homeschooling large families

She Shall Be Saved Through Motherhood: Taking Up the Work God Has Given You

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The Work That Belongs to a Mother Many young mothers find themselves unsure of what to do when their children become disruptive in public. They feel torn between wanting to remain where they are and knowing that others may be distracted. These moments are not easy, and they can leave a mother feeling uncertain or even discouraged. I remember being in that place myself, and I had to learn these lessons slowly over time, and not always perfectly. One truth, however, became very clear to me. The care, training, and government of my children belonged to me. This was not … Continue

Starting Late: Restoring Order in the Home When Habits Have Already Gone Wrong

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Many young mothers begin family life with good desires, but without firm principles. They love their husbands. They love their children. They want a peaceful Catholic home. They want reverence at Mass. They want ordered sleep, happy children, and time for prayer. Yet many find themselves, after a year or two, living in disorder. The baby does not sleep well. The mother is exhausted. The father comes home from work and is quickly handed a child. Church becomes stressful. The child whines, squirms, cries, and resists restraint. The mother feels embarrassed and helpless. The father feels pressured. The couple may … Continue

Holy Week in a Busy Home: Loving Christ in the Midst of Motherhood

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When Holy Week Feels Out of Reach Holy Week has come, and the Church grows quiet. The readings grow heavy, and we are invited to walk with Christ in His Passion—to watch, to pray, and to remain with Him. The Church slows down and asks us to look closely at suffering, love, and sacrifice. Yet in your home, nothing slows down. The baby is crying, and a toddler is pulling at your dress. Another child needs help, another is hungry, and another is upset. The house is full, the work is constant, and your body is tired. You may look … Continue

Perseverance in Homeschooling

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The Excitement of New Beginnings The beginning of a new school year often brings joy and enthusiasm. Mothers prepare lesson plans, organize books and supplies, and look forward to fresh routines. The first days often go well—children sit down eagerly, workbooks are opened, and a new rhythm seems possible. But very soon, reality settles in. The freshness of a new schedule fades. Children complain. Chores pile up. The dishes are left undone, and the laundry basket seems bottomless. A mother may find herself thinking, “We just started! How can we already be behind?” This is not unusual. In fact, it … Continue

How a Mother Should Manage CLAA Lessons at Home: “Bit by bit, little by little.”

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For more than seventeen years I have taught my children at home using the curriculum we have published in the Classical Liberal Arts Academy. Six have graduated and moved on to college, while five have entered Army careers. What made this possible was not perfection or frantic busyness, but steady diligence: “Bit by bit, little by little—that’s how work gets done.” In this article, I want to show you how to manage CLAA lessons simply and peacefully, especially if you’re new and juggling children of different ages. Why CLAA uses “master texts” (and why that helps you) Many CLAA courses … Continue