In the recent Reader Survey that I posted, there were several recurring themes.
A few examples:
- Please do more reading comprehension worksheets. They’re so good and my kids love them!
- Share more about how your homeschool days flow and how you get everything done. (The short answer: I don’t. Ever.)
- We’re studying countries and continents this year. Please start to add those to your themed worksheet packets.
However, there’s one situation that I’d like to specifically address since it was mentioned several times. A few of you stated this, albeit in different ways:
I don’t like that you have paid downloads. They should all be free.
I didn’t realize that so many of you were concerned about that. Let me take a few minutes to explain why everything on my site isn’t free. I aim to be pretty transparent here, so I’m happy to talk about that.
Making Worksheets and Printables Requires a Lot of Time
Each of the themed worksheet packets takes around 15-18 hours to make.
That amount of time includes researching the topic, brainstorming worksheet ideas, creating the actual worksheets/printables, creating the graphics, and then writing the post. There are several other nitty-gritty details, but those are the main tasks.
Other worksheets or printables take anywhere from 2 to 4-5 hours, depending on how involved they are. That time frame includes making the printables, making the graphics (the things you pin on Pinterest), and then writing the post with suggestions on how to use them.
These worksheets aren’t just whipped up in a few minutes. Because they are solid, quality worksheets, they take a bit of time and effort to produce.
It Costs Money to Create Worksheets and Printables
It may not seem like it, but it does cost money to create worksheets.
The programs I use to write them aren’t free, the program I use to make the graphics isn’t free, and the cute clip art that are on most of the worksheets isn’t free.
Take the creators of the clip art for example. The people that I buy those from are just like me – moms that stay at home with their kiddos. They have given of their time and talent to create clip art (something I can’t do) and sell it. I’m happy to pay them for it. I know how much heart and soul goes into it. 🙂
It Costs Money to Have This Website
While some websites are free to run (think someone’s family blog), this particular website is not.
My hosting for the site (the space used to host printables) alone is quite expensive – in the hundreds of dollars. Then there is tech support, graphic design, computer costs, and more.
You just can’t have a website of this caliber and it be free to host it on the servers.
It Supplements My Family’s Income
So then the question becomes: If it’s so much trouble and costs so much money, why do you do it?
Because it supplements my family’s income.
I worked as a registered nurse for almost 10 years (at night) and I prayed and prayed for God to make a way for me to stay home with my children. And He was gracious enough to answer that prayer for me. I consider it a privilege to be at home with my children every day. Working as an RN for 12 hours at night is never, ever far from my mind. I remember those very hard years oh so clearly and I don’t want to go back to that life.
Do I consider this site a job? Yes. While it usually doesn’t seem like a job for me, there are times that it demands more than I want to give.
The money earned from this site helps cover the cost of our groceries, our Christmas presents, and (on occasion) our house payment.
The joy of it is that I can do it in short amounts of time and can make my own schedule. I can spend the bulk of my days teaching my children and serving my family and then work late at night or early mornings.
If You’re Feeling Mad or Upset and Still Have Questions
I’ve gotten several emails or comments from readers that are mad or upset, and you were a little passionate about your concerns (and that’s putting it mildly). If you are one of those people and you still have questions after reading through these reasons, I’m happy to answer your concerns. I’m not sure I can do anything about them, but I’ll make sure I get back with you.
Just send me an email.
Other Interesting Things That Came Up in the Survey
Here are a few other items that popped up in the survey and I’ll address them briefly here:
- Common Core
I didn’t realize that so many teachers visited here at Mama’s, and I’m so tickled that you’re here.
I’ll be honest and say that I never consider Common Core standards when creating worksheets. While it’s on my radar in that I keep up with what is going on in regards to public school and Common Core, it’s not on my personal radar here at home.
So despite your requests to adhere to Common Core standards, that is just not something I can fulfill at this time. I just don’t have the time or energy to figure out the standards and how or if my worksheets meet those standards. - Requests for Themed Worksheet Topics
For those of you with requests for packets, I read each suggestion and it’s on my agenda for the new year! - There were many requests to see what a typical day looks like at our house.
