• My Favorites for 0-3 Yrs

  • The historian is a prophet in reverse.Friedrich von Schlegel

    I am not a teacher; only a fellow traveler of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead--ahead of myself as well as of you. George Bernard Shaw

    Motherhood has a very humanizing effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials. Meryl Streep

    An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn't teach them how to make a life. Author Unknown

    The formative period for building character for eternity is in the nursery. The mother is queen of that realm and sways a scepter more potent than that of kings or priests. Author Unknown

    Much education today is monumentally ineffective. All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants. John W. Gardner

    Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.Plato

    [Education] consists mainly in what we have unlearned. Mark Twain

    For the unlearned, old age is winter; for the learned it is the season of harvest.The Talmud

    Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. John Dewey

    There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child. Frank A. Clark

    We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.Chuck Palahniuk

    The great difficulty in education is to get experience out of ideas. George Santayana

    The mother's heart is the child's school-room. Henry Ward Beecher

    The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn. John Lubbock

    I try not to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.Mikhail Baryshnikov

    You send your child to the schoolmaster, but 'tis the schoolboys who educate him. Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Education is too important to be left solely to educators. Francis Keppel

    To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself once in a while. Josh Billings

    One good mother is worth a hundred schoolmasters. George Herbert

    Education is not filling a bucket but lighting a fire. William B. Yeats

    The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you. Robert Fulghum

    If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders. Abigail Van Buren

    Education would be much more effective if its purpose was to ensure that by the time they leave school every boy and girl should know how much they do not know, and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it. William Haley

    Education is a progressive discovery of our ignorance. Will Durant

    If you don’t have a plan for your life, someone else does.Anthony Robbins

    It is little short of a miracle that modern methods of instruction have not already completely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry... I believe that one could even deprive a healthy beast of prey of its voraciousness if one could force it with a whip to eat continuously whether it were hungry or not... Albert Einstein

    Nothing is more terrible than ignorance in action.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    It is a thousand times better to have common sense without education than to have education without common sense. Robert G. Ingersoll

    Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. Marion C. Garretty

    You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself. Galileo Galilei

    Education aims to give you a boost up the ladder of knowledge. Too often, it just gives you a cramp on one of its rungs. Martin H. Fischer

    I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. Mark Twain

    The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without a teacher. Elbert Hubbard

    It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. Frederick Douglass

    Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. Roger Lewin

    If the doors of perception were cleansed, every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.William Blake

    Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible -- the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family. Virginia Satir

    The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. Sydney J. Harris

    Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army. Edward Everett

    Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you’ve never been hurt and live like it’s heaven on Earth.Mark Twain

    The primary purpose of a liberal education is to make one's mind a pleasant place in which to spend one's time. Sydney J. Harris

    An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. Spanish Proverb

    But, good gracious, you've got to educate him first. You can't expect a boy to be vicious till he's been to a good school. Saki (H. H. Munro)

    My idea of education is to unsettle the minds of the young and inflame their intellects. Robert Maynard Hutchins

    The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives. Robert Maynard Hutchins

    There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. Walt Streightiff

    That best academy, a mother's knee. James Russell Lowell

    Only the curious will learn and only the resolute will overcome the obstacles to learning. The quest quotient has always excited me more than the intelligence quotient. Edmund S. Wilson

  • My Favorites for Ages 3-6

  • My Favorites for Ages 6-9

  • My Favorites For Ages 9-12

  • My Favorites for Ages 12-14

  • My Homeschool Library

  • Our Stories

  • What Readers Say About Mom Essentials

    “Jenni has studied extensively from all the best sources, and she examines all ideas under the microscope of experience and common sense and practices everything she preaches. Because of these things, I know I can trust her guidance to help me keep my family healthy.” Alysia

    “Thank you SO SO SO much Jenni! I am so excited to read through your Mom Essentials Doctoring eBook. I feel so blessed to have a resource to help me know how to care for myself and family. It's a good feeling to feel self-reliant. Thanks a lot!” Jenna

    “Jenni, thank you so much for all you do! You are a great inspiration to me.” Teresa

    “I love reading your site, it has helped me so much! Especially since I have just started using DoTerra oils. I started using their Life Long Vitality vitamins and have noticed almost a night and day difference. Thanks!” Amy

    “I have had your site in my favorites for a while now. I’m finally getting around to looking around and commenting! I love it! I am a homeschooling, health nut, herbalist mom who will be back OFTEN!” Tammie

