, HomeschoolingIRL, Kendra Fletcher, organization

Laundry and Dishes and Dust–Oh My! FAH Episode 8 (Replay)

February 14, 2024 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Laundry and dishes and dust–oh my! Laundry and dishes and dust!

Do you ever feel like you’re navigating a dark, eerie forest? Imagine, instead of facing the unknown threats of lions, tigers, and bears, you’re up against a relentless onslaught of laundry, dishes, and dust.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | Podcast Index | Email | RSS

Thanks to our sponsor, A Fanthom Presents Film – The Ark and The Darkness – Movie Trailer here: NoahsFlood

In theaters March 20-21! Noah’s Flood is preserved in ancient writings from every major culture around the world. Recent discoveries confirm what the Bible has said all along. Sevenfold Films and Genesis Apologetics present: The Ark and the Darkness.

Laundry and Other Never Ending Chores

Life’s busyness often overwhelms us, tempting us to overlook our work’s profound significance as homemakers. In this episode, we dive into the importance of homemaking with a grateful heart. We’ll share practical tips for housework, organization, and cooking. Plus, we’ll highlight the real significance of even the smallest daily tasks.

Navigating through domestic challenges can feel like trekking through an unyielding mountain range. The endless chores can cloud our vision, making us forget the true value of our roles at home. Yet, these tasks, mundane as they may appear, are extraordinarily significant.

Importance of Homemaking

We dedicate this episode to the beauty and importance of homemaking. We aim to equip you with practical skills for mastering housework, organization, and cooking, making these tasks manageable. We’ll also explore how to find encouragement and fulfillment in recognizing the importance of every task, no matter how small.

Homemaking is more than cleaning and cooking; it’s creating a sanctuary of warmth and love. It involves stewarding our spaces with care and intention, recognizing that each act of service contributes to a happy, healthy home.

A Grateful Heart

Join us as we journey through the dense forest of homemaking, armed with gratitude, practical wisdom, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let’s uncover the beauty in the everyday, celebrate quiet victories, and remind ourselves of our work’s profound impact on our loved ones.

Filed Under: Flourish at Home, Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Tagged With: cooking, gratitude, homemaking, housework, organization

Dream Big Journal: A New Year’s Resolution for Closer Connection with God

January 2, 2024 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Do you ever dream big? Do you dream big for God? This dream big journal will reboot your spirtual life and help you plan and organize from a spiritual perspective.

Happy New Year! As we welcome the possibilities that come with a fresh start, it’s a great time to dream big and set meaningful goals. While many resolutions may cross your mind, consider making spiritual growth a priority in 2024. In this month’s planner, let’s delve into the idea of nurturing a closer connection with God and making it a central theme for the year ahead.

Setting the Foundation with the Dream Big Journal

In the pursuit of spiritual growth, it’s essential to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Identify areas of your life that may pose challenges and recognize character traits or habits that could use improvement. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, break down the grandiose idea of spiritual growth into manageable steps. Last year’s Organize-IT Planners on the Media Angels website can offer additional insights for this journey.

Monthly Focus of the Dream Big Journal

Each month, the planner will guide you through different aspects of your life. For January, our focus is on spiritual growth – a foundation for many homeschool parents who understand the significance of prayer and divine guidance on their journey.

Prioritizing Prayer:

Acknowledging the importance of prayer, take time this month to work on enhancing your prayer life. Consistency is key, and while it may demand discipline, the rewards are immeasurable. The planner is designed to facilitate this journey, providing a structured space for you to articulate your goals and reflect on your progress.

Utilizing the Planner:

This planner offers a chance to concentrate on your most crucial goals, particularly in the realm of spiritual growth. Whether used as a prayer journal with dividers for each section or incorporated into a three-ring binder for easy organization, the versatility of this tool allows you to personalize your experience.

Adaptable Pages:

Recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique, feel free to skip pages that may not resonate with you. This planner is a resource for personal growth, and adaptability is encouraged. You can print it out for your personal use, and there are dedicated spaces for prayer requests, praise reports, and more.

Sharing the Experience:

Extend the benefits of this planner to your teens as well, involving them in the process of spiritual growth. The journey towards becoming the best version of ourselves, as God designed, is a delightful beginning, and this planner serves as a helpful companion along the way.

Put God First:

As we embark on this new year, let the focus on spiritual growth be the catalyst for positive change in your life. The Dream Big Journal planner is not just a tool; it’s a guide to help you take control of your prayer life and align yourself with the best version of who you were meant to be. May 2024 be a year of profound spiritual connection, growth, and blessings.

Sign Up Here & Get the Dream Big Journal Planner

Get convenient links to all the latest homeschool podcasts each week- PLUS new printables every month! A free gift from the author, Felice Gerwitz, Ultimate Homeschool Radio owner and podcaster at Vintage Homeschool Moms!

