Vintage Homeschool Moms

Overcoming Homeschool Overwhelm

From Overwhelm to Overflow: Prayer as Your Homeschool Anchor ~ Episode 572 [https://ultimateradioshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/overwhelm.png]FROM OVERWHELM TO OVERFLOW: PRAYER AS YOUR HOMESCHOOL ANCHOR ~ EPISODE 572 SPONSORED BY CTCMATH.COM — THE ONLINE MATH PROGRAM HOMESCHOOL PARENTS LOVE BECAUSE IT BUILDS REAL CONFIDENCE FAST. LESSONS ARE SHORT AND CLEAR, KIDS CAN PAUSE AND REWIND AS OFTEN AS THEY NEED, AND THEY CAN LEARN AT THEIR OWN PACE (WITHOUT THE STRESS). PARENTS ALSO GET DETAILED PROGRESS REPORTS—AND A WHOLE LOT LESS TENSION WHEN IT’S TIME FOR MATH. ➕ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/2795.svg]📘 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f4d8.svg] [https://www.ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school] Welcome to Vintage Homeschool Moms. My prayer is that this episode fills you with hope and encouragement as you pour into the future generation of children! People don’t thank us for homeschooling our own children, but I do extend a thank-you because what you do in your own home will impact many people. Those. You know, and those you may never meet! I hope you walk away encouraged and that I can share some practical wisdom. I’m Felice Gerwitz, your host, and today we begin a two-part series on overcoming homeschool mom burnout through prayer strategies. As a veteran homeschooler myself, I’ve walked through seasons of deep exhaustion, and I know many of you are there right now. According to recent surveys from the National Home Education Research Institute [https://ultimateradioshow.com/homeschool-research-hypothesis-to-headlines/], over 80 percent of homeschool parents report significant stress, and in our faith-led communities on platforms like X, spiritual coping is a key theme for 2026 resolutions. I was blessed to interview Dr. Brian Ray in past episodes, and his research is exhaustive. As long-time homeschool parents, we must be the light at the end of the tunnel and an encouragement to others. This series draws inspiration from biblical principles and shared experiences to help you move from overwhelm to a place of overflow, where God’s peace sustains your daily efforts. UNDERSTANDING HOMESCHOOL MOM BURNOUT Burnout in homeschooling often creeps in quietly. It starts with the endless to-do lists: planning lessons, managing household chores, nurturing relationships, and perhaps even juggling outside commitments. For many Christian moms, there’s an added layer of spiritual responsibility—ensuring our children’s education aligns with our faith values. I’ve seen this in my own journey and heard it from countless families. The weight can feel crushing, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a loss of joy in what should be a fulfilling calling. And that is when all the doubt begins to creep in; we feel that if we share our burdens with our spouse, it will appear weak. And we can’t complain to our friends, especially those who don’t support homeschooling or who have opted for co-ops or full-time traditional school after homeschooling. That is where we shoulder those burdens and bury them deep. But here’s the hope: God doesn’t intend for us to carry this alone. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to come to Him when we are weary, promising rest for our souls. Prayer isn’t just an add-on; it’s the foundation that anchors us. By integrating prayer strategies into our routines, we can reclaim that rest and renew our strength, as Isaiah 40:31 reminds us. (…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.) PRACTICAL PRAYER STRATEGIES FOR DAILY RENEWAL Let’s start with simple, intentional practices. Begin your day with a surrender prayer. Before the children wake or lessons begin, spend five to ten minutes in quiet communion with the Lord. Acknowledge your limitations and invite His guidance. Something as straightforward as, “Lord, this day is Yours; help me to do Your will,” can shift your perspective from self-reliance to divine dependence. Another strategy is breath prayers throughout the day. These are short, scripture-based affirmations you can whisper during transitions—like when switching from math to history or folding laundry. For instance, drawing from Philippians 4:6-7, (Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.) Keep in mind the key words: do not be anxious, pray, give thanks, pray for peace, and keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus! This grounds you in the moment and combats the mental clutter that fuels