This was the most requested item on the survey, interestingly enough. I’ll write a post like that in the next few weeks, but some of you may be disappointed! We’re not all that exciting at the Hill House. 🙂
Do you have any other questions or concerns? Did that clear up some of the concerns about my charging for paid downloads?
Feel free to leave questions in the comment section here. I’m happy to address them, but please be kind. 🙂
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I can NOT believe people are upset you charge. I’m sure they pay for babysitters, lawn care, pest control, dog groomer, laundry, delivery pizza, and other “services” without a 2nd thought. And it’s funny – they want you to create something for them but are not happy to pay for it. Crazy.
From someone who lightly dips my toes in this pool – very well done handling the topic with grace. I would have told them to unsubscribe. Completely agree – time, graphics, content, and programs all cost us something (especially time), why there is any question is ridiculous.
Stef, thank you for such an encouraging comment. 🙂 Yes, it has been an eye-opener, but I’m glad I now know.
I appreciate you stopping by –
You didn’t have to respond to those people. Apparently they want everything for free yet they themselves wont work for free. Thank you for all you do and if you need to charge for something do it and don’t feel like you have to explain to yourself.
You know, Joanna, you’re totally right. I didn’t have to respond to them at all. When reading blogs, it’s sometimes hard to remember that the people that write the content are real people with real feelings (and real bills).
I totally didn’t have to respond to them, but I wanted to make sure readers know my decisions on what to sell (which is minimal compared to the enormous amount of free things offered) is not taken lightly.
Thank you for stopping by and I’m so grateful for your support!
I appreciate that someone has the time to dedicate to making these activities. I have sometimes attempted some sort of worksheets or books and it may take me WEEKS. I would sooner buy something that I know will be complete and i can overview the content to supervise what my child does. Your efforts are appreciated whether you charge or not … the freebees are a bonus and go down well too.
You’re labours should not be ignored.
thank you!
Thank you, Judy!
Good for you for charging! I don’t understand why people expect others to give, give , give without compensation. Of course your time is worth money. As Harlan Ellison rants “Pay the Writer” (warning, he curses) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE
Thank you for the support, Kate!
Wonderful post, Lauren! Thanks so much for the hard work that you do on both the paid and free printables.
Angie, thank you, my friend.
I also think it is appropriate for you to charge! I never pay for anything you create (sorry!!), it’s not in my budget at this time. But I am a strong supporter of people getting paid for the work they do. I consider it a huge blessing to our family that you offer some things for free! THANKS! I think it is rather rude that others would have such a sense of “entitlement”, that they would begrudge you making some money for your family! I think it is a great blessing that you offer ANYTHING for free. One day I hope to join the membership here.
God bless you!
You left such a thoughtful comment – thank you. 🙂 No apologies for not purchasing the membership! If it fits your needs, great. If not, there’s no need to buy it!
Blessings to you for such encouragement!
Lauren,
I also worked as a registered nurse on 12 hour night shifts until being able to stay at home with my children. I smiled when I read that you never keep that far from your mind…me too. I am so happy that you have found a way to stay at home and to supplement your family’s income. I admire you for it! I wanted to add my voice to the others that support and thank you for the time and effort you put into an excellent website and materials. I have been greatly helped by what you share and think it absolutely fair and right for you to charge what I consider a very reasonable fee for what you do. Thanks again!
Mandy, thank you for your kind words. 🙂 Yes, those long nights and even longer days when I had to stay awake all day are never far from memory!
Thank you for stopping by.
Thank you for your honesty! I’m sorry to say I didn’t take the survey (I think I was on vacation). Although I have also lamented that on my small budget I cannot get some of the things I would like on your site, I am more than blessed by the things you do offer at no cost. We’ve gotten so accustomed to things on the internet being free! 🙂 Thank you for all the work you do! Know that you are a blessing at least to our family, and many more, I am sure.
I, too, have gotten accustomed to free things on the internet. So it’s startling when something costs money.
Thank you for your kind words!
I just thought I’d also add my support. I would say pretty much the same as the first few comments I read. I am a stay at home mom, I haven’t been able to graduate with a BA or anything yet, but I at least know that people who run their own websites have to pay for the things they sell. In any case, I started following you not too long ago. My boys aren’t even old enough to start your packets. However, I am excited for that time to come and I guess I’m getting a head start. 😉 Thanks for all your hard work. I really envy you (in a good way) that you have the creativity and the desire and strength to keep up such a wonderful program so that my boys all the way over here in Germany will be able to learn at home in English once they start going to German preschool-grade school. 🙂
Krista, thank you for your comment! I appreciate your support!
I just want to say THANK YOU for all you do! I’m actually surprised that you offer so many things for free and don’t charge for them! You don’t know how much you are appreciated! This is my first year homeschooling (Kindergarten) and a big part of what we do comes from you! Thank you so much!
Kim, Your comment encouraged me so – thank you! Blessings in your first year of homeschooling! xoxo
I completely agree with the positive feedback you received about charging for the work you do! I wish I were able to put together extra finances to join! It is one of my goals for 2014.
Amanda, thank you for such a nice comment! 🙂
I am so sorry! You have been amazing and I gratefully pay you for what you do! When my computer malfunctioned you sent me a brand new link – not something you had to do. It takes talent to make the worksheets that you do – I am grateful and appreciative! Never mind the naysayers you have lots of support behind you!
Thank you for the encouragement, Angela! Hugs. 🙂
I think you are completely right in charging for your work. You should be paid for the hard work you put into the packets, and $15 for 12 months is more then reasonable! I hadn’t realized it was so inexpensive. I will be signing up as a member next payday! I also want to say “Thank you” for all the free things you offer on your site as well. 🙂
Madison, I appreciate your support, whether you choose to sign up for the membership or not! xoxo
Thank you for sharing all you do, and I especially appreciate your detailed response in regard to why some things cost. I so admire homeschool moms like you who not only teach your children and manage your homes and families but also dream, plan, create and design, and then share! Thank you again for your time, creativity, and generosity!
Oh Amy – I promise I don’t have it as together as you make me sound. 😉 But thank you for your encouraging words!
1st off, I have to say I really like this site! I have been looking into homeschooling since I was pregnant with my oldest and he will be 5 next month. I have found some pretty useful stuff on here and most of it is free! The only “issue” I ever came across myself was the preschool calendar is July through June and that’s only because of preference (my preference being January throug December) and it clearly is not so big a deal that I would be angry about it! I realize I DO NOT have to download or purchase ANYTHING from this website. It is my choice! This website is wonderful and what you do is really very kind! I understand it supplements your income, but you offer far more free stuff that takes up a lot of time combined for you to create. I appreciate what you do! I am a single mother of 2 very energetic little boys and we have had a pretty rough couple years. I can’t afford expensive things (I honestly can’t afford the very inexpensive items you offer) so it is great to find a place with quality materials that are so cheap. It is really heartwarming to find people like you who are so willing to help others like you do. Homeschooling can be very expensive so to find so many free items to supplement or even replace other materials is awesome! It is perfectly acceptable for you to charge the very minimal charges that you do charge! I think people forget education is not supposed to be free. We are supposed to pay for our children’s education ourselves not through the government. People forget there is someone creating these materials and in doing that it is taking away from time with their families and they should be paid for their time as any other person who works does. People forget software programs to create these materials are expensive. I hate to say it, but some people just feel so entitled to everything and they don’t care. What they need to remember is they DO NOT have to utilize your site nor do they have to purchase anything from you. You are doing great! And just an opinion relating to common core….it sucks! I do not want to teach my children a dumbed down version of education and I very much appreciate your not conforming to such education! Sorry for the long rant! Thank you again for your kind service and keep up the good work!
Erin, I appreciate your thoughtful comment. 🙂 And bless you, Mama, as you homeschool your boys as a single mother. You have my complete admiration. xoxo
First I want to say thank you for all that you do provide for free! My kids love everything. I’ve gotten off of your site, especially the calendar notebooks. My 3-year-old BEGS to do hers! I admire your ability to use your God-given talents to not only bless the other homeschooling mamas out there but also to provide for your family. That’s an awesome thing! I’ve been home for 3 1/2 years now & haven’t figured out how I can help with income quite yet. I’ve tried several things but it has never worked out the way it needed to for us. My husband works offshore & is gone for extended periods of time so it’s difficult sometimes, plus I want to spend as much time with him as possible when he is home. Maybe some of those women are jealous (I know I am!) but aren’t very adept at dealing with it? =) I think you answered the question perfectly.
As far as the common core standards go, I am happy you ignore them! They aren’t developmentally appropriate in many cases, and there are many people fighting to get them repealed, so hopefully it will be a moot point soon. As homeschoolers, we value our individual liberties, and the method in which the standards were imposed doesn’t mesh well with that for me. Thank you for all you do & for keeping it common core free! =)
TM, thank you for your support! My littles just love the calendar notebook too. 🙂
I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for all of your hard work. As a homeschooling mom living on one income to support our family of 5, I have found your free printables to be an incredible blessing!
Thank you, Kristy! I’m so happy that you can use them with your own kiddos. 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to outline exactly how much work goes into making your worksheets. I’m also VERY thankful that you do have some of them for free, as my husband is dubious about spending money on pre-school stuff (I’m sure he’ll relax in time for kindergarten) and the freebie section of your (and other’s) site allows me to honor that. Is there a way to buy unit studies individually to see if they are (or would eventually be) a good fit?
Nicole, thank you for taking the time to comment! Thankfully, you can homeschool almost free in the early years. I’m sure you already know about Free Homeschool Deals, but if not, go there right now because she has TONS of great freebies and very frugal resources!
At the time, I don’t offer the unit study worksheets as an individual download. I can’t figure out a way for it to not be time-consuming. 🙂
I wanted to say thanks for your website. I never even thought some people would wonder why you may charge for things and at a nominal cost. I like others had to wait until I could afford some of your benefits, but I was happy to be able to bookmark your site and use it as encouragement and resource. Thanks so much again.
Roberta – such kind words. Thank you 🙂
I think you handled the question really well. I’m just flabbergasted that so many people asked you this. The better question in my mind is how do you afford to give away so much or charge so little for what you do? Most people have no idea how much time it takes to create quality products.
I’m just shaking my head that people think you should give away everything for free. It boggles my mind.
Sallie – Thank you for your support and encouragement! I, too, was surprised that it showed up so many times on the survey. Unfortunately, people are so accustomed to free that it feels unfair when they are required to pay, even a nominal cost.
I KNOW that you truly understand and am grateful for you support! xoxo
I agree with Ms. Kate Williams….how do people expect you to keep a website running with no expense…can’t they realise this. All I can say Lauren is ‘KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT EASY FOR US IN ADMINISTRATION TO FINE WORKSHEETS WE NEED’…..and by the way….you have a lovely family. Take care…….Ramona from Malta
Ramona – Thank you for such a kind comment!
And I am thrilled to see that you are from Malta. Our church does lots of mission work there, so it thrills me that you’ve stopped by! Big hugs.
Of course you should charge for your worksheets! If it were an easy task then the complainers would do it themselves. It takes time, creativity, and the technical know-how to accomplish these products. This topic perturbs my artist friends. They are so frustrated by the sentiments that they should give away their products because they enjoy creating it. If an accountant enjoys working with numbers that doesn’t mean his services should be free. It’s so strange to me to see this topic discussed! Please keep making the quality worksheets. There are those of us who wish to purchase them.
Susan, what a great perspective. Thank you and thank you. 🙂