Simple Hobby Homesteading

Homeschooling offers families the flexibility to tailor education to their children’s needs, but it can also present financial challenges. Fortunately, there are numerous opportunities for homeschool parents to generate income while effectively educating their children. Let’s take a quick moment to mention a couple creative ways to make money while homeschooling, allowing you to achieve financial stability without compromising your child’s education. Throughout the week I’ll add some more blogs diving a bit deeper into each of these opportunities further and letting you know which have worked best for me so stay tuned! 

Online Tutoring:

Capitalizing on your expertise in a particular subject can lead to online tutoring opportunities. Platforms like Chegg, Tutor.com, and VIPKid allow you to teach students remotely, setting your own schedule to fit around your homeschool routine.

Freelance Writing or Blogging:

If you have a flair for writing, consider freelancing or starting a blog. Share your homeschooling journey, curriculum ideas, or parenting tips. Over time, you can monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.

Virtual Assisting:

Offer your organizational skills as a virtual assistant. Many businesses require assistance with tasks like email management, scheduling, and social media. This flexible job can be done from home, allowing you to be present for your children’s learning.

Sell Handmade Crafts or Products:

If you’re crafty, turn your hobbies into a small business. Whether it’s handmade crafts, artwork, or personalized products, platforms like Etsy provide an excellent avenue to sell your creations.

Online Course Creation:

Share your expertise by creating and selling online courses. Whether it’s teaching a musical instrument, language, or academic subject, you can create valuable resources for learners while generating income. Creating unit studies that homeschool families can download and print out at home is an up and coming business! 

Remote Work:

Many companies offer remote job opportunities that can be easily integrated into your homeschool routine. From customer service to data entry, these roles allow you to earn money without leaving your home.

eBook Authoring:

If you have knowledge in a specific area, consider writing and self-publishing eBooks. Whether it’s a guide to homeschooling, a cookbook, or a self-help book, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make it accessible.

Photography or Videography:

If you have a passion for capturing moments, offer your photography or videography services for events, portraits, or even stock footage. This flexible job allows you to set appointments around your homeschool schedule.

Affiliate Marketing:

Promote products you believe in through affiliate marketing. As you share your experiences and recommendations, you can earn a commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate links.

Home-Based Businesses:

Explore various home-based businesses such as baking, catering, gardening, or even pet-sitting. These ventures can align with your family’s interests and allow you to generate income while managing your homeschooling responsibilities.

So there ya go, just a couple great ideas to get your creative (and financial) juices going! Balancing homeschooling and generating income might seem challenging, but with a little creativity and determination, you can find fulfilling opportunities that complement your educational journey. By exploring these ten creative ways to make money while homeschooling, you’ll not only provide for your family’s financial needs but also demonstrate valuable life skills to your children as they witness your dedication and resourcefulness. Check in throughout this week as I dive deeper into each of these opportunities! 

As a homeschooling parent, you may have heard of the concept of year-round education and wondered whether it’s worth considering. You may wonder if these “year-round wackos” are gluttons for punishment and misery. “I NEED THAT LONG SUMMER BREAK”… I hear it all the time. Parents claim it protects their sanity, gives them downtime, allows for awesome family vacations, and helps to rejuvenate for the following school year. I hear ya but I think those folks might not understand what peace the year-round school year brings. Let me show you…

While the traditional school calendar might dictate long summer breaks, year-round homeschooling offers a compelling alternative that comes with a host of benefits. Let’s explore ten advantages of educating your children year-round.

• Consistent Learning Progress: Year-round homeschooling provides a consistent learning routine, reducing the potential for knowledge gaps that can occur during extended breaks. We all know it’s true… kids spend a good chunk of time retraining their brains after a long summer break… not only in the academic department but also with Amy routines, schedules, and discipline. 

• Flexibility: With a year-round schedule, you have the freedom to plan vacations, field trips, and breaks at times that best suit your family’s needs, without being tied to a traditional academic calendar. No one is saying you can’t head to Florida with all the other summer birds but let me tell ya, those typical vacation spots can be even more beautiful, relaxing, and enjoyable off peak seasons (even if it’s just by a week or two)! We’ve gotten some of our best cruise deals in September and October for the Caribbean! 