Filed Under: Blog, Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Tagged With: dream big journal, journaling, organization, planner, printable

December Organize It! Planner

December 4, 2023 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

December is the most joyous time of the year! In this planner we focus on the true reason for the season and avoid getting bogged down with our to-do lists! I love an organized schedule and lists more than most, but they are tools to help us stay on top of our daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to enjoy the month free from stress. Or, at the very least, the pressure that we will forget something!

We celebrate Jesus’s birth and remember all he has done for us.

What better reason is there to enjoy this month? While things need to be done, like buying gifts and baking, we are truly blessed to live in a time when we have the opportunity to participate in as many or as few activities as we want! Try to pair down as much as possible and keep only the events and activities that bring your family together and are a blessing.

Sign Up Here & Get the December Organize It! Planner

This month’s planner begins with our signature ultimate organizing and planning tools!

I love putting this planner together. It is truly an honor to share all of my organizing ideas with you! With this planner, you can keep track of travel plans or your lengthy baking list! Enjoy activities and fun events while staying on top of all that’s on a homeschool mom’s plate!

Are your ready to tackle gift organization, budgets, and even how to organize your gift wrapping with a wrapping station? I included a Christmas countdown with 24 ways to embrace joy.

A reminder to us all to focus on our family, Jesus and serving each other and our community!

My kids got excited when I asked for a few suggestions for the Christmas bucket list! I hope you and your family have as much fun as my family with these activities.

Are you planning on taking the month off, or are you schooling straight through?

Take a look at your homeschool schedule. Can you pair down your commitments so you can embrace the holiday season? By focusing on the meaning of the Christmas season, we are teaching life lessons to our children. I typically take the whole month of December off. We love reading and soaking in the fun of the season. I want plenty of time to make homemade presents, crafts, bake, and enjoy the weather! The older kids will typically work on their school work separately to complete their assignments, especially in high school, and join in the fun as their schedule permits.

The theme in all of the Organize-IT planners is balance.

Pick and choose the forms that work for your family—doing it all doesn’t always work. Balance is important. If a form doesn’t work for your family, skip it and move on. Flexibility is a value skill to learn!

Looking for more information? You will find the topic of organization, as well as many others, on the UltimateHomeschoolPodcastNetwork.com, and VintageHomeschoolMoms.com.

If you are a long time subscriber, you will find some of the forms the same as in past planners.

This allows you access to the forms you love from last month’s planner. For example, you will receive the blank calendars as well as the 4-Square Plan in each monthly planner, along with those on setting short and long-term goals.

This is the end of our Organize-IT Planners for the year.

I hopeyou’ve enjoyed them as much as I have. You can find the entire set for sale on the MediaAngels.com/store if you missed a few months.

We have exciting mini-planners for January and beyond planned. Stay with us for upcoming information.

Have a fantastic and Blessed December!
Merry Christmas!
~ Blessings, Christina Moss

PS. If you missed it, we have two sets of planners this month. Get our 3 pack of mini Christmas Planners here.

Filed Under: Blog, Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Tagged With: december, organization, planner, printable

Vintage HS Moms – De-Junking & Homeschool Organization

October 30, 2023 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Homeschool Organization — Homeschool Help Hub | Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Let’s Talk About DeJunking & Homeschool Organization for the New Year

Are you ready for a fresh start this coming new year? Want to know more about homeschool organization and decluttering? But where do you start, and how do you avoid losing those important documents or treasured mementos along the way? Fear not, for Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis, experienced homeschoolers, are here to share their invaluable insights and tips on how to navigate the maze of dejunking and organizing for a smooth-sailing academic year.

with Felice Gerwitz & Meredith Curtis

You will so love this! Felice and Meredith share years of experience in homeschooling and now, they discuss great tips for getting your life organized and not losing those precious treasures or important documents.

➡️Episode Sponsored by the 10th Birthday Celebration Sponsors of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network ✔️ out the $350 giveaway, too!

Felice & Meredith: A Wealth of Experience

As hosts of numerous homeschooling podcasts, authors of insightful books, and mentors to many, Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis bring a wealth of experience to the table. Their journey through the realm of homeschooling has provided them with a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs that come with the territory.

The Art of Dejunking and Homeschool Organization

Dejunking – a word that might sound a bit daunting, but fear not! Felice and Meredith emphasize the importance of decluttering to create an environment conducive to learning. But how do you begin this process without feeling overwhelmed?

“Start small,” advises Meredith. *”Don’t try to declutter your entire home in a day. Begin with one room or even one corner. Set achievable goals that won’t leave you feeling exhausted or demotivated.”*

The duo also stresses the significance of involving the whole family. Dejunking can be a shared venture, teaching children the value of organization and decluttering while fostering a sense of responsibility.