    “What a fabulous website you have! The time you have put into explaining things which affect so many people so that we can easily understand how to handle our families' health is a labor of love.” Lisa

    “It is so comforting to know that I have learned some basic skills that I can use to take care of myself and my baby instead of relying completely on doctors or others. It is a great feeling to be confident in caring for my family. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience Jenni!” Jenna

    “I’m impressed, I must say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you could have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is excellent; the issue is one thing that not enough individuals are speaking intelligently about.” Val

    “I’m sharing your website with my friends on facebook. Will be bookmarking your site as a favorite so I can keep coming back to read it!” Kathryn

    “I am so grateful to have come across your website! Right now our household is fighting virus after virus!! Thank you so much for this website! Thank you for you!” Amy

    “I can’t explain how grateful I am for your website and for you sharing all your knowledge. Thank you, thank you!” Jenna

    “I admire you and hope to one day have the knowledge to cure my family and keep them healthy. I love learning about herbs and essential oils. I love that you have an understanding of these amazing tools and you know how to use them. Thank you for helping me, for sharing your knowledge with me.” Samantha

    “Thank you so much for the teleseminar last night! I love learning from people with so much experience! I also look forward to future information you present!” Rachel

    “I really enjoyed listening to you and your family sing. I was happy to find your website because I have begun trying to homeschool 4 of my children this year and I find that it is truly challenging. Thank you for being an instrument in brightening my day!” Mary

    “I found your blog and am reading all you do with oils, and how you have used your essentials oils convinces me that have to get some and incorporate them into my family’s lives. Thank you for your website and blog, I LOVE it. What a service you provide.” Sarah

    “Jenni really does have a passion and a drive to help empower us women and moms. Jenni has helped me be more at ease using herbs. She showed me better and more economical ways to use them. I’ve gained much more ease and confidence and a true LOVE for herbs and self reliance.” Lori

    “I downloaded the flu report and am eager to boost my family’s immunity this fall and winter especially! I referred my family to your website and I know they will find your information insightful too!” Ashley

    “I appreciate your comments on Mercola.com articles. Thanks for helping me “sift” through the information and not just take it all to heart.”

    “Hi! I am loving your blog .. I am a 24 yr veteran ER nurse, now at home homeschooling my kids and doing DOTERRA! Thanks for your blog, enjoyable.” Gina

    “Jenni always has lots of great tips for me and has provided me with so much information for treating illnesses in safe and natural ways at home.” Krissa

    “Hi Jenni! Thanks for the great flu report. I’m definitely going to pass along to my friends that you have some great natural remedies to share.” Megan

    “Your website is changing my life. I just went through all of your recipes and was sad when I came to the end. Thank you for everything!” Ashley

    “I just wanted to write and thank you so much for recommending Doterra on your blog. I had previously only purchased essential oils from the natural foods store and I just got my first Doterra order and it's AMAZING! Thanks again!” Brittiny

    “I LOVE this website! I don’t know very much about essential oils, but the more I’m learning the more I love them. I’m so excited to learn more. Thanks Jenni for your awesome insights and information!!!” Christina

    “These articles are so timely for me! Thanks for all of the insights! They’ve already been helpful after just a few uses!” Amy

    “Hi Jenni! LOVE that you posted this recipe! Thanks for all you post! And especially for getting me started on healthy eating and nutrition, as well as educating at home.” Tracy

    “I have made Jenni's recipes for my family for years. Not only have we added good healthy food snacks to our diet but we've saved money as well. Thanks Jenni for taking the time to perfect and share your recipes with me.” Teresa

    “You're such an inspiration to me in every way. Thank you for sharing your blog!” Mandy

    “I am so inspired by Jenni. She always offers such timely advice on her blog. It is hard to make a switch to using herbs and oils, but with Jenni's help it seems easier. Thanks Jenni! For all your hard work to help families everywhere.” Nicholeen Peck

    “I just came across your blog a few days ago and I just wanted to tell you that I love it!! I'm just starting down the path of homeschooling, trying to change our diet and treating ailments naturally and I'm just soaking up all the information! Thank you for sharing!!” Melissa

    “Jenni is very conscientious and adept at providing home health remedies that she has implemented herself to assure their viability in order to recommend them to others.” Teresa

    “I was sent to your blog by a friend and love it. I have been looking into taking the Family Herbalist course for some time now. You are inspiring…Thank you.” Samantha

