Dear Young Mama
My family has a New Year’s Eve tradition where we write a letter to our future selves. We open it a year later, on New Year’s Eve. It’s fun but sometimes discouraging. I’ve learned that writing a list of goals as a motivational tool can fall flat as you read through the list the following year, only to discover you haven’t accomplished much. Today, I’m writing a letter to my past self, a dear young mama. There is so much I’d like that young mama to know and my hope is that it can make a difference for you. Dear Young Mama, You are struggling to make a decision about whether to homeschool your children or to enroll them in public school. There are many things to consider but here is the truth. It will be easier to send your children to school if you decide that homeschooling isn’t a good fit than it will be to pull your children from school if you decide that school isn’t a good fit for you. Consider finances. I know the plan is for you to go back to work once your children are school age but the finances are going to be there as you need them. The Lord is going to provide and it’s going to be faith building to see how He does it. You are going to have to budget, there will be sacrifices, and lean times but there will also be amazing financial surprises along the way. Start today by praying for financial wisdom. Ask the Lord to reveal to you any financial beliefs, desires, and habits that are contrary to His word. Spend the needed time uprooting financial idols. Confess the worldly desires of your heart, He knows what they are anyway. You will need His grace to change, you can’t do it in your own strength. Once you have started to work on your heart, you need to implement some tools. Start by writing out a budget and then figure out a system to keep track of the spending. There is no need to buy a program for this, pen and paper will work just fine but I am a fan of YNAB (You Need A Budget). Take some time to figure out exactly what your husband makes per hour (after income tax and all the other deductions). This will help you when you are tempted to spend beyond what is needed. Ask yourself in that moment, “Is this item worth my husband having to work X amount of hours for us/me to have this?” Finally, figure out what you can do to earn some “Proverbs 31” income. The size of this endeavor will depend on the time and energy you have, the level of responsibility your husband has at his job, and the amount of home and family responsibilities that he’s able to take on. But please realize that even if you can only earn and save $100/month, it will richly bless your family 20 years from now. Consider relationships. Your friend group is going to change and not all family members are going to be supportive of homeschooling. Don’t worry, you are going to meet heaps of incredible families and you’ll meet your most treasured friend amongst those families. Try to remain quietly confident and strong-minded but tender-hearted towards the critics. The fruit grows slowly, be patient, they’ll start to see. Don’t consider whether you are smart enough. Others will question and you’ll wonder if you are smart enough to homeschool your children. Don’t waste your time pondering this question. There will be an incredible variety of curricula for you to choose from that will help you educate your children. Many people have gone before you and they will be a blessed resource. Ask lots of questions, take notes, don’t be afraid to tweak the advice to fit you and your family, and twenty years from now you’ll be writing a blog post encouraging mamas with your own thoughts. Consider your priorities. Develop a firm grasp of what your priorities are. Build a habit of being in the Word daily, become a prayer warrior, and worship, and serve on a regular basis. Make your husband your next priority. It’s a mistake to neglect this relationship and it’s so easy to do. Next in line are the children. It can get tricky here as you figure out how to serve the Lord as both a dear young mama and teacher to your children; mama should show up first. Consider how you will organize. If you have a kitchen table, then you have space to educate your children. What you will need are bookshelves. I’ve yet to go into a homeschooling home that doesn’t have walls full of books. Homeschool mamas develop a special relationship with books so get yourselves some bookshelves. Paper! There is so much paper. It enters your house in many forms: workbooks, worksheets, journals, creative writing, reports, printables, artwork, and more. Spend some time thinking about what you are going to keep and how you are going to store it. Do Not, I repeat, Do Not buy a plastic bin to store all the paper thinking that you’ll get to it another day. Consider time. Theatre Class Dance Class Creative Writing Class Art Class Self-Defence Class Martial Arts Soccer Football Baseball Basketball Hockey Gymnastics Homeschool Co-op Youth Group Swimming Lessons Skating Lessons Outdoor Club Archery Field Trips There is no shortage of good things to participate in. Take time to create a vision and some boundaries regarding how you will spend your time and then make decisions that align with your vision and boundaries. Dear young mama, don’t ever consider that homeschooling will save your children. There is no checklist or formula that ensures your children will become followers of Christ. If there were, you would be owed the glory for the salvation of your children. Homeschooling will protect your children from worldly influences for a time, but it won’t protect
Focus on Habits, Not Resolutions and Goals!
