Cleverly Kindred

As a homeschooling mom, I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to keep my kids engaged while learning something meaningful. And let’s be honest—there are just those days when you need a break, or you need to finish the dishes, or gasp drink your coffee while it’s still warm! That’s where educational YouTube channels come in like little lifesavers. Not all screen time is bad, especially when it supports what your child is already learning or sparks a new curiosity. I’ve come across many wonderful channels over the years, but there are a few that truly stand out for both their quality content and kid-friendly vibe. Whether you're a fellow homeschool parent or just looking for fun, educational videos for your child, here are my top 5 must-know educational YouTube channels for kids. These are channels I genuinely recommend and even enjoy watching with my own kids! 1. National Geographic Kids Why we love it: National Geographic Kids is perfect for sparking curiosity about the ...

Reading has always been a huge part of my heart as a homeschool mom. There’s something so magical about watching your child fall into a story, travel to a new world, or laugh out loud at a silly character. But I’ll be honest—getting my own kids to enjoy reading didn’t happen overnight. It’s something we nurtured slowly and intentionally. If you're wondering how to encourage reading habits in children , you’re not alone. Whether you're a homeschooling parent like me, or just looking to boost your child’s reading interest, I’m sharing practical, tried-and-true tips that really work. These aren’t just Pinterest ideas or things that sound nice—these are strategies I’ve used with my own children that help foster a lifelong love of reading. 1. Create a Cozy Reading Environment Children (and adults!) read more when the space feels inviting. I didn’t go overboard—just a small bookshelf, a comfy bean bag, soft lighting, and a few pillows in a corner of our living room. We called it t...

Easy mindfulness tips to reduce stress and boost family well-being As a busy mom, I totally understand how chaotic life can get. Between homeschooling, errands, cleaning up messes, and keeping up with everything in between, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. And honestly, our kids feel it too. That’s why practicing mindfulness —even in small, simple ways—has made such a positive difference in our home. I used to think mindfulness meant long meditations or complicated routines, but the truth is, it can be incredibly simple and even fun. And when you make it a family habit, the results are beautiful: less stress, more calm, and deeper connection with your kids. Here are 5 simple mindfulness practices for busy moms and kids that you can start today. They don’t require any special tools or lots of time—just intention and a few minutes of your day. 1. Mindful Breathing – A Pause Button for Your Day One of the easiest and most effective simple mindfulness exercises is m...

As a mom who juggles homeschooling and running a home-based business, I know how challenging it can be to keep kids busy—especially on rainy days or during those long afternoons. Over the years, I’ve learned that DIY crafts for kids are a lifesaver. They’re not just fun; they’re also amazing tools for learning, bonding, and nurturing creativity. In this post, I’m sharing 10 creative and easy crafts that your kids can do at home with simple materials you likely already have. Whether you're a fellow homeschooling parent or just looking for fresh kids activities at home , these ideas are perfect for all ages and require minimal prep. 1. Paper Plate Animals Supplies: Paper plates, markers, glue, construction paper, scissors, googly eyes (optional) Best for Ages: 3–8 Let your child turn ordinary paper plates into lions, pandas, or even unicorns! Start by choosing the animal, then decorate the plate as the face. Use construction paper for ears and features, and markers or crayon...

As a homeschool mom, I know firsthand how important it is to create a calm, organized, and inspiring space for learning. When the study area is clutter-free and thoughtfully set up, it’s easier for kids to focus, stay motivated, and enjoy their lessons. Over the years, I’ve tried (and failed!) many setups, and I’ve finally figured out a system that works for us—and I’m excited to share it with you! If you’re ready to organize your kids’ study space and bring some order and peace into your homeschool days, this guide is for you. Below, I’ll walk you through step-by-step homeschool organization tips to help you create a beautiful and functional study area setup that truly supports learning. Step 1: Choose the Right Location Start by picking a space in your home that can be dedicated (even partially) to studying. It doesn’t have to be a separate room—a corner of the living room, a quiet area in the kitchen, or even part of your child’s bedroom can work well. Tips: Look for natu...