Let Go To Thrive When Homeschooling Neurodiverse Kids ~
Written by Colleen Kessler from Raising Lifelong Learners

Our homeschool year started last week. By Tuesday of this week, I had melted down into a puddle and called my friend crying. I was overwhelmed, burnt out, and sure I was not going to be able to handle doing it again this year.

Folks, I’ve been homeschooling, both typical and neurodiverse kids, for thirteen years. And I was sure (at several points this year) that I was absolutely going to fail and have been messing up my kids all along the way. Sound familiar?

Prefer to listen instead?

Most homeschool parents face this meltdown point at one time or another — many cycle through it again and again. And, if you’re homeschooling neurodiverse children, you probably cycle through it more often than most.

Parenting and homeschooling differently-wired kiddos is exhausting. 

Sometimes the hardest part can be letting go of our own expectations. The reality is, though, that it can be one of the very best things we can do for our atypical child.

There are five areas where letting go can set us on the path to freedom and joy when homeschooling neurodiverse kids.

How to Thrive When Homeschooling Neurodiverse Kids

1. Educational Expectations

If you have homeschooled your child for any length of time, this one likely doesn’t surprise you. When our atypical children progress on their own timelines and learn in atypical ways, it becomes essential to let go of any formal educational expectations we may have had for children.

The good news is, once we let go, our children are free to learn in the ways that work best for their unique needs.

2. Social Expectations

Neurotypical kiddos have a way of upending our social expectations as well. Friendships often look much different for our children than we imagined. In fact, many atypical kids find peers that are much younger or much older to be better fits.

For one of my children, one of the best social relationships was an older mentor-type figure.

Letting go of preconceived notions of what a social life looks like for our children takes the pressure off of us and allows our kids to thrive in relationships that make sense for their needs.

3. Parenting Expectations

You may let things slide that other parents would never dream of letting their kids “get away with.” 

Read that again. 

You may find that you allow more screen time, books to be read, language that you never imagined being a part of your dinner conversation, and have so many more parenting expectations completely upended than you ever expected.

I am here to encourage you be okay with that. Let go of the guilt or fear that comes from comparing ourselves to other parents, and instead create boundaries and rules in your family that make sense for your particular children.

4. Nutritional Expectations

Restricted or obsessive eating is often a part of the puzzle that we are putting together in an effort to support our children. This means that nutritional expectations might look completely different for your family.

My friend Shawna used to allow her son, who had extremely restricted eating due to sensory issues, have ice cream in the morning before school. It gave him a little bit of protein, calmed down the flight or fight he experienced each meal time, and made the day progress more smoothly. On more than one occasion, she was accused of spoiling him.

He turned out just fine – healthy and eventually, able to handle a more traditional breakfast. She has no regrets.

5. Personal Expectations

This one can be the most difficult of all. The truth is, many of our children simply require more care. This means less time for our own pursuits and relaxation.

I want to encourage you to do what you can, when you can, and remember that you are a person too! Your health and care matters just as much as your child’s. After all, you are their parent. 

They need you to be healthy and happy.

So remember, when you’re melting down on Tuesday of your second week of school — and then again every few weeks all year long — you’re not alone.

Parenting and homeschooling neurodiverse kids is tough. You’ve got this, friend. I promise.

What’s Your Child’s Learning Style? Take Jamie’s new quiz now and set yourself up for homeschooling success by understanding the way they learn best!

Originally published on September 20, 2022.

Secrets of a Successful Homeschool Mom ~
Written by Jamie C. Martin, editor of Simple Homeschool

I‘m so excited to introduce you to my ebook, Secrets of a Successful Homeschool Mom: A Manifesto of Freedom and Joy in Home Learning.

It’s a FREE resource for all those on my email list!

Here’s a description:

“Most of us have at least a few insecurities hidden inside about whether or not we can actually do this homeschooling thing. 

It makes sense that we would feel this way–after all, we’ve been taught that education is complicated. We’ve been told that education requires experts, and we don’t always feel like one.

But what if some of what we’ve been taught is not true? What if there is another way—a simpler, more natural way to learn?

What if there are secrets of a successful homeschool mom—secrets we can tap into and use to order our days and our lives? I believe there are, and I wrote this book in the hope that they’ll inspire you the way they’ve inspired me.”

I would have loved this short, uplifting read years ago when I first started considering this educational path. Instead I felt, like many of you, that I was stumbling my way in the dark–learning by trial and error.

