I Wish I Knew THIS Before I Started Homeschooling

I was ready to quit homeschooling...and then this happened.
This is my story of how I went from being a burnt-out, overwhelmed homeschool mom to finding true peace and joy in our homeschool lifestyle. I'm here to encourage you in your journey and help you have confidence that you can do this too - and love it in the process!
🌟 Reclaim peace and joy in your homeschool by establishing a purpose-driven plan designed to help your unique family thrive using my new Homeschool Vision Planning Guide! www.theeclectichomeschool.com...
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________________________________
Hi friends! I’m Erin. I’m a homeschooling mom to 4 kids and we’re in our 7th year of this homeschool lifestyle. I love to share videos with tips about things we’ve learned along the way that have helped me out, as well as curriculum reviews and some heartfelt homeschool inspiration. I hope you leave here feeling encouraged that YOU CAN DO THIS!
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[@girl4granted]

This is me now! I absolutely hate it. I just shouted at my 8 year old because he spelled fingers wrong and wrote under the line....so stupid and senseless of me. I had zero reason for loosing it.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So sorry you're struggling! I've been there too! Check out the book Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie. It helped me a lot!!

[@girl4granted]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler thank you so much. I have just been feeling so alone and overwhelmed today. I know it springs from a place of fear. I found your channel today,after coming into my room to "hide" , I watched your video about failing and resetting your day. It really touched my heart. Afterwards had a long talk with my little guy. I told him how sorry I was and how God still needs to teach me so much. Then he offered to pray for me! It was the most beautiful prayer. Not sure what time it is that side of the world but hope you have a lovely day/evening. We are South African Expats currently living on Mahè Island Seyschelles. 🇿🇦🇸🇨

[@tahirasbs]

This hot home so hard it mare me cry!!! Thank you!!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Blessings, mama! Hang in there. It gets better when we can let go of some of those old ideas of the This is how I have to do it because it's how you're supposed to do it mentality. Trust the Lord in the process and it will all work out!

[@mossyhillfarm819]

Thank you for this!!! You've given me the strength I need for a more "unschooling" Approach for my 11 and 16 year old!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Wishing you all the best! ❤️

[@EverydayBlessings]

Yes! When the homeschool honeymoon is over and things become real it’s a huge eye opener!! Fellow homeschooling youtuber here and new subscriber! 🤩

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

For sure! Oh, hi! 👋🏼 Headed to check out your channel now!

[@HomeSweetHomeschoolLife]

Our first year sounded a lot like the beginning of your video. We have evolved so much since then.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

My heart goes out to all the moms who have been thrust into homeschooling because of what's going on this year and they are stuck thinking this is what homeschooling is like. It's SO much better!

[@LifeWithTeddyTheGolden]

I appreciate your content ❤️❤️ As a single mom of three I am afraid to take this journey but at the same time I know it’s best for my children. Thank you for your guidance and beautiful energy. God bless you and your beautiful family

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You are so welcome! I love your heart to do what you feel is best for your kids! I think a lot of times, we make it a lot more complicated that it needs to be. I've definitely been there. If you have time to read a book, I highly recommend "Teaching From Rest" by Sarah Mackenzie! It really helped me in that area! Blessings to you, mama! amzn.to/3KyvXMa

[@stephaniedillingham5694]

Yes this is exactly how I feel right now.

[@missgv2192]

This made me cry and I so needed this. Just starting out and my goodness its hard to let go of how we were taught.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Oh, that's an understatement for sure! I still struggle with letting go of how I was taught... 😅 It's a process and we are all still learning to let go and let God! Blessings!

[@mandibusybee4128]

Oh my goodness! This is exactly why I quit homeschooling for 4 years! I’m so happy to be back in!! And your page is helping so much!

[@rachela.5311]

This video speaks to me!! This is my first year homeschooling and I'm going through it all now! I've realized that I don't have to force my kid to memorize whatever a given curriculum gives us, that I'm the one that picked this out and my son won't learn anything if he's crying through it. We both hated homeschool. I'm trying really hard to relax, to remember that he's six and doesn't have to know what each layer of the atmosphere is called, or have place values down after a week of lessons. We can go at our own pace and have fun with it. It's still a challenge. He still hates school and I still feel like I have to force us to do something each day. But I'm hoping, and praying, that things will fall into rhythm and feel more natural over time. I hope I can rekindle his love of learning

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You are so right that kids won’t learn anything when they’re crying. We definitely don’t want to be in that space, but have all been there before! Sounds like you are on the right track! Especially at his age, you don’t really need a lot of curriculum, they can learn so much through reading great books together and playing games and just going about life together. Enjoy!