• Continuous Skill Development: By maintaining a steady learning pace, children have the opportunity to deepen their understanding and skills without the need for lengthy review periods at the start of each school year.

• Individualized Learning: Year-round education allows you to tailor your teaching approach to each child’s unique learning style and pace, fostering a more personalized and effective learning experience. You may find that kids want to be inside more in harsh winters so you get more traditional academic work done then while your summers are better spent with outside, less structured and more play based learning. Spring is the perfect time for those biology lessons of growth and rejuvenation! 

• Retained Knowledge: Shorter breaks between learning sessions help students retain information better, reducing the need to spend excessive time relearning material.

• Reduced Burnout: Year-round education helps prevent burnout that can arise from intense periods of studying followed by long breaks, promoting a healthier approach to learning. This is the one most people don’t realize! Year-round education really does take away the burnout because it’s a schedule that works off of life’s seasons (literally and figuratively) which allows you to get into a natural flow and rhythm of life that every body, mind, and spirit craves.

• Real-world Application: A continuous learning schedule mirrors the real world, where knowledge is acquired and applied year-round, helping children adapt to a lifelong learning mindset. We often talk about “preparing our kids for the real world”… how many of you get two to three months in a row off in your job? It’s just not normal for most and for those that do have that kind of work schedule (oil rig workers? Sailors? Public school teachers? Crab fisherman? Ooh I love the show “Deadliest Catch”… is it still on?) It lends itself to huge adjustment periods when they leave for their “break” and when they go back from their break. Talk about stressful!  No thanks, give me the steadiness of regular work/learning with smaller breaks whenever needed! 

• Enhanced Focus: Speaking of breaks… did you know that regular, shorter breaks help maintain children’s focus and motivation, leading to improved concentration and engagement during learning sessions? True!

• Opportunities for Exploration: Year-round homeschooling allows for more in-depth exploration of subjects, fostering a deeper understanding and passion for learning. You don’t have to fit everything into nine months and totally skip the learning that best happens in the warm summer months! Take your time, stress less, know that the time table of year-round is MUCH more forgiving! Growing a garden is a treasure trove of practical, hands on learning that will stick with your kid(s) for life! Adding academic things to garden growing is such a natural fit… making charts for growth, journaling hypothesis after hypothesis on plant needs, growth etc, cooking with all your yummy veggies and herbs, and drawing/painting the beauty of God’s creation just scratches the surface of what is in store for you!

• Smooth Transitions: Moving from one grade level to the next becomes a smoother process as the transitions are more gradual, easing any potential anxieties associated with drastic changes.

There ya have it… year-round homeschooling offers a multitude of advantages that can contribute to a more effective and enjoyable learning experience for your children. There are a ton more but these cares one if the big o es for me. From consistent progress and personalized learning to reduced burnout and improved focus, the benefits of educating year-round are compelling. By embracing this approach, you’re not only nurturing your child’s intellectual growth but also preparing them for a lifetime of continuous learning and success.

Embrace the Journey: Do What You Can With What You Have Wherever You Are.

Welcome fellow homesteaders, aspiring adventurers, and anyone who happens to stumble across this blog! I hope you find this post inspirational… motivational… comforting… all “in the feels” as I dive into what I’ve learned living the “Do what you can with what you have wherever you are” way of life. It has become an essence of homesteading and life itself. Let’s explore the beauty of making the most of every opportunity, regardless of our circumstances.

