Atomic Habits for Moms

I recently had a great conversation with Maria Morera Johnson on the CatholicMomcast. It was a great conversation (you can listen to the 26-minute episode here). We discussed all our favorite mom hacks, but I’ll be honest: my kids interrupted many times, and I felt very frazzled as I tried to share what was on my heart.

Here’s a mom hack for you: ALWAYS get a sitter for podcast interviews.

In all seriousness, though, many ideas have been rolling around since our chat, so I thought I would continue the conversation here with all of you. So, now that we have established that I absolutely do not have it all together, here are my thoughts on what is working in this season of motherhood.

Atomic Habits for Moms

As mothers, our days feel full before our feet even hit the floor. The needs come fast and constant: meals to make, diapers to change, math lessons to teach, squabbles to referee, work deadlines, and maybe—if we’re honest—a lingering guilt over the prayer time we wish we had but can’t seem to make space for.

When I first read James Clear’s Atomic Habits, I was struck by his reminder that small, consistent changes lead to big results. For moms, especially Catholic moms striving to live intentionally in the chaos, the key isn’t cramming more into our already packed days. It’s letting God into the little things we’re already doing.

Here are a few ways to start building tiny, grace-filled habits into daily life—without adding more pressure, and without waiting for a mythical “perfect season” that may never come.

1. Start Small: One Tiny Habit That Changes Everything

For me, that habit is prayer.

Not the hour-long, candlelit holy hour I wish I had most mornings. I’m talking about a simple Morning Offering over coffee, a whispered “Jesus, I trust in You” while buckling a car seat, a Memorare while unloading the dishwasher. These small, hidden prayers anchor the day, reminding us whose we are.

I’ve even tied habits together: coffee + prayer. My “Morning Offering mug” is my cue to turn my first sip into praise.

Some mornings, journaling helps me recenter—filling the tank before I pour myself out for my family. Other days, I pray the Rosary on a walk or listen to the Divine Office while folding laundry. Prayer doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.

Jesus tells us in John 15:5:

“Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

Not a little.

Not “not much.”

Nothing.

There’s so much freedom in that surrender. Fr. Jacques Philippe uses the image of a still lake like the one in our family photo—when the water is calm, it reflects the mountain perfectly. When it’s agitated, nothing is clear. Our souls are like that lake. Prayer invites the stillness where Christ can be reflected.

2. Stack Your Habits: Invite God Into What You’re Already Doing

One of Clear’s most helpful strategies is habit stacking—pairing a new habit with an existing one. For Catholic moms, this can be a game-changer:

• Morning Offering mug to pray before coffee

• Rosary walks to feed your soul and steward your health

• Laundry folding can be paired with a podcast or audiobook that lifts you up

• Nursing time is a favorite of mine to pray a decade of the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet

• Got a commute? listen to the Divine Office, an audio Rosary, or Scripture

• Paste prayer prompts: tape Scripture verses on mirrors, post a Saint Francis prayer above the sink, or swap out letterboard verses in the kitchen

• Sacred pauses like the Angelus at noon, a quick Memorare in the mess, a jubilant “Thank You, Jesus!” when something goes right

These small anchors keep us tethered to Christ without overcomplicating the day.

3. Develop Walls for Your Digital Rule of Life

James Clear reminds us that environment shapes behavior. One of the most freeing shifts I made was dumbing down my phone.

I stripped it down to what truly serves my vocation: text messages, camera, Divine Office app, Rosary app, banking, podcasts, and audiobooks. No social media. No Amazon. No browser. No YouTube.

For Catholic moms, protecting our attention is a spiritual discipline. Our ability to pray, to be present to our kids, and to love well depends on where our attention rests.

If you want to reclaim quiet, here are a few ideas:

• Delete distractions. Create distance from apps that rob your peace.

• Use Instapaper. Save intentional reading for waiting rooms instead of endless scrolling.

• Take phone Sabbaths. Put it away during breakfast, bedtime, or weekends.

• Read more. A 2009 University of Sussex study found that just six minutes of reading a day can reduce stress by 68%. That’s six minutes you could spend scrolling—but why not fill your soul instead?

