Episode 174: The Secret to a No-Fight Homeschool Day
For the Busy Mommas…
One of the biggest issues we've not only come head to head with in our own homeschools, but hear about all the time from other moms is the overwhelm of getting to all the things each day and fighting kids to do them.
Now we're not just referring to arguing and out-and-out fighting...but the silent fight of mentally competing with all the to-dos in our heads and kids who have gone to the bathroom 10 times already or sat for 37 minutes just making doodles on their page, or left to "get something" only for you to realize they've been missing for 2 years...
All these silent little fights will wear down a homeschool mom to her very core.
We know. Believe us.
The best way to combat this is to simplify.
Simplify (01:40)
Simplifying not only what's on YOUR plate, but what's on your children's plate so they can work WITHOUT you being the belly button.
Here is the BEST way we've found to do just that...
Be honest about what isn't working and cut it or change it.
You’re the mom, and you KNOW what is (or isn't) working.
Looking at your homeschool right now...you KNOW what your biggest pain points are.
It’s easy to think that the problem is with us, or our kids, but it’s not! We need to learn how to simplify!
Let go of what isn't and re-assess. Curriculum addiction is a REAL thing, and we tend to overwhelm ourselves (with MORE than we need).
A Super Simple System (03:20)
Two years ago, Britt began using a super simple system that CHANGED her homeschool.
It only requires the cost of a piece of paper and a $1.50 clipboard or a $1 spiral notebook.
We call it the Clipboard System.
Why the Clipboard System Works (03:40)
The Clipboard System requires us to use a bird' s-eye view, which our brains like to ignore when we're in a stressful state of fight/flight, freeze/fawn.
Clipboards force you to simplify (there are only 9 spaces!) This keeps the system from defeating kids before they start.
It gives a child clarity & direction (which fosters independence, agency, and autonomy). You get to release control (this is a GOOD thing!)
This offers moms a clear day-to-day vision of where their kids are so problems don't have time to grow (you get to see what they’re keeping up with—or not—each day). The clipboards and spiral notebooks allow moms to see when kids are skipping subjects or not completing lessons.
This system has also reduced nagging and micromanaging in our homes (kids want to thrive!) We’re raising adults (and this requires us to let go and step back). You’ll notice that your kids are proud to bring you their work!
Every year (January, February, and March), school just. gets. stale. Using the clipboards or spiral notebooks can be just the new spark you need.
Finally, this system makes pivoting SO easy. It’s just a piece of paper. If what you’re doing isn’t working, change it up!
When everything is set in stone, and our planners are written out, flexibility isn’t possible. We homeschool for many reasons, and “recreating school at home” is not even in the top 1,000 for most of us.
Clipboards vs. Spiral Notebooks (14:20)
Which one is for you? The clipboards or the spiral notebooks?
Clipboards are for routine days, nonreaders, or visual learners. You can use them however you like, but this is Britt’s observation.
If you have older and more mature learners, spiral notebooks might be for you. Each day, Britt gets up and writes down what the kids need to do. She’ll include quirky notes or fun things (as well as their assignments), and the kids write back. These are little treasures that happen in the notebooks.
Also, for older kids, Britt can write upcoming appointments in (and keep them in the loop).
Kids (and moms) are the most consistent when schoolwork is simplified.
Invitation (18:50)
Brittany will shout about this system from the rooftops because it changed her homeschool!
Two things: first, we have a Clipboard Freebie (if you’d like to give the system a try, only want the grid, this is for YOU), and second, if you’re ALL IN on the clipboards, you’ll find the Homeschool Clipboard Guide (and Templates) in our shop!
Just make sure to start small, with three spaces filled, and see how it changes your homeschool!
Don't be afraid to give this a try...it's not just OUR homeschools that this has changed!
The proof is in the pudding, and there's A LOT of pudding...
Sweet mommas, you are doing beautiful work!
