Homeschooling, the first years/ learning how to think outside the box

What I have learned about homeschooling young children, what works and what doesn't and how you can change your mindset to help your kids thrive in their early education and create a livable long-term homeschooling lifestyle.
PLUS!
I am calling out SOME of the homeschooling KZbinrs (not going to name anyone!) out here who continually portray a lifestyle that is made to look a certain way which can only hurt new homeschoolers looking for advice.
why I minimalist homeschool : • why I minimalist homes...
my curriculum: • Minimalist homeschool ...
how to teach your child to read: • how to teach your chil...

[@CullenClan]

Been homeschooling for 17 years as well, and not only do I not buy it but I feel sad that others may put undue pressure on themselves and their families. Homeschooling is a life style and just like every day life is messy and full of tears and filled with joyful moments. It’s sacrificial and you often second guess yourself, but it’s honestly the most rewarding path if you are honest with yourself and definitely if you do it to lead your little ones to Christ ❤

[@Maria_O]

Not too negative at all. And yes! There is such a high standard put out there in KZbin fantasy land regarding homeschooling. Morning baskets, morning menus, read aloud schedules, art lessons, poetry....the list goes on and on! It can be very overwhelming.

[@Sandyyyyyyyyyy]

I've learned to only follow minimalist homeschoolers or those advertising a simple routine. Some of those morning baskets are a full days work lol

[@Dreblueskies]

So overwhelming!

[@thisgraceylife7389]

*picks up pitchfork* Git off my morning basket!!!

[@MindyourMatters]

❤yes!

[@MindyourMatters]

@@Sandyyyyyyyyyy ❤man I need to find some of those.❤

[@melissahill2093]

You are so right in this, I am into my fourth year homeschooling and at the start I got sucked in to all the fancy curriculum and Instagram perfect homeschool lives of social media. I got overwhelmed and stressed. Not good. I have really simplified things and now we just focus on the core basics and follow their interests. I have a nearly 8 year old and a 4 year old.

[@jodi1228]

I am a veteran homeschool mom of 14 years, graduating my oldest this Sunday. I pushed way too hard when we first started homeschooling and now regret that. I have become much more relaxed, but need to change things up this coming year for my remaining two students. So, I have been watching homeschool KZbin videos and have become very annoyed by many of them. Many, as you say, are very new to homeschooling and quite honestly, don't have a clue. They are constantly changing curriculum, etc. I get it, we have tried stuff over the years that just didn't work and had to change it up, but I didn't announce it to the world. It makes them look very inconsistent and all over the place. It's become a huge pet peeve of mine. Anyway, thanks for your honesty and keeping it real. It really is a breath of fresh air.

[@amandaayala2025]

Listen..I NEEDED TO HEAR THIS! you have just single handedly brought my anxiety down 100%! My son is 4 and these youtube folks had me freaking out! Ty for your honesty! Please keep making videos and keeping it REAL!!

[@Randibunny]

Dude right helpful 😅

[@kara3930]

I always remember that most of these youtubers (including you!) are running a business... yes, I'm sure they have good intentions to help people, etc..... but they're also trying to make money, so their product is going to reflect those sales tactics... some are more authentic than others and that's ok. So I always think "day in the life" videos are more like "if I could have a perfect day in the life this is what it would look like". I appreciate your solid advice, direct communication style, and authenticity.... it's rare to find those things on the internet these days!

[@nysigeorge379]

I needed to hear this! I’m a new homeschooler who also works 40+ hours a week. I pulled my kids out of public school and this is my first year. They are in 2nd and 5th, however I started them a year behind because i felt they needed, also one of my children has dyslexia. I’m struggling with exactly everything you mentioned. Especially because I have an older child and I feel the need to “catch them up”. Thanks for sharing

[@leslienelis301]

I one hundred percent agree with you about those homeschooling influencers ! It’s giving us inquiring moms an unrealistic standard of what we think homeschooling is about. It feels discouraging sometimes.😢

[@Laure__Line]

Homeschooling influencers belong to the small percentage of homeschooling moms who do well and easily. Of course a mom who struggles is not going to show her daily nightmare on social media.

[@familyunity70]

As a homeschooler, I also smell the inaccuracies 😂 of other homeschooling channels. I stick to the A.C.E Curriculum and tell the kids (the older ones in 4th grade) to HOLLER if they need me because I have mom stuff to do (chores, meals, and running my home). For my toddler, I have learning stations around the house and I’ll teach him throughout the day, when I have time. 30 minutes here and 30 minutes here. Once he gets older and can sit for a longer period of time, I’ll assign 1-2 hour for early childhood learning; however, when they are small, they learn through play.

[@thesimplemamma]

I was homeschooled using A.C.E. still not sure if I will use that myself, it is a great curriculum when your pressed for time!

