History Survival Guide for Homeschooling Moms Who Love History (and Want to Share It!)

I’ll admit it: I love history. Give me a good story about a revolutionary hero, an ancient civilization, or a wild turn of events, and I’m hooked. Sharing that passion with my kids? That’s the fun (and sometimes challenging) part of homeschooling. Here’s how I keep history engaging, even when the kids might not be as naturally obsessed as I am.

1. Stories Are Everything

History isn’t about memorizing dry dates—it’s about stories. I tell my kids about the people behind the events: their fears, their triumphs, their mistakes. Whether it’s the “oops” moments of the American Revolution or the adventurous journeys of explorers, making history human keeps everyone interested and is much more memorable than a date.

2. Hands-On History is Magical

I love bringing history to life with props, costumes, projects, and trips. We’ve built cardboard castles, reenacted famous speeches, and even cooked a few historical recipes (yes, the kids are surprisingly fond of 18th-century bread). We've spent days at Michillimakinac watching the re-enactments. Hands-on activities turn lessons into memories—and give me a chance to share my own enthusiasm for the subject.

3. Videos, Podcasts, and Virtual Trips Keep Us Going

Even a history-loving mom needs backup sometimes. I lean on documentaries, podcasts, and virtual museum tours to enrich lessons. Not to mention shows like Liberty Kids. These resources spark discussion, and they allow me to geek out with the kids without sounding like a history lecture machine.

4. Connect the Past to Today

I love showing my kids why history matters. From holidays to government, music to architecture, history is all around us. Making these connections turns my excitement into theirs—it’s one thing to read about the Boston Tea Party, and another to explain how it shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.

5. Short, Sweet, and Engaging Lessons Work Best

Even a history lover knows that attention spans can be short. We do focused 15–20 minute lessons for younger kids, with longer discussions for the older ones. This keeps the excitement high, the debates lively, and prevents history fatigue.

6. Encourage Opinions and Debate

I love asking my kids, “What would you have done?” or “Do you think that was fair?” History is full of perspectives, and hearing their takes—even when they’re silly—keeps lessons interactive and fun. Bonus: it’s a chance to challenge them to think critically while I get to cheer on the discussion. There are so many "moments" that shaped our culture and society, and kids love to talk about the "what ifs" of history.

7. Celebrate Curiosity and Passion

I celebrate every “aha” moment, every interesting observation, and every question—even the ones that lead to rabbit holes. History is a living subject, and my job is to share my excitement while letting their curiosity guide the journey.

8. Keep Humor and Flexibility Close

Sometimes lessons don’t go as planned: a project collapses, a debate goes sideways, or a toddler wanders in with a dinosaur question. Laugh it off, explore the tangent, and roll with it. My love for history helps me stay patient, flexible, and excited, even on chaotic days.

Bonus Tip: Keep a “History Mom Kit” handy—maps, sticky notes, props, and maybe an old-fashioned recipe for emergencies. Sharing your love of history is easier when you’re prepared for tangents, debates, and enthusiastic interruptions.