Simple Homeschool

I can hardly believe it, but this is the FINAL episode of the Simple Homeschool podcast with me, Jamie C. Martin...and my son Jonathan joins me to wrap it up! Don't worry, though, I'm not leaving you Jamie-less :) You can still find me over at Simple Homeschool as well as sharing my quotes and poetry on both Facebook and Instagram! This episode is sponsored by FORM Fitness PE/Health curriculum and All About Reading/Spelling! Take Jamie's quiz, What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? In our final episode, Jonathan (homeschooled K-12) gives those of you feeling worried about your kids' future an encouraging pep talk from his perspective, having spent two years in the real world thus far. He also gives a shout out to TJEd High, an online mentoring program he was a part of during high school. And I surprise him (& almost make him cry) with a poem I wrote inspired by a scary homeschool moment, as well as my view on it from now, so many years later! We also recap the most popular episodes he and I have recorded, including: 5th most popular - Ep 110: When Your Homeschooler Refuses to Do Something 4th most popular - Ep 104: Did you "miss out" because of homeschooling? 3rd most popular - Ep 106: The "S" Word, Socialization 2nd most popular - Ep 105: What Is Relationship-Centered Homeschooling? 1st place - Ep 109: Reasons to Homeschool (There are a lot of them!) Come listen in and be encouraged, and remember that all of my episodes will remain up for you to revisit whenever you need them!

Welcome back to my newest Simple Homeschool series, in which I'm going back in time to share my thoughts as a retired homeschool mom after 15 years of active duty! This episode is sponsored by My Fun Science and Oak Meadow Take Jamie's quiz, What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? In this month's episode, I decided to chat about an article I wrote back in 2010 called 7 Characteristics of a Charlotte Mason Education. Obviously I have a LOT more homeschooling experience and thoughts of my own now, many years later, and in this episode I share them all with you! Listen in for a dose of homeschooling inspiration, and to also relieve yourself of any Charlotte Mason homeschool guilt. If you prefer to read the original post and check out any of its further links, head here.

This year I'm doing monthly Then and Now Reflections on the podcast - looking back over my 15 year homeschooling career and sharing what I've learned along the way AND what I'd do differently if I could go back. Welcome! . This episode is sponsored by Sonlight K-12 Curriculum and Dyslexia Connect Take Jamie's quiz, What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? In Episode 126, you'll hear me and my daughter Trishna (20-yrs-old, homeschool graduate, special needs) discuss: I introduce the special guest who's new to the podcast, my daughter Trishna! What I feel I would change about our homeschool routine if I could go back to this point in our family's journey We go down the rabbit trail of remembering Trishna's favorite TV shows from this time Who used to do all the cooking, compared to who does it these days Activities that were NOT Trishna's favorite from our daily routine The bedtime routine that the kids loved and I found exhausting (& soon stopped!) My advice when it comes to using screen time for moms of littles To read the original article I wrote in 2013 and/or check out links & photos mentioned in this episode, head here. Listen in for a dose of homeschooling inspiration!

How often do you wish you could have a homeschool do-over? Well, now you can, through revisiting Jamie's mistakes instead of having to make your own! . This episode is sponsored by Ivy Kids and TJEd's Young Statesmen/Stateswomen Society! Take Jamie's quiz, What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? This year I'm doing monthly Then and Now Reflections on the podcast - looking back over my 15 year homeschooling career and sharing what I've learned along the way. In Episode 125, you'll hear me and my son Jonathan (19-yrs-old, homeschool graduate) discuss: The details of our homeschool routine back with a 6, 7, and 8-year-old, having just moved to a house in the countryside Our experiment having "Yes" Day on Mondays How having greater access to nature influenced the flow of our days When homeschool moms manage to find time to eat How bloggers with three young kids have to make sure the photos in a post are "fair" What made this one of my favorite years of homeschooling Come listen in and be encouraged! To read the original article I wrote in 2012 and/or check out links mentioned in this episode, head here.

