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Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Daylight Managing Your Days Through the Homeschool Years by Zan Tyler Heidi St. John
Do you need encouragement and fresh ideas for your homeschool day? Help is on the way!
Tick Tock, Tick Tock...
Can you hear it? Are you “burning daylight?” If you have ever experienced a series of days, weeks or even months when you felt like you just could NOT get on top of all you had to do, you are not alone. Juggling homeschooling and homemaking can be challenging—or so we’ve heard!
Whether you’re struggling with managing your day, or simply looking for encouragement and fresh ideas for tackling your list of things to do, you will enjoy hearing from the heart of busy homeschool mom of seven, wife and author, Heidi St. John.
You’ll laugh out loud, learn some of Heidi’s favorite tips on everything from home organization to meal preparation, and discover how you can homeschool in freedom and joy.
Are you ready to be encouraged? Then join Heidi in discovering that real moms sometimes serve cereal for dinner—and live to write about it!
Tick Tock, Tick Tock...
Can you hear it? Are you “burning daylight?” If you have ever experienced a series of days, weeks or even months when you felt like you just could NOT get on top of all you had to do, you are not alone. Juggling homeschooling and homemaking can be challenging—or so we’ve heard!
Whether you’re struggling with managing your day, or simply looking for encouragement and fresh ideas for tackling your list of things to do, you will enjoy hearing from the heart of busy homeschool mom of seven, wife and author, Heidi St. John.
You’ll laugh out loud, learn some of Heidi’s favorite tips on everything from home organization to meal preparation, and discover how you can homeschool in freedom and joy.
Are you ready to be encouraged? Then join Heidi in discovering that real moms sometimes serve cereal for dinner—and live to write about it!
Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Heidi St. John
17 books99 followersHeidi St John is a mother, a grandmother, and a wife of 25 years. She is a popular conference speaker, radio personality, author and blogger whose message of returning to God’s Word and embracing our ministry as mothers has resonated with several hundred thousand followers in social media, through books, and radio appearances. Her refreshingly transparent, vulnerable style allows her readers to identify with her and invites them to join as fellow pilgrims on a journey rather than idolizing the author as someone who has “arrived”. Her calendar regularly has her speaking across the United States over twenty times in front of audiences as large as 20,000. Heidi lives in Battle Ground, Washington with her husband and five of their seven children ranging from age kindergarten to adulthood. When she’s not writing, traveling or speaking she loves to spend time with her grandchildren.
You can also connect with Heidi on Facebook
and Instagram
You can also connect with Heidi on Facebook
and Instagram
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 23, 2019
I am not a homeschool rookie. I've been at this for many, many years now, so I wasn't looking for a how-to guide. I have that down. What I was looking for was encouragement, and some fortification from a fellow Mom in the trenches to remind me why this hard work is so completely worth it. I got that in spades with Heidi's book, The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Daylight. So much so that I'm going to reread it immediately.
If you are a Christian, long term, homeschooling Mom- buy the book. Have you ever had a book where you had to stop highlighting because you would essentially end up highlighting the entire book? That has been my experience with this book. It is not a homeschool how-to manual. If you want a formula, go buy The Well Trained Mind or similar. If you want encouragement and a reminder of why you do what you do, how to keep on keeping on, and a couple of tips that may make that all easier? Well, then buy this book. There are tips here on homeschooling in general. But this is not a book for newbies in my opinion- and that perception is perhaps why I passed it by for years. I wish I hadn't.
This time I was at the point where I needed some encouragement all of these years in. I needed a boost and to refresh my why and strengthen my resolve. After hearing Heidi on a podcast I went searching and found this, and definitely got my boost here because the overall theme is one of great encouragement. Heidi has a gift for helping you keep your eyes on the prize, even when you want to run out and flag down that big yellow bus that goes down your street each morning. I think most of us in the homeschool trenches need a lot more encouragement than how-tos at the end of the day, and this book gives encouragement, and grace. Five stars. Read it, and then read it again!!
