The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast

Jesus Christ calls us to spread the Good News. Fostering religious vocations is one of the most effective ways to answer that call. Sensitive to the issue, Catherine contacted us on Facebook and asked us to discuss ways we can foster these vocations.It’s a timely topic, and today, Mary Ellen and Ginny are delighted to discuss ways to foster vocation in our homeschool families. Show Notes:Hey, you are already fostering vocations because you homeschool.  Homeschooled men are four times more likely to enter the seminary when compared to Catholic school graduates.*In 2023, 11% of newly ordained priests had been homeschooled. 14% of newly professed members of religious orders had been homeschooled.*Based on a study by The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate – known as CARA – at Georgetown UniversityOther Ways to Foster Homegrown VocationsHave more kids if you are blessed to do so! In 2013, most ordinations came from families with four or more children.  Use Catholic materials in your homeschool.  A solid catechism program is essential, and it can be enhanced by adding biographies of the saints, many of whom were priests or religious.  Learning about the significant role Catholics, especially Catholic religious, have played in history and science can be inspiring to young minds.Show your children the beauty of the Catholic Church. Expand your horizons - Visit your diocesan cathedral.  When traveling, look for beautiful churches, shrines, convents, and monasteries to inspire your children.  Consider retreats and spiritual direction for high school students.  An older student who shows interest in the priesthood or religious life may greatly benefit from one-on-one attention.  See what is available in your area.Check out this interview we did with Fr. Phillip Schumaker.  It’s definitely worth a listen.Father Schumaker- Encouraging Faithfulness and Vocations in your Students 3/8/24Father Andrew Clark’s Video: Homeschooling and VocationsHomeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

Do you remember when you took your wedding vows and promised to accept children from God and raise them in the faith? You repeated that vow each time one of your children was baptized. But what does this vow require of us homeschoolers?  Today, Ginny and Mary Ellen discuss keeping that promise and training our children to be responsible and respectful adults by living according to Church teaching.   Show Notes:Why it's Important:Raising virtuous children is part of our homeschooling vocation.  Along with reading, 'riting, 'rithmetic, and religion, we parents must teach our children another R -- responsibility, and yet still another R -- respect for authority, Responsibility – We do not raise children, we are raising adultsTwo books to model on:Bringing up Bebe, American author Pamela Druckerman talks about French children emptying the dishwasher at 3.  Farmer Boy, Laura Ingalls Wilder recounts how her husband Almanzo was training a yoke of oxen at nine years old.Yesterday – Higher ExpectationsIn rural areas, 75 years ago, Little boys:Hauled wood and waterCared for animals starting when they were maybe 5 or 6.  Worked in the fields.  Girls didn't get off easy either: They kept the fires going, weeded gardens, and helped with laundry before washing machinesToday - Living Up to Low ExpectationsHoly Mother Church teaches that Sloth – laziness – is one of the seven deadly sins.Diligence – applying oneself to hard work –is one of the opposing seven heavenly virtues.  We are required by our vows to forbid laziness and encourage hard work.Give Your Children Real Work to DoToddlers can stow their diapers and dirty clothes and pick up their toys. As kids get older, they can learn to vacuum, mop, do dishes, and even handle their laundry. By 15 or so, they should be capable of running the household if you get called away.The Next R: Respect - The 4th CommandmentTrain your children in the ways that God demandsIt makes family life more pleasant and prepares them to take their places in the adult world.Start right from their first words – Please and thank you, Do you mind? Would it be too much trouble?  Mealtime manners- No negative comments about the food, ask to be excused, clear your placeProper greetings –  Look up from the screen and ALWAYS recognize a person who has entered the room.  Do not interrupt for anything less than a medical emergency.  If they must, they have to excuse themselves.  Do not allow your children to speak disrespectfully to an adult.  Ever!  Including, actually especially, you!  Books Mentioned in the episode.Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela DruckermanFree Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children by Lenore SkenazyFarmer Boy by Laura Ingalls WilderHomeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