How often do you wish you could have a homeschool do-over? Well, now you can, and in the best way possible - without having to make mistakes of your own! This episode is sponsored by FORM Fitness! Take my quiz, What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? This year I'm doing monthly Then and Now Reflections on the podcast - looking back over my 15 year homeschooling career and sharing what I've learned along the way. In Episode 124, listen in with me and my son Jonathan (currently 19) as we chat about the past, specifically re: 2011 in our homeschool (when he was six-years-old)! What we remember fondly, what we'd rather not remember (LOL), and what we might do differently if we could have a do-over. To read the original post I wrote in 2011 and/or check out links mentioned in this episode (including that circle time video, which is a doozy!), head here. In this episode, you'll hear: I welcome Jonathan back to the podcast after he's been away touring with the Jonas Brothers my initial homeschooling philosophy of focusing on relationships rather than academics as top priority, and what I think about that now looking back our daily homeschool rhythm from 2011 including morning routines, books, a few structured activities, "sections" time, and what Jonathan remembers fondly (or not!) we reminisce about highlights of their 2011 days: walks, circle time, and the library how we used screens, quiet time, and outings to make it through the days what Jonathan thinks now about how our homeschool style has influenced him as a young adult Listen in and be encouraged!

Note: If you'd prefer to read instead of listen to this episode, head here. This episode is sponsored by My Fun Science and Oak Meadow! Fifteen years ago as a new, insecure homeschooler, one thing comforted me like no other: Clinging to the words of a few veteran homeschool mothers who I followed online. Now I want to be that voice for you!! Listen in to discover what I have planned...I'm excited about it! Take my quiz, What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality?

This December Jamie is taking a break from podcasting, so we are revisiting top episodes from the podcast's history - enjoy your winter break! This episode was written by Kari Patterson, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Kari's personal site, podcast, and book - Sacred Mundane! * Today's episode is sponsored by Dyslexia Connect and Sonlight's K-12 Curriculum. * What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz/    "I can feel my body tense up as I say the words with forced enthusiasm: “Ok, time for school!” They say what I know they'll say: "Do we have to?!" And if I'm honest, that's exactly what I'm saying in my own mind: "Do we have to?!"

This December Jamie is taking a break from podcasting, so we are revisiting a top episode from the podcast's history - Merry Christmas to you and yours! ***** If you'd prefer to read this post instead, head here. And for more current snapshots of how this hack has worked in our family, check out my day in the life posts over the years.  Today's episode is sponsored by Ivy Kids and the Young Stateswomen/Statesmen Society from Thomas Jefferson Education! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz So I don't know if you have noticed, but kids can be LOUD. Confession: I don't particularly care for loud. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I knew I had to make life at home at least a little quieter if I was going to survive it, as well as add homeschooling to the mix. My own conundrum led to an idea. One that's gone on to save my sanity and allowed me to continue homeschooling for 15 years - listen in and be encouraged!

This episode was written by Kari Patterson, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here. Check out Kari's personal site, podcast, and book - Sacred Mundane! Today's episode is sponsored by Buddy Books and Write the World's College Essay Course! ***** What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz/    This year I ditched most of what we'd done before, and decided to take a Homeschool Experiment Year. That is, a year to try new things, refuse to stress, return to JOY, and recover our lost love of learning. Listen in to find out what happened next!

This episode was written by Erin Vincent of Nourishing My Scholar, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Today's episode is sponsored by My Fun Science and Generous Students Curriculum! * What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz Hyping myself up to make a phone call is not out of the norm for this introvert. I'd much rather be trampled by wild rhinos. Bravery is acting even when fear is present. Acknowledging the fear and moving past it into action is what bravery is all about. And oh was I fearful to homeschool... Listen in for an uplifting reminder of just how brave you are!

Welcome back to a new episode of the podcast - I'm flying solo on this one, since Jonathan is currently on tour as Lighting Director for the Jonas Brothers! If anyone is going to one of their concerts this fall or winter, please head over to the lighting booth if you can and tell him, "Your mom sent me over to remind you that she's proud of you and she loves you." * This episode is sponsored by Night Zookeeper and FORM Fitness! In Episode 118 I chat about: The wonder of seeing Jonathan in action on the Jonas Brothers Tour The Weirdness of Not Having to Get Up Early for the Homeschool Day Our Love for CNN10 back when it was with Carl Azuz - thrilled to find out Carl just began his own news show: The World from A to Z! The stereotype that homeschoolers can't survive in the "real world" as my son travels to a different city each night! My 25th Anniversary Dance with Steve Navigating Seasons of Change and the Unknown Take my quiz, What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. To download an auto-generated transcript of this episode, click here.

