What does failing forward mean? Failing forward is one of those phrases we hear all the time. But, at this point, it has reached the status of losing its meaning.

This is one of those statements that is at the top of all the mindset guru’s lists. But what does failing forward mean? Is it really possible to always fail forward. Is failure always a bad thing?

People who avoid failure also avoid success.

What Does Failing Forward Mean When Failure is Inevitable

There are so many hard feelings that surround failure. Especially, if you are a perfectionist.

Here’s the thing about failure, it is inevitable. How we respond to it, and what we do with it shows who we really are. This is probably the best answer to what does failing forward mean.

How do we let failure change us for the better?

Is Failure an Excuse or a Teacher

Failure is ok, necessary, and unavoidable. It is not the end of the world…but it may feel like it in the moment. Failure doesn’t need to be shameful either.

When Coke launched New Coke in 1985, it was a disaster. People rebelled against the change. Even going so far as to publicly dump it down Seattle sewers. This was a shock because Coke did all the right things. They product tested it, and they had a secure place in American lives. Everything pointed to success.

No expected the outrage. After 77 days, the previous version of Coke was brought back. Was this a dismal failure, or is this the perfect example of what does failing forward mean.

However, in hindsight, all the historians see that it was a great move because Coke sales soared when they returned the Classic Coke. But at the time it seemed like a terrible failure. Like lose your job failure.

We can either accept our failures and allow them to teach us. Or use them as an excuse for never growing or changing.

What Does Failing Forward Mean When Bad Things Happen

There are things that we experience that were out of our control. And all the cliched statements—just fail forward or what doesn’t kill you only makes your stronger—aren’t helpful. They lack substance. Really, can anyone tell you exactly how to fail forward or get stronger, when circumstances are so devastating you never really recover?

What would you think if I told you this isn’t a true statement. That it has been scientifically debunked. Would you breathe a sigh of relief because your difficult circumstances haven’t made your stronger?

What would you do if you were given permission to recognize that there have been hard things in your life that beat you down. Learning from experience is understanding that those circumstance don’t need to make you stronger, but you just need to realize it is time to get back up.

As moms, sometimes, we just need those hard places validated.

Jodie the Mom

You don’t have to think positively about every situation. Sometimes you need time to bring a different outlook and you can’t rush the process.

I know the nice advice people offer—think positively, have a growth mindset, create positive self-talk. What if you can’t? What if you just aren’t at that place. It is ok. You don’t have to be.

Some Endings Should Happen

I know many well-meaning people want to encourage you to never give up. But what about times when don’t give up is the wrong advice?

Sometimes failing means that you need to end something that is not working, so you can redirect your resources. We have limited resources—time, money, energy—we need to put these resources into something else.

There are some endings that are necessary. In the moment, it can feel like total and complete failure. But it is what you need to propel you to your next step.

What we see as failure is success in the waiting.

Jodie the Mom

You may also like

• Hello Moms: My Story from Corporate Workhorse to Momtrepreneur
• Stop Feeling Like a Failure and Start Winning for Life
• Mom’s No Good Very Bad Day

3 Steps Required to Fail Forward

Failure is hard. It can knock you down, but it doesn’t have to knock you out. Failure is inevitable. It is your choice whether it will move your forward or stop you in your tracks. If you are ready to fail forward, then apply these three steps.

1. Recognize the process

Each time we fail, it should change us. There are always lessons learned from every failure. Recognize the process in your life and apply the lessons learned to your next steps.

Admit where you are at. Acknowledge your emotions. Start to process your feelings. And make a list of next steps.

It is ok to acknowledge you are in a hard place. That you are disappointed with how things turned out, but don’t stay in that place. Let this moment teach you the lessons you need to learn.

2. Failure is not final

Failure doesn’t determine your success. In the moment, it may feel like there is nothing more left. But failure is not final. Remember that.

Have you heard of the game Lexiko or Criss-Cross Words? Probably not. But have you heard of the game Scrabble?

Lexiko and Criss Cross Words were the early versions of Scrabble that were rejected by Parker Brothers and Milton Bradley. In 1949, the game was purchased by James Brunot, and he immediately lost money on it. Then in 1952, it all changed. An executive at Macy’s discovered the game, and suddenly they couldn’t keep up with demand. In 1953, they sold 800,000 games and still couldn’t keep up with demand.

Failure is not final.

3. It is the next step to success

See failure as making room for something else. We have limited time and energy. Do you want to keep spending your time and energy on something that isn’t working? Or is it time to shift gears to something else? Failure is just the next step to success. Take everything that you’ve learned and apply it to your next endeavor.

Conclusion: What Does Failing Forward Mean

Failing forward means you take all the lessons learned and move forward. Yes, failure is painful, and you will need to process the emotions. But it is not final.

What are some lessons you’ve learned from failure?

The post What Does Failing Forward Mean appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Homeschooling high schoolers means you are almost finished homeschooling. Unless, there are younger kids, then it is just the start of a new and exciting chapter in your homeschool journey.

But homeschooling high schoolers might feel like a giant leap from the elementary years. And you are also planning for after high school, college or not to college, and really preparing your students for the rest of their lives.

No pressure, right?

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

This stage of parenting, high schoolers, is really the hardest stage of parenting. Even if your teens are fabulous, and I think mine are, it is still a really challenging stage. I heard some great advice when it comes to parenting teens. It is probably the best advice I’ve heard, and I am going to share it with you. Here is the advice: Just hold on. I just felt this deep in my soul when I heard it.

Even though high schoolers are the hardest stage of parenting because the stakes are high for growth, independence, and meaningful learning experiences (dumb decisions anyone). There are still some essential tips to help homeschool high schoolers with confidence, clarity, and courage.

Mom, you can do this. Is it easy? Nope, but it is doable. This post is going to give you the essential tips to homeschool high schoolers.

Plan for Homeschooling High Schoolers

I am all about planning. For the most part, when kids are left to their own devices chaos ensues. So make a plan. It doesn’t mean you will follow it to the letter, but think of it as more of a guide. You don’t want to get to senior year and realize your student doesn’t meet the requirements for his plans after high school.

Homeschooling high schoolers is all about planning for what comes after high school. If your student wants to attend college, join the military, or something else, they will have requirements for high school. Colleges and military do have expectations for high school students, so find out what they are before you start planning for your high schooler.

My 3 teens all had a different response to high school. My oldest didn’t know what he wanted to do, my second responded with a shrug, and my daughter has the next 10 years planned out. Since my oldest two didn’t know what direction to head in, I planned for them to get their associates degree in high school. This gives them really cheap tuition, and it puts them on the path with the most options. They can easily join the military, continue with college, or get a job after high school. My daughter is also working on her associates degree because it fits with her 10 year plan.

However you plan, remember to be flexible with your plans.

High School Planning Guide

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Essential Tips for Homeschooling High Schoolers

1. How to Create a High School Plan

You want to plan homeschool high school with after high school in mind. If your child has a certain college he wants to attend, then you will need to find out what that college requires for incoming students.

I have yet to find a state that has graduation requirements, so you get to set the standard for graduation. You get to determine the credit hours your student needs. You have the freedom to determine what your high school looks like.

Need help with high school planning? The be sure to download my high school planning guide. It even comes with sample plans that you can customize for your high school.

2. Transcripts are Important for High Schoolers

Yes, it is important to create a transcript. You never know when you will need it, and it is better to have it just in case then to try and go back and remember four years of high school.

Psst…transcript templates are included in the homeschooling planning guide above.

Here’s the funny thing with transcripts. You might not need it, but if you do you will wish you had it. Also, it is much easier to update the transcript every year.

I create the transcript template at the start of their high school, and then I just update it as we go along. It is very easy to do it this way. And by the end of their high school, they have a complete record. It is the most painless ways to do it.

Or you can use something like Homeschool Planet, and they have a transcript template built in already.

3. Get Input from Your High Schooler

If you want to create independent thinkers, then you need to let them have input on their curriculum. We need to start shifting responsibility to our teens. This is the hardest stage of parenting, and they will make dumb mistakes. But we are here to teach them the process of making an important decision.

You are still the final decision maker, but show your teen the plan, and include him in the process. It creates ownership and more motivation in your teen.

4. Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment is a great way to earn a degree while paying very cheap tuition. You can replace high school classes with college classes and your teen can earn a degree in high school or right after.

It boosts a teens resume. College degree on a resume is more meaningful than just high school. Also, if your child wants to attend a 4-year university, once a college degree is received, in my experience, the high school transcript isn’t requested. Everyone is looking at the college transcript now. But you should still keep a high school transcript, just in case.

You May Also Like:

Homeschool Dual Enrollment: Your Ultimate Guide

Dual Enrollment Decoded: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

10 Benefits of Teens in the Home

5. Do You Need SAT/ACT?

You do not need these tests to graduate high school. Also, if you are already attending college through dual enrollment you won’t need them either.

In my experience the only time you need them is if the college requires it. Ask the college to confirm that it is needed. If you are planning to join one of the military academies. If you want to be eligible for more scholarships.

Go back to your plan and decide if these tests are necessary.

6. Life Skills and Responsibility for Your High Schoolers

We need to prepare our kids for responsibility on their own. That includes things like budgeting (and living within it), how to buy a car, taxes, laundry, cooking, and time management, these are essential skills for every young adult.

Incorporate these skills into their weekly routine. When my oldest kids got their first jobs before they could spend any money, we created a budget together. I showed them how to update it and keep track of where their money was going.

I know it is easier for us to keep doing everything and sometimes it is less stressful for us to just do it. Especially if it is a new task that takes them outside of their comfort zone. But our job is to nudge them to do these things. Once something is successfully accomplished, it builds confidence in your teen.

Create opportunities for your teen to take increasing responsibility over their life and schedule. This prepares them for college, work, or living on their own with confidence.

7. Be Flexible

Your plans will change. As you figure things out and your teen gets a better idea of what he wants to do, you will adjust your plans.

The most important thing you can do is to remain flexible through these years. Set your graduation requirements (how many credits are needed), but be flexible on how you get there.

Sometimes the best learning moments aren’t in your planner. And that’s the beauty of homeschooling. Stay open to spontaneity, creativity, and connection.

Disclaimer: Part of this is a sponsored post and I was compensated for my time to review and write about Master Books World Geography and Cultures for high schoolers. All opinions are always my own. For more information on sponsored posts, see my disclosure.

Curriculum for High Schoolers

Here are some of my curriculum recommendations for high schoolers.Whether you want to go eclectic or all in one, here are some of my favorite recommendations

1. Mr D Math

This is one of my favorite math programs to recommend for high school. I have always struggled to help my kids with high school. It isn’t because I’m bad at math, I always did well, it is because I can’t remember it any more. I haven’t used it since high school, and so I can’t remember all the steps.

Mr D Math offers live or self-paced high school classes. They are gamified, which brings learning math to a new level of fun, engagement and motivation. The program is fully accredited, if you want that, but your curriculum doesn’t need to accredited.

The math courses offered by Mr D Math range from pre-algebra to calculus. If you are dreading math as you approach high school, then Mr D Math just might save your sanity.

2. Master Books Geography

Geography is one of my favorite subjects and this can make your high school learning so much fun.  Explore the world with Master Books World Geography. Your student will understand how geography shapes human life, culture, and history.

This is a full year one credit social study course. If your student is applying to a four year university or has other plans, Master Books Geography exceeds the standard. The structure of the course is designed for students to be independent, which is always a plus in my book.

The best part of using Master Books World Geography and Cultures are the colorful pictures throughout the textbook. Your students are not only learning and engaging with the culture, but also immersing themselves in the landscape.

The textbook covers all six inhabited continents, giving in-depth profiles of the major regions of each continent. Your high schoolers will learn more than landforms, weather, and culture. They will understand how these resources shape the way people live and understand global events.

3. Greg Landry’s Homeschool Science

This is another subject that I love to outsource. Between the teaching and the science labs this is not a class that I enjoy. That’s why I highly recommend Greg Landry’s Homeschool Science. He is a former college professor that offers classes from 4th grade through high school.

If you want to give your kids a homeschool science with faith-based values that is going to shape their critical thinking and understanding of the world around them, then you need to get Greg Landry Homeschool Science.

High school classes offered: biology, chemistry, conceptual physics, anatomy & physiology, and more! But most important the classes also offer virtual labs. No more science experiments on your kitchen counters.

4. Master Books Worldviews in Conflict

This is one of those must teach electives for your high school student. If your student is going to college, the military, or something else after high school, then they need to understand the worldviews that they will be facing.

We want our kids to be independent thinkers and understand how to process information. Before they can do that, they need the right foundation and understanding of ideas. Ideas have consequences. Those ideas unfold throughout the events of history. If we want to truly understand why something happened, then it is imperative to study how the ideas developed over time.

The pursuit of knowledge is a good and necessary endeavor. But when this pursuit becomes untethered from truth, the result is bad philosophy. It is important to know how to answer bad ideas because some of these ideas have had a devastating effect on western civilization.

There are a lot of ideas out there, so where do you even start to gain an understanding of them? If you want your high schoo

5. Sonlight

This is one of my favorite all in one curriculum. High school can feel overwhelming trying to put it altogether. If you want an easy open and go curriculum that uses a lot of real books, then check out Sonlight.

If your teen isn’t a fan of textbooks, but loves to read books, then this is a great program for high school. It is a literature-based program that does all the heavy lifting and planning for you.

This was the perfect program for my oldest son. When we switched to it in high school, I finally felt like we got the right curriculum. He enjoys reading, but hates textbooks. This curriculum really engaged him for high school.

6. Abeka

My daughter has used Abeka Academy since second grade. Anytime I asked if she wanted to try something new, she always refused. If you want an open and go curriculum, then this is a good option.

Abeka is a more traditional school curriculum, especially if you use the DVDs. She wanted to use the DVDs for science and math, but didn’t find them necessary for the other classes.

Abeka makes high school planning very easy because you just follow their plan for each year of high school. It is a rigorous program, so my daughter easily transitioned to college classes.

7. Dual Enrollment

My three oldest kids have all done dual enrollment. It is a great way to get a jump start on college and pay really cheap tuition.

College dual enrollment is exactly what it sounds like. Your high school student is taking college classes while in high school. Pretty simple. There are a lot of colleges that will do dual enrollment. If there is a particular college you are interested in, check to see if they offer it.

Keep this in mind, many colleges offer lower tuition rates for high school students. In your search, make sure you are in the dual enrollment section of the college. Search for dual enrollment, early college, or something like that. Tuition is much cheaper.

Also, keep in mind that not all colleges will offer a degree. There may also be a limit to how many credits a high school student can take. I also discovered that many colleges won’t offer a super-senior year. The dual enrollment tuition is just for 4 years of high school. Then regular tuition kicks in. That can be three times the amount of dual enrollment tuition. So keep these things in mind as you are planning your homeschool dual enrollment program.

Books for High Schoolers

I have lots of book reviews for all ages. If you need some great book recommendations for high school, then check out my book review section.

Conclusion: Homeschool High Schoolers Confidently

Homeschooling high schoolers may seem overwhelming at first, but with a bit of planning you can guide your teen with confidence through these years and onto the next step.

Plan your teen’s high school in pencil and not in pen. If your teens are unsure of the next steps, then give them the most balanced high school plan. For us that means dual enrollment and an associate’s degree in high school.

You don’t need to have it all figured out today—you just need to take the next step.

Download the high school planning guide now.

High School Planning Guide

Download your free editable high school planning guide. Plan 4-years of high school with confidence. Get a category transcript, yearly transcript, university sample plans, dual enrollment colleges, and more!

Subscribe

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Built with Kit

FAQs: Homeschooling High Schoolers

Q: Is it hard to homeschool a high schooler?

A: It can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With the right resources and mindset, many parents find it becomes easier over time.

Q: How do I issue a diploma as a homeschool parent?

A: As the administrator of your homeschool, you have the right to issue a diploma. It’s all about documenting the work on a transcript which validates the diploma.

Q: What if my teen wants to go back to public school?

A: That’s a valid concern. If it happens, work with the school to transfer credits and ensure a smooth transition. Keep detailed records just in case.

Q: Do colleges accept homeschoolers?

