Raising Mums

It's that time of year again when we have to discuss Christmas with our children. It's a source of anxiety for a lot of Muslim families. If you're a Muslim parent living in a non-Muslim country, you may have learnt to adapt to many western practices. But, as Muslim parents, how do we navigate Christmas? Let me suggest 7 Ways we can Teach Kids about Prophet Isa (as) during the festive season! This blog post may contain affiliate links. See disclaimer for more information. In Episode 56 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share ways to navigate this holiday period with 7 Ways to Teach Children about the Prophet Isa (as). The key takeaway points from this podcast are:- Children can become confused by the different stories they hear.They want and need to know the truth.Misunderstandings can take them out of the fold of Islam.Knowing the true story helps kids to feel confident in their Islamic identity and builds understnding with people of other faiths. Resources about Prophet Isa (as) The wond

In episode 55 of the Raising Mums podcast, we talk about what you can do if your husband is against homeschooling. This episode was inspired by a question from a mama inside our Homeschooling course for Muslim Parents, Launch Your Homeschool. Sister X said, "I have spent the summer researching home education including the course. I am thoroughly convinced home education is best and that I am very passionate and capable. I’ve bought so many books…. Now my husband has become very anti-home education. He believes it's best, however, he wonders what the point is if we aren’t definitely going to home-ed up to university (I’m saying we start with primary and see how it goes). He wonders how are our kids going to cope with the real world. Also, he cannot differentiate it from being a SAH (stay-at-home) wife, so he expects I would be doing more than if I was at work e.g. the house should be spotless, there should be three robust meals etc however if I was at work he doesn’t mind if I can’t keep up with t

Committing what is beautiful and true to memory, whether it is Quran, art or poetry; is a valuable part of the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Covering memorisation in your homeschool can be daunting at first; not knowing what to choose to memorise, when to slot it into your homeschooling day and essentially, how to memorise! In Episode 54 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how we address memorisation in our homeschool. WATCH THIS VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zBREWIpCAY MEMORISATION IN OUR HOMESCHOOL | MORNING BASKET FOLDERS Children have this most the most incredible ability when they're young to memorise things and part of our homeschooling and a part of the Charlotte Mason philosophy is that we make the most of that while they're young to have them memorise things that are important what we would consider valuable like Quran and duas. Memorisation can be split between individual and group learning and you can use Morning time folders so everyone can see the material.

Many believe that Charlotte Mason Homeschooling is not REALISTIC. That it is IDEALISTIC. Maybe they're right! But you started homeschooling because you were not happy with the status quo. You wanted something better for your children-something that many might feel is unrealistic. When you consider Charlotte Mason Homeschooling first begin by realising we can not do it all from day one. Start with having lofty intentions, beginning small and doing something even if you can't do it all. In Episode 53 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how we can all realistically implement the Charlotte Mason philosophy. WATCH THIS VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrVEpxxIZSs Charlotte Mason Homeschooling If implementing the Charlotte Mason philosophy feels idealistic, you're probably doing something right!

Summer has arrived! What does this mean for homeschooling families? Some families may want to have a long break and other homeschoolers may have different family needs and want to continue a relaxed homeschooling schedule. This is the beauty of homeschooling, it is so flexible at times like these you can adapt it to you and your family's needs. In Episode 53 of the Raising Mums podcast, I discuss homeschooling in the summertime. WATCH THIS VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I0DuO0zcG4 Summertime | To Homeschool or Not? Homeschooling allows you to be flexible. It allows you to bend and alter the way you educate your children according to the seasons and the energy in your home. Make the most of it! Winter - Largely indoor time having lengthy read alouds and playing board games. The energy is more mellow and, you enjoy more cosy, comforts. Spring - There is a shift in energy. Excitement is in the air, there is a need to get outside and explore. Lots of nature studies, science,