At around 30 pages, this ebook is the perfect length to print out, hole punch, and place in a binder to read when discouragement strikes.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. The evolution of an educational philosophy
2. Homeschool doesn’t have to mean school at home.
3. It’s not about the curriculum you buy.
4. It’s as much about your education as it is about theirs.
5. Go back to basics; keep school simple.
6. Burnout is inevitable, so plan for it.
7. The most important thing you’ll ever do for the success of your homeschool.
8. You are a good enough teacher.

Appendices

• 1 – 10 questions to ask and answer about your family
• 2 – Educational philosophies defined

How to get your copy

1. Sign up for my email list using the form below.

2. Check your email!

Within 24 hours you’ll receive an email from me that includes the download link for the ebook.

Make sure you check your Promotions/Spam folder if you don’t see it come through and mark it as “Not Promotions/Not Spam” so you won’t miss hearing from me!

You’ll also receive 2-3 emails a week with further homeschool inspiration and resources to help you on your journey. Of course you can unsubscribe at any time.

Spread the Word

If you have other friends who are also interesting in homeschooling, would you please let them know about this freebie?

Share via Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest–just use the buttons below!

Home education can be overwhelming, exhausting, and scary. Or it can be freeing, exciting, and joyful. What makes the difference? A few simple secrets! Sign up today to get your free copy of this ebook. Enjoy!

Written by Cait Fitzpatrick Curley of My Little Poppies

The holiday dust is starting to settle and I don’t know about you guys, but I am ready to hunker down and enjoy our winter break.

Many of my friends are filling their winter breaks with activities: indoor playgrounds, museum trips, trampoline parks, road trips, and movie theaters.

There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to tackle a bunch of fun events during winter vacation, but I am craving something different this winter.

I want a slow winter break.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I want to kick back and relax… preferably by the fire!

Is your soul aching for a slow-down, too? Would you like to savor the season with your favorite little people? Do you want to add some slow, stealth learning activities to your daily routine? Are you wondering where to begin?

Today, I am sharing five quick tips for making this winter break your slowest one yet!

Photo by Annie Spratt

1. Board games and popcorn

It’s no secret that I am a huge advocate of play-based learning. Gameschooling is one of my passions!

I have witnessed first-hand, time and time again, how easy it is for children to learn through play and games. Games offer endless opportunities for learning and connection… plus you’ll be making memories!

Winter is the perfect time to play games together. Get cozy around the coffee table and make some memories to last a lifetime!

Our homeschool routine leaves ample space for play. I find that my children are more connected, cooperative, and happy when we play daily. One of our favorite things to do is to pop some popcorn and gather together around a game board.

(Do you need tips for adding more play to your homeschool day? I have tons of resources, plus a free family game night tip sheet for you here!)

2. Puzzles and cocoa

My kids love Thanksgiving, but they also love when it is over. Do you know why? 

Once Turkey Day has come and gone, we clear the dining room table and make space for PUZZLE SEASON! 

All winter long, you can find a half-completed puzzle on our dining room table. We love to pour some hot chocolate and work on it together.

Something magical happens when you work on a puzzle with your children. The busywork allows for easy conversation. When those little hands are occupied, when those little eyes are searching, their little hearts and minds open up!

I have had the best conversations with my kiddos while working on puzzles! We also love to listen to a podcast or audiobook while working on puzzles together.

Bonus? Puzzles are affordable and easy-to-find. We find great puzzles at our local library and Goodwill Store. We also love to swap with puzzle-loving friends!

3. Tasty treats

Nothing warms up the house- and the heart- more than baked goods. In our home, winter means baked oatmeal, muffins, loaves of breads, soups and stews, and – of course- cookies!

When you bake with your children, you are teaching them important life skills… and math skills! You help them to gain independence and feel confident. You are also making delicious memories.

4. Good books

Winter is the best time to get lost in a good book… or ten!

Reading aloud is hands-down the most important thing you can do in your homeschool so don’t feel guilty about a lazy afternoon spent reading!

We love to gather by the fire, snuggle under a blanket, and get lost in a book. Often, I read aloud to my kiddos. Sometimes, we all gather together and read silently. Other times, we enjoy an audiobook together.

5. Walks in the woods

I know, I know- it’s cold. I live in New Hampshire and I get it. It can be challenging to rally all of your kiddos, don all the layers, and head outside.

But here’s the thing- I have never, not once, regretted putting in all that effort. Once outside in the forest, I feel such a sense of peace. I delight in my children’s exploration and discoveries.

Plus, there’s something about rosy cheeks on little faces!

When we return home after a chilly hike, we feel refreshed. A sense of peace envelops my home.

(Do you need help getting started with winter nature study in your homeschool? My best advice is to make sure you have warm clothes and boots. I share additional tips and tricks here!)

Don’t forget the cocoa!

It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing a favorite game, reading a delicious book, working on a puzzle, or heading out on a chilly hike… cocoa always helps you to slow down and savor the moment!

There’s something about a hot beverage that makes any activity magical and memorable… and slow. You can’t sip it too fast- you have to slow down and savor the moment!

I hope you have a wonderful winter break

Whether you are doing all the fun and exciting events or savoring the slow, I hope you have a memorable winter break! Enjoy, my friends!

Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: How do you savor the season? Do you have any slow winter break tips to share? I can’t wait to hear from you!

If you found this post helpful, subscribe via email here to receive Jamie’s FREE ebook, Secrets of a Successful Homeschool Mom!

If you feel like quitting homeschooling ~ Written by Kara Fleck

“We’re not getting anything done. I’m failing at this.”  I hear this lament from moms on a regular basis. Sometimes I’m the one saying it.

Usually, this kind of thinking sneaks in when I get a case of homeschool envy and compare what we do to another family. Is that what might be going on with you right now? If so, can I suggest some advice from my personal blog: Before you quit, try this.

I can also start to feel this way when I’m feeling overwhelmed by life, like new babies or my husband working a lot of hours or those years when we had three under the age of five but I also had an 11 year old to teach.

“We’re not getting anything done.”

Are you sure you’re not getting “anything” done? Really?

Most moms I know are doing so many things. 

Do a little experiment for me: write down everything you and your kids do for the next couple of days. From the stories read to planting your spring garden – anything remotely learning related, add that to your list.

See? You did that. You’re doing that.

Maybe you’ve simply evolved into a more relaxed style of learning that works better for your family?

What homeschool looks like in this moment might be less formal than what it normally is, but I would be mighty surprised if you and your children are truly doing nothing.

You’re allowed to take a break. I promise.

When is the last time you took a break?

Regroup, catch up on sleep, read, and get back into a good mental space.

Many times when I feel overwhelmed a simple day off, hanging out in pajamas and reading a stack of books (that have nothing to do with our lessons or being a homeschool parent) helps refresh me.

Usually, it doesn’t take as much as I fear it will to bring things back from the edge, I’m just too tired / stressed / overdue for a ME day to think clearly about our situation.

There have been other times I’ve needed a longer break, and my kids have, too. Take the time you need.

Homeschooling is wonderful, but it can sometimes feel like it’s all we live, eat, sleep, and breathe, you know? Not every day, book, vacation, or activity needs to be for our children’s educational benefit.

Take a break. It’s all part of the rhythm of life.

Back to basics

Is something going on that is affecting your school days? Is this permanent or short term? If it is short term, how can you modify your lessons to accommodate this time?

When I am overwhelmed, our homeschool gets scaled back. There’s no shame in scaling back. I like to think of it as “specializing.” 

Trim your homeschool work down to what YOU feel are the essentials and then let that be your focus until life gets less crazy.

Try a theme week (or month)

Maybe what you and your kids need is to shake up the routine? Set everything else aside and focus on one unit study or project.

Hearth Magic has some wonderful family literature studies. We’re current enjoying Build Your Library’s Harry Potter unit studies. 

The archives of Simple Homeschool have many ideas, too, including the Read the World Summer book club and Jamie’s awesome Little House Virtual Field Trip.

My advice: If you’re burned out, this is not the time to be writing your own unit study. Let someone else handle it this time around, okay? I know you’re brilliant and could ace the planning, but we’re trying to give you a break, not add to your workload.

Some other ideas:

• Have a math week
• Do a weather study
• Try Cooking School (afflink)

What’s Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie’s quiz now and receive a free personality report to help you organize your homeschool based on what your personality type needs most!

What an amazing couple of months it’s been!

Give Your Child the World had an incredible launch (thanks to you!), and we read our way around the world together as a community, too.

Now we all have back to school on our mind, and I’ve loved seeing how many of you have added my book to your geography/literature/history shelf for this school year.

But back to homeschool shouldn’t just be about the kids, should it? Oh no, the mamas and the papas deserve some fresh-start inspiration every bit as much as our little ones.

AND SO, I’ve been busy behind the scenes working with others to bring a little dream to life for you.