A: Yes, many colleges actively recruit homeschoolers and often view them as independent, motivated learners. Make sure your teen has a strong transcript and, if applicable, test scores or portfolios to showcase their work. Speak with the colleges to find out what they require for enrollment.

Q: Can my teen still do sports and extracurriculars?

A: Absolutely. Many homeschoolers participate in community leagues, private classes, and local clubs. Some states even allow homeschoolers to join public school teams.

Giveaway ends February 5th at 19:59pm ET.  Winners will be drawn and emailed the following day. The winners will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim the prize.  By entering this giveaway you will be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers. (you may cancel at any time) You must live in the United States or Canada to be eligible to win. 

The post Essential Tips For Homeschooling High Schoolers appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Karen Swallow Prior’s On Reading Well is basically a permission slip to stop treating books like “content” you consume and start treating them like mentors you keep. It’s warm, smart, and surprisingly practical—like having a thoughtful professor friend who also understands you have laundry in the dryer and a kid asking for a snack right now.

You don’t have to be an English major to enjoy this. You just need to be someone who wants to read with a little more purpose.

The skills required to read well are no great mystery. Reading well is, well, simple (if not easy).

Author: Karen Swallow Prior

Genre: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Books & Reading

Recommend: Yes

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Overview On Reading Well

On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books explores how classic literature can shape virtue and character. Prior pairs a selection of great books with specific virtues (like courage, humility, perseverance, and love), showing how stories train our hearts and minds in ways a checklist never will.

It’s part literary guide, part spiritual formation, part gentle nudge to pick up better books and let them work on you.

Summary

On Reading Well is organized around virtues, and each virtue is connected to a classic work of literature. Prior explains why that virtue matters, how the story illustrates it, and how reading that kind of story can shape the reader over time.

This isn’t a dry literature lecture. It’s more like: “Here’s what this story reveals about being a good person—and here’s how it can form you if you let it.” She blends literary insight, personal reflection, and Christian worldview without turning the whole thing into a sermon with footnotes.

Key Themes

• Virtue is formed, not downloaded: Stories don’t just entertain, they train our instincts and imagination toward the good.
• The moral life is complex: Literature helps you wrestle with messy human motives and real-world consequences.
• Reading as discipleship of the imagination: If you’re a Christian reader, Prior makes a strong case that what you read shapes what you love—and what you love shapes how you live.
• Slow reading is a rebellious act: In a world of scrolling, demand a book that demands of you.

Who Should Read On Reading Well

Readers who love books and want their reading life to mean something beyond skimming the page and reading quickly.

Homeschool parents and teachers who want a virtue-based way to choose classics (and explain why they matter).

Anyone building a personal reading list and looking for guidance without feeling talked down to.

If you hate classics, this might not convert you overnight, but it will at least make you understand why people keep recommending them like they’re sourdough starter.

If I was rating this book like a movie, I’d give it a PG rating. It’s thoughtful, faith-forward, and literature-focused. The book discusses classic novels that may include heavier themes (because humans have always been a mess), but Prior handles everything with maturity and care.

Final Verdict On Reading Well

On Reading Well is the kind of book that makes you want to clear a spot on the couch, make coffee, and read like your soul depends on it, because Prior makes a convincing case that, in a way, it does.

I like this book. However, I didn’t agree with all her conclusions on morality, but we don’t have to in order to enjoy the book and get something out of it.

This would be great for a book club or for your homeschool high school. It is a book that requires conversation, so if you are going to recommend it for your homeschool students, read it with them so you can discuss and get the most out of it.

This book is inspiring without being cheesy, intelligent without being snobby, and it might just change what ends up on your nightstand next.

The post On Reading Well: A Book Review appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Can you actually work from home for mom and homeschool six kids? How is that even possible? Won’t everyone demand your attention at the same time—kids, clients, curriculum, laundry, and the random crisis of the day? Is it truly possible to build a business and homeschool without completely losing your mind?

Work from home for mom brings up a lot of questions and doubts. These were my exact questions that kept me awake when I started my virtual assistant business many, many years ago. At the time, I was juggling babies, bills, and big dreams. Now, over a decade later, I run two businesses (because apparently one wasn’t enough), homeschool five of my six kids, and still occasionally wonder if I’m a genius or slightly unhinged. Possibly both.

However, here’s what I’ve learned along the way: it is possible to work from home and homeschool. It isn’t effortless. It isn’t picture-perfect. But it is absolutely doable—and it can even be deeply rewarding.

Let me tell you how I got here and what has actually made it happen for work from home for mom.

From Corporate Life to Mom Entrepreneur

If you had asked me fifteen or twenty years ago what my life would look like today, I would not have described this. Back then, I was commuting into Manhattan, pregnant with our second child (while already knowing there would be a third), and living the fast-paced corporate life.

I probably would have imagined myself teaching three kids how to navigate the New York City subway while still working in high-powered suits on Broadway.

That was our reality. Long commutes. Expensive rent. Two working parents. A growing family. And an ache in my heart that I didn’t quite know how to name.

Although I appreciated the opportunities, I didn’t love being away from my kids. I wanted to be present for milestones. I wanted to shape their education. I wanted to build a life that aligned with our family’s values. Yet at the time, I could not see a way out. New York is as expensive as everyone says, and walking away from a steady income did not seem like a realistic option.

Eventually, however, life shifted. We moved away from the city, and when my oldest approached school age, the homeschooling conversation became real. I was homeschooled from fifth grade through high school, and it was a very good experience. I wanted to give that same opportunity to my children. My goal was to homeschool by middle school. Fast forward a few years—just a few, because I refuse to acknowledge how quickly time moves—and that goal became our reality.

Still, one enormous question remained: how would we afford it?

The Plot Twist I Didn’t Plan: Work from Home for Mom

For a while, I continued working. My income contributed significantly to our household budget, and walking away wouldn’t have worked. Then we moved west for another job opportunity and bought our first home. For the first time, we had more rooms than children. So naturally, we added another baby to the mix.

Shortly after baby number four turned sixteen months old, I was laid off. In one moment, my job disappeared. The childcare that came with it disappeared. Half of our income disappeared.

We were handed lemons. And yes, I briefly considered whether to make lemonade or freeze them for and throw them at the people responsible. Instead, I leaned into something I had quietly dreamed about for years. I started my virtual assistant business.

 I stepped into entrepreneurship. I became what I now call an accidental momtrepreneur.

At first, it felt terrifying. However, it also felt freeing. I could be home. I could homeschool. I could build something of my own. I could be the queen of my schedule, which is the best work from home for mom benefit.

How Do You Actually Work and Homeschool?

Over the years, I have learned that success in this life does not come from superhuman stamina. Instead, it comes from intentional choices. While there are many strategies that help, three core principles have made the biggest difference.

1. Let go of the perfect so you can embrace the good

Let go of the idea of perfect.

Moms tend to carry an invisible checklist of expectations. The house should be guest-ready. Meals should be balanced and homemade. School should run smoothly. Business tasks should be completed flawlessly. Social media should look curated. And of course, everyone should be smiling.

However, when you have multiple children and a business, perfection is not realistic. If you chase it, you will exhaust yourself.

Instead, I have learned to aim for good. Some days dinner is frozen pizza, and no one is emotionally scarred by it. Some days math takes longer than expected, and we adjust. Some weeks my business grows rapidly; other weeks it maintains steady momentum.

And not every subject needs mastery at the same intensity. Yes, academics matter. Yet education is about equipping our kids for life, not forcing them to memorize information they will never use.

I often remind myself that I am relearning concepts alongside my children because I forgot them

years ago. That realization alone proves that not every detail needs lifelong retention.

When you let go of perfect, you create space for peace. You also model resilience and adaptability for your children.

It is about finding that work life balance.

Not the perfectly balanced zen rocks, but the balance that comes from walking a tightrope that is work from home for mom.

2. Build a flexible routine and protect it

You need a routine. Not a rigid, minute-by-minute prison schedule. Instead, you need a structured rhythm that sets expectations. If you don’t know where to start, then start with a morning routine.

A routine creates predictability. It helps your kids grow into independent learners. It allows you to carve out focused work time. Without structure, everyone will wander into your office at random intervals, and you will feel like you are putting out fires all day.

In our home, we establish clear start times for schoolwork. The kids know that once breakfast is over, their responsibilities begin. They also know that while they can take reasonable breaks, school must be completed before they move on to other activities.

