Letting go of the public school mentality! HOMESCHOOL

[@mhals5251]

Yes to it all!! I'm going on 7 years of homeschooling and still pray to break those chains of the public school mentality in my brain. I would love more talks and discussions on this because it is so freeing and encouraging to know we are not alone in the mental battle! Would be great to start a mindset revival per say and that it is OK that your school looks different...because it is!! ❤️

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!! 🙌 More to come for sure!!!!! 💗💗💗

[@capricebachor7632]

I can say that it works :) I was homeschooled from first grade all the way through high school graduation, and now I’m homeschooling our own four children. I have to try not to compare my homeschool to my mom‘s homeschool. :-) she was homeschooling two children, a boy and a girl, one year apart… who were fairly docile, and I’ve got three boys and a little girl who are very rambunctious and less studious. And that’s beautiful! Because that’s what God has given me. He is using my homeschool to stretch and grow me, and your video reminded me to press into that… to homeschool in such a way that my children would want to replicate the experience.

[@christinathatcher2682]

Thank you for sharing. I feel like this message resonates with so many, including myself. I just walked away from public school teaching to homeschool my boys. They have been in public school, private school, and homeschooled last year online while I worked. This year, I GET TO BE HOME with them! I am so thrilled, but also struggle with stepping away from the public school mentality. I agree, it's not a public school bashing topic, but honestly trying to navigate "letting go" of things we were so used to doing because "that's how it's done." I am welcoming God's lead into what we do this year for homeschooling, and I am so looking forward to it! It always helps to hear another mom that has similar feelings/thoughts. I love your channel!

[@murdige]

I feel that homeschooling allows more variety in human interests. It’s amazing to me that I have girls at home playing with dolls and coming up with endless crafts while you have boys out there fixing motorcycles & living an outdoorsy life. I really feel that there will be some huge innovators coming out of the homeschool community… true creative thinkers who will make this world grow in amazing ways…

[@marygibson2518]

We’re going into our eighth year of homeschooling and I am finally embracing fully that children learn at different rates. I know they grasp concepts when they’re ready, but just sitting in the moments with them and teaching them just where they are is finally really taking place. Not rushing them along to meet some socially constructed standard. Two of my kids could not learn any differently than they do, and I want them to both have an amazing homeschool experience. This has meant having to buy separate brands of curriculum for some things and slowing down or speeding up in other things. More than anything it has meant teaching them that everyone is different and there is no measuring stick. You get up everyday and give your best. That’s all you have to do.

[@SummerMeyers]

Just had a great Sunday school lesson of changing from being a consumer to a creator. That God is the ultimate creator and to emulate him, we should look more into adding and creating, rather then just consuming all the time. We are going to be leaning into that this year I think. Still kicking my goals around, but I'm pretty sure that's the direction we are headed. Love your thoughts, as always! ❤️❤️

[@wearyourcrown88]

I love that!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

THANK YOU for sharing this with me and with us all! THANK YOU! 💕🤗

[@christyfinley9099]

I really love that!

[@myinnerlightfaith]

I’d love to know more on how you’re going to incorporate this awesome idea!

[@pamelasimmons1689]

Thank you for sharing your heart and your journey. I’ve shed many tears listening to your videos and finally felt like I wasn’t the only one experiencing the highs and lows of homeschool. You freed me from the guilt of feeling like I wasn’t doing enough. I am doing enough. My kids are learning. The joy doesn’t have to be sucked out of our day in order to feel like I did a “real” school day. The public school has damaged a lot of ideas about what education is or what it should look like. I remember hatching butterflies in grade school or planting a garden with my elementary class and even making homemade applesauce. Those are the moments from public school that sparked my creativity and wonder for learning. As a homeschool Mom I want to recreate that for my kids but ALWAYS end up getting hung up on the book work and needing to finish XYZ pages to keep up with the calendar year. I had it so backwards and was robbing myself and my babies of the intimacy of learning as a family. You are one of the only homeschool moms that speaks so real on these aspects of homeschool. Through you I feel like God is breaking chains and casting out the enemy’s lies. 😁 You have changed my mindset on homeschool and I’m so excited to get started on this new school year.

[@libertylaugh76]

Every word of this! I’ve been in this homeschooling world for two years and the topsy turvey roller coaster of emotions I’ve been riding has me spinning! How can I feel so at peace that God has lead my family down this path, yet, second guessing every choice I make… Our life is richer, has more precious time together, but I know it’s the outside forces (satan, friends, family, pressure) that just has my stomach in knots all the time. I know it’s crucial to pray God keeps a hedge around my family. I can’t have deep conversation about the struggles or the good things. I’m so thankful for Jaime and this group here in the trenches doing the best we can with God’s grace ❤️

[@chelseaann404]

I struggle with the social aspect. I was public schooled so I am carrying that into my perspective for our homeschooling life. I keep carrying the guilt that they are missing out. My brain knows better but it's hard to accept a different perspective when it's out of your comfort/safe zone. Thanks for sharing your heart! It helps!