[@familyunity70]

@@thesimplemamma My boys really like it. We’ve tried many different curriculum but some require a large amount of parent interaction, which I do not have. My twin boys are old enough to read, understand it, and finish their homework. I haven’t seen the young kids curriculum. I don’t plan to put my toddler in a curriculum so early on, I rather him explore, play, sing, and have one on one reading time with me.

[@trainthemintruth9414]

Thank you for this video. I was one of those moms who three years ago took to KZbin to learn how homeschooling is done. One of the traps I fell into was the curriculum trap, feeling like I had to buy all these things and then actually DO those things I bought, which stressed me out greatly and sucked the joy out of our homeschool time. Of course, it would not be fair to blame all the KZbin moms for that; however, for a new mom who has no idea how to start, it did put the idea of this ideal that I had to attain of this beautiful schedule and a clean, mess-free house with everything perfectly in place. I still watch some KZbinrs but I am very selective of which ones I actually can glean from. And I don’t do it often. I have mostly now been reading books by trusted and experienced authors. I don’t want to bash KZbinrs, however. Many of them are honest in their portrayal of their homeschool. I think that the responsibility still falls on us to use discretion and discernment when viewing or reading. Thank you.

[@erinsnook8537]

We’re on our 14th year of homeschooling. I’m so glad you talked about this, and I agree. I’m also frustrated with the commodification, whether intentional or not, of homeschooling that’s in so many you tube videos.

[@hannahbaker2856]

Kudos on this approach! As a second-generation homeschooler (anticipating that, anyway--got a few years until LO is ready), I would add that if you live in a state where educational records/hours are required for homeschoolers starting at a certain age (say, 6 years old), be prepared to get creative as to your documentation. The Charlotte Mason approach/mindset is particularly helpful for this. Go outside...informally observe the world around (science), ask your child to tell you all about something (language arts), etc.

[@nurturingdiscontent]

Wow! Hey, new subscriber here! 👋And a fellow homeschool Mum from the UK (although we call it home education). Finding your videos so refreshing - thank you. Totally agree with you on not starting kids too young, and it can be so hard to go against that 'norm' and people think your kids should be fluent readers by age 6 😆.

[@StrutGirllHomeschool]

There's so much to say about this topic...I see what you mean in some ways. Having been a homeschooling mom for a few years now, I guess I've learned to realize that we're just seeing a snippet of these people's lives and also highlights of them just like any other type of influencers. Personally, I'm a naturally "lazy" person so it inspires and motivates me to see what more I could do in my homeschool or how I can improve because that's my desire. Grace and Grit is one example where I think she gets a lot of flack for seemingly perfect days but as she often says, she's not going to share certain things because it's personal and I respect that. It is definitely a little different to share SO much of the behind the scenes with homeschooling because unlike most other niches, this includes our children and how they are seen on the internet. I understand wanting to be real but there's also the other side of showing the downfalls so much that it's just discouraging... I'm encouraged seeing other homeschool moms thriving or maybe that's just me 😂😅 Great topic!

[@thesimplemamma]

Yes it is a balance of what to show vs what what not too, and there are things that I don't show or talk about, but I think that for homeschooling (at least what I talk about when it comes to homeschooling) I have chosen to talk more about real stuff to help others, who have a lot of doubt in their homeschooling. I do like grace and grit, and it is true, sharing on here is all about what you are comfortable with, but you have to admit, that the less you share, the less helpful you can be, in this niche especially. in the future I may scale down how much I share, but this video and a few others will always be here, to encourage someone who feels like they can't get it all done.

[@myrnaorellana8831]

So glad your speaking on this because I often see those videos n say the same to myself. This is not realistic or sustainable. Specially when I see the 4:00 wake up or so n a mom with Littles who most likely was up already multiple times during g the night. I think it’s all for the video they are posting. In any case . I love all the truthfulness.

[@waynerowcliffe6585]

Really enjoy your content. We decided to pick up and move two hours away a couple months ago, and our formal schooling has been mostly non-existent since. But the kids are listening to stories, getting curious about reading, exploring nature, and it's a disaster but it works and it's great.

[@thisgraceylife7389]

Yay! Another SimpleMamma video!!!!! Thank you so much for this!!!

[@joannawawrzyniak249]

Love everything you mentioned, thank you for keeping it honest and real.

[@Klaudyacampos]

Crazy I was speaking about this with my husband last night and then stumble across this video while LOOKING AT HOMESCHOOL DAY IN THE LIFE THAT MAKE ME FEEL LESS THAN. THANK YOU!! It is something that just makes sense what you speak about. I told my husband I am tired of looking at all these videos that don't give me much actual content. It gives me visual content. But nothing more. THANK YOU! It is very interesting for me coming from a classroom as a student AND as a teacher to dive into this homeschooling lifestyle. I see the huge difference in means of teaching and learning. Textbooks and sitting down and all this teacher/parent led learning is necessary if you are in a classroom with 20+ students that you know nothing about. But as a MOM or DAD who is homeschooling it is a whole new world.

