Podcasts about homeschool moms

Feeling the holiday pressure creep in before the leaves even turn? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise Germond welcomes back author Abbey Wedgeworth (All Kinds of Weather) for an honest conversation about approaching the holidays — Halloween through Christmas and everything after — with wonder and rest instead of stress and striving. Abbey opens up about resting in the finished work of Jesus rather than chasing the "perfect" Thanksgiving table, homemade costume, or fully-completed Advent devotional. She and Delise talk candidly about realistic expectations for your kids' ages and stages, leaning on community and resources instead of building every tradition from scratch, and how holidays can hold both grief and joy at the same time — without one canceling out the other. You don't have to knock every holiday out of the park for your kids to remember a joyful, faith-filled childhood. Tune in for a warm, grounding conversation that will help you walk into this season with open hands.  

Are you feeling overwhelmed by hours of homework or wondering if you can really handle the homeschooling journey long-term? Join Jae and veteran homeschool mom Karen Love Mitchell as they dive into twenty-one years of wisdom, covering everything from deschooling in New York City to navigating college prep for her four graduates.In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, Karen shares her transition from private school stress to a life of individualized learning. She provides practical advice on how to handle a ten-year age gap between children, the importance of finding local community through libraries and co-ops, and why socialization is actually a homeschooler's greatest strength. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned pro, Karen's insights on building a family-centered education will inspire you to keep going.Key topics include the benefits of enrichment co-ops, teaching through movies and unit studies, and how to involve extended family in the educational process. Karen also discusses her consulting work with Homeschool Informational Services, where she helps parents find the right curriculum and prepare their students for life after graduation. You will learn about the importance of having an overarching theme for your school year and how to encourage your children to advocate for themselves and use their voices in the real world.Chapters0:00 Intro and Meeting Karen Love Mitchell3:15 Moving from Private School to Homeschooling7:40 The Importance of Deschooling and Slowing Down12:10 Using Field Trips to Make History Come Alive15:50 Managing the Gap: Teens and Toddlers Together19:30 Finding Community and Library Resources23:45 The Structure of an Enrichment Co-op28:20 Creative Teaching: Movies as Literature32:15 Professional Consulting for Homeschool Families37:00 Choosing Curriculum Based on Learning Styles41:30 Tackling the College and Socialization Questions46:15 Turning Naysayers into Supporters51:00 Encouraging Kids to Use Their Voices54:45 Essential Self-Care for Homeschool Parents57:15 Final Wisdom and Where to Find KarenDon't forget to check out the links in the description to connect with Karen and learn more about her consulting services and YouTube channel. Subscribe for more stories and support for your homeschooling journey, and we hope to see you at the next expo!#homeschooling #education #parenting #homeschooltips #community

What if your child isn't reading when you thought they would? What if they're not keeping up with the curriculum? What if you're starting to wonder whether you're actually doing enough?That's exactly where this conversation goes.Becky from Homeschooling Olympians homeschooled her five sons for more than 25 years. And one of those sons didn't learn to read until he was 10.Instead of giving up on homeschooling, Becky learned to look at education very differently.In this episode, we talk about the pressure homeschool parents feel to follow grade levels, check every box, finish every curriculum, and make sure their kids are “on track.” Becky shares how an incredibly overwhelming season — pregnancy, a child needing major surgeries, multiple grades, and too much curriculum — forced her and her husband to step back and ask a much better question:What do we actually want our kids to know by the time they graduate?That question became the foundation for their homeschool.We talk about delayed readers, reading aloud, picture books, curriculum pressure, raising five boys, homeschooling through difficult seasons, and what Becky learned after looking back at 25 years of homeschooling.And then there's the part I think every homeschool parent needs to hear: what happened to those five boys.Their paths ended up looking completely different — from history and machining to filmmaking, music, science, business, and rowing — despite the fact that Becky says there were years when they did very little curriculum.If you've ever wondered “Am I doing enough?”, “Is my child behind?”, or “What are my kids actually supposed to know?”, this conversation will give you a very different way to think about those questions.Listen to the full episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, and if it helps you rethink something in your homeschool, share it with another parent who needs to hear it.From the episode:Connect with Bekki: https://www.instagram.com/abetterwaytohomeschool/13 Teeny Tiny Truth Bombs About HomeschoolingHoney for a Child's HeartSonlight BooklistsReady to homeschool but wondering where to start?

Go here to see sample grade scales and access the online homeschool grading calculator www.whatabouthomeschooling.com/gradinghomeschool   Not sure how to grade homeschool assignments or wondering if you're doing it the “right” way? Homeschool grading doesn't have to be complicated, and you may have more flexibility than you realize. In this episode of The Brave & Balanced Homeschool, I'm sharing my best homeschool grading tips from more than 20 years of homeschooling my own children. We'll talk about how grading can look different during the elementary, middle school, and high school years and how to use grades as a tool to help your child learn rather than simply as a number on a piece of paper. I'll explain different homeschool grading scales, how to calculate assignment grades, when it may be appropriate to let your child redo an assignment or test, and why your child may not need to complete every problem on an assignment. We'll also talk about grading online homeschool curriculum, calculating high school course grades, using weighted grades, and keeping good homeschool records for the future. Most importantly, I want to encourage you to remember that the goal of homeschooling isn't simply to finish assignments or earn a certain grade. The goal is for your child to actually learn and understand the material. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to grade homeschool assignments in elementary, middle, and high school • Why grades should help identify areas that need more practice • When to allow your child to correct or redo an assignment • How to calculate homeschool high school grades • The difference between simple averages and weighted grades • Why your child may not need to complete every problem • How to handle grades from online homeschool programs • Why keeping paper copies of homeschool grades and records is important PLUS, I've created a FREE Homeschool Grading Calculator to make grading even easier! Use it to quickly calculate your child's assignment grades and take some of the guesswork out of homeschool grading. Visit https://whatabouthomeschooling.com/gradinghomeschool/ to read the full blog post and try the free Homeschool Grading Calculator. If you're a new homeschool mom who feels unsure about grading, record keeping, or knowing whether your child is doing enough, this episode will help you approach homeschool grades with more confidence and flexibility.

What if the difference between staying stuck and building a multi-million dollar legacy was a single full-body decision? Leah McHenry - homeschool mom of five, musician, and founder of multiple seven-figure businesses, reveals how she turned trauma, debt, and uncertainty into a framework for bold action, stewardship, and explosive growth. Raised in a fractured church environment and carrying the weight of early instability, Leah's path didn't start with confidence or a business plan. It started with pain, a refusal to quit, and a choice to do the hard thing long before she knew how it would work. That mindset eventually carried her from a flopped ebook to a $2.5 million course business, then into a candle brand that validated in 30 days and scaled into an eight-figure company.You'll discover: Why "going all in" matters more than having the perfect strategy How Leah used a tiny email list of superfans to launch her first profitable offer The validation-first method she now uses to test ideas fast and reduce risk Why she believes most people are wasting the most important 20% of their time How the parable of the talents reshaped her theology of money, stewardship, and business Heather and Leah also break down the difference between fear of loss and true faith, why quitting too early often looks spiritual but isn't, and how to know when a pivot is wisdom instead of failure. If you've ever felt called to build something but froze waiting for certainty, this conversation will challenge you to move, make decisions, and let momentum open the doors. Leah also shares how she balances entrepreneurship, homeschooling, marriage, and creative seasons without pretending balance is the goal. Instead, she explains her integrated approach to time, energy, and family life, plus the practical systems that keep her focused on what actually moves the needle.This is essential listening for Christian entrepreneurs, homeschool moms, multi-passionate builders, and anyone who wants to create wealth with purpose instead of fear. If you're ready for a sharper theology of money, a smarter approach to growth, and the courage to build what God put in your hands, this episode will light the fire.Leah is the founder of Legacy Launchpad and the host of Legacy Launch Pod, where she teaches how to build businesses from idea to seven figures using repeatable frameworks. She has also built and scaled multiple companies across music, digital products, and e-commerce, and helps others create family legacies through entrepreneurship. You can find her and her offers on Instagram @LeahMcHenry Or click HERE

What if all your homeschooling chaos needs is a new calm and confident mindset? Being a homeschooling mom can feel like a daily referendum on your parenting, especially when you are teaching multiple kids, supporting neurodivergent needs, and trying to keep the family from melting down at the dining room table. We wanted to offer something more useful than a new planner or a better curriculum: a way to lead your home with calm and confidence that is real, practiced, and available even on messy days. On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy talks with the amazing Lori Beth Auldridge, longtime homeschooler and host of Elevating Motherhood. They talk about the small choices that change the emotional climate of a home. Lori Beth shares how experiential learning and a slower, interest-led approach can take pressure off academics, but then they get very practical about regulation: meeting basic needs, building routines, and using Lori's “after-lunch coffee no matter what” ritual as a boundary that supports the whole family. They also connect this to interoception, helping kids learn what hunger, thirst, and fatigue feel like by hearing us name it and watching us respond calmly. Dr. Amy and Lori go deeper into mindset and the repeated “soundtracks” running in your head, why victim thinking and vent loops keep families stuck, and how replacing those scripts with truth can change your next action. The throughline is legacy: the kind of table you want your kids to remember, the kind of parent you are becoming, and the hard-earned wisdom you build one imperfect day at a time. This Holy Spirit-led conversation is one that all Christian moms need to hear! If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a homeschool friend, and leave a review so more parents can find it.ABOUT US:The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMomsSubscribe to our free monthly newsletterVisit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

Radical acceptance for homeschool moms starts with a hard question: what if the hardest part of your homeschool season isn’t actually the hard thing you’re facing? What if part of what’s exhausting you is the energy you’re spending fighting against the fact that it’s happening at all? Your child is struggling with something. Maybe you’re afraid you’ve made the wrong call. There’s uncertainty when the people closest to you don’t agree. Your teenager is launching into the world, and you’re not quite ready for how that feels. A quiet worry sits underneath it all: am I doing enough? Behind that struggle is usually a quiet belief: if I could just fix this, then I could finally breathe. If my child would just catch up to grade level. If only my homeschool would feel more successful. Maybe my husband or mom would finally understand. I wish I knew for sure the choices I’m making today would benefit my kids. If just one person would tell me I’m doing okay. Then maybe I could relax. Why We Can’t Just Relax But what if peace isn’t something that shows up after everything gets resolved? What if peace begins the moment we stop abandoning ourselves in the middle of what’s still unresolved? If you love deep, meaningful conversations like this, you won’t want to miss our Book Club Newsletter! Each month, we explore thought-provoking books that inspire personal growth, strengthen our homeschool journeys, and help us show up more fully for ourselves and our families. You’ll receive discussion highlights, reflection questions, and practical ways to apply these insights to your daily life. Join the Book Club Newsletter! Join the Book Club Newsletter! The Trance of ‘Not Enough’ (And Why Radical Acceptance for Homeschool Moms Matters) Tara Brach calls it “the trance of unworthiness” — the quiet, background belief that we’re not enough. Not patient enough, not organized enough, not spiritual enough, not calm enough. It’s a trance because we rarely notice we’re inside it. We just keep moving, comparing, researching, and looking for reassurance. Sound familiar? You make a homeschool decision — and then immediately Google whether it was the right one. You choose not to push your child through something, and wonder if you’re being too permissive. Or you do push, and worry you’ve damaged the relationship. There’s no decision that doesn’t seem to land you on trial in your own head. Underneath it all is one question: Can I trust myself without someone else confirming I’m right? If that trance feels familiar, it’s often rooted somewhere deeper — we talk more about that in Healing the Mother Wound for Homeschool Moms. What Radical Acceptance for Homeschool Moms Actually Means Radical acceptance doesn’t mean liking what’s happening, giving up, or becoming passive about harmful circumstances. It starts much simpler than that. It says: this is what’s happening right now. My child is struggling. I am overwhelmed. I don’t know what to do. The radical part isn’t the situation — it’s what we don’t add on top of it. Instead of layering judgment (“I should be handling this better,” “What’s wrong with me?”), we pause and simply acknowledge reality. There’s the pain of what’s happening. And then there’s the extra suffering we create by fighting the fact that it’s happening — and homeschool moms are remarkably good at generating that second layer. Two Wings: Clear Seeing and Compassion Tara Brach describes radical acceptance as needing two wings to fly: clear seeing and compassion. Clear seeing without compassion turns into self-criticism (“I always overcommit, I’m terrible at boundaries, why can’t I get it together?”). Compassion without clarity turns into avoidance (“Everything’s fine!” — when maybe something really does need to change). Together, they shift the questions we ask ourselves: Instead of What’s wrong with me? → What is happening here? Instead of Why can’t I handle this? → What is this experience asking me to notice? And instead of I need to fix myself. → What do I need right now? The Productivity Trance So many of us learned, early and often, that our worth is tied to output. Homeschooling can quietly become another productivity machine: Did we finish the workbook? How many pages? Are we ahead or behind? But what if the most important thing that happened today can’t be measured? What if presence was enough? That’s easier to believe on a podcast than on a Thursday afternoon when the checklist is half-done. Which is exactly why it’s worth asking: Where did I learn that today only counts if I produced enough? Is it true? And the harder question — what would happen if I stopped trying to earn my worth through productivity? If overwhelm is where you’re living most days right now, this companion post can help: How to Handle Homeschool Overwhelm. A Personal Season: Launching My Youngest This one is personal right now. After years of building life around the rhythms of children — lessons, meals, car rides, celebrations — the season is changing, and there’s a choice in how to meet it: fight reality, or let both things be true at once. This is beautiful. And this hurts. Pride in the young man he’s becoming, and grief for the little boy who no longer needs help spelling words (and now wins at Bananagrams instead). Homeschooling can become such a central part of a mother’s identity — organizer, facilitator, researcher, driver, worrier, celebrator — that when the season shifts, something in us shifts too. That identity shift is its own kind of grief worth naming — I explore it more in my identity as a home educator. Radical acceptance doesn’t say don’t grieve. It just stops making the grief itself a problem. A RAIN Practice for Radical Acceptance for Homeschool Moms When you’re in the thick of a hard homeschool moment, Tara Brach’s RAIN practice offers a simple way back to yourself: R — Recognize What is actually happening right now? Not what might happen — what’s here. A — Allow Can this moment be here, just for now? Not forever — just without the fight. I — Investigate Get curious. Is this about today, or is something older being activated? Is it uncertainty, grief, exhaustion, or an unvoiced need? N — Nurture What do I actually need right now? A break. Help. Food. A reminder that one hard day doesn’t define an entire education. Permission to be human in the middle of the unfinished, uncertain, imperfect reality. https://youtu.be/ABvnGnqM9-c?si=dybv0JgbRhPjIqUP The Real Radical Act Can you stop requiring external evidence before you let yourself believe you’re enough? Are you able to trust yourself even when not everyone agrees? What would it take to voice a need before you know how it’ll be received? (Voicing a need is often the first boundary — here’s how to start: Practical (& useful) steps to boundaries in your homeschool.) Could you have a hard homeschool day without turning it into a verdict on your motherhood? Is it possible to look at your child — and at yourself — with clear eyes and compassion, instead of through someone else’s checklist? Maybe what we’re really resisting isn’t the messy day or the uncertain season. Maybe it’s the possibility that we could stop striving long enough to simply be — not the ideal, fully-cooperating, everything-folded-correctly version of homeschool life, but this one. The real one. That might be the most radical thing we can do. Join the Conversation Joining the Homeschool Mama Book Club can be its own small act of radical acceptance for homeschool moms — an acknowledgment that you need space, support, honest conversation, and care too. Inside the Collective, you’ll meet women who understand the uncertainty, the relationship challenges, the identity shifts, and the pressure that can come with homeschool motherhood. On Fridays, we gather to read good books, explore meaningful ideas, and talk through shared challenges together. Bring us to your favorite café or close the bedroom door and join from home — either way, it’s an hour reserved for you. Find the link in the show notes to come join us. Join the Book Club in the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective Reflection Questions Where in your homeschool life do you notice the “trance of unworthiness” showing up? What’s one situation right now where you could practice clear seeing and compassion, rather than picking just one? Try RAIN this week: the next time you spiral, walk through Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture — even just once. Thank you for spending this summer in the Homeschool Mama Book Club. I hope these books and conversations have given you permission to pause, reflect, and remember that the most important work you may ever do for your homeschool isn’t found in a book — it’s found inside you. — Teresa Wiedrick, Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast Latest episodes How to Practice Radical Acceptance for a Better Homeschool Mom Life September 1, 2026 15 Fun Activities for First Day of Homeschool Party August 31, 2026 How to Deal with Homeschool Mama Guilt (In No Easy Steps) August 29, 2026 Feeling Lost in Homeschooling? Here's How to Find Yourself Again August 25, 2026 How to Facilitate Child-Led Learning in Your Homeschool August 21, 2026 Breaking Generational Patterns as a Homeschool Mom Is the Most Important Work You’ll Do August 18, 2026 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You August 15, 2026 5 Game-Changing Ways to Streamline Your Homeschool Routines August 15, 2026 13 Things Mentally Strong Homeschool Moms Don’t Do August 11, 2026 7 Questions Homeschool Moms Are Afraid to Ask Out Loud August 4, 2026 How to Improve Homeschool Communication with the Best NVC August 4, 2026 How to Stop Taking Your Child’s Behaviour Personally July 21, 2026 You’re Invited to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 July 14, 2026 Post-Partum Overwhelm in Your Homeschool: 12 Ways to Cope July 12, 2026 A 2023 High School Graduate’s Thoughts on her Homeschool Life July 11, 2026 What It’s Like? The Homeschool to High School Transition July 11, 2026 Navigate Homeschool High School (What You Need to Know) July 7, 2026 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development July 3, 2026 Declutter Your Homeschool Mama Mind: Overwhelm to On Purpose July 2, 2026 How to Handle Homeschool Criticism With Confidence June 29, 2026 How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School That Fits Your Teen June 23, 2026 The Real Cost Of Being The “Good Girl” Who Became The Good Mom June 16, 2026 What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 Subscribe to the Confident Homeschool Mom podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify Originally published March 18, 2025. Updated August 31, 2026. 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This week we are celebrating 6 years of the Homeschool Compass Podcast with a bonus series highlighting some of our top episodes. Whether you're just jumping into a new homeschool year or you're well into your homeschool rhythms, we pray these episodes remind you that God is with you and He is working in your homeschool for His glory.Today we hear from Tiffany Wasson, a homeschooling mom of 2 energetic boys and author of I Quit! Confessions of an Imperfect Homeschool Mom.You can find the show notes for this episode at homeschoolcompass.com/podcast.Thank you for leaving the Homeschool Compass Podcast a star rating and a review in your podcast player. We are incredibly grateful for each and every review!We would love to connect with you outside your podcast player:Follow the Homeschool Compass on Instagram or FacebookDownload free printable resources for your homeschoolBrowse our book listsSign up for the Homeschool Compass email newsletterThis show description may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the Homeschool Compass by shopping through our links!