Nope, not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I do not need to set myself up to underachieve in one more area of my life. We’re already behind in our Language Arts program and the Latin Words flashcards still have the cellophane wrapping on them. But the start of a new year seems too significant to allow it to just pass by. Let’s face it, this time of year begs for reflection, hope, and planning but I’m encouraging you to ditch the resolutions and those pesky cousins…goals. Instead… Reflect Grab a pen and start writing about your year. What was fantastic and what flopped? Keep what worked and ditch what didn’t. This exercise can be done in note form. Hopes and Plans What are your hopes and plans for this year? Write them down; get them on paper. I know, these sound just like resolutions and goals, and the truth is I’ve repackaged them a bit. But keep reading. Goals do give you a direction and something to aim for but that’s about it. Too often I’ve made the mistake of thinking that goal setting will get me to where I want to be and the truth is that it doesn’t! Build a Habit As you focus on your hopes and plans, I encourage you to think in terms of habits. What habits can you change or develop that will help get you closer to your hopes and plans for the year ahead? By the way, when you are deciding on which ones to focus on, start with the one that causes you the most stress, anxiety, and worry. Y’know the one that keeps you up at night? Yeah, that one…choose that one! Once you’ve identified the biggest, most challenging goal ahead of you, it’s time to start figuring out what habits need to go, change, or be developed. Think it through, write it out, then start implementing the habits that will you help you get to your destination. Even small, seemingly insignificant habits can have a huge impact over time. A Personal Flop One of my flops in 2019 was reading novels aloud to my children. It didn’t really happen. That changed in 2020 and it was addressing habits that really made the difference. I changed the time of day and location from late afternoon on the couch to first thing in the morning, in pajamas, on my bed, under the covers with my kiddos. What a great way to start a homeschool day and the new habit changed everything. Sidenote, did you know that you can wake up, exercise, do your personal devotions, shower, and then put your pajamas back on and crawl back into bed with your kiddos? A 2021 Hope At the top of my hopes and plans list for 2021…BEDTIMES! This is going to be big for us and many habits will need to be addressed to make this plan a reality. I will need more time to sit and think through things but my guess is that it will need to start with our dinner time habits. An earlier dinner time would certainly make room for a better bedtime routine. I hope you can see that stating resolutions/goals isn’t really enough. You need to develop habits…good ones! by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children, ranging in age from 7 to 23. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrolment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role as Communication Specialist for Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important missions field walk with Him.
Adventure Awaits Your Boys
Adventure Awaits Your Boys Books are the perfect gateway to adventure, courage, and imagination. These seven timeless stories capture the essence of boyhood—mischief, bravery, curiosity, and heart. Perfect for solo reading, read-alouds, or even a small book club, these titles will inspire the boys in your life to explore new worlds. 1. The Thrill of Mischief Book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark TwainFollow Tom Sawyer as he navigates graveyards, schemes, and childhood escapades. Twain’s classic captures the excitement and mischief that define boyhood adventures. 2. Courage in the Face of Danger Book: The Green Ember by S.D. SmithJoin courageous rabbits battling for survival and justice. This story is packed with action and bravery, perfect for boys who love heroism and adventure. 3. Independence and Survival Book: My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead GeorgeRun away to the Catskill Mountains with Sam Gribley as he learns to live off the land. A tale of resourcefulness, independence, and connection with nature. 4. Loyalty and Heart Book: Lassie Come-Home by Eric KnightExperience the journey of a devoted dog returning to her family. This emotional tale highlights courage, loyalty, and the deep bonds of friendship. 5. Adventure Across Time Book: The Cat of Bubastes by G.A. HentyTravel to ancient Egypt and explore history, mystery, and danger. A thrilling historical adventure that sparks curiosity about the past. 6. Quest and Imagination Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. TolkienEmbark on an epic journey through Middle Earth with Bilbo Baggins. Trolls, dragons, and unforgettable characters await in this classic fantasy adventure. 7. Honor and Legendary Deeds Book: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (retold by Roger Lancelyn Green)Step into the legendary world of knights, quests, and noble adventures. Tales of courage, honor, and magic continue to inspire boys today. Making the Most of These Adventures Read-Aloud Fun: Share the stories with reluctant readers—adventure is better together! Book Clubs for Boys: Order multiple copies and explore favourite moments and characters as a group. With these seven books, the boys in your life can embrace the spirit of adventure, courage, and imagination. by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrollment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children, but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role as Communication Specialist for Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important mission field walk with Him.