[@kimberlywilles8343]

Thank you for making this video! I appreciate it so much. Please continue to share your thoughts and experiences with us!

[@taylorferrell8308]

THANK YOU!!! You are so right. I love the book better late then early.

[@katiacleroux7376]

I truly appreciate that. We are finishing year 1 of Ambleside Online with my first. And although we enjoyed it, it wasn't sustainable through the hard life patches. I have 4 other kiddos following behind and I just have that gut feeling that it won't be sustained long term. I've been praying for the last month and an idea popped in my head yesterday. Simplified homeschooling. I woke up unsure, fearing the slower pace, and prayed some more. Hopped on my phone to listen to something while I make bread and bam. Your video. Thank you!

[@SkylarWhitmire]

Ambleside does have a much more simplified version of their curriculum for folks going through crisis or hard times! It's under Curriculum > Emergency Help

[@katrinakim4145]

Your channel is definitely my favorite within the homeschooling community! I could rewatch and continue to learn new things with every single repeated viewing. Thank you very much!!!

[@grover143]

This is the first video I'm seeing of yours and I'm so glad! Your perspective and authenticity is so refreshing and encouraging, thank you!

[@MindyourMatters]

True! They learn faster and better when they are ready for the learning and reading. It’s like pushing a large boulder uphill otherwise. You may have success with a early approach…then again you may not. The freedom homeschool gives is the tailored individual approach produced and initiated by the parent.❤❤❤use it. Enjoy it. Don’t get sucked into the comparison trap. Put your kids before your pride in the “keeping up” game. You and your child will benefit later with more blessed homeschool time and a more nurtured willing learning experience 😊❤

[@elizabethlelchuk1798]

I needed to hear this. Thank you for being REAL.

[@emchats]

Thank you so much for this encouragement!!

[@homeschoolingcuriously]

You've got a new subscriber! This is the most honest video I've seen about homeschooling. Thank you so much!

[@valeries3392]

Subscribed before I even finished your video! I needed to hear your message today 😌

[@Dreblueskies]

I just love you! So authentic. Thank you for this 🙌💛 You have inspired me so much, I get so sucked into feeling like I need to do more. Rigorous seems to equate with trying be elitist. We have failed with habits and need a major reboot there.

[@izabelarivera5211]

You have no idea how much I needed to hear this! I am so happy I found your channel. I am just starting out so thank you so much for sharing your experience. I knew all those perfect homeschooling videos were bs.

[@riverlamice4943]

Thanks for putting out this video! I appreciate your honesty and courage. This is the first homeschool mom video that has brought peace and calm rather than doubt my decision to homeschool. I appreciate your desire to bring encouragement to moms who may feel overwhelmed. So appreciate this.

[@MelissadelaHaye]

I’ve homeschooled for 5 years now and I can’t tell you how much I needed to hear this. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@nicholem8094]

Love, love, love your video!!!! Preach it girlfriend! lol I have three boys and they all just wanted to play and be creative and use their imaginations and not do school! After reading the book, Better Late Than Early (which I highly recommend and love!), I decided to relax and go much slower with them. I did very short reading lessons (no more than 15 minutes) with them (sometimes none at all even) and my twins will be turning 9 in June and they are really starting to pick up reading now. I didn't push it and if they were getting very upset and frustrated, I stopped. I can see things starting to click and they are showing signs now that they have more interest in reading now. Yay! They are progressing nicely and are actually asking to go to the library to get and read certain "funny little boy" books. I tell you, I was stressing when they were 5-6 years old and it was so horrible! I'm so happy I trusted the book I read and just relaxed. Thank you so much for your honest video!! :) Ps. This is the first video I've watched from your channel - I'm looking forward to watching more and I also LOVE the McGuffey books and use them as our main Language Arts and really enjoy hearing about how other homeschooling families use them as well. :)

[@MustardseedMomma68]

Thank you! As a homeschooler with special needs kids, this is great! I have made a couple of videos, but I get too stressed trying. You are saying what I would love to say. Thank goodness there is someone like you.

[@astoldbydeedra]

Yes! As a Mom who knew I’d always be homeschooling, and as prepared as I tried to be for our first year, I got sucked into over prepping and choose a curriculum that my daughter couldn’t engage with or maintain. My child is on the younger side for these beginning years, and we’ve moved at a pace she’s initiated, but I think I got too a head of myself with excitement that she wanted to dive on in. We’ve really chopped away at our curriculum and changed it entirely. Now I feel we have something more manageable. Especially as a single and working mother myself. I feel the changes now fit my child as opposed to making my child fit the curriculum. Even if it’s outside the mold of what you see the majority of homeschoolers doing here on KZbin!