[@katiebennette2688]

I agree 100%. I have such a public school mentality and a girl mentality and I have been blessed with 3 boys- homeschool is so amazing but I’m in my own way with the public school mentality- here’s to leaving that behind!

[@michellespriggs7789]

Oh my, I needed this. I just spoke to my husband last night. When we decided to home school, I immediately set up a homeschool room and it looks like a mini classroom. But, I never use it. It’s overwhelming to me because of all the stuff. I started thinking about the pioneers like you mentioned. I love books so much but I got it in my head we needed ALL the books. But, picking a book is overwhelming to me. So, I’m currently going through my homeschool room and stress purging. This is going to be more of a storage area where I can truly use the resources we have. It’s awesome and it’s like I can breathe.

[@genabrady1348]

My priority is morning time. If nothing else gets done, if the math lesson doesn't happen, or the grammar doesn't get finished, as long as we get our group morning time done, I consider it a good homeschool day. We are finished with our school day by noon. The afternoon free time is NEVER used for more assigned school work. It is strictly interests, playtime, and hobbies. This goes for the high schooler too. In the morning time, we are very Charlotte Mason. I take an unschooling approach to the afternoon. If anything done during freetime can be counted as credit, I count it.

[@HomeSweetHomeschoolLife]

It took me years to let go of that mentality. I came from public school and taught public school for 13 years.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Ohhh girl! Yesss! I bet that was a challenge for sure!

[@mandy-maltz]

The battle of our mind...SO TRUE. ❤

[@alisiajimenez]

I hear you. Coming from a public high school myself, I do understand why we feel the need to make homeschool like what we have seen thinking that we are messing it all up for our children's future. Trust me I get it. I'm with you. Our children even wear uniforms in homeschool to make it easier. Sometimes I think we are doing right by homeschooling. Especially when we have people downing us because of our decision. They say our children are not getting enough socialization and couldn't we teach them without teaching credentials. With all the extracurricular activities they are in, it's enough to get socialized. Plus, we are our children's first teachers, right? So many times I felt like giving up and throwing in the towel. I thought, back to the world my children will go just to shut up the world around us, but then I think to myself, how blessed I am to have the opportunity to be with our three children everyday teaching them Heavenly Father's plan for their life. We got this girl. Let's not focus the negativity around us. We should do what we believe is best. You are a fantastic mom and teacher. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Oh mama, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! Yes to everything you said! We GOT THIS! 💗🤗

[@globetrecker84]

We will be going into our 3rd year of homeschooling, having pulled the boys when they were in Gr. 5 and K. Covid made us homeschoolers and I realized how much I loved teaching the boys...so we kept going . I am always still comparing myself to "what would they be doing in school? what are their friends learning?" I still get asked about their socialization (we were at a birthday party and the moms were so surprised that my boys jumped right in and it wasn't awkward), my kids get quizzed on random stuff, they get asked why they're not at school, why we won't send them back now that covid is over....the truth is I love homeschooling but I can't get away from the comparisons. I am all about checking boxes and curriculum...although I am slowly realizing I love the eclectic approach- Charlotte Mason mixed with traditional learning. But my public-school-graduated-brain keeps me back because I still have to get x amount of worksheets checked off to feel like I am accomplishing something. My boys are not the "lets do school! lets do rabbit trails!" type either. They're the "lets get it done as fast as possible so we can go mow the lawn, tinker, jump on the trampoline lol . Sooo I plan based on what I think they'll like...some mommas ask their kids what they want to do and they tell them and pick exactly the units they want to do ...mm not my boys. I have a mix of core curriculum for each with lots of unit studies and read alouds planned for next year. I'm still trying to let go of the comparison mentality... I totally relate...thanks for sharing your journey !

[@christinaclos1820]

It was so encouraging to me hearing you say "now 10 years into this..." I have been in this funky place of feeling like "gosh it's only taken you 4 years to start getting things together" so hearing you say that was such a relief to me. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@TheJhchildress]

Yes! I feel the same way! My oldest will be 9 in August (so by grade level she would technically be a young 4th grader in the fall). We dont push curriculum everyday and we take things slow so we are currently on level 2 in TGTB and I struggle so hard with that feeling of "I've let her get behind, she's not where she needs to be!" But she is so smart and she loves making and creating! She has a little clay business going on and she is such an entrepreneur and I feel like those traits and strengths are important too! Her thing right now is wanting to learn to crochet. It's so hard though when you're used to grade level and comparing!

[@buttonscreations]

Learning looks different...taking things apart and being outside are excellent kinds of "learning", that public school mentality of learning only happens indoors and from books is something that I constantly have to tell myself to let go of, I too was public schooled and struggle with (this is our 10th year and it still gets me!)

