Why Timberdoodle Encourages Independent Learning
And Why It's Not About Replacing You
A wise mom asked us on Facebook:
"Timberdoodle: I read your catalog cover to cover when it comes, and I love your thoughtful reviews of homeschooling resources. I'm wondering, though, about what feels to me like an increasing number of DVD/computer-style resources that "replace" parental involvement. Yes, homeschooling parents are busy, but isn't spending time with your kids as they learn a major part of the whole point? What is your perspective on this?"
We love this question! After chatting around the office we put together the top reasons we intentionally include independent learning tools—and why they don't replace parents but support them.
1. Prevent Burnout Before It Starts
Yes, one-on-one teaching matters—but doing it all, all the time, will wear you out faster than a dried-up glue stick. We've watched amazing moms hover over every subject, every lesson, every worksheet... and then crash.
Independent tools help you shift gears as your child grows, gradually moving from high-touch to self-paced learning. You're not quitting. You're delegating—and protecting your sanity.
2. Raise Kids Who Own Their Education
It's fun to teach! (Well, usually.) But you know what's even better? Watching your child take the reins.
When you include self-led learning, you help your kids practice curiosity, initiative, and problem-solving—the very skills they'll need as adults. Want your teen to research car insurance someday or figure out how to fix a leaky faucet? Start by letting him learn independently today.
3. Plan for Real-Life Interruptions
Let's be honest—some seasons leave zero margin. Maybe you're caring for a special needs child, managing your own health, or snuggling a brand-new baby.
Independent resources keep learning rolling—even when life doesn't stick to the plan. They step in when you need a breather and make sure progress doesn't hit pause.
4. You Can Homeschool (Even If You Don't Love Teaching)
Not every mom dreams of teaching fractions or diagramming sentences—and that's okay. Many moms feel passionate about homeschooling but freeze when faced with lesson planning.
Independent resources help you teach confidently, even in subjects that make you sweat.
5. Our Mission Is Simple:
Make Home Education Excellent—and Enjoyable
We're not here to turn your home into a schoolhouse clone. We exist to help you create an education that works for your family. Independent learning is one of the many tools in your kit. It's not a replacement for connection—it's a way to make room for it.
6. It's Not All or Nothing
Independent learning and family learning can—and should—coexist.
Take math, for example. You might want everyone on the same list for simplicity's sake. But if you've got kids spread across multiple ages, that might not work. That's where independent options (like video lessons or self-paced books) shine.
In our home, we read The Fallacy Detective aloud as a family. The book could've been a solo assignment, but doing it together led to fun discussions, shared laughter, and lots of "Wait, that's a false cause fallacy!" when we saw a misleading ad on TV. Sometimes, learning together is the goal; sometimes, it's learning well—independently.
7. What It Looked Like in Our Family
Once we could read, we owned our learning. We met with Mom each year to map out our goals and choose our resources. She gave us weekly checklists to finish before Family Night. If we got stuck, we asked. Otherwise? We kept going.
That structure freed us to do the big stuff—service projects, babysitting, Timberdoodle work, hospitality, farming, and more. Learning happened alongside life, not in place of it.
So yes, we believe deeply in the value of learning together. But we also believe in raising capable, curious, and confident learners who can explore, grow, and adapt—with you cheering them on, not burning yourself out.
Got questions? We'd love to hear how your family balances independent and group learning! Let's keep the conversation going.