This week we are celebrating 6 years of the Homeschool Compass Podcast with a bonus series highlighting some of our top episodes. Whether you're just jumping into a new homeschool year or you're well into your homeschool rhythms, we pray these episodes remind you that God is with you and He is working in your homeschool for His glory.Today we will hear from Eryn Lynum, a second-generation homeschooling mom of 4 and host of the Nat Theo Podcast. In this episode, Eryn shares about how embracing the idea of Sabbath rest has transformed her life and her homeschool.If you would like to dive deeper into the topic of Sabbath rest, check out Eryn's book, The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living. You might also enjoy Eryn's books, Rooted in Wonder and 936 Pennies.You can find the complete show notes for this episode at https://homeschoolcompass.com/best-of-the-podcast-cultivating-sabbath-rest-as-a-homeschool-mom-with-eryn-lynum/.Thank you for leaving the Homeschool Compass Podcast a star rating and a review in your podcast player. We are incredibly grateful for each and every review!We would love to connect with you outside your podcast player:Follow the Homeschool Compass on Instagram or FacebookDownload free printable resources for your homeschoolBrowse our book listsThis show description may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the Homeschool Compass by shopping through our links!

If you’ve been feeling lost in homeschooling lately, you’re not alone. One mom I coach is surrounded by people — a husband, kids, a faith community — and still feels profoundly alone. Not mountain-cabin alone, like she’s a hermit somewhere remote. Rather, the alone of being the most present person in every room and somehow the least seen. A Homeschool Mom’s Story of Feeling Lost That’s Donelle. She’s analytical, she journals, she notices things many people don’t — and none of it felt safe to share publicly, not even with the people closest to her. On her intake form, before we’d even spoken, she wrote: “I find I’m too often alone in my mind. I need someone who can relate with me.” surrounded by people — a husband, kids, a faith community — and still feels profoundly alone. Not mountain-cabin alone like she was a hermit on the mountain. Rather, the alone experience of being the most present person in every room and somehow the least seen. That’s Donelle. She’s analytical, she journals, she notices things many people don’t — and none of it felt safe to share publicly, not even with the people closest to her. On her intake form, before we’d even spoken, she wrote: “I find I’m too often alone in my mind. I need someone who can relate with me.” In this episode, I walk through the five ways losing yourself as a homeschool mom actually shows up and the eight words Donelle wrote to herself the evening things began to shift for her. I also share where I’ve seen this same pattern in my own life, and in another mom’s story about the moment she stopped rescuing her almost-grown sons from their responsibilities. “I want to be at peace to be myself. Not free to be myself. At peace to be myself.” If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding everyone else together and nobody’s holding you, this episode is for you. Signs You’re Feeling Lost in Homeschooling (Even If You Can’t Name It Yet) Why “losing yourself” doesn’t happen in one dramatic moment — and the five signs it’s already happening The intake-form message that told me how alone Donelle really felt What actually shifted things for her, and why it wasn’t a big, dramatic turning point The eight words she wrote to herself that night (and why naming the pattern is what loosens its grip) Another mom’s story about pulling back from being “the rescue,” and what it cost her — and gave her — to let her sons face the consequences Why growth in one relationship doesn’t automatically transfer to every relationship in your life, and what to do about that The difference between chasing freedom and finding peace — and why one of those is a fight you’ll never win I’m Teresa Wiedrick — homeschool life coach, graduated homeschool mom, and author of Stop Losing Yourself: The Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Boundaries, Confidence & Calm. I spend my days as the support, the clarifier, and the cheerleader for the woman behind the homeschool family, because I believe the most important curriculum in your homeschool is you. Most moms think the fix is a better routine (or a more consistent routine) or the ideal curriculum. It’s rarely that. Rather, it’s the internal pressure, the perfectionism, the shame-based scripts running underneath — and those don’t get addressed by external resources, like a planner. Not Feeling Lost in Homeschooling Anymore: Where to Start Like actionable tools you can work through on your own, plus a weekly check-in with me in the comments? Start with Stop Losing Yourself: The Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Boundaries, Confidence & Calm. Want something deeper and fully customized to your specific situation? That’s what one-on-one coaching is for. Not sure which fits? Don’t guess — book a free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session and we’ll figure it out together. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset call → Other Reading You May Enjoy: Big Emotions Journal for the Homeschool Mom How to Homeschool and Not Lose Yourself: A Path Back to Wholeness with FLOW 7 ways to find quiet & build boundaries in your homeschool How to Be a Good Homeschool Mom (Without Doing It All) How to homeschool without losing your mind in 11 Steps Rediscover Who You Are Beyond Homeschooling: The Homeschool Mom Identity Map Discover 10 Signs You Need a Homeschool Life Coach to Thrive Latest episodes How to Practice Radical Acceptance for a Better Homeschool Mom Life September 1, 2026 15 Fun Activities for First Day of Homeschool Party August 31, 2026 How to Deal with Homeschool Mama Guilt (In No Easy Steps) August 29, 2026 Feeling Lost in Homeschooling? Here's How to Find Yourself Again August 25, 2026 How to Facilitate Child-Led Learning in Your Homeschool August 21, 2026 Breaking Generational Patterns as a Homeschool Mom Is the Most Important Work You’ll Do August 18, 2026 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You August 15, 2026 5 Game-Changing Ways to Streamline Your Homeschool Routines August 15, 2026 13 Things Mentally Strong Homeschool Moms Don’t Do August 11, 2026 7 Questions Homeschool Moms Are Afraid to Ask Out Loud August 4, 2026 How to Improve Homeschool Communication with the Best NVC August 4, 2026 How to Stop Taking Your Child’s Behaviour Personally July 21, 2026 You’re Invited to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 July 14, 2026 Post-Partum Overwhelm in Your Homeschool: 12 Ways to Cope July 12, 2026 A 2023 High School Graduate’s Thoughts on her Homeschool Life July 11, 2026 What It’s Like? The Homeschool to High School Transition July 11, 2026 Navigate Homeschool High School (What You Need to Know) July 7, 2026 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development July 3, 2026 Declutter Your Homeschool Mama Mind: Overwhelm to On Purpose July 2, 2026 How to Handle Homeschool Criticism With Confidence June 29, 2026 How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School That Fits Your Teen June 23, 2026 The Real Cost Of Being The “Good Girl” Who Became The Good Mom June 16, 2026 What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 Subscribe to the Confident Homeschool Mom podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load');

Her son was all set to graduate from her homeschool and become a master mechanic — and then he enlisted in the Marines a month before he turned 18.Christina Franco from Rooted Home Life joins Cheryl this week. She's a former public and private school teacher turned homeschool mom of five, and she gets real about the moment she realized it wasn't public school she had a problem with — it was school itself. They talk about her oldest son's surprise decision to join the Marines, the "mother's intuition" story from speaker Amber O'Neill Johnston that changed how Christina parents, why she doesn't believe in college for college's sake, and how family-style unit studies shape her very relaxed homeschool days.You'll hear about:How a public school teacher ended up distrusting the entire system, not just one schoolThe real story behind her son enlisting in the Marines right after graduating homeschoolHow being a blended family can affect homeschoolingA mother's intuition story about a medical procedure gone wrongWhy she doesn't believe in going to college "for the experience"How family-style unit studies work across five kids at different agesHer honest answer on putting her kids' faces onlineConnect with Christina:InstagramYouTubePodcastReady to homeschool but wondering where to start?

Rachel Winchester returns, joined by Kara Beck and Linda Sarna, in this episode to discuss the role of reading in their journeys as homeschooling moms. They share how their love of literature evolved through different seasons of motherhood and affirm the deep value that fiction and narrative hold in their personal growth. They get practical by sharing ways to choose books, whether through planning, themes, or simply following what feels right in the moment. One refreshing highlight is their mutual agreement on the concept of stress-free reading… Join us for this practical and encouraging conversation!RESOURCES+Click here for a complete list of books mentioned in this episode+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!+Build Your Family's Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestEPISODE LINKSNat Theo Podcast Nature Lessons Rooted in the BibleMentioned in this episode:Get your lessons with Voetburg Music Academy for 25% off your first month! Use code HOMESCHOOL25Voetberg Music Academy

Breaking generational patterns as a homeschool mom is some of the most important work you will ever do. And a few weeks ago, Diane Sorensen and I had a conversation that brought that home for me all over again. We talked about the good girl who became the good mom — the one who kept the peace, said yes when she meant no, and made sure everyone around her was okay. We talked about what that costs her. But here’s the question I keep sitting with since that conversation: Where did the good girl learn to be good in the first place? Because that’s where the generational pattern lives. That’s where the unhealthy cycle began its life. And that is what today’s episode is all about. If you haven’t yet listened to that conversation with Diane — go find it after this one. It’s called The Real Cost of Being the Good Girl Who Became the Good Mom, and it sits right alongside everything we’re talking about today. Before We Begin — What Breaking Generational Patterns as a Homeschool Mom Actually Means Breaking generational patterns as a homeschool mom doesn’t happen by intention alone — and it also doesn’t happen overnight. I want to share a belief I hold around this topic — because I think it needs to be said before anything else. You cannot break a cycle you don’t understand. And you’re not going to break a cycle completely and absolutely. You have your entire life to figure out how to do that. I prefer the term cycle interrupter over cycle breaker — because there is no magic formula here. The cultural conversation around breaking cycles can feel, if we’re not careful, a little too easy. As though declaring yourself a cycle breaker is the same as doing the work. It isn’t. What I do know is this: what you believe dictates how you experience life. The stories and the limiting mindsets you created when you first had a moment of trauma or challenge — or when you began recognizing generational patterns within your family of origin — those stories have a dramatic effect on everything. On how you approach your homeschool, your relationships, and how you see yourself. But it is 100% shiftable — the moment you acknowledge it. The moment you see it, you cannot unsee it. And that is where change begins. The Song That Keeps Coming to Mind About half of the women I work with are full-fledged focused on breaking generational cycles — or at least giving voice to the limiting mindsets that have kept them small, not living their fullest lives. And the song that keeps coming to mind when I sit with these women? This Is Me from The Greatest Showman — sung by Keala Settle. About not being a stranger to the dark, about hiding away, about learning to be ashamed of your scars, and about being told that no one will love you as you are. And then — the moment she decides she won’t be broken down to dust, that she is brave, that she is bruised, and that she is not scared to be seen. That song epitomizes what breaking generational patterns sounds like from the inside. If you don’t know it — listen to it here: This Is Me by Keala Settle from The Greatest Showman. Because those lyrics are the anthem of this episode. That song captures exactly what breaking generational patterns as a homeschool mom feels like from the inside. Five Ways I’ve Been Breaking Generational Patterns as a Homeschool Mom Here are five ways breaking generational patterns as a homeschool mom has shown up in my own life. I share these not to hold myself up as an example — but because I know that when you hear someone say out loud the thing you’ve been living quietly, something shifts. It invites you to shift too. Cycle One — I listen when my kids are vulnerable. My parents didn’t. “You can’t tell a kid how to calm down, you have to show them.” — Jodi Carrington My parents didn’t consistently listen when I was vulnerable. Not because they wouldn’t have wanted to — but because they were so locked into their own inner worlds, so focused on finding safety in their own experience, that they didn’t have capacity to hear mine. A very wise daughter said to me once — mom, the experiences you had as a child are not the ones I’ve had. We are not dealing with the same things. That stopped me. Because I had been so caught up in my own story that I couldn’t conceive there was a completely different narrative happening inside my own home. Your child’s experience is their own. Your job — and mine — is to be present enough to actually hear it. Cycle Two — I don’t make my kids responsible for my emotions. “The more times big people are able to regulate in the physical presence of a child, the better that child begins to develop the skills of emotional regulation.” — Jodi Carrington This is one I still catch myself in occasionally. But the quality of conflict in my home is completely different than it used to be. This past weekend I was trying to book a family event. The website wasn’t working. I tried another. I called the place directly. By the time I got to my kids they were frustrated with me. And I do not like disappointing the people I love. But here’s what I noticed: a long time ago I would not have been able to hear their disappointment at all. I would have been so locked in my own frustration that I couldn’t take in that they were disappointed. I would have made their frustration entirely about me. Instead I held my own emotions. I heard theirs. That is breaking generational patterns as a homeschool mom in real time — not perfectly, but meaningfully. Cycle Three — I ask my kids what they want and feel. No one asked me. This is partly why I am so fierce about homeschooling the child right in front of you. Not a curriculum. The actual child. Their actual interests. Their actual curiosity. I wasn’t asked what mine were. I loved my grade four teacher — Ms. Brenda Wiens at Harry Balfour Elementary in Grande Prairie, Alberta. She liked my drawing of lords and ladies. She gave me stickers on my birthday. And I was so starved for the feeling of being seen that I actually convinced myself she was my real mother. I planned to tell her. I told my mother first. Spoiler — Ms. Wiens was not my real mother. But that is what happens when a child feels unseen. The mind creates stories to explain the gap. So now I do the intentional work of making my kids feel seen. Fifteen minutes of eyeball-to-eyeball time where they lead. One-on-one trips — like the one to Newfoundland with just our son, where he caught cod after cod on the Atlantic and still wouldn’t eat a bite of it. However, we do it — we show up for our kids in ways that make them feel seen on their terms. Cycle Four — I stopped pursuing my mother for validation. This one is on the fresh side. Not new — but fresh. You’ve heard me reference the Mother Wound. I have a couple of episodes on that topic if this is new to you — go find those after this one. For a long time, I could see, plain as the sun rising, that my father’s behaviour was the source of so much fear and pain and unpredictability in our home. What took me much longer to understand was the dance that occurred between my parents — and the role my mother played in that dance. Subconsciously. An agreement to participate in a dynamic that had its own rules, to satisfy the unmet needs of each of them. What the Eldest Daughter Carries As the eldest daughter, I played my own unique role in all of that. First and foremost as a sort of parent — for those who didn’t know how to maintain peace, or for those who didn’t know what to do with the unhinged moments of unpredictable mental illness, anxiety, and violence. I was the one who held it together. Who read the room before she could read books. Who managed everyone else’s emotional world while her own went unattended. I came to understand that my mother has a limited capacity to fully see me — and to address the hardest challenges between us. But the little girl inside me still wants her. Still needs her. Still desires that mother — no matter how old I’ve become. Breaking the pursuit cycle means that when I don’t get my needs met from her — I turn inward. I ask myself: what do you need right now? And I find a way to give that to myself. “The answer to the world’s most significant human-centered problems is simply this: We all just want to feel seen.” — Jodi Carrington When we stop looking for that exclusively from the people who cannot give it to us — who have proven repeatedly that they can’t and they don’t know how — that is when we begin to find it in healthier places. In the people who actually can. Cycle Five — Breaking the Silence. This is the most radical break of all. I routinely receive emails from homeschool moms who are living in isolation and fear — unable to get out of very unhealthy relationships. And I hate that they feel trapped like that. I have lived experience that you cannot make someone get out. They have reasons for staying. But if you are someone who has broken her silence — who has left something like that — I want to say: bravo! You are doing extraordinary work. The hope and clarity and life you are bringing to your relationship with your kids and yourself — that is no small thing. And your children are receiving something that was never given to you. That is the cycle breaking. Right there. I’m sure it feels wobbly. But I believe in you. And the little girl inside me is genuinely grateful that you are doing it for your kids. The Email That Arrived This Week Just this past week I received this from a woman I’ve been coaching: “I feel I need help in learning how to parent myself. However, I have no idea how to do that and that’s what’s stressing me. Because I know a coach isn’t supposed to provide solutions to the coachee. So my question right now is do I need to prep myself before we meet? And what should I be doing or asking myself in order to parent myself?” And here is what I wrote back: “What a beautiful self-awareness. When did that become clear? Tell me why you believe reparenting would be useful for you now. And what about this conversation stresses you? Reparenting — also known as self-coaching — is a very useful tool. Been there, done that, still do. Your relationship to yourself is the most important thing. It directly informs how you relate to everyone else too. Before we next meet, you could get clear on a few things: What part of you knows she needs to be reparented — and when did you first begin to notice? If you had identified a need in front of your parents — how would they have responded? Your ideal self as a parent to your kids — what would she do differently? Those three questions are for you too. Right now. You don’t need to be in coaching to ask them. You just need to be willing to sit with the answers. We Are Story “We are not the things we accumulate. We are not the things we deem important. We are story. All of us.” — Jodi Carrington Girlfriend. That line. We spend so much time in the homeschool world accumulating things — curriculum, resources, methods, proof that we are doing this well enough. And I get it. When you have chosen an unconventional path, you want evidence that it’s working. But here’s what I know after two decades in this space: your kids are not going to remember the curriculum. They are going to remember you. Whether you were present or distracted. Did you listen or deflect? And in the hard moments — did you repair, or did you disappear into shame? That is the story. That is what gets passed on. And the generational pattern — the one we have been talking about today — that is a story too. One that was written before you were old enough to hold a pencil. One that you have been living inside without consciously knowing it was there. The moment you see it — really see it — you can begin to write something different. Not all at once. But differently. That is the generational pattern and that is what breaking generational patterns as a homeschool mom is really about. Ready to Start Breaking Generational Patterns in Your Homeschool? Book a Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session If there is a cycle you are sitting in right now and you’re not sure where to start — book a free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session with me. It’s a no-obligation conversation where we get clear on what’s really going on, what might need to shift, and how you might begin to do that. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session Reading That Restores You — Book Club Newsletter Every Wednesday morning, a warm, thoughtful reflection lands in your inbox drawn from the books we’re exploring together — including Jodi Carrington’s Feeling Seen. Journaling prompts. Practical takeaways for your homeschool and your life. You don’t have to read the book. You just have to show up for yourself on a Wednesday morning. Join the Homeschool Mama Book Club People Also Ask: Why Seasoned Homeschool Moms Still Struggle (And How to Break Free) Foster Strong Relationships in Your Homeschool Family Are you homeschooling good enough? 7 Questions Homeschool Moms Are Afraid to Ask Out Loud The Relationship RESET Workbook Break the Cycle of Homeschool Mom Guilt—and Reclaim Yourself Everything you want to know about homeschool relationships How to Stop Taking Your Child's Behaviour Personally How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn't Know I Was Living) 8 Ways to Build Healthy Relationships in Your Homeschool Family Enneagram: A Self-Awareness Tool That Makes You a Better Educator, Mom & Partner Grow Yourself Up: A Guide for Homeschool Mom Personal Growth The Real Cost of Being the Good Girl Who Became the Good Mom — with Diane Sorensen How the Mother Wound Affects Homeschool Moms—and How to Break Free Healing the Mother Wound for Homeschool Moms How to Stop Taking Your Child’s Behaviour Personally 13 Things Mentally Strong Homeschool Moms Don’t Do 7 Questions Homeschool Moms Are Afraid to Ask Out Loud Is the Way I Talk to My Kids Making Things Worse? What NVC Taught Me Grow Yourself Up: A Guide for Homeschool Mom Personal Growth Latest episodes How to Practice Radical Acceptance for a Better Homeschool Mom Life September 1, 2026 15 Fun Activities for First Day of Homeschool Party August 31, 2026 How to Deal with Homeschool Mama Guilt (In No Easy Steps) August 29, 2026 Feeling Lost in Homeschooling? Here's How to Find Yourself Again August 25, 2026 How to Facilitate Child-Led Learning in Your Homeschool August 21, 2026 Breaking Generational Patterns as a Homeschool Mom Is the Most Important Work You’ll Do August 18, 2026 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You August 15, 2026 5 Game-Changing Ways to Streamline Your Homeschool Routines August 15, 2026 13 Things Mentally Strong Homeschool Moms Don’t Do August 11, 2026 7 Questions Homeschool Moms Are Afraid to Ask Out Loud August 4, 2026 How to Improve Homeschool Communication with the Best NVC August 4, 2026 How to Stop Taking Your Child’s Behaviour Personally July 21, 2026 You’re Invited to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 July 14, 2026 Post-Partum Overwhelm in Your Homeschool: 12 Ways to Cope July 12, 2026 A 2023 High School Graduate’s Thoughts on her Homeschool Life July 11, 2026 What It’s Like? The Homeschool to High School Transition July 11, 2026 Navigate Homeschool High School (What You Need to Know) July 7, 2026 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development July 3, 2026 Declutter Your Homeschool Mama Mind: Overwhelm to On Purpose July 2, 2026 How to Handle Homeschool Criticism With Confidence June 29, 2026 How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School That Fits Your Teen June 23, 2026 The Real Cost Of Being The “Good Girl” Who Became The Good Mom June 16, 2026 What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 Subscribe to the Confident Homeschool Mom podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load');

Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or wondering if you're getting homeschooling right? Veteran homeschool mom Zan Tyler joins me to talk about what really matters as we head into a new school year. We're talking burnout, unrealistic expectations, finding your people, leaving room for God's interruptions, and remembering that relationship matters more than checking every box. Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or you've been at it for years, this conversation is the encouragement you need to start the year with confidence and joy.BJU Press Homeschool – Biblically grounded, academically strong homeschool curriculum and support at http://BJUPressHomeschool.com .Sentry H2O – Get a water filtration system matched to your home's specific needs. Visit http://SentryH2O.com/Heidi for a free consultation.Shop MyFreedomCart for trusted, American-made products that support your values.http://myfreedomcart.com/heidiShow mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | http://heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | http://donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube |    / @‌heidistjohnpodcast  Instagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | http://heidistjohn.com/fanmailfriday

Sunday Service has moved to it's own feed, please search 'Sunday Service with The Brands' wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to the show there. Thank you Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-service-with-the-brands/id1896803462 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/033m4Z79z2EuyRTjcbgmDx?si=bCJhLU8cTWm3bY2Q7d7D-A In this Sunday Service with The Brands Laura and Russell explain their previous absence, worship to the tune of Cockney-Rock band Chas n' Dave, discuss the book of Enoch and the significance of spiritual warfare and Mary's redeeming conception in light of the fallen angel's corruption of the "daughters of men". Also Saint Philip Neary, playful saint gets a shout out as Russell describes climbing the wall into Brompton Oratory, London. Homeschool Mom's are given some book recommendations too Order my new book 'How to Become Christian in 7 Days' at https://bit.ly/russellbook2 To get a free audio copy of my book 'How to Become a Christian in 7 Days', you can download it at https://www.russellbrand.com/how-to-become-a-christian-audiobook/ Get Laura's Book - The Joy Journal for Magical Everyday Play - https://bit.ly/JoyJournalBook

Ever notice how your own love of learning shows up after you start homeschooling? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones talks with Classical Conversations mentor Aimee Smith about the 15-year journey that took her from a nervous first-year Foundations tutor — who once got caught not knowing where to find things on the map — to a Classical Learning Cohort mentor helping other homeschool moms teach with confidence. Somewhere along the way, she picked up something she never expected: a real, honest love of learning. Aimee opens up about the Classical Learning Cohort's five semesters (Classical Way, Invitation, Form, Assessment, and Catechesis) and how "hospitable assessment" reshaped the way she sees herself, not just her students. She also shares the moment she — an adult who'd never read the classics — cracked open the Iliad and Odyssey for the first time to tutor Challenge IV, and how that leap turned into teaching Online Learning Seminars on Homer's epics today. Whatever stage of the homeschool journey you're in, Aimee's advice is simple: take one step, learn one thing alongside your child. You don't have to check every box — you just have to keep going. Tune in for an honest, encouraging conversation about growing up right alongside your kids. Learn more about the Classical Learning Cohort, Online Learning Seminars, and Aimee's master's program: https://ccalumni.network/programs/  

This episode is all about nonviolent homeschool communication — specifically, the patterns that make it harder than it needs to be. Nonviolent homeschool communication starts here — with understanding these old patterns. And there is one book that has shaped how I think about this more than any other. I’ve read a lot of books on relationships, parenting, connection, and attachment over the years — more than I can count. But Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication is the one I keep coming back to. For me, it is the bible of relationships and communication. And it has changed how I show up in my homeschool in ways I didn’t expect. Here’s what it taught me. https://youtu.be/J7kN_HHX52c?si=jZyaiXFDGyilrnsw But first, how does Marshall Rosenberg define nonviolent communication? NVC (aka Nonviolent Communication) is a language of life that helps us transform old patterns of defensiveness and aggressiveness into compassion and empathy and to improve the quality of all of our relationships. (Definition provided by the Center for Non-Violent Communication). We all have old patterns that need to be transformed. And we definitely notice we have reactive, defensive, and aggressive patterns when we attempt to create relationships. Certainly, we notice this when we saturate ourselves in the homeschool parenting role. The 4 NVC Components That Transform Nonviolent Homeschool Communication Observation: Observation without evaluation consists of noticing concrete things and actions around us. We learn to distinguish between judgment and what we sense in the present moment and to simply observe what is there. Feeling: When we notice things around us, we inevitably experience varying emotions and physical sensations in each particular moment. Here, distinguishing feelings from thoughts is an essential step in the NVC process. Needs: All individuals have needs and values that sustain and enrich their lives. When those needs are met, we experience comfortable feelings, like happiness or peacefulness, and when they are not, we experience uncomfortable feelings, like frustration. Understanding that we, as well as those around us, have these needs is perhaps the most important step in learning to practice NVC and live empathically. Request: To make clear and present requests is crucial to NVC's transformative mission. When we learn to request concrete actions that can be carried out in the present moment, we begin to find ways to cooperatively and creatively ensure that everyone's needs are met. (Definitions provided by the Center for Non-Violent Communication). Here’s how each component transforms homeschool communication in real life. Lesson One — The Homeschool Communication Shift That Changes Everything “What I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.” ― Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life This is what we all want: we want a flow within ourselves and between us. But we’re not all trained to enable that flow. We have walls built up to defend ourselves; sometimes we even have spikes and landmines built up to defend ourselves. Either way, those defenses don’t build relationships. Vulnerability and authenticity allow relationships to expand and grow. Nonviolent homeschool communication requires this foundation first — self-compassion. And that is an easy thing to say and a less easy thing to do. Big Emotions Journal for the Homeschool Mom Are you a homeschool mom navigating the ups and downs of daily life with your kids? Introducing the Homeschool Mama's Toolbox—a powerful resource to help you manage big emotions like anger, guilt, or overwhelm with clarity and intention. $9.99 Original price was: $9.99.$6.99Current price is: $6.99. Shop now Lesson Two — Homeschool Communication and Grace “All violence is the result of people tricking themselves into believing that their pain derives from other people and that consequently, those people deserve to be punished.” ― Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life We do what we do because that is what we know to do in the scenario at the time. And in the words of Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.“ If we have a growth mindset about life and relationships, how we show up will shift over time. Growth changes everything. Over time, we show up differently in the same scenarios — five, ten, or twenty years later — if we choose that path. Looking back in regret and shame is one option. Forgiving ourselves and growing is another. And when we grow humble and self-aware enough, we realize that others aren’t trying to intentionally cause us pain or friction either. Punishment didn’t teach us when we simply didn’t know better. It won’t serve the people engaging us wrongly now either. So we choose grace — the same grace we’d want extended to our own growing selves. This shift in perspective is at the heart of nonviolent homeschool communication. Lesson Three — What Anger Is Really Telling You “At the core of all anger is a need that is not being fulfilled.” ― Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life Anger is that mighty sharp tip of an iceberg that protects our fragile hearts. It’s a useful tool to self-protect. But it also protects or keeps us from connecting with others if we self-protect too hard. Under the mighty iceberg of anger’s sharp tip is a whole lotta other big emotions. You name the emotion, it’s there. And those emotions are always fueled by our unmet needs. Nonviolent homeschool communication asks us to address those needs directly rather than react to the emotion on the surface. So we need to address our own needs and respectfully request that others meet our needs, so that we don’t spend our lives reactively, angrily demanding others meet our needs, and/or never connecting with ourselves or others. Lesson Four — The Danger of Not Knowing Yourself “We are dangerous when we are not conscious of our responsibility for how we behave, think, and feel.” ― Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life You know when you’re not a parent and you have heaped judgments on your own parents parenting approaches BUT THEN you have kids??? And all you can think to yourself is DANG, this parenting thing is only easy when I’m not doing it. (& also, I can see now that my parents were doing the best they could do with what they knew to do in their parenting years, no matter how unhealthy things were). Because parenting is SO CHALLENGING at times. Every parenting book I’ve read had something to say. And I’ve appreciated most of them for something. But this core point, that we need to grow in self-awareness and self-compassion has had the most impact on my parenting approach. I’ve made the gamut of parenting mistakes. I really have. Which means I have regret. (& lest you try to console me for my perfectly imperfect parenting, I will go to my grave regretting them, but I also don’t fuel them with self-contempt). Self-shaming won’t change how I engage my kids now. Mistakes were made — I’m human. Healthy examples weren’t always available to me, and no matter how many parenting books or hours in a therapist’s office, I was bound to struggle with this one relationship: the relationship with myself. My defenses and my reactiveness towards things that hurt me or offended me or confused me were my instinctive armour and battle gear that I brought into my family life, as a wife, and as a mother. I wish this weren’t true. But it is. I had (& still have) armour and battle gear. Do I like that? Hell no. Will it serve me to pretend that these patterns weren’t mine at the beginning of my family journey? Again, hell no. I’ve learned that including practices in self-awareness has helped me see me a little more clearly (a little more, because there will always be room for more self-awareness, I’ll never see myself clearly). Or in the words of Carl Rogers, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Self-awareness is the foundation of nonviolent homeschool communication — and this is where it starts. Lesson Five — You Are Not Vanilla “My theory is that we get depressed because we're not getting what we want, and we're not getting what we want because we have never been taught to get what we want. Instead, we've been taught to be good little boys and girls and good mothers and fathers. If we're going to be one of those good things, better get used to being depressed. Depression is the reward we get for being “good.” But, if you want to feel better, I'd like you to clarify what you would like people to do to make life more wonderful for you.” ― Marshall B. Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life If we don’t acknowledge who we are, that we are separate people, and that we have separate needs, we force ourselves to go underground. Our identity becomes like vanilla ice cream. Vanilla is a flavour of ice cream, sure (aka it’s a personality of ice cream types, though it is a basic personality). But it doesn’t have a specific personality, a particular flavour, or a particular texture. It has an entry-level nothingness. (Clearly vanilla is not my favourite. Bring on the peppermint chocolate chip). But we each aren’t vanilla personalities: we have our own flair, our own flavour, and our own textures. We are unique and are meant to be here for a special purpose. When we put our efforts toward being good or right, enabling ourselves to go undercover, we aren’t really us. And so does our nonviolent homeschool communication. And when we put our efforts toward fully accepting all of our parts, and each of our needs, and acknowledging our real selves, we flourish. The Homeschool Communication Tool I Use Every Day The very most important thing I gain from Marshall Rosenberg’s book, Nonviolent Communication, is this fill-in-the-blank statement. It is a useful tool: a fill-in-the-blank conversation “instruction manual” to address my needs and request someone to engage my needs (which, not coincidentally when you practice doing this for you, makes it awfully easy to engage for others too). When I see that______________ I feel ______________ because my need for ________________ is/is not met. Would you be willing to __________________? This single sentence changed my nonviolent homeschool communication more than any other tool I’ve found. So my goal in my relationships with my kids and my relationship with my partner is to make observations, clarify and express my feelings, declare my underlying needs, and ask for my needs to be met. That simple. And not easy at all. If you want to go deeper in nonviolent homeschool communication Here are three ways I can support you: Reading That Restores You — Book Club Newsletter Every Wednesday morning, a warm, thoughtful reflection lands in your inbox drawn from the books we’re exploring together — including Nonviolent Communication. Journaling prompts. Practical takeaways for your homeschool communication and your life. You don’t have to read the book. You just have to show up for yourself on a Wednesday morning. Sign up free here. Get My Weekly Book Reflection The Confident Homeschool Mom Collective If you want to work through homeschool communication challenges live — with a community of women who genuinely get this life — come join us in the Collective. This month, we’re exploring Nonviolent Communication together. Roundtable conversations, book club discussion, writer’s room, and actionable strategy sessions. Every Friday. Your first Friday is completely free. Join the Collective here. Book a Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session If homeschool communication with a specific child or your partner feels particularly stuck right now — I’d love to think through it with you. Book a free no-obligation Aligned Homeschool Reset Session and let’s look at what’s really happening and what might need to shift. Book your free session here. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session Keep Reading How to Use Non-Violent Communication in our Homeschools The Homeschool Communication Mistake Parents Make & How to Change It Counseling 101: a Homeschool Parent's Most Important Skill Conflict Resolution Toolbox How Listening to our Trauma Stories can Enable our Homeschool Families Homeschool Kids are the Audience to the Homeschool Marriage How to Address Your Big Emotions with Christine Dixon A Homeschool Mom Podcast to Transform Your Life Perspective-Shifting Homeschool Coaching Discussions Foster Strong Relationships in Your Homeschool Family Hold Onto Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld in Homeschool Mama Book Club How Marie Forleo Informs my Homeschool How Brene Brown's Inspiring Thoughts have Informed my Homeschool 8 Ways to Build Healthy Relationships in Your Homeschool Family The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms 13 Things Mentally Strong Don't Do: Amy Morin influences my homeschool Enneagram: A Self-Awareness Tool That Makes You a Better Educator, Mom & Partner 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won't Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child How Brene Brown's Atlas of the Heart Influences our Homeschools Latest episodes 13 Things Mentally Strong Homeschool Moms Don’t Do August 11, 2026 7 Questions Homeschool Moms Are Afraid to Ask Out Loud August 4, 2026 How to Improve Homeschool Communication with the Best NVC August 4, 2026 How to Stop Taking Your Child’s Behaviour Personally July 21, 2026 You’re Invited to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 July 14, 2026 Post-Partum Overwhelm in Your Homeschool: 12 Ways to Cope July 12, 2026 A 2023 High School Graduate’s Thoughts on her Homeschool Life July 11, 2026 What It’s Like? The Homeschool to High School Transition July 11, 2026 Navigate Homeschool High School (What You Need to Know) July 7, 2026 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development July 3, 2026 Declutter Your Homeschool Mama Mind: Overwhelm to On Purpose July 2, 2026 How to Handle Homeschool Criticism With Confidence June 29, 2026 How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School That Fits Your Teen June 23, 2026 The Real Cost Of Being The “Good Girl” Who Became The Good Mom June 16, 2026 What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 The Truth About Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm January 13, 2026 The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I've Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Subscribe to the Confident Homeschool Mom podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify Originally published July 6, 2022. Updated August 4, 2026. (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load');

