EPISODE 42
what my kids miss by not being in public school
If your homeschool has slowed to a crawl this month – or completely fallen apart – take a breath.
You’re not failing.
You’re not behind.
You’re actually doing what most veteran homeschoolers already know:
December is not a school month.
Not in homeschool. Not in public school. Not in private school.
As a former public school teacher, I can promise you: December is movies, crafts, concerts, assemblies, and managing excitement. It is not new math concepts or writing essays.
So why are we pressuring ourselves to push through a full workload at home?
Let’s break down what December really looks like – and why stepping back might be the best educational decision you make all year.
1. December Doesn’t Work Like a Regular School Month
Every parent has the same experience: routines crumble, energy shifts, emotions rise, and expectations skyrocket.
Teachers know this. They stop pushing heavy academics because it doesn’t stick.
Homeschoolers need the same permission to pivot.
2. December Is Full of Real Learning (Just Not Textbook Learning)
December naturally teaches:
- Emotional regulation
- Patience
- Serving others
- Cultural literacy
- Creativity
- Planning, budgeting & life skills
And academically?
- Baking = fractions
- Grocery lists = reading + math
- Gift making = motor skills + sequencing
- Writing holiday cards = handwriting + geography
- Decorating = spatial awareness
This is the kind of learning kids remember – not worksheets.
3. Here’s What to Do Instead of “Regular School”
Try building your December around:
- Read-aloud mornings with cocoa
- Baking days
- Gift-making projects
- Holiday movie afternoons with story discussions
- Nature walks and light drives
- Community service projects
Not only will your kids learn – they’ll thrive.
4. You’re Not Behind. You’re Building Connection.
December isn’t lost time. It’s family-building time.
The peace you create now becomes the foundation your kids learn from in January.
If you want help making December cozy, calm, and connected, join my 7-Day Cozy Homeschool Challenge
You deserve a peaceful December – not a pressured one.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
Want More Support?
✨ Join Homeschool Hug LIVE – the in-person + online community for homeschool moms
💻 Book a 1:1 Consultation – custom plans and support
📸 Follow Me on Instagram – daily encouragement + behind the scenes
✨Homeschooling doesn’t have to be hard and it’s my job to help.
Why This Podcast Exists
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re totally new to it. As a former public school teacher who made the leap to homeschooling, I created this podcast to:
- Support and encourage moms like you who are considering or just starting to homeschool
- Provide practical advice to make home education easier.
- Foster a community of moms navigating the homeschooling journey together
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