Tag: parenting

A Full Year of Preschool & Kindergarten Circle Time – Created for Real-Life Homeschoolers

~ Erika Thompson ~ Leave a comment

If you’ve ever wished Circle Time could be simple, meaningful, and actually doable in a homeschool setting—this is for you. I just finished creating a yearlong Preschool & Kindergarten Circle Time Curriculum designed for homeschool families who want structure without the overwhelm. Whether you’re teaching one kid or wrangling a toddler while a 2nd grader reads aloud … Continue reading A Full Year of Preschool & Kindergarten Circle Time – Created for Real-Life Homeschoolers

Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 5: Birthday Surprise

~ Erika Thompson ~ Leave a comment

Our girl turned 7! (Technically not yet, but we surprised her early.) She woke up to banners, a unicorn cake, and one very special present—earrings. That’s right, it was EARS PIERCING DAY. She was so brave. One earring in and she didn’t even realize it happened. “Wait, what was that part?” she asked, blinking in … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 5: Birthday Surprise

Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 4: Sloppy Roads

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So, “roads.” I use that term loosely. These were more like ideas of roads. After a good rain, they turned into slip-and-slide obstacle courses. We woke up to gray skies and goopy trails, but also a good excuse for art projects and extra coffee. We knocked out some morning chores and then broke out the … Continue reading Nebraska Trip: A Vacation Series | Day 4: Sloppy Roads

Our First Big “theme park” Family Vacation: Nine Days, One Van, Zero Regrets

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It started with a Christmas promise: a trip to LEGOland and the Wild Animal Park (okay, Safari Park—but I’ll always call it the Wild Animal Park). We decided to wrap it around my husband’s big bike race, the Belgium Waffle Ride—yes, there were waffles, no, it wasn’t in Belgium—and turn it into a full-blown family … Continue reading Our First Big “theme park” Family Vacation: Nine Days, One Van, Zero Regrets

Balancing Acts: Managing Personal Fitness Goals Amidst Family Life

~ Erika Thompson ~ Leave a comment

Discussing the challenges of training for a marathon while homeschooling three children, emphasizing the importance of planning and flexibility. Mornings and afternoons are opportunities for workouts, often interrupted by family life. This integration of fitness and family teaches kids about persistence and strength, showcasing that life doesn’t need to be perfect to be fulfilling.

Homeschooling Through the Seasons: Embracing Nature’s Classroom

~ Erika Thompson ~ Leave a comment

Homeschooling has allowed our family to align our learning with the seasons, highlighting nature as our primary curriculum. Spring brings discovery, summer emphasizes immersion in play, fall craves structure, and winter invites stillness. This approach fosters curiosity and connection, demonstrating that learning often occurs in unstructured, everyday moments, embracing the world's rhythms.

Cycling While Pregnant: Riding Through the Trimesters

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Sharing my personal experiences of cycling during three pregnancies, emphasizing the importance of comfort and individual choice. Each pregnancy brought unique challenges, from biking comfort to towing toddlers. Practical tips include using an eBike, indoor riding, and listening to one's body. Ultimately, enjoyment and safety should guide decisions while biking during pregnancy.

Homeschooling with a 20-Month Old: The Naked Truth

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You know what’s wild? Homeschooling with a 20-month-old. I mean, homeschooling in general is an adventure, but add in a pocket-sized tornado of energy, and suddenly, we’ve entered a whole new level of chaos. Our little guy—oh, he is something else. The cutest, most stubborn, most hilarious, and most determined tiny human I’ve ever met. … Continue reading Homeschooling with a 20-Month Old: The Naked Truth

Homeschooling with ADHD (Spoiler: It’s Me, Not the Kids… Okay, Maybe Them Too)

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When people hear “homeschooling with ADHD,” they probably picture a kid bouncing off the walls while I desperately try to wrangle them into a math lesson. But let’s be real—I’m the one with ADHD. My kids? Well… if genetics are any indication, they probably have a little sprinkle of it too. But honestly, don’t we all? … Continue reading Homeschooling with ADHD (Spoiler: It’s Me, Not the Kids… Okay, Maybe Them Too)