If you’ve ever lain awake wondering what’s wrong with your homeschool, know this: you’re asking one of the same questions homeschool moms are asking every single week — you’re just doing it alone, at midnight, with a search bar instead of a friend. After two decades of homeschooling my own four kids, and six years coaching the women who do this work every single day, I can tell you this with complete confidence: the questions that keep homeschool moms up at night are almost always the same questions. Over and over. In every coaching conversation. In every Collective session. And in every message I receive at midnight from a mama trying to figure out what’s going wrong and why she can’t seem to fix it. So this summer on the Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast, I decided to address them directly. Seven episodes. Seven books. And seven questions that deserve more than a quick fix. Watch the video below — and then keep reading for the full breakdown. https://youtu.be/zkxm-irxoMQ What You’ll Learn in this Video: Why your child’s behaviour is almost never actually about you — and the personality framework that can explain it How the way you talk to your kids might be creating more friction than you realize — and what healthy homeschool communication actually sounds like The personal mental habits that are quietly making your whole life harder, whether you’re homeschooling or not Why your child needs to feel truly seen by you — and why that starts with feeling seen yourself What it actually means to let your child lead their own learning — and why that’s harder than it sounds Why so many homeschool moms feel like they’ve lost themselves — and how to find their way back Why you feel constantly in conflict with the way your life feels right now — and what radical acceptance actually means for your homeschool The 7 Questions Homeschool Moms Are Asking— And The Books That Answer Them: These aren’t random questions. They’re the same questions homeschool moms are asking — out loud and not out loud — every single week. 1. Why do I keep reacting the same way to my child — and is it actually about them or about me? The Road Back to You — Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile What looks like defiance is almost always a collision between two completely different core motivations. Yours and theirs. The Enneagram helps you understand both — and once you do, everything shifts. 2. Is the way I talk to my kids making things worse — and what does healthy homeschool communication actually sound like? Nonviolent Communication — Marshall Rosenberg Not just how you speak to your kids — but how you listen to them. How you hear what’s underneath the behaviour instead of just reacting to the behaviour itself. 3. What do mentally strong homeschool moms do differently — and how do I get there? 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do — Amy Morin This one isn’t just about homeschooling. These are the personal mental habits that are quietly making your whole life harder. And homeschool moms are particularly vulnerable to several of them — because we carry so much and ask for so little help. 4. Does my child feel truly seen by me — and do I even feel seen myself? Feeling Seen — Jodi Carrington Kids don’t need us to be perfect. They need to feel seen. But how can we help our children feel seen when we ourselves have never felt truly seen? This episode goes there. Still with me? Good — because these are exactly the questions homeschool moms are asking most, and getting through four of them without flinching means you’re already doing the hard, honest work. 5. What does it actually mean to let my child lead their own learning? The Gardener and the Carpenter — Alison Gopnik A carpenter shapes wood into a specific, predetermined form. A gardener creates the conditions for growth — and then trusts what emerges. Most of us were taught to be carpenters. This book helps you become a gardener. 6. Why do I feel like I’ve lost myself in homeschooling — and how do I find my way back? Stop Losing Yourself — Teresa Wiedrick This is the question underneath so many other questions. You started this journey with such intention. And somewhere along the way — between the lesson planning and the sibling conflict and the never-ending needs of everyone around you — you lost the thread back to yourself. This episode is drawn from my own coaching work with homeschool mamas, and there is a whole course built around it. 7. Why do I feel constantly in conflict with the way my life feels right now? Radical Acceptance — Tara Brach Radical acceptance isn’t about giving up or lowering your standards. It’s about stopping the war with reality long enough to actually see it clearly. And from that place of clarity — choosing what to do next. So if any of these are questions homeschool moms are asking themselves at 2 am, take it as a sign: you’re not behind, you’re not alone, and you’re not the only one wondering. Not Sure Which of These Questions Homeschool Moms Are Asking Is Yours? If none of these seven quite fit, and you’re still asking your own version of “what’s wrong with my homeschool,” that’s exactly what the free Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz is for.

Bible verse: 2 Cor. 12:9  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/ Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/ Contact us! info@homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

Is "Am I doing enough?" the first thing on your mind every homeschool morning? Nicole Anderson — homeschooling mom of three and self-described recovering perfectionist — says that's the wrong question. And changing it might be the most freeing thing you do for your family.Nicole joins the Simply Convivial podcast to share how she manages the overwhelming demands of homeschooling and homemaking without burning out — not by doing more, but by shifting her entire framework from perfectionism to faithfulness.In this conversation we cover:Why there really is too much to do — and why that's not the problem you think it isThe one question that replaces "Am I doing enough?" (it changes everything)Her simple planning system: running lists, a single-page monthly calendar, and a binder that keeps it all togetherWhy she stopped trying to do everything every dayHow her mission of discipleship reframes every homemaking and homeschooling decisionA broader definition of hospitality that takes the pressure off your homeWhether you're drowning in Christian homeschooling overwhelm or just need someone to tell you the laundry can wait — this episode is for you.Topics: homeschool planning, homeschool routines, Christian homeschooling, homeschool mom burnout, simplified homeschool, discipleship and homemaking

What if the best thing you could do for your homeschool is put the worksheet down?In this episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, Cheryl sits down with Kaitlin Zara, former public school teacher, homeschool mom of two boys, and host of the Homeschool Connections podcast, to talk about what she saw from the inside of a classroom that changed how she teaches her own kids now.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Kaitlin had to unlearn her formal teacher training to homeschool her own kidsHow hands-on experience — like dissecting squid — teaches more than a worksheet ever couldWhat changed in classrooms over the last decade, and why she didn't want that for her own kidsWhy she stopped turning every outing into a unit studyWhy letting your kids see the everyday chaos of family life is part of their educationHow the more you enjoy your own homeschool days, the more your kids enjoy learningWhether you're brand new to homeschooling or years into it, this conversation is a reminder to stop overplanning and let the learning happen naturally.Connect with Kaitlin:Instagram: KaitlinMZaraFacebook: KaitlinZaraYoutube (podcast)Ready to homeschool but wondering where to start?

If you’re struggling as you learn how to stop taking your child’s behaviour personally, girlfriend, I get you! That feeling — that your child is doing something to you — is an easy one to fall into. Not just being difficult, but somehow, specifically, deliberately difficult, aimed at you. You’ve had the thought before, even if you didn’t say it out loud: why does he do this to me? First of all, I want to admit, I have most definitely been there. But I want to offer you a different question to reframe that. Not because your frustration isn’t valid — it is — but because that first question keeps you stuck. It keeps you reacting instead of understanding. And once you swap it out, something in the whole relationship starts to shift. “Why Is He Doing This to Me?” vs. “This Is Just How He’s Wired” In a recent coaching conversation, one of the moms I work with was working through exactly this. Her son has a hard time sitting still, gets bored fast, and constantly needs something new to stay engaged — and she’d been reading that as defiance. As him pushing back against her, specifically, was on purpose. But that constant need for stimulation, that low tolerance for boredom, that instinct to keep moving toward the next interesting thing? That could also be reframed as a personality thing. That’s a recognizable Enneagram Type 7 pattern — a child whose core wiring orients toward possibility and away from anything that feels confining. He’s not doing it to her. He’s doing it because that’s how he’s built to move through the world. That distinction changes everything about how you respond. A defiant child needs a consequence. A Type 7 child who’s drowning in boredom needs variety, movement, and a shorter runway between tasks. Same behavior. Completely different parenting response — and you can only get to the right one once you stop making it about you. A Quick Note on ADHD A quick caveat: trouble sitting still, low tolerance for boredom, always chasing the next stimulating thing — that can also be part of an ADHD profile, not just an Enneagram 7 pattern. The two aren’t mutually exclusive, and this isn’t a substitute for an evaluation, and it’s a separate conversation from learning how to stop taking your child’s behaviour personally — both can be true at once. The Enneagram points to motivation; ADHD is something more neurological. A child can be both — and understanding one doesn’t rule out the other. If this is showing up across settings, not just during school time, it may be worth a conversation with your pediatrician, who can guide you toward an evaluation if needed. And if ADHD is already part of your homeschool reality, you might also like How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted). It’s Not Just About Kids This same shift showed up for two other moms in a Confident Homeschool Mom Collective conversation, both talking about their husbands. One had spent years frustrated that her husband seemed to avoid conflict at almost any cost — going quiet in arguments, smoothing things over instead of hashing them out, seeming to just… ignoring the conflict instead of addressing it. And she read that as him not caring enough to address the unmet needs under the conflicts. Once she understood he was a Type 9, whose deepest instinct is toward peace and away from friction, she wasn’t excusing the pattern — but she stopped taking it personally. It wasn’t about her. It was his wiring, doing what it’s always done. Enneagram coaches often see 9s and 8s pair up in marriage — and 8s aren’t afraid of conflict at all. So imagine how he was receiving her in those moments: not as someone smoothing things over peacefully, but as someone withholding, someone who wouldn’t engage. (If you want to see this dynamic from the other side, I loved this Enneagram 8 mom’s story of growth — it’s a great window into how an 8 experiences conflict, connection, and homeschooling.) Kids, partners — the pattern is the same. The behaviour that used to feel like a verdict on you turns out to be almost entirely unrelated to you. It’s wiring. And wiring isn’t personal. How to Stop Taking Your Child’s Behaviour Personally When You Think in Black and White If you’re someone who tends to see things in black and white — this behaviour is good, another behaviour is bad — this shift can feel disorienting at first. It’s not that boundaries stop mattering or that behaviour stops having consequences. That is certainly not my goal here. However, it IS that you stop assigning motive where there isn’t one. Your child avoiding boredom isn’t defiance — in fact, there’s a bounty to boredom when it’s handled well (I go deeper on that in how to deal with your kids’ homeschool boredom). Your partner avoiding conflict isn’t apathy. Once you can separate the behaviour from an imagined motive aimed at you, you’re free to respond to what’s actually happening instead of reacting to a story you’ve built around it. And if it’s you who’s the bored one some days — bored of the routine, bored of the sameness, bored in a way that feels a little taboo to admit as a homeschool mom — that’s real too, and worth naming (here’s a whole post on being the bored homeschool mom). What Changes When You Stop Taking It Personally You start responding instead of reacting. You start getting curious instead of assuming offense or hurt. Instead of why does he do this to me, you start asking: What does this behaviour tell me about how he’s wired? What does he actually need right now? Is this about me at all, or is this simply him? That question — is this about me, or is this just them — is one of the most useful tools I know for a homeschool mom learning how to stop taking her child’s behaviour personally. It doesn’t make the hard moments disappear. Your Type 7 son will still get bored mid-lesson. Your Type 9 husband will still go quiet when things get tense. But you’ll stop absorbing those moments as a referendum on you, and that alone changes how much of the day you carry home with you emotionally. Where to Begin You don’t need to become an Enneagram expert overnight to make this discussion valuable. Start small: the next time your child’s behaviour sends you into a spiral of why does he do this, pause and ask instead, is this wiring, or is this really about me? If you do that, you’ll find it’s the former — and that single shift in framing can be enough to bring you back to curiosity instead of hurt. Certainly, if you want to go further, understanding your child’s — and your partner’s — Enneagram type is one of the fastest ways to build this reframe into a daily habit rather than something you have to remember to do in the moment. If this resonated, I’d love to help you think through it. Book a free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session and let’s find out what’s really driving the dynamics in your home — and how to stop carrying what was never yours to carry. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session Two Ways to Join the Homeschool Mama Book Club 2026 The Homeschool Mama Book Club 2026 is the one thing I wish someone had offered me in my early homeschool years. 1. Join the Book Club Newsletter — free, every Wednesday Every Wednesday morning, a warm, thoughtful email lands in your inbox drawn from the books we’re exploring together. Reflections, journaling prompts, and practical takeaways — even if you haven’t read the book. Sign up for the free Book Club Newsletter here → 2. Join us live in the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective Every Friday at 10am Pacific, a group of homeschool mamas gathers to talk about the things that actually matter — roundtable conversations, book club discussions, Writer’s Room sessions, actionable strategy sessions, and real talk about what it actually feels like to do this every day. Your first Friday is completely free. Join the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective here → Come Talk Through How to Stop Taking Your Child’s Behaviour Personally With Us This is exactly the kind of conversation we have, every single week, in the Homeschool Mama Book Club. A place where you say the thing out loud — why does he do this to me — and a room full of women nod because they’ve thought it too. We read together, we talk it through in book club discussions, we bring our real questions to Writer’s Room sessions and strategy conversations, and in the middle of all that, you get tools to really support your homeschool mom life. The women who show up every Friday will tell you it feels like a reset — a space where they’re actually seen, understood, and encouraged, without competition or judgment. If you’ve been carrying how to stop taking your child’s behaviour personally all on your own, this is where you bring it instead. You’re Invited — Join the Book Club → Get My Weekly Book Reflection Want to Go Deeper? Understanding the Enneagram for Homeschoolers Enneagram For Homeschool Moms: A Self-Awareness Tool That Makes You a Better Educator, Mom & Partner Sibling Bickering in Homeschool Families: What's Normal & How to Handle It The Guilt Journal for Homeschool Moms You're Invited to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 How to Reimagine Your Homeschool Support: 7 Essential Lessons How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School That Fits Your Teen Tired of Homeschool Sibling Fights? Try These 3 Simple Strategies! Understanding the Enneagram for Homeschoolers Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom's Story of Growth 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won't Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child Child-Led Learning Benefits Your Kids (& You) Will Love How to Facilitate Child-Led Learning in Your Homeschool Latest episodes How to Stop Taking Your Child’s Behaviour Personally July 21, 2026 You’re Invited to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 July 14, 2026 Post-Partum Overwhelm in Your Homeschool: 12 Ways to Cope July 12, 2026 A 2023 High School Graduate’s Thoughts on her Homeschool Life July 11, 2026 What It’s Like? The Homeschool to High School Transition July 11, 2026 Navigate Homeschool High School (What You Need to Know) July 7, 2026 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development July 3, 2026 Declutter Your Homeschool Mama Mind: Overwhelm to On Purpose July 2, 2026 How to Handle Homeschool Criticism With Confidence June 29, 2026 How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School That Fits Your Teen June 23, 2026 The Real Cost Of Being The “Good Girl” Who Became The Good Mom June 16, 2026 What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 The Truth About Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm January 13, 2026 The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I've Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Subscribe to the Confident Homeschool Mom podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify Call to Adventure by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3470-call-to-adventureLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load');