Welcome back to a new episode of the podcast - the last one featuring Jonathan for a while, as my buddy has gone on tour as Lighting Director for the Jonas Brothers! If anyone is going to one of their concerts this fall or winter, please head over to the lighting booth and tell him, "Your mom sent me over to say that she's proud of you and she loves you." * This episode is sponsored by Ivy Kids and Florida Virtual School! In Episode 117 we discuss: Spontaneously choosing a topic to discuss together and my love for random auto-generators Our experience with Thomas Jefferson Education (AKA TJEd) The 7 Keys of Great Teaching and how we imperfectly tried to add them to our homeschool Our mutual love of Gilmore Girls Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. To download an auto-generated transcript of this episode, click here.

It's hard to believe it, but after 15 official years, Jamie has reached the end of her homeschooling journey! Join me and my 18-year-old son Jonathan as we chat about how surreal this moment is and what we did to commemorate it as a family. * This episode is sponsored by Learn Math Fast and Dyslexia Connect! In Episode 116 we discuss: Jamie's Homeschool Retirement Party and all it included (pop quiz, toast, poetry reading, prayer time) Jonathan reads the letter he wrote to me when he graduated in 2022 Jamie reads aloud the poem she wrote and read at her homeschool retirement (have tissues nearby!) Find pics/video of my retirement party pinned on my Instagram profile Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. To download an auto-generated transcript of this episode, click here.

This summer Jamie is on sabbatical for a few weeks this summer, so we are revisiting a couple of the top episodes from the podcast's history! This one originally published in Feb 2022. Today's episode is sponsored by All About Learning and Oak Meadow! ***** If you'd prefer to read this post instead, head here.  What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz Homeschooling isn't all fun and games, as anyone who has been attempting it for longer than one day (or hour?!) realizes. On homeschooling sites we often hear about the benefits of this lifestyle. But what about the challenges? Listen in and be encouraged!

This summer Jamie is on sabbatical for a few weeks, so we are revisiting a couple of the top episodes from the podcast's history! This one originally published in August 2021. Today's episode is sponsored by Ratio 21 and Sonlight! ***** This episode was written by Kari Patterson, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Kari's personal site, podcast, and book - Sacred Mundane!   What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz/    Dinner's made, but it's chicken and rice again. Laundry's done, because I no longer fold. Kids finished school because I told them to skip the math problems (again). Eventually I remind myself of Chesterton's wisdom and the power of intentional mediocrity. Truth: We can't be awesome everywhere.

This episode was written by Lusi Austin, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here. Check out Lusi's personal site, That Homeschool Life here. Today's episode is sponsored by the Young Statesmen/Stateswomen Society and Write the World Summer Writing Workshops!   What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz I've finished homeschooling three of my five kiddos. Something that caught me off guard when we'd finished was parental-guilt about the things I just didn't get around to doing. I still have two younger children that I'm homeschooling. In a way, I get to learn a few lessons that will benefit these two (like remembering how quickly the time actually goes!). I'd love to share my reflections with you.

Welcome back to a new episode of the Simple Homeschool podcast, continuing this year's series with my 18-year-old son Jonathan! * This episode is sponsored by My Fun Science and The Animation Course! Jonathan was homeschooled from K-12th grade/graduation and today we are answering a common question: How did you navigate technology and screentime in your homeschool? In Episode 112 we discuss: Using Screen Time intentionally so that you can maximize its education potential Stumbling upon pornography even with excessive parental controls in place Whether or not Jonathan hates us for not letting him have social media earlier What he would do differently when it comes to his own kids one day Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. To download an auto-generated transcript of this episode, click here.

Welcome back to a new episode of the Simple Homeschool podcast, continuing this year's series with my 18-year-old son Jonathan! * This episode is sponsored by FORM Fitness and Night Zookeeper! Jonathan was homeschooled from K-12th grade/graduation and today we are answering a question that came in from Danielle: What you did for math with your kids at various ages? In Episode 111, you'll hear us discuss: How much we love Family Ties (doesn't have to do with math, but still fun ;) How long we waited to require formal math and what we did instead in the early years The disconnect a lot of young kids feel when it comes to math that isn't relevant in their daily lives The practical tools & curricula we used for math in various phases of homeschooling   Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. Find the rest of the show notes and links to the resources and transcript for this episode by clicking here.