Give Your Child the World is a tool to help your kids fall in love with the world, and today I have a gift to help YOU fall in love with it! It’s a back to school present and a thank you for all the support.

Check it out:

It’s the Give Your Child the World Adult Coloring Book, featuring your favorite quotes from the book paired with inspiring scenes to give you over a dozen hours of relaxing down time whenever you need it most.

And it’s turned out more beautiful than I ever imagined!

The best part? It’s a FREE bonus…for anyone who buys a copy of Give Your Child the World!

Here’s how to get yours:

Step 1. Buy Give Your Child the World

Buy Give Your Child the World from any retailer (online or in a store, doesn’t matter!)

Step 2. Claim Your Coloring Book!

Get ready to color Green Gables (and Little House too!) Can’t tell you how much I love this!

Fill out this form with your email address and order date. Soon you’ll receive an email with a download link to the coloring book!

Step 3. Print off and have fun with it

I printed mine off on bright cardstock and used binder rings to keep it together. So beautiful! But I found that if you print it on regular paper (with a “fine” printer setting) it turns out lovely, too.

If you have friends who also have my book (or would be interested in it), please share this post so they can take advantage of this bonus too. I’d love to see it spread far and wide.

*********

If you enjoyed this post, check out Jamie’s most recent book, Introverted Mom: Your Guide to More Calm, Less Guilt, and Quiet Joy.

Blessings on you and yours as you kick off a new school year!

“Far from a way to escape reality, reading actually prepares our children for real life in a unique way.” ~ Give Your Child the World

Sometimes the image of homeschooling online appears bright, peaceful, and glittery.

Very much opposite of real-life homeschooling, which can be loud, messy and downright difficult at times.

This summer we’ve written about what makes homeschooling hard: from homeschooling with depression, to homeschooling an angry child, to homeschooling teens and much more.

As a site whose mission is to “deliver regular doses of homeschooling inspiration, confidence, and freedom to parents worldwide,” my contributors and I feel like it’s important to write vulnerably–so you know you aren’t alone.

We’re hoping that since we’ve opened up, you’ll feel safe to do likewise. Burdens are meant to be shared, after all.

So feel free to link up your own hardest part of my homeschool year post using the linky below. (If you don’t have a blog, please share in the comments section.)

Let us know: What’s been the hardest part of your past homeschool year, and what are the steps you’re taking to deal with/overcome it?

Note: You’re only given 50 characters to describe your post.

So in the name section, write your name and just one or two words to describe the hardest part of your homeschool year. For example: “Jamie – angry child,” “Kara – work at home,” or “Shawna – depression.” That will help readers look for specific advice at a glance.

Thank you so much for being a part of this series! If you haven’t had time to write your post yet, no worries!

This linkup will stay open for an entire month, so feel free to come back and add your link within that time.

(If you’re reading this post in an email or reader and want to check out everyone’s links, just click here to go to the blog.)

Let’s help those burdens grow lighter by distributing their weight!

I am documenting these homemade Easter pies as Internet proof that miracles do in fact sometimes happen in my kitchen! Considering I couldn’t make pasta when I got married, I can’t stop bursting with pride over these babies. 

A homeschooling lifestyle adds even more to the challenges of everyday homemaking: laundry, meal planning, organizing, and cleaning.

Does staying on top of piles of clothes needing to be folded, the ever-flowing cycles of dishes in and out of the sink, and the decision fatigue of dinner plans get you down sometimes?

Hand raised here!

If so, take a moment to check out this FREE 4-part mini eCourse that is available for a limited time: 4 Simple Steps to Stress-Free Homemaking.

In it, you’ll learn tips like:

• how to stay on top of laundry,
• how to wake up each day to a clean kitchen,
• how to avoid the 5 ‘o’clock scramble with a super simple meal planning method, and
• how to set yourself up for success with a quick nighttime routine.

Control My Spin’s Holly Dvorak, a popular speaker and home management coach, and her long-time homemaking mentee, Erin Odom of The Humbled Homemaker, have put together this eCourse to help curb homemaking overwhelm and give you the tools you need to run your home better.

4 Simple Steps to Stress-Free Homemaking will not take you long to complete (I watched the videos while the kids were playing outside yesterday and I was starting dinner), but what you learn through it can totally bless your home.

What comes with this eCourse?

• 4 videos: These videos are all less than 10 minutes long, so it won’t take up a lot of time to watch them.
• 4 printable worksheets: We don’t want to just leave you with the teaching; we want you to brainstorm ways to implement it in your life.
• FREE REWARDS by sharing this FREE eCourse with your friends as well!

