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so that we can have a great podcast show. When I was homeschooling I was so tempted to think that if I could plan everything into a schedule, you know, like times of day, blocks of time, chunks set aside for play or taking a break,

somehow I would finally feel in control of my life.

But what I discovered over time is that the schedule became like a prison.

I suddenly felt like I was spending more time getting kids to cooperate with the

schedule than enjoying the pleasure of having a plan. I don't know if you've

experienced that. Today's Tea with Julie showcases conversations I had with a couple of my kids

as we retooled what our homeschooling days could be like together. I want you to

listen closely and then I'll make a few comments at the

end. But as you envision this next semester or if this is the beginning of

homeschooling for you, just remember that the best plan includes everyone.

It's not a schedule that you create off-stage away from your kids and then impose and enforce.

Rather, the best homeschool experience is a culture of learning shared by the whole

family. So everybody's input matters and when you

collaborate to create that family lifestyle of learning you actually release a

huge amount of motivation and energy in your children.

The following Tea with Julie email reading features a conversation between me and my two youngest kids

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