A candid look at the challenges and joys of raising a large family in a hostile world. This article is written from a Catholic perspective, but has food for thought for any parent of a large brood.

Each family comes with its own dynamic – a beautifully complicated medley of philosophies and needs involving a family’s heritage or culture, parenting style, financial stability, spiritual or religious preference, communication, and of course, educational goals and background. It may not be the right choice for a family to homeschool. These reasons not to homeschool can give you some food for thought.

When it comes to the books we read, the neighbourhood we live in, the religion or philosophy we practise, the food we eat, the people we associate with, in fact, in most areas of our lives, we highly value our freedom of choice. Yet, when it comes to one of our most precious resources--our children--parents are not permitted to exercise this necessary freedom. State interference with and control of education is greater than it is in almost any other area of personal choice.

An example of an organizational system for a large homeschool family.

Established in 1842, the Wadsworth Atheneum is America's oldest public art museum. The Wadsworth presents more than 15 special shows each year, Many are inspired by masterworks in the museum's holdings, while others are solo shows by emerging artists. The museum's collections span more than 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian to contemporary art. Located in Hartford.

It is good to wake up in the morning and know what you are going to do that day in school. That is what planning lessons is all about -- being prepared -- so that you can be as stress free as possible.

This list is a place where parents can come to understand and give value to our creative children as we home/unschool with them. The focus will be on discussing alternative ways (versus public school methods) to help our creative children learn which best suits their learning style and respects their complex personality traits, taking a look at creating a success-based learning environment that draws on the strengths of our creative learners while providing support-based opportunities to gently guide their intense natures.

Do you homeschool children of multiple ages? Discover tips, ideas, and strategies from experienced homeschool moms who teach a variety of ages in their own homes. Panelists include Amy Roberts (Raising Arrows), Connie Hughes (Smockity Frocks), Judy Hoch (Contented at Home), and Tricia Hodges (Hodgepodge.me). Moderator for this weekly event is Lauren Hill of Mama's Learning Corner.

There is a cognitive dissonance about public schools. Everyone knows public schools in the US are terrible, but everyone thinks their school is the exception. The reality is that your school would be the exception only if it teaches using project-based learning. Which it doesn’t. The public schools that are exceptional are exceptional at teaching to the test – a process that’s widely discredited. Give your kids more credit than that. Reformers say child-driven learning and project-based learning are best. Parents are the only educators in a position to do that. So all kids will get a better education at home. 

Preschool is a time of rapid growth and development. While the preschool curriculum is designed keeping in mind the physical and intellectual developmental characteristics of 2 – 5 year olds, there are certain milestones that most preschoolers should achieve before they begin kindergarten.