Learning Together: Homeschooling For the Busy Rural Mom-Tara Vander Dussen

Introduction: Welcome to "The Dairy Hour Podcast," where rural charm meets personal growth. Hosted by Val Lavigne, a rural dairy farming mom dedicated to wisdom, self-improvement, and mental wellness. Expect insightful conversations, empowering tips, and a splash of fun and laughter. Join the journey of growth and nourishment together in every episode. Episode Highlights: Val introduces special guest Tara Vander Dussen, known as the New Mexico Milkmaid on social media and spouse of a previous podcast guest. (@taravanderdussen and @discoveragpodcast) Tara shares her journey into homeschooling, a decision that evolved over time, influenced by her busy lifestyle, family dynamics, and her youngest daughter's medical condition. Val and Tara discuss the structure of their homeschooling schedule, highlighting the collaboration between Tara and her mother, who tutors the children two days a week. Tara describes the typical day in the life of homeschooling, including morning sessions focused on math and language arts, outdoor breaks, and afternoon sessions covering extracurricular subjects like history and science. The importance of incorporating extracurricular activities like piano lessons into the homeschooling routine is emphasized. Tara shares her experience with selecting curriculum with the help of Jessica Anderson from Ranch School, adapting to a four-day-a-week schedule, and utilizing Fridays as a catch-up or wrap-up day. Val and Tara discuss the challenges of balancing homeschooling with work responsibilities, highlighting the need for family support and flexibility in scheduling. Homeschooling is not just about education but also about fostering a supportive family environment where everyone's needs and aspirations are considered. Discussion about the transition to homeschooling and Daniel's support. Recognition of the challenges and benefits of homeschooling, including increased family time and flexibility. Resource Mentioned: Ranch School by Jessica Anderson (Social media handle: @ranchschool) Benefits of Homeschooling: Reduced time spent commuting to school, leading to more family interaction. Integration of learning into daily life, promoting a holistic approach to education. Opportunity for children to participate in farm activities and learn from hands-on experiences. Challenges and Adjustments: Initial struggles with time management and establishing boundaries for schoolwork. Differences in learning styles and age-appropriate expectations for schooling. Acknowledgment of the learning curve for both parents and children. Screen Time and Outdoor Activities: Concerns about excessive screen time in traditional schooling environments. Emphasis on the importance of outdoor play and physical activity for children's development. Comparison of current school practices to past experiences and the impact on children's behavior. Personal Sacrifices and Adaptations: Decision to prioritize homeschooling despite adjustments to personal and professional schedules. Reflection on the need for balance and the reality behind social media portrayals. Transition to year-round schooling to accommodate family travel and interests. Socialization and Homeschooling: Discussion of socialization opportunities within homeschooling communities. Recognition of alternative ways children develop social skills through family interactions, extracurricular activities, and travel experiences. Personal anecdote highlighting the adaptability and social competence of homeschooled children. Navigating the Homeschooling Journey Emphasis on the importance of flexibility and individualized approaches to education. Reminder that homeschooling can lead to well-adapted and socially competent children. Acknowledgment of diverse experiences and perspectives within the homeschooling community.  Challenges of Homeschooling: Tara shares her experience of feeling a contrast between her children's behavior in public versus at home. Discussion highlights the importance of maintaining perspective as a parent and focusing on positive behavior outside the home. Advice for Prospective Homeschooling Parents: Tara offers advice for parents considering homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of thorough exploration and consideration of options. Key points include researching curriculum options, seeking support from homeschooling communities, and being realistic about commitments.  Rewards of Homeschooling: Tara reflects on the rewarding moments of homeschooling, particularly the quality time spent with her children and the sense of closeness it fosters. Discussion underscores the value of shared experiences and the fulfillment found in seeing children grasp new concepts and skills. Future Goals and Aspirations for Homeschooling: Tara shares her hopes for diversifying the homeschooling experience by incorporating new interests and activities. Emphasis is placed on flexibility and adapting the homeschooling approach to suit the evolving needs and interests of the children. Audience Question and Closing Remarks: Tara answers a thought-provoking question posed by a previous guest about the legacy she hopes to leave behind. The episode concludes with Tara sharing a favorite quote and inviting listeners to connect with her on social media. (@taravanderdussen and @discoveragpodcast) Conclusion: Host expresses gratitude to Tara for sharing her insights and experiences on homeschooling. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast and continue exploring the journey of homeschooling. Outro: Val thanks listeners for tuning in and invites them to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Closing remarks express anticipation for future episodes and encourage listeners to stay connected.