Tag: Earnest Mom Approved

Planning a Homeschool Year with Prayer. (+ Free Printable Planner Pages and Editable 2025-26 Calendar)

Planning a Homeschool Year with Prayer. (+ Free Printable Planner Pages and Editable 2025-26 Calendar)

by earnestmomblog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

When we first began homeschooling, I earnestly believed the most important thing was finding the perfect curriculum. I spent hours and hours researching lesson plans, charts, posters, planners, etc. Overwhelming at best! But the truth is – what my homeschool really needed was not a flawless plan. It was prayer.

Prayer reminds us that God is the one leading our homeschool, not us. It shifts the focus from getting all the things done, to walking with Him and letting Him lead.

That is why this year instead of simply mapping mathematics or history timelines, I am starting with prayer and I want to remind you mama, you can start here too.

Start with praying before the planning. Before you open your planner, open your heart and ask the Lord to guide you in the process. You can ask Him:

  • What do my children need this year – not only academically but spiritually and emotionally too?
  • Where do we need to slow down? Where can we grow deeper?
  • How can our homeschool point to You, in every lesson and every day?

Next, plan with purpose and not pressure. Planning with prayer means shifting from rigid checklists to purposeful rhythms. Instead of asking, “What do we need to get through?” ask:

  • How do I want the days to feel?
  • What values do I want to weave into our learning?
  • Where can we create space for joy, rest and connection?

Be willing to change your plans. Homeschool is full of surprises. Sickness, field trips, life interruptions – God uses them all. When you plan with prayer, you give yourself freedom to adjust and trust that detours can be divine. Instead of trying to control the year, commit it to God and hold your plans loosely. (I am telling myself this daily while planning – I need to let God more than I let me!)

Dedicate your year to the Lord. Once your planner or calendar is filled – pray over them. Lay your homeschool, and the hearts of you and your children at the feet of the saviour. Ask him to lead you, teach you and let the whole year be His. Pray together before your year starts – as a whole school household. Ask him to bless your learning, conversations and growth.

Our homeschool year officially starts next week with a back to school party with fellow homeschool friends. However we always launch in August with a mini unit to get back in the school day rhythm. In planning these last few weeks, I have created a 2025-26 calendar, daily planning sheet (that I will laminate and use daily), our read aloud booklist (we are a read aloud family – curious? Check out my previous article), and a booklist sheet for each of my children.

Calendar
Daily Planner
Read Aloud Booklist
Child Booklist
Child Booklist
Child Booklist

Like what you see? You are welcome to access the Earnest Mom Homeschool Planner Bundle – FREE! Click the link, then select ‘Use template’ to open and edit your own copy in Canva. That’s it!

Remember mama, we are in this together, one Earnest (and prayerful) MOMent at a time!

Love, Earnest Mom

Finding Earnest Connection in Motherhood

Finding Earnest Connection in Motherhood

by earnestmomblog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Motherhood is earnestly beautiful – but it can also be lonely.

We spend our days pouring out – packing lunches, reading stories, wiping tears (and bottoms). And while our hearts are full of love for our family, many of us have the quiet worry… Who is pouring into me??

God never meant for us to be alone, not in life and especially not in motherhood.

We are created for connection, for laughter across the kitchen table. For prayers whispered over coffee. For a knowing glance or silent hand squeeze in the toughest of times. Moments that say, we are in this together.

The thing about motherhood, with all its moving pieces, we find that friendships take a back seat and then it is hard to make new ones or even pick up old ones. Friendship in motherhood takes intention, and often takes courage. In a recent Ohio State University survey, 71% of moms said that the demands of parenthood made them feel lonely sometimes or a lot of the time. That is every 2 out of 3 moms you know or meet. The facts are staggering, and what’s more once we get into the that lonely place, it is so tough to get out.

Do not lose hope mama, it may take a little work, being a bit awkward but the truth is – we are all awkward and nervous. Here are some gentle steps you can take if you are craving deeper friendships this season.

  1. Be Brave enough to go first. Sometimes friendship starts with a simple smile or a brave “Hi!” at the park or in the church nursery room. It’s ok to feel nervous – you are not alone in that.
  2. Extend small invitations. You do not need to plan a big event or playdate – send a quick test saying “want to grab coffee?” or “want to join me for a stroller walk today?” These are great places to start mama, one small step at a time.
  3. Embrace imperfect connections. Friendships do not require dust free baseboards or a five course meal. Invite someone over, even if the laundry is out. Real connections grow in real life situations.
  4. Look for the mom standing alone. Maybe at church, the park or your local homeschool co-op, the library or even waiting outside the pick line at school. She is probably just a nervous as you but longing for a friend too!
  5. Ask God for friendship. Do not forget to pray! Ask the Lord to bring the right women into your life – someone who will see you, support you and will help you grow with him.

Mama, we were made for community. We were made for connection.

Be bold. Be kind. Be willing to go first. Be awkward. Be real. And walk in truth – it is hard to step out and make new friends, but it is harder to be in this alone. So, choose your hard mama. Sometimes the best of friendships began with a shared smile or a spare diaper, because you have run out of diapers while in the bathroom at a department store too.

I have included some sweet and simple ways to connect – Mom Connection Cards! Print the cards out, fill in your name and number and keep them in the diaper bag, purse or glove box. Hand them to another mom when the moment feels right – it is the first step that can lead to some beautiful rewards.

Remember, in motherhood we are in this together, one earnest MOMent at a time.

Love, Earnest Mom.

Earnest Mom Approved: Our Favorite Podcasts for Little Ears

Earnest Mom Approved: Our Favorite Podcasts for Little Ears

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As a homeschool family who loves to read aloud together, we often are looking for some non-screen ways to find entertainment, ESPECIALLY when driving around on errands or traveling to the Great White North to visit family. Enter in PODCASTS! We have been enjoying podcasts for the last year or more, and we are excited to share our Earnest Favorites with you! NOTE: We love all of these the most, and are listed in no particular order!

Moment of Um – From Brains On! Universe

Moment of Um answers those questions that pop up out of nowhere. You know, the ones that make you squint a little and go ummmmmmm. This podcast offers a bite sized listen (usually 3-6 minutes) so for those quick trips in the car, The Moment of Um is perfect. Listen to one while you are waiting in the school drop off line or for the grocery pick up. Gets the kids giggling, learning and figuring some out of this world questions.

Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible – Hosted by Erin Lynum

Discover God’s wonderful creation rooted in the truth of his Word! Nat = Natural, Theo = Theology. Where kids dive into the study of Natural Theology—discovering God through nature! We love listening and learning along with real world science rooted in the Gospel, as a homeschool family this podcast has been a great resource. These episodes can be 20-30 minutes so we plan one or two for longer rides.

Culture Kids Productions

Inspired by Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect, Culture Kids Productions believes that small, consistent actions can lead to extraordinary change. By introducing children to the wonders of global cultures in an engaging, heartfelt way; they plant the seeds of curiosity, empathy, and understanding that will grow into compassionate, collaborative individuals. We enjoy my sweet friend Kristen and her son Asher, as they explore countries, cultures and traditions, these episodes have been great when running around town, usually 15-25 minutes long. After the first few episodes my kiddos were begging to try bibimbap – we loved it!!

SMASH BOOM BEST from Brains On! Universe

Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best. Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case — teaching listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way. We laugh sometimes to tears, then learn debate fallacies that weaken arguments, helping us defend our stance. This is an Earnest Family affair, we save these longer (usually 30 minutes) episodes for longer trips and we pause the episode numerous times to cast our votes for our favorites until the end. This podcast has been known to keep us in the driveway to finish the episodes (even keeps the teen engaged)!

Hey-O Stories of the Bible by Saddleback Kids

Hey-O Stories of the Bible podcast tells the stories from God’s special book, the Bible, accurately and in a way that is engaging to children of all ages. This one is super fun and fast, 2-5 minute episodes that are great when church is only 10 minutes away. Kids love it when we hear biblical accounts that match their bible lessons that day!

These are only our top 5, we have been exploring more and more, a few honourable mentions are: Who Smarted?, Forever Ago, Real Cool History for Kids, and Million Bazillion. If you are looking to shake up your podcast list, or just starting to listen to them with your kids – try one some of these, they are earnest approved and we know you will love them too!

Stay tuned as I share my top ten mom podcasts recommendations!

Love, Earnest Mom