It's Friday, July 17th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Scottish man arrested for hate speech about pro-life politician's murder A 50-year-old man, pretending to be a woman, who works at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, publicly celebrated the murder of former British Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Herbert, an Aberdeen web developer, who prefers to be called “Heather,” wrote, “Some good news for once. I hope it was an extremely painful death” and “I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.” Widdecombe, a pro-life advocate, served in the Parliament from 1987 to 2010. She endeared herself to Britons with her surprisingly popular appearances on the television shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.  Herbert has now been charged for his bizarre hate speech as the investigation into her murder continues. Some have raised speculation that the arrest might be due less to Herbert's hate speech and more to do with what, if any, inside knowledge he might have about her murder. Widdecombe is the second murder of a high-profile pro-life politician in England this decade. Sir David Amess, who was a Member of Parliament for 38 years and Widdecombe's friend, was murdered at a local event in 2021 by Islamist Ali Harbi Ali. Arizona Senator admits to two extra-marital affairs U.S. Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, a married man and a potential 2028 presidential candidate, engaged in sexual relationships with at least two House staffers, reports the New York Post. The 46-year-old lawmaker admitted to the two extramarital affairs. In Exodus 20:14, God gave Moses the seventh of the Ten Commandments: “You shall not commit adultery.” Man, who spewed racial epithet, charged black NBC Today co-host Andrew Truelove allegedly stormed NBC's "Today" show at 9:00am Eastern on July 16th, lunged at anchor Craig Melvin, a black man, and called him the N-word, reports NBC News. He is now facing a slew of hate crime charges. Truelove, who is white and was unarmed, had entered a stairwell and made his way backstage near the dressing room. The staff and security rushed in -- and the intruder was ultimately detained and arrested. The incident was not captured during the broadcast. Nobody was hurt. Roughly 15 minutes afterwards, both Craig Melvin and Al Roker were on air. Neither hinted at the drama. AG nominee open to roll back Biden's mail-order Abortion Kill Pill During his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on July 15th, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced a range of questions from Republicans regarding the Abortion Kill Pill mifepristone, reports The Washington Stand. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri asked about the Trump administration's perspective. HAWLEY: “Joe Biden took away President Trump's safety restrictions on this chemical abortion drug. He instituted a mail order abortion policy. So, my state went to court to try to defend our state's laws. A number of other states, Republican states, did this. And of course, in the meantime, the president changed, thank goodness. And now we have President Trump. “But that means that that now we have the state of Missouri, a Republican state, along with a number of other conservative Republican states, are in court against a Republican administration, fighting over Joe Biden's abortion policy.” BLANCHE: “I share your concerns, as does this entire administration. We have the most pro-life president in history, and you are one of the most pro-life senators in this body. “We are not defending what Biden did, and will not. The FDA has a process that takes a year. They've committed to do it in significantly less time than a year. President Trump's administration, in its entirety, will protect the life of the unborn.” HAWLEY: “Presumably, you have no issue with President Trump's earlier rule, which had common sense safety restrictions. You had to see a doctor, get a prescription. There had to be a follow-up visit to see if there was any hemorrhaging. Those were in place before Biden gutted them. “Presumably, there's no issue with any of those.” BLANCHE: “I anticipate the Department [of Justice] would defend those rules.” HAWLEY: “Why not, while the FDA is doing its review, why not put President Trump's rules in place? They're good rules. Why not do that rather than leave in place these rules?” BLANCHE: “We want to get to a good result, consistent with President Trump's administrative directive and priorities. And we very much believe that the Biden rules were wrong.” Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” Senator Cruz: Comstock Act should prohibit Abortion Pill by mail And Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas also addressed the Abortion Kill Pill with Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche. CRUZ: “The Comstock Act provides that every article or thing designed or adapted or intended for producing abortion is declared to be non-mailable. I have to admit that statutory text to me looks quite straightforward. It is not subtle. It is not difficult. It is straightforward. “As you know, during the Biden administration, the Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion concluding that those provisions generally do not prohibit mailing abortion drugs unless the sender intends them to be used unlawfully. Is that right?” BLANCHE: “Yes, that's correct.” CRUZ: “Now, [the] Office of Legal Counsel's opinions may be reconsidered when the Attorney General concludes they are inconsistent with the law. Is that right?” BLANCHE: “That is right.” CRUZ: “Will you commit to carefully reviewing that opinion to ensure that it faithfully reflects the actual statutory text that Congress enacted?” BLANCHE: “Yes.” CRUZ: “Will you commit that the Department [of Justice] will carefully evaluate every lawful action available to ensure the faithful enforcement of the Comstock Act and other federal pro-life acts?” BLANCHE: “Yes.” CRUZ: “I want to point out the real consequences of the Biden administration's lawless authorization of mail-order abortions. According to FDA reporting, the abortion pill has taken more than 3.7 million unborn lives, caused 24 maternal deaths -- moms are being killed -- and resulted in at least 4,195 adverse maternal reactions, including hemorrhage, excruciating abdominal pain, and severe, life-threatening infections. “The position of the Democrats now seems to be that women and teenage girls should be able to get mail-order abortions without a doctor being involved at all. And I will tell you, the death toll from that is horrific, and it needs to stop.” Once Blanche is voted out of the Judiciary Committee, he will need 51 votes of the 100 senators to be confirmed as President Trump's next U.S. Attorney General. Focus on the Family president Jim Daly to step down Nearly two decades after taking the helm of Focus on the Family following the departure of its founder, Jim Daly is preparing to hand the ministry to a new generation, reports The Christian Post. The president of one of America's most influential Evangelical groups announced this week that Focus has officially launched a nationwide search for its next leader, marking the beginning of what is expected to be an 18-month succession process ahead of the ministry's 50th anniversary in 2027. Unlike many recent leadership transitions in prominent Christian groups, this one is not being driven by scandal or internal upheaval. Rather, Focus on the Family is intentionally choosing to transition while it's healthy. Jim Daly said, "My core belief was it's good to get new faces, new energy, younger leadership in to speak to the 30-, 40-somethings about what they're facing with marriage and parenting. I'm going to be turning 65. It's time to start looking for the next-gen leadership. That's really the goal, and to do it well is the other goal." The search, being conducted with executive search firm FaithSearch Partners, will culminate in a vote by Focus' board of directors. Founded in 1977 by Christian psychologist and author Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family grew from a fledgling radio ministry into one of the most recognizable voices in American evangelicalism. Through its daily radio broadcasts, magazines, books, counseling services, and public policy advocacy, the Colorado Springs-based nonprofit became a defining force in conversations about marriage, parenting, religious liberty, and the sanctity of life. Today, the ministry reaches millions through radio, podcasts and digital media, employing roughly 750 people and overseeing an annual budget of $150 million. Worldview listeners weigh in from Texas and Alaska Liz Walker in Lubbock, Texas, wrote me and said, “I learned about your newscast from a Homeschool Mom blog. I love listening to it every weekday morning. I definitely get news that I would not get otherwise, including updates of the persecuted church and calls to action.  As a homeschool mom, I often want to do things, but feel like I am powerless.” And Thomas Williams in Wasilla, Alaska, wrote, “I just wanted to drop you a little note and say how much we value what you and your team are doing at The Worldview. My wife and I are raising eight kids -- six boys and two girls. We homeschool and use many items from Generations in our daily life. I pray that God continues to bless the work that you have begun.” 8 Worldview listeners gave $3,220 And finally, on Thursday night by 9:30pm Central, 8 Worldview listeners stepped up to the plate and invested their treasure to fund the six-member team behind The Worldview for another year. Our thanks to Karen in Hillsborough, North Carolina who gave $20 and Cathy in Fate, Texas who gave $50. We were touched by the generosity of Denise in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania who gave $200, Lin in Katy, Texas who gave $300, and Audrey in Otisville, New York who pledged $25/month for 12 months for a gift of $300. And we're grateful to God for Kristin and Josh in Ball Ground, Georgia who pledged $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600, Jeremy and Meggan in Register, Georgia who gave $750, and Heather in Eagle, Idaho who gave $1,000. Those 8 gifts add up to $3,220. Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please. (drum roll sound effect) $29,840 (sound effect of people cheering) That means we need to raise a whopping $26,725 to hit our $56,565 goal by tonight, Friday, July 17th, at 12 midnight! We need to find 8 Worldview listeners who will pledge $100/month for 12 months or give a one-time gift of $1,200, 14 folks who will pledge $50/month or give a one-time gift of $600, and 28 listeners who will pledge $25/month or give a one-time gift of $300. Please, go to TheWorldview.com, click on Give, select the dollar amount, and make sure to click on the “recurring” button if that's your wish.  Remember, if you want to continue your monthly pledge to The Worldview that you started in a previous year, please let me know so we can count your generous ongoing gift toward our total With God, all things are possible.  Ask Him what He would have you give toward funding this critical newscast for another year. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, July 17th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Homeschool mom burnout is real—and it doesn't mean you're failing or that God is calling you to quit. In this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with former classroom teacher, veteran homeschool mom, and educational consultant Jenna Lynn Myers, author of Homeschooling with Purpose: Candid Encouragement for Homeschool Parents. Jenna has supported thousands of homeschool families and is passionate about helping worn-out moms avoid burnout by recognizing early warning signs and building life-giving rhythms at home.You'll hear how to spot homeschool burnout before you throw in the towel: loss of joy in your day, constant frustration, procrastinating with your phone instead of starting lessons, snapping at your kids, and feeling like everything is falling apart. Jenna shares practical ways to revisit your “why,” create white space on your calendar, and set stronger boundaries around your time so you can protect your nervous system and your children's.We talk about:·       Early signs of homeschool mom burnout and what to do when you wake up three days in a row dreading school.·       How to revisit and rewrite your homeschool “why” so it actually motivates you in this season.·       Slow-rolling your year, setting realistic expectations, and choosing progress over perfection in your planning.·       Creating consistent home rhythms and boundaries that support your mental health and your kids' regulation.·       Homeschooling kids with ADHD, special needs, or mental health challenges without sacrificing academics or your own well-being.If you're an overwhelmed homeschool mom—exhausted, snappy, ready to quit—this conversation will give you hope and simple, actionable tools to avoid burnout and find joy again in your calling.Did this conversation resonate with you? Subscribe for more conversations on homeschooling, child development, and family mental health, then share this with a friend who needs encouragement and leave a review so more parents can find us.ABOUT US:The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMomsSubscribe to our free monthly newsletterVisit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

Welcome to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 — a year of reading chosen entirely for you. Can I ask you a question? Who is nurturing you? It’s a question most homeschool moms never get asked. We pour everything into our children — our time, our creativity, our patience, our presence — and somewhere in all that nurturing, we forget that we are humans with needs too. Who Is Nurturing You? I’ve been there. I spent years showing up for everyone else and calling what was left of me enough. Occasional Wednesday nights at Starbucks with a latte and a journal were the thing that kept me going. I thought that was enough. It wasn’t. It’s cliche, but it’s true: I was surviving, not thriving. I craved time to read and write and learn for myself — not just enabling it for the kids. And when I began reading for me, I realized I could answer some of the challenges I was noticing in my homeschool family. After nearly two decades homeschooling and six years coaching women who home educate, I’ve learned that books, and their authors, can be incredible resources for us as home educators. I’ve also learned, from my own life, and the lives of other homeschool moms, we consistently DON’T put ourselves on our to-do lists. We leave our needs, our interests, our rabbit trails last on our lists. Our social lives can be abysmal (funny that onlookers are concerned that our kids aren’t socialized, when mom is driving them hither and yon, waiting in the parking lot while they meet new friends and do cool things). That’s why the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 exists. And that’s why I want to invite you into the 2026 lineup — twelve books, one per month, chosen entirely for the woman doing this work every single day. A Gift for the Mama Who Keeps Coming Last If you’ve been putting yourself last in your homeschool, I made something for you. It’s called the Permission Slip — 14 daily anchor practices for the homeschool mama who keeps coming last. It’s free and it’s yours. Grab it here: Yes, I Give Myself Permission You Are the Most Important Curriculum in Your Homeschool Before we get to the books, I want to say something I come back to again and again in my coaching work with homeschool moms: You are the most important curriculum in your homeschool. Not the books you choose for your kids. Not the actual curriculum you pull out each morning. And not the co-op or the field trips or the Charlotte Mason inspired nature study either. You. The way you show up. The way you regulate. Even the curiosity you model. The grace you extend — to your kids and to yourself. That is what your children are absorbing every single day. So investing in yourself isn’t something you do when you finally have time. It’s the most important work you can do for your homeschool. And a good book — and a community of women to think about it with — is one of the most accessible ways to begin. How the Homeschool Mama Book Club 2026 Works One book a month. Twelve months. Four quarterly themes that build on each other — so the reading isn’t just a list but a year-long conversation with yourself. When you’re listening to yourself, able to hear two thoughts in a row (because you know that is hard to do with kids afoot), and willing to unpack the challenges in your homeschool mom life, you’ll move toward enjoying the charms of your homeschool family life. And here’s the part I want you to hear clearly: you don’t have to read the book to show up. I know, crazy, right? A book club where you don’t HAVE to read. Of course, you’ll be more deeply benefited if you do. But I know I wouldn’t have been able to read a book a month in my busiest homeschool years and I’m certainly not expecting it of anyone else. Come for the conversation, come for the community, and come because for one Friday morning a month someone is asking what you think and what you need. Every month in the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective we gather for four Friday sessions built around each book: Roundtable Chat — the big question the book is really asking Book Club Discussion — diving into the ideas together Writer’s Room — putting pen to paper on what surfaced for you Actionable Strategies — taking what you learned and building it into your real homeschool life https://youtu.be/WX9ALm-uODU?si=j3xVN-WWRQWkyJWm The 2026–2027 Homeschool Mama Book Club Lineup ☀️ Summer — Your Inner Life June, July, August We start by turning inward. Before we can talk about education philosophy or creative practice we need to know ourselves a little better first. June — Atlas of the Heart by Brené BrownDo you actually know what you’re feeling — or are you just reacting to it? Brown maps 87 emotions and gives you the vocabulary to finally understand what’s happening inside you — and why it matters for every relationship in your home. July — The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne StabileWhy do you parent and teach the way you do? This warm, witty introduction to the Enneagram helps you understand your core motivations, your stress responses, and the invisible rules you’ve been living by without even knowing it. And when you join the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective (where the Homeschool Mama Book Club lives, you’ll have access to a workshop on how the Enneagram works in your homeschool family.) August — The Life That’s Waiting by Brianna WiestWhat would your life look like if you stopped forcing it and started living it? Wiest’s newest collection of essays is for the mom who has been pushing herself toward a life that doesn’t quite fit — and is finally ready to choose differently.

