Do you have a smaller family? Homeschooling seemed so much easier when I had my five kids. Then one graduated, then another, and another. I was left with two at home. Bible drills and other competitions seemed a failure, each deferring to the other, depending on the moods. But with hindsight comes relief.

For Bible drills. After all, I want each of my children to know the Bible, know the books and their placements. I want them to look references up quickly to ‘check to see if these things are so.’ So, I begin the Bible drill references. The winner of three out of five searches gets to give the references the following week, with me searching them, too! This keeps me active and encourages a competitive spirit.

Here is a way to quiet squabbles, no matter how many children you have. I just heard about it and, oh, how I wish I could have implemented it sooner! The two, or more, who are arguing have to sing a song together. You cannot sing with someone when you are angry. They can even choose the song. While they laugh, you can solve the problem and the day goes better.

Homeschool parents are known for their creativity. I trust these two ideas will spawn more individual solutions to problems in your household.