Let's Talk Homeschool

This is part 5 of a 12 part series titled Radically Intentional Parenting. In this series, we’re talking about issues in a chronological order as much as possible. That is, we’re addresses topics as they most likely come to you. Part 1 was an introduction. Then in parts 2, 3, and 4, we covered church, meal times, and discipline, respectively. By now a couple has one or two kids and is facing that big question about whether to stop having babies or go for one more. Very few are looking at having as many blessings as God would bring into their family, and probably because that is too RADICAL of a thought. In this show we give our testimony about how we ended up with 7 arrows in our quiver.

This episode is a short devotional about TIME with scripture references from Psalm 90:12, Genesis 1:1, Ephesians 2:10, James 4:14, Psalm 90:9, Proverbs 27:1, and Ephesians 5:15-16.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many new homeschooling families. Are you one of the millions of brand new homeschoolers? If so, then this episode is for you. We present three tips that we wish we knew when we started our own homeschooling journey. We're hoping this helps you get off to a good start in this new school year.

Our family loves butterflies. We have had a butterfly bush in our yard for 15+ years, and it definite attracts the butterflies. Several years ago, Rachael planted some milkweed, and eventually raised some Monarch butterflies. That was such an exciting project, that we turned a whole section of our front yard into a bonifide butterfly garden complete with milkweed, butterfly bushes, and more. Now every August and September, Rachael leads our family on a wonderful adventure of raising butterflies from eggs to caterpillars to chrysalises to butterflies. It’s a glorious journey from start to finish. And it’s a great way to start each new homeschool year. In this episode, Rachael shares some details so that you can do the same.

COVID-19 has shaken parents and the educational system to their core. The pandemic has proven to be a disruption of epic proportions, interfering with public and private education, health care, government services, businesses large and small, churches, travel, sports, entertainment, international trade, and more. In this 2-part series, we take a closer look at the pandemic’s effects on K-12 education.

COVID-19 has shaken parents and the educational system to their core. The pandemic has proven to be a disruption of epic proportions, interfering with public and private education, health care, government services, businesses large and small, churches, travel, sports, entertainment, international trade, and more. In this 2-part series, we take a closer look at the pandemic’s effects on K-12 education.

This is a short 6-minute devotional based on Matthew 23:27.

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work. It’s so hard that some parents essentially throw in the towel and let it happen to them rather than taking the bull by the horns and being proactive and intentional. It may seem easier, but trust us. You really don’t want to be a random, whatever kind of parent. In this episode, we talk about Discipline. What practical advise would you give to a parent who wants to break their child’s will without breaking their spirit. How can we get to their heart and not just their behavior? What does it look like to be intentional on this matter of discipline?

Homeschooling is often viewed as for the few, a minority, the called. Many homeschooling parents are an independent lot, comfortable with blazing new trails or taking the path less traveled. In the past few months, every family in America (and the world for that matter) have experienced what I call a mandatory trial run of homeschooling. Now everyone can say they did this at least once in their lives. Stories are surfacing reporting anywhere from 22 to 60% of parents plan to continue this fall. Is this because they enjoyed a new found quality of life, improved academic results, or the freedom to call the shots? Rachael, what would you say about the idea of “feeling the freedom?”

Welcome to part 3 in a series titles RADICALLY INTENTIONAL PARENTING. Today we want to talk about Family Meal Times. In Deut 6, parents are told to teach their kids to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then it gives four times to do this teaching. When you rise up, when you lie down, when you walk along the way, and when you sit down. I’m thinking some good “sit down” opportunities are meal times. Why is it important to be intentional about this aspect of family life?

In March and April, millions of parents faced a mandatory trial run of homeschooling. Literally every family in America was forced to figure out school-at-home, parent-directed education, and homeschooling in one way or another. I’m sure parents learned quite a bit during this time. Some realized just how hard their kid’s teachers worked. Others discovered how inefficient the brick and mortar education model really is. And still others got to know their kids in a whole new way – maybe even liked having the whole family together all day. We found ourselves listening to many of these families and answering their questions about how to make this an adventure that is positive, good, productive, and exciting. Today, let’s take a close look at homeschooling and dive into some details. In other words, Let’s Really Talk Homeschool.

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work. It’s so hard that some parents essentially throw in the towel and let it happen to them rather than taking the bull by the horns and being proactive and intentional. We’ve all seen the results of this kind of random, que sera, whatever parenting. In this episode, we talk about church, devotions, and family worship. Why is it important to be intentional about this aspect of family life?

When you homeschool, your kids may be in 3rd grade math, 4th grade science, and 5th grade writing. The point is, assigning a grade level isn’t that helpful. But what about high school? Should your student automatically graduate when they are 17 or 18 years old? What about taking a Gap Year? And what is this thing called a Super Senior Year? Hear the stories of how each of our kids had a very different high school experience, and you just might start thinking out of the box too.

Here's a timely devotional in light of the coronavirus pandemic and based on Philippians 4:4-13

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work. It’s so hard that some parents essentially throw in the towel and let it happen to them rather than taking the bull by the horns and being proactive and intentional. We’ve all seen the results of this kind of random parenting. But starting a discussion about intentional parenting can be like pressing some hot buttons. So another title for today’s show could be Hot Button Parenting. That’s your heads up. But remember that everything we discuss is meant to help you as parents. We want you to be affirmed, encouraged, challenged, and inspired. So hang on folks. This could be interesting. 

Chris Davis passed away in October 2019. He was very instrumental in our own homeschooling journey in so many ways. In this episode, we share some of the ways that Chris and his ministry (The Elijah Company) shaped the start and continuation of our homeschooling adventure. 

Most kids start school around age 5 or 6 years old. And the first big accomplishment that parents and teachers are tracking is when the student can read. The pressure is on big time from day one. Will their kindergartener or first grader succeed or fail in this area? How will parents react if their little one struggles? What about the child? How much pressure do they end up feeling? We have seven children. We’ve been there. We look forward to setting you free with wisdom, data, experience, and perspective.

In this episode, I interview my longtime friend Randy McCoy. He is the author of a novel titled Thief of Slaves. If you or any of your kids are aspiring authors, then be sure to listen to this show.

January is often a time when people decide to get in shape, finish those projects, read those books, take that class, you know…get ‘er done. IOW, it’s a good time to set goals. Do you sit down with your kids and help them set goals too? It really isn’t that hard, and it can make a big difference in their life…now and down the road. What does this look like? We invite you to listen and learn.

Happy New Year. It’s 2020. January is a month when people commonly make resolutions and goals for the year. We love engaging in this annual practice. Today, we’d like to share some of the details in our own goal making with hopes that you will take away some new and practical ideas.