[@JustMakinItWork]

WISE MOMMA here! Leaning IN and allowing God to lead and give you insights! Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@SimplyLivingIt]

💗💗💗

[@mikahbowden8320]

I love for the love of Homeschooling, I went to private school/Homeschooled but it I still get stuck in that same boat. I have Homeschooled on and off for 22 years. I gave up and sent my now 25 year old to public school in the 7th grade and I told myself so he could be in band, play sports etc. Same with my oldest daughter so she could be in band and be a twirler...but in reality I just gave up on me! I have been back at this time for 9 years with younger 4!! It is just hard...honestly

[@JustMakinItWork]

The "noise"....yeeessssss. I agree! Limit what we consume!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

It's a real thing!!!! I tell ya, no more! Haha!

[@thelittlesimplethings7842]

Everything you just said is why I started homeschooling in the first place. your video came out with a perfect time. when there are so many new homeschoolers. And so many advertisements trying to push all types of curriculum and online schooling. And trying to make it look like public school at home.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Yes, yes, yes!!!!

[@melissaguevara724]

Girl you are my twin!!! I feel the exact same way!!! I was also public schooled and it’s sooooo hard to get out of that mentality of things being done just like in public school. I struggle so much with that too. And I also one hundred 💯 percent agree about all the choices and curriculum now days. It’s overwhelming. I constantly think “What if there is something else out there I should be using?“ It drives me crazy. Thank you for your honesty! I loved and really enjoyed this video!!!!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Aw! Thank you for watching, Melissa! 🤗

[@samibuck]

Information overload gets me too. I have purchased so many science curriculums because I’m trying to find the perfect one that now I’m overwhelmed with everything I own now. Ugh!

[@angelarichardson9762]

YES!!!! Ten thousand times over yes!!!!!! This has been my prayer this upcoming school year. To teach in a way that is completely and totally different than my public school experience. The pressure of those around me, looking in and judging. The comparison is difficult at times. However, the Lord clearly has placed it on my heart to continue and to allow change, to make peace with the change. To step out and do it the way my heart is leading me to, no matter what the voices or masses may say! Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@SimplyLivingIt]

AMEN MAMA!!!!! 🙌

[@laurenschulz3031]

What’s breath if fresh air! Definitely needed to hear all of this as I embark on schooling my first child ❤️

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Ohhh sweet mama! You are going to do a great job! 💗🤗

[@nicoled9756]

Homeschool can also look like learning trades/apprenticeship - brilliant and in demand paths that make great livings

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Yesss girl! Right up my boys' alley! 💙

[@Mistymegaccinomoments]

Second generation homeschooler here going into year ten and I still struggle with taking on too much because of believing lies of more is better. Have to keep repeating truth and asking the Lord to remove fear and trust him to fill in the gaps that every education has no matter the type. More freedom every year.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Yes and AMEN!!!! 🙌🙌

[@vanessahobson7095]

You just made my whole day! I haven’t even started my homeschool and I’m already struggling with overload. I’m starting mid July for our first year and Lord have mercy I’ve tried to change our curriculum 4 times. I want to do everything and I’m so scared I’m going to screw my kids up. I keep praying rather begging God to not let me screw this up. I keep trying to plant my feet firmly in the ground but I’ve barely got my pinky toe touching. Thank you for this

[@andrearobertson8787]

Thank you. I find myself spinning often. Need to slow down and breathe.

[@adventuresineducation2207]

This is exactly how I feel! Thank you for sharing! I have decisions to make by tomorrow and this couldn’t have been more timely.💗

[@LivingWithEve]

I just Marco Poloed you because this is exactly what my new book is about!

[@mrscummins1]

I feel every.single.thing you said. It is so hard to get rid of that public school mindset. We’ve homeschooled from the beginning and going into our 8th year and I feel like I still after 8 years have the desire to do ALL the things. Then we are all overwhelmed and end up not enjoying anything. Add to the mix, having toddlers and babies; can make everything so overwhelming. My boys are like yours. “Tell me what lesson to do in my math so I can go follow the towhee back to her nest and see if she laid eggs yet.” (My oldest. The bird nerd.) lol. I want so badly for our family to love and enjoy great literature and fully learn that way, but I have no idea how to implement that and let go of all the “things” I think we need to have a well rounded education. Sorry for the long winded response. Just wanted you to know you are not alone and I00% hear your heart. 💜

[@shelleymattson4243]

Yes. I feel the same way we have also done Gather Round for 3 years. I purchased one new unit but otherwise nothing else new has been purchased this year. I am not bringing it in the home. Until we need it!

[@stacyhoffman_growingbravely]

You have taken the thoughts from my mind about this subject and have put them into such clear & perfect words! Thank you for making this video! I have been going through this exact same process of “de-schooling” myself after being in The State System from K-12. I am going on year 4 of homeschooling my son, and am so thankful that I took the huge leap of faith to try homeschooling for my children. There are a few people in my life who also homeschool their children, and they very much want to make sure that their children are “up to the [state] standard”. I just smile at them and nod, and do my own thing, although I will admit that it can be scary at times to not follow the rules of The State System; that’s all I’ve ever known for schooling! It’s so hard to keep my mouth shut around these friends, because the last thing you want to hear as a mom is another mom telling you how to raise and teach your kiddos!