[@preciouspawsfosteranimals5742]

Yes! Thank you! Finally a realistic glimpse into homeschooling!!

[@28jes91]

Loved it! Thank you so so much. I have two children 12yrs and 19months 😅 I over did it the first few years for sure!! The last 3 years has been undoing damage from my own inexperience! Our schooling is finally looking age and emotional development appropriate. My little guy will have a much easier education. Thank you. Great content!

[@karlawalker8637]

Just found your channel yesterday and you are so awesome!! I homeschool 4 out of my 5. I have watched many other videos and constantly feel inadequate after. I want so badly to homeschool exactly as you do but never felt it was enough. Thank you for your channel and making me feel like my priorities and minimal curriculum and not moving forward until they are ready is one of the best ways to homeschool and that I am doing the perfect amount.

[@bestlandhomeschool]

Oh boy. This is one real, useful video. I have been homeschooling for 11 years and I second everything you have said. Well done. 👌🏼

[@thesupportiveenvironment]

Wow wow wow, thank you for being courageous enough to make this video . Often time, I had felt very disheartened thinking I was not doing enough ( including keeping a pristine house, nicely organized all the time). Your video has given me peace of mind and it has shed light on what’s truly important. God bless you.

[@kbgonzalez957]

❤ Thank you!! This is the video I needed today. I have been feeling discouraged because of the comparison I feel when watching perfect homeschool ditl videos.

[@BekeDownes]

Hi. New subscriber and fellow Australian here. I loved this. We have just finished our 2nd week of home-schooling and I have been in the same mindset of what you are saying. This is our 3rd time teaching our son (who's 14 now) and first time with our 7 year old daughter. We knew that our son had always been behind, so instead of teaching random crap, we are focusing on maths, spelling, reading, and writing. And the same thing with our girl too. Maths, reading, writing, and spelling. We have added a simple Nature studies/science curriculum from Blossom and root, but it's more about getting out and exploring and having nice conversations, etc. So, keeping it simple has been great. My son is doing about a year 4 maths and actually feeling confident for the first time. Yes, it's much more behind than what he'd like, but it's where he is at, and that's OK. We are trying to focus on that foundation.

[@jamesramsay3365]

This is fantastic advice! I'm in my 4th year homeschooling and I so wish I could have seen a video like this when I was starting out. I've come to realize the truth of everything you're saying the hard way, through making mistakes and learning on the job. -Sarah

[@SlowlyRaisingWildOnes]

THANK YOU. The relief!😮‍💨😅 tremendously put and so true!!

[@denisea.9033]

This was great, thanks for sharing!! As a homeschool mom of 11 years, with two teenagers and a kindergartener now, I can tell you that most of our days NEVER look like most of those perfect day in the life of videos, lol. My kids are still all great, all learning, and all thriving in their own ways. Keep keeping it real! Sending love and gratitude from Okinawa, Japan 🙌🏽🌺.

[@laurenj.5312]

Thanks for your honesty. I'm new to homeschool but not new to teaching. I roll my eyes when I see the long to-do list that homeschool mom's rattle off for the first 3 years. I'm always thinking "how much fighting do you have to do to accomplish that?"

[@SkylarWhitmire]

Hahaha this! I'm always like "my son would never go for all that". I watched a video the other day with a mom revealing her kindergarten picks for the year and included what i felt was WAY too much- math, reading, handwriting, art, music, poetry, logic, health, science, geography... all for a kindergartener!

[@MindyourMatters]

Spot on! I’ve been homeschooling for 8+ years 😊 love this!

[@Messerfamilyhomestead]

Love this ❤️ my son turned 5 in March and I’ve been feeling super pressured to teach him to read

[@ourevergreenhome]

I agree with you 100%!! I love your channel and love that you are also Aussie and a family who honours God!❤ love your work and thanks for keeping it real and sharing!

[@breatheinsimple5369]

Yes! Thank you for this ❤

[@chia3805]

🎉and look at you! You videotaped your stories in your busy days!!! I do admire what you do 🎉🎉🎉

[@kaylaellis880]

I really love this. I have an almost 10 year old in third grade and we’ve made reading just miserable. He hates it and I get so frustrated with it because I feel like he can do it but he just hates it and really doesn’t even want to try. And of course, now we’ve instilled a a sense of failure in him and he hates even trying. 😩 I think I really need to loosen up and take it easy but it’s hard when all you hear is that a ten year old should be able to read well.

[@thesimplemamma]

yes waiting is hard, (but not for your 10 year old) perhaps take a break, and then reward him with a token that can go towards something he likes to do, every time he has a reading lesson. I have done that with my nine year old, and he is very keen to get lessons in!

