We officially start our first full year of homeschooling tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited! While we’ve been doing some activities over the summer, like Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech and Vision Therapy for Isabella and JJ, this marks the beginning of a new chapter for us. Isabella has spent time working on her reading, Lele has been a bookworm all summer and last week, we introduced handwriting practice for Isabella and JJ—an area that’s still a work in progress.

As a mom, I love homeschooling our kids for so many reasons. First, it gives us the ability to control what they’re learning, not have other agendas pushed on them. We can tailor their education to how they learn best, focusing on what excites and engages them. Last year, I witnessed firsthand how the public school system failed Isabella and while Lele thrived in a Christian school, the daily homework wasn’t her favorite. I can’t blame her—learning should be enjoyable, not a chore. Homeschooling allows us to better accommodate JJ’s disabilities, boosting his confidence as he progresses in school.

One of the best parts of homeschooling is the flexibility it offers. We can craft a schedule that fits our family, allowing the kids to learn in a way that feels natural to them. They can still be kids, without the pressure of rigid school hours. Learning isn’t confined to four walls; we can take field trips, go outside, explore hands-on activities and make education a truly enjoyable experience.

After researching and talking to other homeschooling parents, we decided on Mia Academy for JJ and Lele. This online academy provides a structured way to track their progress while allowing them to explore their individual interests. Lele is particularly excited about diving into songwriting and different areas of history. We believe the online approach will greatly benefit JJ, especially with his struggles in reading. The academy offers resources that read along with him, helping him build the confidence he needs to succeed.

For Isabella, we’re taking a more hands-on approach. She’s still very attached to me and she thrives in a one-on-one setting. This year, she’ll continue with the grade book she used last year, but for third grade. It’s something she can work on independently if she chooses. Our main focus areas for her will be language, spelling, reading and math. We’re using The Good and the Beautiful curriculum for language arts, which includes spelling and reading. For social studies, we’re diving into learning about the states and for math, we’ll incorporate online resources, kitchen activities and games—anything that makes the subject come alive for her. Isabella struggles with math, but when we bake or use visual aids, she picks it up and retains the information. We’re also incorporating life skills into her curriculum, as she’s still catching up in this area.

Homeschooling is an adventure and I know there will be challenges along the way. But the benefits—customized learning, a flexible schedule, and the joy of seeing our kids thrive—make it all worthwhile.

How do I manage it all?

It all comes down to the routines and habits we’ve established to keep our home running smoothly. We rely on weekly meal planning and prepping, which is a lifesaver, especially on those hectic days when we’re constantly on the go. Most of the kids’ therapy sessions and activities are scheduled for Wednesdays, so they get to experience school in a different way. Knowing this, I plan for Wednesdays to be leftover or crockpot dinner nights—whatever is easiest.

We also maintain a daily cleaning routine, doing a little each day to keep the house in order. This structure allows me to carve out time for my business, which focuses on helping moms, as well as time with my family and for myself. And yes, Jimmy and I still make time for date nights too!

What questions do you have about homeschooling? I’d love to hear from you!

Love,