Transitioning from homeschooling the early years to high school is a significant shift—for both you and your teen. It's not just about choosing the right curriculum or making sure they meet graduation requirements. It’s about fostering independence, supporting their personal growth, and adjusting to your evolving role as a homeschool mom as you navigate homeschool high school. If you're wondering how to confidently guide your homeschooler through these years, know that this is a typical concern at this transition season. Let's explore what this transition really looks like and how you can set your teen (and yourself) up for a satisfying experience. https://youtu.be/j7MClbBT3Sw?si=X-6czZiT2yXcryp_ How to Succeed at Navigating Homeschool High School with Confidence “Am I Covering Enough?” The Silent Worry of Every Homeschool Mom A homeschool mom recently shared with me: “Oh man, I am in that zone of figuring out how to finish the year in a fun, explorative way while also battling those ‘Am I covering enough?' thoughts. I know we're really okay, but I think it gets stressful as I'm listening to other families beginning to worry about high school and college. I don't want my kids' education to be reduced to a test score, but I do wonder if it would be easier than compiling a portfolio for each child.” Does this sound familiar? If you're navigating the transition from “learning through play” to “we should probably get serious about high school credits,” you are not alone. This shift is natural. But it doesn't mean you have to homeschool from a place of fear. Let’s talk about what really matters in these years—and how you can navigate homeschool high school with confidence. The Emotional Side of Navigating Homeschool High School One of the biggest challenges of homeschooling the high school years isn't just academics—it's navigating the emotional transition. One day, you're tucking them into bed with bedtime stories. The next, they're staying up later than you. One day, you'll be solving sibling conflicts. The next, they're telling you, “Mom, I got this.” Your role is shifting from hands-on teacher to supportive guide. And that shift isn't always smooth. It's okay to feel moments of panic. It's okay to wonder if you've done enough. And it's okay to grieve the little years while also embracing this new chapter. What’s most important is that your teen feels empowered and supported as you both navigate homeschool high school together. You’ve Already Succeeded — Navigating Homeschool High School Is the Next Step High school doesn’t have to be scary. Remember when you first began homeschooling and everything felt overwhelming? You conquered that challenge, and now you can master this high school transition too. A Guide Built for the Mom, Not Just the Curriculum My guide “Mindsets for Homeschool Mamas: Navigate Homeschool High School with Confidence” is designed specifically for YOU – not your homeschool teen – because your mindset and well-being are the foundation of a successful homeschool high school experience. This isn’t another homeschool high school curriculum guide. This is about your journey as you guide your teen through these transformative years. High school homeschooling brings new responsibilities, but it also offers incredible opportunities to: Customize learning to your teen’s unique passions and future goals Strengthen your relationship during these pivotal years of development Create a high school experience that aligns with your family’s values Prepare your teen for independence while maintaining meaningful connection What’s Included in “Mindsets for Homeschool Mamas” 1: Setting Your Homeschool High School Foundation Clarify your academic, personal growth, and family goals Guided journal prompts to address your concerns Define what success truly means for YOUR family during high school 2: Communication Strategies for the Teen Years Navigate changing dynamics as your teen grows more independent Discussion frameworks for collaborating on curriculum choices Ways to support your teen’s emotional well-being during this transition 3: Self-Care for the Homeschool Mom Practical wellness strategies that fit into your busy schedule Permission to prioritize your growth alongside your teen’s Tools to maintain joy and purpose throughout the high school journey Why This Guide Is Different Most high school homeschool resources focus on academic requirements, transcripts, and college preparation. While those are obviously important, they miss the most crucial element: YOU. Your mindset, well-being, and confidence directly impact your homeschool atmosphere. This guide addresses the human side of homeschooling high school – your thoughts, emotions, and growth as a mother during this season as you navigate homeschool high school. What Other Homeschool Moms Are Saying “Teresa is the real deal! An experienced homeschool Mom who’s been there and can help others get out of overwhelm. Her ability to hold space for silence and difficult feelings makes her “no small talk” approach so effective. I trust her. Her retreat, resources and ask me anything meetings have served me tremendously. I’m so glad she’s in my corner!” –Homeschool Mom of 2 Get Your Guide Here → Mindset Shifts for Homeschool Moms: Thriving Through the High School Years Confidently Homeschool Through the High School Years $12.99 $10.99 Shop now Get your Guide Here! Mindset Shifts for Homeschool Moms: Thriving Through the High School Years Confidently Homeschool Through the High School Years $12.99 Original price was: $12.99.$10.99Current price is: $10.99. Shop now Building a High School Plan While Navigating Homeschool High School Once your mindset feels steadier, the next layer is practical: building an actual plan. This is where you’ll face a new set of questions: Should we follow a traditional four-year plan? What if my teen wants to go to college? How do I balance structured learning with their individual interests? What about transcripts and credits? Instead of feeling overwhelmed, approach high school as a personalized journey. Here’s how: Four Ways to Build a Plan That Fits Your Teen ✔ Start with the Big Picture — Think about where your teen might be headed in four years. Are they considering college? A trade? Entrepreneurship? Plan backward from their goals while leaving room for flexibility. ✔ Lean Into Their Strengths & Interests — High school is an opportunity for teens to explore their passions. Whether it’s literature, science, the arts, or hands-on learning, tailor their education to keep them engaged. ✔ Consider Alternative Learning Paths — High school doesn’t have to look like a traditional classroom. Dual enrollment, apprenticeships, online courses, and independent study can all be valuable options. ✔ Encourage Ownership of Their Learning — The high school years should prepare your teen for adulthood. Give them increasing responsibility for managing their schedule, completing assignments, and setting personal goals. If this feels overwhelming, take a deep breath. You don’t have to figure it all out overnight. A flexible, personalized approach is key to making these years work for your family while navigating homeschool high school. If you want the authoritative guide to homeschooling high school, check out the Homeschool High School podcast and all the offerings at 7 Sisters Homeschool. https://youtu.be/ZQqrU5icsS8?si=gJ34S-zsZn-0Nq3Z Living Your Life on Purpose — For You, Too Building your teen’s plan is half the picture. The other half is a question a lot of homeschool moms don’t expect to face while navigating homeschool high school: what about your plan? Just as your teen is stepping into a new stage, so are you. Homeschooling through high school often brings up deeper questions: What’s next for me? How do I redefine my role beyond “homeschool mom”? Am I ready for this next phase of my own life? This is why I created the Living Your Life on Purpose Checklist. It’s designed to help homeschool moms reflect on their own journey and step into the next season with confidence. As we guide our kids toward independence, we have to honour our own growth too. Get Your Free Checklist Now → Does Homeschooling Feel Like It’s Pulling You in Too Many Directions? If that question about your own next chapter stirred something, you’re not alone there either. You likely started homeschooling with a deep desire to create a meaningful, connected learning experience for you and your kids. But somewhere along the way, the overwhelm, the exhaustion, and the never-ending to-do lists made you wonder: Am I really doing enough? How do I stay intentional when I’m just trying to keep up? What happens when my role as a homeschool mom changes — how do I find purpose then? I’ve been there. Every homeschool mom faces seasons of doubt, burnout, and transition while navigating homeschool high school. But the good news is you can realign with your purpose and homeschool in a way that truly works for your family. Get Your Free Checklist Now → Get Your Free Checklist Now! You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone Feeling uncertain while navigating homeschool high school is completely normal. But you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’d love to invite you to a one-on-one coaching conversation where we can: ✅ Clarify your biggest challenges around homeschooling the high school years ✅ Create an action plan for your next steps ✅ Help you move forward with confidence If you need guidance, encouragement, or just someone to say “You’re doing better than you think,” I’m here. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session I help homeschool moms trust themselves, edit expectations, and make intentional choices that create a more confident, connected, and present homeschool life. Book your Reset Session with Teresa You Have Support if You Want It High school homeschooling isn’t just about academic requirements, transcripts, and college preparation — it’s about creating a meaningful journey for both you and your teen. With the right mindset and self-care practices, you can keep navigating homeschool high school with confidence. Ready to transform your approach? The guide includes printable journal pages, guided reflection exercises, and actionable strategies you can implement immediately. You’re also invited to join our private community of homeschool moms navigating their homeschool years together. You’ve got this, mama. And whenever you need a reminder, I’m just a conversation away. Book a No-Obligation Conversation with Teresa → — Renee, Homeschool Mama of 4, on coaching with Teresa Wiedrick Book a no-obligation conversation with Teresa You're Not Starting Over. You're Starting Fresh. If homeschool high school feels like unfamiliar territory — even after years of homeschooling — that makes complete sense. But here's what I want you to remember: you are not starting over. You are starting fresh. Everything you have learned about your child — how they think, how they learn, what lights them up and what shuts them down — you bring all of that into these high school years with you. That knowledge doesn't disappear. It deepens. The spiral you might be feeling right now isn't a sign that you're behind. It's just your brain catching up to what your gut already knows — this child is worth figuring out. And you are exactly the right person to do it. You've already proven that. You just have to trust it. And if you need someone in your corner while you do — I'm here. Book a free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session and let's think through it together. Related Reading Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University homeschool high school Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About Own Your Learning, Own Your Life with Stephanie Sewell How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School (That Actually Fits Your Teen) Homeschool Teens Perspective: How to Homeschool High School a Letter to My Homeschool High School Daughter How to unschool high school. Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms Awakened Homeschool Family: Living with Purpose, Learning from Heart Mindset Shifts for Homeschool Moms: Thriving Through the High School Years What It's Like: Homeschool to High School Transition What are the benefits of a homeschool high school? Fun with your Homeschool High Schoolers Teaching Literary Devices via Pop Culture how I transitioned from homeschool to public high school the surprising transition from school to homeschool 5 Ways to Parent Homeschool Teenagers to Keep You Sane Latest episodes You’re Invited to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 July 14, 2026 Post-Partum Overwhelm in Your Homeschool: 12 Ways to Cope July 12, 2026 A 2023 High School Graduate’s Thoughts on her Homeschool Life July 11, 2026 What It’s Like? The Homeschool to High School Transition July 11, 2026 Navigate Homeschool High School (What You Need to Know) July 7, 2026 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development July 3, 2026 Declutter Your Homeschool Mama Mind: Overwhelm to On Purpose July 2, 2026 How to Handle Homeschool Criticism With Confidence June 29, 2026 How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School That Fits Your Teen June 23, 2026 The Real Cost Of Being The “Good Girl” Who Became The Good Mom June 16, 2026 What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 The Truth About Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm January 13, 2026 The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I've Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Subscribe to the Confident Homeschool Mom podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify This post was originally published on April 3, 2025, and has been updated on July 6, 2026. Call to Adventure by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3470-call-to-adventureLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load');

What happens when you've built everything you thought you wanted... and realize it's no longer the life you want?In this episode, I sit down with Ceci Washington, entrepreneur, business mentor, and homeschooling mom, to talk about the decision to walk away from a thriving business, leave behind financial security, and choose a completely different path for her family.We discuss the fears that stop parents from homeschooling, why so many families feel pulled toward a different way of raising their children, the grief that can come with leaving your old life behind, and why grief doesn't always mean you've made the wrong decision.We also talk about socialization, technology, homeschooling regulations, balancing work and family, and what it really looks like to build a life around your children instead of fitting them into your schedule.If you've ever wondered whether homeschooling could work for your family—or whether it's possible to redesign your life around what matters most—this conversation is for you.Cheryl on Ceci's podcast- YouTubeRadically Real Podcastwww.instagram.com/itsceciwashingtonwww.instagram.com/getradicallyrealhttps://stan.store/CecileJWashResources from Cheryl:

Y'all, this one is going to light a fire under you.Brittney Roberts spent over a decade as a jack-of-all-trades freelancer, strictly hourly, wearing every hat, and after childcare she was making almost nothing. One year she looked at her taxes and saw $18,000. That was the wake-up call.In this student spotlight, Brittney shares the exact pivot that took her from $18K a year to over six figures as a freelance ad manager, all while moving across the country, homeschooling three energetic boys, and living in temporary housing. This is proof of what's possible when you stop doing everything for everyone and go all in on the right thing.In this episode, you'll learn:Why being a jack of all trades is quietly keeping you stuck at low incomeThe exact moment Brittney decided to go all in on Meta ads (and why she waited too long to fully pivot)How to reach back out to past clients when you change your servicesThe strategist trifecta: three package types that grow your revenue without more retainer clientsHow Brittney structures her VIP days into two simple sessionsThe two-or-three-needle-movers daily habit that protects her timeWhy working nights and weekends is not the problem (and when it actually is)The Voxer stat that shocked Brandi: members who vox weekly all doubled their business or moreMentioned in this episode:Strategist Society: https://thestrategistsociety.comConversions for Clients (for early-stage freelancers): https://conversionsforclients.comDM Brandi the word SCALE on Instagram: https://instagram.com/brandimowlesBook mentioned: "Trust Me, I'm Lying" by Ryan HolidayReady to scale past $10K months?If you're ready to be in the room with women like Brittney, with real community and one-on-one Voxer support behind you, head to thestrategistsociety.com and apply. We'll jump on a call and see if it's a fit.Loved this episode?Share it with one friend who needs to hear it, and tag @brandimowles so I can see it.Now go do the dang thing.Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/serve-scale-soar/id1477998650Follow Brandi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandimowlesFollow Brandi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brandiandcompany

Learning how to handle criticism about homeschooling is one of the quietest struggles home educating moms carry. If you’ve ever walked away from a family dinner, a grocery store run, or a casual conversation wondering how to handle criticism about homeschooling without losing your peace — this one is for you. It’s not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s a raised eyebrow. A loaded question at Christmas. A relative who quizzes your kids on times tables with a little too much enthusiasm. And it’s exhausting. I remember standing in the produce section of the grocery store when an older man walked by and said, just like that, “Get your kids into school.” I had never seen him before in my life. Never recognized him. And yet he assumed he knew exactly what my kids needed. And then there was the relative at the barbecue table — someone I genuinely wanted in my corner — who looked around at all of us and said casually, “So you’re not putting the kids into homeschool high school though, right?” Not a direct criticism. But I heard it. I felt it. Maybe you have your own version of those moments. Maybe yours happened at Thanksgiving, or in a parking lot, or in a text from your mother-in-law. The details are different but the feeling is the same — that quiet sting of having a choice you love questioned by someone whose opinion lands. Get your free 7-Day Confident Homeschool Mom Roadmap Your step-by-step guide to homeschooling with clarity and confidence — even when the people around you don’t get it. Get your free 7-Day Confident Homeschool Mom Roadmap As a television actress, Lucille Ball had a lot of practice responding to other people’s opinions, and she learned, ‘not everyone likes me, but not everyone matters‘. Why Homeschool Criticism Feels So Hard to Handle Here’s the belief that makes criticism about homeschooling so draining: we think that if we just find the right words, explain things clearly enough, or present enough evidence, the people who matter to us will eventually come around. But they might not. And building your confidence on that hope is an unstable foundation. One of the most repeated voices that pulls us off course is the collective noise of what others might think. As Lucille Ball once put it, ‘not everyone likes me, but not everyone matters.’ I’d love to believe everyone should naturally understand and support each other’s choices. (You probably know I’m an idealist — you’re reading a site called Capturing the Charmed Life.) But the truth is, not everyone will get it. And learning to make peace with that is one of the most freeing things you can do as a homeschool mom. Knowing how to handle criticism about homeschooling starts with releasing the belief that you can bring everyone along with you. Watch: How to Handle Homeschool Criticism Without Letting Other People’s Opinions Run Your Life I unpacked this whole topic on video — because sometimes it helps to hear it out loud. If you’re in the thick of navigating homeschool criticism right now, press play. https://youtu.be/5387lYcjipA What to Say When Someone Criticizes Your Homeschool Choice You don’t owe anyone a dissertation. When a family member, a stranger in the produce aisle, or a well-meaning friend questions your decision, consider this first: they may simply be curious. They may be afraid for your kids because they love them and don’t yet understand what you’re doing. They may never have encountered an alternative to conventional school. Group think influences generations. A calm, kind, honest response is enough. Try something like: “Here’s what I’ve learned about this choice and what I want you to know.” Answer their questions directly, stay grounded, and then you get to go home. That’s it. You don’t need to win the conversation. And for the family member who insists on quizzing your kids? Kindly redirect their questions to you. Or if your child absolutely nails it — let them have the moment. Then casually mention it at every family dinner for the next four to five years. You’ve earned it. And yes, sometimes the ‘but what about…’ comes from another homeschooler doing things differently. That one can sting in its own particular way. How to Handle Homeschool Criticism With Integrity Instead of Defense Here’s what I really want you to hear. The goal isn’t to get everyone on board. The goal is to live in integrity and alignment — to make choices based on what you genuinely believe is right for your family, not based on what you’re afraid others will think. When you live outward — constantly asking what will they think? instead of what do I actually believe? — you absorb the cost of that. You feel frustrated, defensive, and like you’re not living the intentional life you set out to build. But when you get clear on your own convictions, something shifts. You stop writing the three-point persuasive essay in your head every time someone comments. You stop needing to make them wrong so you can feel right. And you become genuinely more curious about other perspectives because you’re no longer threatened by them. Confidence isn’t reactive and defensive. Confidence is living your life and minding your own business. And that is exactly how to handle criticism about homeschooling in a way that actually protects your peace long term. If you’re ready to go beyond reading and actually work through what’s holding you back, the Build Boundaries in Your Homeschool Journaling Workbook is your next step. It pairs beautifully with everything we’ve covered here — and at under $7, it’s the most affordable way to do the deeper work. Build Boundaries in Your Homeschool (& Life) Journaling Workbook Build Boundaries in Your Homeschool (& Life) Journaling Workbook $9.99 Original price was: $9.99.$6.99Current price is: $6.99. Shop now When Homeschool Criticism Comes From Someone You Love Sometimes the hardest part of handling homeschool criticism is that it comes from someone whose opinion genuinely matters to you — a family member you really wanted in your corner, who just doesn’t get it. That grief is real. I’ve lived it. There was someone I kept hoping would come around, and that door stayed closed. It hurt. Sometimes the person who isn’t on board is even closer than a relative. If your spouse or co-parent has doubts, that’s its own tender conversation — and it deserves its own honest attention. You’re allowed to grieve the connection you hoped for. And at the same time, spending your energy trying to convince someone who isn’t listening is costing you something. Accepting the reality of a relationship as it is isn’t giving up — it’s clarity. Brené Brown, author of Daring Greatly, The Gifts of Imperfection, and Rising Strong, puts it this way: the most boundaried person is the most compassionate person. Before you invest energy trying to be understood by someone, ask yourself honestly — does this person have the capacity to hold a differing opinion without steamrolling yours? How have they already shown up for you? If they’re not really listening, you already have your answer. 7 ways Brené Brown rescued me from one of those homeschool days How Brené Brown Can Teach Homeschoolers to Be Confident How Brené Brown’s Inspiring Thoughts Have Informed My Homeschool Handling Homeschool Criticism Starts With This One Mindset Shift Learning how to handle criticism about homeschooling is ultimately less about what you say to others and more about what you believe about yourself. Henry David Thoreau wrote: if a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears. Friend, you are stepping to your own music. That is not a problem to be fixed. That is the entire point of this homeschool journey. The more you practice living from integrity and alignment, the less you’ll be preoccupied with other people’s opinions. You’ll become clearer in your convictions, more curious about different perspectives, and far less threatened by them. It really is a practice. And I promise you — you will get there. If This Resonated, You Might Also Love Where do I find your book, Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer? How to Handle Homeschool Overwhelm how to connect with your homeschool kids: meaningful conversations How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) Raising Critical Thinkers: A Parent's Guide to Raising Wise Kids with Julie Bogart When Homeschooling is Hard: Six Perspective-Shifting Approaches How to Recognize Negative Self-Talk as a Homeschool Mom (& What to Do About It) Sibling Bickering in Homeschool Families: What's Normal & How to Handle It Burnout to Balance: How Boundaries Changed My Homeschool Life 14 Ways to Manage Impatience in Your Homeschool Self-Compassion for Homeschool Mamas Course to Nurture You learn not to care what other people think about your homeschool choice how to positively influence my homeschool mama thoughts so I can enjoy my homeschool How to Plan for Your Upcoming Homeschool When You're Not Sure You Want to Continue What are the Benefits of a Homeschool High School? Do you offer one-on-one homeschool (& life) coaching? Responding to homeschool criticism from a place of clarity rather than defense — that’s the shift that changes everything. If you’re done letting other people’s criticism rent space in your head, I made something just for you. The free 7-Day Confident Homeschool Mom Roadmap walks you through practical, encouraging steps to build the mindset and boundaries you need to home educate with clarity and joy — even when the people around you don’t understand your choice. And if you’re well past your first year and beyond frustrated with this storyline in your life, there’s a next step for you too. Book a free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session and we’ll get you out of the spin cycle and back to the most intentional, aligned version of you. Think of it this way: the Roadmap gives you clarity, the Journaling Workbook helps you do the inner work, and the Aligned Homeschool Reset Session is where we work through it together. Wherever you are right now, there’s a next step for you. If you want to take care of your homeschool mama self, start by taking care of your thoughts — because learning how to handle criticism about homeschooling is one of the most peaceful, powerful things you can do for your family. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session I help homeschool moms trust themselves, edit expectations, and make intentional choices that create a more confident, connected, and present homeschool life. Book your Reset Session with Teresa Latest episodes You’re Invited to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 July 14, 2026 Post-Partum Overwhelm in Your Homeschool: 12 Ways to Cope July 12, 2026 A 2023 High School Graduate’s Thoughts on her Homeschool Life July 11, 2026 What It’s Like? The Homeschool to High School Transition July 11, 2026 Navigate Homeschool High School (What You Need to Know) July 7, 2026 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development July 3, 2026 Declutter Your Homeschool Mama Mind: Overwhelm to On Purpose July 2, 2026 How to Handle Homeschool Criticism With Confidence June 29, 2026 How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School That Fits Your Teen June 23, 2026 The Real Cost Of Being The “Good Girl” Who Became The Good Mom June 16, 2026 What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 The Truth About Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm January 13, 2026 The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I've Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Subscribe to the Confident Homeschool Mom podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify Originally published April 22, 2026 | Updated June 29, 2026 Call to Adventure by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3470-call-to-adventureLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load');

