Homeschooling your kids means wearing two very important hats (teacher and parent), and learning when to switch between them isn’t always easy.

In this video, we’re diving into what it really looks like to balance those roles without burning out or breaking connection.

We’ll talk about the challenges every homeschool parent faces (yes, everyone struggles with this!) and share practical ways to make both roles work together—so your home stays both a place of learning and love.

Here’s what’s inside this episode:

Intro
Understanding the Dual Role – The “hat-switching” dynamic of being both teacher and parent—why it’s rewarding and tricky.
The Three Core Areas of Tension:
Discipline – When behaviour interrupts learning: is it disobedience or frustration?
Learn how to tell the difference and respond with calm consistency.
Relationship – How to protect your connection so homeschooling doesn’t feel like constant correction.
Academics – Managing the pressure to “cover it all” while keeping the focus on mastery, not perfection.
Practical Strategies for Balance – From setting “school hours” and using role cues, to knowing when to pause for peace.

Homeschooling is a beautiful blend of teaching and parenting, but it takes intention to keep that balance. You don’t have to choose between being a great teacher or a loving parent… You can be both!

💬 Let’s chat in the comments: Which role (teacher or parent) do you find hardest to balance?

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#balance #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Ever feel like every other homeschool parent is “doing it all”? Spotless house, thriving academics, home-cooked meals, extracurriculars, happy kids… the list goes on. The truth? Nobody is doing it all. And trying to will only lead to burnout.

In this video, I’m breaking down what balance really looks like in homeschooling—and how to create it in your own home. We’ll bust the myths, redefine balance, and share practical steps you can start using this week to feel less overwhelmed and more at peace in your homeschool.

Homeschooling isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about choosing what matters most in this season and letting the rest go.
I’d love to hear from you! What does balance look like in your homeschool right now? Drop a comment below and let’s encourage each other.

Don’t forget to subscribe for the rest of the series on balance in homeschooling.

Intro
“We’re NOT Doing it All!”
What balance really means
Acknowledging Different Seasons
Balance in academics
Balance in the household
Balance in relationships,
Balance in personal rest
Practical strategies
Outro

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#Balance #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Come spend the day with us as we share a peek into what homeschooling really looks like in our home! From morning lessons to errands, meals, and our cozy bedtime routine, you’ll see how we balance family life, learning, and everyday responsibilities.

Here’s what’s in today’s vlog:
📚 School Time – A look at our homeschool rhythm, what we’re working on, and how we keep learning fun.
🥪 Lunch Break – Simple meals that keep everyone fueled and happy.
🧹 Chores – Pitching in around the house and teaching responsibility as part of our day.
😬 Orthodontist Visit – Fitting real-life appointments into our homeschool day.
🌙 Bedtime Routine – Winding down after a full day with reading, family time, and getting ready for tomorrow.

Morning & Breakfast
Chicken Chores
Morning Basket
Tea
Lessons
Lunch Prep and Piano Practice
Lunch
Laundry
Afternoon Independent Quiet Time
Appointment
Tuesday Evening Activities
Bedtime

Homeschooling isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s full of moments that make it worth it. I hope this video gives you encouragement and inspiration for your own homeschool journey!

💬 Let me know in the comments what your homeschool days look like—I’d love to hear!

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A few years ago, we introduced a morning basket into our homeschool, and it completely transformed how our days begin. It’s a simple way to jumpstart learning, add variety, and sneak in a mix of subjects—all in just about 30 minutes! Best of all, the kids love it and don’t even realize how much they’re learning.

Here’s what’s inside our basket:

Intro
Word of the Day
Poem of the Day
Fun Fact Book
Country of the Day
Canada 365
Word Games
Novel of the Month
Wrap-up

In just half an hour, our brains are awake, our creativity is sparked, and we’re ready to dive into the rest of our homeschool day.

✨ Whether you’re new to morning baskets or just looking for fresh ideas, I hope this gives you some inspiration for your own routine!

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Poem - https://amzn.to/4m2NNaP
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iPad - https://amzn.to/47p6PEK


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In this video, I’m walking you through how I lay out our weekly homeschool rhythm. I start by plugging in the non-negotiables (outside activities and commitments), then add in family routines that support our health and connection, and finally layer in the homeschool subjects that happen daily or on specific days.

Here’s how our week looks:
✨ Outside commitments – Jiu-Jitsu, co-op, choir, Girl Guides
✨ Family health & rhythms – Tea Time, errands, and Family Game Night
✨ Homeschool subjects – Language Arts and Math every day, plus Art, Unit Studies and weekly Spelling Tests

This system keeps us organized without being overwhelming. It gives structure, helps me see where the “fixed” pieces of our week are, and makes it easier to plan lessons around real life.

Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or just need ideas for a smoother routine, I hope this gives you inspiration for planning your own homeschool week.

Intro
Planning - to start
Adding some details
Deciding what lessons
Week Walk-through
Outro

PDF Planners available at True North History https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/
Printed Planners:
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#weeklyplanning #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Homeschooling parents love a good planning video, and for good reason—seeing how others organize their days can spark fresh ideas and keep you motivated.

In this video, I’m walking you through exactly how I plan a full month of homeschooling in just one sitting.

Monthly Homeschool Planning
Gathering and organizing all materials
Schedule your subjects
Gather Your Supplies
Library book order
Tidying and resetting our space
Wrap up

✨ Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or just looking for new tips to stay organized, this planning routine will help you start your month with confidence.

PDF Planners available at True North History https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/

Printed Planners:
Rainbow Stain Glass: https://amzn.to/3VI5sK1
Black and White flower: https://amzn.to/483oTo0
Undated: https://amzn.to/45SMruD

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#homeschoolplanning #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

In our house, unit studies rule! They are a great way to add variety and to spice up learning. And, with so many great and affordable options for unit studies, they are an easy and accessible choice for many families.

One of my favourite things to do is to take a simple unit study curriculum and expand it. Add in things to make the learning deeper and richer. And it’s actually a lot easier than you might think.

Today I’ll walk you through some simple things I do to take a basic unit study and make it better.

How to Take a Simple Unit Study and Make It Richer
Starting with Curriculum
Novel study
Books!
Documentary
Movie
Activity or Project
Field Trip
Build out a Bird Unit with me
Outro

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I'm entering my 7th year of homeschooling. 7 YEARS! When I started homeschooling, there wasn't a lot of advice or even a lot of people who could give me advice. With the start of a new year, I'm sharing a few things I wish someone had told me in my early days.

7 Things I wish I knew....
There is no one perfect way to homeschool
Each kid has their own pace
Find/build your community
Family learning is the BOMB!
Keep it simple!
Consistency matters
Homeschooling is a lifestyle
Outro

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#homeschooling #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling