by Shari McMinn

He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Luke 6:39-41 ESV).

Sometimes, our egos get in the way of our humility, and we think we are “know it alls” about those things we have strong opinions on, pointing out the “specs” in others to make ourselves feel more capable. At other times, we lack confidence as parents because of the shortcomings in our own education decades ago, comparing ourselves to others who we think might be better than us. As sinful humans constantly under spiritual “enemy” attack, we all suffer through these times.

But when do we honestly and practically address our conflicted feelings regarding our abilities/inabilities to become both humble and accomplished for homeschooling our children? We do not want to blindly lead them during their homeschool years, so it is wise to seek the training we need to become a teacher our students respect and become fully equipped ourselves.

For me, the summer break from my homeschool year schedule was a good time to take an honest look at myself. I could take time to re-evaluate where I was in life, what I realistically needed to learn more about for parenting and discipling my kids, and how to become a better home educator for them. To do so, I needed to study God’s Word about the life of my Master Teacher, Jesus. I was also trained by others who were older and wiser, who had “been there, done that” as Christians homeschooling their own children. 

Here are my tried-and-true tips for to “how” and “when” you can practically do the same this summer over the next six to eight weeks.

How to Sharpen Your Homeschool Teaching Skills

1. Listen to podcasts about Christian discipleship and marriage, such as these favorites of mine:

• • Church & Family Life’s 7 Good Marriage Habits
  • Visionary Family Ministries’ Practical Steps to Oneness in Marriage

2. Read books on homeschooling and parenting, such as:

• • CHEC’s Colorado Homeschool Guidebook
  • Inspirational Homeschooling book by Yvonne Strachan

3. Review workshops you missed at the 2026 Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference:

• • You can purchase individual session recordings or the entire conference at Resounding Voice: 2026 Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference recordings.

4. Learn more about overcoming homeschooling challenges, such as:

• • Watch HSLDA’s Free Webinar, Inspiring Your Reluctant Reader
  • Listen to SPED Homeschool’s Empowering Homeschool Conversations episode, Unleashing Your Student’s Potential
  • Learn about different homeschooling styles in this Colorado Homeschool Podcast episode, Homeschool Styles Unpacked: Real Moms Sharing Their Journey

When to Sharpen Your Homeschool Teaching Skills

Below are suggestions to help you create some time alone for listening, reading, viewing, and praying over your personal homeschooling ability development:

• Swap childcare for a few hours weekly with a trusted family.
• Pack a breakfast “picnic” for your kids and have them stay outside all morning.
• Have your spouse plan a weekly “date night” with your kids downstairs, outside, or away from home.
• Save your pennies for an overnight or weekend retreat by yourself to a nearby motel/hotel.
• Ask to use a room in your church for a “personal planning day” while your spouse or another trusted adult can be home with your children.

This type of continuing education will help you improve your homeschool teaching skills, which will benefit you and your family. Be sure to also make and take plenty of downtime this summer to do what you love.

My favorite summer days were always spent reading a good book poolside while my kids burned energy cooling off in our local pool. We maintained a lighter daily routine during summer break to enjoy more play time than during the rest of the year. This allowed us to start the new school year refreshed and ready.

I hope these strategies will help turn this summer into a successful “reset” time of continuing education for you as homeschool teacher and parent!

About the Author: Shari McMinn

Shari Howard McMinn has graduated from homeschool teaching and is a professional editor, public speaker, and writer. After living in Colorado for 45 years, she continues to work remotely for Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC) from her new home in the Fort Myers, Florida area. Shari is the author of five books, which are detailed on her website, ShariMcMinn.com. She is an advocate for adoption, homeschooling, safe and stable families, and unique learners. A few years ago, she entered a very fun new season of life: grandparenting! She is available to answer your questions via email, Shari@CHEC.org.