Welcome to a new episode of the Simple Homeschool podcast, continuing this year's series with my 18-year-old son Jonathan! * This episode is sponsored by Outschool and Ivy Kids! Jonathan was homeschooled from K-12th grade, and in this episode we are answering a question we get a LOT: What do you do when your homeschooled child doesn't want to do an assignment, chore, etc? In Episode 110, you'll hear us discuss: How to handle pushback depending on the age of your child (littles, tweens, teens) Thoughts on separating academics from household duties Why you should go to Thailand and not Bogota (listen in for more context, LOL, it's a helpful analogy!) How Jamie forced Jonathan to take the SAT twice (and what he thinks about that now looking back #meanmom) Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. Find the rest of the show notes and links/transcript for this episode by clicking here.

PLEASE NOTE: In this episode Jonathan and I chat about some sensitive topics, including our experience with school safety, that I don't recommend for little ears. Welcome to the Simple Homeschool podcast with Jamie C. Martin and my 18-year-old son, Jonathan! * This episode is sponsored by Modify Homeschool App  and Dyslexia Connect! Jonathan was homeschooled from K-12th grade, and in this episode we talk about some of the most popular reasons families choose to homeschool, including our own family's story and experience. In Episode 109, you'll hear us discuss:  Our personal story of what got our family into homeschooling Homeschooling for freedom and flexibility Homeschooling for emotional or physical safety Our experience living in Newtown, CT in Dec 2012 and its aftermath The worst reason to homeschool...or is it? Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. Find the rest of the show notes and links/transcript for this episode by clicking here.

Welcome to the Simple Homeschool podcast with Jamie C. Martin and my 18-year-old son, Jonathan! * This episode is sponsored by Story Masters and Jamie's four books! Jonathan was homeschooled from K-12th grade, and in this episode we answer a question sent in from Gillian: "Do you feel like homeschooling gave you extra opportunities that you wouldn't have had in traditional school?" In Episode 108, you'll hear us discuss:  Trips we took during the school year Conferences we attended in a variety of fields Volunteering that led to paid employment Amazing opportunities that have come Jonathan's way since graduation Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. Find the rest of the show notes and links/transcript for this episode by clicking here.

Warning: Be prepared for lots of #truthbombs in this episode! Welcome to the Simple Homeschool podcast with Jamie C. Martin and my 18-year-old son, Jonathan! * This episode is sponsored by Oak Meadow and All About Learning! Jonathan was homeschooled from K-12th grade so he has a unique perspective, and today we are articulating some of the qualities that we believe make a good homeschool mom/parent! We created this episode to coincide with the release of our new quiz: "Are you a good or bad homeschool mom?" Have you taken it yet? Head here --> simplehomeschool.net/quiz In Episode 107, you'll hear us answer these questions:  What qualities make a good homeschool mom? Should homeschool moms invest in themselves and their own interests? Are you more like a guide or a drill sergeant? Are you teaching the child you have or the child you wished you had? Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. Find the rest of the show notes and links/transcript for this episode by clicking here.

Welcome to the Simple Homeschool podcast with Jamie C. Martin and my 18-year-old son, Jonathan! We're currently in the middle of a podcast series: "Reflections from a Homeschool Graduate." * This episode is NOT sponsored by Stew Leonards (listen in for more context LOL), but IS sponsored by My Fun Science and Sonlight! Jonathan was homeschooled from K-12th grade so he has a unique perspective, and guess what one of the most-submitted questions for him to answer has been? That's right - in this episode we're talking THE "S" word: Socialization! In Episode 106, you'll hear us answer these questions:  Where do you make friends? Did you ever feel like it was difficult to find common ground to connect with peers? Do you feel like you get along well with other homeschoolers? Do you feel you get along with your peers in general? Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. Find the rest of the show notes and links for this episode by clicking here.

Welcome to the Simple Homeschool podcast with Jamie C. Martin and my 18-year-old son, Jonathan! We're currently in the middle of a podcast series called "Reflections from a Homeschool Graduate." * Today's episode is sponsored by Brighterly Online Math and Popular Book Company. Jonathan was homeschooled from K-12th grade so he has a unique perspective, and in this episode we chatted about Relationship-Centered Homeschooling (RCH), one of our favorite topics. What is Relationship-Centered Homeschooling and why do you need it in your homeschool? Listen in to find out! Technical Note: Jonathan had a cold when we recorded this episode, so his audio is softer than it would usually be. It will be louder in future episodes. In Episode 105, you'll hear us answer these questions:  How do we define Relationship-Centered Homeschooling? What are the advantages and disadvantages to Relationship-Centered Homeschooling? How do you get started with RCH if you haven't done it all along? Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. Find the rest of the show notes and links for this episode by clicking here.

