Comments on: The secret to next year’s happiness!

By: Kika

Kika — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:58:38 +0000

I’ve been thinking about this since you posted it… mostly been considering “what do I want MY HOME ATMOSPHERE to FEEL like next year?”; “what do I want my RELATIONSHIPS to look/be like?”; “how do I want to RESPOND to frustrations or imperfect circumstances”; “what MEMORIES do I want to create with my family?”. Despite all the time I spend on creating plans, routines, budgets, etc., these questions that surfaced after reading your post illuminate what I really care about. I want the order and systems in place b/c they allow us to build relationship and enjoy our time together (and stay healthier) but they are not the actual priority. Anyways, this type of post is my favorite, Julie. What I’ve most gained from BraveWriter is not the writing skills which have resulted, and are wonderful in and of themselves, but a growth/maturity/greater gentleness in the way in which I relate to each of my kids.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:40:09 +0000

I can identify well with this article. I got caught in the ‘discuss homeschooling strategies’ trap. We were happiest when our day began with the kids getting out of bed and comining into my bed. We would talk; about our dreams our plans for the day, we would talk. Then, after talking to other homeschool moms and reading forums, I decided I was doing it wrong. Suddenly I wanted the kids out of bed at 7am, sitting at the table eating breakfast. Are they happier? Am I happier? Are they learning more? Do we talk as much? No, no, no and no. Hard, sad lesson to learn.

By: The secret to next year’s happiness! « A Brave Writer’s Life in Brief | dulcissimae avocationēs

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:42:35 +0000

[...] http://blog.bravewriter.com/2012/07/06/the-secret-to-next-years-happiness/# Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. [...]

By: kristin

kristin — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:49:46 +0000

I believe I tend to plow on. I am thankful that this post has caused me to think & not just act. My oldest is in her junior year and we were tied down to a pretty busy & intense curriculum…. we’ve ditched it, which scares me,and frees me as well.
I look forward to the next installment when you address the children’s hopes for the year.

By: Annie

Annie — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:02:55 +0000

Wise words. Thank you!

By: Mandatory Reading « Handmade Homeschool

Mandatory Reading « Handmade Homeschool — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:34:54 +0000

[...] you have taken charge of your children’s education, reading Julie Bogart’s article The secret to next year’s happiness: 3 tips to transform your homeschool this year! isn’t optional this summer. Go read it. I can tell you, after a decade of homeschooling, that [...]

By: Julie Bogart

Julie Bogart — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:50:42 +0000

Erin, agreed. Let’s make family health the highest priority—for each member.

By: erin

erin — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 19:10:15 +0000

“On the other hand, if you have a spouse who is nervous or worried about home education, you will want to incorporate some of his secret needs into your plans so you are both happy at the end of the year. Work through these same 3 steps with him, over coffee. Get on the same page. Let him know that you want to be a team. To be happy at home, everyone needs to buy in and feel they have a chance at feeling peaceful.”

Marriage is important too. We are all sad to hear of marriage issues everywhere, but when it is a homeschool family and homeschooling is said to be part of the issue, it is especially sad. Everyone, let’s make marriage a higher priority than homeschooling! Thanks for this, Julie.

By: flo

flo — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 02:02:34 +0000

Okay here’s my top 5:
1. Lose 50 pounds
2. Son #2 will be on- track in math
3. Actually, everyone will be on-track in math
4. Child #4 will be reading
5. Some fun outings with other families

By: Julie Bogart

Julie Bogart — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 22:50:50 +0000

Thanks everyone! So glad it resonated.

Julie