Help for the Harried Homeschooler: A Practical Guide to Balancing Your Child's Education with the Rest of Your Life

by Christine M. Field

Homeschooling moms and dads can be overwhelmed by the demands on their time. Between their children’s educational needs; their roles as spouse, parent, and more; and their own individual desires and goals, these mothers and fathers struggle to accomplish all that must be done. In Help for the Harried Homeschooler, experienced homeschooler, author, and mother of four Christine Field offers sound advice for parents who want not only to achieve homeschooling success but also to reach a balance in their lives.

Genres: Education, Parenting, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2002

Reviews

[Devyn Prado · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought there was a lot of helpful info in here, even if it's an older book. But it's very patriarchal (e.g. telling mothers that you can get your kids to obey you by obeying your husband🤦‍♀️). I was interested to track down where the author is today and find that her path has deviated quite a bit. Made me wonder what she would change about the book if it were to be written today...

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated that the author was very "real" with homeschool struggles. But it was a little frustrating that at least half of her advice/suggestions boiled down to "Trust in God". I was hoping for more.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little outdated but still very much relevant. Pleasant author's voice. She does a great job of putting things into perspective.

[Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fast and easy to read, this encouraged me when I first began homeschooling.

[Christine Hiester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great encouragement and a reminder of the meaning and purpose of our homeschooling journey. Chapters include information on burnout, disapproval from family and friends, resources on homeschooling learning disabled children, and much more. I found the book to be well-written and practical while approaching the topic from a wonderful Christian perspective.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for the christian homeschooler that feels like they are spinning their wheels. It gives you inspiration to keep going and how to deal with the difficult life events that sometimes jump in your path. This is my second time reading this book and I will probably read it again. Christine is a wonderful writer that inserts humor into the dialogue. I highly recommend this book!

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Halfway through the book, there is a helpful list of activities to keep a preschooler busy while homeschooling. This, and other lists, helps the book earn its title. I also got a few ideas of how to better handle sibling arguments. However, there were whole sections of the book I skipped over due to the religious slant, so it only earns 3 stars.

[Nola Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great look at the nuts and bolts of handling homeschooling for parents, especially one with multiple children (like me!). It's very well written - humorous! - very light hearted. I'm really enjoying it.

[Michelle Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books out there for the harried homeschool. I love this book. Christine field has a way of making homeschool seem like a cool breeze and something that doesn't have to be worriesome.Lots of encouragement can be gleened from this book.

[Channing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. I think if I was feeling harried, this book would help a great deal. The only tidbit I got out of it was a reminder that I ought to be schooling my toddler instead of just letting her play and pick up the crumbs of the big kids.

[Bev G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview for this shaking-in-my-boots, soon-to-be homeschooling mom. Excellent chapters on discouragement and burnout that would be helpful for any mom, homeschooling or not. Also good, practical suggestions for a newbie. Again, nice overview of homeschooling from a Christian perspective.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 1 1/2 stars. I didn't realize this was a Christian-focused book, something that is not obvious from the cover. There were some little tidbits of helpful information in here, but overall I was turned off by the heavy focus on religion.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the author's way of presenting advice in a way that is framed by God's principles was excellent. Her knowledge of scripture was sound and balanced. I found the book encouraging and helpful.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what I needed. After a couple of years of homeschooling I found myself definitely what you'd call "harried". This book helped me put some things in perspective. It IS from a Christian standpoint which is fine by me.must read for the Christian homeschooler!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for a beginning homeschooler.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this book! The author is a Christian, and I am gleaning some wisdom as well as practical ideas. Just grabbed it on a "whim" in the library, and Providence has blessed my find!

[Nellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a special place in my heart when God used my reading of it to confirm the upcoming move mr family was about to take in 2003! This is found in the chapter on Burnout

[Sherry Lochner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book! So encouraging to read with a variety of homeschoolers on different subjects. I checked this out at the library, but I'm going to buy it and share with friends. :)

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice. Very Christian.

[Maritez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3 1/2

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a harried homeschooler... yet. And most of this is common sense and good dose of grace but I can see myself coming back to this one in years ahead.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Let go and let God"

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and practical ideas.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of lists of ideas. A few helpful things for my personal situation. A better book for flipping through than a straight through read.