Welcome to the Simple Homeschool podcast - with my new co-host, my 18-year-old son, Jonathan! This year we're doing a new podcast series: "Reflections from a Homeschool Graduate." * Today's episode is sponsored by Spark Learning Pals and Dyslexia Connect Jonathan was homeschooled from K-12th grade, so he has a unique perspective to share that's going to be so helpful for you as homeschool parents currently in the trenches, wrestling with questions and doubts on your journey. And by far, when I asked for your questions, the top one submitted had to do with concerns over "missing out" on traditional school experiences. In Episode 104, you'll hear Jonathan answer these questions:  Do you feel like you missed out because you were homeschooled the whole way through? What about traditional coming of age experiences like prom and graduation? If you did miss out, do you see that as a negative thing? Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. Find the rest of the show notes and links for this episode by clicking here.

Welcome to the Simple Homeschool podcast - with my new co-host, my 18-year-old son, Jonathan! * Today's episode is sponsored by Write the World's College Essay Workshops and TJEd High Jonathan homeschooled his entire life, Preschool through 12th grade, and graduated in May 2022. He has a LOT to share and I know as a homeschool parent in the trenches you will get so much out of hearing his insights - some of them surprised me too. We're doing a special series of episodes together, reflecting on his experience of being homeschooled through graduation, and answering some of your questions! In honor of Simple Homeschool's 13th Annual Homeschool Day in the Life series kicking off this month, our first episode looks back on our typical homeschool day. In this episode, you'll hear: What words would Jonathan use to describe our typical homeschool day to a stranger? What was his LEAST favorite part of our homeschool days? What did he love most about our homeschool days? I also share my favorite and least favorite parts, too, 'cause it ain't all flowers and rainbows, ahem Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie and Jonathan to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. Find the rest of the show notes for this episode by clicking here.

So excited to share this new holiday special episode with you: I recorded one of my favorite short stories for you to listen to with your children, Aunt Cyrilla's Christmas Basket by L.M. Montgomery - Merry Christmas! Today's episode is sponsored by CodeWizardsHQ and Night Zookeeper. I often tell my kids, "Sometimes the things that go wrong make the best memories." This story illustrates that perfectly. And if you want more after you're done, check out Episode 10 for another Christmas audio story to enjoy! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take my quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz/ 

Welcome to the Simple Homeschool podcast - today's episode is sponsored by the World's Most Fascinating Rock Collection and Ivy Kids! * Check out Jamie's books here. Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. It's December, and that means holiday homeschooling is on everyone's mind. Listen in for Jamie's thoughts and suggestions on homeschooling through this season - I hope it's an encouragement!

Welcome to the 100th episode of the Simple Homeschool podcast!!! If this podcast has been an inspiration to you at any point over the past three years, please take a few seconds to leave a few words of review and tap in a star rating to celebrate this milestone. Today's episode is sponsored by Semper Smart Games and Jamie's Introverted Moms Advent Calendar! Use the code SAVE10 for $10 off any new subscription to Introverted Moms thru 11/30. Would you like to submit a homeschooling question for Jamie to answer in an upcoming episode? If so, email it to jamie@simplehomeschool.net with "Podcast Question" as the subject line. There are many valid reasons for homeschooling, but I've seen that some are stronger than others. Here's my advice on how to move from negative motivations to positive ones, and how I believe it will benefit both you and your children over the long run. Listen in and be encouraged! (If you'd prefer to read this post, head here.) 

This episode was written by Kari Patterson, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Kari's personal site, podcast, and book - Sacred Mundane * Today's episode is sponsored by Audiojack and Oak Meadow! * What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz With the holidays approaching, as well as cross-country, theater, dance, and toting around two littles, life feels very full. Thankfully, seasons that stretch us force us to grow. Here are four helpful habits that help our homeschool through busy seasons!

Head here to read this post instead and/or download Jamie's baking syllabus. Discover Jamie's books and her membership site, Introverted Moms! Follow up article: Teaching Kids to Bake, The Results Today's episode is sponsored by Popular Book Company and Sonlight Curriculum! For years my kids watched and "helped" me in the kitchen. But recently I felt they were ready to bake on their own. I had no idea how much of a positive impact this would have on our homeschool! Baking is now a core component of our school day on Tuesdays. Let me share how and why I chose to integrate it...