What rewards can you earn?

• Share this FREE eCourse with 1 friend to get $5 off the 2015 Ultimate Homemaking Bundle! This year’s sale starts next Monday, April 20.
• Share this FREE eCourse with 5 friends to get a FREE 1-year magazine subscription.
• Share this FREE eCourse with 10 friends to get the 2015 Ultimate Homemaking Bundle absolutely FREE (This is a pretty amazing deal since the bundle costs $29.97 and is worth more than $1000!)

Get immediate access by signing up here or click on the button above. Enjoy!

The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.” ~ Thomas Moore

Welcome to the 4th annual homeschool day in the life series here on Simple Homeschool!

For the past three years we’ve started each January with a peek inside what life really looks like for homeschool families, in the hopes of addressing some of the questions I receive in my inbox regularly:

• How does Mama (or Papa) get it “all” done?
• Does homeschool look just like school at home?
• How can I homeschool multiple children at different ages?
• What if I have a toddler or preschooler at home?
• How can I incorporate different educational philosophies in my homeschool?

What better way to answer these than by coming to “hang out” with me and my awesome contributors for a day?

Come visit each post and gather plenty of practical ideas you can apply in your own home.

This post will serve as a landing page for the series – feel free to bookmark it to refer back to as we go along. I will update it with links to each post as they publish.

Simple Homeschool’s 4th Annual
Homeschool Day in the Life Series

• Anne’s homeschool day in the life (with a 3, 6, 8, & 10-year-old)
• Jamie’s homeschool day in the life (with an 8, 9, & 10-year-old)
• Cheryl’s homeschool day in the life (with an 18-month-old & 5, 16, 17, & 18-year-olds)
• Kara’s homeschool day in the life (with a 6 & 9-year-old)
• Donna’s homeschool day in the life (with 11-year-old twins)
• Diana’s homeschool day in the life (with a 4-year-old)
• Amida’s homeschool day in the life (with a 3, 7, 12, & 15-year-old)
• Kris’s homeschool day in the life (with a 12, 14, & 18-year-old)
• Kari’s homeschool day in the life (with a 4 and 7-year-old)
• Readers link up to share their homeschool days

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing. A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days.

It is a scaffolding on which a worker can stand and labor with both hands at sections of time. A schedule is a mock-up of reason and order—willed, faked, and so brought into being; it is a peace and a haven set into the wreck of time; it is a lifeboat on which you find yourself, decades later, still living.”
~ Annie Dillard, A Writing Life

Jamie Martin, editor of Simple Homeschool, also blogs about motherhood at Steady Mom

Summer is here, and hopefully that means a teensy bit more free time for the mamas. Yay!

I know we never have any real “days off” when you come right down to it, but something about this time of year beckons us to chill out and relax. With the extra margin freed up by less rigid schedules, it’s also a good time to reflect on how things are going in our lives and homes.

I’m in the midst of a crazy time of transition myself–getting ready to move house in 5 (!) days, entering a new season of parenting as my kids get a little older, and preparing for a busy summer ahead of us.

I’ve also been thinking about what I want more of during this season, and here’s what I’ve come up with:

More freedom, more confidence as a mom, more excitement, joy, and gratitude in this awesome life I’ve been blessed with. Less comparisons, less worry, less insecurity.

So I put together an ebook to help us all find our way as moms and get comfortable inside our unique mothering skins. It’s available today: The Steady Mom’s Freedom Guide: Joyful Motherhood on Your Own Terms!

Here’s an excerpt from the introduction:

“Freedom within a country is vital to the health and well-being of its residents—so is freedom as a mother. It allows us to shake off the mental and emotional limitations that hold us back. Freedom enables us to come into our own, to rise to our best selves. It helps us become better mothers, better spouses, and better friends.

In other words, freedom is a win-win.

Freedom is a prerequisite for joyful motherhood because so many voices shout at us when it comes to parenting. There are cultural voices, extended family’s voices, expert voices, as well as the ever-present voices of doubt and insecurity that rise from within. Freedom to be yourself quiets the clamor.

This book tackles two sides of freedom within parenting: practical freedom and soul freedom. Practical freedom represents those day-to-day decisions we make that feel so urgent in the moment and sap strength and energy fast. These include aspects of mothering life like decisions about screen time (yours and your kids), meal planning, and discipline.

Soul freedom chapters of the book focus more on the heart of the matter—being kind to ourselves in the midst of stress, lightening up, and viewing our kids through the eyes of grace.”

