Remember life as a newlywed? You vaguely knew you would have to cook, but hey, your husband could cook, and maybe you'd eat dinner out sometimes.

Now, three or four kids later, you barely have time to shop for the food, much less prepare it! Need help? Ginny and Mary Ellen have solutions and more on today's podcast.

Show Notes:

Struggling to find time to plan and prepare meals?

Use the KISS Meal Plan: Keep it Simple, Stupid

1. Remember, leftovers are your friend - Find ways to stretch one meal into two.

* If your family goes through one pound of pasta at dinner, make two. Have it for lunch the next day or for dinner two days from now. - Add some cheese and make mac and cheese, or red sauce, a bit of meat, and some pizza cheese, and make poor man's lasagna.

* If you buy a rotisserie chicken, put the carcass in a slow cooker with veggies and have soup later in the week.

2. Want to have a salad every night?

* Want the health benefits, but don't feel like preparing one? Make a big salad one night. Store it in the fridge in a covered container with a napkin or paper towel in it.

* The paper absorbs moisture, keeping the salad fresh.

3. Think simple

* Nothing is easier than baked potatoes; wash them, prick with a fork, and bake.

* Fancy potato dishes can wait until the kids get older.

4. Teaching Life Skills through Meal Prep

* At four years old, teach your oldest to set the table, and it's off your to-do list forever.

* Kids are more likely to try a food they have helped prepare.

* Teach your primary school children to:

• Scrub potatoes
• Peel and chop veggies
• Dip cutlets in eggs and bread crumbs
• You are teaching them your family's heritage

5. Food choices

Our children have an obesity problem and need to eat healthier foods. Here are some hints:

• Serve fresh, healthy food first. Let kids make a fruit or veggie tray as an appetizer.
• One menu only – this is dinner –take it or leave it.
• Have to take a taste.
• Enjoy food with your children.

6. Mealtime manners

• Children's likes and dislikes are not proper table talk; if the child doesn't like something, the correct way to express that is, "No thank you," when the food is offered.
• No eating before grace
• No reaching
• No disgusting behavior like chewing with your mouth open
• Don't hunch over food – no one is coming to steal it from you
• No screens, just conversation – 3 things you are thankful for; someone you helped today
• Ask to be excused
• Rules like placing your napkin on your lap or using utensils instead of your fingers to pick up food may seem overly formal for family meals. But today's young adults report feeling uncomfortable when they have to attend business luncheons.

7. After dinner

• Everyone clears their own place
• An older child or parent rinses and stacks
• Younger child loads the dishwasher
• A child wipes the table and fixes the chairs
• The floor is swept
• Consider setting the table for tomorrow's breakfast

Homeschooling Resources

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services

Has anyone questioned your sanity for deciding to homeschool?

The questions you hear range from silly to insulting. Today, Mary Ellen and Ginny prepare you for those questions in a fun way.

Show Notes:

Don't be caught off guard. These replies, mostly tongue-in-cheek, provide responses to various things homeschool detractors might say to you.

1. Homeschooling? Is that even legal?

The pandemic may have rendered this question moot, but I have received it nonetheless. The reply is that, yes, of course it is legal in all fifty states. Homeschooling, thanks to the efforts of some brave mothers and fathers, including Dr. Mary Kay Clark, is now legal and even commonplace in the United States.

2. Aren't you concerned that your children will have no friends? What about socialization?

That this question continues to be asked astonishes me. Study after study shows that homeschooled children do as well or better in social situations than children who attend brick-and-mortar schools.

3. You must be so patient.

I have a little secret to tell you. I lack patience.

"I have more patience for my own children than I would have for thirty children in a classroom."

That usually stops the conversation.

4. Your children will know nothing of the world or of pop culture.

Your reply to this silly question can be, "Which R-rated movie would you suggest my ten-year-old see to bring him up to speed?"

5. How will you teach calculus?

When people ask what I am going to do about calculus, ancient Greek, or organic chemistry, I generally say, "Well, I thought I might ask you to tutor them. After all, you went to public school, so you must be qualified."

6. What about the prom? How can you deny your child a prom?

The fact is, many homeschool groups hold proms for their high school kids because if a homeschooled kid wants a prom, he/she will plan and execute one with a little guidance from an adult. Homeschooled kids are like that; they get stuff done.

7. I could never homeschool; I want my kids to have a life.

You want them to have a life, so you lock them in the same room every day with the same twenty-five people, listening to the same person day after day. In contrast, my children are out in the world, meeting people, taking classes, and having the freedom to try new things. Tell me again, who is lacking life experiences?

8. Why would you want your kids around all day? Don't they drive you crazy?

Here's the thing: I actually like my kids. I'm glad I have them. They are funny and smart, and their presence fills me with joy and gratitude.

That's not to say that they don't drive me crazy sometimes, but so do people who ask silly questions.

9. How will your children learn how to line up?

I'm not kidding. This is a genuine question that homeschool mothers often get asked. It stems from some post-cafeteria stress syndrome people have.

The response is to call your children to you and ask them to line up. It's easier for certain people to have a visual. Then laugh. Seriously, laugh your head off.

10. What is your child going to do for a high school diploma?

Well, if my kid graduates from Seton, they will receive an accredited diploma.

Bottom Line:

Don't let anyone question your motives or desire to homeschool your children, but rather, let them know that you are equal to the task and unwavering in your commitment. Homeschooling Resources

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services

Homeschooling an only child or the youngest with older siblings? Ginny and Mary Ellen share tips to keep your ‘caboose’ happy, engaged, and thriving. Tune in for encouragement and practical ideas!

Show Notes:

Got a homeschool ‘caboose baby’—the only child left at home? Here are six creative ways to keep them happy, engaged, and thriving.

Tip #1 – Search for Co-ops

• Even if you’ve checked before, look again—new groups often form.
• Some only meet weekly, but it’s still a chance to connect.

Tip #2 – Offer Classes Yourself

• Share your skills with other homeschooling families—teach French, math, or science right from your dining room.
• Low-cost or free classes attract families, and your child gains schoolmates.

Tip #3 – Explore Local Programs

• Many libraries, museums, zoos, and 4-H clubs run homeschool days.
• Programs may not be Catholic, but they’re great for meeting wonderful families.

Tip #4 – Invite a Buddy

• Bring a homeschooled friend along for field trips or activities.
• Offering transportation makes it easier—and gives your child a partner in learning.

Tip #5 – Build Sports into the Day

• Practice basketball, soccer, or skating during daytime hours.
• Many rinks and facilities offer off-peak sessions and lessons.
• Sports fill free time productively and provide team connections after school.

Tip #6 – Encourage Work Opportunities

• Younger kids can help neighbors with pets, yard work, or babysitting.
• Middle schoolers can be mother’s helpers or take on light chores.
• Building reliability and a strong work ethic early often opens doors later.

Whether through co-ops, sports, or neighborhood jobs, there are countless ways to make sure your “caboose” thrives in homeschooling life.

Homeschooling Resources

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services