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or just upset. We have all been there on our homeschooling journey but how do we overcome these feelings of anxiety and manage these thoughts when we are having a BAD day! In Episode 51 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share what steps you can take to tackle a Bad Day in Homeschooling.  WATCH THIS VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3H7NCoSqzc Homeschooling | When you are having a BAD day! The four-step process to help you deal with those difficult days is:- Step 1: Don’t listen to your brain Step 2: Look at the facts Step 3: Think about how you want to feel in this moment.  Step 4: What action can you take to get there.  Related: 12 Ways to Homeschool when you are Overwhelmed Get your kids reading this summer with the Summer reading challenge. Peace and Love, @import url(https://static.mailerlite.com/assets/plugins/groot/modules/includes/groot_fonts/import.css?version=1614874); .ml-form-embedSubmitLoad

What is the best advice to share with parents so they can successfully homeschool their children? As an experienced homeschooler of four children, Gemma provides heartfelt advice she feels is essential in order to run your happy and successful homeschool in Ten Tips on How to Homeschool. In Episode 50 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share my top ten tips how to homeschool successfully. WATCH THIS VIDEO https://youtu.be/WPfPcg1aYEQ 10 Top Tips for Successful Homeschooling Planning gives you more time freedom, not lessDo homeschool work at times when the children are at their bestRenew your intention/remember your why dailyYou don't need to do everything alone. Ask for help.Get your kids on your side before introducing anything new.Find or build a community. Remember Allah in your secular subjects too.Build periods of rest into your homeschool schedule.Have fun! Trust in the process, in yourself, in your kids, and in Allah. Related: How to Homeschool | A Step by Step Guide Online Hom

There is so much information out there about homeschooling it can be confusing. Trying to get your head around all curricula, the different philosophies, planning, and assessments... it can get so overwhelming. Launch Your Homeschool will provide you with the tools you need to find your own way, which will suit your beautifully unique family. In Episode 49 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how Launch Your Homeschool is an online homeschooling course that is designed to help Muslim families start homeschooling their children, so you know what it's all about and you can make a decision if it is the right fit for your family. WATCH THIS VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FCuKLn8qFc How to Homeschool | Step by Step Guide Launch your Homeschool is an online programme designed to help Muslim families start homeschooling their children. Built upon a foundation of Islamic values and the framework of the Charlotte Mason Philosophy, it is a systematic, step-by-step approach to Homeschool

When considering homeschooling or even whilst homeschooling many parents struggle with low confidence. Despite the fact that most homeschooling parents are going above and beyond what they need to do in teaching their children, there’s still this underlying fear that they aren’t doing enough. In Episode 48 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how parents can build their confidence and start enjoying homeschooling. WATCH THIS VIDEO https://youtu.be/4Qj4KcsJ0nA How to develop CONFIDENCE when Homeschooling When we are having those niggling doubts about homeschooling, we can turn this around by realising:- Everyone has self-doubtNo one begins feeling completely confidentConfidence develops through action and trust Related: I'm Just a Mum...Is that Enough  How to Start Homeschooling Course Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.

How long does homeschooling actually take? Do I really have time to home educate my kids? Here's a real-life look at a Muslim Homeschool schedule... When considering homeschooling, as parents we worry that we will have to fill so many hours of the day teaching our children. Homeschooling is not school, we are not replicating a school at home! The beauty of homeschooling is that we do not need to start at 9 am and finish at 3 pm. In Episode 47 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share how much time homeschooling really takes! WATCH THIS VIDEO! https://youtu.be/A4v3ZtaWijY Real-life Muslim Homeschool Schedule Homeschooling doesn't take as long as learning in school because: You're working one-on-one, can tailor the learning to the child and can move through the material faster There is no time wasted with classroom management tasks Homeschooling will probably only take a few hours per child each day, depending upon their age You can homeschool at whatever time suits your family's