What This Book Is

This book is a quick, encouraging, magazine-length read–because your days ahead should also overflow with novels, picture books with the kids, running through sprinklers, celebrating as little swimmers grow confident poolside, and all the other extraordinary moments summer brings your way.

I revamped many of these short chapters from posts on my other blog Steady Mom, where I’ve been writing about intentional, professional motherhood for almost five years. (I’d love to have you there as a subscriber if you like what you see when you visit!)

I searched through the archives (of nearly 900 posts!) to locate the ones centered around the theme of freedom in motherhood. Then I revised and edited them, and put them together in this inspirational ebook. (This content is no longer available on the blog.)

Who This Book is For

This ebook is a good fit for you if:

• you have children between the ages of 0-8 (Many chapters center around finding yourself as a mother and the transition years into motherhood.)
• you’re feeling burned out and stifled as a woman or mother
• you don’t want to end up burned out and stifled as a woman or mother
• you don’t have a lot of time to read, but want a dose of inspiration in the midst of your busy days
• you like short chapters and the fact that it reads like a blog, not a book
• you want to feel more comfortable in your own skin, play to your strengths, and enjoy being who you were created to be–with the knowledge that you are more than “enough” for those in your care

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. How to transform a bad day
2. On letting your child save face
3. Give yourself transition time, too
4. A priority for days when you just can’t do it anymore
5. How to get through a stressful season
6. Answering the television question
7. Using the screen successfully
8. Moms unplugged
9. Rethinking meal planning
10. Positive discipline tips
11. What to do when everyone is watching
12. Lighten up and slow down
13. Quality, not quantity: On finding yourself crying in the bathroom
14. Conclusion: Giving up on formulas and labels

Get Your Copy Today

The Steady Mom’s Freedom Guide is only $2.99 and is available in the following formats:

• Kindle
• Nook
• iTunes

Thanks so much for your support and your readership–join me and let’s enjoy the freedom!

What do you find yourself needing most–practical freedom for your day-to-day or soul freedom for your heart?

Note: This sale has ended and is no longer available. Thanks for your interest!

I remember several years ago when I first heard about the concept of “whole foods.” I had no clue what the term really meant, but I was intrigued. As someone who grew up eating a lot of fast food and drinking a lot of soda, I desperately wanted to feed my family well but had no idea where to start.

Whenever I looked up blogs or books about whole foods, they seemed so…complicated–at least to a newbie like me. If only I could find some baby steps to explain it all!

Then one day I stumbled across Stephanie Langford’s ebook, Healthy Homemaking: One Step at a Time (title included in this week’s bundle). I downloaded it as fast as I could. It was exactly what I had hoped to find, and quite honestly, it changed the health of my family for the better.

In some area of homemaking–health, fitness, homeschooling, motherhood, cleaning, whatever–we all have that overwhelmed feeling from time to time. Haven’t you ever wished for a mentor who you could go to when you had a question?

Well, for the next six days you have the chance to gather around you a host of virtual mentors and teachers–supporting you in the art of homemaking.

This library of homemaking helps include topics such as mothering, organization and cleaning, recipes and kitchen helps, home education, spiritual growth for both moms and kids, home décor and DIY, pregnancy and baby care, frugal living, health and fitness, and even work-from-home and financial tools.

As one of the authors whose books are included in the sale, I’ve had two weeks to browse and read many of these featured titles. I know I’ll return to them again and again, and those not applicable to me I can save for another season or gift to a friend! (Note: Passing ebooks that you have already read or plan to read violates copyright laws, but giving away one that you don’t plan to read and then deleting it does not.)

We’ve also teamed up with 10 companies to bring you over $140 in bonus offers, giving you an affordable opportunity to get products you’ll use and love for only the cost of shipping, or in some cases, entirely for free.

What’s Included in the Sale?

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.

Jamie’s note: Below is the full list of titles included in this homemaking reference library. To make this post more personal, I’ve also included a few notes about books that have impacted my own homemaking journey.

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

Jamie’s note: I consider myself fairly savvy when it comes to the art of simplifying life. But I really enjoyed reading Simple Living by Lorilee Lippincott. The choices her family has made so that they can live their dream life inspired me to reconsider some of our own life choices.