[@Berserk_Alize3]

I would love a video on ways to build confidence in our children! Great point!

[@genabrady1348]

When I first started homeschooling, my kids were 13, 11, and 9. I had no little ones. In the last few years, the majority of first time homeschoolers were very similar to my situation. Schools were closed down and we all had to figure out how to make this work. That is what a lot of homeschool channels were focusing on when it came to 'new' homeschoolers. I don't think they were addressing the young mom with littles. Their audience was moms with older kids that were kind of forced into homeschooling. Their audience was moms like me.

[@annemorph]

you are a MUCH needed voice on here--a very encouraging dose of reality. I've come to a lot of the same conclusions that you touch on here, but it took me years of feeling as though I was failing by not doing and buying enough. Now that we're mostly on the other side of those early years, I can see that we needed much less than I thought. I've just gotten to the behavior section as I'm typing though, and you're reading me for filth lollll better work on that!

[@michelegrunwald6073]

Wow, this is fantastic! My boys are in their 30's, and we didn't have the internet to go to. I created their 'ELA' program from the McGuffy's Readers, and I Literally wrote their math books. You nailed it in this video. Thank you for your honesty and integrity. 💖

[@StrutGirllHomeschool]

I can imagine that someone would think that would make you seem pretty inauthentic and "perfect" in comparison to what other moms have done. I think the problem is that, as moms, we struggle with patting ourselves on the back for the things WE ✋️ personally do. Comparison is the thief of joy not these homeschooling mamas sharing their experiences!

[@lymanjoy]

Thank you, this is sooo true.

[@miz.harrington85]

I’ve had to stop watching some homeschool KZbinrs because they really were making me feel bad and really jealous! I recognized it so that was good, thank you for confirming my decision!!

[@cieraroots8436]

Thank you so much for doing this video. You are so honest real and I appreciate that. Working on preschool now but have researched for several years on KZbin etc. I have been feeling so inadequate especially this week - son isn’t cooperating, tries to be class clown (even though he’s the only student lol) so I appreciate this honest insight for realistic living.

[@amynathan7599]

As a first year homeschooler……..THANK YOU!!!

[@zyrac744]

I love your channel and content. :) I don’t buy all of the other creators. Glad for those that have been doing it for a long time and has sustained. In the beginning I only watched their channels to get curriculum companies/brand names (I didn’t know where to look) out there but I never idolized their homeschool days/and all the new, flashy resources. I cannot imagine how much money goes out just trying everything and tossing them out. We are eclectic but I can’t afford curriculum and a bunch of decor and the ever changing supplies. Keep it real mama! Real homeschool days can be both enjoyable and hard. I think concerning ourselves w/ everything aesthetically pleasing would be draining. Also, I love that you felt confident in “holding back” some of the subjects or topics. That’s where I want to be. I want them to be confident, enjoy the topic and we all crush those goals because it wasn’t forced too soon! Will be looking out for more of your Videos. 🎉

[@Abelfam5]

Thank you!! I'm a new homeschooling mom with a 7,3and 2 year old. And some days its utter chaos. It can be discouraging sometimes seeing so many that portrait such a put together homeschool. Like your kid never draggs his/her feet to get started and you dont have endless interrupting from the younger ones?? And there is no way I could get 3 hrs out of my 7 yr old.

[@ashleysigmon5852]

Your video is very encouraging to me.

[@kalonmontgomery8213]

Thank you for this. I would often leave homeschool pages and/or conversations defeated, because my five year old wasn't: reading, recognize letters and numbers, etc. Instead she'd help with laundry, draw, sing, play with play dough, and recall events that's happened in a story. Her sister is the same; she's three. They're more interested in helping in the kitchen, cutting paper, pretend playing, and reading Aloud. I often wondered if they'd be behind. I know mothers (on KZbin and real life)who have two to five year olds whose children who are reading and knowing letter sounds. I wondered,"What am I over here doing?" Stressful.

[@rachaelfanti1555]

Thank you! Even my daughter is begging me for a "school room" because her homeschool friends have beautiful rooms and homes. It's just not my style, we have a family room with a nice table and a chalkboard we framed in on our wall, aside from that, thats about as much of a "school room" that we have. Would it be nice to have? Sure! But I think its important to teach them that just because they see a pretty room, doesn't mean their homeschool is what it should be. Not saying education doesn't happen there, but sometimes it can be just for show. We focus a lot on character, virtues, etc and it's not as pretty or easy as everyone makes it seem. Homeschooling IS hard and can lead to burnout and I don't think it's talked about because a lot of youtubers are trying to "sell" you something that just isn't realistic. Thank you for this video!

[@vee9133]

Amen! Glad I subscribed to your channel.

[@zeejar2141]

I came up with the same exact conclusion after 2 years of homeschooling, wait till your child develop is the main key.