“Make it a fun activity,”*Felice suggests. “Create challenges or set time limits for decluttering sessions. Encourage kids to find items they no longer use or need, promoting a sense of ownership over their space.”

Organizing: A Key to Success

With a decluttered space comes the need for effective organization. Felice and Meredith understand the importance of preserving important documents and cherished memories.

“Invest in organizational tools,” says Meredith. “Folders, filing systems, or even digital storage can be lifesavers when it comes to keeping track of academic records, certificates, or cherished keepsakes. Labeling and categorizing are your best friends in this journey.”

However, they also stress the significance of finding a balance between sentimentality and practicality.

“While it’s essential to treasure memories,”* Felice shares, *”it’s equally important to be selective about what you keep. Encourage kids to choose their most cherished items, and perhaps consider digitizing some memories to save space.”

The new year brings with it an opportunity for a fresh start, and organizing is the cornerstone of success.

Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis offer a treasure trove of tips and guidance to navigate the often-daunting task of dejunking and organizing. Their insights not only ensure a clutter-free environment but also foster a sense of responsibility and organization among the family members.

So, as you gear up for the new year, take a cue from these seasoned homeschooling experts. Start small, involve the whole family, invest in organizational tools, and find the balance between sentimentality and practicality. Here’s to a well-organized, clutter-free, and successful academic year!

More Dejunking and Homeschool Organization Resources

Homemaker’s Friend Planner | Calm the chaos with this practical Planner! Designed for the active homemaker, this planner will help you organize your schedule and de-clutter your mind.
Homeschool Calendars & Goal Setting Bundles
Best of The Real Kathy Lee: Let’s Get Organized!
I Love Homeschooling But I Am Totally Disorganized | Replay

🎧 Featured episode

Top 10 Tips To Get More Done

From The Homeschool Sanity Show — press play, then explore more episodes below.

Homeschool organization episodes from across our shows

If “I love homeschooling but I’m totally disorganized” is your anthem, you’re in good company. Here are the best episodes from across the network to help you build a calmer, more do-able homeschool day.

Get organized & clear the clutter

Planning & scheduling

Routines & getting more done

Explore more guides in the Homeschool Help Hub →

🛒 Need curriculum or resources? Shop Christian homeschool books, science, and unit studies from Media Angels.

Shop Media Angels →

📋 Ready for a calmer homeschool?

Get our free Christian Homeschool Starter Kit to plan with confidence, and find a podcast to keep you encouraged all year.

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Explore our podcasts

Filed Under: Vintage Homeschool Moms Tagged With: a radio show for homeschool moms, De-junking, help for homeschool moms, helpful tips on saving, homeschool moms, important homeschool documents, organization, organize your homeschool

Replay | Organization – FREEDOM Tools part 5 – FAH episode 18

September 19, 2023 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Organization

How do you respond to the word organization?

Does it make you cringe? Do you feel guilty because you’re hopelessly disorganized and wish you could be more organized?
Does it make you smile, with a happy sigh that all’s right with the world?
Do you think a certain amount of clutter is a sign of a happy home?
Do you resist the whole idea of organization—maybe because it reminds you of a neat-freak friend who labels everything in her household, uses color-coordinated storage containers, and alphabetizes her spices?

Whatever your reaction, this episode is for you.

Organization is the sixth tool in my FREEDOM toolbox—7 tools for making the most of our time so we can live balanced, peaceful lives. Here’s a quick review of the tools:

Focus
Reflect
Educate
Eliminate
Discipline
Organize
Multitask

Organization is essentially self-discipline applied in an orderly way to free you to focus on what’s most important to you. Organizing your time, tasks, thoughts, and things helps you overcome and prevent obstacles to focusing on your priorities.

How organized you are has a powerful effect on the atmosphere in your home. Disorganization creates chaos, while organization promotes peace. Which do you prefer?

If one aspect of your life is unorganized, it spills over into every other aspect of your life. For example, if you can’t find your car keys, you’ll get flustered and be late for your appointment. If you’re sleep-deprived or running late, you’ll be much likelier to forget things and drop things, which will make you even later.

Organization even affects your relationships. If you’re running late and feeling frazzled, you may become irritated and impatient with your family.

It’s important to remember that there’s no one right way to organize. What helps you function effectively may be completely different from what helps your best friend or your mother-in-law function effectively. Isn’t that a relief?

Ironically, it’s possible to over-organize—to spend so much time on organization that it keeps you from focusing on your priorities instead of facilitating them.

Take some time to reflect on your life to identify areas that hinder you, and commit to becoming more organized if it would help your life run more smoothly.