Our phones aren’t just costing us serenity—they’re costing us presence. Every yes to distraction is a no to real life unfolding right in front of us.

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4. Lean Into Seasons

Moms don’t need more pressure. We need more peace.

I’ve learned to work with the seasons God has given me. In summer, my rhythm shifts toward writing, recording podcasts, and creative deep dives. During the school year, our days move into homeschooling mode.

A few rhythms that help keep both home and soul grounded:

• Meal planning on autopilot. We have Muffin Mondays, Toast Tuesdays, and Oatmeal Thursdays. Decision fatigue, gone.

• Zone cleaning on a loop. Even if you miss a day, it cycles back around.

• Daily anchors. Morning prayer, school blocks, rest time, dinner prep, bedtime ritual—our kids thrive when they know what to expect.

• Movement matters. Even 20 minutes of walking daily improves longevity and energy. If 20 feels like too much, start with five. Small steps add up.

• Build margin. Everything takes longer than you think. Leaving space for interruptions transforms frustration into flexibility.

Rhythms free us from constantly reinventing the wheel and make space for spontaneous joy.

5. Little Loaves, Big Miracles

At the end of the day, Catholic motherhood isn’t about doing more—it’s about bringing our loaves and fishes and trusting God to multiply them.

Some days we get it wrong. We lose our patience. We yell. We fail. But those moments are invitations to model humility:

“I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

The devil loves to steal our peace when we fail, but every failure is a chance to grow in humility. As Fr. Jacques Philippe reminds us in Searching for and Maintaining Peace, our littleness isn’t a problem—it’s the place where God meets us.

Every small step, every whispered prayer, every imperfect effort adds up over time. Holiness doesn’t happen in grand gestures. It happens in the hidden, ordinary, repeated moments of saying “yes.”

Motherhood is a thousand tiny habits lived faithfully. And when we root those habits in Christ, our small steps begin to ripple into eternity.

YOUR turn! Tell me your favorite “mom hack” in the comments below!

How I "Do It All" (And Why I Don’t)

Last weekend, my hairdresser paused, mid-snip, to stare at me through the mirror and ask, perplexed,

“How do you do it all?”

I get this question a lot. It usually happens right after they find out I homeschool four kids, tend a sprawling garden, write books, and host a podcast. I used to respond, “I don’t know,” with a laugh. Even to me, it sounds at least a little crazy.

But lately, I’ve been feeling the Holy Spirit tug at me, gently urging me to share on this topic, to invite others into the secret stillness He is teaching me. To hover midair, like a hummingbird whose wings never stop beating, and to find stillness in the perpetual motion of motherhood.

It’s not something I do perfectly (and maybe that is the simple answer to how I do it all: not well). But that is also part of the lesson that is unfolding for me in this season. That is part of what He spoke to me through writing Grow Where You’re Planted. I thought it was going to be a book about gardening. Turns out, the Lord was using it to invite me to have patience with the messiness of my soul. It is about growing in whatever space you have, but more than that, it is about letting go of perfectionism. Only if we draw on His peace first, can we progress in virtue.

And with that, I proceed to share with you the few bits and pieces that comprise my secret—if you can all it that—to “doing it all.”

1. I Don’t Use Social Media

When I first started blogging, I heeded what I now believe to be misguided advice: that I had to be on social media if I wanted anyone to read what I was writing. As it turns out, social media isn’t great for converting readers to book buying, and there are lots of other factors publishers look at when considering your “platform.” That’s not to say that a giant social media following doesn’t opens doors quickly—and lots of them. But from my perspective as a creator, it was stealing my time, peace, and attention, without giving anything back.

It took multiple attempts for my “goodbye” to stick; the steady dopamine drip has been intentionally designed to create behavioral addiction, after all. Now that I am on the other side, having broken the chains of digital enslavement, I say with zero exaggeration that I count giving up social media as among the best decisions of my life.* Detaching from that world has given me my life, peace, and presence back. Saying “no” to it has given me space to say “yes” to what matters most: prayer, my family, homeschooling, writing, gardening, and living in the present.