Are you ready to transform your homeschooling journey with the power of creativity and representation? Join Jae as he sits down with Toshi J, an actress and comic creator who is revolutionizing how we think about education and black identity in the arts. This episode explores how passion projects can become powerful teaching tools for the next generation.In this deep dive, Toshi shares her incredible transition from the theater stage to owning her own publishing house, Midnight Comics. You will learn how a simple frustration with anime endings led to a family business that prioritizes authentic storytelling and diverse characters. Toshi also breaks down her innovative methods for using comics to teach literacy and even mathematics, proving that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning.Beyond the books, we discuss the realities of homeschooling three children, including navigating education for a child with special needs and the importance of maintaining your own identity as a parent. From the benefits of graphic novels to using Dungeons and Dragons for reading comprehension, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice for every creative family.Chapters0:00 Introduction to Toshi J3:15 From acting to comic creation7:45 The birth of Midnight Comics12:30 Parenting and finding your identity16:10 Homeschooling a child with special needs20:45 Why public school was not the right fit24:20 Building a homeschool community28:50 Teaching math through comic books33:15 Literacy benefits of graphic novels38:00 Challenging the classic literature model42:30 The stories behind Midnight Comics characters47:15 Melanin Minds: Representing black women in comics51:40 Self-care tips for busy homeschool parents55:20 D and D and roleplaying for reading comprehension59:00 Final thoughts and where to find ToshiMake sure to visit the Midnight Comics website to support Toshi's work and check out the Melanin Minds podcast for more stories from black women in the industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the channel and leave a comment below about how you use creativity in your own homeschool lessons!#homeschooling #comicbooks #blackcreatives #education #parenting

What if fear is influencing more of your homeschooling decisions than you realize?When we're anxious about our children's future, it's easy to mistake fear for wisdom and urgency for insight.In this episode, Sue Patterson explores how fear can cloud our judgment, shape our homeschooling decisions, and make it difficult to separate what we're actually observing from what we're afraid might happen.If you've ever wondered whether you're responding to your child—or to your fear—this episode is for you.Need help sorting through your specific situation? Throughout June, Sue's 30-minute coaching calls are half price. Sometimes a conversation can help you separate what's actually happening from what fear is telling you might happen.http://www.suepatterson.as.me/june-special________________________________Read the transcript here:https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/making-homeschooling-decisions-out-of-fearLet me know what you think of this!Support the show_____________________________________________________You don't have to do this alone.Try Creating Confidence free for 7 days.Whether you prefer daily encouragement or a supportive community with live coaching, you can explore it all and see what fits your family best.Choose the level of support that fits you best—from daily encouragement to live coaching and community.Come spend a week with us!Creating Confidence OptionsUNSCHOOLING 101 CourseMath WITHOUT Curriculum CourseUnschooling Transcript CourseSeasonal Unschooling Guides Private 1:1 Coaching with Sue Stay Connected:Free Email List with weekly unschooling resourceswww.UnschoolingMom2Mom.com

What if the gift you've had since childhood was always meant to glorify God — you just didn't know it yet? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise sits down with Mercy Koimburi, a Kenyan Classical Conversations homeschool mom and professional photographer, to explore how creativity, faith, and classical education are more connected than you might think. Mercy shares how she discovered photography at age 11, how she uses it to capture emotion and tell stories of family and faith, and why she believes God placed that gift in her long before she had a name for it. From the math hidden inside every great photo — hello, Fibonacci sequence! — to how CC's classical framework shows up through her lens, this conversation is full of warm encouragement for homeschool moms who want to nurture the gifts in themselves and in their children. Mercy also opens up about her CC community in Kenya, what homeschool days look like on the other side of the world, and the Bible verses that have carried her through the hard days of the journey. Whether you have a budding young artist at home or you're still figuring out how your own gifts fit into your homeschool life, Mercy's story will leave you inspired and equipped. You don't have to have it all figured out — he gently leads those who have young. Tune in and be encouraged.   Find Mercy's photography work at: https://www.mercykoimburi.com/   This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish. It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/the-habits-of-a-classical-education-practicing-the-art-of-grammar

Want to create a personalized homeschool high school that actually fits your teen? Ditch the one-size-fits-all model and design a meaningful high school experience built around their real interests, strengths, and goals. When my son was little, he was deeply into LEGO, Minecraft, and Roblox. Like many moms, I found myself wondering: Is he going to be an engineer? Of course, loving to build might simply mean enjoying creative play. But as he’s grown, those early interests have taken shape in surprising and evolving ways. Now 16, he’s fully immersed in AP Physics — passionately trying to explain its wonders to me, a mom who, let’s just say, opted out of physics altogether in high school. (In case you’re also not fluent in physics, it’s the study of how the universe works — from motion and matter to forces and energy. According to my teen, it’s the language behind roller coasters, rocket launches, and even coffee machines.) So naturally, we’ve started planning a post-secondary tour of local engineering programs. From LEGO to Fire Halls: How One Teen’s Interests Keep Evolving But then—plot twist—he began volunteering at our local rural fire hall. Thanks to a provincial grant, he's being paid to train and get hands-on with emergency equipment and fire safety. He's found joy in team dynamics, truck maintenance, and yes—gear talk. He recently took a First Responders weekend course, which excludes ER scenarios—but with his dad being an ER physician, their conversations now sound like a medical podcast when they're driving home together. Will he be an engineer, a paramedic, a firefighter, a physicist, or a doctor? The truth is—I don't know. And that's exactly the point. Why a Personalized Homeschool High School Starts With Who They Are Now Having raised and launched three older kids, I've learned that what excites them at 16 may not at 17—or 25. What matters is that they have space to explore who they are now—not who we think they should become later. And that's the heart of a personalized homeschool high school. https://youtu.be/BdmKJSIJFik?si=GbEThW6xFG6cVa9f Why a Personalized Homeschool High School Matters for Your Teen As a homeschool parent approaching the high school years, you might find yourself fielding questions from well-meaning relatives, friends, or strangers: “But what about college?” “How will they get a diploma?” “Aren't you worried about gaps in their education?” These questions come from a conventional lens—and they often miss the deeper, more meaningful reality of a personalized homeschool high school: an education that honours who your teen is, what they care about, and how they learn best. And yet, every time I share our story, I’m met with the same questions Building a Personalized Homeschool High School for Your Unique Teen The traditional high school model often follows a rigid formula: Four years. Prescribed courses. Standardized testing. College prep. But personalized homeschooling invites us to pause and ask more essential questions: Who is this teen in front of me? What are their natural strengths, curiosities, and goals? How do they learn best—and how can we make learning meaningful? This isn't about lowering the bar. It's about raising relevance. It's about designing a path that grows with your teen—not boxing them into a predetermined one-size-fits-all plan. The “Cover Everything” Myth in Homeschool High School A major source of anxiety for homeschool parents is the pressure to “cover everything”—to make sure there are no academic gaps. But here’s the truth: Even traditionally schooled students with perfect grades have gaps. Like you–because you have gaps, right? What matters most is not checking every box—it's cultivating a love of learning, teaching critical thinking, and giving teens the skills to learn what they need when they need it. As one seasoned homeschooler once told me: “Everyone has gaps. The difference is, homeschooled teens often know how to fill them.” Also, as a medical professional I’m married to once told me, “I can resuscitate you, but I don’t know how to build a chicken coop”. Gaps. Everyone’s got them. This is my daughter in the OR with my husband (in Africa)–until she was a high school senior, she wanted to attend medical school. Then she went to ballet school. But that’s for another story. Teen-Led Learning: The Heart of Personalized Homeschooling The high school years are a time of individuation—when teens start carving out an identity that's distinct from yours. That might look like questioning long-held family decisions, including homeschooling itself. Which is normal. Developmentally appropriate growth. (Although, also undeniably surprising at times, and definitely annoying at times too, just sayin’) Some teens might stick with homeschooling through high school. Others may want to try a co-op, community college class, or hybrid learning experience. Some may choose to return home again after testing new waters. And some might even pursue public or private school. A personalized homeschool high school allows flexibility. It meets your teen where they are. What If Your Homeschool High Schooler Changes Their Mind? Remember my 16-year-old and his physics + fire hall + medical training journey? He’s exploring, he’s sampling, and he’s curious. And guess what? That's exactly what these years are for. (Truly, I believe all of life can be, but I digress). Just because your teen is passionate about something now doesn't mean they'll stick with it forever. And just because we adults once chose a path at 17 doesn't mean we're still on it today. (Raise your hand if you've changed careers, callings, or creative pursuits since graduating high school.) We need to stop asking teens, “What will you do for the rest of your life?” Instead, we can ask, “What interests you right now—and how can I support you in exploring it?” Interest-Based Learning in Your Personalized Homeschool High School We often approach high school with tunnel vision focused on college preparation. Yet statistics show that 70-80% of college freshmen change their majors during their first year. Most adults aren’t working in the field they planned to enter at 18. This suggests we might better serve our teens by helping them: Discover their authentic interests and strengths Develop transferable skills like critical thinking and independent learning Gain real-world experience through internships, volunteering, or entrepreneurship Build a portfolio showcasing their capabilities and achievements Explore potential paths without premature commitment Personalized Homeschool High School Paths Beyond the 4-Year Degree Wondering how to personalize your teen's homeschool path in real-time? Here are some simple ways to begin: Interest Inventory: Ask your teen what they're curious about. What do they love doing in their free time? What subjects spark joy? Flexible Learning Plans: Tailor academics to include subjects or electives that support those interests—think architecture for a builder, creative writing for a storyteller, anatomy for a budding EMT. Real-World Experience: Look into internships, volunteer work, shadowing professionals, or community-based opportunities. Teen Involvement: Let them co-create their schedule, choose electives, and reflect on their goals. Portfolio Documentation: Keep records of their personalized learning projects, papers, courses, experiences, and reflections. Want to Feel More Confident While Supporting Your Teen's Growth? Transitioning into homeschooling high school can stir up doubts and fears—Can I really do this? What if I mess it up? That's why I created the Mindsets for Homeschool Moms Transitioning into High School workbook—a journaling and reflection tool to help you shift your mindset, clarify your role, and feel more grounded as you walk with your teen into these transformative years.

Two former public school teachers — and twin sisters — pull back the curtain on what really happens in a classroom of 25+ kids, including the one statistic that will change how you think about homeschooling forever. Kathy and Melissa share why they left teaching to homeschool their own children, why neither of them ever finished a curriculum in 30 years in the classroom, and how they turned the science of reading into a play-based system any parent can teach — no degree required. We cover special needs reading struggles, when to pull kids out (and when to put them back in), navigating SEL and gender ideology creeping into public schools, and how much one-on-one time actually moves the needle for your child's confidence and learning. Plus: practical tips for making phonics drills fun instead of painful. If you're second-guessing whether you're "enough" to homeschool your kids, this conversation will put that fear to rest.Find Kathy & Melissa:www.littleshoesacademy.comOur facebook group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/685911939807596Our instagram is https://www.instagram.com/littleshoesacademy/ Resources from Cheryl:

If you’ve spent your life being the good girl — the one who kept the peace, said yes when you meant no, and made sure everyone around you was okay — this episode is for you. Cycle-breaking for homeschool moms is less about a dramatic declaration and more about the quiet, courageous work of dissolving the patterns that were never yours to carry in the first place. And today’s conversation goes right to the heart of that. We go deep on how approval-seeking and over-responsibility quietly shape the entire atmosphere of your homeschool home — and why so many moms don’t see it until they’re completely depleted. In this conversation, I sit down with Diane Sorensen, Boundaries and Empowerment Coach and host of the Chaos to Connection podcast, to talk about what it really costs to be the “good girl” who became the “good mom” — and what it looks like to finally find your way back to yourself. Cycle-Breaking for Homeschool Moms: Why We Dissolve Patterns, Not Break Them Cycle-breaking for homeschool moms doesn’t happen overnight — and it doesn’t happen by sheer willpower. It happens one honest moment, one new skill, one held boundary at a time. The wake-up call that changed Diane’s life and work The difference between breaking cycles and dissolving patterns Why transformation is a slow accumulation of new skills, not a dramatic declaration From Homeschool Mom Burnout to Self-Trust: The Real Work of Cycle-Breaking Boundaries as a self-trust practice — not a rule you enforce on others Why the most compassionate women are also the most boundaried Emotions as the missing link — and what it means to finally come home to yourself “You are the common denominator” — and why that’s liberating, not shaming Prefer to watch? This conversation is also on YouTube — sometimes seeing the faces behind the words makes all the difference. https://youtu.be/2BpX39Bz9ro?si=QgdG8D_iHKP9VrT0 Connect with Diane Sorensen Email: dsorensen@dianesorensen.net Podcast: Chaos to Connection Website: www.dianesorensen.net Want to go deeper on people-pleasing as a homeschool mom? Start here. Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope You're Not Failing—You're Just Carrying Too Much | Overcome Homeschool Burnout How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn't Know I Was Living) Life Coaching for Homeschool Moms: Feel Like Yourself Again You're Not Failing. You're Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here's How to Get Out 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life The People-Pleasing Trap Every Homeschool Mom Falls Into How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom's Story) The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Make Everything Harder This work doesn’t have to happen alone. The Aligned Homeschool Reset Session is a free 30-minute call where we look at what’s really underneath the overwhelm — and what it might look like to start trusting yourself again. → Book Your Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session I help homeschool moms release pressure, edit expectations, and make small, intentional shifts that lead to a more confident and connected homeschool life. Book a Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Latest episodes You’re Invited to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 July 14, 2026 Post-Partum Overwhelm in Your Homeschool: 12 Ways to Cope July 12, 2026 A 2023 High School Graduate’s Thoughts on her Homeschool Life July 11, 2026 What It’s Like? The Homeschool to High School Transition July 11, 2026 Navigate Homeschool High School (What You Need to Know) July 7, 2026 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development July 3, 2026 Declutter Your Homeschool Mama Mind: Overwhelm to On Purpose July 2, 2026 How to Handle Homeschool Criticism With Confidence June 29, 2026 How to Create a Personalized Homeschool High School That Fits Your Teen June 23, 2026 The Real Cost Of Being The “Good Girl” Who Became The Good Mom June 16, 2026 What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 The Truth About Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm January 13, 2026 The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I've Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 Subscribe to the Confident Homeschool Mom podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify Call to Adventure by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3470-call-to-adventureLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load');