burnout. Consider creating a prayer journal specifically for your homeschool challenges. Note specific stressors, like curriculum frustrations or child conflicts, and pair them with verses of promise. Over time, record how God answers, building a testimony of His faithfulness that you can revisit on tough days. I know this sounds like alot and if you have little ones you are thinking, “What time, Felice?” But, you can do the Jesus prayer. Just say the name of Our Lord and Savior when you need Him the most. “Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.” or my favorite. “Jesus I trust in You!” BUILDING A SUPPORT NETWORK THROUGH PRAYER Isolation amplifies burnout, so incorporate intercessory prayer. Connect with other homeschool moms in your church or online faith groups. Share prayer requests anonymously if needed, focusing on mutual upliftment. I’ve found that praying for others often lightens my own load, as it reminds me we’re all in this together under God’s grace. Don’t think you are alone because you are not! That is a lie of the enemy to keep us isolated and to make us think we are not enough. You are. Remember, A bad day of homeschooling is better than the best day of traditional school. My children still talk about homeschooling days, and most of them plan to homeschool their own children. Our homeschool was far from perfect, but they understood that at the core of any difficult lesson was the love I had for each of them and the love of their father. In our community, many emphasize starting small prayer circles—perhaps a weekly call with one or two fellow moms to pray over each other’s families. This not only provides emotional support but also models prayer for our children, teaching them to seek God in their struggles. If you can arrange a park day once a month, that is even better. Our group met for First Fridays: we went to Mass on the first of the month, followed by a park day with lunch packed. It was such a blessing. As we close this first part, remember that burnout is a signal to pause and realign with God’s purposes. Prayer strategies like daily surrender, quoting scripture, extemporaneous prayers, and journaling can transform your approach. In part two, we’ll dive deeper into advanced practices, including fasting and scripture meditation, with real-life examples from homeschool families. Stay tuned, and may God’s peace guard your heart today. * When Mom Is Tired of Homeschooling [https://ultimateradioshow.com/when-mom-is-tired-of-homeschooling/?referrer=grok.com] * Self Care for Life Transitions for Homeschool Moms [https://ultimateradioshow.com/self-care-for-life-transitions-for-homeschool-moms/?referrer=grok.com] * Christian Self Care for the Homeschool Mom [https://ultimateradioshow.com/christian-self-care-planner/?referrer=grok.com] * Transform Your Homeschool with Biblical Prayer Practices [https://ultimateradioshow.com/prayer/?referrer=grok.com] * Homeschooling When Mom Is Sick [https://ultimateradioshow.com/homeschooling-when-mom-is-sick/?referrer=grok.com] The post Overcoming Homeschool Overwhelm [https://ultimateradioshow.com/overcoming-homeschool-overwhelm/] appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network [https://ultimateradioshow.com].

Games That Teach (Part 1): Brain Training Games for Homeschool Learning + Special Needs Support

Explore games that teach real skills to kids in a fun way. Discover practical brain training tools for learning on the go. [https://ultimateradioshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Games-That-teach-part-1.png]Looking for educational games that build real skills—not just keep kids busy? In Part 1 of this two-part series, host Felice Gerwitz [https://ultimateradioshow.com/vintage-homeschool-moms/]talks with Tara Jenner of The Brain Trainers [https://brain-trainer.com/brain-trainer-library/] about games that teach—including simple car games, on-the-go learning games, and card games that strengthen memory, processing speed, auditory processing, visual processing, language retrieval, and executive function skills. Tara shares how families can use games as practical “brain training” tools—especially helpful for kids who struggle with multi-step directions, working memory, or word-finding. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN SPONSORED BY CTCMATH.COM — THE ONLINE MATH PROGRAM HOMESCHOOL PARENTS LOVE BECAUSE IT BUILDS REAL CONFIDENCE FAST. LESSONS ARE SHORT AND CLEAR, KIDS CAN PAUSE AND REWIND AS OFTEN AS THEY NEED, AND THEY CAN LEARN AT THEIR OWN PACE (WITHOUT THE STRESS). PARENTS ALSO GET DETAILED PROGRESS REPORTS—AND A WHOLE LOT LESS TENSION WHEN IT’S TIME FOR MATH. ➕ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2795.png]📘 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4d8.png] [https://www.ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school] ✅ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2705.png] WHY EDUCATIONAL GAMES WORK (AND HOW TO MAKE THEM “TRANSFER” TO REAL LIFE) Tara explains that games are far more effective when kids can name the skill they’re practicing and learn to apply it outside the game—socially and academically. ✅ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2705.png] EASY “GAMES ON THE GO” FOR HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES These quick, no-prep games can be played in the car, in line, or during errands: * The Mailbox Game (Analogies + Associations) One item “goes into the mailbox,” and something connected by one trait comes out. Great for analogy thinking, flexible reasoning, and verbal explanation. * What Are We Having for Dinner? (Categorization + Emotional Language) Kids sort items into “tasty,” “nasty,” or “aww” (soft fuzzy empathy items). Builds categorization, quick responses, and expressive language. * Rapid Naming Game (Vocabulary Retrieval + Processing Speed) Fast category naming (like groceries, sports team names, etc.), using visualization strategies to improve speed and accuracy. ✅ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2705.png] GROCERY STORE BRAIN GAMES THAT DOUBLE AS LIFE SKILLS Felice shares a fun “theme scavenger hunt” style game using science connections (like Mars bars = planets or Milky Way = space), boosting creative associations and attention. Tara adds a smart extension: teach kids to notice marketing placement—what’s at eye level, on end caps, and why—while also building visual awareness. ---------------------------------------- FEATURED GAME RESOURCE MENTIONED NAME 5 (ENDLESS GAMES) A category-prompt game Tara uses to support rapid naming, vocabulary growth, and research prompts when kids get stuck on categories. ---------------------------------------- Q&A: “MY SON CAN’T FOLLOW MORE THAN ONE DIRECTION AT A TIME—HOW DO WE DO THIS?” Tara breaks down practical strategies for kids who struggle with following multi-step directions, including: * teaching directions one step at a time * having the child repeat the step back * using visualization (“see yourself doing it”) * helping kids connect the “missing steps” in a sequence This section is especially helpful for parents supporting kids with auditory processing challenges or working memory limitations. CARD GAMES THAT TEACH (AND WHAT SKILLS THEY BUILD) Tara recommends several high-impact educational card games and explains how to use them for skill-building (even before playing the “official” rules): SET Builds pattern recognition, logic, sorting, visual discrimination, and multi-feature processing. Tara also shares pre-game exercises (sorting by color/shape/number/shading) to reduce overwhelm and build mastery. BLINK Fast-paced matching by shape, color, or number—great for processing speed and flexible thinking. Tara recommends starting with open-hand play and emphasizing skill before speed. 7-8-9 A mental math card game using quick +/– calculations. Great for strengthening math fluency (when kids are ready). SPOT IT! (AND VARIATIONS) Strengthens visual processing, scanning, and attention by finding the one matching symbol between cards. Tara shares strategies like elimination by color to narrow focus. ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST: TARA JENNER Tara Jenner is a homeschool mom and brain training specialist who works with families and students to strengthen cognitive skills through practical exercises and targeted support. Find Tara here: * TheBrain-Trainers.com [https://brain-trainer.com/] WHAT’S COMING IN PART 2 In Games That Teach (Part 2), Felice and Tara will move into board games and additional strategies for building memory skills through play. LISTEN + SUBSCRIBE You can listen to this episode at TheVintageHomeschoolMoms.com and follow the show on your favorite podcast app. ---------------------------------------- SPONSORED BY CTCMATH.COM CTC Math for Homeschooling Families [https://ultimateradioshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CTCMath-Banner-600x300-1.jpg] The post Games That Teach (Part 1): Brain Training Games for Homeschool Learning + Special Needs Support [https://ultimateradioshow.com/gamesthatteach1-2/] appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network [https://ultimateradioshow.com].

