Homeschool Troubles?

Written By Ashlee Williams

I Can Lend a Hand

Since starting my channel back in 2016, I have made hundreds of videos about different topics ranging from fitness and nutrition to shopping hauls to goals and more. But as many of you know if you’ve followed me long enough, the topic nearest and dearest to my heart is homeschooling. It is the exact reason I started my channel over six years ago. I saw a need on the universe of YouTube and felt called to help fill the void. God has blessed me over these past six years and my channel has grown significantly. I am so grateful to all my followers and feel honored to have been a part of your homeschool journeys. 

When I was considering homeschooling my kids, I did not feel I knew many people who homeschooled their kids. I wanted to be able to ask questions and to see how people did things and what they used. I would go on YouTube to help find those answers. When I searched, I had a hard time relating to the other homeschoolers that were on YouTube at that time. Things like living in a big city versus a rural area prevented me from really connecting personally. I could understand why someone who lived in the middle of nowhere may choose to homeschool, but how about people who lived in or close to large cities like New York, Denver, Los Angeles, and so forth. I also had a hard time finding someone to watch who was similar to me. That may sound silly, but why else do we watch others on YouTube? It’s because we feel a personal connection and relate with those persons' circumstances in life.

On my channel, I’ve always strived to be that friend you could come to and chat over a cup of coffee to share your struggles or questions. I wish to be an encouragement to others going through something I have been through. I wish to share my experiences in hope they will help others in their journey. I want to talk to people about things that are important to me and that I had questions about when I started to homeschool. 

My hope is this post helps you find the answers to your questions. I’ve organized many of my videos below based on topics that have come up often when talking to you all. If you are struggling in any of the areas below, check out the videos listed to get some honest Ashlee advice. Don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable. 

Disclaimer: Some of the videos listed are marked with this emoji.✨ This highlights videos that are available via the paid membership on my YouTube channel. If you wish to learn more, check out this video.

New to Homeschooling

Homeschooling is on the rise! With the way the world is right now, families are seeking other avenues for schooling their children. With so many new homeschoolers out there, I thought it would be best to start this post with some of my videos that help those new to homeschooling. We’re in this together and even better, God has your back! You got this!

How I Homeschool

I’ve been homeschooling nine years now and have gleaned a lot of wisdom over the years. Below are videos where I highlight some of those nuggets of wisdom. I even started a How I Do Homeschool Series to help new and veteran homeschoolers by sharing about how I homeschool.

Obstacles 

There are so many things that can cause a homeschool mama to stumble. The enemy doesn’t want you to homeschool and so he will throw everything he can at you to make you want to quit. Unsupportive family. Bad attitudes. Discouragement. Judgment. Criticism. It doesn’t matter what he throws at you, God is bigger! These videos are here to encourage you when you feel attacked or when you feel alone.

Time Management

I’ve learned a lot about time management. If you have seen my post on Homeschool Routines, you can see why. Time management is essential if you are homeschooling. Whether you are working or not, there are many things that can steal your time unless you are diligent about staying on task. Check out my tips below.

Planning, Breaks, and Field Trips

Homeschooling has its perks! You set the schedule, you plan the field trips, you plan your breaks. These things among others are a huge blessing for a homeschooling family. It allows authentic learning to happen even when you are on a vacation. See my tips for planning and how to take breaks and plan field trips.

Homeschooling Middle and High School

As I’ve grown through homeschooling my children, I’ve learned that each moment is precious…even those ones when our children are teenagers. You can truly make an impact on your child’s life when they are in their middle school and high school years. I’ve shared my insights below in hopes that you won’t dread the teenage years as some may and instead look forward to the day when you can develop a stronger relationship with your teen that will carry into their adulthood.

Homeschooling Multiple Grades

I’ve homeschooled elementary, middle school and now I’m in the high school years. Schooling multiples students in different grade does not have to be difficult. I’ve learned some important things over the years that have made it doable and enjoyable.

“Socialization” and Extra Curriculars

Probably the number one question homeschoolers face from others or even themselves when they just begin is “What about socialization”. If you’ve followed me long enough you know my thoughts about that word. The definition of socialization can be simply put as social interaction with others.

No where in that definition does it say that children should be placed in classes grouped by age. In fact, I would argue that homeschoolers are more socialized than public school kids because they interact with a variety of people throughout a week. Grocery stores, gyms, soccer practices, home. They are interacting with young, old, male, female. If that is not socialization I don’t know what is.

Grading and Testing

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Homeschool Mom Identity and Burnout

Homeschooling isn’t your identity! You are a human being created in the image of God and you have a purpose. Yes you may homeschool, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget about taking care of your self as an individual. If you neglect yourself, you may eventually burn out and ultimately lose the joy you first found in homeschooling your children.

Homeschool Q&A’s

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join me for some of my Q&A videos. In these videos I share advice and answer questions from my followers related to homeschool journey, routines, curriculum and more. These videos don’t require you to watch but only listen so feel free to get some cleaning or cooking done while you enjoy!

Ashlee Williams
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