[@donettalantis8087]

Girrrrrl this is why I follow you!!!! You are so encouraging and I feel like I’m in the same boat as you! We are putdoorsmen and women! We don’t need to do the box things! We need to do the outdoor things!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Thank you, thank you!!!!!!

[@wearethemillers829]

Yes!! This is exactly what I've been struggling with!

[@Katie.slaughter_of_YHWH]

Yes a million times!!! I was reading my How to Homestead, Back to Basics book this morning while my kiddos played outside. I said aloud, Did you know the white juice from Dandelions can be used as glue?! Immediately, I was surrounded by 4 kiddos with 20-30 dandelions and all of them examining the flowers😍😍🥰 we learned something new together snd basically created a unit study right there in our yard, ha! I am also the Momma who bought our new LA curriculum for Fall and 2 back up LA curriculums, because I'm alI in my public school head and afraid my kids aren't getting enough. We just wrapping up our 1st year of homeschooling after taking our 2 oldest out of public school. I was Public schooled and have tons of family members who are public school educators. So hard to change mindset. Your video was right on time Momma!! Thank you for sharing your heart and affirming that our backyard dandelion unit study was enough today😆

[@Katie.slaughter_of_YHWH]

Also, going back and watching Rachel's videos from her online conference. We love GatherRound!

[@homeschoolingthroughhighschool]

Wow.... It's so hard huh? So many need to hear this so thanks for creating this content.

[@ourfamilyvideos7283]

Girl…just thought of you . I watched Stephi K’s farm family and she is doing CMMON ARTS EDUCATION time stamp 6:25. It’s all the things for hands on jobs…leather making, cooking, welding, all the things.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

THANK YOU!

[@soniaruge6893]

Thank-you for sharing. I have a 3yr old boy who already I can see is every similar to your boys. I would like to homeschool and I am a public school kid. I am already struggling with thinking that way but your video has helped a lot in so many ways. Especially to homeschool my outdoors loving little boy.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

💗💗💗

[@amberwheeler2896]

I have been feeling that exact same pull! We are heading into our 8th year of homeschooling and I seem to also have a problem with wanting to do all the things every now and then. Because there are so many options out there, I find myself wanting to add in tons of various things. However, I am feeling such a strong pull to simplify, soak in all we can as a family, and make learning as enjoyable as we can. I want my girls to look back on these years as the most memorable, FUN, and impactful years of their lives! We start our new year in a couple of weeks and I have so much excitement and anticipation building up within me! It will be different from how we’ve done school before, but I have a feeling it’s going to be our best year yet!! 🙌🏻

[@SimplyLivingIt]

That is amazing!!!!!! Goooooooo girl!!!!!💕

[@jennynelson2337]

Love this, thanks for sharing! We are heading into our 2nd year of homeschool.. Since the beginning, I've learned so many different ways. Although, still trying to figure out more simplified, unschooling methods. (Love your ideas & suggestions)! Trying to piece together some things that are less "public-school-ish"! So, like you, I am also trying to or hoping to strip that public school mentality from my mind! I, like you, think I overwhelm myself as well, with all the different options & ideas out there while also hearing the subject laws we need to stick to (saying "you better make sure this is all covered")😳.... Learning through every day living & what we desire to do in life seems realistic & reasonable for learning at our own pace. I've always thought, why learn it if I'm/they're not going to use it. Although, if or when something comes up, I'll/we'll learn it if necessary for living or for a job/career..... I think my biggest struggle to letting go is trying to figure out how to get through & still follow the "laws" of subjects we need to "legally" cover..... I just think the government is too nosey & shouldn't push what we need to make sure we cover.... Most I do agree needs taught, but what I disagree with is the unnecessary things for life if we aren't ever going to use it (higher math or not a lot of music or something)....(not too terrible in ohio, but still seems a little pushy & I struggle with that).... Just the fact of if we need it, we'll learn it or if we r interested , we'll learn it?! . because learning goes wayyy past a grade level or graduation! I'm learning some things right alongside our 3 kiddos! I love this freedom to homeschool, but yes, trying to get away from the public school mindset! I agree & it is a struggle! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 learn through living & desires. Learn as we go. Let God lead all the way! 💗

[@brittany.powell]

I really, really needed this video. What I’m going to describe isn’t exactly what you’re referring to in this video, but your words still feel so relevant to our situation. My husband and I decided to homeschool for second grade just as our daughter was finishing up the end of her first grade year in public school. We bought her curriculum and are all set and ready to start in August. But over the last few days my mind has taken me to a place of such fear that we’re making a huge mistake. I became so overwhelmed with the fear that because our homeschool won’t look like public school that we’d be “ruining” our daughter. The fear of missing out consumed me. All of our neighbors are prepared to send their kids to school, which is coincidentally 1.3 miles from my house and the bus stop is right out my front window. Being bombared with all the visual reminders that we’re the only ones doing the homeschool thing scared me. Thankfully God came through. I prayed for His guidance to lead us to the right decision. After talking with my husband last night he reassured me we’re doing the right thing (he’s the one even more apprehensive about our daughter missing out) and I was shocked. My husband’s response to my fears let me know God is saying YES to this. You mentioned all the noise. Oh my word. The noise. This was crushing me too. As a soon to be brand new homeschooling family I was consuming all the things. Researching for weeks about all things homeschooling. I joined online groups to “connect,” I’ve read countless blogs, and I’ve probably watched close to 100 KZbin videos on the subject, but it quickly became way too much. I started to retreat and feel completely overwhelmed with all of the information and opinions.