Best Homeschool Scheduling Advice | Replay

best homeschool scheduling | The Best homeschool scheduling advice I ever received actually came from my daughter, do not duplicate the school at home. I looked at the way I scheduled my homeschool year. #homeschool #homeschooling #podcast #homeschoolschedule [https://ultimateradioshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/VHM-BestHomeschoolingAdvice.png]BEST HOMESCHOOL SCHEDULING ADVICE (REPLAY) The Best homeschool scheduling advice I ever received actually came from my daughter. She said, “Mom if we are going to duplicate the school system then why homeschool?” With that in mind, I looked at the way I scheduled my homeschool year. I made time for those special events that make homeschooling stand out from the conventional school curriculum. Whether it is a field trip, a family trip that is planned or one-to-one mentoring with a talented person. In this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, I’ll explain the best homeschool scheduling advice, ever! Thanks to our sponsor –  CTC Math! [https://www.ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school] QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU BEGIN SCHEDULING! 1. What are your state laws — are you compliant? 2. Are you part of a support group? This network IS part of your support! 3. What are your goals and objectives for the year? 4.  What method of homeschooling do you lean toward? If you don’t know listen to this podcast on the topic HERE PUT LINK 5. How long are you planning to homeschool? 4, 5, or 6 hours or more per day? Check out your homeschool laws here if you don’t already know them: https://hslda.org/content/laws/ [https://hslda.org/content/laws/] 6. Are you flexible? 7. Do you like check-off lists? For you? For the kids? These questions will set the groundwork for how you’d like to set up your homeschool year. What I might consider the best homeschool scheduling advice may not align with your homeschool philosophy. However, I hope you can take what you need and make it work for you! With this clearly in mind, here is some of the best advice I can share with you about homeschool schedules and ways to have a stress-free year. BEST HOMESCHOOL SCHEDULING TIPS: 1. Keep your eyes focused on your family’s needs. What Sally Jo uses for her kids may not work for yours. 2. Look at your goals. What do you hope to accomplish this year? What subjects do you want to cover this year? 3. Is it important to develop your child’s creativity and imagination and encourage them to think? 4. What character qualities do you want to work on? If you want to strengthen family relationships, select reading materials or read aloud the books that will do just that. Read the Little House on the Prarie (younger) or Anne of Green Gables (older). 5. Each child is unique, consider your child’s needs. 6. Never recreate the public/private classroom at home. 7. Don’t forget about you. Do you have help scheduled, whether that is a chore chart so everyone can pitch in, or a park day so you can visit with friends? 8. Never – and that means never answer the phone while you are homeschooling. Set special ringtones for important people – others go to voice mail. This goes for checking Facebook or social media in general. 9. Never and that means never -unless it is absolutely impossible go on an errand during school time. No grocery store shopping, doctor appointments – until after school or on a day off if you take one, etc. BEST HOMESCHOOL SCHEDULING ADVICE — EVER!  TOOLS & SUPPLIES: 1. Three-Inch Binder: Use a three-ring binder. I began a master homeschool binder when I first began homeschooling and it contains ALL the must-haves… First, copies of their schedules, and important information: everything from blanks I could duplicate to things I always had to look up previously. I have the children’s evaluations in this binder from the beginning of our homeschooling in Kindergarten through twelfth grade! I also keep a copy of their evaluations in their grade/year notebook. 2. Master Lists: Subjects, books, reading books, grade level goals, etc. I think through this once, add to it if a particular child needs more information, and then file it in my book. I also have a file in a Word doc on my computer that corresponds. Master lists can include a supply list for school, birthdays, and a calendar of events. 3. File cabinet. Throughout the years I kept files on each of the kids and work. As we ended a year, the binder was emptied, the information for the year was filed under the child’s name (and grade labeled), and the binder was then ready for the next year. 4. School Supplies: Notebooks: Look for sales. We get lined, spiral notebooks for less than 20 cents during back-to-school sales. I buy enough for all year. Use a Sharpie (or a nice label from the computer) to label the subject. Notebook paper: This is one of those things we always ran out of when the children were younger. Wide-ruled notebook paper for the little kids and college ruled for older ones. Pencils: We prefer the #2 pencils and some of the kids liked the mechanical pencils, but there was one brand, in particular, they liked best that we could only purchase at an office supply store. Yes, friends, these were “pre-Amazon” days! Of course, depending on your child’s needs there are crayons, markers, erasers (the ones that fit on the pencil and the bigger ones), colored pencils, pens and Sharpies, and highlighters. Don’t forget the 110 lb paper to make your own dividers. 