BRIGHTER DAY PRESS BLOG

10 tips for homeschooling on a budget
A quality education doesn't have to break your budget. I began our homeschooling journey like so many of us do, wooed by shiny, new curriculum. I wanted it all—and thought we needed it all to have a successful homeschooling experience....
Books for Juneteenth
Does your family celebrate Juneteenth? I only learned of it in the last few years, but am thankful my children will understand its significance much sooner.What is it?On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas to enforce...
What I've learned in 5 years of homeschooling
We've just finished our fifth year of homeschooling (including a year of preschool), and I wanted to document all of our curriculum choices so far as well as what I’ve learned along the way. Next week, I'll be sharing our...
🌈 Freebie: Summer Rhythm 🌈
It's almost summer (!), so it's time to pull out our summer rhythm! I painted this one, but also painted a customizable version for you.     If you'd like to make your own, I've created three options:  1. A blank rainbow to...
Summer reading for moms
Our family has a busy summer ahead, so I'm making plans now for personal reading. This list is short (and hopefully manageable)—and I'm posting it here for inspiration and accountability. I can't wait to dive in to these books! The...
Podcast: Put Down Your Phone
"What a shame it would be if we missed the greatest gifts of motherhood because of the distractions of our phones.  We have a new challenge in our generation of mothering as we seek to use our phones to serve us...
Top 10 Chapter Books to Begin Reading Aloud
I had no idea before becoming a mom that reading aloud to my children would form some of our family's very best memories. But I can assure you, it doesn't always look this picture perfect—especially when first starting out.Here are...
Summer Reading BINGO!
It's only April, but we're rounding the corner toward summer, and my kids are itching to get started with their summer reading! We created a Summer Reading Bingo last summer and had a blast. So I thought I'd update this chart with brand...
Picture Books to Celebrate Memorial Day
Memorial Day is coming, and I am thrilled to share our brand new guide with your family soon (coming May 2!). We'll spend a week learning about heroism and patriotism through the true stories of unsung American heroes, how to fold...
Easter Resurrection Cookies
Making Easter Resurrection Cookies is one of our family's favorite traditions on the Saturday evening before Easter morning.  As you make these cookies with your children, you'll read specific Scriptures which will reveal the next ingredient to add to the...
10 Beloved Books for Spring
Happy spring, friends! As a mom, spring has become my favorite season because we're able to soak up the perfect weather before the Texas summer heat sets in. This season also brings some of our favorite seasonal books, full of planting seeds and...
🌿 How to start a nature club 🌿
Since moving to Texas, our family has sought to connect with other homeschoolers in our area for a nature club—but so often, the options have required a long drive or haven't fit our schedule.So we gathered a few other homeschooling...
Creating a "Feel Better Basket"
I hate to see my children hurting. But it's also such a privilege that they run to me when they are. In that sacred few minutes, I'm able to offer comfort and nourishment not only for their bodies, but for their hearts....
The one decision I've never regretted as a homeschool mom.
I've had regrets when it comes to homeschooling: Pushing a child too hard through a rigorous curriculum out of fear we'd fall behind Not accepting outside help that I desperately needed But can I tell you the one thing I've...
March Book Madness 2022
I am thrilled to share our family's choices for this year's March Book Madness! I hope you'll join us.  My children and I have selected 16 picture books we hope you'll love, and we've put them into brackets in a printable format....
St. Patrick's Day book list
St. Patrick's Day is around the corner, and I wanted to share a list of our favorite picture books (along with a couple video recommendations). These books go hand in hand with our brand new St. Patrick's Day guide - a...
Ten Favorite Chapter Book Series
Do you have a voracious reader in your house? Chapter book series can be so helpful to keep your child satisfied, and I want to recommend a few our family has loved! For most of these, we've read book #1 as...
MLK Day Book List
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is coming soon, and I wanted to create something as "open and go" as possible to help families learn about Dr. King's life and mission.  If you only have 10 minutes, watch his "I Have a...
Our Natural Medicine Cabinet
I want to share our family's natural medicine cabinet, including the vitamins we take on a daily basis. This is not medical advice; please just take this as one family's journey toward wellness.     I am a registered nurse,...
Recipe: Upset Tummy Popsicles
This morning, I made "Upset Tummy Popsicles" to store in the freezer for the next time one of my children complains of a tummy ache. These contain fresh ginger for reducing nausea or calming an upset stomach, turmeric which can improve indigestion, peppermint...
Valentine's Day Book List
Mark your calendars: The brand new Valentine's Day guide is coming on January 5!  I believe there is no better time to teach our children the truth about love and marriage through a biblical lens. In this 5-day study, we'll go beyond...