Homeschooling with Heart: A Journey with Heritage Mom

Introduction

Homeschooling is an incredible adventure filled with both joy and challenges. Every family’s journey is unique, and there’s something so special about discovering what works best for your children and home. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Amber O'Neal Johnston, also known as Heritage Mom, to explore her transformative approach to homeschooling. Amber’s story of moving from a conventional, cookie-cutter approach to a more personalized, culturally rich experience speaks to the heart of many homeschool moms. Together, we discussed the importance of representation in education, fostering creativity, and embracing the unique rhythm of each family’s journey.

Finding Your Family's "Special Sauce"

Amber shared how her homeschool journey started traditionally, yet something essential was missing for her children, particularly her daughter, who struggled with self-identity. It was a pivotal moment when Amber realized that the beautiful materials she was using were not reflecting her daughter’s own culture or experiences. She embarked on a journey to blend her family's heritage into their homeschooling, creating an atmosphere where her children could see themselves reflected in their education.

For homeschool moms, Amber’s experience is a reminder to lean into what makes your family unique. Whether it's your cultural background, your passions, or your values, these elements can be woven into your children’s learning experiences to foster a sense of belonging and pride.

Actionable Steps to Enrich Your Homeschool Journey

1. Create Culturally Rich Learning Experiences:

   Look for ways to include books, history lessons, art, and stories that reflect your child’s heritage and the broader world. This not only helps children feel seen but also opens their hearts to the beauty of diverse perspectives.

2. Embrace Your Family’s Uniqueness:

   Like Amber, take the time to assess what makes your family special. Are there traditions, experiences, or values that you can integrate into your homeschool to create a learning environment that feels personal and meaningful?

3. Incorporate Joy into Daily Learning:

   Homeschooling shouldn’t feel like a list of tasks to check off. Amber emphasizes the importance of making learning fun and engaging. Whether it’s through nature walks, creative projects, or family discussions, create an atmosphere where curiosity is celebrated.

4. Overcome Challenges with Grace: 

   Homeschooling comes with its share of challenges, from curriculum choices to feeling overwhelmed. Amber’s advice is to give yourself grace and to not be afraid of adjusting your plans. Trust that you know what’s best for your children, and remember that it’s okay to adapt as you go.

5. Find Your Community:

   Surround yourself with a supportive network. Whether through online groups, local co-ops, or other homeschool families, having a community can provide encouragement and fresh ideas. It can also be a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey.

Diverse Books: Expanding Horizons

Amber passionately advocates for including diverse books in homeschooling. She explained how reading about different cultures not only helps children connect with their own identity but also builds empathy and understanding for others. If your bookshelves don’t reflect a wide range of voices, now is the time to diversify.

Diverse books allow children to travel to different worlds and learn from perspectives they may never encounter otherwise. Whether your children are reading stories that mirror their own experiences or those that introduce them to new cultures, diverse literature can help them grow into compassionate, open-minded individuals.

Conclusion: Cultivate Joy and Purpose in Your Homeschooling

Amber’s homeschool transformation is a beautiful reminder that every family has a unique story to tell, and that story can be reflected in how we teach our children. Homeschooling doesn’t have to follow a rigid formula—it can evolve to meet the needs of your family, honoring your values and celebrating your children’s strengths. 

As you continue on your homeschooling journey, remember that it's not about perfection, but about cultivating an environment of joy, love, and growth. Embrace the flexibility, trust in your unique family rhythm, and know that the best education you can offer is one that is filled with grace, fun, and authenticity.

Actionable Resources

- Diverse Book Lists: Consider checking out curated lists of diverse children’s books to enrich your homeschool library.

- Cultural Field Trips: Explore museums, cultural centers, or historical sites related to different heritages.

- Support Network: Join homeschooling communities that resonate with your values for support and inspiration.

Checkout some of my other blog

How to  Encourage Independent Learning in Your Homeschool Child

Rising From the Ashes: My Journey Through Burnout

The Homeschool Mom and Her Emotions