5. Best Purchases: Large Dry Erase Boards and erasable markers, an electric three-hole punch, a laminator, laminating sheets, a stapler, a heavy-duty stapler (to make those books kids love to make), and a heavy-duty tape dispenser. I loved sticky notes and tabs to create my own dividers with 110 lb paper. BEST HOMESCHOOL SCHEDULING ADVICE: 1. Know Your Kids: Do you know or have you evaluated your children? Our sponsor has these wonderful books for Placement and Evaluation. [https://shop.wellplannedgal.com/index.php/shop/start.html] 2. Organized: Get your books organized. Half the battle if finding the books you need when you need them. School supplies and additional resources. Everything has a place! 3. Freebies: There are lots of sites that say you can get free curriculum, downloads, printables, etc. If you have these – organize them! 4. Scope and Sequence: This states what your kids need to know and as homeschoolers, you can be flexible. Here is a scope and sequence from Abeka [https://static.abeka.com/Abeka/InteractivePDF/ScopeSequence/HomeschoolSS/downloads/AbekaAtAGlanceHomeschoolScopeandSequence.pdf?update=2] as well as Bob Jones [http://www.bjupress.com/product/513705] that goes from K-12. I’m not endorsing this one way or the other, you have to make your own determination. 5. Flexibility: Build flexibility into your schedule – how can you do this? (Listen to the podcast for tips) 6. Input: Get input from your older children. One year my kids wanted to study oceanography and space. Talk about diverse! Yet those became their favorite subjects. 7. Routine or Schedule? What works for you a routine or schedule? The best homeschool scheduling takes into mind your lifestyle and only you can decide if you want to do things daily with a set schedule or perhaps have a routine that includes daily activities but is more loosely scheduled. 8. Rotate your schedule – doing the same thing all the time can be boring and cause kids to zone out. Maybe you do math every day, but what about history or science? You can do history two times a week and science two times for 6 weeks, and then change it to history three times and science two. 9. 180 Homeschool Days: Get a year’s calendar and circle the days you will school each month. Yes, this can change but it is nice to have it set out before you – so you can plan. 180 days of homeschooling is what my state requires. Check your state information here: https://hslda.org/content/laws/ [https://hslda.org/content/laws/] 10. Homeschool Planner: Well Planned Gal [http://www.wellplannedgal.com] planners are my favorite – there are digital, printed, and even prayer planner.  There is also a smaller size to keep in your purse or backpack! 11. Use Checklists: Checklist with pictures for little kids and a checklist for you. It is an easy way to keep records. 12. Breaks: Be sure to highlight birthdays, events, holidays, and field trips. Do you have a catch-up/ planning day? If you can’t have one every week, try for one a month. 13. Field Trips: Be sure to use the resources available to homeschool families in your area. 14. Plan your week: Look at your books and divide the number of homeschool days or weeks by chapters. If there are 30 chapters you may need to do one per week. Etc. In some books you can take two weeks to complete one chapter. 15. Teach Kids Together: Group ages and books/subjects as much as possible. Kids like working together or if they are competitive use it to their advantage. 16. Projects: Plan early. Science fair ideas begin in the summer, papers are signed as soon as school starts (grades six and up). I wrote the book, “An Insider’s Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects available on Media Angels Membership [http://www.mediaangelsmembership.com] or Amazon here. [https://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Guide-Successful-Science-Projects/dp/1931941033/ref=sr_1_12?m=A2MPGTB0LC22HB&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1532108105&sr=1-12] 17. High School: Planning for high school? Plan a 4-year schedule of required subjects for graduation. The scale is different for a high school diploma vs. a high school diploma with college in mind. Also if your kids are planning to attend college listen to College Prep Genius [http://www.collegeprepgenius.com] for ways to ace the SAT and ACT as well as get scholarships. If your kids play sports – know the rules. If your kids are approaching high school and have an eye to playing sports in college read up on the NCAA.org [http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/1718_Initial-Eligibility_Brochure.pdf] eligibility information about classes that count for high school for college play. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR NETWORK SPONSOR – CTC MATH [https://ultimateradioshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CTCMath-Banner-600x300-1.jpg]https://www.ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school   The post Best Homeschool Scheduling Advice | Replay [https://ultimateradioshow.com/best-homeschool-scheduling-replay/] appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network [https://ultimateradioshow.com].