2. I Ask for Help

This one is harder. It’s vulnerable to admit I can’t handle everything on my own. But I’ve learned that asking for help—from my husband, from friends, from community—isn’t weakness. It’s humility.

“It takes a village” is a cliche for a reason. We were created in the image and likeness of God, who is Trinity—a communion of loving persons. Every time I open my hands to receive help, I’m reminded that my worth isn’t tied to self-sufficiency. And, often, I find that those who pitch in to help are blessed by their gift. After all, we “find ourselves in the sincere gift of self,” (a favorite quoted phrase of my favorite pope). When we try to do it all ourselves, 1. we will fail, but 2. more importantly, we may in fact be depriving others of the opportunity to answer God’s divine call to give of themselves. That favorite pope of mine also reminds us that every member of a family is called to become “a servant of the others,” (a challenging phrase when I am tempted to tell the kids that I am not their servant!) Receiving help is an act of humility intrinsic to God’s divine plan for humanity.

The desire to only ever be the one giving help? That is pride. True gift of self means all of us, offering what we have to give, yes, but also coming to one another with the fullness of vulnerability and learning to accept the concrete offering of love from one another. After all, if God is love, then refusing to accept help is refusing to accept God himself hidden in that act of love.

3. I Give God My Loaves and Fishes

Even after ditching the world’s most destructive time-suck and soliciting help from my husband and every friend’s older daughter to babysit, etc. I am still not enough. And, honestly, that is feature, not a bug.

The work of motherhood will bring you to your knees. Literally. And praise God for that.

I keep coming, time and again, to the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. God takes what we give Him, and He makes it enough.

When I think about it, five loaves of bread and and two fish actually sounds like a lot for one person’s lunch. But it’s nowhere near enough to feed a crowd. And isn’t that the story of motherhood? What we bring to the table, bountiful as it may be, just isn’t sufficient for what’s asked of us.

And yet, in John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Not a little. Not not much. Nothing.

I’ve gained a deep peace by surrendering to that fact (that you, Fr. Jacques Phillipe!). Our job isn’t to be enough—it’s to offer what little we have, our own loaves and fishes, and trust Him to multiply them.

Becoming an Empty Vessel

Caryll Houselander wrote the best book I have ever read about Mary, The Reed of God. One of the many images she uses to describe Our Lady is that of an empty cup. The perfection of humanity, free from the stain of sin, is so glorious because she allows the Lord to fill her entire being. What people encounter in this living tabernacle is not the vessel herself, but God within her.

These days, when I return to the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, I pray to become a hollow cup, an empty vessel—so that Christ can fill me, so that His abundance can pour out into my family, my work, and my life. Recognizing that I not only can I not do it all, but I can do nothing has been a great gift, the key to surrendering my own wil, my own plans, my own pride in anything that my hands may accomplish throughout the day. If it was good, it came from Him, period. And I can rejoice in gratitude for that gift of Him showing up in my life.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Cor. 12:9).

In other words, all He needs from me is surrender. The more we recognize our powerlessness, the more we’re able to do. Anything we’re able to do is only by His grace to begin with.

The Myth of Balance

I used to fret over trying to achieve the perfect balance between many competing priorities. But the reality is somewhat different. Balance is not a steady state; it requires constant adjustment (any my sweeping changes to our life and routine weren’t helping!) Consistent, small adjustments. Patience with myself when I fail. Being utterly unsurprised by own littleness and failings. Reaching arms up to my Father to allow Him to pick me up and kiss my boo boos once again.

Balance isn’t even really what I do. I juggle. Badly. And most of the time, “doing it all” is actually a constant practice in selectively prioritizing which ball I am going to drop this time.

And every time I drop it, 1. I hope I chose something of lesser importance in Heaven’s eyes, and 2. my failure is a gift because it sends me running back to my Maker.

Because our invitation was never to do it all. It’s about remembering time and again, that there is One who does it all. And we are not Him.

