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.

1. Living a healthy lifestyle is protecting your health, which is the key to feeling well. This means eating well, moving a lot, and resting.
2. 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.
3. Rest when you can. If you are getting up with a baby at night, try to rest when the baby naps.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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Jennifer contacted us and asked for any tips we have about raising teens. It's a tough time to be raising adolescents, and there is little support for a Catholic lifestyle. In addition, the Internet and video games dominate the lives of many of them.

We thought we were doing a great job homeschooling them, but they roll their eyes like their public school counterparts. What is a Catholic parent to do? We tackle that in today's podcast.

Show Notes:

Teens have lots of energy. If you do not channel it into wholesome, enriching activities, they will find less wholesome activities to occupy themselves. Here are our tips to raise good kids while retaining your sanity.

Every Teen Should Have:

1. Regular household responsibilities - You choose the chores.

2. A Job - Start with babysitting, snow shoveling, lawn mowing, whatever.

3. An after-school activity - sports, dance, theatre, or church group. Something wholesome.

Don't Argue – You Will Never Win.

1. Explain your rules simply." Sitting around playing video games with your friends does nothing to make you a better person." You do not have to defend that point of view.

2. If a kid makes a rude demand - It does you no good to argue. Tell the kid to leave the room, gather her thoughts, and come back and speak in a civil tone. And then turn your back!

Use Good Judgment with Electronics

1. Give your teens flip phones – no internet. Consider smartphones when they begin to drive.

2. Unlimited Internet access is not a good idea. Have your kids hand over phones at a particular time to a family "charging station."

3. Unlimited Access to laptops and Chromebooks is also not a good idea.

4. Limit video games and encourage board games.

Remember - You Are Guiding Them into Adulthood. They need increasing Independence.

1. Strict curfews make less sense than "Come to me with a plan…"

2. Tell them if they do something dumb to call you – encourage honesty. Let them know you are on their side.

3. Allow friends of the opposite sex to come to family gatherings or other public events – strict "no dating until you are ready to get married" rules lead to lying.

4. Teens need to acknowledge their actions have consequences for which they're responsible.

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

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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

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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.

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Seton Home Study School

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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

This time of year, many homeschooling parents are dealing with high school seniors who are wondering what they will do with their lives. Join Ginny and Mary Ellen in a lively conversation about post-high school educational options—their pros and cons—for young Catholic adults.

Your hosts' insight and practical advice are always flavored with their inimitable humor.

Show Notes:

Many homeschooling parents have high school seniors wondering what they will do with their lives. Join Ginny and Mary Ellen in a lively conversation about a wide variety of post-high school educational options—their pros and cons—for young Catholic adults.

Neumann Guide schools –Colleges recognized for their commitment to a faithful Catholic education.

Pros - Easy access to the sacraments and other spiritual benefits. Many have expanded their academic offerings. They can be counted on NOT to teach your kids anything opposed to the faith - Wholesome living conditions - no coed dorms.

Cons - Private schools – not taxpayer-funded $$$, Distance from home and family, they might not offer certain fields of study.

Catholic Trade Schools –An early but growing trend in the Catholic sphere.

Pros - Many of the same benefits as Neumann Guide Schools – wholesome environment – opportunities for spiritual growth. Less costly and takes less time (associate degree), Kids with a trade will have few problems finding a job.

Cons - It's a new concept with no proven track record. There is uncertainty about which credits will transfer if kids pursue higher education.

Community Colleges

Pros - Kids can live at home – a BIG plus. While not spiritually uplifting, the lack of residential campus life can be an improvement over four-year schools. Many students go to class and work, which is WAY more cost-effective. Credits will typically transfer to a four-year state school.

Cons - Any spiritual growth must come from local churches and families.

State Colleges and Universities

Pros - It is much cheaper than private institutions, especially for in-state students, and offers a wide range of majors. Credits transfer; many have well-regarded schools for particular subjects, such as fine arts, bioengineering, and premed. Often, they are connected to local institutions for internships, etc.

Cons - Campus life is often at odds with Catholic teaching, which requires students to be firmly grounded in the faith BEFORE enrolling. Look for Opus Dei study centers and Neumann Centers. Most professors are left-wing and prejudiced against traditional values, although that can vary among departments.

Private Colleges and Universities

Pros - Many have strong name recognition and greatly benefit graduates seeking jobs. Strong alumni networks for job opportunities. Prestigious programs that make it easier to enter into prestigious graduate programs.

Cons - $$$$ Do not allow students to become so obsessed with going to a big-name school that they forget they will graduate with possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt. Even smaller, less-known colleges are expensive, and they may not accept some transfer credits.

Campus life is not always wholesome. Look for Opus Dei study centers or Neumann Centers.

Homeschooling Resources

Newman Guide Recognized Colleges

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services