Some homeschool moms on social media are miserable.  Their kids are out of control, and it's often described as a typical day. Well, it wasn't our typical day – and it doesn't have to be yours either. Nothing can derail home education faster than out-of-control kids.Today, on The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast, Mary Ellen and Ginny discuss why this is happening and share the ways to fix it. Show Notes:Out-of-control kids are not unique to homeschooling families.  A trip to the park, the library, or a family restaurant will convince you that poorly behaved children are epidemic.  Many parents have convinced themselves that brattiness is just a normal stage of growing up, like cutting teeth -- it is not.  In countries all over the world, children are obedient, respectful, hardworking, and even sacrificial.Why have we lost control?  A few ideas:Americans are generally pretty well off.  In movies and TV, parents, especially dads, are often portrayed as buffoons. Childcare professionals, the so-called experts, give terrible advice.So, who SHOULD we follow for parenting advice?  Catholics should follow just three "pages" when it comes to raising their children:  Sacred ScriptureOur Holy TraditionsThe Magisterium or teaching authority of the church.The 4th Commandment is NOT a suggestion.  We are required to teach our children to honor and obey us in everything that is not sinful.The simplest path to well-behaved kids is to establish your authority right from the start.  As soon as they can understand you, probably about 1 ½ yearsRule #1: Clear, easy-to-understand rules.  BEFORE we leave our bedroom in the morning, we stow dirty clothes and make our beds.  When we get up from the table, we clear our places. We always say please and thank you.  Rule #2: Don't whine or beg your children to be good.  Express your expectations clearly and leave no room for doubt. If they don't listen, give a clear and immediate consequence.  Rule #3: Do not give delayed consequences."No TV for you tonight is ineffective."  The kid will never remember, nor will you.  You don't have to yell or scream – calm and confident works best.  You just have to persevere. Rule #4: Do not argue with your kids:  You will never win!   Expect obedience and walk away from an obstinate child.  Do not engage. Rule #5: A simple, sensible schedule and a check-off list for responsibilities.Set a regular time and post it on the fridge or a whiteboard:SchoolworkChoresInstrumental practice, or whateverToo strict? It's just the opposite.  There's ultimately less stress when children know what is expected of them.Tune in in two weeks for part 2 of our discipline series.  Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

In just a few decades, we’ve gone from floppy disks to artificial intelligence. Computers that once filled entire rooms now slip easily into our pockets and purses. The digital revolution is here—and homeschooling parents can’t ignore it. So how do we navigate this ever-changing landscape while staying true to our values and educational goals? That’s what Ginny and Mary Ellen are diving into today on the Stay-at-Home Schooling Mom podcast.Show Notes:Should your kids have a smartphone—or maybe just a “dumb” phone? Many homeschooling parents proudly declare, “My kids will never have cell phones!” when their children are toddlers. But as those kids grow, the reality of modern life sets in. Pay phones have disappeared, and at some point—music lessons, sports practices, part-time jobs—your child will need a way to reach you.That doesn’t mean you need to hand them a smartphone with full internet access.In this episode, Ginny and Mary Ellen discuss realistic, age-appropriate approaches to phones and tech. From basic flip phones to laptops and Chromebooks, they break down when kids actually need a device—and what kind. They offer practical, experience-based advice on:·      When kids truly need a phone (hint: driver’s licenses change everything)·      Why flip phones still work—and how they can be a great first step·      The educational benefits of controlled computer access·      Setting healthy tech boundaries in your home·      Social media safety and how to teach kids digital prudence·      Creating family-friendly tech rules—like public charging stations and shared screen time standardsThey also cover the importance of parental controls, device monitoring, and open conversations about online risks and responsibilities.Today’s digital world moves fast, but with some planning, clarity, and common sense, you can raise capable, tech-wise kids without letting screens take over your home.Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

Do you have buddies who are toying with the idea of home education but have not yet made the leap? If you do, this is the show to pass on to them. Mary Ellen and Ginny discuss it all today, as they discuss Why NOW is the time to start homeschooling. Show Notes:Public schools are a disaster.NAEP Reading Assessment – ⅔ of students do not reach basic proficiency in ELA: ¾ in math.  Major universities have students taking remedial math courses. The social environment in too many public schools can be toxic. Pronoun police, kindergarten drag shows, gay pride parades, and girls forced to undress in front of bio boys!  Often, schools ignore specific requests from parents to exempt their children from these programs.  Even if your local school is not that bad, it will certainly not help pass on your Catholic faith to the children.Catholic schools are few and far between and often beyond the means of many families. You can tailor your curriculum.Is Junior a math whiz, even in primary years?  You can do 3rd grade with 5th grade math!  Does your daughter struggle to keep pace in her classroom?  You can move her down a level.  Or you can take longer to finish the school year.  Or you can get a special curriculum to meet her needs.  Virtually endless options for homeschoolingMaybe your in-laws are immigrants.  You can add their native language to your school day.Is your child a high-performing athlete or performer? You can schedule your school day around practices, competitions, rehearsals, and performances.Does your family like to travel?  Pack up the books, and away you go. It’s unnatural for kids to sit for long hours.It is not even a little unusual today.  Little Johnny doesn’t sit still in class and has trouble paying attention.  It must be Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and school officials will often recommend medicating him.  BTW, school districts get more money for “handicapped” kids. Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder should be required reading for every family with kids.  Based on a true story from a 19th-century NY state, little Almanzo is given a yoke for his 9th birthday, which he enthusiastically uses to train oxen.  Before breakfast, he and his siblings care for the livestock; they collect eggs and haul water and firewood.  Then, they have a long walk to their schoolhouse, where they are thrilled to sit down for a while.  After the long walk home, they again care for livestock before even looking for an after-school snack. Compare that with today’s school kids. They eat breakfast; most don’t even make their beds. They wait for a bus less than a block from their homes, sit on a bus, sit in a classroom and a lunchroom, sit on a bus, and come home—too often to play video games.Homeschooled kids can be active for much of the day.  They can do chores, take lots of breaks between classes, and rarely have to work after regular school hours.  They live a much more natural life. Let your kid be a kid! Brick-and-mortar schools will always be there.We now know that most homeschooling parents can do a great job. Homeschoolers routinely outperform kids in brick-and-mortar schools by almost any measure.But things can happen – family illness, financial problems, sometimes we just can’t continue.  Here’s the thing – the schools will still be there if you want to change your mind. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

