First Things

word
  One Sunday we actually made it to church early, and an elderly saint asked how homeschooling was going. I admitted that some days we didn’t seem to accomplish a thing. “Did you read them the Bible?” she asked. “Yes.” “Then you did accomplish something.” The truth of her words resonated, strengthening with time. At
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Encouraging Sibling Relationships

sibling relationships
  February is a wonderful month to encourage our kids toward positive sibling relationships. As cold winter weather keeps many homeschooling families indoors, nerves become strained and tempers can flare. By recognizing the value of each family member and engaging in activities of communication, disagreements can be minimized. A great benefit of homeschooling is the
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How the 5 Love Languages Can Improve Your Homeschooling Efforts

love language
  When my oldest son and I walked into the American Science & Surplus store, he immediately found the kits section. He held up the trebuchet kit and frowned. “You said two years ago that you would buy this for me and you never did.” I stood there, flabbergasted. He had only mentioned it one
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Ideas for Keeping in Touch with Long Distance Relatives

in touch
  We moved to South Korea when Clarissa was eighteen months old. I felt bad taking the only grandbaby on both sides to the other side of the world. But I also knew that there were things that I could do to help Clarissa keep in touch with her extended family. Care PackagesI hang up
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What I Wish I Would Have Learned Before I Began Homeschooling – Part Three: Boundaries with Ourselves

homeschool
  I previously shared with you some of the lessons I have been learning about how setting boundaries with our children and with others can help us homeschool more effectively. However, sometimes the biggest boundary conflict does not come from without; it comes from within. Have you ever felt like your homeschool day just “gets
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3 Lifelong Habits – The Habit of Obedience

obedience
  “Mom! Joleen stole something from the store,” yelled my older brother. My heart thundered in my five-year-old chest. I knew I was in trouble and would have to make it right. The funny thing is that despite a few isolated incidents, I was an obedient child. So why did I steal a pink bouncy
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What I Wish I Would Have Learned Before I Began Homeschooling – Part Two: Boundaries With Others

homeschool
  Last month, I wrote about the challenge of setting boundaries with my children and how important that is to homeschooling effectively. Another area where it is helpful to learn and apply appropriate boundaries is with other adults in your life. One of the ways that many homeschoolers face an invasion of boundaries is unsolicited
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Family Fitness

fitness
  Many would agree, and say, that they believe fitness is good for their health and well-being; but only about half of us exercise three or more days a week. Fitness increases lung capacity, muscle tone, and blood flow. It stimulates your brain, sharpens listening skills, and improves problem-solving skills. Fitness delays age-associated memory loss.
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