[@DawnMichelle19_19]

I’m right there with you as I just pulled my first grader out mid year after this winter break!! I’m feeling optimistic, but very overwhelmed! And I’m also debating whether I want to do it for my 10th grader going to be 11th grade next year!!! Lots to think about for sure!!!!!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Oh mama, I am so excited for you and your family! ❤️🤗

[@amygrant4915]

Girl!!!!!! I am that one momma you were talking about! I too was public schooled and you want to talk about flipping EVERYONE’s life upside down when we decided to homeschool. We basically went against what was “thought” to be the only way. Our children have never attended public school and this past year I have really struggled with regret. We had such an amazing year that I look back on the first couple that had a ton of tears because I was trying to recreate public school. I seriously have cried and cried at how my oldest was just distraught all because of me trying too hard. We had such a fun natural learning year this year which I know will continue. We are also the only one’s where we live, work around and are friends with that do homeschool. So it’s a constant struggle of “ what did you learn today” “does he know how to read”? Uuugggh it gets in my mind and heart.

[@FLMegan]

As a previous public school teacher that was SOOOO hard. I was brainwashed lol. I've turned the corner thou and I see the relaxed light! Great topic!

[@KRBrady1984]

I struggle with this as well. Mostly time constraints. I feel myself rushing the kids to learn it all so we can fit it ALL in. Then I sit back at the end of the school year and realize we moved so fast we are ahead, but we didn't get the the interest learning we discussed throughout the year. The kids get so bored of this schedule too. I truly hope we can slow down and focus on the interests more than the boring basic subjects that the public school system has pushed on us.

[@lifewithginab]

You look so beautiful with your tan! So glowy... OK needed to say that! 😅❤️

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Oh thanks, friend! ☺️

[@christyfinley9099]

I am feeling God drawing me in a similar direction. I once heard someone say “ If no one ever told you what you had to learn what would you teach your children? Teach them those things.” I often think how different our days would look if I really did let go of what we “ are suppose to” teach and just teach what I want my kids to know.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Ohhhh I love that quote SO much! 💕

[@Truthnofeelins]

I love your straightforward conversations. ❤

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Thank you for watching! 🤗

[@creativeessentialmama913]

Yes, I so hear you! I was homeschooled K-12 and I still find myself trying to run my homeschool like a school sometimes. 🤪 Daily choosing my kids first with their education is a must for sure and letting go of our “fear” of not educating them enough if we don’t do it the way schools do.

[@alwaysaperdue1]

Same here ha! I think as a homeschooler, I longed to be in a "real classroom" and maybe that is part of it for me. Even though I know this is right for my kids!

[@HomeschoolingwithHeart223]

I am happy you are having the light bulb moments. These really are monumental moments that allow us to see what we have been missing in our homeschool and allow us to start putting those blinders on to the FOMO when we see the way others are homeschooling. I am homeschooling my grandson so talk about public school being deeply ingrained 🙄🙁 We are going into our 3rd year and I am finally starting to let go of the Public School fear, and that is really what it is for me. Fear of not keeping up, fear that I am doing something wrong, fear of letting myself explore outside instead of "walking the line!" I wish the light bulb would have come on sooner but at least it finally lit up! It isn't easy, it is a constant struggle for me, especially homeschooling my grandson. I was in Public School, my children were in Public School and letting go of that mindset is a constant battle. Like you I finally had my "eye opening" experience a couple of months ago. I took a look at myself and found that the thing holding me back from doing what I wanted to do in my homeschool, and from letting my grandson explore more, was me. Of course it usually is 😂 Honestly, it was and still is, my own mindset and my fear that I need to somehow keep up with Public school that holds me back. Best wishes as always, for a fantastic year ahead!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Thank you so much for sharing this!!!!!!!💕💕💕 Yes, most of the time WE get in the way! I couldn't agree more! Thank you for this!!!!!