Likewise, I establish working hours. My kids know when I am available and when I am not. Although work from home for mom happens in the same space as school, so it does get a little hectic. The important part of establishing work hours is that I have an end time. There is a clear time that I walk away from work. It is too easy to keep working because everything is right there.

A flexible routine does not eliminate chaos, but it dramatically reduces it.

3. Stop believing work and homeschool are in conflict

Work and homeschool don’t have to be in conflict. Many moms feel constant guilt when balancing work and homeschooling. On one hand, you want to be fully present for your kids. On the other hand, you feel need to contribute financially.

However, these roles do not have to compete. In fact, they can complement each other.

Your children see you building something meaningful. They observe discipline, creativity, and perseverance. They learn that adults continue growing and working toward goals. Meanwhile, your business supports your family’s educational freedom.

Success does not have to mean a larger house or a luxury car. Instead, you can define success as flexible time, strong relationships, and the ability to guide your children’s education intentionally.

When you redefine success, the guilt begins to fade.

The Reality Check of Work from Home for Mom

Let me be honest: this life is not easy. I still have days when I question my choices. I still occasionally calculate what vacations we might afford if we were not purchasing curriculum or investing in business tools.

There are days when clients require extra attention and my patience feels thin. There are moments when I wish I could simply clock out and rest.

Yet despite the challenges, I would not trade this life. I have front-row seats to my children’s growth. I know their strengths and struggles. I get to watch them dive deeply into interests that traditional school schedules might not allow.

Why Work from Home for Mom Is Worth It

Although the path is demanding, the rewards are rich. Our relationships are strong. Communication flows more easily. The teenage years, while not without normal challenges, have not been nearly as dramatic as they could be. Because we spend time together consistently, we address issues early and reason through them thoughtfully.

Moreover, I have grown personally. Entrepreneurship has stretched me. Homeschooling has humbled me. Together, they have shaped a life that aligns with my best unimagined life.

Conclusion: Yes, It Is Possible to Work from Home for Mom

Working from home while homeschooling multiple children is not a casual hobby. It requires intention, structure, and a willingness to release perfection. It demands flexibility and grit. Some days feel overwhelming. Some seasons require adjustment.

However, it is absolutely possible.

If you let go of unrealistic expectations, build a rhythm that supports independence, and redefine success on your own terms, you can create a life that supports both your family and your ambitions.

It will not look like anyone else’s version. And that is exactly the point.

Frequently Asked Questions: Work from Home for Mom

Q: Can you realistically homeschool and work full time?

A: Yes, but it depends on structure and expectations. Clear work hours, independent learning habits, and simplified home management systems make it sustainable. You may need to start part-time and scale gradually.

Q: What if my kids constantly interrupt me while I work?

A: Interruptions decrease when expectations are consistent. Teach your children when you are available and when you are not. Start with short focused work blocks and build from there.

Q: How many hours a day does homeschooling actually take?

A: It varies by age. Younger children often complete formal academics in one to two hours. Older students require more time, but not all of it needs direct instruction from you.

Q: What about burnout?

Burnout happens when you never stop. Schedule an end time for your workday. Protect rest. Simplify curriculum. Say no to unnecessary commitments.

Q: What is the most important mindset shift?

Release perfection. Embrace good progress. Define success based on your family’s priorities rather than outside expectations.

The post It’s A Homeschooling And Work From Home For Mom Life appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated for my time to review and write about Beautiful Feet homeschool art appreciation curriculum. All opinions are always my own. Thank you to Beautiful Feet for sponsoring this post. For more information on sponsored posts, see my disclosure.

Art is one of the subjects that we like the idea of adding it to our homeschool curriculum, but we feel a little intimidated by it. Especially, if you don’t feel artsy. This great idea slowly starts to move to the back burner.

We know all the core subjects we need to teach, but art starts to feel like a subject that you can get to another day. Homeschool art appreciation curriculum is always a good idea, but how to you find the time between algebra, writing, science, laundry, dinner, and working from home.

If you are feeling all the feelings about art, but still avoiding, then I want to let you in on a little secret. Beautiful Feet Art Appreciation is exactly what you need.

This is a homeschool art appreciation curriculum designed for 5th through 12th grade students, that means the whole family can participate and that is always a win in my book. The study includes lessons on famous artists, art history, visual culture, guided art observation, hands-on projects, and optional art activities. This homeschool art appreciation curriculum gives your kids the skills to recognize the works of famous artists, speak thoughtfully about art, and discover their own creative abilities.

What Is Included in Art Appreciation: A Family Study

Beautiful Feet homeschool art appreciation curriculum was built for flexibility. The set includes an Art Appreciation Teacher Guide, Book of Artists, Art Notebook, Art Card Pack with 36 cards, and a downloadable resource packet accessed through a QR code in the teacher guide. It is designed as an elective for 5th–12th grade with 64 lessons, paced at one lesson per week for a two-year study.

But it can still be used with younger kids. For your younger students the goal is exposure instead of mastery.

I really that is it easy to use for all grades. And if you are using it with younger kids, you can use it again as they get older. You can invite your kids into a deeper study of art.

The homeschool art appreciation curriculum brings together artist study, art appreciation, art history, observation, discussion, and creative application. And the art projects are pretty easy to do. There aren’t any weird supplies required.

Homeschool Art Appreciation Curriculum for the Whole Family: How that Works

When you have kids that span from kindergarten through college age, the age gap can seem like a deep chasm. You check off something you did with the older kids, only to add it to your list again for the younger group.

Finding a curriculum that bridges this gap is a sigh of relief. You can do this with everyone at the same time.

For high school students needing credit for their transcript, they will need to complete most of the assignments. With the younger students focus on the read and discuss. Yes, there will be more mature content as art is studied, this can’t be avoided, but it is labeled as advanced in the teacher guide. So you know when it is coming and how to handle the topic with your kids.

What I Like About This Art Study

One of my favorite parts about Beautiful Feet homeschool art appreciation curriculum is that it is designed for the whole family. Family-style learning, especially for a subject like art, makes the subject more fun and homeschool life easier. Any time I can teach multiple kids at once, I consider that a win worthy of coffee and maybe chocolate.

This is especially helpful for art because you do not need six different levels of curriculum spread across the kitchen table. You can gather your kids together, talk about the same artist, look at the same art cards, and then adjust the discussion or project expectations based on age and ability.

I also like that it includes the actual tools you need to make the subject feel rich without making mom do all the heavy lifting. The art cards are my favorite because it makes the art more visual. They can see it up close and really study the pieces. The cards are also very sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about them getting easily destroyed.

The notebook is another strong point. Having students respond to what they are seeing, thinking, and learning gives the study more weight. It moves art from that was pretty to I can observe, compare, think, and explain what I notice.

Why This Works for Homeschool Families

One of the biggest struggles with homeschool electives is figuring out how much structure is enough. Too little structure and the subject disappears by October. Too much structure and suddenly art appreciation feels like you accidentally signed up for an unpaid college seminar.

This study seems to land in a good middle place. It gives you a plan, but it also includes optional activities, which means you can adjust based on your season. If you have more time, do the hands-on projects. If your week has gone completely off the rails, read the lesson, discuss the art, and call it a day.

That kind of flexibility matters. We need curriculum that bends without breaking because life is going to happen. Your curriculum needs to work with real life.

Final Thoughts on Art Appreciation: A Family Study

Beautiful Feet homeschool art appreciation curriculum is a beautiful and practical way to add art to your homeschool. I like that it is family-style, flexible, visually rich, and structured enough that you aren’t wondering what you are supposed to do.

This study gives homeschool families a way to explore artists, art history, and creativity without needing to be experts first. You can teach art without being an artist.

If you are looking for a resource that helps give your kids a rich education without losing your sanity in the process, then check out Beautiful Feet Art Appreciation: A Family Study.

The post Review Of Beautiful Feet Homeschool Art Appreciation Curriculum appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

One question I see asked a lot from homeschool moms is how do I create motivated learners?

This is one of the biggest struggles in homeschool. Or at least it can feel like it. I confess, I’ve never struggled with motivating my kids to learn. And I am going to let you in on the secret sauce. This post is all about creating motivated learners.

