Cleverly Kindred

Are you thinking about homeschooling but worried it’s too late to start in the middle of the school year? I completely understand. I’ve been there. The idea of pulling your child out of a traditional classroom mid-year can feel overwhelming, stressful, and even a little scary. But here’s the good news: starting homeschooling mid-year is absolutely possible , and with the right plan, it can be smooth, practical, and even exciting for both you and your child. In this post, I’m going to walk you through a simple 5-step guide to help you transition into homeschooling mid-year, without the stress or confusion. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or just considering a change, this guide will give you actionable steps to get started right away. Step 1: Understand Your State’s Homeschooling Laws Before you start, it’s crucial to understand the homeschooling regulations in your state. Laws vary widely, and some states require specific forms, notification periods, or standardized testing. H...

*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog There’s something magical about rain tapping at the windows—a perfect invitation to slow down, curl up, and create. But if you’ve ever stared at a bored kid (or yourself) during a gloomy afternoon wondering “What do I do now?” , you’re not alone. Enter the lifesaver: DIY craft kits. They give you all the materials, instructions, and fun bundled up, so you don’t waste precious time hunting down supplies. And yes, the ones I list here are (or have equivalents) available via Amazon, so you can get them delivered and rescue your rainy day. In this post I’ll walk you through 10 of my favorite kits (from kid-friendly to grown-up chill mode) — along with tips to make the experience smoother, more fun, and less messy. Let’s turn those dreary skies into creative highs. Why DIY Craft Kits Are Rainy Day Gold...

*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog As a homeschooling mom, one of my biggest goals is to make learning feel alive — not something that only happens in workbooks or textbooks. I want my kids to experience what they’re learning. But let’s be honest — finding the right balance between fun and educational can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to cover multiple subjects at home. That’s where STEM kits have completely changed our homeschool days. If you’re new to STEM, it stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math — all those areas that help kids become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and creative builders. But what I love about these kits is that they take the pressure off me to plan elaborate science lessons or come up with engineering projects from scratch. They provide the hands-on excitement and structure w...

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my motherhood journey, it’s that mom guilt is real . It sneaks in when I miss a school event, when I grab takeout instead of cooking a healthy meal, or when I take a few minutes just for myself. The constant pressure to “do it all” can leave us feeling like we’re never enough. But here’s the truth: you are enough. And while mom guilt might never fully disappear, there are practical ways to reduce it and find a sense of balance every single day. In this post, I’ll share what has worked for me (and other moms I know) when it comes to letting go of guilt and creating more peace in daily life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this is for you. What Exactly Is Mom Guilt? Mom guilt is that heavy, nagging feeling that you’re failing as a parent in some way. It shows up in different forms: Feeling bad for working outside the home. Feeling bad for staying home and not bringing in income. Feeling bad for not spending “enough” ...