Mary Ellen and Ginny began homeschooling before the age of influencers. They say that was an enormous blessing because there is a lot of bad advice out there. The good news is that, using their combined over 50 years of homeschool experience, they have this to share: "The 5 Worst Pieces of Homeschooling Advice." Program Notes:Let's jump into some bad homeschooling advice.1. If it's hard, you are doing it wrong.  FALSEThe complete opposite is true. It shames the mom into thinking she is doing something wrong. You are educating young minds, and they are not inclined to hard work. Homeschooling well, running a household, doing sports, etc., is hard work.Tip: Recognizing it is hard and treating it like a full-time job will make your life easier.  2. Child-led learning will result in a complete education. FALSEProbably not – an attractive book is helpful but not enough.Math, grammar, writing skills, and foreign languages require effort and diligence.3. Grading your child's work will kill their love of learning.  FALSE·       Grades should never be a source of shame.They show if students are learning the material. Grades are a guide to adjust your methods or materials.4. Routine oppresses you and makes you less creative. FALSEChildren thrive when they know what to expect. Routine lets creativity thrive - mundane tasks are done by rote - leaving the brain free to create.  Many famous writers and authors have structured routines they follow with success.5. If you feel burned out or frustrated, you should switch curriculum. FALSE·      Being burnt out is not a good reason to switch your curriculum choices.·      Try other things before throwing the baby out with the bath water. ·      Frequent switching of curriculum creates gaps in skills and knowledge. There are many ways to cope with burnout - We did a whole episode on burnout – See the link below.Homeschooling ResourcesCoping with Burnout - Scroll down to Episode 10 on 1/25/23Seton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

Homeschooling can take a lot of time.  Then, we have to cook meals, clean the house, and do laundry. Oh, and do the shopping and cart kids around to activities.  It all can seem daunting, but Ginny and Mary Ellen share their proven solution: Take some of those chores off our plates and put them smack on the kids' plates.   Program Notes:1. Start early - really early!  As soon as they can walk.  When you change a diaper, have the baby put it in the trash.  When toddlers change their clothes, teach them to put dirty clothes in the hamper.  Finishing up play time, have them stow their toys in the toy box or bin.As they get older, but still preschool age:Insist that they clear their cups and plates after meals.  They can put away clean silverware from the dishwasher. Teach them to tidy up. All of this is easier if you get an early start to the day.  2. Teach them all the necessary life skills  Begin to teach them to do every household chore.  Primary-grade kids can load a dishwasher while their older siblings rinse the dishes.  They can empty it while you or older kids put away stuff in high cabinets.  Other little guy choresDust furniture and run a vacuum.Empty room trash.  Teach them how to do their laundry. As they get olderTeach them how to clean kitchens and baths Teach them how to operate a lawn mower safely and shovel walks.Teach them to follow a recipe and prepare meals.  Make sure after-prep cleanup is included in the lesson.  Before they leave for college, your children should be ready to run a household.3. Assign specific tasks and make them regular responsibilities.  Some parents use a "chore chart" route.  The advantage is different children can learn various tasks over some time.  The disadvantage is you have to remember to keep the chart updated 4. Don't allow them to treat adults or siblings like unpaid help.  Do not allow your children to leave the table and dash off to play video games.  Or, for that matter, dash off to do schoolwork.  When dinner is finished, we all help clean up or get the little ones ready for bed. Perhaps taking out the trash.  5. Let them suffer the consequences of their actions or inactions.Teach the kids to do their laundry – if they forget - that's their problem.  In the real adult world, no one else comes to clean, cook, or do laundry for you.  Our kids need to be given responsibility.  Too many are going to college without knowing how to fry an egg.Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