    “I love reading your blog. Thanks for taking the time to write it!!” Amber

    “Your blog is a treat! It is way better than the book I have always wanted you to write. It is completely interactive. I can find hints and helps in all areas very easily. And of course you singing when you were 2. The Welk Show was one of our family’s favorite shows when we were little!” Bianca

    “Thank you for all the teaching you do. You make things realistic for my budget with 5 kids. I want my family to have the best in health.” Stacy

    “I actually referred a friend to your website last weekend. We were talking about essential oils and also your recipe for oatmeal in the rice cooker over night. Thanks for your website! It’s been a blessing!” Heather

    “I have learned so much from Jenni from her website and classes. I recommend her teleseminars to anyone who wants to care better for their family and for themselves.” Jenna

    “Check out Mom Essentials essential oils that heal everything! I'm using one right now that curbs hunger/cravings. It works!” Dagmar Bleasdale

    “Your Mom Essentials site is great; lots of good info and tips. I'll recommend it to my other friends who have children. The info you provide is very helpful - glad I found it.” Steve

    “Hi! Just wanted to let you know you are my HERO!:) I am amazed by you. I will definitely be putting a link to your site on my blog. Thanks for all of your amazingness!!!:)” Krishel

    “First of all, I find this site to be absolutely unique in so many ways! It’s great that people go against modern medicine and the awful side effects and really seek answers provided in nature..amazing! Can’t wait to follow the reports and so glad I was led me here!!” Stacey

    “Have I told you how much your blog inspires me? Our family is finally eating healthy. 2010 is our year for better health, thanks to people like you.” Karina

    “Thanks for this! I love your site, I try and do many things myself and I think it helps to have references to go too!” Pattyann

    “Wow!!! What a great website! Just the thing I needed before bringing my third baby into this world! I subscribed and sent a lot of friends your way! So excited!” Whitney

    “I own a Children’s Activity Center. Can’t wait to share your flu report and tips with our parents. They are always looking for links to excellent blogs and site. Thanks for sharing!” Mardi

    “Jenni at Mom Essentials is one of the first people I turn to with health questions and for advice on how to feed and care for my family naturally.” Alysia

    “Thank you so much for this summary for good health while pregnant! I have enjoyed your site thoroughly the last few weeks. I appreciate having this resource to look at.” Renae

    “I enjoy Jenni's approach to natural and healthy living and love all the info on her blog. I have been using the products she offers with great result and appreciate all of Jenni's knowledge about oils, herbs, etc. Anyone will love working with her; she is trustworthy, reliable, and a joy to work with.” Dagmar Bleasdale

    “Jenni is so knowledgeable in the field of natural health and nutrition. She has studied extensively and truly lives what she teaches. We always call Jenni when there's a health issue we can't solve. If she doesn't have the answer right away she always researches it and finds out.” Shalynn

    “THANK YOU, JENNI! I am a homeschooling mother pursuing my master herbalist degree. Listening to Seven Children sung by your mom brought me to tears. Thanks for sharing your journey and reminding me of the joy in my own!” Holli

    “I have your Mp3’s, and have really been strengthened and motivated as I try the ideas you suggest, but more so have learned what I need to change within myself.” Celeste

    “Great information and very helpful. I have your site bookmarked and refer to it frequently to review information while I stock my herbal medicine cabinet and make the best possible use of it. Thanks again and keep sharing!” Tia

    “Jenni! Love your articles and information!... Love you! Keep up the great work!!” Mitchie

  • I’ve Gotten Awesome Family Deals Here

October 10, 2009

Why We Decided to Homeschool

When my kids were young, the thought of homeschooling never occurred to me. I was public schooled through 12th grade, except for 3 years of elementary in a private Presbyterian school.

When Mike was in medical school, I started having grand dreams of traveling the world doing service. We both wanted to expose our children to other cultures and the rich differences that existed in the world.

During Mike’s residency, I was thinking about signing up my son for an inexpensive preschool program offered at the nearby community center. I had heard that it was really just glorified babysitting for moms who needed a break from their kids. It sounded tempting.

I asked one friend if her son would participate. She responded that she wanted to enjoy her babies being with her as long as possible. She was busy with several children, and I hadn’t expected her to feel that way.

It caused me to ponder on the topic. I started asking myself some tough questions. How much did I really enjoy being around my children? Did I unconsciously consider them an inconvenience instead of the blessing I knew they were to me? Was I truly interested in what was best for them? Were my needs more important than theirs?