**Yes, Substack Notes counts as social media, at least in my digital rule of life, because of the biological effects it has on my nervous system. If social media works for you, great. We need missionaries in every corner of the earth. Still, I’d encourage you to create your own digital rule of life to articulate life-giving boundaries so that whatever tech is important to you will be governed by your prayerful decision, not the default settings its manufacturers give it to mine your brain for the precious commodities of your time and attention.

ALL My Posts on Catholic Homeschooling!

On Prayer and Discernment:

How to Discern Homeschooling

Should I Give Up Homeschooling?

Why We Homeschool

Our Family Prayer Routine with Littles

10 Ways to Teach Kids to Love Jesus

On Rhythm and Schedules:

Our Catholic Homeschool Rhythm 2025-2026

Our Catholic Homeschool Routine (2022)

On Curriculum:

Our Catholic Curriculum Picks 2025-2026

Our Catholic Homeschool Curriculum 2024-2025

Our Catholic Homeschool Curriculum 2022-2023

On Planning:

How I Plan Our Homeschool Year

How I Keep Homeschool Records

Homeschool Subscription Boxes

Our Homeschooling Year-in-Review (21-22)

On Unit Studies, ETC:

Summer Bible Studies for Catholic Kids

National Parks Unit Study

Advent

A Catholic Watchlist for Advent

The Best Subscriptions for Catholic Families

On Books:

The Ultimate Catholic Homeschooling Booklist

Best Books for Moms and Homemakers

On Homeschooling Littles:

How to Homeschool with Littles

Our Themed Toddler and PreK Busy Bins

Surviving a Road Trip with Toddlers

On Overwhelm:

Sanctifying the Housework

Your Motherhood Matters

When You’re Not Enough

Our Catholic Homeschool Rhythm 2025-2026

I’ve come to believe that rhythm is one of the most underestimated forms of love.

Not the rigid kind—where the clock dictates every move and there's no room for wonder—but the kind that holds space for both structure and spontaneity, for both wildflower walks and Tuesday’s laundry. The kind that lets you exhale.

Our homeschool rhythm isn’t flashy. But it is ours. It’s been carved out slowly, through trial and error and a lot of coffee. It’s a rhythm that leaves space for deep dives and rabbit trails, for books read aloud on the couch and muddy boots by the door. It’s a rhythm that tries—imperfectly—to honor the reality that learning is a way of living, not a series of boxes to check.

Here’s what it looks like.

Monday through Wednesday: Foundation Days

6:00–9:30 AM: Rooted Beginnings
I get up before the house stirs. That first light of quiet is golden. I walk, lift weights, pray, journal. Sometimes I don’t get to all of it. But I try. By 8:30, coffee’s in hand, breakfast is humming along, and I have one precious hour to write.
It’s not always seamless, but it’s sacred.

9:30 AM–12:30 PM: Tea Time
This is our main academic block. We begin with the prayer we’re memorizing that month (Memorare, Hail Holy Queen, Morning Offering, etc), and whichever hymn from our book that we are learning (my all-time favorite has been hearing the kids sing the Salve Regina, not in the book). Then, we practice our memory verse and any poetry we are memorizing.

Then, it is Bible story and coloring time, followed by our read aloud. I try to have our tea and some baked good available to make it feel special, but even a quick snack plate with cheese and some grapes or apple slices and peanut butter is a crowd pleaser. This is key for keeping little mouths quiet as we shift to Story of the World for History.

All of that is quite a lot for little attention spans, so we then dismiss the younger kids and switch to individual subjects (we use G&B for Math and Language) before wrapping up the morning for lunch.

12:30–1:00 PM: Nourish + Tidy
We break for lunch and clean up from the morning around noon—sometimes earlier, sometimes later. It really is a rhythm more than a schedule, but I have found that the kids thrive on consistency and knowing what comes next. The structure creates stability and helps limit behavioral problems as well.

1:00–2:30 PM: Science, Popcorn Storytime, and Art
In the afternoon, we snuggle around the fire and dive into science and seasonal picture books (the popcorn helps keep little mouths quiet), followed by an online program called Art with Lauren (this sweet 45 min-1 hr lesson is mom’s quiet tea and fiction break).

