Are you considering homeschooling but are overwhelmed? Are you already homeschooling but feeling frustrated ? Then just breathe... Take a deep breath, relax, and take a little coffee break! You've got this! Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee) explores how to homeschool in step with God. Learn how to regain your sanity, reclaim your schedule, and reignite your love for homeschooling through two straightforward and manageable principles: (1) The Sabbath Principle and (2) The Simplification Principle. Just Breathe helps you live out your ministry of motherhood and your calling to homeschool. Don't let fear and doubt steal your time, your freedom, your flexibility, or your joy. Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee) will help you transform your thinking and your homeschooling. So grab your favorite cup of joe, get comfy, (sneak into the bathroom if needed to get a little peace and quiet), and learn how to rest in the Lord and simplify your homeschooling.
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Carrie De Francisco is now living, loving, and learning in Southern California with her husband, Mike, her two children, Francesca and Joseph, and their introverted dog, Jesse. After twenty plus years of homeschooling her own children (and helping others do the same), she tries not to take herself too seriously. The ministry of motherhood and the call to homeschool have helped Carrie appreciate the gift of laughter (and quiet times with her Bible and favorite cup of coffee). She is definitely saved by Jesus but fueled by coffee! Carrie De Francisco is not only a wife and homeschooling mom with a BS in Elementary Education & MA in Math Education, but she is also a homeschool consultant, speaker, author, educator, former adjunct professor, writing instructor, math tutor, science teacher, homeschool co-op leader, bible study facilitator, and coffee-loving introvert. She is the founder of Coffee With Carrie Website and Blog and hosts the Coffee With Carrie Podcast. Her favorite things to do are to make homemade beignets, experiment in the kitchen, go on nature hikes, play games with her family, and equip and encourage other moms to homeschool one step at a time, one day at a time, and one cup of coffee at a time.
Just Breathe is not a “how-to” book. It is a “you can” book! Definitely for the family who is pondering homeschooling but an essential for moms who need an extra boost to keep going. Carrie shares personal stories of her 20 year homeschool adventure mixed with lots of resources and plenty of encouragement. From her own experience of discovering the “why” to homeschool and embracing the principles of rest and simplification, Carrie gives practical advice on how to enjoy the journey of educating your children at home. Especially helpful are the sections on math—she breaks down the “when” and “how” to teach math in ways that are approachable and fun—with an emphasis on the FUN. The writing is clear, concise, and easy to read. Our families have been friends for 18 years and our daughters are still best friends. I believe the reader will find real hope within these pages to homeschool. Make a cup of your favorite drink and enjoy Just Breathe.
This book is fabulous and couldn’t have come out at a better time! The only homeschool book you will need to get started on the right track this year. Believe me, your kids will thank you for reading this book!
Just Breathe is fantastic for the new homeschooling parent just starting out and also gives a new perspective to experienced homeschooling parents that may need encouragement along with a fresh new outlook on homeschooling.
The book takes the stress of figuring it all out on your own. Carrie’s methods and advice will bring joy into your homeschool, encourage you to focus on what is really important, and help you figure out what you really want your kids to get out of your homeschooling journey, which (spoiler alert!) shouldn’t be all academic. It will help you to enjoy the process of teaching and learning with your kids and shows you how to have a stress-free, flexible plan that is actually attainable. Carrie’s 20 years of experience really shines through and she bases her knowledge on biblical teachings.
Her honesty is refreshing...she doesn’t try to paint a pretty picture of how perfect homeschooling is. She acknowledges the challenges but also gives solid guidance to tackle those challenges. She talks candidly about her own real (sometimes funny and embarrassing) homeschooling experiences, failures and successes, so that we can learn and gain wisdom from her.
I haven’t read a book this quickly in some time. It caught my attention and kept it, all the way through! JUST BREATHE by Carrie De Francisco is so encouraging, whether you are new to home schooling, or a veteran, or somewhere in the middle. I graduated my first daughter in 2019. I home schooled her the entire way through. I wish I had this book sooner, but because I still have one more to graduate, I’m thrilled to be refreshed at such a time as this. Her book is simple, profound, and has so much wisdom! Her honesty and way with words will meet you right where you’re at! I feel recharged to move forward in the fall with more joy and anticipation, instead of fear or dread. I recommend this book to anyone who might just need to be encouraged on your homeschooling journey. Thank you Carrie!!! –Kristin S.
THIS BOOK!! It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned homeschooler, just dipping your toes in, or maybe even just THINKING about it, you need this book! A little something for everyone. What a breath of fresh air!
Every single homeschooling mom needs to read this. It is filled with so many good reminders to stop overcomplicating and just simplify what we need. And most importantly to trust that God will be with us through this homeschooling journey that He has called us to.