All homeschool moms have had those days. In fact, most of us have had quite a few bad homeschooling days. Last week, we had a rough day in a big (and I mean *explosively big*) way, and I decided it was important to tell you about it. The Haunting Questions of a Bad Homeschool Day What do you do when you've had a tough day - the kind of day where where everything seems to go wrong or take extra time, and by the end of the day you realize you've accomplished little or no school work? One of those days where you're wondering if your kids might just be better off in public school because you...

"My child was recently diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, as well as dyslexia and other learning differences. How do I manage the overwhelm of homeschooling her in a way that is appropriate for her learning needs, without comparison with her neurotypical siblings?"      When I read this listener question, I understood completely the overwhelm and concern. Navigating new diagnoses, trying to figure out the best and most effective way to homeschool, and managing sibling comparisons and expectations is NOT easy.  The good news is, homeschooling gives us the freedom to...

The transition from the relaxed, anything goes nature of our holiday break to some sort of regular homeschooling routine is a real challenge for us each year. Here's everything you need to begin homeschooling again after a long break, including tips and tricks for making the transition as smooth as possible for neurodiverse kids.      The holidays were a much needed break for my family, but they also meant lots of junk food, unusual sleep patterns, illness, unlimited screen time, and almost no school work. It's time for us to transition back to our regular homeschool...

There are two questions I am asked all the time. "What is my biggest homeschool regret?" and "What is my greatest homeschool victory?" After 13 years, here are my honest answers!     My Biggest Homeschool Regret My biggest regret has been the same for years.  I regret every single time I started doubting my decision to homeschool and my ability to do it well, and instead, fell back on my background as a public school teacher and gifted intervention specialist. Comparing my homeschool to a classroom never worked or helped anything for me or my kiddos. Yet, I continued to...

How do we let go of our older children and give them the space they need? Today, we tackle this often asked listener question.   Letting Go As Our Children Mature As our kids get older, it can be tough for us as parents to learn how to let go, especially when our children have struggled in the past. We know we need to learn to let go and that being their parent requires it, but how do we foster independence in a way that is healthy and safe?     Giving Our Kids The Space They Need For those of us who homeschool, navigating this transition also applies in our kiddo's...

It can feel overwhelming when we think about homeschooling teens through the high school years, but it doesn't have to be. Here are tips and tricks to help your high schooler stay motivated through the teen years.     I get this question all the time.  "What advice do you have for a high schooler who is super intelligent but no longer motivated to complete their work?" I hear it at conferences and online. I get it in my DM's and when talking with friends. Last week, a listener asked as well. Homeschooling high school requires us to ebb and flow as our children grow and...

This time of year can be difficult for neurodiverse children. As part of our ongoing series about navigating the holidays with intense children, this post covers the value of gratitude practice in social emotional development and provides ideas and resources to help you help your child.      While all of us want to raise thankful children who understand and embrace gratitude, the truth is that practicing gratitude can have significant, additional benefits for neurodiverse children.  Why Gratitude Matters In Social Emotional Development Nemours Kids' Health Survey shows...