Cup of Joy (New Year Replay)

Cup of Joy | Do you need more JOY in your life? What is the Cup of Joy Women's Ministry? In this podcast, Felice Gerwitz and Karen Dwyer discuss a simple method to bring peace and happiness into your home as well as help evangelize in your own home | #podcast #homeschoolpodcast #Blessingsfromheaven #CupofJoy [https://ultimateradioshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cup-of-Joy-Women-Pinterest-Carousel-Ad-683x1024.png]https://ultimateradioshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cup-of-Joy-Women-Pinterest-Carousel-Ad.pngCUP OF JOY ~ EPISODE 516 WITH KAREN DWYER Do you feel like joy has been squeezed out by the pressures of homeschooling, family life, or unexpected trials? In this encouraging replay episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcast, Felice Gerwitz welcomes Karen Dwyer for a hope-filled conversation about discovering true joy—even in the midst of deep adversity. Karen, host of the Wrap Yourself in Joy Podcast [https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/wrap-yourself-in-joy-podcast/], shares her powerful testimony of walking with the Lord through devastating loss, including a house fire and the tragic death of her first husband. Instead of being overcome by sorrow, Karen explains how a life rooted in Christ, prayer, and community became the foundation for lasting joy. 💛 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f49b.png] WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * Why true joy can only be found in a close relationship with Christ * How to remain anchored in faith during seasons of grief and hardship * Practical ways to defeat everyday “joy busters” * How Scripture—especially John 15—points us to complete joy * Why filling yourself spiritually is essential (yes, even for homeschool moms!) ☕ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2615.png] INTRODUCING CUP OF JOY WOMEN’S SMALL GROUPS Karen also introduces Cup of Joy, a simple, welcoming small-group study designed especially for busy moms. Each group: * Meets for one hour a week over coffee or tea * Listens to a 15-minute podcast episode beforehand * Uses a free, one-page PDF discussion guide (sent weekly) * Focuses on Scripture, prayer, gratitude, and fellowship These studies are gentle, non-threatening, and perfect for homeschool moms who want community without overwhelm. Groups can be hosted at home, in churches, or even late in the evening once kids are asleep. Two available 8-week studies include: * Joyful and Battle Ready * Esther for This Time: Prayer, Reversals, and Joy 📚 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4da.png] ABOUT KAREN DWYER Karen Dwyer is a retired college professor, former television cooking show host, author, and passionate encourager of women in faith. Her books Wrap Yourself in Joy and Esther for This Time are newly revised editions rooted deeply in Scripture and practical Christian living. 🔗 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f517.png] HELPFUL LINKS * Learn more about Cup of Joy & sign up: wrapyourselfinjoy.com * Listen to Karen’s podcast: wrapyourselfinjoypodcast.com * Visit Felice and the show notes: vintagehomeschoolmoms.com * Explore more resources at Media Angels ---------------------------------------- ✨ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2728.png] Final Encouragement: If you’ve been longing for more joy—or wondering how to share your faith in a natural, life-giving way—this episode is for you. Joy doesn’t require perfection, just presence… and sometimes a simple cup of coffee with friends. 👉 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f449.png] Listen to Episode 514: “Cup of Joy” today and be encouraged. Visit Karen’s website WrapYourselfInJoy.com [http://www.wrapyourselfinjoy.com] Please consider starting a Cup of JOY small group study accompanying this podcast. You would meet with friends for one hour weekly over coffee for eight weeks, and Karen will send you the free commentary and discussion materials each week. For more information and to sign up to start a Cup of JOY Women small group, go to WRAPYourselfinJOY.com [http://wrapyourselfinjoy.com/].   The post Cup of Joy (New Year Replay) [https://ultimateradioshow.com/cup-of-joy-2/] appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network [https://ultimateradioshow.com].