2:30–4:00 PM: Chores + Homekeeping
This is our pivot into tending the home—folding laundry (or at least trying to), wiping down surfaces, starting dinner. The kids pitch in. Sometimes cheerfully, sometimes with all the enthusiasm of a cat in a bathtub. But they’re learning it matters. I divide my tasks into zones to tackle so there is just a small amount of work each day (ex. Monday Kitchen + Parent Laundry, Tuesday Bathrooms, Wednesday Floors + Kid Laundry, Thursday Bedrooms + Sheets, etc).

4:00 Dinner Prep

5:00-7:00 Dinner + Family Time

Wind Down
Reading aloud. Karate some nights. Bath and bedtime. Family prayer at 7—except on those karate nights, when it shifts to 8. You can read about our family prayer routine here (although lately, we have been loving Compline/Night Prayer). It’s not perfect, but it’s ours.

Thursday: Co-op Day

Thursdays look different. We pack lunches early and get out the door for our co-op day—a day of shared learning and community, where the kids take classes and I get to be both teacher and student in ways that surprise me. We come home tired but full, and dinner is something I threw in the slow cooker that morning with my fingers crossed.

Friday: Nature Day

Fridays are for wonder.

We use the Slow Down curriculum and follow the seasons: bees pollinating, mushrooms unfurling, birds tracing loops across the sky. We pair it with nature walks—sometimes in silence, sometimes with a running commentary of questions I don’t always have answers to. But we look. We slow. We see.

Afternoons are for catching up and resetting the house. For making sure the socks have mates (somewhere), the Mass bag is packed, and the fridge doesn’t hold any science experiments we didn’t plan.

None of it is polished. But all of it is intentional.

We don’t aim to finish everything. We aim to be faithful. We aim to cultivate wonder and wisdom and the kind of resilience that grows when a child sees a problem, wrestles with it, and finds he is capable.

If you’re in the thick of it—figuring out your own rhythm, questioning if it’s enough—here’s what I want to tell you: it’s okay to go slow. It’s okay to pivot. It’s okay if some days feel like a beautiful mess and others just feel like a mess.

Keep showing up. Keep reading the books. Keep lighting the candle. You’re building something lasting—even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

How I Keep Homeschool Records

As a homeschooling parent, keeping accurate records is essential. Whether you’re required to do so by state regulations or simply want to maintain a comprehensive record of your child’s educational journey, effective record-keeping ensures clarity, accountability, and peace of mind. In this post, I share my approach to homeschool record-keeping, including practical tips and recommended tools.

State Programs: Overture and Tech Trep

Before diving into the details, let’s address two state programs that offer unique opportunities for record-keeping:

1. Overture Learning: If you’re in Idaho, consider signing up for Overture Learning. This K-12 distance education program provides support, curriculum, and resources to homeschooling families. By submitting work samples, you can receive state reimbursement for non-religious materials, zoo admission, and more. Overture becomes your grade/school of record, making it an excellent option for organized record-keeping.

2. Tech Trep Academy: Available in several states, including Idaho, Tech Trep Academy offers personalized, tuition-free education (this is the option we use). While not mandatory, it’s wise to keep records even if you participate in Tech Trep. Their flexible approach allows parents to choose learning resources that suit their child’s needs. You’ll receive a supplemental learning fund to enhance your homeschool experience. Tech Trep also offers virtual classes, clubs, and monthly field trips, fostering a well-rounded education.

Essential Record-Keeping Components

Regardless of state requirements, here are the key components to include in your homeschool records:

1. Attendance Records: Keep track of the days your child participates in educational activities. Even if not mandated, attendance records provide a clear picture of your homeschooling journey.

2. Curriculum Information: Document the textbooks, workbooks, and online resources you use. Note the subjects covered and any unique materials you incorporate.

3. Samples of Student Work: Collect samples of your child’s schoolwork—essays, projects, artwork, and assessments. These demonstrate progress and achievement.

