Homeschooling can feel overwhelming for me at times, especially when we are balancing everything life brings. Running a custom cabinet shop along with my husband while raising kids who think independently, how to garden, and learn responsibility through animal care is no small feat. Add teachings of Jesus and a commitment to community service, and you can say we have a unique approach to family life.
In this post, we'll explore practical ways to merge these different aspects—homeschooling, cabinet making, gardening, animal care, faith, and service—into a rewarding lifestyle.
Finding Balance in Homeschooling
Homeschooling gives us the flexibility to shape our children's education around their interests. It allows for a hands-on approach often missing in traditional government schools. We can design lessons that bring our trade into the learning process.
For example, while teaching math, we have let our kids create a project and let them build whatever comes to mind. According to studies, hands-on learning improves retention rates by up to 75%, making it an effective way to teach.
Education at home also encourages critical thinking from an early age. Encourage discussions to inspire curiosity. When our kids have questions about faith, community, or gardening, we engage with them fully. We can place a faithbase study in our daily routines and stick with whatever lesson we are on until our children fully understand what they are learning.
Cabinet Making as a Family Activity
Running a custom cabinet business can be demanding, but integrating your work into family life offers various learning opportunities.
We involve our children in cabinet-making tasks that suit their ages. Our younger kid can help with sanding filling the glue bottles, while older one can measure and assemble parts. This not only teaches valuable skills but also creates a sense of pride in crafting something together.
With our new Shop Sabre CNC machine we are able to now have the kids learn to desing any idea that comes to mind and transfer this to the machine.
Learning to Garden
Teaching our kids to garden serves many purposes. It provides a chance to explore biology, responsibility, and healthy eating with home-grown food. We are currently studying botny using The Good and The Beautiful curriculum. We have started with simple plants such as herbs and tomatoes, which grow quickly and can boost confidence.
Link gardening lessons to life lessons. Discuss the patience required in nurturing plants and animals, and relate it to how Jesus cared for others. Consider setting aside time each week specifically for gardening. This time becomes a valuable opportunity to talk about growth, patience, and love—qualities our children can carry into everyday life.
Raising Animals
Bringing animals into your homeschooling routine is not only enjoyable but also educational. Chickens, for example, can teach your children about responsibility. Our kids have learned what our girls (chickens) can and ca not eat, to clean the coop/run, hold the girls correctly, and make sure to pay attention to their snack because our girls love to steal any snack they can get. Such tasks benefit their organization skills and instill a sense of duty. Research indicates that children who care for animals show an increased sense of empathy and can develop stronger interpersonal skills.
Transition this experience into lessons about nutrition. Help them understand the importance of fresh eggs and how their efforts lead to the food on their plates.
Serving the Community
Living out our faith means placing community service at the heart of our family's goals. Opportunities abound, like volunteering at a local neighborhood clean-up days, helping with fundraisers for our local Fire/Police Department, or spending time with the animals at the local shelter.
When kids witness us (their parents) loving Jesus through service, they are more likely to mirror that behavior. Engage them in fun activities, such as sorting donated items or distributing meals to those in need. A study by the Journal of Family Psychology found that families who serve together report stronger family bonds and better communication.
Keep the atmosphere light and focused on joy while also stressing the importance of service.
Nurturing Faith
A strong faith foundation supports all these activities. We regularly talk about how to apply Jesus' teachings in daily life. As well as how we can serve each family member in the home. Share Bible stories focused on caring for others, stewardship, or heartfelt discussions about values.
We dedicate time each day for family prayers and reflections. This has to be intentional because life gets busy and we are not always home all together. We started to do activities on how each family member can serve and love others better. This practice not only deepens our children's understanding of faith but also strengthens family ties.
Embracing the Journey
Life often feels like a delicate dance, especially when merging education, entrepreneurship, faith, community service, and don't forget all of the kids activities. Yet, through creativity, intention, and love, it is possible to blend these critical aspects into a fulfilling lifestyle.
By involving our children in practical life skills such as cabinet making, gardening, and animal care, while emphasizing critical thinking and service, we are not just homeschooling; we are raising capable and compassionate individuals.
So I take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the beautiful journey of merging family, education, service, and faith. After all, it’s not about achieving perfection but nurturing love, personal growth, and a spirit of service into the next generation. We have to show them how to love like Jesus.
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