[@HomeschoolingwithHeart223]

@@SimplyLivingIt You're welcome and Thank you for speaking about it 💕

[@nichole_danielle2083]

I feel a shift also. As my eldest leaves for college and I just have my two younger ones at home I feel these urgency to pull them in closer and grow their hearts towards God.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

That is amazing! 💕

[@blessedhomeschoolmess]

Ugh neeeeeeeeded to hear this. I do struggle with this as well. My daughter is young only second grade and I’m already overwhelmed with the tons of curriculum I’ve gotten because it’s likely way too much but I always feel it’s not enough because I think constantly I’m doing enough in comparison to Public school!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

It is a real struggle for many of us mamas, especially when it is all we have to compare to! 🤗 It's time to change that, right?!!!! So many mamas are feeling the shift! 💗

[@amberhayes7919]

Thank you for sharing! I do this too! Even small conversations with mom’s who’s kids go to public school will send my thoughts spiraling out of control. I start to question everything. Then I remind myself to stop and pray!! It’s nice to hear I’m not the only one. Lol!!!

[@tempafigueroa9591]

Oh man, I can 100% relate. Going into my third year homeschooling and I have fallen into this habit every year. And I totally see it in my kids when it’s too much. Gotta remember to relax and allow us to enjoy our homeschooling days.

[@melaniebigelow6397]

This is exactly what I needed to hear today. I constantly struggle with the public school mindset and letting it go. It has been such a long battle as we enter our 9th year of homeschooling. Thank you for your thoughts and just sharing because I don't feel so alone in the struggle now. I too need to seriously limit what I'm consuming.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Love this, mama! I’m right there with you. All the things. It is such a struggle to get out of that mindset but whoa boy, is it a delight when we have moments of clarity and embrace that freedom! I’m on the way too. Marinating. Love that! That’s been me for the last few months too! Letting all the thoughts and ideas and inspiration mesh and praying over what is the best next step and trusting the Lord to guide our steps. ❤

[@jenniferwright8330]

Thanks for your video! Helpful and encouraging in so many ways. Being a former public school teacher it is like pealing an onion in the homeschooling journey for me. Tears, laughter and reflection with each layer and step. I am loving being a homeschool mom and it is such a growing experience. I have had to give myself so much grace and patience because it is so different and beautiful in so many ways. ❤

[@Mannfamdhb03]

Yes, I relate to this so much!! I feel like it's even worse since I was a teacher. I feel like I need to plan and do ALL the things. I have to trust that God has the best plans for us and to trust Him to lead me.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Yes and AMEN!!!!!!!!

[@sylviaharper4323]

Thank you so much for this video. I appreciate your vulnerability and authenticity. You made me feel like I wasn't alone in changing things. I was brought up in the public school sector and remembering developing a resentment towards my mother because I hated it. My mother was passionate about education and I remember asking her if she could just teach me when I was in elementary school. Well she was widowed and had to work so there went my dream. I always said "I went to school and became stupid!" I developed a very negative attitude towards what society called "Education." It was restored when I was blessed with my daughter. I have homeschooled her majority of her life due to her medical needs and recently as you know I was blessed with a season of employment and she attended public middle school. All I can say is it was an experience.. In short it taught me that I need to stay in the home and revive her Spirit in the ways of the LORD. Her grandmother said "We don't get a re-do," and that stuck with me. I love when you said you wish you didn't grow up in public school because you wouldn't have anything to compare it to. I also struggled with repeating/duplicating my upbringing not realizing I create the environment for me and my daughter. I can LET GO!!! Wake up at 9am, have coffee and listen to her stories about Anime before she does her devotional and then we make breakfast and get to the learning. WE GOT THIS!!!!!!!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Yes and amen! We can let go and we GET TO DO IT DIFFERENTLY! Thank you for your words! 💕💕

[@brywalker7199]

Thank you for sharing and letting so many of us be united instead of thinking we are alone. I too am a public schooled, homeschooling mom. My boys are still very young but this has been a large fear of mine and a tendency I have fallen into of forcing a schedule and not allowing more freedom. Your channel is a blessing and I am so grateful God has equipped you to help others the way you are. I am going to marinate in some of your very solid points.💛

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Enjoy your time marinating, mama!!!! I'll be doing the same! Blessing to you and over your homeschool year! May it be the best one yet!!!

[@Blessedgal_3897]

So glad I clicked on this video. I totally understand I'm right there with you. I've been praying a lot lately that gives me more direction and I have to say he is. My problem is not having that confidence in myself and to stop comparing myself and to get away from the whole public school setup. I wished we were neighbors. LOL

[@stacey9433]

Thank you for this video...this is my exact struggle. I feel as tho I ruined my son's kindergarten year. In the beginning I tried so hard to mimic public school towards the end I came to the realization that this isn't working! We were both miserable! This year was so much better more driven to his interests! I still found myself asking is this enough but in comparison this school year was so much better!