Book Stack for Girls
Stories That Shape Hearts, Minds, and Imaginations Books have always had a way of shaping the hearts of our girls. They offer safe places to explore emotions, risks, new worlds, and character. Whether you’re reading aloud at bedtime, handing your daughter her next independent read, or building a homeschool book list, the right stories can spark conversations that last long after the final chapter. Below are some beautiful, timeless reads packed with adventure, life lessons, and memorable characters your girl will carry with her for years. A Lesson in Kindness and Courage The Hundred Dresses This small but powerful story invites you into a conversation every girl needs: How should we treat others? As you follow Wanda, Maddie, and their classmates, you’ll find natural openings to talk about empathy, peer pressure, and the regret that follows when we stay silent instead of doing what’s right. It’s the kind of book that lingers and often leads to thoughtful discussions. A Journey into Another Culture Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Introduce your daughter to another culture through a story infused with beauty and imagination. Following Minli’s quest to change her family’s fortune, readers encounter Chinese folklore, bold bravery, and themes of gratitude and contentment. It’s magical, memorable, and rich with meaning. A Spirited Trip to the 1860s Caddie Woodlawn For girls who love strong heroines with a spark of mischief, Caddie never disappoints. Set in the 1860s American frontier, this story blends humour, courage, history, and the joy of simple childhood adventures. It’s a wonderful way to travel back in time and a delightful read-aloud for the whole family. One for the Horse Lovers Misty of Chincoteague If your girl is all about horses, you simply can’t go wrong with Marguerite Henry. Misty is a perfect introduction to the world of Ponies, wild herds, and deep bonds between children and animals. The adventure feels real, and the setting is unforgettable. Rabbits, Heroes, and Imagination on Fire The Green Ember I have a daughter who was so captivated by the story that she kept forgetting Heather was actually a rabbit; the bravery, friendship, and high-stakes adventure feel that real. This series ignites the imagination and gives girls heroes worth rooting for. Creativity, Siblings, and Sweet Nostalgia The Saturdays Meet the Melendy children, who come up with a clever plan for making the most of their Saturdays by pooling their resources and taking turns planning special adventures. It’s charming, wholesome, and full of sibling dynamics that feel both timeless and endearing. Imagination, Kindred Spirits, and the Beauty of Becoming Anne of Green Gables No list for growing girls is complete without Anne Shirley. Follow this spirited, imaginative heroine as she navigates friendship, belonging, mistakes, and the joy of finding “kindred spirits” in unexpected places. Anne’s wild imagination, tender heart, and resilient spirit make her a character your daughter will cheer for and learn from. Why Stories Matter The right books don’t just entertain. They help shape our girls, teaching them to notice beauty, act with kindness, embrace courage, and explore the wide world beyond their own front door. Whether you’re building a home library or looking for your next read-aloud, these stories are packed with meaning, delight, adventure, and character building. by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children, ranging in age from 7 to 23. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrolment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role as Communication Specialist for Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important missions field walk with Him.
Some Books are Keepers: a reading list for homeschool moms
Keep-er /ˈkēpər/noun a book that has worn edges, dog-eared corners, and pencil markings because it has been poured over many timessimilar meanings: treasure trove, gold mine, cache Some books stay with you. They linger in your thoughts, whispering wisdom long after you’ve closed the cover. These are the ones you don’t just read—you live with them. They gather coffee stains and pencil marks, and they quietly shape the way you see the world. The books listed here are all keepers. Many of them belong in your “to periodically review” pile, because there’s simply too much truth, beauty, and goodness to be absorbed in one sitting. Classics for the Mind and Soul Mere Christianity — C.S. Lewis A Christian classic that has stood the test of time. Lewis brings the deep truths of the faith to the level of everyday thought, with logic, humility, and grace.👉 You’ll love this if you need your faith strengthened in a rational, heartfelt way. Pride and Prejudice — Jane Austen A timeless literary classic full of wit, wisdom, and romance. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy never fail to charm, convict, and delight.👉 You’ll love this if you enjoy clever conversation, moral insight, and a satisfying story that reminds you how humility and love go hand in hand. Classics for the Homeschooling Heart For the Children’s Sake — Susan Schaeffer Macaulay A foundational book for Christian homeschooling families. This is the heart behind the Charlotte Mason approach…education as a life, not a checklist.👉 You’ll love this if see your child as a person, not a project, and your home as a place where wonder and wisdom meet. The Well-Educated Mind — Susan Wise Bauer A guide for mothers who don’t want to stop learning. Bauer gently walks readers through how to read great books with depth and confidence.👉 You’ll love this if you dream of a second education for yourself—one that enriches your mind right alongside your children’s. Books that Nurture Motherhood and Home Mere Motherhood — Cindy Rollins A beautiful, candid memoir from a veteran homeschool mom. Rollins invites you into her story of laughter, loss, and grace-filled perseverance.👉 You’ll love this if you’re weary and need a reminder that God’s faithfulness runs deeper than your daily mess-ups. The Life-Giving Home — Sally Clarkson An invitation to craft a home that nourishes both body and soul, through the rhythms of the seasons and the rituals of family life.👉 You’ll love this if you long to create a home that feels like a refuge—warm, purposeful, and centered on Christ. Cultivating a Mind of Beauty 30 Poems to Memorize (Before It’s Too Late) — David Kern, Ed. A delightful collection that makes poetry approachable again. Perfect for families, homeschool mornings, or quiet personal reading.👉 You’ll love this if you want to fill your home with beautiful language and teach your children to treasure words. On Reading Well — Karen Swallow Prior A thoughtful exploration of how great literature shapes virtue. Prior shows that good reading isn’t just enjoyable—it’s transformative.👉 You’ll love this if you believe books can shape character and want to read with moral imagination. The Age of Martha — Marcia Mosto A gentle call to rest in a world that values busyness. Moston helps women rediscover the contemplative life amid their daily duties.👉 You’ll love this if you long to slow down and listen at Jesus’ feet. For the Joy of Reading Aloud The Read-Aloud Family — Sarah Mackenzie A modern classic for families who want to build connection through books. Mackenzie offers practical tips and rich encouragement to make reading aloud a way of life.👉 You’ll love this if you want to reclaim family time from screens and fill your home with stories that spark imagination and faith. Some books are meant to be kept. Fill your shelves with these keepers. by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrollment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children, but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role at Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important mission field walk with Him.
Strong Mind, Strong Character: A Reading List for Homeschool Dads
Strong Mind, Strong Character: A Reading List for Homeschool Dads In a homeschool home, dads play an important role. Beyond coaching sports or fixing the car, fathers can be a living example of curiosity, wisdom, integrity, and strength. A powerful way that a homeschool dad can influence his children is through reading. Below is a list of engaging books that challenge the mind, shape character, deepen faith, and inspire conversation. Beowulf An epic poem about courage, loyalty, and honour. Reading Beowulf is a chance to reflect on personal virtue and discuss timeless moral questions. The Liberal Arts Tradition When mom and dad understand the “why” behind classical education, it can make all the difference in a homeschool. Clark and Jain provide a roadmap for integrating faith, reason, and the arts. Dads who read this book will be equipped to guide their children not just in knowledge, but in wisdom. A Good Man Clarkson explores the character of a good man in a culture that often misunderstands masculinity. Find the inspiration, encouragement, and practical guidance to model integrity and strength. Orthodoxy Chesterton’s witty and profound defence of Christian belief is as enjoyable as it is enlightening. Reading Orthodoxy reminds dads that faith and intellect go hand in hand. Total Truth Pearcey challenges readers to integrate faith into every part of life, from academics to daily decisions. For a homeschool dad, this book offers a framework for helping children see that truth isn’t compartmentalized, it’s everywhere! The Emperor’s Handbook Stoicism may seem distant from homeschool life, but Marcus Aurelius’s reflections on discipline, patience, and duty resonate deeply. You’ll find practical strategies for modelling calm leadership and resilience for your children. The Well-Educated Mind Bauer’s guide is perfect for the dad who wants a structured approach to home education. It helps dads read deeply, think critically, and pass on a love of learning that doesn’t end with high school. Paradise Lost by John Milton Milton’s epic poem explores temptation, rebellion, and redemption on a grand scale. Reading Paradise Lost offers both intellectual challenge and spiritual reflection. It’s a story that inspires discussion about the stakes of moral choice and the beauty of truth. Why These Books Matter When dads read, children see that learning is more than a school assignment; it’s a lifelong pursuit. Reading shapes all of us, and building a personal home library is about learning and also legacy. by Adrianne Curwen Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrollment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children. She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children, but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there. Adrianne is thrilled by her new role at Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new. She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important mission field walk with Him.