[@revaelawrence2501]

As a veteran homeschooling mom of nearly 16 years - with 5 kids. I wholeheartedly agree.

[@Sandyyyyyyyyyy]

I have a 4 and 5 year old and we do 3 hours of homeschooling a day. It's something we've been able to consistently do, but I think that's because my bar for "schooling" is probably lower than yours. We do 1 mentally heavy subject (reading or math), maybe a physically heavy subject (handwriting or pre-handwriting), and then lots of light subjects. Those 3 hours are usually broken up throughout the day. The days where it's a 3-hour block are days where one kid is doing a light subject while I work on a heavy subject with the other, they switch, followed by a huge craft project. Meanwhile, the common areas in my home are tidy (usually not clean before school), and we're dressed for the day, but hair is not done. It's a balance 😅 I want to add the reason we have such long days. When I started homeschooling I was told exactly what you're suggesting, hold off and focus on play, you will naturally teach your child what they need to learn before the age of 6. For me, it didn't work out. I don't know how I was taught things as a small child, I don't remember, but I can say that nothing comes natural. I've had to research it all and intentionally put things into practice. I focus on what my kids want to learn and find ways to do that through preschool curricula with foundations in play.

[@thesimplemamma]

I understand where you are coming from, to be honest, 3 hours for a 4 and 5 year old sounds like a lot. I think the idea is, there is no list of things they need to learn before they are 6, things they can learn before they cn learn after, and it really doesn't hurt them, if you aren't struggling, is this lifestyle is suiting you just fine, then there is nothing wrong with it! but my video was to let others know that if you can't cope with that, then you don't have to make yourself miserable over it.

[@Sandyyyyyyyyyy]

@@thesimplemamma I 100% agree. I go at their pace and we do as much or as little work as they're willing to do on any given day. I believe we all master concepts when we're ready no matter how old we are.

[@katie7748]

You must not live in a state (or country?) with a requirement for hours. Lucky duck. I can't wait to move. Edit: added a word lol

[@Sandyyyyyyyyyy]

@@katie7748 sure don't! My state doesn't track homeschoolers until they're 6 so I've got until the fall to do whatever I want. That said, I'll just need a portfolio and evaluation. And I still track our school days to keep me consistent but it's nice to not be restricted.

[@bribriannita7935]

​​​​@@Sandyyyyyyyyyy what u said doesn't really make sense......you said the waiting till 6 for a child to pick something up more naturally didn't work for you.....but your kids are 4/5 so obviously it didn't work ..... because you didn't try it 😅 saying "nothing comes naturally" when you personally haven't had the experience of letting a child lead is a little ignorant dont you think, I know you said you researched but Google is no match for the many many homeschooling mother's who would definitely disagree with you and many have numerous examples of children who have naturally taught themselves many things from reading to playing an instrument. Regardless, 3 hours seems a bit extreme don't you think? No 4/5 year old needs a mentally heavy subject? I'm sure your kids are wonderful but I couldn't help but have a little giggle at this. You're kiddies are young and you're only starting out, there's much to learn and so much more to experience than what you have already 😊 it sounds like you may have been somewhat sucked into the youtube homeschooling world mama here is referring to. Trust me they're not what they seem and the work load they claim to have their kids doing is just insane

[@ulyc5320]

Oh gosh I feel better. Just planned a year of arts and crafts and fishing out by the pond with a good read-out-loud….while we live life.

[@jessiethomas6429]

love your video and your videos are ones that always comporte me and I stopped watching the others because they were putting huge pressure on me and making me feel like I would never be able to do it and I was such à FAILURE! than I watched you! And à few others. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@OurInspiredHomeschool]

I have had this same conversation with my husband. Now that I am more experienced it is hard to watch staged homeschooling videos. I wanted to create KZbin videos but it just felt so fake to me to try to show our good side all the time. Simplifying actually makes homeschooling sustainable & all the other STUFF being promoted really just makes it stressful.

[@ThisHomeschoolHouse]

There were so many good tidbits in this video. I think the desire to turn to boxed curriculums right off the bat often comes from a lack of confidence. Beginning to homeschool feels a lot like bringing your newborn home from the hospital. Everyone says to use your intuition, but it's not really that simple. It takes time to build your confidence up and to really get to know your children and the best way in which to teach each of them. We tend to seek out rules and boundaries, but homeschooling is all about doing what works best for your family. It's nice to get inspiration and ideas from other homeschoolers, but we should never be trying to replicate someone else's life. Social media is absolutely deceiving. I've often pondered the right balance. It's one of the reasons that I very rarely film DITL videos. While people desire to see a "behind the scenes" day, the reality is that it's disrespectful and unethical to film all of the moments of my children's day. I won't do it. Therefore, DITL videos tend to look idealistic even if there are disclosures, etc.