Does teaching Shakespeare, the Constitution, or Apologetics terrify you? The fear can arrive even before high school. When my grandkids took 5th-grade life science, my DIL did a way better job teaching it than I would have. She’s a nurse and understands that stuff!First potential solution:  Ask among your friends, neighbors, and folks at church. Maybe a mom who quit her nursing job when she had kids wants to make a few extra bucks teaching high school biology. It’s not difficult to find a Spanish speaker. It might be enough to correct pronunciation and explain different grammar rules. Would a local priest enjoy helping with Latin or Apologetics? Sometimes, the simplest solution is close to home.Another simple fix - Look onlineIf you don’t remember the Pythagorean theorem, you can find many clear explanations if you google it.  The internet can be dangerous, but it can also be helpful.  AudiobooksI did not advocate allowing kids to listen to their reading assignments, but Shakespeare’s plays were just that—plays intended to be performed on stage. Let the student read Merchant of Venice but then find a performance. It can make a big difference.Recorded online classesSometimes, they are produced by a textbook company – Saxon Math has very popular videos, and Teaching Textbooks is another popular online math program. At other times, they are made by the homeschool provider to match their course offerings.  Dual enrollmentMost community colleges accept students aged 16 and up.  Dual enrollment is an option for live classes. Prices are usually pretty reasonable. Important Note -If you enrolled in a home study school, check with one of their counselors to ensure they will accept your dual enrollment course for credit.Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

Motivating our students can be an uphill battle. We want them to focus and work hard, but they are inclined by their nature and encouraged by society to be distracted. There is always something more interesting or fun to do.Today, Mary Ellen and Ginny open their tool kit of ways to encourage our children to work hard and develop good study skills without it being a constant battle. Hang on, this will be fun.Program NotesMotivation can be a wispy, ethereal thing arriving at inopportune times. I prefer to instill:1. Good habits and routines.2. This allows a child to do “the thing” without thinking about “getting down to it.” 3. That said, a little motivation can go a long way to making the process more pleasant. Five Ways to Motivate1. Gamify the lesson. This brilliant, simple technique tip from Laura Berquist:Challenge the child to “beat the clock” with math problems or spelling tests.Set a timer – see how many problems can be answered correctly before it rings.Use nickels as prizes; money is a great motivator.2. Socialize the work. Teens (and preteens) need to be with their peers. Try getting a study group, history or science, and learn the subject matter together.Add some snacks and free time to goof offThey will likely work harder at the subject than they would on their own. 3. Tie the lessons to the life goals. A concrete goal is a good motivator. If you want to travel and study abroad in college, study your Italian lessons.If you want to attend medical school, let’s focus on the sciences. If all else fails, the “you need to do this to get this” is a good life lesson.4. Work alongside them—at least for a while. If your student struggles with writing, try partner writing for the first paragraph. He writes a line, and you write the next line; it works with math problems, too.Sometimes, that blank page can seem so overwhelming that it is easier not to try. 5. Take a break. A little break in the action will refresh and motivate. Plan a four-day weekend and a field trip. A museum or planetarium day or a nature hike or camping trip.  Bottom Line: Focusing on developing good habits is the key to success as a student, but having some pleasant motivation makes for a happier student and a happier homeschool.Send us a FB message and tell us what you want to hear about.Homeschooling Resources• Seton Home Study School• Seton Testing Services

Feeling isolated on your homeschooling journey because you live “out in the boonies”? Worried your kids will miss out on friends—or that you’ll never meet another mom who “gets” it?Today Ginny and Mary Ellen tackle the unique challenges of homeschooling with little local support. Drawing on decades of experience, they share concrete ways to build community, keep kids socialized, and stay sane—no matter how many miles lie between you and the nearest neighbor.Challenges many rural (and not-so-rural) homeschoolers face“Will my kids have any friends?”Sparse population, long drives, fewer ready-made peer groupsKids everywhere spend more time indoors/on screens—urban life isn’t automatically betterLack of parental support or local mentorsFew (or no) other homeschoolers nearbyFear of feeling “weird” or being criticized for homeschoolingMom-level loneliness & burnoutNo extended family close at handTemptation to compare yourself to picture-perfect online familiesPractical ways to build real communityLeverage existing institutionsParish life – altar-serving, CCD, youth groups, Sunday coffee-and-bagels hospitalityLittle League, scouts, dance, music – shared interests trump age gapsPublic library – ask librarians to connect you with other homeschool patrons; book rooms for classesHost & invitePost-Mass brunches or crock-pot chili after Sunday-evening MassTeam pizza parties, park picnics, backyard “bring-your-own-blanket” daysFind (or create) online bridgesFacebook groups: “Catholic Homeschooling Moms,” local “[Your-Town] Homeschoolers,” curriculum-specific groupsProgram-specific networks (e.g., Seton’s My Seton family locator; Catholic Harbor for teens)Special-needs bonusMixed-age homeschool culture often embraces kids with disabilities—fosters compassion and confidenceMind your mannersShare positives; avoid trash-talking neighbors’ schooling choicesSimple, non-confrontational answers when asked, “Why do you homeschool?”Key takeawaysCommunity rarely arrives on your doorstep—but it can be built.Mixed-age friendships and adult role models are an asset, not a deficit.A little strategic hospitality (and a lot of prayer) goes a long way.Resources mentionedSeton Home Study School & Seton BooksCatholic Harbor (teen discussion platform for enrolled Seton students)Local parish ministries, scouts, sports leagues, public librariesThanks for listening!Send topic requests via Facebook —and don’t forget to leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Remember when you started homeschooling your oldest in kindergarten? People would ask, "What will you do when you have to teach trigonometry?" No worries, that was years away.Then high school arrives. But fear not—Mary Ellen and Ginny homeschooled through high school and produced great adults. Here’s how they did it and how you can, too. 8 Steps to High School Success1. Set an alarm and get an early start in the morning, the same time every day.  2. Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Your student needs a lesson plan. 3. Have a daily appointment with high school students to ensure they stay on track.4. Figure out shortcuts or solutions to getting bogged down.  5. A Good High School rule of thumb is about an hour each school day for each course.6. Train your kids in practical life skills. This rule is essential! 7. They must be a good example, especially for younger siblings if so blessed.  8. Dress modestly and speak nicely to others and about others. People will judge homeschoolers and Catholics by what your kids do.   Send us a FB message and tell us what you want to hear about.Homeschooling Resources• Seton Home Study School• Seton Testing Services