If you struggle with managing your time and organizing your life to focus on your priorities, you’ll find many more strategies in my book, Flourish: Balance for Homeschool Moms, available at online retailers and through my website at www.FlourishAtHome.com.

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Filed Under: Flourish at Home Tagged With: focus, organization, priorities, Time Management

Best of The Real Kathy Lee: Let’s Get Organized!

September 19, 2023 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

This week, the second top podcast episode of all time! Let’s Get Organized!

Things don’t always work out as planned, but I have learned that it is usually for a good reason. I hope that is the case with this week’s episode. I was scheduled to talk to my good friend, Mary Ann Kohl (author and process art expert). However, Mary Ann had to cancel so I called up my buddy ASH-A-LEE in Nashville. We decided to chat about one of the topics I get asked about THE MOST, organization.

People often think that because I am the queen of “say yes” and “get messy” I have a very messy house. Not true. Well, it CAN get messy. However, I am best when my house is organized and everything has a place. Just this week, I tweaked the organization of my pantry. See below.

I shared some basic thoughts about organization on today’s episode.

Find a place for everything and make that place known.
Minimize your stuff. If you haven’t used it in a year, chances are you are not going to use it. This goes for clothes, shoes, toys, and kitchen utensils.
Less is BEST. As parents we are guilty of thinking our kids need lots of different toys. False. Choose quality over quantity and rotate toys in and out.
It is easier to say yes when everything has a place (ie – paint supplies, legos, etc…)
Organizing children is easier in an organized space.
Have children work together in order to free of individual time with each child. I love that Ashley sent me the following pics a few hours after our podcast. She immediately implemented some of my suggestions. Way to go Ashley!

I hope you make time to connect with your kids today!!

Want to get organized, be sure and check out the monthly freebie from Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network: Printable Checklists

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Route 60

Thank you to this podcast episode sponsor: Route 60 – The Biblical Highway. In theaters September 18th & 19th only. Please check the website to learn more about this wonderful movie.

Filed Under: The Real Kathy Lee Tagged With: cleaning, home organization, organization, the real kathy lee

Time Boosters for the Busy Homeschool Mom: Simple Productivity Tips That Actually Work

Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone

Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Take Time to Recharge Spiritually

2. Identify What’s Stealing Your Time

3. Create a Simple Planning System

4. Focus on What Truly Matters

Mentioned in This Episode

Encouragement for Homeschool Moms

Listen to More Encouraging Homeschool Podcasts

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Vintage Homeschool Moms: Discover Your Passion

Feeling like there’s never enough time to do homeschool “right”?

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A Special Replay Episode

This Episode Is Especially Helpful If…

Episode Overview

Key Takeaways

Practical Ideas for Younger Children

Tips for Encouraging Discovery

For Older Children

Important Reminders

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Felice

Final Thought

Recommended:

FAFSA – 12 Best Kept Secrets Application Tips with Jean Burk

Episode 62

FAFSA Quick Start for Homeschool Families

Start with these essentials:

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Important Note

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Show Notes: FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets

🎧 Listen Next: More College Prep Help

Laundry and dishes and dust–oh my! Laundry and dishes and dust!

Laundry and Other Never Ending Chores

Importance of Homemaking

A Grateful Heart

Setting the Foundation with the Dream Big Journal

Monthly Focus of the Dream Big Journal

Prioritizing Prayer:

Utilizing the Planner:

Adaptable Pages:

Sharing the Experience:

Put God First:

Sign Up Here & Get the Dream Big Journal Planner

We celebrate Jesus’s birth and remember all he has done for us.

Sign Up Here & Get the December Organize It! Planner

This month’s planner begins with our signature ultimate organizing and planning tools!

A reminder to us all to focus on our family, Jesus and serving each other and our community!

Are you planning on taking the month off, or are you schooling straight through?

The theme in all of the Organize-IT planners is balance.

If you are a long time subscriber, you will find some of the forms the same as in past planners.

This is the end of our Organize-IT Planners for the year.

Let’s Talk About DeJunking & Homeschool Organization for the New Year

with Felice Gerwitz & Meredith Curtis

Felice & Meredith: A Wealth of Experience

The Art of Dejunking and Homeschool Organization

Organizing: A Key to Success

The new year brings with it an opportunity for a fresh start, and organizing is the cornerstone of success.

More Dejunking and Homeschool Organization Resources

Homeschool organization episodes from across our shows

Get organized & clear the clutter

Planning & scheduling

Routines & getting more done

📋 Ready for a calmer homeschool?

How do you respond to the word organization?

Whatever your reaction, this episode is for you.

How organized you are has a powerful effect on the atmosphere in your home. Disorganization creates chaos, while organization promotes peace. Which do you prefer?

This week, the second top podcast episode of all time! Let’s Get Organized!

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Route 60

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