Getting my kids to learn and do their schoolwork hasn’t been a struggle. Yes, sometimes things haven’t been done with excellence or to the level of excellence I expect. But I never felt like I was struggling to get them to do their schoolwork.

So let’s talk about how to create motivated learners. It is possible, and I want to help you take the struggle out of homeschooling.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

What is a Motivated Learner

Before we dive into the nitty gritty of learning, let’s define what a motivated learner looks like.

A motivated learner is a child who will finish his work without a lot of reminders from mom. This is age dependent.

Your homeschool day isn’t full of struggle, intense discussions on getting it done, and your time isn’t spent talking your kids into doing their schoolwork.

Mom, it is possible to have a stress free homeschool day.

Now, don’t get me wrong. All our days aren’t stress free, but most of them are. It is possible to create motivated learners for a mostly stress free homeschool day.

Understand Motivation to Create a Motivated Learner

In order to understand how to create motivated learners, we need to know what motivation is, and the different ways our kids are motivated.

Motivation is the desire to fulfill a goal. Now, you know I’m not a fan of SMART goals, so we aren’t talking goals like that. But a goal as an end result. It is one of the driving forces behind our behavior.

Motivation is either extrinsic, inspired by an outside force. Or intrinsic, inspired from within.

In my homeschool, I have a mix of motivations. The boys are usually motivated by an outside force. My oldest daughter is intrinsically motivated. We tell her to slow down more than to speed up.

How are your kids motivated? Observe how they accomplish goals. Distinguish between what they need to do and what is important to them. The motivation is different in each case.

Get a Curriculum They Like

Curriculum plays an important role in motivated learners. Your kids aren’t not going to be in love with all curricula, but there will be some that they prefer over others. Whether it is a homeschool all in one or you piece it together. Try to give them a curriculum they will like.

This will not be perfect, so set realistic expectations. A curriculum they don’t dread is a good enough goal for your curriculum choices.

If your kids dread the curriculum they are using, then every day is going to be frustrating for all of you. If you dread the curriculum they are using, then you will be frustrated too.

Also, keep this in mind. Just because you like a curriculum doesn’t me it fits their learning style. And the curriculum you dislike may be the perfect fit.

My daughter has begged me not to change her curriculum. She uses Abeka Academy, and always has. Here’s the thing, when I was homeschooled and I used Abeka Math, I swore to myself that I would never use it again. I did not like it at all…and now I use it for my kids.

Ditch Perfection

If you spend any time on social media, then you see the posts of the ideal homeschool. We all post them. It’s ok because we have some days like that. But not every day is like it.

We are going to have bad days, frustrating days, and days we just need to take a break. That is the entire reality of homeschooling. Ditch your ideas of the perfect homeschool day. It doesn’t exist and you won’t attain it.

You want to give your kids the best education and you can. Sometimes kids need deadlines. Yes, depending on the age, it is a life skill to teach your kids how to meet deadlines. A free flowing schedule is not going to encourage motivated learning. Or teach them important life skills.

Let me add this. I don’t think your four- or five-year-olds need to learn how to meet deadlines. Or sit at a desk for 7 hours a day. That isn’t age appropriate. But your high school student should be more than capable of meeting a deadline and finishing the tasks before him.

The perfect homeschool day doesn’t need to look like all the social media posts we see of kids splashing through the creek or climbing rocks in the woods. We have neither of those where I live, or very few.

It can be sitting at their desks finishing their workbooks because that is best for them.

I recently listened to a podcast on writing. The interviewee was talking about how the school system doesn’t encourage the creative process. The creative process involves making mistakes, but the school system only allows for one chance to take a test or write a paper, and that’s it. However, the writing process is all about being able to get something wrong and change it.

Mom, this is the greatest gift we can give to our kids. Things don’t have to be perfect, even with their schoolwork. We get the opportunity to take steps in a direction and fix it later.

Ditch the idea of a perfect homeschool day or striving for your first grader to learn algebra. Teach your kids that they can make mistakes, but also how to fix them.

I might need to say this too. Obviously, this doesn’t apply to everything. There needs to be self-control and taking responsibility for stupid actions (you know, play stupid games, win stupid prizes). But academics doesn’t have to be perfect.

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Embrace Independence to Create a Motivated Learner

One of the biggest tools to create a motivated learner is to embrace independent learning. Yes, you can teach your kids to take responsibility for their schoolwork in the early grades.

Again, this is age appropriate. Start with one or two subjects that you know your child can succeed at independently. You want to encourage confidence that he can do it, so when you add the next subject, it isn’t overwhelming. Your child has learned that he can do well working independently.

My kids thrive on managing their own schedules and being responsible for their schoolwork. Our homeschool day starts with set routines. They all know that schoolwork gets done before anything else, but they get to decide which subjects and how they want to work. Math on the stairs is pretty popular in our house. I’m still trying to figure out why.

Give them age-appropriate autonomy and watch them soar.

Create a Motivated Learner by Feeding Interests

This is one of our homeschool superpowers. We can focus on interest-based learning. I still use our homeschool all in one curriculum, but I also fuel their curiosity with other learning tools.

Skillshare is probably the one tool that all my kids use when they want to learn something new. From stop motion to 3D printing to photography and bookkeeping. They all use these classes to learn something new.

Homeschooling online gives you the freedom, if you don’t have the knowledge, for your kids to explore more. Spark their curiosity and feed their interest. They will be motivated learners.

Unrealistic and Clear Expectations

I see a lot of parents frustrated with homeschool. And I get it, things aren’t going as planned. But here’s the thing, sometimes your expectations are unrealistic, or they aren’t clear.

If your 5-year-old has no interest in school and really doesn’t want to learn. You are getting frustrated with this. You start to think homeschooling will never work if it is like this. Reset your expectations. It is normal for 5-year-olds to show no interest in school, especially boys. All my kids fought me at this age. After 6 kids, I learned to just stop.

There is a lot of maturing that happens between 5 and 6. If your young child is fighting you on it, then just wait until 6. I promise, you will thank me for it.

This is just one example of unrealistic expectations. Think of a struggle or frustration you are experiencing. Are your expectations realistic?

Sometimes we expect our kids to do something or act a certain way, but we haven’t actually told them this is what we expect. That can be very frustrating for everyone.

My kids know I expect an 80% on their schoolwork. They also know that they will keep working on the problems until they are successful. This is very clear to them, and I don’t get too much complaining when they have to go back and redo something. They know. It isn’t a surprise.

Do your kids clearly know what you expect? A morning routine really helps to set your expectations for the day.

Empower Your Homeschool Journey: Create a Motivated Learner

Creating a motivated learner is an ongoing process. Every year brings a new season that you need to adapt to. But this is all part of the growth process for you and your kids.

Curriculum plays one of the most important role in whether your kids are motivated to learn. I invite you to grab a copy of The Momtrepreneur’s Guide to Curriculum, 2nd edition: Over 60 Pages of Sanity Saving Tips. I’ve bought a lot of curricula over the years (like a lot, I homeschool 6 kids), and this is the good, the bad, and the ugly on curriculum.

FAQs for Creating a Motivated Learner

Q: How do I keep my child motivated if they lose interest?

A: If your child loses interest, try to reconnect with their interests, or change the curriculum. Sometimes a change of pace or subject can reignite their enthusiasm.

Q: What if my child resists independent learning?

A: Gradually introduce independent learning by offering choices and empowering them with small responsibilities. Start with short, manageable tasks and build up as they gain confidence.

Q: How can I set clear expectations for the day?

A: Creating routines will help to set your day on autopilot, so your kids know what to do, and you keep your sanity. Routines put mundane tasks on autopilot, so you aren’t being peppered with constant questions about when to eat lunch.

Q: What resources are best for promoting independent learning?

A: All in one curriculum is create resource to encourage independent learning. Everything is planned for you, and your kids can open the box and run.

The post Discover The Secret Sauce To Create Motivated Learners appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

You can homeschool, work, and eat in as small space. It just takes a little imagination to organize a small space.

Your home is both a living space and a learning space, the line between chaos and calm gets blurry really fast. Whether you have a dedicated homeschool room or you are making magic happen in the corner of your kitchen, you can absolutely create a space that works. You can organize a small space to work for you.