[@leimomiuilani1420]

This is me now. I have half of my living room with posters & things we are working at & I'm having mixed emotions on if I should take it down to have a more relaxed setting.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

My personal opinion is that some of those things can be helpful for some people, but if it's causing you stress, you find that you don't really use them, or it's taking the joy out of your homeschool experience, then perhaps try taking them down for a while and see how it goes. Homeschooling is so much about finding what works best for your individual family and not just trying to copy what works for someone else! Best wishes!

[@amberfaulkner1722]

Yes this a major reason we are deciding to start homeschooling this year. we want our children to have the freedom to learn about things they find interesting. But also be able to learn at their pace and not just feel like they are only trying to keep up.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Great reasons!! Best wishes to you!

[@TitusTwoWife]

I don't even have a child yet...subscribed!!

[@connied7708]

Wonderful video. Thank you

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brpatt85]

You made me cry!!!! This video was SO on time for me! Thank you so much! We are in our 5th year homeschooling but that doubt of “are we doing enough” and “I feel my kids may be falling behind” still creeps in even now. This was a beautiful reminder to me that we are right where we need to be. So again, thank you!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Oh my heart. ❤️ Bless you. It’s definitely a challenge for me to keep the right perspective at times too. Thankful for the Lord’s grace when we struggle.

[@brpatt85]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler Yes! By HIS grace for sure! God bless you!

[@kaimiloawelborn9354]

Thank you for sharing this. we are restarting our homeschool journey, and your video was so encouraging.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So glad to hear that! Blessings, mama!

[@tanyavandermerwe2784]

Thanks you.

[@sandradepaula6583]

Thank you! Thank you ! For this video !

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You are so welcome! 😊

[@nadinecollectivehomeschool7519]

I needed this so much! It's our third year and I feel so burnt out and frustrated.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Glad to hear that it was encouraging to you! Hang in there, mama! Blessings to you!

[@nadinecollectivehomeschool7519]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler thank you! I had a good long chat with a seasoned homeschool mom today. She let me know that I'm not alone, and that one of the most important things is to have other homeschool mom connections. Love your videos, your family is precious. 💛

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

@@nadinecollectivehomeschool7519 Totally agree with her! ❤️ Sounds like you’re in good hands! 😉

[@tiffanygarthwaite702]

Thank you for this!!!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You’re so welcome!

[@alindsay7365]

Your daughter is so cute! Yes, it's so much better when we can follow their interests. They retain so much more that way :)

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Thank you! ❤️

[@alexazoesch7822]

Me now and I needed this encouragement.♥️

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Blessings to you, mama! Press in and trust the Lord in the process! ❤️

[@kelseygeise9924]

Thank you so much for sharing your heart- right on point to what I needed to hear today!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

❤️ Blessings to you!

[@victoriafreeman3984]

Thank you for this. I NEEDED this video. We're about one year into this and it has been a daily struggle. Worrying about my kids falling behind. Worrying that I'm screwing up their lives by trying to teach them myself. I so appreciate what you're doing and your encouragement for like-minded moms. Again, THANK YOU.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Bless you, mama! It’s so hard to release that pressure we put on ourselves but when we do, it’s such a relief! Check out Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie for more tips on peaceful homeschooling!

[@RealTanyaJean]

I needed this today soooo badly.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Blessings to you, mama! ❤️

[@jessicarhodes9998]

This is incredibly helpful 🥺 thank you!! 💕

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

My pleasure! ❤️

[@abanocy]

So good! Such incredible encouragement, friend. You’re a light. ❤️

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Aww, thanks friend! ❤️ God is good!

[@TateBugs]

I’m so overwhelmed and have only begun kindergarten this year! I’m not sure where even to start!!! This was so refreshing! I can’t wait to binge your channel and learn more!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Oh, mama! Take heart! Kindergarten is for play and fun learning. Really all you need to do is learn shapes & colors, counting and basic adding, the letters & sounds, and writing both letters and numbers! Once that is mastered you can keep going forward, but they will learn it easier and quicker when they are ready for it. It’s always better to do less than try to do too much and force things before they’re ready, or they will begin to dislike learning and we don’t want that!