[@thesimplemamma]

yes, the behind the scenes filing is hard, because I too am careful of how much I filmed my kids.

[@jmljasmine]

I really like Right Start math for the first year (or more) I just use the first book but sometimes it takes more than a year. It's great foundations.

[@EarlyMotherhoodGuide]

I would love to know how you were able to change the behavior standard at the table for school with your first two kids. I can relate to a lot of this lol

[@saniquekonneh3396]

Thank you very much

[@elizabetho7654]

Ahhh what a breath of fresh air.

[@shelly8387]

Well done and we'll said.

[@ezekielfenjavandehei3189]

I would love to know who has influenced you. Blogs, influencers, podcasts, youtubers, authors that have encouraged and inspired and helped you! Love your down to earth content.

[@thesimplemamma]

I don't watch homeschool youtubers, unless for research on whats being talked about right now for my own channel. I can thank my mother for always giving me advice, as well as experiencing the homeschool lifestyle myself, and understanding that is really isn't as hard as many make it to be.

[@jend9559]

7 years homeschooling an only child and about to start over with my 5 years old. Love your take on homeschool. Can you recommend like minded channels? I've watched all your content and want more!

[@byjessicacarter_]

I love you ❤ thank you

[@arwenrosalie3031]

I still cannot understand how some moms go way beyond the basic subjects. I cannot get my kids to spend one hour in each subject they take way too long and I find myself pressuring them to hurry up. I want a very strong foundation in LA which I am using McGuffey readers, went worth’s Arithmetic, Story of the world (one chapter a week), and free learning from science. We have a collection is Science Encyclopedias of all science subjects. This is already way too much for me! I have adhd and so does my oldest in 4th grade now. I am a strong believer that my children will have such strong grammar, spelling, narration, and arithmetic skills that they will one day teach themselves! I do not want a stressful homeschool day. Some moms are doing too much and the kids are NOT absorbing half of that information.

[@arwenrosalie3031]

By the way my first grader will only do Mcguffey readers, arithmetic, science at a very basic level (animal classification, weather, life cycles , habitats) at his own pace and he will not be doing history. He may overhear our conversation about history and want to color a page from the activities I guess I can make him copies. But I will wait for history until he can read and write proficiently.

[@thelittlesimplethings7842]

I agree with everything except for teaching the children to read later on. I have one child that struggles to read. He's 6, but my other boys were reading fluently by seven.

[@thesimplemamma]

Yes, the reading thing isn't for everyone, and by that I mean that not everyone needs to take that approach. I myself was an early reader, and I read all throughout my childhood, I was expecting my kids to be similar! reading is such an important cornerstone of learning, but I have had to change by thought processes in order to thrive in this season!

[@dreahart89]

So good!! I was struggling my second boy, is 8.5 and not at "public school" reading level, and I have stressed so much over it! I have to remember the mindset that we aren't "behind" but learning at his own pace. What will you use when your boys are older, middle/high school?? Also how long do you think it should take to complete a days work? I have 3 boys, 11, 8 and 6. Do you use the whole math u see packs with dvds and all?? Or just workbooks??

[@thesimplemamma]

I will do a video on how much work we do each day, I just use the workbooks and teacher manuals for math.

[@Laure__Line]

I went to a public preschool when I was a child in the 1980s. We all learnt how to read, write and count at that age. Out of 35 children in my class, 6 or 7 got to skip the 1st year of school because we were already proficient in reading. That theory about children not being ready to read at a young age sees strange to me.

[@thesimplemamma]

some children may be ready, I don't say that all aren't, what I do say is that when you are a homeschooling mother, there can be a lot of stress to teach early, and if you can, go for it, but if you can't, then you don't need to, your child will be fine, if they learn early or not. I myself have in my own children, some that are ready early and some that aren't so I understand your experience.

[@taramccreary8997]

I totally feel this. I completely agree! 🤣

[@alissadimov3174]

Thanks Sinead, this was really helpful and realigning. We've always done "Better late than early" but it can be easy to loose focus when it appears that others have a 4yo reading while my 8.5 year old still isn't! Just wondering how much "reading practice" you would recommend at this age? I feel like the is finally starting to get it, we're doing about 10-15mins a day and then he says his brain hurts and wants a break. He tends to have poor work ethic and want to find the shortest route to anything, so trying to work out if it's a character issue or he genuinely isn't ready for it. Feeling like if we did more practice each day we might start to see some progress. Thanks!

[@thesimplemamma]

10 to 15 minutes at a time sounds good to me, (it's what I do only once a day, as well as all our other school work) perhaps if you are worried about progress, and want to try adding more time do 15 in the morning and 15 of something else reading related, or repeat the lesson again in the afternoon! I also find that an added incentive works really well too, I have written on the pages my son is currently mastering a lunch outing, just he and I, to a place of his choice. seeing it there everyday, it a great booster for him. make it something he really wants.