If you are buying the same book twice because you can’t find it, or the quiz book disappears for months like it joined witness protection, then it is time to organize your small space. Your homeschool space should work for functionality, flexibility, and peace of mind.

The good news? You don’t need a bigger house. You just need a few genius strategies to organize a small space.

Organize Your Small Space by Creating Zones

Small spaces feel chaotic because everything is happening everywhere all at once.

When work, school, meals, laundry, and life overlap in the same square footage, it overwhelms your brain. The visual clutter turns into mental clutter. Supplies migrate. Papers multiply like rabbits. And before long, irritation levels rise for everyone involved.

A disorganized space doesn’t just look messy. It increases friction. If books are always missing or the table is too cluttered to work, frustration builds quickly. Even in a large space, disorganization creates tension. In a small one, it magnifies it.

Instead of wishing for more square footage, we need clearer boundaries.

Creating zones will help organize a small space, minimize the clutter, and keep mom from overwhelm. A zone is simply a clearly defined purpose for a specific area, even if that area is three feet wide.

When you assign purpose to space, your brain relaxes. Kids also thrive when they know exactly where things happen. Suddenly, you are not constantly redirecting. The environment does some of that work for you.

In other words, zones create calm without construction.

You can use a small rug to define a reading corner. Position a desk facing the wall to reduce distractions. You can use a bookshelf as a divider or even hang a curtain to create needed separation.

A lamp on your work desk signals mom’s office. A basket beside the couch signals read aloud space. These subtle cues train your family to shift mentally when they move physically.

Consequently, the space begins to feel intentional instead of accidental.

And, mom, you need one area that remains yours. That you can put something down and know that it will be there when you get back. This is going to protect your sanity. My kids aren’t allowed to take anything off my desk. And that means anything. Need a pen? Not from mom’s desk. Need paper? Not from mom’s desk. This one little thing saves my sanity every day. I hate searching for pens.

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The Only Things You Really Need—Bookshelf and Storage

Your homeschool space doesn’t need to be Pinterest worthy. I know, some of those homeschool rooms even make me jealous they are so cute, but we have to work with the space we have. Instead of pining for the cute matching furniture, take a step back, evaluate your space, and just get a bookshelf and storage bins.

There are so many ways to use a bookshelf to organize a small space. You can give each child a shelf and that is where all the school books go. Or you can designate each shelf by subject—art supplies go on the bottom shelf, read aloud books on the next one, math books on the next one, etc.

One of my favorite organizational tools that I use with my bookshelf are magazine holders. You can organize the curriculum in them, label the front, and they keep your shelf looking neat. This is a great way to organize a small space, especially if you are homeschooling multiple kids.

Storage bins are another must have for homeschool organization because you need a place to put everything when you are done. If you are saving curriculum to use again, then you need to keep it organized but out of the way when you aren’t using it. Keep each bin to one grade level (don’t mix the grades), and then label the bin. You will thank me.

It is easy for us to get stuck in the mindset of wanting everything to be perfect. This is for our kids, and we want to give them the best. But the best thing you can give to your kids is your time and influence. You don’t need to give them the perfect homeschool room, you just need to give them you.

Your homeschool space doesn’t need to be Pinterest worthy. It needs to be practical.

Instead of chasing matching furniture, step back and evaluate what actually supports your day.

Simple storage reduces daily decision fatigue.

Organize a Small Space by Having A Place for Everything

Homeschooling multiple grades means you have a lot of curriculum. And you need a defined home for every item.

Whether everyone has their own desk or you are using a bookshelf or even a China cabinet as storage, the principle remains the same: give everything a place to live.

When items have designated homes, your family develops automatic habits. You stop thinking about where something goes. You simply return it. This frees up valuable brain space.

And as a mom running a business and teaching kids, you need all the brain space you can get.

Out with the Old and in with the New

When we first started homeschooling, I saved everything. I put curriculum in bins in the basement, fully convinced I would reuse it. Then I forgot what I had.

More often than not, the next child needed something different. The old materials became clutter instead of savings.

Evaluate honestly. If you will not use it, sell it, donate it, or pass it along. If you store it, label it clearly and separate it by grade.

The same rule applies to supplies. Toss the tiny pencils, dried-out markers, and scraps of paper. They are not memories. They are mess.

Simplicity strengthens organization. Fewer items mean fewer frustrations.

Organize a Small Space, Avoid These Mistakes

One of the biggest organizing traps is trying to recreate a traditional school classroom in your home. Your homeschool space does not need bulletin boards on every wall or rows of desks to be effective.

What it actually needs is functionality. Keep it simple and let the space serve your family instead of impressing Pinterest.

Another common mistake is overbuying organizing products. More bins and baskets will not fix a system that is unclear. Before you buy anything, decide exactly where items will live and how they will be used. Most of the time, you can repurpose what you already have. Buy solutions, not aesthetics.

Finally, small spaces require bold editing. If something has not been used for a while, it is time to question whether it deserves shelf space. Regularly editing your materials keeps your homeschool area functional, flexible, and breathable instead of cluttered and overwhelming.

Conclusion: Organize a Small Space That Works

You do not need a picture-perfect homeschool room. You need a space that supports your real life.

The best homeschool spaces are not the ones that impress visitors. They are the ones that reduce daily friction. They make it easy to find the quiz books, and they prevent tears over missing pencils.

Perfection is unnecessary. Function is powerful.

You do not need to give your kids a perfect room. You need to give them your presence, your time, and a space that works for your family.

FAQ: Organize a Small Space

Q: How do I organize a small homeschool space with multiple kids?

A: Assign each child a defined shelf, bin, or container and label it clearly. Ownership reduces confusion and arguments.

Q: What if I only have a kitchen table?

A: Use containers or caddies that can be placed on the table during school time and stored away afterward. The key is consistency.

Q: Should I save old curriculum?

A: Only if you have a clear plan to reuse it. Otherwise, sell or donate it to reduce clutter.

Q: How often should I declutter my homeschool space?

A: Do a quick edit weekly and a deeper purge at the end of each semester.

Q: What is the most important organizing principle?

A: Give everything a designated home and build habits around returning it there.

The post Genius Ways To Organize A Small Space: Working And Homeschooling appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Mom, we are the unicorns in the homeschool world, or maybe not so much anymore. But it can feel like no one else knows what our homeschool day is like.

The key to a successful homeschool day is to plan in such a way that you can set your day on autopilot, and it doesn’t require too much intervention from you. Yes, it is possible.

I am a major advocate for creating routines. From morning routines to workout routines. You can create a routine that works for everyone.

When it comes to time management for moms who work from home, I know there are a lot of gurus giving advice. Time blocking, scheduling every minute of your day, time budget, and anything else you can come up with.

If one of these systems works for you, then keep at it. But if nothing is working for you and your frustration is threatening to spill over. Then take a deep breath and let’s plan a homeschool day that works for you…not the gurus.

This post is going to unlock the secret to planning your homeschool day.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Consider the Season You are in

This is the most important thing to consider when you plan your homeschool day. Are you in a busy season? Did you just have a baby? Is your baby a high needs baby? Do you have a toddler running around? What does your work schedule look like?

If you are in a busy season or working from home with a newborn, then plan a lighter homeschool day. It is ok to pick the easy homeschool curriculum for a season. Your first grader doesn’t need to learn algebra right now.

My homeschool days have looked different each year. Yes, there are similarities, but each year brings distinct changes. I’ve made adjustments for newborns. Or kids getting jobs and needing to drive them to work. Adjustments had to be made for college schedules. Things are always going to change.

What season are you in?

Start Your Homeschool Day with a Morning Routine

I know you want to take on the world and conquer it, but that usually leads to feelings of overwhelm, and then feeling like a failure because you didn’t accomplish what you set out to do. Sound familiar to anyone other than me?

Start small and start with creating a morning routine. It is the easiest time of day to create a routine because you are doing the same things every morning.

Creating a routine will set your day on autopilot. Your kids will know what to do, and you get to keep your sanity.

Fit in Work and Schoolwork in Your Homeschool Day

Teach your kids to be independent learners. This helps to juggle schoolwork and work. It also gives them the tools they need to be successful in life. We can’t know everything, and we can’t teach them everything. But we can show them how to find the answer to their questions.