I had a paradigm shift. I knew I enjoyed being with my children and could relish it even more with the right frame of mind. I decided to be more careful about situations that weren’t necessarily in the best interest of my children, with people I didn’t necessarily trust. I committed myself to making whatever was best for them a higher priority in my life.

I became more purposeful in finding fun activities to do together. We lived in Tucson, AZ at the time. Once I started looking, I found there was no shortage of entertaining, educational things to do there. I even got together with some other moms I knew to do a preschool co-op group called Joyschool. I was having a fantastic time being more involved in the welfare of my children.

I started pondering again one day, after talking with my sister, Ami. She had a masters in social work and was working for a school district running some programs. She had a good friend, at the time, who had been homeschooled. She told me that when she had a family, she would probably homeschool.

This was a totally new thought to me. After I chewed on it for a while, I reflected on it in the context of my grand dreams. If we were going to travel the world, perhaps I should be prepared to educate my children at different seasons of time.

Successful Family Homeschool HandbookOn one of our weekly library trips, I was browsing books and noticed one called The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook. It looked interesting, so I checked it out.

I read some of it to Mike. He was resistant initially. Both his parents were in public education. His father was a teacher in high school, his mother a counselor. He had had good friends and an enjoyable school experience.

But the more we read the book, the more ideas we found that rang true to us. It talked about how America has pushed its children, especially little boys, into academics before they’re ready. Europe on the other hand, waited until boys were age 7 or 8 to teach reading.

The book also talked about the negative socialization that takes place in public school settings. It talked about this in detail and was very persuasive. We decided that homeschool was a possibility we needed to investigate further.

We learned of a homeschool convention taking place in Utah. I knew the decision was so big we needed to make it together, so I begged Mike to go with me. Thankfully, he agreed.
The only thing I remember about the day’s lectures was being awestruck by Oliver DeMille. His 51F8AVC5S2L._SL160_speech greatly impressed us. We were thirsty for more. We bought his book, A Thomas Jefferson Education, and whatever other articles they had for sale. We couldn’t devour them fast enough.

Oliver’s educational philosophies rang strongly true to us. We both had university bachelor’s degrees, and by that time, Mike had also obtained a masters degree in molecular biology and his MD. We had some experience in the systems of education Oliver describes in his book.

As we read, we understood his descriptions and could relate them to our own experiences. We realized that after all our years of “quality” education, we had not yet obtained what he termed a “leadership” education. With freedom for all being the end goal, this method of education nurtures creativity in problem solving, morality in living, and freedom of thought. This is what we wanted above all else, for our children . . . and ourselves.

We didn’t know exactly how we were going to go about it. We only felt that it was completely right for our family, and that most of it would take place off the conveyor belt of the public education system. We determined to keep learning.

Thus, we made our decision to homeschool.

This comment came out of my husband’s mouth, the day I wrote this post:

“An oppression model of education will never end in freedom.”

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
  • Yeast Infection No More-I struggled with yeast infections and Candida for years and was miserable. It can affect you negatively in so many ways! I cleansed for 3 years to get rid of my symptoms and feel like I had it under control. I wish I had "Yeast Infection No More" which would have guided me better. Linda has 240 pages of thorough information on how to get yeast back into balance. I highly recommend it!

  • Family Manifesto Inspiring Family Manifestos - I have purchased one of each of these manifestos and LOVE them! I would count it as a whole year of education if my children could internalize the amazing messages on  these manifestos! I feel they are worth every penny I spent as an investment in teaching my children values. Check it out and don't forget to look at the package deals!

  • Personal Path to Pregnancy-I really like this program for addressing fertility problems! I've reviewed others I did not like. Beth's recommendations are in line with what I know to be true regarding health and natural tools. She is clear and comprehensive while addressing common conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, abnormalities, miscarriage, RPL, thyroid dysfunction, and more! I strongly recommend following this program along with taking Vickie Sorensen's FemEase formula to increase fertility.

  • Mommy Without Pounds-I loved going through Michelle's comprehensive program! Learn how to feel great, loose unwanted pounds, resolve problems and safely develop washboard abs after childbirth. She even has a specific exercise program during breastfeeding, bonus charts, recipes, and more. It's fantastic!

  • Home Pregnancy Massage-Not only does she address how to use massage during each trimester to address specific problems, she even has a whole section on labor and delivery.  Bonus videos included. Wish I'd had this for my last pregnancy!