[@linabingbing3881]

I truly hope you see this you are the OG The original gangster of homeschool moms by posting and making this transparent truthful video about all the fake Instagram KZbin homeschoolers that just want views and want to make their life seemed perfect it is frustrating and I have gotten into that trap when I first started and so I appreciate you as the OG and the gangster of homeschool moms doing this video

[@asdisskagen6487]

I know this is an older video, but I just wanted to reach out and say THANK YOU for this; unfortunately, KZbin is a platform that promotes "clickbait" and so a lot of "pretty" videos get promoted over those with actual, hands-on information. It isn't limited to homeschooling (just * try * to replicate some of the lifestyles portrayed in homesteading/homemaking videos 😂). Fortunately, once you learn to be skeptical of those "perfect" looking videos, it's fairly easy to adjust search parameters and narrow down videos to the meat and potatoes of a subject. my daughter just had her first child and is really intimidated by the thought of homeschooling (even though she finished high school as a homeschooler) because of the stigma and the perception of how difficult it is. Your video is really helping her to let go of her anxiety and become comfortable with teaching her child at home. So, I tip my hat to you ma'am, for your excellent video on getting started!

[@kristankaszynski965]

Ohhh my gosh, I’m laughing out loud. So many truth bombs. 😂❤😂

[@robbiegleason4462]

Honestly, other than the phonics curriculum that didn't work for us, once corrected we had a beautiful homeschool experience where we could do all the things without any issues. Now middle and high school was another story. 😅 But, every child is different and some are easier to teach and/or more compliant than others.

[@linabingbing3881]

Lord knows I appreciated this video for so many reasons towards the end when you talk about the slumping and doodling and keeping track of books and papers oh my goodness my 8 year old is an artist and she likes to draw and make comics and she's really good but I find her drawing entire comics on some of her papers and I bypassed it and just thought oh you know she's an artist and it's okay but I've begun to realize that it was distracting her but I didn't know how to really tell her so now I'm going to nip that in the bud because she's just going to have to draw elsewhere

[@MindyourMatters]

I agree watching other homeschoolers 😮 can affect me in a bad way sometimes….😂 it’s not only me I guess. I like showing my day in DITL but showing it UP and FAKING isn’t my vibe. ❤

[@sharpfamily4938]

You speak the truth.

[@ldv02]

Hello! Do you still use building writers series? Thanks

[@thesimplemamma]

yes I do, we have finsihed one book so far, I found it okay, there probably is better. but for now, it is fine, in the new year I will probably shop about and try something else as he phases into high school.

[@carolv437]

Do you have a video for McGuffy readers ? . I still have last years curriculum- for both kids (5 ye son and 7 yr daughter)…never finished it. I feel bad like I’m failing. Her younger cousins already read rather well too so society’s pressures . Also need to work on consistency 😅 just hard juggling 2 kids, pregnant and being a caretaker to a mother with Alzheimer’s. Also I’m not type A either so trying to get myself organized. but this is a refreshing video for sure

[@thesimplemamma]

I have a how to teach your child to read video here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2SynX-dj791sKM. wth the Mcguffies, it's a 10-15 minutes lesson, master each one, ( it could take weeks) learn the spelling words with each lesson and stay consistent. to be honest consistency is so crucial, so find anyway you can to get a lesson in every day.

[@unconditionallovehomeschoo1830]

Your telling the truth

[@Randibunny]

Dude I pulled my kids out of public school last may dude to teachers bullying my oldest son because of his adhd and dyslexia and I have been home schooling for 9ish months now and I agree this year has been hard 😅 I have 4 kids and I just started them over at kindergarten curriculum and did too much and I feel like they are doing to much because I’m drained 😩 and am slowing down now with sience work sheets they do for fun and handwriting and math with language arts and I’m still feeling ruff 🐶 finishing level 2 curriculum this month my kids have learned so much I feel like they love to learn but I’m lossing energy by trying to keep up with these moms 😬 my 3 younger kids are very speedy but my oldest I feel like I put him in to public school way too young and it set him back a lot 🫣

[@thesimplemamma]

don't be afraid to take it really slow and perhaps start a 4 day school week instead of five?

[@mariagomez3701]

What curriculum do you advise for 1st and 7th grade ? I’m a first year homeschool mom

[@thesimplemamma]

for first grade, I have a curriculum video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHfdnqF_ZaugoJo for seventh grade you would have to ask yourself a few things. 1. what does you child like to do, how do they like to learn? 2. what do they really need to know in the next 6 months? are they weak in an area, and where are they strong how you can find those and fill the gaps? 3. how much time do you have, and are they ready to learn mostly on their own, sparing your time and effort? if they are able to learn most things on their own, then focus on a learning style that they like.