I have spent so many Sunday nights planning and looking ahead, trying to wrap my head around all that the kids and I needed to do during the week to come. It seemed like there was always a mix of anticipation and nervous energy.
I was thinking about that and about all of you tonight, as I know that a new week is ahead, and for many, Back2Homeschool season is officially here.
It’s easy it is to jump straight into the mechanics—lesson plans, schedules, co-ops—without first grounding ourselves in the mission of why we homeschool in the first place. But here’s the truth: what we believe will always shape how we behave.
If I believe homeschooling is just about academics, then I’ll plan my year to check boxes and finish textbooks. But if I believe God has called me to disciple my children and lead them to Him, my homeschool will look very different. The way I structure our days, the patience I show in the challenging moments, even the priorities I set for my calendar—all of it flows from that belief.
Since this is our family’s first “NOT Back2Homeschool year,” David and I have been working hard to give you several resources to help you kick your year off missionally, helping you set yourself up for success in the days to come.
I challenge you to take advantage of these and even talk through them with your spouse as you pray and plan for this school year. I pray they will be beneficial and that God will use them to clarify your vision and make you even more excited about the privilege you have to homeschool your kiddos.
I’m excited to share the first two episodes of our Back2Homeschool podcast series with you. They’re meant to help you start this year with clarity and confidence:
Episode 1: Belief Impacts Behavior: How what you believe shapes how you parent and teach. In this episode, you’ll be challenged to consider the real source of your behavior: your beliefs. Are you living out what you say you believe? Or have you unintentionally allowed urgency and outside influences to shape your family culture? You’ll discover that your mindset—rooted in God’s truth—can transform your homeschool year and bring peace into your days.
Episode 2: Plan Your Homeschool Year with Purpose This episode includes practical, step-by-step encouragement for structuring your year in a way that aligns with your family’s mission and faith.
And because we know this season can feel overwhelming, we’ve also pulled together several Back2Homeschool resources to make your start easier:
The Back2Homeschool Devotional. 7 days of devotionals to help you refocus, reignite your mission, and create a culture of discipleship in your home. Click here to download the devotional.
The Back2Homeschool Planning Guide gives you five questions to ask that will transform your homeschool year. Click here to download the planning guide.
Finally, be sure to enter the Back2Homeschool Giveaway!! You can win $250 to spend on whatever you need to jumpstart this homeschool year AND a full year of Teach Them Diligently 365 to keep you focused and on mission every step of the way. Click here to enter the giveaway.
As you head into this week, remember: the most important part of homeschooling isn’t your curriculum or schedule—it’s your focus and your mission. Start there, and you’ll see the difference in your family all year long.