Also included:
31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99)
Getting it Together: Your Guide to Setting Up a Home Management System that Works by Kayse @ kayse pratt ($3.99)
Pulling Yourself Together: Implementing a Cleaning Routine that Sticks by Becky @ Clean Mama ($10.00)
Simple Living by Lorilee @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99)
NOT a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99)
One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler by Tsh @ Simple Mom ($5.00)
28 Days to Hope for your Home by Dana @ A Slob Comes Clean ($5.00)
Organizing Life as Mom by Jessica @ Life as Mom ($9.00)
Clean Enough: Simple Solutions for the Overwhelmed by Jenni @ Live Called ($4.99)
10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa @ Lisa Woodruff.net($5.00)
Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley @ the handmade home ($9.95)
Easy Peasy Chores: An Easy-to-Use Chore System That Brings JOY Back Into Family Chores by Alina Joy @ The Good Old Days Farm ($17.99)

Educational Children’s Resources

Jamie’s note: I’ll be back later in the week to chat about the specific homeschooling resources included in this bundle. So much good stuff here, especially for the younger years–take the time to check them out!

Princess Training by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($3.99)
The Armor of God by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($2.50)
My Bedtime Learning Book by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($1.00)
Think Outside the Classroom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($6.97)
Raising Rock Stars — Kindergarten Bundle by Carissa @ 1plus1plus1equals1 ($10.00)
The ABC’s For Godly Boys Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)
The ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)
K4 Curriculum by Erica @ Confessions of a Homeschooler ($15.00)
Write Through the Bible (print) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)
Write Through the Bible (cursive) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)
Balcony Girls (books 1 & 2) by Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer ($19.90)
The Dig for Kids: Luke (Volumes 1 and 2) by Patrick, husband of Ruth @ The Better Mom ($5.98)
Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Ryan @ Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

From Debtor to Better by Barry @ From Debtor to Better ($10.00)
Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($2.99)
The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy @ Raising Arrows ($4.99)
Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne @ Authentic Simplicity ($7.99)
Finding Financial Freedom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($5.97)
Become a Frugalista in 30 Days by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($3.99)

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Crock On by Stacy @ Stacy Makes Cents ($5.00)
Real Food, Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)
Wholesome Mixes by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)
20-Minute Meals by Leigh Ann @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99)
Restocking the Pantry by Kresha @ Nourishing Joy ($9.99)
Money Saving Mom’s Guide to Freezer Cooking by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom ($3.99)
Simply Summer by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95)
Do the Funky Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($4.95)
Real Food Kids: In the Kitchen plus 1 month access to select Real Food Kids eCourse videos by Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS and Jami @ Eat Nourishing ($20.00)
Seasonal Menu Plans on a Budget: A Month of Meals from My Humble Kitchen to Yours by Diana @ My Humble Kitchen ($4.99)
Just Making Ice Cream by Marillyn @ Just Making Noise ($12.00)
The Curative Kitchen” by Susan @ Handy Pantry – www.handypantry.com

Pregnancy & Baby Care

First Bites by Hilary @ Accidentally Green ($9.99)
Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)
Stress-Free Baby Shower by Sara @ Your Thriving Family ($4.00)
Unbound Birth by Jenny @ The Southern Institute ($2.99)
My Pregnancy Journey by Mindy @ Simply Designs ($9.99)
My Buttered Life Baby Edition by Renee @ Made On Hard Lotion ($5.00)
The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($5.00)
Redeeming Childbirth: Growth & Study Guide by Angie @ Redeeming Childbirth ($3.99)

Holidays & Special Events

Jamie’s note: I have heard so much about Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda White and now I totally understand why–she’s put together an incredibly simple, fun way to teach your preschoolers the meaning of advent. Amanda understands little ones, so each day’s entries are short–a quick Bible reading and an ornament craft.

Also included:

Festive Traditions by Jill @ Modern Alternative Kitchen ($7.95)
Holiday Mixes: Gifts in a Jar by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)
Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95)
Family Camping Handbook by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($6.95)
Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Oh, Amanda! ($7.99)
Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect ($4.99)
iPhone Photography: The Visual Guide by Alli @ Alli Worthington($9.97)

Spiritual Growth

Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 by Amy @ Amy Bayliss ($3.99)
The Best of Visionary Womanhood by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($5.00)
God’s Word in my Heart: A Scripture Memory Learning Guide with Verses {all 4 versions} by Jenn @ The Purposeful Mom ($3.99)
Kept: a 13-Week Inductive Study on 1 Peter by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($4.99)
Love Like Him: an 8 week Inductive Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($2.99)