Why do we homeschool?  Don't like the public schools in your district?  Can't afford the Catholic school?  Or there is no Catholic school?  Family togetherness?  Better academics?   All are good reasons, but today, Ginny and Mary Ellen discuss why most of us need to start and keep homeschooling our children. If this were Star Trek, we would call it The Prime Directive.  Show Notes:There are days when sainthood is not our first thought when we see our kids squabbling, being lazy, or sneaking a snack. How do we produce these saints in our homeschools?Use Catholic materials. Most homeschool materials seem wholesome, but wholesome is NOT the same as daily learning about the sacraments and the saints.  Fill your home with prayer.      Prayer doesn't have to be long, but it needs to be regular.  As soon as they can talk, teach children a morning offering.Say grace before meals, short night prayers to their Guardian Angels, and a simple Act of Contrition. Fill your home with sacramentals.  Statues in the garden and on the mantle; holy water fonts; crucifixes in the bedroomsGet the whole family involved in your parish church. Encourage your kids to join the choir, serve Mass, and even help clean up the pews after Mass. Make a big fuss over family sacraments—even in the extended family. Throw a party, invite people over.Make Pilgrimages. When you travel, visit a cathedral or some other holy site. Attend daily Mass when you can.  Daily rosary: Pray the stations during Lent.  Try to make a novena. Catholic homeschooling families have a unique opportunity to produce saints for America, the world, and eternity.  Do not let this chance go by!  Homeschooling is worth your best efforts, to the very limit of your energy. How great will be your reward in heaven.Thanks very much to Seton Home Study School for sponsoring our podcast. We would also like to thank our producer, Jason Loughry, our social media director, Beth Egan, and Jim Shanley, who do all our show notes and generally keep us on task.  Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

Isn’t it funny that one meal seems to take up 9/10ths of our brain daily? Dinner or meal planning is one of our most requested topics. We’ll answer these questions and more:·      What are easy meals? ·      How do I plan for meals?·      How much should the children be helping?  Dinner is the big kahuna in terms of time, expense, and general stress but this will help:8 Rules to Cook By to organize and streamline for healthy economical meals. Meal Prep Plan: Having a set plan is a lifesaver. Mary Ellen prepares once-a-month, Ginny once a week. You decide which is best for your style.Know what you are going to make by 10:00 a.m. so you can work on it in free moments during the day. Even better, if you know before school starts, make a slow cooker meal!Double batch - When you make a meal, double the recipe and freeze one meal.Make a Sunday sauce, turkey, or roast, and use it all week in different meals. Chicken can be enchiladas or quesadillas, beef can be shepherd's pie, sauce can be pizza or meatball heroes. A ham on Sunday becomes a ham, potato, and cheese casserole on Tuesday, and pea soup on Thursday.Go to the library or online and look up some simple recipes—one-pan recipes, 30-minute recipes, and 5-ingredient recipes.Allow for the occasional pizza/take-out night.Put older children in charge of one meal a month. Teach them a specialty. Even younger kids can put together a salad or cut up veggies and dip. A big bonus is that kids are more likely to eat healthy foods if they or a sibling prepares them.Spend one day a month prepping meals. I do this after one of my daughters has a baby. Stock the fridge with frozen homemade meals. It's even better if you can make this a family project. Please share how you get dinner on the table and your favorite recipe on our Facebook page.If you enjoy this podcast, please like and subscribe. 5-star ratings and reviews help us reach more people. Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Special Services