Merry Christmas Keeping Kids Close (Holiday Replay)

Keeping Kids Close | The to-do list just keeps growing, but keeping kids close should be on the top of the list. In this episode, we will discuss easy ways to include the children and enjoy the holidays. | #podcast #homeschoolpodcast #Christmas [https://ultimateradioshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Keeping-Kids-Close.jpg]https://ultimateradioshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Keeping-Kids-Close.jpgMERRY CHRISTMAS KEEPING KIDS CLOSE – 387 The to-do list just keeps growing, but keeping kids close should be on the top of the list. In this episode, we will discuss easy ways to include the children and enjoy the holidays. Thanks to our sponsor – Media Angels [http://mediaangels.com] Sometimes I feel like I’m preaching to the choir. You guys are amazing you are dedicated moms who love your kids! But in our busyness, we sometimes lose our focus. Our worst traits come to the forefront and we are overwhelmed by it all – and then life happens. Someone is sick or there is a life-situation to deal with … and never mind the budget! December is a time when sales crop up and everything looks too good to pass up. Friends I want to encourage you in this episode of VHM to keep the focus of the holidays on the true meaning of the season and on your kids. It’s easy to say – I shouldn’t get so overwhelmed that but the reality is that all of us do at one point or another. Believe me, it happens to the best of us – even those of you who are super organized! It doesn’t have to be that way and something that happened to me recently showed me that all of the efforts are SO worth it. Especially those of us who are with our kids quite a bit as homeschool parents. KEEPING KIDS CLOSE I received the best gift ever from a pastor of our church. When he comes for dinner the kids never left the table. He is entertaining with his Irish accent, and he is so full of stories. He can talk about engines with one of my sons, and then make us laugh with stories of his seminary days. But he is a man that loves the Lord and has the pulse of what is going on in our daily lives. So, back to the gift – the gift he gave me was a compliment about my kids. He talked about the evidence of faith in them, how they loved and honored the Lord. He also asked me why I thought about the reason why. My answer? Besides as an example, and believe me, my husband and I are fallen like the rest of the flock – the reason is the time we spent with our kids. Our kids were with us through the thick of things, we worked around our home together, we homeschooled from K-12 – with some college credits for the youngest two. Our favorite vacation was our pop-up camper. We kept things simple and made the best of our time together. Sure, it was work but we enjoyed it! These are some of the best memories we have as a family. Ask your children what their favorite activities are and you will be surprised. Often it is the things you think would be the least important, like reading books together as a family. One of my friends does this as a Christmas tradition at their home that they read a book together, even though her children are older. We can keep our kids close with activities and also events. Whether you are decorating the tree or going out in the woods – something I’ve never done but would love to do, and chopping one down! Building a snowman, or going on long walks together. Watching a movie and talking about it afterward. Fun things to do with the kids while taking turns telling each other favorite family memories: 1. Popcorn strings. Use a large needle and strong thread to make a popcorn string. You can decorate your inside tree or if you live in the south like I do, decorate an outdoor tree – the outdoor creatures will love you for it! 2. Make place cards for Christmas – if you downloaded the Christmas planner from the website (UltimateHomeschoolPodcastNetwork.com) you received a template for this. Or make your own. 3. Make handmade Christmas cards for family members. Be sure to write a Scripture verse. 4. Create a family “time capsule” – put in current pictures, memorabilia – a picture of a favorite toy or stuffed animal, etc. Each person can put in their own “favorites” card. For example favorite movies, favorite music or favorite books. Put it up in the closet and label it with the year. Take it out in a few years and look at what it contains. 5. Sit outside around a campfire or star gaze. Enjoy the outdoors (perhaps bundled together) with your family! We can experience the joy of the holiday with our families and create those memories that will last the test of time. There is so much more joy and excitement about the coming of Christmas when we spend time with our children, and I know you do!   The post Merry Christmas Keeping Kids Close (Holiday Replay) [https://ultimateradioshow.com/keeping-kids-close-2/] appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network [https://ultimateradioshow.com].