BRIGHTER DAY PRESS BLOG

Three ways we use technology in our homeschool
When we first began homeschooling six years ago, I was wary of introducing technology into our daily rhythm. Research has shown the many cognitive, emotional, and social advantages of limiting screen time for kids—so we did our best to use screens sparingly. Doing...
Travel Tips for NW Arkansas
  Our family just spent seven days in northwest Arkansas and it was truly one of the best family vacations we've ever taken! We stayed in Bentonville at this adorable Airbnb that we loved and would recommend for families.      When...
Homeschool Printing & Binding at Home
This year, our homeschool curriculum requires quite a bit of printing and binding. And honestly, I don't mind at all! I truly enjoy and prefer printing from home instead of outsourcing this job to Staples or another print shop. If...
2023/2024 Curriculum Choices!
I am delighted to share the curriculum we've chosen for our upcoming school year, which we began this week! This year, we have a 5th grader, a 3rd grader, a 1st grader, and a preschooler. A reminder: Choosing curriculum can...
Praying for our Children
In the fog and busyness of motherhood, it's easy to fall out of the habit of praying for our kids. Or when we do remember to pray, sometimes it's hard to know what to pray. I've written a few prayers that...
Make Your Own Yoto Cards: Tips & Tricks
For the past year, our kids have used (and loved) their Yoto audiobook players. If you're unfamiliar with Yoto, I've written a post with all the information you need and a list of our favorite audiobook cards: All About the Yoto...
Seek to Serve.
In the last few months, the Lord has repeatedly impressed this phrase on my heart:Seek to serve.Could there be more countercultural words?The idea of seeking to serve others flies in the face of a world that's constantly pushing us to...
A Love Story of a Reader
I get a lot of messages from moms who are discouraged that their kids don't like to read (or be read to).My best advice? Just keep reading.This, of course, isn't a guaranteed formula to raise a voracious reader... but perseverance...
Lean in.
I'm learning the enormous value of two tiny words: Lean in.   On our best days, you might look in our window and see this:Our family reading a bible story,singing a hymn, rehearsing a memory verse.You'd also see a child climbing on...
Watercolor Supplies for Ages 2-5
I've learned over the years that what often brings peace to our chaotic days with toddlers and preschoolers is to make art. While it feels a bit counterintuitive to hand art supplies to lively little ones, it's pretty amazing what...
Spring Craft: Pressed Flower Laminated Bookmarks
  This is the perfect craft for little hands. There's no wrong way to arrange the flowers and it's very low mess. These would make lovely grandparent gifts, too.Here's what you need: Dried pressed flowers (if you don't have some...
Sing. Pray. Read. Our 20-Minute Rhythm
This 20-minute rhythm is simple enough for any family to implement, and I believe it has the power to change the world.  Our family begins our day this way, but you could easily do this at night when your husband...
Navigating the Library With Wisdom
Last summer, my children and I walked into the children's section of a local library and were confronted with a display that flew in the face of our Christian values. It was unavoidable, and it brought lots of questions from...
How I Edit My Photos
For the last few years, I've taken photos almost exclusively with my iPhone. It's super convenient, but depending on the lighting, the photos aren't exactly photo album worthy without a little bit of editing.So I thought I'd share how I...
My Top 10 Favorite Picture Books
As a homeschool mom with a passion for children's literature, I've read and enjoyed thousands of picture books. So to narrow it down to just 10 favorites is nearly impossible! But for me, these 10 have risen to the top....
Dear Brand New Homeschool Mom...
To the brand new homeschool mom who's choosing curriculum, reading blogs, and feeling nervous about the beginning of something new...Do you have a willing heart to learn alongside your children? Access to great books? Time to spend outside? Those are...
The Story of Our First Year of Homeschooling
It's easy, as a new homeschool mom, to scroll through social media and feel defeated when looking at other homeschooling families who have been doing this for a while. (Trust me: I did it.) So for those who might feel...
Curriculum Review: Early American History by Beautiful Feet Books
As we near the end of our school year, I wanted to share one resource that has been a joy to use: Early American History by Beautiful Feet Books. For reference, we have a 2nd grader and a 4th grader...
Recipe: Overnight oats
Overnight oats make the perfect, easy breakfast with so many flavorful, nutritious options to try. Have your children help with the measuring, stirring, and of course, eating. This big batch of overnight oats will last up to three days covered...
Easter Basket Ideas!
Easter baskets have never been a must in our house. There have been years we've put them together, and other years we've kept things more simple and given only a book and a sweet treat. I wanted to share some ideas for...
My 10 favorite Earthley products
If you're new to natural wellness and looking for a trusted company to support you, I can't recommend Earthley enough. Their products are affordable, made in the USA, are created with the best natural ingredients, and they work.  First time Earthley...