This episode was written by Colleen Kessler, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  * Enroll in the live run of our course, Homeschooling with Purpose, before it closes on Friday, Oct 21! Today's episode is sponsored by The Mailbox and My Fun Science! What's Your Child's Learning Style? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz Our homeschool year started recently. A week later, I had melted down and called my friend crying. I was overwhelmed, burnt out, and sure I was not going to be able to handle doing it again this year. These feelings can be even more heightened when we're homeschooling differently-wired kids. Listen in to feel less alone!

If you'd prefer to read this post, head here. Discover Jamie's books and her membership site, Introverted Moms - open now! Today's episode is sponsored by Dyslexia Connect and All About Reading/Spelling! Navigating devices with our children these days is a HUGE undertaking, so I wanted to share what's worked for us! Please note that the boundaries I mention in this episode are what felt right for us, but I'd never suggest you need exactly the same. I'm merely including our specifics as a starting place to help you think through your own - enjoy!

This episode was written by Lusi Austin, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Lusi's personal site, That Homeschool Life, and download her conversations starters PDF. Today's episode is sponsored by Cyber Civics and Dell Technologies! What's Your Child's Learning Style? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz Long before we introduced a no-tech-at-the-table policy in our home, we had a vision for our dining table. We wanted it to welcome many and a spot where much learning could take place. Over the past 15 years, it has been that and so much more. Listen in and be encouraged!

This episode was written by Erin Vincent of Nourishing My Scholar, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Links Mentioned: Erin's GoFundMe page! Today's episode is sponsored by Greenways Academy and TJEd High! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz I'd found myself in the habit of saying “No” to my daughter. We had been in a busy season, and I lost perspective of what was important. It began to weigh heavily on my heart, and I felt like a failure as both a mom and a homeschooler. Listen in to discover how I turned it around!

If you'd prefer to read this post, head here. Discover Jamie's books and her membership site, Introverted Moms - open now! Links Mentioned in the Episode: Take Jamie's new quiz, What's Your Child's Learning Style? Today's episode is sponsored by Night Zookeeper and Ivy Kids! Like many things when it comes to homeschooling, discovering and researching learning styles can be either helpful OR overwhelming. So let me simplify the learning styles conversation and address the elephant in the room when it comes to this topic!

If you'd prefer to read this post, head here. Discover Jamie's books, her course, Homeschooling with Purpose,and her membership site, Introverted Moms. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Homeschooling 101: What to Teach and When to Teach It! Today's episode is sponsored by All About Spelling/Reading and Semper Smart Games! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take the quiz and get your free personality report: simplehomeschool.net/quiz Several months ago I asked Simple Homeschool readers to tell me their main homeschooling concern.  I received hundreds of replies, but was stunned to find that over 75% of them were more or less the same: “I just wish I knew I was doing enough.” Listen in and be encouraged!

This episode was written by Lusi Austin, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Lusi's personal site, That Homeschool Life here. Today's episode is sponsored by Oak Meadow and Clark Creative Education! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz It's one of the most common questions my kids have been asked over the years when we've been out and about: “Is there no school today?” Sometimes this sparks a difficult conversation or piques interest about our life choices, but almost ALWAYS it elicits some kind of response. Listen in as I share what I've learned!

If you'd prefer to read this post, head here. Discover Jamie's books, her course, Homeschooling with Purpose,and her membership site, Introverted Moms. Today's episode is sponsored by Sonlight Curriculum and My Fun Science! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take the quiz and get your free personality report: simplehomeschool.net/quiz Once upon a time I was a homeschool influencer. I wrote words that were often shared by thousands, sometimes by tens or hundreds of thousands. If you're in a season of discouragement, listen in for a return to hope!

This episode was written by Kari Patterson, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Kari's personal site, podcast, and book - Sacred Mundane * Today's episode is sponsored by Supernow and Great Homeschool Conventions! * What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz I learned six valuable lessons from a homeschool pioneer, my mother. I'm grateful for her life and legacy, and wanted to share them with you today!

If you'd prefer to read this post, head here. ~ Join Jamie's community Introverted Moms - open to new members through May 25 ~ Read Jamie's book, Introverted Mom Today's episode is sponsored by CTC Math and All About Reading/Spelling! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take the quiz and get your free personality report: simplehomeschool.net/quiz Just as a bird soaring overhead doesn't know to be impressed by his own flying skills, introverted moms might not be aware that what we show up with on a daily basis is our own work of art, a marvel in and of itself. Listen in and be encouraged!

