Interview Feature With… Homeschool Mom & Etsy Store Owner

Interview Feature with…is a new feature that I am so excited to introduce. Designed to encourage busy mom’s and dad’s by sharing interviews with homeschoolers that are not only homeschooling but juggling other things as well.

Today I am so delighted to introduce you to homeschooling momma and Esty Store Owner Lindsay from Stitching By The Sea.

Interview Feature With…

Lindsay Harnish

Stay at home, homeschooling mom to 4, wife to my best friend, JW, crochet addict, yarn hoarder. Keeping the world warm and stylin’ one piece at a time! www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StitchingByTheSea

Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Questions and Answers:

1. Homeschooling looks different in every household because each one is unique. What does a “normal” homeschooling day look like in your family?

Normal? Haha – there is nothing normal about our family!   We are not super scheduled people – and with a baby in the house, we (I) try to sleep in as long as I can since I don’t sleep through the night.

So while most people might have a set time to get up and get their day going – we don’t. When we do get up we get breakfast and then get started on school.  I *try* to get a set amount of each subject done each day – but there are days when we do more or less of each subject depending on how things go or how the younger kids cooperate.

We are done for the day by noon every day.  Some days the kids have classes or other activities they are signed up for and if those things happen before noon then it takes the place of “regular” school.

2. Your children are different ages thus different levels, how do you deal with this as far as homeschooling curriculum choices go?

Well, we do different levels for each child.  As well, I find that some curriculum choices just don’t work for every child so we change it as we need to.

For my oldest daughter (10) I try to find as many things that she can do independently as I can – which frees me up for the younger kids.  As they get older and are more able to do things on their own I will continue to choose more and more independent curriculum choices.

3. What is the hardest subject for you to teach, and how do you overcome that challenge?

Well, to be honest, I was really worried about teaching my kids to read.  Reading is the most important skill to teach your children so it worried me a bit.  But I found a really good program and supplement it with online reading games and it’s all worked out great…so far!

4. If you could only recommend one item, for homeschooling what would your “must have” be and why?

Internet access! You can find curriculum, free programs, just about anything you need to teach your child online.

5. If a parent came up to you and said they were considering homeschooling and balancing a business and you had only 5 minutes to answer. What would you say?

I would say it’s a lot of work, but it is possible!

6. What were the challenges and benefits of opening your own Etsy store?

I need a creative outlet and having a place to sell my creations is great. Otherwise, my house would be full of crocheted stuff! 

I find crocheting is a nice way to de-stress in the evenings and it gives me a sense of accomplishment when I make things people like.  

The challenge – finding time to promote my store, take pictures, list new items, write up my patterns. Time is always my challenge!

7. You just added your very own unique patterns to your Etsy store, what projects can we expect to find in the future?

I have some ideas for summer items, for kids and adults.

I’d also like to start designing home décor pieces as well, I’m thinking mobiles for nurseries, wall hangings, throw pillows and cushions…lots of ideas rolling around in my head!

 Sample items of what is listed:And more…

Conclusion:

Thank you Lindsay for this interview.  I really appreciate you taking your time to answer some questions for us today.

You can find Lindsay’s beautiful creations located at her Etsy Store, make sure to follow her to find out when her newest crafts are listed. She not only covers yarn but sewing and other crafting skills. 

Stitching By The Sea

Instagram: Stitching By The Sea

And Pinterest: Stitching By The Sea

Like what you read? Want to share your homeschooling + journey? Check this page, I would love to hear from you!

Bonus:

Lindsay wanted to thank you for stopping by and is offering readers a discount code for her store! Isn’t that great?! Please use the discount code: “practicalbydefault” for 10% off all orders from today, March 17th until March 24th.

Just Click on the photo below to be taken right to her store, and use the code: “practicalbydefault” for a 10% off all orders, and she ships internationally. Any questions feel free to leave them below or DM through Etsy!

Also in this series:

Interview Feature with…A Homeschool Mom and Blogger

Interview Feature with…A Bookkeeping, Etsy Store Owner, and Homeschooling Mom