In this episode I interview fellow Catholic, homeschooling mom, Kelsey. Kelsey shares how her faith grew significantly in college while living at the Newman Center. I ask Kelsey about her prayer life and how she makes the faith come alive for her kids. We then transition into homeschool questions and run out of time. Therefore, the last two questions and answers are posted below.

1.) One of the most common things I hear homeschooling moms say is the hardest part is keeping the littles busy while you’re trying to homeschool the older kids. I’m finding that to be the most challenging thing for me too. How do you deal with this popular dilemma? What do you do with the other kids when you’re trying to teach?

1.) Answers 

—The older kids take turns occupying the younger ones. They also teach the younger ones lessons if they can.

—Get a mommy’s helper

—Toys only for homeschool time, keep different bins and pull out a new one each week

—Play doh, sensory bins, fidget toys, activity books, puzzles, dot activities, educational games/activities

—Teach with baby on hip or sitting down while nursing 

—Strap baby/toddler in high chair with different food/toys given periodically

—Try to start when other kids are still sleeping

—Play with younger kids “fill their tank” before starting. So have given them some time to just focus on them. You can even set an alarm and do 20 minutes of reading or playing something together.

2.) One thing that has surprised me about homeschooling is how quickly we finish our lessons. We’re done by 12 most days. What do your kids do the rest of the time they are with you?

2.) Answers

Chores/zones, extracurricular activities, co-ops, work for older kids, jobs around house or neighborhood, crafts—activity books, knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. field trips, appointments, volunteer, park activities, library, music lessons, drawing lessons online, cooking, baking, outdoor play, reading, puzzles, audiobooks for younger kids, games, lifting weights/exercise videos, learning about other subjects

*Many moms told me as their kids grew older the lessons ran longer often going into the afternoon. 

Resources

Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Jacques Phillipe 

Heart of Perfection by Colleen Carroll Campbell

https://colleen-campbell.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Heart-of-Perfection-StudyGuide2020.pdf

Life Giving Love and Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

Link for living the liturgical year for kids

https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/p/celebrating-church-year.html?m=1

https://couragerc.org/