[@LynThinks]

Sis, once again, you are 100% on time with your video/message! We are going into our second year of homeschooling, 6th and 8th grade. This is such a real thing! I literally just had this conversation with another homeschool mom/friend last week. This is yet another struggle of mine. Its such a cycle. It's just like you described. I am definitely drawn into doubling up! One minute I'm doing fine and the next thing I know I'm in "Public School Teacher Mode". That's when I start to get extremely stressed in our journey. And its not that that mode is necessarily bad, its just not what I want for my kiddos anymore. My husband and I were talking about going on family vacation and I told him we couldn't go on a certain date because of school. He said, babe, why not? The boys are homeschooled, we can go whenever we want to. It was like some new revelation. In that instance of planning for this upcoming school year, just that quickly my mind had slipped back into a restrictive mindset because of a public school mentality. My mind does a tightrope act in between homeschool mindset and public school mindset. It is definitely a real thing. I hope that I can one day learn to release that way of thinking. Anyway, enough of my rambling. Thank you again for this and all of your vdeos.

[@annemiejooste4871]

I see and feel your heart on this! It’s exactly how I feel. I go to bed praying and crying to be set free from this school mindset. Truth is that I hate school more than my kids does 😢😢 I crave for them to have that freedom which I would have thrived in as a child yet I can’t get myself out of the way

[@SimplyLivingIt]

One step at a time, mama! You are not walking it alone!

[@shanaredd6935]

I love your videos... I'm new to homeschooling and as I too attended public school I keep going back to that and stressing out. I have 3 this year I'll be homeschooling and I feel the struggle of trying to balance.

[@care4teaching]

Raising second generation homeschoolers. Going into my 7th year teaching academics. I see the freedom that we have as homeschoolers but also areas that I can let go more. I too get caught up in the “enough” of it all. I want to listen to the still small whisper of the Holy Spirit and His Will for our school. Praying for wisdom and peace over your homeschool!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Amen! Praying for a beautiful year ahead for your family as well! 🤗💗

[@emily-lifeonaranch7093]

Yes mama!!!! This just speaks to me. Not in the same boat, but we are going down the same river that’s for sure.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

💗💗

[@ericaoliver7781]

I'm just starting our homeschool journey. I have a 1st grader, kindergartener, and 3 year old. I am really struggling with this so thank you! My daughter really wants to learn cooking and so I found gather round and I'm going to do that but in the back of my head school is a bunch of worksheets so I am trying to bream my mind out of that. Thank you for being so transparent!

[@missbuttercup21]

I am so thankful for you and this channel. It has been so awesome following you along your journey and seeing your homeschool evolve! Keep doing you, keep being you, and keep inspiring all of us homeschoolers ❤.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Oh my goodness, THANK YOU!!!! 😭💕💕💕

[@wearyourcrown88]

Thank you so much for making this video. I feel like God had you make it for me! I went to public school, but even more than that I just ended an 8 year public school teaching career. I very clearly felt God’s leading to homeschool my boys (5 & 2). I’m starting fresh out the gate and honestly the homeschooling curriculum, research, samples, reviews, even the buying of it, has become sort of an addiction. 😅😰 I’m overwhelming myself before I even begin, but I think it’s because in my heart I don’t want to fail my kids. I’m a planner like your friend you mentioned, but I tend to overplan to the point where I don’t even begin ( in lots of areas of my life) and I know that’s not an option here. I will not fail my kids! Or God for that matter. He called me to do this and I know He will help me! I am definitely sensing His leading though in taking a step away from all the curriculum. I have to remember less is more!

[@roseselthofer7207]

I struggle with that same mentality. We got this mama ❤️

[@cynthia_christine_]

I struggle with this too 😭 And yes !!the GHC California was so refreshing and encouraging 🙌🏻

[@homeschoolingthroughhighschool]

I was there too!

[@erinisaac-samuel9359]

Yes! Needed to hear this so much going in to the next school year. The public school mentality has given me the same struggles and I am also praying to do something different for my kids.

[@AliciaOrtwein]

Oh my goodness I am right there with you! 8 years in I will be schooling an 11th grade boy next year. My son sounds just like yours just get me through this mom so I can go take something apart! I usually have all my curriculum by April plans laid out for the whole year….it’s almost July and all I’ve bought this year so far is Gather round Chemistry and US History. We are simplifying next year and doing full GR, 3 books studies, math and German…. I think! He will also be taking an electrician class which is the most important because that’s what he wants to do. For 8 years I have loaded him up because I thought I had to…. Seeking freedom and God’s guidance to just keep it simple for our last two years. ❤️ thank you for all the inspiration these last few years!

[@vtolin]

Thank you for this! I'm in year three and have struggled with making it look like ABC and also doing it while working full time from home....this helps so much. Thank you! (and anyone with any other tips about working full time and homeschooling....I'll take them LOLOL)

[@SummerMeyers]

SO MUCH!! It is so hard to step out of what we grew up with from childhood! I went to Public k-6 and then private 6-12. I think that shedding the mentality of "school" was the hardest part when we started homeschooling. What does homeschooling even look like? I had nothing to reference beyond my own school experience which isn't something I wanted to replicate in my home. So glad to hear you speaking about the struggle! ❤️

[@JustMakinItWork]

As always, I appreciate your transparency in the journey of your homeschool....your insights are so valuable❤️

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Love you, Anna! 🤗

[@Robaby721]

Such inspiring words! I do compare myself to the school system because that is what I know. But I love the homeschool experience and just need to remember my why. Thanks for speaking your truth and sharing your heart!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Thank you for watching, friend! 🤗

[@homeschoollifemom]

I love that you said.. I don’t want this to just be a highlight reel! I love hearing about the things you are working through. I would love to go to a homeschool convention sometime! Sounds so encouraging!