This episode was written by Erin Vincent, and to see the links that she highlights in it, head here. * Today's episode is sponsored by Dell Technologies and Reading Eggs! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take the quiz and get your personality report: simplehomeschool.net/quiz * High school is looming, and I suddenly feel lost and full of fear. Our lovely interest-led homeschool now feels boxed in. But here are three ideas that are helping me navigate this unfamiliar territory - listen in and be encouraged!

This episode was written by Sarah Small, and if you'd prefer to read it instead of listen, head here. * This episode is sponsored by TJEd High and Film School 4 Teens! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your personality report: simplehomeschool.net/quiz Admit it. Somewhere deep in your heart, you've wondered, especially if you've ever heard someone say, “I know a homeschooling family at my church. Those kids are weird!” Listen in today and be encouraged!

If you'd prefer to read this post, head here. Discover Jamie's books and her course, Homeschooling with Purpose Today's episode is sponsored by Ivy Kids and Night Zookeeper! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take the quiz and get your free personality report: simplehomeschool.net/quiz We get one shot at raising our babes, and spend the rest of our lives praying that it was enough. Listen in for Jamie's inspiring reflections on reaching the "finish line" of homeschooling, and have a tissue ready!

This episode was written by Cait Curley, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Cait's site for info on gameschooling, lazy unit studies, and more! * This episode is sponsored by Semper Smart Games and All About Learning. * What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report!  

If you'd prefer to read this post, head here. Find more Homeschool Day in the Life posts here! Discover Jamie's books and her course, Homeschooling with Purpose! Save $20 on your 1st Every Plate meal subscription box. Today's episode is sponsored by Clark Creative Education and Oak Meadow! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz I always loved the idea of homeschooling the teen years because of the extra freedom I imagined it could offer students: a chance to dive deeply into their interests and take advantage of opportunities that might not be possible when tied to the public system. I'm pleased to report that's exactly what's happened - listen in and be encouraged!

This episode was written by Kari Patterson, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Kari's personal site, podcast, and book - Sacred Mundane! * Today's episode is sponsored by My Fun Science and Sonlight! * What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz I recently discovered that all of our “bad days” carried a common denominator: Mama multi-tasking. Listen in and be encouraged by what I've learned since then!

If you'd prefer to read this post instead, head here.  Discover Jamie's books and her new course, Homeschooling with Purpose!  Today's episode is sponsored by Supernow and Great Homeschool Conventions! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz Homeschooling isn't all fun and games, as anyone who has been attempting it for longer than one day (or hour?!) realizes. On homeschooling sites we often hear about the benefits of this lifestyle. But what about the challenges? Listen in and be encouraged!

This episode was written by Lusi Austin, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Lusi's personal site, That Homeschool Life here. Today's episode is sponsored by CTC Math and All About Reading/Spelling! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz I've been around homeschooling circles a while now. Early on, I had a friend tell me that when I got more confident and was able to let go of things, I'd get to the point of being able to comfortably “unschool” my kids. She was both right...and wrong.

If you'd prefer to read this post instead, head here. And for more current snapshots of how this hack has worked in our family, check out my day in the life posts over the years.  Discover Jamie's books and her new course, Homeschooling with Purpose! Through the end of January 2022 get $20 off the course with the code NEWYEAR20 Today's episode is sponsored by Reading Eggs! What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz So I don't know if you guys have noticed, but kids can be LOUD. Confession: I don't particularly care for loud. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I knew I had to make life at home at least a little quieter if I was going to survive it, as well as add homeschooling to the mix. My own conundrum led to an idea. One that's gone on to save my sanity and allow me to continue homeschooling long-term - listen in and be encouraged!

This episode was written by Kari Patterson, and if you'd prefer to read instead of listen, head here.  Check out Kari's personal site, podcast, and book - Sacred Mundane! * Today's episode is sponsored by Film School 4 Teens and TJEd High. * What's Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie's quiz and get your free personality report at simplehomeschool.net/quiz/  * "I can feel my body tense up as I say the words with forced enthusiasm: “Ok, time for school!” They say what I know they'll say: Do we have to? And if I'm honest, that's exactly what I'm saying in my own mind. Do we have to?!"