4. Correspondence: Save any communication with school officials, including letters of withdrawal (if applicable). These interactions validate your homeschooling efforts.

5. Portfolios and Test Results: Create portfolios as keepsakes. Include student work, progress reports, and any standardized test scores or evaluations.

The Mardel Planner: A Game-Changer

One tool I highly recommend is the Mardel A Simple Plan Homeschool Planner. Here’s why it’s fantastic:

• Comprehensive Sections: This planner covers all bases. From lesson planning to attendance tracking, it’s designed to simplify your homeschool organization. As an added plus for large families, it has space for up to 6 kids!

• Versatile Learning Funds: If you’re part of a program like Tech Trep, the planner accommodates the $1700 learning fund provided per student. Use it for approved educational resources, technology items, and extracurricular activities.

• Virtual Classes and Clubs: The planner helps you schedule virtual classes and track club participation. It’s a hub for your child’s educational experiences.

Crafting a Homeschool Portfolio: A Time Capsule of Learning

Creating a homeschool portfolio is more than just a record-keeping exercise; it’s a way to capture the essence of your child’s educational journey. While not required in Idaho, we choose to compile portfolios as cherished keepsakes, allowing us to reflect on the growth and accomplishments of each school year.

The Art of Portfolio Creation

I love this video that offers a step-by-step guide on assembling a meaningful collection of your child’s work. This resource simplifies the process, ensuring that your portfolio not only serves as a record but also as a celebration of your child’s progress.

My Basic Portfolio Template

In addition to the video, I offer my basic portfolio template, designed to streamline your record-keeping. This template is a tool to help you organize work samples, highlight milestones, and create a tangible reflection of your homeschooling experience. It’s an easy-to-use framework that supports you in documenting the learning adventure you and your children embark on each year.

The Value of a Portfolio

Even though portfolios aren’t mandated, their value is immeasurable. They serve as a time capsule, capturing the essence of your homeschooling days—every project, every lesson, and every discovery. As you flip through the pages, you’ll be transported back to those moments of shared learning, and you’ll see, in vivid detail, just how far you’ve come together.

A portfolio is more than a collection of papers; it’s a narrative of your homeschooling path, a story that unfolds with each added piece. So, let’s create something beautiful that you and your children will treasure for years to come.

Remember, even if your state doesn’t require extensive record-keeping, maintaining organized records benefits both you and your child. Whether you choose Overture, Tech Trep, or another approach, find a system that works for your family. With the right tools and a dash of creativity, you’ll create a meaningful record of your homeschooling adventure.

Happy homeschooling!

The BEST Homeschool Subscription Boxes

Homeschooling can be a challenging yet rewarding journey, and finding the right resources to keep your children engaged is key to a successful educational experience. Subscription boxes have become a popular tool for parents looking to enrich their homeschooling curriculum with hands-on activities and global insights.

Here is my curated list of the top subscription boxes to complement your curriculum and spark joy in learning.

History:

• History Unboxed: History comes alive with History Unboxed. This subscription service offers a unique blend of crafts, stories, and activities that span ancient, medieval, and American history. It’s perfect for making history lessons more engaging and interactive.

Geography:

• Universal Yums: Explore the world through snacks with Universal Yums. Each box features treats from a different country, along with trivia and games, perfect for a tasty geography lesson.

• Letters from Afar: Isabelle, the fictional explorer, will take your children on a literary journey around the world with Letters from Afar. Each month, they’ll receive beautifully illustrated letters, field notes, and maps that explore different cultures and destinations. Pair this with Saints Around the World by Meg Hunter-Kilmer and Rick Steves’s travel documentaries for an immersive geography and cultural experience.

Faith:

• Mass Box: The Mass Box is a craft box that helps prepare kids for Sunday and Holy Day church services. It includes crafts, activities, and videos that correspond to the Bible readings, making it a great addition to religious education at home.

• Saint of the Month: Dive into the lives of the saints with Saint of the Month. Each box contains 4-5 gifts, a brochure, and a set of goals related to the featured saint, offering a unique way to learn about faith and holiness.