Online conversations about how challenging homeschooling can include some version of, "They just don't listen to me," "They dawdle all day" or "They argue constantly." If this sounds too familiar and is not what you expected from your homeschoolers, join Ginny and Mary Ellen in a crash-course in teaching good attitudes and better behavior. These lessons will last a lifetime. Show Notes:Often, homeschooling succeeds or fails based on student behavior.  This can be the reason parents hesitate to homeschool or even stop homeschooling. Discipline can be tough to enforce, but it is not complicated to understand. Here are five simple ideas to get you started. Step 1 – Start Early+ Around 18 months:  Some parents use sign language to communicate with babies this age.+ As soon a baby understands you: Start instilling good habits; Put your diaper in the trash, please.  Let's put your toys in the toy box. + 3 years-old: instill obedience as a virtue. Constantly repeat, "You have to obey Mommy right away."  Reassure them, "You will never get in trouble if you obey Mommy."  Step 2 – Insist on Courtesy and Refinement at all times – from the start+ Always use the magic words:  “please”, “thank you”, “if it's not too much trouble.”+ NEVER give something to a child who has not said, "Please." + Always recognize someone who has entered a room. Step 3 – Have a Clear, Consistent Daily Schedule+ Children do best when they know what is expected.+ Same wake-up time and morning routine: brush teeth, get dressed, make bed, put PJs under the pillow, eat breakfast.+ Schoolwork starts at the same early time every day. Step 4 – Take Every Opportunity to instill virtue in your childrenUse the words: “I expect you to be kind, generous, polite, and to put others first.”Be honest: “It is a sin to show your temper, hit your brother, or throw things at people.”Praise generously: “You cleaned the kitchen while I was shopping?  That's terrific!” Step 5 – Deal with Problems before they become big concerns.Don't give out delayed or extended consequences because you'll forget!Let consequences flow naturally from offenses. "No TV tonight, Billy. Remember you gave me a hard time getting started this morning.  We have to have earlier bedtimes for a while until you get a handle on your mornings."  Summary: If you put in your time when the kids are little, things will go much easier as they get older. Not only for you – but for them.  Self-discipline, courtesy, setting schedules, and virtue will help them in college, in professional life, and as they raise their own families Send us a message and tell us what you want to hear about.Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services