  • Nature's Amazing Ear Infection Cures - This Australian lady naturopath teaches how to use natural (easy to find) tools to strengthen and heal the body and prevent further infections. I bought this and really like it. This eBook goes into more depth than my article & it offers many good natural remedies. She has a great freebie too about natural antibiotics!

  • Prince or Princess? Plan Your Baby Program - I've known for a while that it's possible to choose the gender of a baby. I charted my own cycles for a time because I didn't want to use birth control, and the book I used mentioned it. Alicia's product outlines how to do it in easy steps. It's 94.8% successful, which is very good odds. It works. It just takes effort, know-how and good planning. If you're willing to do it, then this is a great program to follow.

  • 12 Steps to Whole Foods Course - My friend, Robyn Openshaw, aka Green Smoothie Girl, has an excellent course for becoming knowledgeable at using whole foods in the kitchen.  So if you're trying to get off a junk food diet, or need more ideas for healthy food preparation and lifestyle, I definitely recommend this.

     

  •  Mom Essentials “How To Treat Babies With Herbs & Essential Oils” -    Audio MP3 - In this audio learn how to use herbs, essential oils and other natural tools to treat common ailments like colic, teething, congestion, cough, fever, viral infection, flu, ear infection, runny nose, constipation, diaper rash, thrush, eczema, tummy ache, and more!
    Learn More

  • Mom Essentials “How To Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding” - Audio MP3 -Stop feeling helpless when you get sick during pregnancy! Understand which essential oils are safe or unsafe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Learn effective tools and remedies for treating low energy, bloating, nausea, edema, back pain, constipation, stress, stretch marks, depression, sore nipples, low milk supply, too much milk, mastitis, etc.
    Learn More

  • Mom Essentials - Audio Mp3 Class Bundle
    “How To Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding”
    "Best Herbs and Essential Oils for Labor and Delivery"
    “How To Treat Babies With Herbs & Essential Oils”

    Receive all three audios AND transcripts! The transcripts are eBooks packed with all the valuable information from these classes, plus bonus notes! Terrific value!

  • Mom Essentials "How To Stay Healthy Through Winter" - Audio Mp3 - I used to get sick every winter. Without fail I either got bronchitis, sinus infections, flu or some other nasty virus or bacterial infection. I still am susceptible to illness unless I am proactive after the holidays. In this audio I teach about underlying causes of illness, how to resolve them, and what I do in my home to keep myself and my kids healthy through winter and year-round!

  • Mom Essentials "Best Herbs and Essential Oils for Labor and Delivery" - Audio Mp3 - with guest midwife, Camille Wilcox. Discover what natural tools can prevent episiotomy, check hemorrhages, manage labor pains, decrease stress during delivery, help speed up dilation and contractions, help cervix to open and increase comfort right after birth. Learn which natural tools are good for newborns right after birth and in their first month of life, and what tools lend support in the case of miscarriage.

  • MomEssential eBook Bundle contains valuable and informative information that will help your family have a healthier dinner menu, ready reference remedies for sickness, and paradigm changing thoughts on education. You'll be able to help yourself transition to a healthier diet with recipes you like! You can learn to resolve many of your own health problems, and you'll know how to better inspire your family to love learning. :)

2 Comments

  1. Gina says:

    Hi! I am loving your blog .. I am a 24 yr veteran ER nurse, now at home homeschooling my kids and doing DOTERRA! Funny, huh? Also, we live in Ventura, CA.
    Thanks for your blog, enjoyable. Love to hear from you if you have time!

  2. [...] Journey to Health MD vs Herbalist Why We Decided To Home School [...]

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

  • Do You Subscribe?

    Get exclusive Mom Essentials tips, news, updates AND "10 Flu Remedies From A Doctor's Wife"
    Get Your Free Report

  • Follow Mom Essentials!

    facebooktwitterrss
  • Shop My Store

  • A Most Amazing Way To Teach World Peace

    Shropshire

  • Persnickity: My Dear Friend’s Clothing Line–So Cute!!!

    persnickityhome
  • Disclaimer:

    I am not a doctor (that would be my husband). Any advice or recommendations you find on this site should not be construed as medical advice. I do not claim to be able to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease (you can do that yourself). If you choose to follow my example, you will be taking responsibility for your own health and wellness.
  • I’ve Bought Tons of Groupon Discounts!

Copyright © 2012 Mom Essentials. All rights reserved.

Wordpress Theme by Abe Fawson - www.goodfront.com