[@TateBugs]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler you are so sweet thank you for your encouragement!

[@virgauda]

Thank you so much for this! I really needed this! 😍🙏🏻

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You're so welcome! Glad it encouraged you!

[@tarar297]

You hit ALL the points momma! Seriously your video should be broadcasted! 👏👏👏👏😘

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

❤️🥰 Thank you so much!!

[@olgaeller2048]

You're awesome, Erin. Thank you so much for making those beautiful videos and sharing your heart with us. And putting our hearts at ease ❤

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Aww, thanks Olga! You are so welcome!

[@BlackDad]

Another great video! So glad I found your channel and can walk in a path you helped blaze for us newbies. You are doing God's work. Bless!

[@CraftyEscapes7]

Yes! We've experienced the same! We are following my child's lead and eclectic, in school, and less paperwork! My child is at their pace and Not "left behind"!

[@johnnycanales9569]

You and your channel are a hidden gem. Wow, just incredible! Such great work you’re doing here. 🙌🏼🥳❤️

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Aww, thanks for the kind words! ☺️

[@susidkoelena]

I am from Poland and we have our homeschooling 3 years already, and I did the same mistakes. I tried to learn Charlotte Mason's method, but didn't use it, or I used it not correctly, because I don't know English well. And now I start from the begging and try to make our lessons more freer. We have more reading and narrate and less workbooks. We have 4 children too, the younger is 1 year old and sometimes it still very difficult to do our lessons, but more easier than it was 1-3 years ago

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Hello! Thanks for watching and for commenting! It's so neat to hear from homeschool moms from other countries! Blessings to your family!

[@melissajones2512]

Your such an inspiration,your cheerful approach to life it’s so heart warming especially in hard times thank you Erin from the bottom of my heart ❤️

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

It’s all Jesus! ❤️

[@TrueBeautyWithin91]

I loved this video. That was so me this year since it is my first time homeschooling. I have a 1st grader and a preschooler. I had to take a step back and focus on my kids and what they needed at that moment. And now we are enjoying homeschool and want to continue.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Thanks! I love that you listened to your instincts and took a step back for a while until you were ready again. Way to go mama!

[@cecilianorris4449]

I'm so grateful that I stumbled upon your channel at the start of our first year of homeschooling. It freed my mind early on and saved us so much stress. Thank you and God Bless. 😊

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

❤️ That is so encouraging, thank you! So glad it’s been helpful!!

[@Montessori_Motherhood]

This is unschooling, right? I’m Montessori trained and I love how it follows the child and allow them to follow their interests. I also want my kids to spend way more time outside than public or private schools allows, so I’m considering homeschooling, I only have toddlers now.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

We aren't outright unschoolers, but unschooling does play a role in our homeschool. We're kind of a blend of unschool, Charlotte Mason and unit studies. :) Definitely unschooling is centered around children's unique interests and learning around that. There are a lot of homeschoolers who do Montessori as well, especially within the Wild + Free homeschool community. I encourage you to check them out! www.bewildandfree.org

[@smile-more_worry-less9966]

I am new to your channel and THIS VIDEO has helped me so much! We are beginning yr 2 of homeschooling 4 kiddos. Man oh man, am I overwhelmed! Thank you so much!! You have a new follower and supporter in me!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So glad to hear that! Blessings to you, mama!

[@GracefullyUnraveled]

My first year was like you described it to be in the beginning. Now I’ve relaxed a lot more. I still don’t think we’re at the perfect balance yet, like I know I have some kinks to work out still, but it’s a lot more enjoyable since I’ve calmed down a lot. This was a great video & your home is gorgeous!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I don’t know that any of us will ever have a perfect balance of everything! 🤪 So much changes from year to year as our kids get older but we can definitely get closer and closer the longer we do this! And thank you! We just moved here this summer and we’re loving it!

[@jerilyn-ourhomeschooltable]

I was a public Kindergarten teacher and quit right before my own daughter was going in to Kindergarten. I knew I couldn’t screw up that year! 😂 BUT I had a hard time adjusting my mindset and wound up with things like a student desk for her (which now I’d like to sell, but she doesn’t want me to) a curriculum for subjects that you probably don’t need in Kindergarten, and lots of extras that I never use. So now I’m only in my second year, but luckily I realized my ways and going forward I can make sure to keep things simpler. 👍🏻

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I’ve heard similar stories from so many former teachers, so you’re not alone! Sounds like you’re on the right track. Best of luck!