Setting yourself up for success when you start homeschooling can be a challenge. As parents, we struggle with confidence when starting this journey. The key is to realise that homeschooling is a lifestyle. It changes the way you live and yet you need to design it around your family. In Episode 46 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share ways to reframe the way you look at starting your homeschool journey. WATCH THIS VIDEO https://youtu.be/p9su8AlOjiQ How to Start Homeschooling - It's not what you think! Reconsider the way you are planning to start homeschooling:- Don’t rush into a full day of school from day one. Begin slowly.Begin with a subject that you or they enjoy. Don't begin with where they are “behind”Observe your child - how they learn, what lights them up, and where they struggleLearn about homeschooling through books, podcasts, and blogs.Get familiar with the law where you live. This e-book is Really useful! Related: Our Homeschool Journey How to Start our Homeschooling C

Many parents shy away from homeschooling as they doubt their own abilities to teach because they believe they do not have the 'right' qualifications. Does your level of education really determine your ability to homeschool your own children? Is the school teacher more qualified than the parent to teach their child? Do you need a degree to homeschool or is love for your children and learning enough? In Episode 45 of the Raising Mums podcast, I discuss whether parents need qualifications to homeschool their children. WATCH THIS VIDEO https://youtu.be/1u2UWNRlTVI Do I need to be a teacher to homeschool? You do not need qualifications to homeschool your childrenNo teacher can match you, as a parent, in devotion, dedication, and love. You would do whatever it takes.The teaching model in school is very different from homeschooling.No one knows their child as well as you do. Related: Dealing with Naysayers  How to Start the Homeschooling Course Launch Your Homeschool is an online cours

All education philosophies have the child as the focus but why has Charlotte Mason Homeschooling gained so much popularity, and what is it? Many muslim homeschoolers are also adopting Charlotte Mason for their Muslim Homeschool, so how can it positively impact your children and your family? In Episode 44 of the Raising Mums podcast, I discuss Charlotte Mason for Muslim Homeschoolers. WATCH THIS VIDEO https://youtu.be/WcWwR0VNj6o Charlotte Mason and Muslim Homeschool The Charlotte Mason philosophy is god-centric. Works with the innate nature of the child, and not against itProvides a broad and thorough curriculum It Prepares children well for further education WATCH THIS VIDEO Related: Homeschool History - Living Books and Curriculum How to Start Homeschooling Course Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will you hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy. I teach you ho

When considering homeschooling many parents are worried about socialisation and homeschool. By not sending them to school, parents worry if their children will be socially 'deprived' if they will be able to fend for themselves from bullies, and as parents will we be holding them back? In Episode 43 of the Raising Mums podcast, I discuss socialisation and homeschooling, and are homeschooling kids really missing out? WATCH THIS VIDEO https://youtu.be/f3FRqzKjV9g Socialisation and Homeschooling Homeschooling allows us to cultivate a child’s inner circle of close relationships that have a strong influence on a child Can intentionally add more diversity into a child’s social circleCan protect from many negative influences but not from all negative experiences Related: FREE EBOOK - Homeschooling - What you need to know to get started How to Start Homeschooling Course Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will you hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages

Nothing sets your homeschool up for a good week like having a plan in place! Homeschool planning puts your mind at rest, help the children ease into the week, and actually helps you all to get more done. Homeschool Planning: How to Get Ready for Monday Morning! In Episode 42 of the Raising Mums podcast, I share the planning system I use on Sunday to get my homeschool ready for the week ahead. WATCH THIS VIDEO! https://youtu.be/SHn-gUn72XE Related: The 5 Essential Steps to Start Homeschooling Homeschool Planner Mentioned: Homeschool Planet - Get a 30 Day FREE Trial of this Online Homeschool Planner! How to Start Homeschooling Course Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will you hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy. I teach you how to choose the right subjects for your homeschool, how to chose the right resources and plan out your year to create a homeschool ex