If you are a Christian, long term, homeschooling Mom- buy the book. Have you ever had a book where you had to stop highlighting because you would essentially end up highlighting the entire book? That has been my experience with this book. It is not a homeschool how-to manual. If you want a formula, go buy The Well Trained Mind or similar. If you want encouragement and a reminder of why you do what you do, how to keep on keeping on, and a couple of tips that may make that all easier? Well, then buy this book. There are tips here on homeschooling in general. But this is not a book for newbies in my opinion- and that perception is perhaps why I passed it by for years. I wish I hadn't.
This time I was at the point where I needed some encouragement all of these years in. I needed a boost and to refresh my why and strengthen my resolve. After hearing Heidi on a podcast I went searching and found this, and definitely got my boost here because the overall theme is one of great encouragement. Heidi has a gift for helping you keep your eyes on the prize, even when you want to run out and flag down that big yellow bus that goes down your street each morning. I think most of us in the homeschool trenches need a lot more encouragement than how-tos at the end of the day, and this book gives encouragement, and grace. Five stars. Read it, and then read it again!!
March 13, 2019
This book was SUCH an encouragement to me in my mothering and homeschool journey. God's timing is perfect. Heidi's words were just what I needed to hear... A constant reminder that I need to bring ALL of my needs and desires before the Lord... Even (maybe especially) my homeschool choices. Highly recommend!
February 5, 2022
Really enjoyed this practical and encouraging guide for homeschool moms (and I'm not even homeschooling yet!). I plan to pass this on to some friends until I need it again in the future.
April 17, 2015
Humorous, encouraging, refreshing because she gets it!
Encouragement without judging. Can't wait to read more if her.
Encouragement without judging. Can't wait to read more if her.
January 14, 2018
I really appreciated Mrs. St. John’s continued commitment throughout her book to have the reader focus on Christ, build up her marriage, foster great relationships with her kids, and lastly homeschool. I needed the reminder of the proper place for each of these important aspects of homeschool and life. I particularly have enjoyed her wisdom and practical input on managing a larger family and the examples from her own Life as to the specific ways that certain aspects of homeschooling have been successful for her family. Very challenging and encouraging book.
April 17, 2025
This is a great reminder to keep God in the center of your life, relationships and homeschooling.
I think it would have been a lot more helpful for practical advice if I had read it a decade ago when my oldest was in kindergarten. In 11 years, I have figured out, by trial and error, everything covered in this book.
I think it would have been a lot more helpful for practical advice if I had read it a decade ago when my oldest was in kindergarten. In 11 years, I have figured out, by trial and error, everything covered in this book.
May 15, 2017
There weren't really any new ideas or thoughts in this book. But it was encouraging--reminding me that we aren't in this alone, to rely on God's strength, and to do/keep doing the things I know I should be doing.
December 9, 2019
Nothing earth shatteringly unknown in this book - BUT the way Heidi lays it all out makes it a keeper. She’s funny, straight to the point and rooted in the Word. Very good, easy, encouraging and practical read for anyone struggling with their “daylight”!
August 28, 2022
I can see how newer homeschool moms or moms who have yet to develop their schedule would really benefit from this book! I found it a little boring because our homeschool routine and lifestyle is a little “old hat” right now!
July 25, 2018
Love me some Heidi St John!!
May 18, 2019
An excellent book from Heidi. As a beginner homeschooler this book had exactly the advice I needed!
December 28, 2019
I found lots of encouragement and helpful reminders within these pages!
June 13, 2020
Good practical advice from an entertaining author
June 25, 2021
Great practical tips!
July 19, 2025
Excellent book. There is more wisdom packed into this book than just learning to manage time and schedules.
September 23, 2025
I feel seen! Real life homeschooling is messy. I appreciate Heidi's insight into the homeschooling world, especially as a mom of many.
May 14, 2014
The Overview
Heidi St. John doesn't waste more of your daylight, she gets right to the point! This book is full of encouraging personal stories and helpful pointers. If you are a homeschooling mom and struggling to find enough time to get things done, this might be the next book you should read.
The Readability
Daylight is a fun read that takes an overwhelming topic and makes it simple. While it is 8 chapters long, I was still able to breeze through the 195 pages in less than three hours. Each chapter can stand alone, too, making this a great "pick-up and put-down" book for quick reads in 10 minute time slots.
