Focus on the Family

2 weeks ago | focusonthefamily.com | Rhonda Robinson

Estimated reading time: 8 minutesIt was the mailman. I just know it. He had to be the one who reported us to our local superintendent—as truant. My homeschooled children were far from being truant. Every school day began the same: breakfast, farm chores, and then lessons began at our kitchen table by 9 a.m.—sharp. At the time we lived in rural Illinois, in an old farmhouse tucked between 60 acres of woods and cornfields. We were raising a crop of blue-eyed, blonde little Robinsons.

3 weeks ago | focusonthefamily.com | Deana Thayer |Rhonda Robinson

Estimated reading time: 9 minutesTime away with your spouse is essential. Spending time as a couple away from your mundane responsibilities is also helpful for bringing fresh perspective to a situation, discernment for a topic you are praying about, or simply a more cheerful outlook. Intentional couple time can even improve mental health and is particularly important for expectant parents as they try to capitalize on their last few weeks as a family of two.

1 month ago | focusonthefamily.com | Rhonda Robinson

The Seder (pronounced “say-der”) is the religious ceremony that tells the story of Passover. It’s a family-oriented ritual where everyone gathers around the table for a service that may include a meal. Estimated reading time: 10 minutesThe Seder is traditionally celebrated in one night and consists of 15 steps. In many Christian circles, it’s celebrated on the Thursday before Easter as a part of Holy Week.

1 month ago | focusonthefamily.com | Rhonda Robinson

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesTV rots your brain. We’ve all heard some iteration of that phrase before. And it turns out, it may be true—and, to some extent, perpetuated by parents. But “rots” isn’t the best verb to use. A better word might be “molds” or “shapes.” And while those verbs may sound better, they functionally get to the same point: that excessive screen time can alter how your brain works. This should make sense, especially when we talk about developing brains.

1 month ago | focusonthefamily.com | Rhonda Robinson

Home schooling has a long tradition in the United States. Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Theodore Roosevelt, and other greats were all educated at home. While a relative outsider to the scene, home schooling has managed to carve out an important niche and establish itself as a credible, viable, and effective means to educate children. Earning the legal right to home school was a hard-fought battle in some states, and continues to be challenged.