[@JustMakinItWork]

New sub!! Nice to meet you!! Fellow homeschooler and KZbin Momma🥰

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Heeeey! 👋🏼 Going to check out your channel!

[@alycecline5053]

Yes thank you for this, our first year of homeschool I had my 3rd baby a month into our school year and then our 2nd year the pandemic hit and a lot of activities got canceled co-ops and a lot of things that my kids were really looking forward to. So with this year ending and really trying to find something fun and enjoyed for our 3rd year.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Best wishes! ❤️

[@pbsmart4487]

How can one NOT subscribe to that sweet request?!???

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

It is pretty hard to say no to her. 😂

[@Ari-bi6tx]

Girl I can relate and we’re doing okay now! But I’ve made 1,000 changes to best suit are situations. Thank you!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

That’s the key isn’t it? Everyone’s situations are different and we all have to find what works best for us!

[@navehhall73]

I subscribed after watching just one video. Yet, now that I have seen this video, I know I need to binge them all ASAP. I have been feeling this ***exact*** thing since officially starting homeschool this year with a 4yo, 3yo, and 2yo. I never thought a video about homeschooling could minister to my heart so thoroughly. The Lord knew I needed this! And not only are you obviously incredibly intelligent and a great mother, but you are a fantastic presenter! Your presentation of content, editing skills and even your genuinely introspective advice is sooooo refreshing! There are many channels I like, as a new homeschooler, but I now see that I love yours because you weave Christ into everything- you’re a great teacher and a profound minister. I am so so grateful for this content I could cry!!! 😭😭😭

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Oh my heart, girl! 🥰 Thank you so much for the encouragement! I’m SO glad that you were blessed by this! I do truly view this channel as my ministry and desire to lift Him high in everything I do. Hang in there with the 3 littles, you are in the hardest phase right now. It does get easier!! My biggest piece of advice would be to do less, try not to put so much pressure on yourself. Look into Charlotte Mason - she teaches to not even start formal lessons until children are 6! Savor your time just enjoying each other and learning through books and play! You got this! ❤️

[@lauraramosadams2249]

I am in tears as I watch your video.... This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you! I believe God led me to your channel to be encouraged. I'm subscribing right now, and I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

What a blessing! God is good!

[@ShesMakinDough]

Wow !! This is could literally be me speaking I was and am in the exact same boat..still learning and still having those doubts. I was in the exact same boat ready to throw in the towel and tears and tears, with trying too much and no joy in it!!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

👯‍♀️ So nice when we realize we’re not alone in our struggles!

[@katiegoff8800]

I cried my entire 1st year homeschooling, I cried about half my 2nd year. Now that I'm in my 3rd year I feel good and we are enjoying homeschooling so much more, we have a wonderful rhythm to our days. It has been challenging adjusting to our library, museums and all that good stuff being shut down for almost a year (all still closed😔) Now I'm getting ready for baby #5, but I feel so much more at peace about everything. I wouldn't trade homeschooling for anything.

[@GracefullyUnraveled]

I relate so much to your comment! We’re having such a hard time with all of those places closed, too!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I’m so glad to hear things are getting better for you! We have missed all of those things this year as well, and not having our co-op and community of homeschool friends has been a big adjustment. Homeschooling is definitely a challenge but so rewarding as well!

[@jennesset1102]

Went back to this video because I’m overwhelmed. Other mom friends have put their kiddos is classical conversations because they felt like their curriculum wasn’t thorough enough. It was the curriculum that I’ve been using. This video is such a good reminder to step back look at your family and make those choices that spark a love for learning in your children. God bless you.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Oh that’s frustrating. Sorry, Jen! Hard to avoid comparison when that happens. Just try to focus on your WHY for your family and trust your gut. You know what’s best for your kids! And more is not always best!! 🤗

[@crystaljordan7318]

Yes! I can relate totally! I am going to go back and watch your subject reviews. I'm revamping next year. Changes are coming! ❤

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Love it! I’m constantly changing around here too, I’ve got a video coming out soon about my mid-year changes for this year. Do you have a particular subject you’re looking to change? I don’t have a lot of reviews up yet...

