Making Time for What Matters: 10 Ways to Connect with Your Homeschool Kids
Homeschool
Audio By Carbonatix
With ten kids—yes, ten!—John and I have learned a thing or two about parenting through busy seasons. But one thing we’ve never regretted is making intentional time for one-on-one connection with each of our children.
It’s easy to see “the kids” as a group, especially when you homeschool, cook, clean, and manage a household. But each child is unique. Each one has their own heart, their own story, and their own needs. Whether biological or adopted, introverted or outgoing, thriving or struggling—they all need connection.
And connection doesn’t have to mean grand plans or expensive outings. In fact, some of the most meaningful moments in our home have come in quiet, everyday ways.
Why One-on-One Time Matters (Especially in a Homeschool Home)
For homeschool families, life can blur between school, chores, and home life. While you may spend all day with your children, one-on-one time offers something special: focused attention.
It’s in these moments that kids feel seen, heard, and valued—not as part of a group, but as a beloved individual. This is especially important for kids with trauma backgrounds. As a mom who has adopted seven children, I’ve seen how even just 10 minutes of personal time can open doors to healing and connection.
10 Simple, Powerful Ways to Spend One-on-One Time With Your Kids
1. Schedule “Dates” with Your Kids
Put it on the calendar. Let your child pick the activity or restaurant (within reason!), and leave your phone behind. That uninterrupted time speaks volumes.
2. Birth Date Nights
Choose one night a month based on your child’s birth date—for example, the 12th for a child born on July 12. It becomes “their night” every month.
3. Build 10–15 Minute Connection Routines
A favorite toy box, a quick game, or snuggling during story time can be just enough to help a child feel secure and loved.
4. Connect During Everyday Activities
Invite one child to help make dinner, fold laundry, or run errands with you. Mundane tasks become treasured memories when shared one-on-one.
5. Talk During Car Rides
Use drive time intentionally. Ask questions, sing together, or share stories from your own childhood.
6. Bedtime Snuggles and Prayer
End the day with personal attention—read a book, rub their back, whisper a blessing, or simply listen to their heart.
7. Say “Yes” Whenever Possible
When they ask to play a game, bake cookies, or just “be with you,” say yes. Even if you have to postpone, commit and follow through.
8. Let Them Be the Expert
Ask your child to teach you something they love. Whether it’s building Legos, crafting, or coding, you’ll learn more about their world—and strengthen your bond.
9. Write Notes or Journal Together
Keep a shared notebook to pass back and forth. Use it to write letters, silly jokes, or prayers.
10. Ask the Holy Spirit for Direction
Sometimes, God nudges us toward a child who needs extra attention. Trust those nudges. Make time. Be present.
5 Bible Verses to Encourage Your Mama Heart
1. Isaiah 40:11
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.”
—You carry them close to your heart too, just like your Shepherd.
2. Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home…”
—The everyday moments matter most.
3. Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
—Your faithfulness now will bear fruit later.
4. Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”
—Even laundry and Legos can be acts of worship.
5. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Encourage one another and build each other up…”
—You’re building a home and hearts—one moment at a time.
A Prayer for the Homeschool Mom Who Wants to Connect
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the children You’ve entrusted into my care. Sometimes I feel pulled in every direction, but I know that what they really need most is me.
Help me to be present. Give me wisdom to know when to pause and connect. Give me strength to say yes, even when I’m tired. Teach me to love the way You love—with patience, compassion, and grace.
Lord, help me remember that these one-on-one moments are where hearts are shaped and faith is grown. Help me steward this time well.
Amen.
Final Word from Tricia
Mama, you don’t have to do it all. But making a little space in your day to truly connect with one child at a time will reap a harvest of joy, trust, and love.
Homeschooling gives us the beautiful gift of time. Let’s use it to build relationships that will last a lifetime.
You’ve got this—one child, one moment, one prayer at a time. 💛
Additional Resources
Looking for more parenting tips? Check out Faith that Sticks!
The preteen years are hard for everyone—parents and kids! Learn how to navigate these years with grace and love.
The preteen years can be perilous. More than ever kids are bombarded with messages that threaten their emotional health, spiritual growth, and faith. Parents can feel alone and at a loss as to how to connect with and guide their growing kids.
In Faith That Sticks, Tricia Goyer and Leslie Nunnery share five real-life discipleship building blocks for raising preteens. The book’s five key areas—prayer, Bible reading, family relationships, conversation, and service—provide a clear roadmap for parents who feel overwhelmed or unequipped.