Staying healthy as a busy homeschool mom is not easy, mostly because moms put everyone else’s needs ahead of their own. In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to neglect your own health, and that will eventually catch up with you. Let’s talk about ways to stay on top of your health and wellness to keep up with your busy life. Show Notes:    Let’s talk about ways to stay on top of your health and wellness to keep up with your busy life. Living a healthy lifestyle is protecting your health, which is the key to feeling well. This means eating well, moving a lot, and resting. Set realistic goals and baby steps first. Eat one healthy meal per day or change your snacking situation.  Start with trying to get 5,000 steps a day or three glasses of water.  Rest when you can. If you are getting up with a baby at night, try to rest when the baby naps. Prioritize moving. Go to the park and play with the kids. Do some gardening, go for a walk. Get a fitness watch or band to tell you to get up and move if you’ve been sitting too long. This actually works well in a homeschool setting. Kids NEED recess, even if all you do is put the baby in a stroller and take a walk around the neighborhood. Make it a science class if you want, identifying trees and flowers.   Meal plan. It’s the best way to stay on budget and healthy.  Do some meal prep on the weekends. It saves time and gives you the opportunity to be ready, so you are not getting junky takeout or reaching into a bag of chips. Get the kids involved.   Kids HATE to do the dishes and mop the floor, but they seem to really like meal prep.  Teach them how to wash veggies and make a simple salad. Every meal should have at least one fruit or veggie or both.  It could just be carrot sticks, cucumber slices, a cut-up apple, or a bowl of grapes.  Whatever was on sale at the grocery.  Resting can certainly mean getting a good night’s sleep. But it also means learning to handle stress.  Some people manage stress by meditating.  Others take what is called a “forest bath”  – walking outside in nature.  We Catholics have a real leg up here.  My favorite meditations are the mysteries of the rosary.  There are books and online sites to help keep your mind focused on the mysteries. Or you can read scripture.  Or buy a book of prayers – some specifically written for moms.  Pray when you are nursing the baby or before bedtime.  You may find it is worth getting up half an hour before the kids, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, and pray. Summary: It’s easy to put off doctor and dental appointments when you have small children. Bringing them along or getting a sitter can seem overwhelming, but it is essential to get your appointments done. A yearly physical, dental cleaning, gyn appt., and mammogram should be the minimum you try to achieve within a certain amount of time. At different ages, the priorities change, but make sure to be in touch with your physician at least once a year.    Thanks to Jennifer for the idea! Send us a message and tell us what you want to hear about. Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Brittany contacted us.  She has two younger children in primary grades, a toddler and a newborn, and wants to give them a thorough academic education.  She's willing to do the major subjects separately but wondered if she could combine other subjects, like science and history.  Combining students in different grades is a question we frequently get, and we discuss it in today's podcast. Show Notes: Put your kids in community soccer, baseball, or softball.  Use your town's dance academy or gymnastics program, or give them piano lessons.  Place them together or separately, do whichever is easier and works for you. Science and Social Studies can be combined, certainly in primary grades K-3.  They are minor subjects and often don't involve any testing or challenging assignments.  Combining is clearly easier when students are no more than one or two years apart in age.  In my experience, it is also easier when the boy is the older child.  Little girls often can concentrate better than boys – but you know your children. Religion is a content subject that deserves special consideration. On one hand, it is easy to combine grades.  After all, every grade has the same seven sacraments and Ten Commandments, but consider the rules of your parish since certain grades deal with sacramental preparation.  Reading: In the primary grades, students are learning sounds, sight words, and reading. It is not uncommon for siblings, close in age, to work together and grasp concepts more or less simultaneously.  But you may need to be flexible. Be observant and accommodate developmental skills progressing at different rates. Reading can be a very flexible subject, and you don't necessarily have to move the student up a level.  If the older child has mastered a particular grade level and can do much more, go to a public library and get extra books.  Seton has a recommended reading list on their website, linked below. English is one subject that I generally advise against combining unless the older student is going down a grade.  Some of the concepts are pretty abstract. For example, objective, nominative, and possessive nouns and pronouns require higher-level thinking skills.   Math is a very straightforward subject – either a student grasps a concept and learns his facts, or he does not.  If you have a little math whiz, combine classes with an older sibling. You cannot enrich math, and it makes no sense to hold a child back. Summary: Use how they perform in primary grades to decide whether or not to continue, but take it year by year. Material becomes more detailed and advanced, and homeschool programs often have increased testing and reports. A 3rd grader may be able to read and comprehend 5th-grade science but be unable to take grade-level tests. I hope this helps you, Brittany.   Send us a message and tell us what you want to hear about. Homeschooling Resources   Seton's First Grade Supplemental Reading List Seton's Second Grade Supplemental Reading List President's Council on Sports and Nutrition Love 2 Learn Book Lists Khan Academy Art History Khan Academy Music Lessons Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services Note: We share these links for informational purposes only, and they do not constitute an endorsement of the site or its content.

So often, homeschool days can devolve into tantrums, tears, and recriminations, and that’s just mom.  Meltdowns and bad days happen, and we have to make our peace with that, but there are ways that you can set yourself up for success. To help you, Mary Ellen and Ginny introduce seven rules to set you up, reduce the bad days, and help your children enjoy their studies more.  Show Notes: A big part of having a successful homeschool is having an environment that encourages learning. This does not mean a Pinterest-worthy school room; what you need is a well-lit, comfortable place to sit, a place to write, and a place to read. Bookcases, a spot for nature finds, some arts and crafts materials, and a place to play outside would help. Mary Ellen and Ginny have put it all together in these seven rules: 1. Make sure you (mom) do the prep work. Make the copies, set out the pencils, get the books together, and set up the clipboards. Even if you have to start later, it is better to be prepared. 2. Cultivate a rhythm to your days. Days are smoother when everyone knows what is expected of them and when. 3. Head off the frustration. If you see the child at the end of their rope, it is time to take a break. It is easier to prevent behavior than responding to it - because that can take all day. 4. Plan a few fun, out-of-the-house days/afternoons a semester. Get some fresh air and explore some new places. Visit something historic or uplifting. Schedule a regular park day with friends.   5. Take care of your physical self. Sleep, eat well, shower, and take a few minutes every day to do something that helps you feel good. Read a book, putter around the house, listen to a podcast, or do some gardening.  6. It’s important to remember why you are homeschooling. The academics are very important but you are also building a culture. You are creating an atmosphere where children learn to learn, be independent, and love God and their families.  7. Keep Calm and Carry On. You can work yourself into a nervous breakdown and still not cover everything. You want to raise a student who, as they carry on beyond your homeschool, can fill in the inevitable gaps independently.  Send us a message and tell us what you want to hear about. Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Angela’s child is an auditory learner, and she wanted some tips to help him.  Her request made us think about how most students have a dominant learning style. And how we can fashion our homeschooling to help them succeed.  Today, we learn about the four major learning styles, how to work with our kids’ styles, and the importance of preparing them not to grow too dependent on their dominant style. Okay, let’s define four major learning styles. Visual Learners learn more through images, diagrams, charts, graphs, and pictures. These students doodle, annotate, and make visual notes to retain information better. Consumable workbooks are better for underlining, margin arrows, and highlighting. Verbal Learners (sometimes called Reading and Writing) absorb information best when they use words, whether reading or writing them. Written words are more helpful than images or spoken words. They’re best at writing essays, articles, and books. Auditory Learners absorb information better when lessons are spoken and might not need notes. They ask questions often or repeat what they have just heard aloud to remember it better. They benefit from reading out loud but can get distracted by the noise around them.  Kinesthetic Learners prefer to learn through movement, by doing. They can’t sit still for long and need more frequent breaks than others. They benefit from activities that reinforce the information just covered in class.  Why We Need a Multisensory Approach Your child’s future professor or boss will not care what type of learner they are. Your kid will not be assigned an essay or a work report and asked to substitute an oral presentation or a diorama. Get them ready: use as many sensory approaches as possible for the best learning. And always remember that repetition is the key to learning. Thanks to Angela for sending us this idea! Send us a message and tell us what you want to hear about. Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services  

