The Lively Bean

Melissa

How Homeschool Kids Build Real Friendships Without Public School

How Homeschool Kids Build Real Friendships Without Public School

If you’ve ever paused during your homeschool day and thought, “But how will my kids build real friendships without public school?” — you are not alone, and you are definitely not overthinking it. This question comes up again and again in homeschool conversations, especially for families who don’t have

Pinterest Predicts 2026: Practical Trends Every Homeschool Mom Should Know

Pinterest Predicts 2026: Practical Trends Every Homeschool Mom Should Know

Trends don’t usually make it onto a homeschool to-do list — and honestly, they shouldn’t feel like one more thing. But every once in a while, a cultural shift quietly influences how we teach, decorate, read, travel, celebrate, and connect as families. Pinterest Predicts 2026 isn’t about fast

Christmas Breakfast Ideas for Homeschoolers: Stress-Free, Delicious, and Memorable

Christmas Breakfast Ideas for Homeschoolers: Stress-Free, Delicious, and Memorable

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for homeschool families. Between planning lessons, attending holiday events, decorating your home, and juggling family commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One special tradition that shouldn’t add stress—but instead create joy—is Christmas morning breakfast.

Hosting for Homeschool Moms in December: How to Keep It Fun, Practical, and Stress-Free

Hosting for Homeschool Moms in December: How to Keep It Fun, Practical, and Stress-Free

Ah, December. The twinkling lights, cozy mornings with cocoa, the smell of cookies baking… and the looming thought of hosting family and friends. If you’re a homeschool mom, hosting during the holidays can feel overwhelming to say the least. You’re managing homeschool lessons, winter activities, co-op events, gift

Stock Up Ideas for the Month of December: A Homeschool Mom’s Guide to a Smoother Holiday Season

Stock Up Ideas for the Month of December: A Homeschool Mom’s Guide to a Smoother Holiday Season

December is a beautiful, busy, memory-making month — but it’s also the month when homeschool moms carry triple the normal mental load. You’re balancing lessons, holiday activities, family traditions, co-op events, winter weather prep, travel, baking, and figuring out how to keep everyone fed while maintaining even a hint

Holiday Baking Made Easy for Homeschool Moms: Must-Have Supplies & Stress-Saving Tips

Holiday Baking Made Easy for Homeschool Moms: Must-Have Supplies & Stress-Saving Tips

Holiday baking is one of those traditions we want to feel magical — flour-dusted counters, giggly little helpers, warm cinnamon smells drifting through the house — but let’s be honest… for homeschool moms, it can quickly turn into a full-on juggling act. Between lessons, Christmas activities, gift shopping, field trips, family

The 5 Stages of the Homeschool Mom Journey: Encouragement for Every Step

The 5 Stages of the Homeschool Mom Journey: Encouragement for Every Step

Homeschooling isn’t something most of us step into feeling fully prepared. In fact, it usually begins with a mix of curiosity, hope, and a quiet voice wondering, “Could this really work for us?” And from there, the journey unfolds slowly, beautifully, and sometimes a little messily. But here’s