Teach them that they can learn anything from a book. This can happen even if you have a reluctant reader.

Use a homeschool all in one curriculum. There are several choices out there. We use Abeka. Everything is scheduled for you and the kids can easily pick it up and run with it.

Have office hours. Yes, it isn’t easy to work and homeschool, but it can be done. Put boundaries on yourself and clients. If you can’t hang a physical close sign on your office, then you need to hang a mental one.

The only way to work and homeschool well is to create boundaries, teach your kids to learn independently, and create routines around work and school.

They Want to Eat Again

We eat more as homeschoolers and work from home moms because we are home, and everything is available. Feeding them can feel like a momentous act. Once again, we create a routine around food.

In our house, we don’t snack all day. We do have set times to eat, so they don’t keep asking me if they can eat. It is easier to just say you can get lunch at noon every day.

I have a first litter and a second litter. The first litter gets the second litter lunch. They each have one kid they make lunch for. This empowers them to be independent in the kitchen and helps to manage the mealtimes.

Take a Break in Your Homeschool Day

Rest is fundamental for your mental self-care. Moms, we are very good at doing the next thing. It needs to get done. If we don’t do it, who will?

You need to take a break during the day. Build it into your schedule. Find the pocket of time in the margin of your day to rest. I’m not talking about hours or anything like that. Grab 15 minutes to sit quietly in your rocking chair and drink coffee. Or take a walk and listen to a book.

Whatever gives you a moment of rest and quiet, do that. Here’s the thing. When you give your brain a chance to slow down and take a break, you will come up with new ideas and creative solutions to problems.

Some of my best ideas come from taking a walk. Make sure you can write them down when they come to you.

Sample Homeschool Day

Here’s what a day looks like for working from home and homeschooling. For the kids and for me.

Morning

For mom

Wake up at 5am so I am up before the kids. This wake-up time is flexible. I may hit snooze.

Work on my blog. I have a to do list of what to get done in this time period.

Start on client work. I usually do this for an hour and a half.

Kids get up. Mom does her workout routine and gets ready for the day.

Mom gets breakfast.

Continues with client work.

For kids

Wake up at 8am.

Make beds

Eat breakfast

Brush teeth

Start schoolwork. Everyone starts independently from the first grader to the 12th grader. They all know what to do and are expected to self-start. The first grader gets some help from his big sister. The kids can do their schoolwork in whatever order they want. They have a list of what needs to get done each day. So expectations are very clear for schoolwork.

They do schoolwork until it is finished.

Afternoon

Kids get lunch

Mom grabs something

Continues working with clients

Littlest one goes down for nap time

Kids get electronic time (at the moment they get 2 hours)

They can watch YouTube on Wednesdays only

Play outside, read books, run errands

Wrap up client work around 3pm

Work on blog or creating journals

Mom takes a break

Depending on the day, kids or mom get dinner started

Evening

Eat dinner as a family

Start the bedtime routine

Read and relax until lights out

Conclusion: Finding Balance and Embracing Flexibility in Your Homeschool Day

Balancing work and homeschooling is a continuous learning process. And a flexible one. Just when you think you’ve found the perfect routine, something changes it. Seasons change. Plan your homeschool day around the season you are in.

Want more personalized help delivered right to your inbox? Grab your copy of the Rebel Mom Checklist and join the movement.

FAQs for Your Homeschool Day

Q: How do you manage interruptions from kids during work hours?

A: Setting clear boundaries and having a dedicated workspace helps manage interruptions. Homeschool and work in the same space, so you are available to your kids and they know when to interrupt. It is ok to tell your kids to wait until you finished a task.

Q: What tools do you use to plan your day?

A: Planners and to-do lists help me organize my day. However, I do not use planners with times listed on them.

Q: How do you handle days when things don’t go as planned?

A: Flexibility is key. Adapting the routine and prioritizing tasks helps manage unexpected changes. Life happens. Routines keep things flexible.

Q: What are some tips for staying productive while homeschooling and working from home?

A: Creating a routine, setting clear expectations for the kids, and using productivity tools are vital. Taking regular breaks and maintaining a healthy work-life balance also boosts productivity.

Q: How do you ensure your kids stay engaged in their learning activities?

A: Using curriculum that matches their learning styles. Introducing them to new ideas.

The post What A Homeschool Day Looks Like For A Work From Home Mom appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Till We Have Faces is C.S. Lewis’s retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth, but this is not a light, whimsical fairy tale. This has been widely regarded as one of his most important works. He also thought of it as one of his best pieces of writing, but commercially it was a disaster.

I saw well why the gods do not speak to us openly.

Author: C.S. Lewis

Genre: Fiction, Myth Retelling, Christian Allegory

Recommend: Yes (but for book club)

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Overview: Till We Have Faces

Lewis considered this one of his best pieces of writing. It is dense, reflective, and asks uncomfortable questions about love, jealousy, faith, and what it really means to see clearly.

This is not The Chronicles of Narnia. There are no wardrobes or friendly fauns. Instead, there is longing, bitterness, envy, and betrayal in Till We Have Faces.

Summary

The story is told from the perspective of Orual, the ugly and fiercely intelligent daughter of a barbaric king. She loves her beautiful half-sister Psyche more than anything in the world.

When Psyche is sacrificed to appease the gods, Orual is devastated, until she discovers Psyche is alive and living in what she claims is a magnificent palace given to her by a god-husband she cannot see.

Here is the catch: Orual cannot see the palace.

Psyche insists it is real. Orual sees only wilderness.

What follows is not just a battle between sisters, but a battle between sight and blindness, love and possession, faith and control. Orual demands proof. Psyche offers trust. And the consequences are devastating.

The entire novel unfolds as Orual’s written complaint against the gods, and her story of ruling the kingdom.

Key Themes of Till We Have Faces

• Love vs. Possession: Lewis dismantles the idea that all love is pure. Orual loves Psyche deeply, but her love is tangled with control, jealousy, and fear.
• The masks we wear: Orual veils her face for much of her life. The title hints at something deeper: we cannot truly meet the divine until we know who we are. We must have faces before we can speak honestly.
• Complaint against the gods: Orual rages, question, and accuses. But in doing so, we see how limited human perspective can be.

Who Should Read This Book

This is for readers who love layered storytelling and do not mind a weird story. If you enjoy philosophical fiction that wrestles with faith and identity, this is for you.

Fans of myth retellings will appreciate the depth. If you are looking for a cozy, quick read, this is not it. If you are ready to underline half the book and stare at the ceiling afterward, welcome.

If I were rating this like a movie, I would call it PG-13. There is pagan sacrifice, references to marriage and devotion to a god, and emotional intensity throughout. Nothing graphic, but the themes are mature and weighty.

Final Verdict on Till We Have Faces

I admit I didn’t really enjoy this book. Greek mythology is not something that I enjoy, and I didn’t think the storytelling was well done. The retelling of Cupid and Psyche was a subplot instead of the main plot. I understand why it wasn’t a commercial success, but I rarely read a book that I regret. There have been a few, but for the most part there is always something to be gained.

Till We Have Faces is a book I would recommend for a book club because it is all about the conversation and there is definitely a lot to talk about.

This is not a book you breeze through. I would not call this an easy read.

Bottom line: If you like Greek mythology, then you will probably enjoy this book. If you need your next book club read, then I would recommend this one. If you’re looking for a book to chill with, then skip this one.

The post Till We Have Faces By C.S. Lewis appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Homeschool math curriculums can cause you to question all of your life choices. Or at least questions your ability to homeschool well.

Whether you are a math genius or feeling like you are just scrapping by let’s talk homeschool math curriculums. I confess this is not my favorite subject, especially as I get into the older grades and I can’t remember anything. But math is necessary, and so we need to do it.

On of the best things about homeschooling is that we get to tailor curriculum for our individual kids. One of the hardest things about homeschooling is that we get to tailor curriculum for our individual kids.

There can be a lot of trial and error to find the right curriculum for your tribe. Sometimes you can find the right curriculum right away, but other times it takes testing and sampling. You can follow all the trends, pick the homeschool math curriculums that everyone is raving about, and it just doesn’t work for you.

