Strengthening Relationships

Parent Like Marmee, Teach Like Atticus

If homeschool feels like ping-pong—one day you’re the drill sergeant, the next you’re the doormat—there’s a steadier path. Psychologist Diana Baumrind described three parenting styles—authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative—based on how parents blend warmth (responsiveness) with structure (demandingness). Maccoby & Martin later added a fourth: uninvolved/neglectful. Because home and school share space in homeschooling, your “style […]

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When You’re Called But Don’t Feel Capable

Embracing the Homeschool You Never Wanted For the mom who feels nudged by God to homeschool but doesn’t really want to (and has plenty of reasons why she’s “not a fit”). This is not a pep talk—it’s a practical, faith-centered reframing of what success can look like, how to use your actual strengths, and how

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Connecting Across Differences

In a recent podcast interview with Kathy Mellor, we explored some of the cultural forces shaping today’s world—ideas like Marxism, Postmodernism, and Wokeism. These worldviews affect the way people see truth, power, and identity, and they explain a lot about why conversations feel so polarized right now. But our conversation didn’t stop with just defining

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When Kids Resist: Turning Struggle Into Growth

Every homeschool mom faces it. Your child reacts by dragging their feet, complaining, or outright refusal. When this happens, it’s easy to feel like something is wrong—with your child, your plan, or maybe even with you. But here’s the truth: resistance is normal. It doesn’t mean homeschooling isn’t working. In fact, it’s often a powerful

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Lighten Up: Bringing More Play into Homeschool

Homeschooling always starts with such good intentions, doesn’t it? Fresh notebooks, color-coded schedules, detailed lesson plans—we launch into the year full of excitement and determination. And then, a few weeks in, reality sets in. Lessons take longer than we planned. The toddler interrupts. The teen rolls her eyes at the carefully prepared activity. Suddenly, the

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One Steady Light: What Brave the Dark Offers Parents, Mentors & Homeschoolers

“Sometimes all it takes is one person who doesn’t give up on you.” Have you ever looked into the eyes of a defiant child and wondered: How do I even begin to reach them? Beneath the eye rolls, shutdowns, or outbursts—what’s really going on? This week I watched Brave the Dark by Angel Studios. It

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Beyond Praise: How Appreciation Builds Identity, Character, and Lasting Motivation

What if the way we try to encourage our kids is actually doing the opposite? In our effort to boost confidence, we often say things like, “Good job!” or “You’re so smart!” But research—and timeless educational philosophy—shows that praise can create approval addiction, while appreciation builds resilience, motivation, and inner strength. Let’s unpack the powerful

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Spark Joyful Learning: How to Ignite Your Kids’ Curiosity with Just-Right Guidance

At The Joyful Homeschool, we believe that the heart of homeschooling isn’t in rigid schedules or perfect checklists—it’s in sparking a lifelong love of learning. But here’s the tricky part: too much freedom, and your kids might feel lost. Too much control, and their curiosity can burn out fast. This post is your roadmap to

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Motivation Mysteries Solved: Why One Kid Follows the Plan and Another Melts Down

Have you ever wondered… Why does one of your kids breeze through schoolwork……while another acts like math is a personal attack? Or maybe you’ve noticed: “Why can I show up for everyone else—but struggle to finish what I planned?” You’re not alone. There’s a reason behind it. And it’s not laziness, selfishness, or bad habits.

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