Kimberly asked Ginny and Mary Ellen how to juggle homeschooling when you have a huge family. You'll love every minute of their humorous reflections and insightful advice.  You may have a married kid or two with grandchildren dropping by while you're planning weddings and still homeschooling high school, middle school, and elementary school.  Oh, and you're trying to keep the house clean enough so the Board of Health doesn't put your kids into foster care.  Don't miss it. Show Notes: Let's talk about how moms of big homeschooling families can stay sane. 1. Have a School Schedule Start schooling at the same time every day.  An earlier start is better.  If you have children too young to work independently, start with them.   2. For the Young Ones - Do the Essential Subjects with Them But EVERY child has something they can do on their own: copy spelling words, finish a math page, etc.  Be specific:  "Those two pages have to be finished before you eat lunch, so don't dawdle." 3. For Students Who Mostly Work by Themselves - Have a Daily Appointment Make sure they are staying on track.  Set goals.  "This chapter has to be read before tomorrow so you can start on the assignment.  If you can't finish it during the school day, work on it after supper." 4. Don't worry about unessential subjects Music in our family was piano lessons, voice lessons, or dance lessons.  Anything I did not have to do!  They were not cheated; two of my kids pursued fine arts after high school.  Art lessons mainly were appreciation – Seton books and the Art Institute of Chicago.  You can tour famous museums online, too.  PE was town sports – that was enough. 5. Skip unnecessary busy work If Junior is a good speller, give him a pretest on Monday.  If he only gets one or two words wrong, have him write them ten times each and give him another oral test on Tuesday. If there are twenty English problems identifying proper and common nouns, assign the first ten.  If Janie gets them all right, move on to the next subject.  Do the same thing with math fact problems.  Repetition is the key to learning, but if you have it, you have it! 6. Schedule tidy time. Having polished floors and sparkling windows can be challenging, but a tidy house makes all the difference to your peace of mind.  Assign chores that include washing dishes and cleaning counters.  Jackets are hung up, and laundry is folded and put away.  Half an hour after school and another after dinner often does the trick if everyone chips in. 7. EVERYONE Chips In If kids have moved back after college or are attending college while living at home, that's great.  But a free ride does not include free maid service. They must take care of their laundry and clean up after themselves; they have to contribute their labor to the household:  mowing the lawn, mopping floors, cooking dinner, whatever.   You Won't Regret It:  Young adults living at home should not be a burden – they should be just the opposite – fully contributing household members. Thanks to Kimberly for sending us this idea. Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

We have discussed institutions of higher learning in another podcast, but today, we will discuss graduating high school students who may have had enough of school—at least for now. A son is not sure if he wants to go to college. A daughter thinks she wants to be a dentist, a hairdresser, or a chef but is unsure what these entail. Today, let's talk about how to help those kids. Show Notes: Some kids are great students and have plans and professional aspirations.  BUT College is now the default for many families, but should they reconsider? Cost is prohibitive. Campus life is less than wholesome. Is Junior or Sis ready to leave home? Do your grad’s aspirations require college? What should they do?  Some possibilities Get a Job - You cannot go wrong with taking a year off to think about your future and earn some money. ·      Build "employment skills." Show up on time, Learn to take orders from a superior, navigate a workplace, and stay off your phone. ·      Test Drive a job in a field your student is considering: Front desk at a hair salon or dental office, carpenter's helper, restaurant host.  ·      Learn Money Skills - Build a bank account, buy and insure a car. Go into the Military Great benefits - Job training and after discharge: Free education - Low-cost mortgages Learn teamwork - Hard work - Physical fitness - Discipline Travel on the government's dime. Take Time to Build a Spiritual Life Frequent Mass and Confession - Get regular spiritual direction - Go on retreat Volunteer in your Community Church: altar server, lector, choir, teach CCD – Scouts – Help an elderly neighbor  Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services