[@crystaljordan7318]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler well We have done 3 years of Abeka tried Master Books then back to Abeka this year. I know Abeka isn't the best choice for our family dynamic, but it was comfortable for me. The known vs. the unknown. 😂 I have a struggling math student my oldest 9yo. He is bright, but gets very overwhelmed andvtakes longer to process new math topics. Fact retention (+/-/×/÷) are so hard for him. We really love books and read alouds! I'm not 100% Charlottle Mason, but I lean toward that the most. I just want to enjoy my kids and have fun learning together. ❤ I have 4 kids 9b, 8b, 5g, 3b. Dividing myself to meet all the needs is hard! We do combine and try family subjects wherever possible. Any suggestions are appreciated! ❤

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

@@crystaljordan7318 It's such a challenge to find the right curriculum! Have you looked into The Good and The Beautiful? We are using Masterbooks this year, but considering the switch back to TGTB next year. I haven't found the "perfect" language arts yet... We do really like Teaching Textbooks for math. Have you thought about trying out a unit study like Gather Round Homeschool? Or check out Beautiful Feet Books, they've got some great history/geography curriculum that's CM style!

[@crystaljordan7318]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler I love what I have seen from BFB. Yet to try it though. I am fairly certain we are using Mystery of History next year. I am considering TT. Good to know you have used and enjoyed it! 😃

[@kristiea3897]

I think I’ve found my fave channel!! New sub here!! Also boy mom of 4! 🥰🙏🏻

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Aww, thanks! 💓

[@jennamicheleable]

The moment I saw your first video I remembered you from Canyon Hills. You were my counselor at a winter camp when I was a high school freshman! I found your video in prep to teach 5th grade this year. I love watching your videos and seeing where life has taken you : )

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Hi Jenna! I remember you, your sweet spirit, and your long beautiful hair! ☺️ How awesome that you’re a teacher now! Blessings in your upcoming school year!

[@jennamicheleable]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler That is crazy that you remember me because that was fifteen years ago! aw thank you!! Blessings to you and your kids, too! : )

[@everbejoyful]

I would love to hear more about how you make this work. When do you know to push your kids to try new things and when to let things rest? My first year was much like you described. However, half way through this current year I knew something was off. My instinct is to teach through living books and focus less on checklists and bookwork but I'm a scared to trust that instinct.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I’m planning a video all about that! Sounds like you are on the right track - and reached it much sooner than I did! Living books are a fantastic way to learn, that’s what we do. It’s very different from traditional school but very effective. Trust your instincts!!

[@Montessori_Motherhood]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler what are living books?

[@sugarspice7768]

@@Montessori_Motherhood Living book= high quality literature that speaks to the reader. In contrast, schools use textbooks that only include dry facts. For example, instead of reading a textbook about the civil war full of dry facts, your child will read a historical fiction novel about a character during the civil war. Living books make the history come alive for your child and they are more likely to remember the facts through the story.

[@AmandaM204]

Yes! We just placed them in a private school. I couldn't do it anymore.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Sorry you had a rough go of it!

[@danielboyd8853]

Hello! I just came upon your channel while researching chow to get started with homeschooling. Can I just take a moment to say thank you. This video gave me such peace about our upcoming journey. Our daughter will be going into third grade and has suffered such high anxiety in public schools. She suffers with generalized anxiety disorder. We’ve prayed for a couple years now for Gods direction in regards to pulling her from public schools. The idea of homeschooling is so overwhelming. There is so much freedom that I don’t know where to begin. I am already “failing as parent and teacher” before I even begin. We truly feel this journey is where God wants us, however it seems so overwhelming. If you have any other tips for starting out, working with a child who has anxiety or you just want to pray for us, any and all would be welcome. Thank you.

[@gracevilagi7761]

Amen!!!!🎉❤

[@reneevdwesthuizen4849]

Thank you! 💙👱🏻‍♀️💁🏼‍♂️🙆🏼‍♂️🇿🇦

[@JustMakinItWork]

I totally agree that homeschooling offers the opportunity for our children to pursue what they LOVE!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

YES and AMEN, sister! 🙌🏼

[@cindysparks9114]