But here is the good news. There is homeschool math curriculums out there that will work for you. After all my years of homeschooling, we’ve tried a lot of different math programs. This post is all about the homeschool math curriculums we’ve used to help save your sanity as you pick curriculum.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Help! My Homeschool Math Curriculums are Failing Me

This happens with any subject, but I think math and science is where it happens most often. Math has a special way of making everyone cry before noon. It can become a daily battle, and you start to doubt yourself and lose your patience (let’s be real).

Math can quickly be the subject that drains your confidence and your sanity. But struggling with math doesn’t mean you’re failing. More often than not, it simply means your curriculum isn’t a good fit.

Even if it is the one everyone recommends. Singapore Math is a curriculum that I heard rave reviews about it. I have friends who use it and absolutely love it. We used it our first year of homeschooling, and I felt like I was going to meltdown. It just didn’t work for us.

There might be homeschool math curriculums that your best friend loves, and you despise with every fiber of your being. And that’s ok, we homeschool to tailor curriculum for our kids not our friends kids.

If your homeschool math curriculums are failing you, then let’s talk homeschool math curriculums that work for real families—where moms work from home, kids learn at different speeds, and sanity matters.

And, yes, you can change your homeschool curriculum mid-year.

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What Makes Homeschool Math Curriculums Sanity Saving

There are a few things that I always look for in a homeschool curriculum: easy to use, easy to be independent, and the instructions are clear. I don’t think I’m asking for a lot here.

Not all homeschool math curriculums are created equal. Some seem designed to break a parent’s spirit. Yes, I’ve used that curriculum too. But you don’t have to. Let’s avoid the frustration of picking the wrong math curriculum. Here are a few things to look for.

Make sure the instructions are in the student book or there are videos. The important thing is that kids can find the steps to the problem without asking you all the time. This also helps to teach them to be independent learners. You want the instructions student-facing.

You want to include regular reviews without drowning your kids in repetitive problems. If the review is too much it can lead to burnout and frustration on your part. Your kids got the concept last week and now they can’t do it. I was that student. There was so much repetition, I was burned out and just done.

The homeschool math curriculums should also be designed for independent learning. This is always at the top of my list. If you are homeschooling multiple grades and working from home independence is a requirement. If will also build your child’s confidence and responsibility over time.

Mastery Math vs Spiral

There are basically two methods of teaching math—mastery and spiral. Neither is inherently better, but one may work better for your kids. Or work better for one child and not for the other two…yes, that happens.

Mastery-based math focuses on one concept at a time until it sticks. Students practice a skill thoroughly before moving to the next topic.

This approach works well for kids who learn through repetition.

The spiral approach constantly reviews sold concepts while introducing new ones. Skills reappear regularly, which supports long-term retention.

This approach works well for kids who thrive off learning new concepts while reviewing old ones.

9 Homeschool Math Curriculums for Any Grade

Here are my homeschool math curriculums recommendations in no particular order.

1. Math-u-See

We have used this for lower elementary and high school. There is a video lesson and then a worksheet. The video lessons are usually very short, focusing on one concept, and the worksheets usually have 15 questions on them for the upper grades and 10 questions for the lower grades.

This is my go-to curriculum for kindergarten-2nd grade. For homeschooling kindergarten through second, I will piece the curriculum together and in 3rd grade we switch to an all in one curriculum.

Math-u-See is a mastery-based curriculum.

2. Abeka

Most of my kids have used Abeka Academy for 3rd grade and up. The math is more traditional. It will remind you of being in a classroom, but the kids learn a lot. There is always a learning curve when I switch them from Math-u-See to Abeka math. But it is one that they’ve easily overcome.

Abeka math used the spiral learning approach.

3. Mr D Math

This is one of my favorite math courses to recommend for high school math because it is online. While we haven’t used the math courses, my kids have taken other courses from Mr D Math and enjoyed them.

If you are struggling with high school math, you know because you can’t remember any of it, then check out Mr D Math.

Mr D Math is mastery-based.

4. IXL

While this isn’t a full curriculum, but designed to enhance what you are already using, it is a great way to reinforce concepts that kids can do independently. My youngest enjoys using it every day. She gets on it herself.

It isn’t always easy balancing working from home and homeschooling, IXL is a tool to help with that balance.

IXL is mostly spiral, however it is intended to be an adaptive skills-based platform, so kids can jump around various skills.

5. CTCMath

This is another online learning platform that we’ve used. I like it because kids are completely independent, and it grades for you. That is always a win.

The only drawback I found was how they teach the circumference of a circle. We ended up changing math curriculum when we reach that point. The explanations weren’t clear. What I’ve heard is that the math problems are intended to use pi beyond two decimal places. Pi was always 3.14, but I believe they use it until the sixth decimal place. This wasn’t clear in the lessons, and I was getting frustrated with it. I knew I was doing the equation correctly, but it kept saying I had the wrong answer. So we changed homeschool math curriculums.

For everything else, I really like the math curriculum and the online learning platform.

CTCmath is a mastery-paced approach. Students work through lessons at their own speed and focus on understanding concepts before proceeding.

6. Teaching Textbooks

While we’ve never used Teaching Textbooks, I have a friend who uses it and raved about, so I thought it was worth a mention. It is a math app, so it is available wherever you go. And it also keeps grades for you. That is a big win in my book. They do offer a free trial. It is always a great way to test out homeschool math curriculums.

Teaching Textbooks is a spiral-based approach. It introduces new concepts and regularly revisits old ones.

7. Saxon Math

This math has been around forever. This is what I used when I was homeschooled. In my junior year of high school, I went to the local community college and took a college-level math class. The teacher told me that I had the highest grade of the class. And I don’t even like math. But this more than prepared for college math.

On the other hand, my sister hated this math. She calls it the drill and kill because there is so much repetition in it.

I did try this for one of my kids and it wasn’t a good fit. It is one of those homeschool math curriculums that you are going to really love or really hate.

It is a rigorous curriculum, but it is very repetitive. When I used it I finally convinced my mom to let me do every other problem. And that worked.

Saxon math is also a spiral-based learning approach.

8. BJU Math

This is another math that I haven’t used, but my sister has used the online math program and liked it. It is the best of both worlds. You get the online teaching as well as the textbook.

I really like online math courses, especially for the upper grades. It is a reality that I can’t spend hours helping my kids understand concepts. It is also a reality that I don’t remember most of my high school math…I’ve never used since high school.

BJU math is more spiral-based with built-in review rather than strict mastery.

9. Life of Fred

This is a unique math program. I’ve used it to supplement some of our Algebra curriculum. My child who used it said it helped him to grasp the concepts better. It is a complete math program, I just haven’t used it that way.

The curriculum takes an informal approach and is designed to engage students in a fun narrative without repetitive drills.

If your student is struggling with traditional math curriculum, then this out of the box curriculum might be the perfect fit.

Life of Fred is mostly spiral-based.

Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Homeschool Math Curriculums

The best homeschool math curriculum is the one that fits your real life, not someone else’s Instagram homeschool.

Consider your load. Be honest about how much daily involvement you can realistically give. A curriculum that requires constant one-on-one teaching may not be sustainable long-term.

Choosing a program that supports independence can dramatically improve consistency and reduce stress.

When you’re teaching multiple kids, easy becomes paramount. Curriculums that share a similar structure across grade levels make planning easier and days smoother.

Your comfort level with math matters. A curriculum that supports you as the teacher will lead to better outcomes for everyone. It is ok to outsource subjects that you struggle to teach, don’t like to teach, or don’t have time to teach.

What’s your favorite homeschool math curriculum? Drop a comment below.

FAQs: Homeschool Math Curriculums

Q: How long should homeschool math lessons take?

A: Most math lessons should take 20–45 minutes, depending on age and focus. Longer sessions don’t always mean better learning.

Q: Is it okay to switch math curriculums mid-year?

A: Yes. If a curriculum isn’t working, switching can actually improve consistency and confidence.

Q: What if my child is behind in math?

A: Being “behind” is less important than mastering concepts. Focus on understanding rather than grade level.

Q: Can online math replace parent teaching entirely?

A: For many families, yes—especially with older students. Younger kids may still need occasional guidance.

Q: Do I need manipulatives for homeschool math?

A: Manipulatives can be helpful, especially for visual learners, but they’re not required for every child.

The post Homeschool Math Curriculums That Save Your Sanity appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom