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Homeschool Essentials

We inspire parents to raise confident, emotionally healthy children, empower them to create personalized learning experiences and ultimately see them build amazing relationships with their kids that last a lifetime!

Featured Post

Your 2025-2026 Homeschool Planner is Ready for Pre-Order ✨(+ Exciting New Feature!)

Hi Friend! I have some exciting news! 🎉The 2025-2026 Once Upon a Homeschool Planner is ready for pre-order, and we wanted you to be among the first to know! We've listened to your feedback and added new seasonal reflection pages that give you space to pause, process, and plan for each new season. These pages create natural transition points throughout your homeschool year, helping you stay aligned with your priorities. Your insights about our planner matter deeply. If you've been using the...

Establishing Family Values in Your Home Hi Reader! Join us for a conversation where we explore how family values create a powerful decision-making framework for homeschooling families. Our mental health guest expert will share practical exercises to identify your unique family values and show how these values can guide consistent boundaries around technology, social activities, and relationships. You'll learn how to adapt value systems to honor each family member's unique perspective, helping...

Favorite Recommended Resources Trusted Tools, Practical Solutions, Curated Finds Hi Reader! 🎉 EXCITING NEWS! Our 2025-2026 Once Upon a Homeschool Planner is in its final stages of editing! I'm thrilled to share that this year's planner includes a powerful new seasonal reflection feature that helps you celebrate growth and make thoughtful adjustments as you move from one season to the next. This was inspired by feedback from one of our community members. We do this reflection every season in...

Hi Reader! This is the time of year that many of us are asking questions about next year's curriculum. I know I am! And - just this week I had a mom ask me - "How do I plan for next year when I'm just trying to get through this year?" The truth is the way we think about planning can either help or stress us out. And I see this all the time in my coaching calls. Are you trying to finish today’s lesson while your brain is already thinking about next year’s curriculum? One moment, you’re helping...

Hi Reader! Can I share something personal with you? When people see our family now, they might assume we've got it all figured out. But behind our smiling social media posts and "put-together" moments, there's a deeper story. Our family has spent years in counseling, working through our own challenges while continuing to homeschool. Some days are beautiful, and others... well, let's just say I'm grateful for grace and fresh starts. I'm telling you this because I want you to know that this...

Hi Reader! Can I be honest with you for a moment? When I first started homeschooling my two children with ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety, I felt completely overwhelmed. Every day seemed to bring a new challenge, and I constantly questioned whether I was doing enough or doing it right. Maybe you can relate? Perhaps you've experienced: Watching your child struggle with a lesson that "should" be easy Trying to find teaching methods that actually work for your unique learner Feeling alone in...

Hi Reader! I just had to share something beautiful with you. This week in our Best Year Ever coaching call, we dove deep into a topic that I think will resonate with you – the power of small, daily wins in our homeschool journey. One mom shared something wonderful with me. Instead of getting caught up in the big picture of "am I doing enough?", she started celebrating the simple act of having her son's whiteboard ready each morning. Such a small thing, but it created such a profound shift in...

Hi Reader! That moment when your child's casual interest in growing potatoes turns into a full-blown science exploration...and ends up changing the high school science course you originally planned... Yep, that happened. Or when your carefully planned math lesson transforms into an impromptu baking adventure teaching fractions... These are the magical moments that make homeschooling unique. But, how do you document them when they weren't on the lesson plans? I'm excited to share my latest...

Hi Reader! I'm so glad you participated in the Winter Wonder Challenge! ✨ As one of the contributors, I wanted to personally thank you for being part of this special event. I know your inbox is probably quite full right now with emails from all the Winter Wonder Challenge contributors. We're honored to be among those bringing value to your homeschool journey, and we look forward to continuing to provide encouragement and support in the weeks ahead. While the Challenge has officially ended, I...

Hi Reader! Ever notice how flight attendants always say “put your own oxygen mask on first”? There’s wisdom there for homeschool parents, especially during these winter months. When you’re managing lessons, checking work, and keeping everyone on track, it’s easy to put your own needs last. But here’s the truth: your well-being isn’t a luxury - it’s essential for your homeschool’s success. It can feel challenging to take time for yourself. Try these “Micro-Moments of Peace”: Savor that first...