Science:

• Kiwi Crate: Kiwi Crate sparks creativity and innovation in children aged 5-8 with STEAM-based projects. From science experiments to art activities, each crate is designed to inspire young minds and develop problem-solving skills.

• Crunch Labs: Designed by former NASA engineer Mark Rober, Crunch Labs encourages kids to think like engineers. The Build Box and Hack Pack subscriptions provide DIY toys and robots that teach engineering principles through play. (This one is on my husband’s wishlist!)

For the Little Ones:

• LoveEvery: For the littlest learners in your family, LoveEvery provides stage-based play kits filled with playthings, books, and developmental guides. These kits support your child’s brain development and keep them busy while older siblings focus on their studies..

These subscription boxes are more than just fun; they’re a gateway to knowledge and creativity. Whether your child is crafting a historical artifact, tasting international cuisine, deepening their faith, or building a robot, these boxes will enrich their homeschooling experience in the most delightful ways.

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National Parks Unit Study

Everything We Used for Our National Parks Unit Study

We are not campers by any means, and our version of hiking usually includes a stroller. However, we aspire to become people of the outdoors, and as such, we have made it a goal to visit all 63 National Parks as a family. Never one to pass up an opportunity for travel or to educate my kids by doing, I designed a National Parks Unit Study that we can dip in and out of as our visits to the Parks occur. This can also be used as a stand-alone unit study.

I am ever-inspired by Charlotte Mason’s description of education as an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life. As such, you’ll find resources below not only to educate your children about the National Parks, but to help them become an integral part of their imaginations and your family culture.

Spine:
We used both DK National Parks For Kids and USA: Lands of Wonder as a wealth of information and for their gorgeous photos. I also liked Wide Eyed’s National Parks Book for lovely illustrations and approachable descriptions. If I have to choose one, I pick Lands of Wonder, but honestly, why choose? Our local library has them all and I bet yours does, too (although I did invest in these as we plan to revisit them again and again).

Activities:
Our kids actually did all of these on our road trip to visit the National Parks. They loved DK National Parks Sticker Book and the
National Parks Activity Book, but their favorite was this Sticker by Number book.

Read Alouds:
We have enjoyed the National Parks Mystery Series. The chapters are short and it has illustrations, making it a perfect fit for our morning time. I was a little bummed that the books didn’t match the exact parks we were visiting (we’ve been to Carlsbad, Hawaii Volcanoes, and Arches so far). I hear the author plans to make it a ten book series, so maybe your favorite park will be next! (Mine is Arches).

Games:
We have one day a week dedicated to gameschooling, and the kids also pull these out at random times for fun during the week. National Parks Trivia, Trekking the National Parks, and this gorgeous Parks Strategy Game are great for older kids. If you have a younger set, I recommend National Parks Bingo, National Parks Memory Game (also gorgeous), and what has probably been the biggest hit in our household so far, the Melissa and Doug National Parks Magnet Matching activity.

Pretend:
For igniting those little imaginations, you have to love Melissa and Doug’s Yellowstone Bear Set and Park Ranger Set.

Viewing:
America’s National Parks doesn’t feature every park, but it was the only series I found that held my kiddo’s attention. After viewing the episode on Hawaii Volcanoes, my 5-year-old was telling anyone who would listen that his favorite bug was a lava cricket — so I know learning was happening during all those leaps between couch cushions.

Ongoing:
As for the atmosphere part, I invested in this Wooden Keepsake Map for our family. It is beautifully made and comes with little green trees that press into the spaces to mark where your family has visited. I was also temped by this more affordable scratch-off poster which is still attractive but at a healthier price-point. I wish I had seen these National Parks Passports before we first embarked. I can’t find the ones we originally bought but am seriously thinking of just transferring the stamps we had into these because they are so lovely! (Also, I don’t have this throw blanket just yet, but it is on my wish list and my birthday is coming up! Hint, hint, husband!)

I also have to mention the Junior Ranger Program, in which the kids can receive badges for activites completed online or by visiting the Parks in person.

Happy hiking!