[@brookelewis8958]

Thank you for sharing! We are on the same page right now! I’m trying to breathe and let go of that mentality. I know exactly where I want this to go, but it’s hard.

[@lindahodge9515]

Love this video ♥️ sounds just like me 🤩. Sometimes all the noise can be too distracting. One thing God is helping me to remember in this season of life in many areas of it is to Be Still and know He is God! Great video. Right where you are. Letting completing go and letting God have His way completely ♥️

[@SimplyLivingIt]

🙌

[@rachaelmilne5574]

Definitely with you!

[@lulisglitzytreasures9320]

Thank you again for all of your videos. Two years homeschooling and feel like a failure. I, like you struggle with the public school mentality. I also struggle because I am an introvert trying to step out of that mentality. Let’s just say that I have surrendered my life to God and He is slowly bringing me out into new territory that I am unfamiliar with but loving this journey. My daughter is 13 going into 8th grade and for the past two years she has homeschooled with EasyPeasy curriculum. It is what my niece has been using for her boys, so it’s what I went with. I guess I went into this blind and I feel like my daughter has paid the price. I am embarrassed to say that I don’t know how to include myself in her homeschooling. Our relationship has grown and I am so happy about that but I feel almost like an outsider to her homeschooling, I hope that makes sense. What advice would you give me? I am also confused with what the difference between “unit” and “curriculum “ is And lastly, thank you again for all of your videos and your honesty.

[@wearyourcrown88]

I haven’t officially started homeschooling yet, but as someone leaving the teaching field I feel as if public school education for teacher to student (because of the number of students per classroom) that that is a disconnected education. For me, I want homeschooling my children to be the opposite of that! I want to be involved, I want to have discussions about what they’re learning and laugh and cry and enjoy the moments…the good and the bad. Because at the end of it all, you will be able to look back and see what your children have learned, but also what you learn along the way too. 💗 I would look at some new curriculum options that appeal to the both of you and try something out! You can always switch back if it’s not working, but it sounds like you know in your heart that what you’re doing now isn’t working so it sounds like you have nothing to lose!

[@DB-yn9qx]

Yes, I am right there with you. I have listened to Rebecca Spooner (we love GRH) but I still STRUGGLE. I think it has more to do with my kids getting older. My oldest is going into 8th grade and I'm already thinking about doing GRH and adding every subject on top of it... just to "make sure we're covered." UGG! Such an insecurity. I need to trust the Lord more and not miss the point of homeschooling.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Me too, mama! Always a work in progress, right?! One step, one day at a time!!!!

[@allisonsantos8665]

Thank you for this! I definitely struggle with the pull to be in a confined “school” box even though I feel also pulled to be different in how I raise/school my boys. Especially when it comes to spending more time in nature and just enjoying each other more than worrying about curriculum. I needed this message to realize I don’t have to follow what might be expected of me and do what the Lord has in store instead. Would love to see more videos about how you’re implementing this mindset this next year!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

That's so great, friend! I'd be happy to share more as it all unfolds. 💗

[@kittenskneadingcompanions]

Agree 100 percent 👌

[@jamaicaigot9335]

loved your videos! are you on audea? most of my audio is consumed there and would appreciate the audio version of your content on that platform

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Thank you so much! I've honestly never heard of audea! ❤

[@lisasantana1412]

But how else ? Last year what my first year with 11,12,17,16 and it was a shit show!! This year just the 12,13 year old boys and the 17 year old will go back to catholic school . I only can sit it sitting and teaching for like 3-4 hours. This year I feel more confident and God is calling me to do this for some reason. I keep fighting the Lord and fighting myself. I just felt last year was a learning experience. I learned alot and know what I want to do. The problem is getting the school out of them and my little guy is resistant to me. Plus we own a restaurant and then I get interioriza and have to leave sometimes and that throws us off and I feel like a failure. Uggg so hard.

[@joyfullyhomeschoolingboys]

My boys are the same. What do you want to learn? Idk 😂

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Haha!!! "What we are doing is great!" I mean...I love it...but give me something to run with! 🤣

[@joyfullyhomeschoolingboys]

@@SimplyLivingIt yea, just a little.

[@annemiejooste4871]

I see and feel your heart on this! It’s exactly how I feel. I go to bed praying and crying to be set free from this school mindset. Truth is that I hate school more than my kids does 😢😢 I crave for them to have that freedom which I would have thrived in as a child yet I can’t get myself out of the way

[@SimplyLivingIt]

You are not alone, mama! Sending up prayers for you and your family! 💓