The Highlights
The highlight for me was that she offered help with out overwhelming the reader. This is the book that tackles the main problems with managing your time, not the itty-bitty details that are so drastically different from family to family. The pages are also full of great illustrations and examples that will be a big help to those who have never tried any type of organization for their day.
The Downside
The only downside is that if you are already organized, this fun book most likely won't help you. If you are looking for tips on specific areas of life - laundry, cooking, paperwork filing, etc - I would recommend looking for a book that deals with that exact area. This book is much more of an overview for those who are organizationally challenged. While I enjoyed this lighthearted read and was encouraged to be more consistent, there was nothing new in this book for me. But I'm the type A that uses color coded schedules for everything in my life!
The Recommendation
I think this is a great book for any woman who feels like they do not know how to organize, or who has never had experience with homeschooling before (either being the student or teacher). For those who are organized, yet have no personal homeschooling experience, this book would be helpful to get an idea of what the big picture should look like fleshed out. A bonus is that Heidi shares more than her own schedules!
Heidi St. John doesn't waste more of your daylight, she gets right to the point! This book is full of encouraging personal stories and helpful pointers. If you are a homeschooling mom and struggling to find enough time to get things done, this might be the next book you should read.
The Readability
Daylight is a fun read that takes an overwhelming topic and makes it simple. While it is 8 chapters long, I was still able to breeze through the 195 pages in less than three hours. Each chapter can stand alone, too, making this a great "pick-up and put-down" book for quick reads in 10 minute time slots.
The Highlights
The highlight for me was that she offered help with out overwhelming the reader. This is the book that tackles the main problems with managing your time, not the itty-bitty details that are so drastically different from family to family. The pages are also full of great illustrations and examples that will be a big help to those who have never tried any type of organization for their day.
The Downside
The only downside is that if you are already organized, this fun book most likely won't help you. If you are looking for tips on specific areas of life - laundry, cooking, paperwork filing, etc - I would recommend looking for a book that deals with that exact area. This book is much more of an overview for those who are organizationally challenged. While I enjoyed this lighthearted read and was encouraged to be more consistent, there was nothing new in this book for me. But I'm the type A that uses color coded schedules for everything in my life!
The Recommendation
I think this is a great book for any woman who feels like they do not know how to organize, or who has never had experience with homeschooling before (either being the student or teacher). For those who are organized, yet have no personal homeschooling experience, this book would be helpful to get an idea of what the big picture should look like fleshed out. A bonus is that Heidi shares more than her own schedules!
April 6, 2013
Heidi St. John is so REAL and down to earth. I love it. Sometimes I think she is in my head and my home. This book is a true encouragement, and I highly recommend it to all homeschool moms.
I also love her page on Facebook.
I also love her page on Facebook.
July 22, 2013
Heidi understands what it's like to be a busy mom! This book not only encourages, but also gives practical advice on how to prioritize your day so that you don't feel over-burdened with all that must be accomplished. Her humor and easy-to-read style make this a quick and fun read for the busy mom.
October 12, 2015
There were some good convicting things in the book in where I need to stop burning daylight in so many areas. And there are some practical tips, too. However, it wasn't revolutionary to me. Good book though.
January 22, 2016
A fast, humorous, and encouraging read. Lots of practical advice for the homeschooling mom. I gave it 3 stars, because it was good, not exceptional, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a mom seeking encouragement for her homeschool.
May 30, 2013
I really enjoyed the simple message of this book. Reading Heidi St John is like being encouraged by a good friend.
August 27, 2016
Excellent, to the point, and full of meaningful, do-able suggestions!
December 2, 2014
This book was a very encouraging and helpful.
June 16, 2015
Great book with a lot of practical tips. Written in a way that is encouraging and motivating.
Read
January 27, 2016LOVED IT!!
March 13, 2016
Thanks Heidi for your encouragement! Can't wait to read this again once my kids are a little older!
June 15, 2017
I first heard of Heidi St. John when she came and spoke at our local homeschool convention several years ago. I absolutely love her! She is so genuine, real, and encouraging! Listening to her as a speaker and/or reading her books is like visiting with a good friend over a cup of coffee. Her wisdom is a blessing and her loving attitude is so refreshing!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews