Loving Well in Your Homeschool Days

Audio By Carbonatix

As a homeschooling mom for over 30 years, I’ve experienced every kind of day—joyful ones, chaotic ones, and days where I’m just holding on by a prayer and a pot of coffee.

Back when I first wrote this post, I had a full house and was looking ahead to another eight years of homeschooling. Today, I have three kids still at home, and while our homeschooling years are winding down, the call to cultivate a lifegiving home hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s more important than ever.

What I’ve learned through the years is this: a lifegiving home doesn’t require perfection—it requires presence.

Not every day will look Pinterest-worthy, and that’s okay. Real life is full of dirty dishes, unfinished checklists, noisy learning, and grace upon grace. But when we intentionally shape our home with love, forgiveness, peace, and purpose, we create a space that breathes life into our family.

A Lifegiving Home Is Rooted in God’s Love

Psalm 90:1 reminds us, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.”

Our physical house is just a shell—but our home becomes lifegiving when God is the center. He becomes our dwelling place when we seek Him daily through prayer, worship, and Scripture.

Colossians 3:14-15 is the heartbeat of our homeschool:
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.”

Love and peace don’t appear on their own—they must be cultivated. The same goes for creating a home where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued.

5 Ways to Cultivate a Lifegiving Home This Season

If you’re in a busy homeschool season (and what homeschool mom isn’t?), here are five simple but powerful ways to create a warm, loving atmosphere:

1. Start the Day with Scripture and Prayer

Even five minutes can refocus hearts. Read a short Psalm or a verse and say a simple prayer together. Invite God into your homeschool day.

2. Create Space for Conversation

Put your phone down during breakfast or car rides. Ask open-ended questions. Be curious about what your kids are learning, feeling, and wondering.

3. Embrace the Imperfect Moments

Spilled milk? Meltdowns? Missed math lessons? Those are part of life. Respond with grace. Show your children that love isn’t earned—it’s given freely.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Did your child read a hard paragraph or memorize a Bible verse? Celebrate it! Light a candle during dinner or make a “victory dance” a regular thing.

5. Let Joy Be the Atmosphere

Joy doesn’t have to be loud. It can be a cozy blanket, fall-scented candles, or reading aloud by the fireplace. Make your home a haven of rest.

A Simple, Fall-Themed Recipe to Share With Your Kids

Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins

These muffins are easy, healthy-ish, and perfect for fall baking with kids!

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups rolled oats
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Blend oats in a blender until fine (or use oat flour).
3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
4. Spoon into greased muffin tins or liners.
5. Bake 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Enjoy warm with apple slices or a cozy read-aloud.

These freeze well too—make a double batch!

Scripture to Meditate On

Here are a few verses to post around your home this fall:

• “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.” – Isaiah 58:11
• “Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
• “A wise woman builds her home.” – Proverbs 14:1a

A Prayer for Lifegiving Homes

Lord, thank You for the gift of our homes and the precious people in them. Help me create a place of peace, joy, and love. Let my words be kind, my heart be open, and my spirit be full of grace—even in the busy moments. Remind me that these little acts of love matter. May Your presence dwell in our homeschool days and turn ordinary routines into holy ground. Amen.

What Does a Lifegiving Home Look Like for You?

Is it laughter around the dinner table? Quiet snuggles on the couch? A front porch Bible study?
You don’t need to copy anyone else’s version of peace and purpose. God gave you this family, this home, and this moment. That’s enough to begin.

If you’re looking for more encouragement, I highly recommend The Lifegiving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson. It’s a yearlong journey of filling your home with what truly matters.

Let’s embrace the messy, beautiful reality of homeschooling—and make our homes places where hearts grow and souls rest.

Additional Resources

🌟 Want More Encouragement for Your Parenting Journey? Try Faith That Sticks!

If you’re raising a preteen, you know how challenging these years can be. Kids are bombarded with messages that test their faith and tug at their hearts. That’s why I co-wrote Faith That Sticks with Leslie Nunnery—to give parents a practical, hope-filled guide for discipling their kids through this season.

In Faith That Sticks, we share five discipleship building blocks—prayer, Bible reading, family relationships, conversation, and service—that can strengthen your family’s walk with God. You’ll find stories, encouragement, and simple activities you can use right away to connect with your preteen on a deeper level.

👉 Click here to get your copy today.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about raising perfect kids—it’s about raising kids who love Jesus and carry their faith into the years ahead.