Homeschooling Without Help

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In last week’s episode my husband and I shared about how to keep a homeschooling marriage strong. That’s so important! But a few months ago, one of my listeners pointed out that it’s hard for her to hear homeschooling advice designed for moms whose husbands are supportive of homeschooling when hers isn’t. That got me interested in talking to single homeschooling moms and married homeschooling moms whose husbands aren’t supportive. I want those of you who are homeschooling without help to have sanity, too!

How to Homeschool Without Help

Watch on YouTube     Read the Blog Post

 

Thank you to Apologia for sponsoring the podcast. Their middle and high school science courses have helped my kids develop the study skills they’ve needed to succeed in college. Join me on Facebook at the Psychowith6:Homeschool Sanity page on Tuesday, June 13th at 4E/3C/2M/1P for a review of their middle school science, a chance to win it and for a BIG exclusive discount for Sanity fans. You can enter by watching the replay as well.

I interviewed Jessica Binkley (of Let’s Break the Rules and DearPennyJane.com), a newly single homeschooling mom, and LaToya Edwards, a mother who was single when she began homeschooling, for The Homeschool Sanity Show podcast. These two ladies helped me to realize that homeschooling is an excellent choice for children whether their parents are single or married.

For Jessica, putting her children in school after her divorce didn’t make sense. LaToya met a single, homeschooling mom before making her decision to teach her kids at home, so she knew it could be done. Both women opened my eyes to the need for married, homeschooling moms like me to be more supportive. Unfortunately, other married homeschoolers were some of the loudest voices telling Jessica she couldn’t keep homeschooling. Jessica and LaToya had these tips for single, homeschooling moms:

#1 Keep a flexible, relaxed schedule.

You may have to teach at unconventional times because of your work schedule or to accommodate your children’s father’s schedule. The blessing of homeschooling is being able to find a routine that fits your family. LaToya advises giving yourself time to find that.

#2 Make time for you.

Having time for self-care and refreshment can be very challenging. Jessica has made Sundays a completely free day on which she will not schedule anything. She still has her children with her, but it’s a time when she can relax. Consider trading childcare with another homeschooling mom so you can have a few hours alone.

#3 Let go.

Jessica emphasized the importance of crying when you feel like it. She said things got better for her when she stopped expecting friends to help her. She determined to stop being hard on herself.

LaToya noted that homeschooling improved for her when she stopped trying to make her school look like a traditional school or even a strict homeschool philosophy. She feels comfortable blending approaches that work for her family now.

#4 Get support.

LaToya pointed out that when she attends homeschool activities, the other mothers don’t know she’s a single mom. That allows her to feel comfortable in groups. Jessica has found support through Facebook groups for homeschoolers that aren’t necessarily for single moms. Single homeschooling is becoming more common and you will feel great in giving other women support as well as receiving it.

Read the blog post for tips from married homeschool moms who don’t get help with homeschooling.

Have a happy homeschool week!

Single Moms of Boys – MBFLP 144

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Parenting is hard enough when everything’s perfect. It’s really hard when you have to be a single parent — however you got there — and being a single mother raising a boy is nothing to sneeze at.  Both our mothers were widows with teenagers at home, and so we’ve seen up front some of the struggles single moms go through. This episode we talk about some particular issues a mom with a boy may be facing when there’s no father in the home — whether Dad’s gone to heaven or gone to Iraq.

Resources We Recommend

Our book Raising Real Men will help you better understand your son at any age

Our new book Love, Honor, and Virtue will help you discuss Biblical sexuality from a young man’s perspective

Here’s our article about keeping your kids safe from predators

Here’s a list of our favorite character-building books for boys

 

This program is brought to you in part by
Schoolhouse Teachers banner-468x60Click here for more information!

 

 

All The Single Ladies – HIRL Episode 29

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

1411608352548Homeschooling can be a difficult choice for families to make. It takes time, planning and hard work when you decide to school your children at home. That decision is made even more difficult when you are doing it alone. LaToya Edwards and Mary Jo Tate are single homeschooling moms who have successfully learned how to keep their children home through careful organization and a sharp budget.

On this episode of Homeschooling In Real Life, Fletch and Kendra sit down with LaToya and MaryJo to discuss the challenges that come with homeschooling as a single parent. Whether you are a single homeschooler or a family of ten, listen in to these women who share wisdom and experience on this topic.

We asked our guests the following five questions:
1. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing a single homeschooling mom?
2. What challenges do you think are the same, whether or not you have a husband to lend support?
3. How do you recharge yourself and manage time away from your kids?
4. What has been the biggest success for you in your homeschooling journey?
5. Can you share 2 or 3 tips for single moms.

Episode Timeline
2:13
 Introduction
13:00 First part of the interview with LaToya and Mary Jo
26:16 Second part of the interview with LaToya and Mary Jo
34:22 QandA with KandA


 

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

Start A Rock Band With Your Daughter – HIRL Episode 11

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

HIRL_Start_A_Rock_BandPut on your crazy wigs and plug your favorite electric guitar into your amp, because  this show is all about rock and roll.

 

On this episode, Fletch and Kendra interview Brian Tompkins, an old friend from their days in college (and fraternity brother of Fletch).

 

Brian is a single father and one half of the Blue Eyed Maniacs rock band that he started with his daughter. When Brian found that his daughter Victoria was not putting in the practice required for her guitar lessons, he came up with the idea of starting a band. Since then, not only have her practice levels improved, but they have created giant memories and educational opportunities along the way.

 

Over the years, we have followed Brian’s life through annual Christmas cards and we have enjoyed how much he enters into the life of his daughter. He is creative, energetic and not afraid to get down to her level. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we have. Rock on HIRLers!

 

-Show Notes-
(Affiliate links below)

The Blue-Eyed Maniacs 

Ignite 6 – How to Start a Rock Band With Your Daughter

50 Dangerous Things You Can Do With Your Children

Teach Them Diligently Conferences

From the HIRLers Treasure Chest:

The Prodigal God

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

The Reluctant Prophet

 

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.