To my darling kids, I've started this letter and re-written it more times than I can count. Probably because how I feel about ending our homeschooling journey and returning to in-person learning keeps changing. I knew that homeschooling wasn't going to be a long-term solution for our little family. But I also thought that we wouldn't send you back until the pandemic was over. Yet here we … [Read more...]
Why I Let My Kid Start a YouTube Channel
For months, my daughter asked to start her own YouTube channel. Naturally, these requests typically happened after her "tablet time" when she often watched YouTube videos and (gasp) watched kids open or play with their toys. (I know, I know; some parents absolutely abhor these videos. I used to have mixed feelings about them myself, but I came around to the idea that they could be "okay." Keep … [Read more...]
6 Tips for Creating a Learning Environment at Home
As this school year started, I saw designated learning spaces in people's homes everywhere I looked online. I'll admit it: I was a bit in awe of all the organization. In our small house, my kids and I constantly shifted where we did our projects and work (and it's constantly messy). We may not have a dedicated school space, but here's the thing I've realized: create a learning environment that … [Read more...]
The Power of Boredom: Why My Kids Are Regularly “Bored”
Don't get me wrong. I love putting together fun activities and games for my kids. I also think it's pretty clear from this here blog that I'm a fan of crafts with my kids too. But I also think boredom is important too. That's why I'm also a big fan of stepping back and letting my kids get bored. Boredom -- and slowing down -- leads to imagination. It forces kids to become more self-aware. It's … [Read more...]
How to Make a Simple Mud Garden (and Why My Kids Love It)
My kids love the mud. They love jumping in it. They love squishing their hands in it. Simply put, they love getting dirty (once upon a time my oldest hated it, but that's another story). So when we set out to make a new raised garden bed, they wanted to get involved. The only problem? We didn't want them stomping down any new plants. That's one of the reasons we decided to make them their … [Read more...]