Marriage & Romance

Rekindling Romance by Jason & Jami @ A Biblical Marriage ($4.99)
Good Wife’s Guide by Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife ($2.99)
31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley @ Ashley Pichea ($4.99)
31 Days to Great Sex by Sheila @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($4.99)
Entangled: Recognize Your Emotional Affair by Amy @ Amy J. Bennett ($4.99)

Motherhood

The Heart of Simplicity by various authors @ The Heart of Simplicity ($9.99)
True Christian Motherhood by June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($7.00)
Hula Hoop Girl by September @ One September Day ($4.99)
When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97)
Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Days ($4.99)
From Cube to Farm by Heather @ From Cube to Farm ($2.99)
4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by various authors @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids Parenting E-book ($7.99)
That Works for Me! by Kristen @ We are THAT Family ($8.00)

Health & Fitness

Jamie’s note: This section is full of inspiration! I’ve already shared how Healthy Homemaking transformed our family’s eating. Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle @ Domestic Serenity mirrors the same beliefs I have about choosing peace over productivity. Always good to be reminded that rest isn’t a bonus, but a necessity.

Also included:

100-pound Loser by Jessica @ Muthering Heights ($4.99)
Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle @ Domestic Serenity ($2.99)
42 Days to Fit by Brandy @ The Marathon Mom, Emma @ Real Fit Moms and Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($4.99)
Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)
Personal ePlanner by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt ($5.00)

Beauty

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99)
The Cottage Mama’s DIY Guide by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)
Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)
The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley @ The No Brainer Wardrobe ($7.99)
Embracing Beauty by Trina @ Trina Holden ($9.00)
Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by Kristen @ The Frugal Girl ($3.99)

Working from Home & Blogging

Jamie’s note: Simple Blogging by Rachel at Small Notebook has had such a profound impact on the way I blog–choosing less instead of more, yet growing my platform at the same time. A validating read for bloggers who want to have a life, too!

Also included:

Your Blogging Business: Tax, Talk and Tips by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)
The Bootstrap VA by Lisa @ The Home Life {and Me} ($12.99)
How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($4.99)
How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00)
Simple Blogging: Less Computer Time, Better Blogging by Rachel @ Small Notebook ($8.00)

Ecourses

Learning in Love: The Preschool Years by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)
Homeschooling from the Heart by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)
Grocery University by Carrie @ Colorado Bargains ($24.95)
Vibrant Living Strategies for Moms by Lisa @ Well-Grounded Life ($59)
You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio, where their wholesome workouts for the whole family are tummy safe and particularly target Diastasis Recti (split abs). ($19.98 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A $15 store credit to TruKid. With products like their aware-winning sun care, they are dedicated to providing all natural skin and hair care for kids, babies, and now pets. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

Your choice of incredible natural products like sea salt and clay for FREE. Choose from the Redmond Trading Earthpaste Bundle ($24.90 value) or the Facial Mud Bundle ($26.90 value). (Standard shipping applies. Continental US only.)

Your choice of a FREE heirloom sourdough starter or FREE yogurt starter from Cultures for Health, the leading supplier of starter cultures and supplies for making cultured and fermented foods ($12.95 value. US & CAN addresses only. Standard shipping applies.)

Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription (for new accounts) or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A FREE Culinary Herbs Assorted Seed Pack Check just in time for spring planting from www.wheatgrasskits.com, a living whole foods company. ($11.95 value. Standard shipping applies to all US states and territories- no international shipping for seeds.)

Get $10 off Union28’s original “my husband rocks” tee. Their marriage apparel lets you celebrate your spouse in style. ($10.00 value. Standard shipping rates apply. International shipping available, but free shipping only available within USA.)

A $10 store credit plus 1 FREE lip balm from Bee All Natural. Their whole body products nourish and heal, and are made using only the highest quality, food grade, organic ingredients. ($13.49 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

A FREE 2 oz. bottle of your choice of liquid herbal formula from TriLight Health. They specialize in fast acting, great tasting natural herbal remedies. ($12.95 value or more. Standard shipping applies, within the USA only.)

Your choice of 3 FREE ePlanners OR a 3-Month FREE Membership to ListPlanIt, whose mobile lists will help to organize your life. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

The fine print:

Bonus Offers

• Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
• For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
• All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
• All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General

• It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
• Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, we would invite you to read our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered, so make sure that you get your bundle right away!

Particularly for those wanting to read these ebooks on their mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) you will want to learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device.

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a portion of the sale of each ebook bundle. Thanks for your support of this site!

Note: This sale has ended and is no longer available. Thanks for your interest!