Linsey Knerl's blog

Computer-based Homeschool Curriculum Worked for Us!

Posted 2 weeks 6 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Education, Learning Tools, Home School, K-8, High School

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When I started homeschooling a few years ago, I was excited to order the materials – which included more books, manuals, worksheets, and supplemental items than I could possibly store on our bookshelf. The practicality of “traditional” text-based curriculum soon wore thin. Read on to see how software saved the day.

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Tips for a Safer Fireworks Display

Posted 3 weeks 4 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Safety, Home Life

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The statistics are frightening. 10,000 Americans were treated for injuries from fireworks last year alone! The majority of the incidents were burn-related, and most could have been prevented. Learn how to keep your children out of harm’s way with this handy guide from the CPSC.

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The Best Toys Aren’t Toys at All

Posted 4 weeks 3 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Home Life, Entertainment

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Go ahead and spend that $100 for the ultimate in baby activity centers. Go organic, if you want, but don’t blame me when your tot comes running up to you begging to play with his favorite new toys – a rubber shoe cover and a piece of Styrofoam.

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Stretch Those Pennies with Watered-Down Cooking

Posted 4 weeks 5 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Home Life, Finances

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Water is cheap (free in some areas.) Why are you not using it to stretch y our grocery dollars? Maybe you’re afraid of feeling cheap, or feel that you will somehow be robbing your children of precious nutrients. Put away your doubts, and learn the acceptable ways to dilute your dinners!

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It’s Difficult to Give Our Families the Best

Posted 5 weeks 1 day ago by Linsey Knerl

Social Skills, Conflict Resolution, Relationships

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My kids deserve the best. I want to give them everything they need and some of the things that they want, and I wish for it to come to them with relative ease and with as little heartbreak as possible. Why is it that I find it so trying to give them the best of me?

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Should Homeschooling Be Illegal?

Posted 6 weeks 4 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Education, Culture, Home School

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Wow! What a question. As a mother who homeschools, this was quite an odd question to see in the middle of my most recent issue of Parade magazine. I had to take a closer look.

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Book Review: 10 Principles for Spiritual Parenting by Mimi Doe

Posted 6 weeks 6 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Social Skills, Culture

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When I hear the word “spiritual”, it makes me a bit squeamish. To me, spirituality is such a personal and usually specific aspect of one’s life that I find general tips on teaching “spirituality” to your children to be misguided. Read on to see how this lone parenting manual really stood out from the others.

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Subway Promotion Dismisses HomeSchoolers

Posted 7 weeks 4 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Education, Culture, Home School

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I receive a lot of activist-type emails, especially those which call for action to be taken in matters of educational discrimination in the homeschool arena. While I usually take much of it with a grain of salt, this latest news regarding a Subway promotion rubbed me a little wrong.

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Take Simple Steps to Prevent Falls from Windows

Posted 9 weeks 2 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Safety, Home Life

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It’s the time of year to open up your home to fresh air and warmer days. Before you start cracking open those windows, however, take a moment to check these simple safety tips. With 25 children a year falling from windows (some of them resulting in tragic deaths), it’s a preventative measure you can’t afford to ignore.

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Buying Cheap Sneaks: Your Kids Get What You Pay For

Posted 9 weeks 4 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Home Life, Finances, Shopping

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I’m all about a bargain, and I especially love when kid’s shoes go on clearance at places like Target, JCPenney, and Walmart. But the one thing I’ve learned is not to get too attached. Shoes are one of those special staples that take a lot of wear and tear, and if you refuse to buy the best, you can’t always expect it.

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It’s Not About Shacking Up…

Posted 11 weeks 6 hours ago by Linsey Knerl

Education, Social Skills, Sex Ed, Relationships, Higher Education

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A recent Associated Press article discusses the growing trend of U.S. colleges to allow for mixed company in dorm living arrangements. This new acceptance of coed cohabitation isn’t what disturbs me; It’s how the parents continue to teach an age-old lie about relationships and what truly matters.

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“Poop Hurts” and Other Jaw-Dropping Titles for Children

Posted 12 weeks 6 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Home Life, Social Skills

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Children’s books span every interest, culture, and category. As kid lit becomes an acceptable way to address even the most taboo of issues, it should no longer surprise us to see constipation and even plastic surgery discussed within the context of playful puppies and fanciful illustration. Here are some of the more… interesting… titles on bookstore shelves.

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Are You a Good Mom?

Posted 16 weeks 5 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Social Skills, Culture

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Parenting magazines and websites often claim to know the answer to the eternal question of “Are You a Good Mom?” Thankfully, I rarely give these expert evaluations a second thought. Here’s why I avoid the temptation to self-assess and refuse to be judged by generic parenting standards.

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When Mom Gets Ill: Coping Skills for Sick Days

Posted 17 weeks 4 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Health, Wellness

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I consider myself blessed that my most recent health complaints have only been those of the cold and flu variety. I think most mothers would agree, however, that even these common bugs can throw the most organized households into a state of chaos. Here is a list of coping skills to get you through to healthier pastures…

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Grow Baby, Grow! What the Charts Mean for your Healthy Infant

Posted 19 weeks 3 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Health, Breastfeeding, Nutrition

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I dreaded my baby’s last doctor appointment. As I had always done before, I crammed extra breakfast into my little guy, and coaxed him into chugging an 8 oz bottle prior to the appointment. This was not going to be another attack on my motherhood.

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What Party Would Sanjaya Run For? A 2008 Election Explanation

Posted 21 weeks 4 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Education, Social Skills, Culture

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Homeschooling can be challenging, especially when topics deviate from the assigned curriculum. With 2008 being a very special political year, it has escaped me how to convey all the inner workings of our often confusing political system to our kids. My nine-year-old continues to “bring it” with her regular and candid Q & A sessions.

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Meatloaves with Style: 5 Ways to Jazz up the Wednesday Night Special

Posted 22 weeks 2 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Home Life

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It’s meatloaf night. Again. You would think my kids would grumble at the thought of it. Instead I have them asking, “What kind tonight, Mom?” We have experienced the joy of meatloaf variety, and here is how it’s done.

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Survival Tips for Future Film Buffs

Posted 23 weeks 5 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Home Life, Social Skills, Entertainment, Etiquette

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I can think of no worse way to spend an afternoon than taking a toddler to a movie. You are guaranteed to miss all the good parts, and should plan on adding it to your rental queue. There are some tricks to making the experience go a little smoother, however, and like most outings, preparation is the key.

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Valentines Day Isn’t Just for Lovers

Posted 24 weeks 4 days ago by Linsey Knerl

Social Skills, Culture, Relationships

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While the idea of a romantic getaway with a significant other may sound like the perfect way to spend Valentines Day, this year it may be impossible to manage. Depending on your unique circumstances, the holiday might not be everything you imagined. Families can still find a way to make the day special; share the love this year with these super ideas!

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Baby’s First Birthday Doesn’t Have to be Lavish

Posted 26 weeks 19 hours ago by Linsey Knerl

Home Life, Entertainment, Culture, Relationships

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There’s no need to feel guilty if you decide to forgo the pomp and dismiss the circumstance. Chances are, your birthday boy or girl will be none the wiser. In fact, the more exciting and lavish your party is, the better the chances are that the little partygoer won’t enjoy it much at all.

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