Summer is the perfect chance to have more time outdoors. It's also the perfect time to enjoy a good book! You can help your children stay consistent with their reading habits and fall in love with reading with Our Summer Reading Challenge! It'll get even the most reluctant readers excited to read and join in the fun! Why is reading important? Reading has many benefits for children as they grow up, even if they can’t read by themselves. This is because books are a fantastic way to widen your child’s perspectives and help them understand experiences they might not normally be able to. Additionally, reading as a family gives children the opportunity to discuss topics from the book and expand their understanding even further. In this way, reading becomes a valuable bonding experience for the whole family. How can a reading challenge help reluctant young readers? A reading challenge is an excellent way to add some game-like fun to your reading time; your children will work together and have a g

Ramadan is almost here, you might be wondering what can you can do to prepare for when Ramadan starts?   What can you do to make the most out of this Ramadan? The first thing you need to do is prepare! It's not too late! In fact, there are some very important things you can do now to get ready for when Ramadan starts.  This blog-post may contain affiliate links. See Disclaimer for more information. Preparing for When Ramadan Starts In Episode 40 of the Raising Mums podcast, I give you three ways you can prepare for the start of Ramadan now! WATCH NOW! https://youtu.be/m18uStlmIOE Ramadan Resources Mentioned:  JOIN the Ramadan Book Club for FREE TODAY! CLICK HERE: http://ramadanbookclub.com Each week we’ll be reading a beautiful Islamic children books together.  Join thousands of other families across the world, as we do Ramadan activities together, that are themed around each book, and share them in the Ramadan Book Club facebook community. Your children get to meet

When kids experience Ramadan, they do more than watch their parents fast and help with iftar. During Ramadan, children build important memories which will influence how they feel about Ramadan and other Islamic traditions in later life. As parents, it’s our responsibility to do our best to make these memories and feelings positive, to show an Islamic lifestyle is exciting and fascinating. Here at Our Muslim Homeschool, we are introducing the Ramadan Book Club! Aimed at kids aged 4-9, we have gathered stories and activities for you to enjoy with your children throughout the month of Ramadan. Each book and activity has been selected to help you get the most out of this month without adding to your stressful workload! This blog post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see Disclaimer. Children respond positively to stories – as do most humans. For centuries, cultures around the world have used stories to instil important lessons and sentiments in their communities. For this reason,

As homeschooling mums, we're constantly trying to find the right balance.We agonise over our homeschool plans and are always trying to learn how to homeschool better. But some days homeschooling doesn't follow the plan. On those days, when you're tired, or you feel like there aren't enough hours in the day, what should you prioritise? What is the ONE THING you MUST DO when you homeschool? How to Homeschool Find out in Episode 38 of the Raising Mums podcast! Watch Now! https://youtu.be/IAywW1fSNuE Sponsored By A big thank you to our sponsor Tutorful!  Tutorful is the The Trusted Way to Find a Tutor, making tution accessible to everybody. Tutorful offers tuition in over 300+ subjects, and have thousands of tutors in all academic subjects. They also have thousands of highly qualified tutors for languages, music and more specialised subjects like photography and coding. Rated as excellent by Trust Pilot, Tutorful are diligent about vetting all of their tutors, to make sure yo

Choosing books for children has never been so hard! With the huge numbers of ever increasing children's books available, deciding which one you're actually going to get is an indomitable task. Consider this. When you go to the library, how do you choose from the thousands of books that are there, which ones you'll actually take home? When you stumble across a book online, how do you know if it's a "We've got to have this," or if it's a "Nope. Pass!"? Is it just a matter of making an informed decisions by reading the back cover? Should we put our trust in the publisher's social media marketing and influencer reviews? Or do we literally judge a book by its cover? In this episode of the Raising Mums podcast, I share three things to look for when choosing books for children.  Choosing Books for Children WATCH NOW! https://youtu.be/-fxDWN-KCr4 Sponsored By A big thank you to our sponsor Tutorful!  Tutorful is the The Trusted Way to Find a Tutor, making tution accessible to ever