Embracing the Journey of Homeschooling

Homeschooling can feel overwhelming for me at times, especially when balancing everything life brings. Running a custom cabinet shop with my husband while raising kids who think independently is no small feat. We also learn about gardening and teach responsibility through animal care. With the teachings of Jesus and a commitment to community service, we have a unique approach to family life.

In this post, we'll explore practical ways to merge these different aspects—homeschooling, cabinet making, gardening, animal care, faith, and service—into a rewarding lifestyle.

Finding Balance in Homeschooling

Homeschooling gives us the flexibility to shape our children's education around their interests. It allows for a hands-on approach often missing in traditional schools. We can design lessons that incorporate our trade into the learning process.

For instance, while teaching math, we let our kids take on a project where they can create anything that comes to mind. Studies show that hands-on learning improves retention rates by up to 75%. This makes it an effective way to teach.

Education at home also encourages critical thinking from an early age. It's important to encourage discussions that inspire curiosity. When our kids have questions about faith, community, or gardening, we engage with them fully. We place a faith-based study into our daily routines, ensuring we stay on a lesson until our children fully understand it.

Cabinet Making as a Family Activity

Running a custom cabinet business can be demanding. However, integrating work into family life offers various learning opportunities.

We involve our children in cabinet-making tasks suited to their ages. Our younger child can help with sanding and filling glue bottles, while our older child can measure and assemble parts. This teaches valuable skills and creates a sense of pride in crafting something together.

With our new Shop Sabre CNC machine, the kids can now design any idea that comes to their minds and transfer it to the machine. This advancement in technology has opened doors to creativity.

Learning to Garden

Teaching our kids to garden serves many purposes. It offers a chance to explore biology, responsibility, and healthy eating with home-grown food. We are currently studying botany using The Good and The Beautiful curriculum, starting with simple plants like herbs and tomatoes. These grow quickly and can boost their confidence.

Linking gardening lessons to life lessons is essential. We discuss the patience required for nurturing plants and animals, relating it to how Jesus cared for others. Consider setting aside time each week specifically for gardening. This time becomes a valuable opportunity to talk about growth, patience, and love—qualities our children can carry into everyday life.

Raising Animals

Integrating animals into your homeschooling routine is not only enjoyable but also educational. Chickens, for instance, teach children about responsibility. Our kids learn what our girls (the chickens) can and cannot eat, how to clean the coop, and how to hold the chickens correctly. They even need to pay attention to their snacks because our girls love to steal any food they can get!

Such tasks benefit their organizational skills and instill a sense of duty. Research shows that children who care for animals demonstrate increased empathy and stronger interpersonal skills.

Transition this experience into lessons about nutrition. Help them understand the importance of fresh eggs and how their efforts contribute to the food on their plates.

Serving the Community

Living out our faith means placing community service at the heart of our family's goals. Opportunities abound, like volunteering at local neighborhood clean-up days, helping with fundraisers for the Fire and Police Departments, or spending time with animals at the local shelter.

When kids witness us loving Jesus through service, they are more likely to mirror that behavior. Engage them in enjoyable activities, such as sorting donated items or distributing meals to those in need. A study by the Journal of Family Psychology found that families who serve together report stronger family bonds and better communication.

Keep the atmosphere light and joyous while also stressing the importance of service.

Nurturing Faith

A strong faith foundation supports all these activities. We regularly talk about how to apply Jesus' teachings in daily life and how we can serve each family member in the home. Share Bible stories focused on caring for others, stewardship, and heartfelt discussions about values.

We dedicate time each day to family prayers and reflections, though this has to be intentional. Life gets busy, and we are not always at home together. We started doing activities on how each family member can serve and love others better. This practice deepens our children's understanding of faith and strengthens family ties.

Embracing the Journey

The journey of merging education, entrepreneurship, faith, community service, along with various kids' activities can feel like a delicate dance. However, through creativity, intention, and love, it is possible to blend these critical aspects into a fulfilling lifestyle.

By involving our children in practical life skills such as cabinet making, gardening, and animal care while emphasizing critical thinking and service, we are not just homeschooling; we are raising capable and compassionate individuals.

So, I take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the wonderful journey of merging family, education, service, and faith. After all, it’s not about achieving perfection, but nurturing love, personal growth, and a spirit of service in the next generation. We have to show them how to love like Jesus.

This is us doing one of our favorite things together HIKING!