I am a Mama of 5. I was ready to give up on homeschooling a few weeks ago....I prayed through tears and heard this scripture in my spirit "resist steadfast." I knew I couldn't give up, but I needed His help. God used your video as an answer to my heart cries, as a lifeline just a few days later. Thank you!!! 😭 I have been stuck in a cycle that has sucked the joy right out of learning. 2 of our boys were adopted and are behind and I am finding myself suffocating with grading papers amidst rigid school pressure. I have no idea how to incorporate more charlotte mason & unschooling but I know it's the direction we are to head so I am able to bond more with my kiddos and treasure this time I've been gifted. All this to say a great big THANK YOU!! Please keep sharing! You are a blessing and I so enjoy the smiles, laughter & especially you sharing the real stuff!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Oh Mama! My heart goes out to you. ❤️ I know exactly how you feel and it’s an extremely difficult place to be in. There IS hope! There is a better way that can be life giving in your homeschool, it won’t change overnight but little by little it can and will get better! I HIGHLY recommend the book Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie, also The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment is great. If you like podcasts, Wild + Free has one that’s really good, as well at Leah Boden from Modern Miss Mason is excellent for CM style inspiration. Julie Bogart’s book The Brave Learner is great for practical application and her podcast for Brave Writer is really good too. Prayers for you to find peace in your journey! 🙏🏼

[@cindysparks9114]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler Thank you so much for these recommendations! This gives me a starting place! I have renewed excitement for what God has ahead. Thank you for blessing our family!

[@KGmusicministry]

Past, for sure! Much more flexible now, and I wouldn’t go back.

[@learnloveteachrepeat]

Me now 😢 and we are about to start again. 🙃

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So sorry you're struggling! Praying for you!

[@darienandmee]

This is me now T_T.. Thank you

[@sexyz4him]

So, what different homeschooling styles do you use? Is unschooling involved?? I know eclectic is a mixture of types of homeschooling. Which types exactly do you use? I'm wanting to do eclectic

[@TheCripeCrew]

I just pulled my 6th grader out of public school this week because she was miserable and have been frantically searching for info on how to homeschool. I loved textbooks and checklists and worksheets when I was in school so I was putting together a curriculum for my daughter using all those things. When I showed it to her she started crying. So now I’m trying to figure out how to help her learn in her style and regain the joy of learning. What were the books you showed in this video that helped you change your mindset? Thanks!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Oh, mama! I love that you listened to your daughter and were willing to make a big sacrifice to meet her needs! What a great mom you are! A lot of families find it really helpful to have a period of de-schooling when they are in a situation like yours. Try searching for info about that as well. I have a link to the book I showed in the description. It’s called Teaching From Rest and it’s the best homeschooling book I’ve ever read. The other thing I showed was a monthly magazine from the Wild + Free organization, but the founder also has an amazing book (also linked) called The Call of the Wild + Free that is all about embracing the wonder of childhood and freedom of homeschooling. Bless you!

[@saraavila695]

💜

[@samanthalinstrom1829]

This is me now

[@laurarivero3328]

What if what they are interested in is only playing Roblox. That drives me insane. I don’t know how to change her mind to pursue other things. That’s where I’m having an issue. If it was up to her she would play it all day. How can I change that?

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Great question! So, personally here’s how I would approach that, but keep in mind you need to do what works for you. If it’s become an addiction thing, I would cut it out completely for a time (how long is up to you - maybe a week, maybe until she show she shows genuine interest in other things) and then reintroduce it slowly with limited times available. For example, our kids are only allowed to play video games on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 4:30-about 6 when dinner is ready. Alternately, you could use it as a reward for getting all of her schoolwork and chores done. Work before play. Another option is that obviously she’s into video games and perhaps signing her up for coding lessons would be a great way to make it educational and be something she’s interested in. Perhaps have her make a list of at least 5 things other than video games that she would enjoy learning about and then find something you can do around one or more of those things as part of her school. Often times kids who have been going to school prior to homeschooling have a hard transition to getting back to being excited about learning, an often a period of de-schooling is helpful. There is a lot of great info about that if you do a search for it if that’s something that you struggle with as well. Best of luck!

[@kristiea3897]

We have had this problem too. We have older children so playing video games has been a way for our younger children to stay connected to their older brothers who have moved to another state. I’ve had to limit it. Activities are thankfully starting up again and sunnier days are here. I also recommend setting certain days and time limits. We set a timer. They fought me at first with tears but now they set their own timers!! Lol. Best wishes!! One day at a time... hugs from a CA momma

[@michellecamargo7453]

What curriculum do you use?

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

This year we are using A Gentle Feast. It’s a Charlotte Mason method curriculum. ☺️