• Cultivate a Positive Mindset:

Every successful homestead, like every prosperous life, begins with the right mindset. Embrace an optimistic perspective and recognize that challenges are opportunities for growth. Even if you have limited resources or face constraints, the power of a positive mindset will guide you towards finding innovative solutions and making the most of what you have. You WILL find yourself on your knees in utter defeat at one point or another. Appreciate this moment for what it is… a moment… an opportunity for rebirth… an opportunity to learn and be/do better… an opportunity to start again knowing better than you did before. Don’t waste hardships ❤️

• Start Small, Dream Big:

Homesteading may seem overwhelming at first, but remember that every journey begins with a single step. Start small, taking one project at a time. Whether it’s growing a few herbs on your windowsill or raising a few chickens in your backyard, every tiny action paves the way for greater accomplishments. Dream big and visualize the homestead of your dreams, then work tirelessly to achieve it, one step at a time.

• Embrace Sustainable Practices:

As hobby homesteaders, we understand the importance of sustainability. By making conscious choices to reduce waste, conserve resources, and recycle materials, we not only nurture our homesteads but also positively impact the environment AND our pocketbook!Incorporate sustainable practices into your daily life and see how even the smallest actions can make a significant difference.

• Foster a Spirit of Adaptability:

Life on the homestead is ever-changing, just like life in general. Embrace adaptability as a core value. Learn from mistakes, adjust your plans as needed, and find new solutions to overcome challenges. Think outside the box!Remember, life doesn’t always go as planned, but those who can adapt will flourish, finding beauty in unexpected places.

• Seek Knowledge and Connect with Others:

One of the most rewarding aspects of the homesteading lifestyle is the continuous pursuit of knowledge. Never stop learning about new techniques, innovative technologies, and ancient wisdom passed down through generations. Engage with the homesteading community, share experiences, and seek guidance from others on this shared journey. Like minded folks are all around you, start chatting!

• Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Destination:

As you progress in your homesteading journey, pause to appreciate the moments of joy, growth, and accomplishment. The satisfaction lies not only in reaching your ultimate goals but in the everyday joys of tending the land, harvesting your crops, and watching your animals thrive. Celebrate each step forward, knowing that you are building something special, and your efforts matter. 

All in all remember that the essence of life lies in doing what you can with what you have, wherever you are. You may wonder if pouring all you have into this adventure will leave you depleted but I’m here to tell you there is a living well… there is a Creator who is responsible for this creation you are tending to… a Creator who wants the best for you. Your homestead journey is a reflection of your indomitable spirit, resilience, and love for creation. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and know that your path is unique and special. Embody this philosophy not just in your homestead but in all aspects of life, boldly knowing that God will continue to fill you as you serve Him in your endeavors… you will not be depleted. May your days be filled with abundance and purpose as you continue to create your homestead legacy. Happy homesteading!

~Jhenna

Growing lettuce in the fall in Indiana can be a rewarding experience, as the cooler temperatures provide ideal conditions for this leafy green vegetable. To ensure a successful harvest, follow these steps:

• Choose the Right Variety: Select lettuce varieties that are suitable for fall planting and can withstand cooler temperatures. Some recommended types include romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf lettuce. Check the seed packet for specific information on the ideal planting time and temperature range.

• Prepare the Soil: Before planting, ensure the soil is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has a pH level of around 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and structure, promoting healthy lettuce growth. Remember, you are harvesting the LEAVES of this plant (rather than slow release nutrients that promote fruit, vegetable, or flowering) so immediate nutrients in the soil are imperative!

• Planting: Start planting lettuce seeds outdoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected frost date in your area. Sow the seeds thinly in rows, approximately 1/4 inch deep, and cover them lightly with soil. Space the rows about 12 to 18 inches apart to provide enough room for the lettuce to grow. Things like kale and spinach like a light frost so continue to successively plant new starts/seeds up to and even slightly past light frosts.

• Watering and Mulching: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the growing season. Regular watering is especially crucial during dry spells. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the lettuce plants will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.

• Protection from Frost: As the fall progresses, be prepared to protect your lettuce from early frosts. Use row covers or cloths to shield the plants on nights when temperatures dip close to freezing. This extra layer of protection can extend your harvest and keep the lettuce leaves in good condition.

By following these steps and providing the right care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, crisp lettuce during the fall months in Indiana. The cooler weather will enhance the flavor and texture of the lettuce, making it a delicious addition to your autumn meals.