So many of us worry we're not doing enough when it comes to homeschooling—but what if simply choosing this path is already a powerful step in the right direction? In this encouraging conversation, I talk with Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside about her newest book and the deep confidence that can come from stepping outside the system. We explore how real learning often looks like play, boredom, creativity, and curiosity—how our kids naturally fill in the gaps over time, and how the freedom to pursue their own interests can lead to unexpected and incredible outcomes. If you've ever doubted your ability to homeschool well, this episode will remind you that you're doing more right than you think.In this episode, we cover:How Ginny accidentally started a global movement—and why it resonates so deeply with familiesThe heart behind her new book Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just by Doing ItWhat we miss when we follow the standard school model—and the surprising freedom of unlearning itThe one message every anxious or burnt-out homeschool parent needs to hearWhat if the thing you're worried is a “deficit” is actually your child's biggest advantage?Why qualities like creativity and empathy will matter more than grades in the world our kids are growing up inWhat boredom, unstructured time, and “doing nothing” are actually teaching your childWhat's lost when childhood is spent only with same-age peers—and what kids gain from growing up alongside babies and toddlersWhy your kids need to see you building, learning, trying—and even failingEveryone has educational gaps... so what really matters in the long run?When you trust the process, learning shows up in the most beautiful and unexpected waysThe amazing story of how Ginny's daughter became a certified personal trainer at just 15Why homeschooling doesn't have to look like anyone else's—and that's the pointView full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.RESOURCES MENTIONEDUntil the Streetlights Come On by Ginny YurichHomeschooling: You're Doing It Right By Just Doing It by Ginny YurichLearning All the Time by John Holt UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me-World by Michelle BorbaGenerative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know by Jerry Kaplan Listen to my two episodes with Julie Kreke about delight directed learning:- Give Your Children the Gift of Lifelong Learning (Episode 270)- Transform Your Homeschool Days with Delight Directed Learning (Episode 184)Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTubeMaster the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough courseGain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing seriesTurn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success AcademyKeep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbookCONNECTGinny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | Youtube | PodcastLisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | PinterestDo you have a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? A guest you'd like me to interview? Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Is an Education Anyway — And Who Gets to Decide? Forget every notion you have been told about what an education is. I want to ask you something I ask every single woman I work with in coaching. What do you believe an education is? And the second question — the one that tends to stop people cold: What did you believe an education was before you started homeschooling? Most of us never actually chose our definition of education. We absorbed it. From school, from our parents, from the culture around us. And then we built an entire homeschool on top of it. And then we wondered why it felt so heavy. And if you’re just starting out and wondering where to begin — I made something for exactly that. The 7-Day Confident Homeschool Roadmap is a free guide that walks you through your first year with clarity rather than overwhelm. Grab it below. Get your free 7-Day Confident Homeschool Mom Roadmap What Is an Education Anyway? The Definition Most of Us Inherited If you grew up in a conventional school system, your working definition probably sounds something like this: Education is the successful delivery of academic content across subjects. Demonstrated through coverage, completion, and measurable progress. Coverage. Completion. No gaps. Not falling behind. Making sure it’s enough. Sound familiar? That definition is exhausting. And it’s not even working in schools. Teachers leave many pages of their curriculum undone at the end of every year. There are interruptions. Substitute teachers. Sick days. Stops and starts. There is no perfectly covered, hundred-percent-completed, no-gaps education happening in a classroom either. And the very academic kids who were force-fed information and tested weekly? How much of that actually stuck? How much of it translated into a purposeful, meaningful life? It is not possible to create a perfectly covered education. Not in a school. Not in your homeschool. The sooner you stop measuring yourself against that standard, the sooner you can build something that actually works. If this is landing for you and you want to hear me unpack it further — I’m also diving into this on my YouTube channel. Same episode, same conversation. Watch it here → https://youtu.be/1T8pINVSeXc Do You Need a Teaching Degree to Define Your Child’s Education? And if you question whether you have the intelligence to answer that question — don’t be in self-doubt. Of course you do. This is your child. Does it seem daunting? It likely does. But it doesn’t have to. I’ve stopped counting the number of times I’ve been asked if I’m a certified teacher. Nope. I’m not. Does being a certified teacher enable me to educate my children better at home? Nope. It doesn’t. In fact, statistically, being a certified teacher has no bearing on a child’s home education. Teachers have classroom management skills. They know standardized learning materials. They have years of experience that homeschooling parents might not have in the beginning — and I am not denying those skills for a moment. But it doesn’t mean I’m not more motivated to learn how to engage my children’s education than someone else. When I asked a kindergarten teacher about Grade 2 math, she didn’t know what to say. When I asked a high school English teacher how to approach a history discussion with an elementary-aged child, she was stumped too. Turns out, teachers don’t have the full breadth of knowledge either. And I’m certainly not claiming to either. Why do we think we need to? Google doesn’t have it all. Neither does YouTube. But both are pretty helpful. And when they aren’t, there are always books. Lots and lots and LOTS of books. You just need to know where to find the information. A little research and it’s findable.  So Where Do You Find What You Need? When I was in junior high, we bought our first computer: a Tandy EX 1000. The only computer training we had was a Logo program that did next to nothing for me. I attempted to wield x’s and o’s. I’m pretty sure they meant something, but I didn’t understand. Some thirty years later, anyone who wants to know how to use a computer knows. Anyone who wants to know how to Google, YouTube, Facebook, Tweet — they figured it out. Why? Because they found out, by themselves. Tada. The human mind is capable of figuring things out because it wants to. P.S. You might wonder how I went about structuring a thirteen-year-old’s academic education. Self-Education: The Heart of What an Education Really Is Why do we assume kids need everything taught to them? We assume something needs to be done to them. Before anyone sat them down and formally taught them anything, they had already learned animals, language, and how to navigate relationships. In their first year. Their second. Their fifth — long before they ever walked through a kindergarten door. Kids want to learn. It’s simply what they do. When we ask the question — what is an education anyway? — we’ve just begun to really consider who our children are and what they need. And that is exactly what Charlotte Mason was pointing to. What Is an Education Anyway? Here’s What Charlotte Mason Said. “Self-education is the only possible education; the rest is mere veneer laid on the surface of a child’s nature.” — Charlotte Mason I have returned to this quote more times than I can count. Because it points to something we already know intuitively. We keep forgetting it when we sit down at the kitchen table and default to the curriculum, the workbooks, the boxes of books, the online programs everyone else is using. Your job is not to pour information into a vessel. Your job is to raise up the child right in front of you. So what does that actually look like in a real homeschool? Here’s one mom’s answer. What Does Real Home Education Actually Look Like? A mom I worked with had been homeschooling for six years, three kids, and had done a lot of the external work — curriculum, systems, showing up every day. And then she went deeper and found her own answer to the question of what an education really is: “Education is a process of exposure to knowledge while learning involves personal processing and growth. Character traits like discernment, self-confidence, and self-management are important outcomes that continue developing long beyond formal education years.” She also said something that stopped me: “Even if no one was watching or assessing my approach, I would maintain similar objectives and methods.” She has found her own answer — not borrowed from the school system, not borrowed from a curriculum company. Entirely hers. And that is what I want for you. For me, the answer starts in the same place it always has — in wanting to engage my child, teach them when necessary, and capture their little hearts. I am most definitely motivated to do that. And so are you. That’s why you’re here. Want to keep going? This conversation continues on my Rethinking Education YouTube channel. Find it here → https://youtu.be/lkFJglpaoqs What is an education anyway? What Is an Education Anyway? Questions to Sit With This Week As you move through your week, gently ask yourself: What definition of education am I actually operating from right now? Did I choose it — or did I absorb it? Where might I be able to trust what is already working in my child? If no one was watching or assessing my homeschool, would I do anything differently? You don’t need to answer all of it today. Just noticing is already meaningful work. Want to Go Deeper? If this post resonated, the podcast episode What Is an Education Anyway? goes much further — including the five shifts I see happen when a homeschool mom finally loosens the grip of a definition that was never really hers, and what it looks like when peace replaces pressure in a real homeschool home. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. When you’re ready to take the next step, here are three ways I can help: If you’re in your first year — start with the free 7-Day Confident Homeschool Roadmap. It will give you a clear, grounded foundation so you begin with confidence rather than overwhelm. If you’ve been homeschooling for a while and something feels off — take the quiz to identify the real root of your frustration. It’s free and takes five minutes. And if you’re ready for a real reset — book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset session. This is where we get clear on what’s actually going on in your homeschool and your life — and you walk away with a whole lot more peace than you arrived with. Teresa Wiedrick is a certified life coach and graduated homeschool mom who supports homeschool moms in building a life — not just a lesson plan. Her work focuses inward, because most homeschool overwhelm has nothing to do with curriculum. Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session I help homeschool moms trust themselves, edit expectations, and make intentional choices that create a more confident, connected, and present homeschool life. Book your Reset Session with Teresa People also ask… Self-Directed Learning: the Art of Encouraging Independent Homeschooling Building Connection with Tamara Strijack of the Neufeld Institute Is there an art and a science to an education? Why Seasoned Homeschool Moms Still Struggle (And How to Break Free) How do I unschool my child: 5 ways to move toward it in your homeschool Can you homeschool without a homeschool room? “Should I Homeschool My Child?” Here's What You Need to Know Why You're Losing Confidence as a Homeschool Mom (and How to Get It Back) How I transitioned from homeschool to public high school 5 suggestions about buying a new curriculum How to Start Homeschooling Confidently in Year 1 What's the connection between self-directed learning & free play? Latest episodes What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 The Truth About Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm January 13, 2026 The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I've Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom's Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Set Them Free August 19, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 Subscribe to the Confident Homeschool Mom podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify Call to Adventure by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3470-call-to-adventureLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load');

Do you keep moving the imaginary goal post? You might not realize it, but so many of us are chasing success while accidentally training our nervous system to stay in a state of pressure and urgency.... not giving ourselves a chance to celebrate, to reflect on our results, and to consciously step into our next goal.  Well, that changes today. We are dismantling the "reward system" of achievement and no longer trading our health for results.  Push play to stop waiting for the finish line and start becoming the woman who can hold massive success - and massive peace - simultaneously.   PS. CLICK HERE to start holding the frequency of peace and groundedness now so you can start creating success through alignment. 

In this episode of Everyday Educator, hosts Amy Jones and Delise Germond sit down with author Abbey Wedgeworth (Help, I'm Ruining My Kids) to talk about what every homeschool mom actually needs heading into summer — a soul that's as prepared as your curriculum. Together they explore gospel-centered motherhood, the hidden ways our own sin and unhealed wounds show up in our homeschools, and why community is the lifeline homeschool moms can't afford to skip. Whether you're a new homeschool mom wrestling with your first year or a seasoned classical education parent facing a hard season, this conversation will remind you that the gospel is good news for your motherhood too — imperfections, meltdowns, and all. Abbey also shares insights from her book Help, I'm Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who's Desperate for Change — a must-read for any mom who's ever wondered if she's doing more harm than good.   Resources: Abbey Wedgeworth's Website   This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.  

What if the problems in public school weren't accidents? What if low literacy rates, changing math standards, social emotional learning, and ideological curriculum were all part of a plan that started over a hundred years ago?This week Cheryl sits down with Nicki Truesdell — a second generation homeschooler who has been in the homeschool world since 1983 and has been homeschooling her own five kids since the year 2000. Nicki is the author of Anyone Can Homeschool and Home Sweet Homeschool, and runs Knowledge Keeper's Bookstore where she reprints rare out-of-print American history books to get the real story back into people's hands.In this episode they break down three books every parent needs to read:The Underground History of American Education by John Taylor GattoCrimes of the Educators by Alex Newman and Sam BlumenfeldThe Marxification of Education by James LindsayYou'll learn how the American education system was deliberately redesigned in the early 1900s by the Rockefellers, Carnegie, and the Education Trust to produce workers instead of thinkers — and how that agenda is still playing out in classrooms today through critical pedagogy, SEL, Common Core, and lowered test standards.Nicki also shares how she homeschooled as a single mom, why she believes homeschooling is the capitalist form of education, and how homeschool parents are learning the real version of American history right alongside their kids.If you've ever wondered whether pulling your kids out of school was the right call — this episode will remove any doubt.Connect with Nicki -- ⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nickitruesdell1 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nicki-truesdell-podcast/id1798330030Homeschool 101⁠ https://nickitruesdell.com/homeschool-101/ ⁠Homeschool Consultations⁠ https://nickitruesdell.com/homeschool-consulting/ ⁠  Get her books:⁠Anyone Can Homeschool⁠ on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible! https://amzn.to/4fnSWs8Home Sweet Homeschool on Amazon and Kindle https://amzn.to/4qY4zMbKnowledge Keepers Bookstore: https://knowledgekeepersbookstore.com/ FARM FOOD FREEDOM Event: https://maxkane.com/eventsResources from Cheryl:

Have you ever thought, “I want more time for fun with my kids,” and then immediately felt tired? Fun sounds beautiful, but in real life it can start to feel like one more thing to plan, one more thing to pay for, one more thing to clean up, and one more thing to manage. In this episode, I'm talking about simple joys for real-life motherhood — the kind that fit real budgets, real energy levels, real homes, and real family seasons. I share a few ways our family has been finding small moments of connection lately, from discount movie dates with one child, to a paint-by-number project on the table, to walks, read-alouds, audiobooks, and family room time. And I want to be clear: fun does not always have to become a lesson. Sometimes learning is found in the fun, and homeschool moms can record those things later if they want to. But sometimes the gift is simply being together. If you've been wanting more fun with your kids but you do not have the energy for a big plan, this episode will help you look for one small thing that fits your real life. Mentioned in this episode: Road Trip Mysteries: USA Edition — a screen-free, story-driven activity adventure book for kids ages 8–12, filled with puzzles, clues, history, geography, and mystery.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGL7T6LH Movie Schooling — a resource for families who enjoy using movies as part of meaningful learning, discussion, and connection.https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Schooling-Curriculum-Style-Education-Organized-Activities/dp/B0FHZR72T1 XOXO, Katie

What if you didn't have to please everyone? Good news is... you don't.  High achieving moms often fall into the people pleaser trap, but carrying the mental load of everyone else's expectations creates a "gross energy" of resentment that actually repels abundance. So we are diving into the power of mindful boundaries and how to transition from depletion to reciprocal energy.  Push play to learn how to speak your truth and create the grounded, solid energy that money loves to be around!   PS. Ready to see the "forest in the trees" and create a bigger vision for your life? BOOK YOUR CALL

Somewhere between the fear, the questions, the budget concerns, and the overwhelming feeling of “I could never do this,” thousands of ordinary moms are quietly building beautiful lives with their kids at home. In this deeply encouraging conversation, Annette Vaughn shares the story behind Dear Homeschool Mom, a collection of letters from more than 50 homeschool mothers across the country who open up about doubt, sacrifice, socialization, burnout, identity, flexibility, and the surprising joy that keeps them going. Ginny and Annette talk honestly about what homeschooling actually looks like in real life, why the “why” matters so much, and how the sacrifices on paper often become gifts you never could have predicted. This episode feels like sitting across the table from someone who says, “You're not crazy. You can do this.” Learn more about Annette's book Dear Homeschool Mom here and the HSLDA Compassion Grant at HSLDA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it actually look like to homeschool five kids across wildly different ages — while running a business, managing a rambunctious toddler, and doing it all on one income?This week I'm joined by Amanda, a homeschool mom of five from St. Augustine, Florida. Amanda started homeschooling when her family left Germany in 2020 — one week before the world shut down. What felt like a leap of faith turned out to be the best thing she ever did.We talk about:→ Why Amanda and her husband felt called to homeschool even before COVID→ What it's really like managing school with multiple ages under one roof (spoiler: it's not always pretty)→ How Florida's PEP Scholarship is a total game-changer for families homeschooling on one income→ The year-round model that actually relieved her stress→ How she built Giplings — her small business inspired entirely by her homeschool journey→ The car conversations, the lizard hunts, and the little moments that are the real educationWhether you're just starting out or years in, Amanda's honesty about the chaos — and why she wouldn't trade it — will leave you feeling seen.Find Amanda + Giplings:Website: https://giplings.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giplings/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giplingsYouTube: https://youtube.com/@giplingsWholesale: giplings.faire.comResources from Cheryl:

Have you ever finally had a little help, quiet, or breathing room, and instead of resting, your brain immediately started listing everything you could get done? The laundry. The dishes. The paperwork. The homeschool planning. The phone calls. The clutter. All the things that have been waiting because the needs in front of you were louder. In this episode, I'm talking about why rest can feel so hard for tired homeschool moms — especially when there is unfinished work everywhere and real people still need you. I share honestly about learning this in my own life as a homeschool mom, Navy wife, and special needs mom who is learning how to run a caregiving marathon without using every pocket of help to work harder. This is not a “take a spa day” episode. It is a gentle reminder that rest is not laziness when it helps you return to your family with more patience, steadiness, and love. If you have been feeling guilty for needing a break, I pray this episode helps you receive one small moment of rest as part of faithful stewardship. Mentioned in this episode: Road Trip Mysteries: USA Edition — a screen-free, story-driven activity adventure book for kids ages 8–12, filled with puzzles, clues, history, geography, and mystery.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGL7T6LH Movie Schooling — a resource for families who enjoy using movies as part of meaningful learning, discussion, and connection.https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Schooling-Curriculum-Style-Education-Organized-Activities/dp/B0FHZR72T1 XOXO, Katie

Procrastination doesn't just cost you time, it creates an energy that actually blocks money.  When we delay for tomorrow what can be done today, we are setting our minds to believe we are the kind of people who don't keep promises to ourselves, which directly impacts our income flow. When you have the catalyst to shift you out of self created chaos and into a state of aligned follow through, you can feel accomplished and truly productive. By reverse engineering into the feeling of being ahead, you activate the version of yourself who is highly successful and ready to receive abundance.  Push play to stop the productivity illusion... and start allowing time to be the asset that fuels your money making legacy.   PS. Take the TIME TURNER QUIZ to start managing your time in a magical new way.

Have you ever had one of those days when everything feels important, and you genuinely cannot figure out what to do first? The kids need school. Someone needs food. The laundry is sitting there. The kitchen is loud. There are messages waiting, appointments to prepare for, and something you forgot yesterday suddenly pops back into your mind. And somehow every single thing feels like it is on fire at the same time. In this episode, I'm talking about the moment when your mind is full, your home is busy, and even deciding what to do first feels overwhelming.There is a simple way to get back on track, and I'll share that here today. I'm not sharing a full planning system or a complicated routine. It is a simple way to slow down, ask for wisdom, and choose the next right thing when everything feels urgent. If you are an overwhelmed homeschool mom, medical mom, ADHD mom, or just a mom carrying too many important things at once, this episode will help you breathe, simplify the decision, and take one faithful step forward. Mentioned in this episode:Road Trip Mysteries: USA Edition and Yellowstone Edition — a screen-free, story-driven activity adventure book for kids ages 8–12, filled with puzzles, history, geography, clues, and mystery. It can be a gentle learning option for hard homeschool days when your child needs something meaningful that does not feel like another worksheet. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGL7T6LH XOXO, Katie

What happens after homeschooling ends? In this encouraging and honest conversation, I talk with veteran (now retired) homeschool mom Dawn Garrett about life after graduating all three of her children. If you've ever wondered what comes next after years of homeschooling (or if you're approaching the end of your homeschool journey) this episode offers wisdom, perspective, and reassurance. Dawn Garrett shares her experience transitioning from full-time homeschool mom to a new season of life filled with unexpected quiet, reflection, and opportunity. Together, we discuss the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of this major life shift, including identity, purpose, and what it means to let go while still nurturing strong relationships with adult children. You'll hear insights on what truly matters in homeschooling, from the importance of family rhythms like worship and rest to the long-term impact of reading great books together. Dawn also reflects on what she might have done differently, offering encouragement for homeschool moms in every stage, from those just beginning to those nearing graduation. This conversation also explores how to navigate the transition when adult children are still living at home, how to shift from authority to friendship, and how to embrace a slower, more reflective pace after years of structured homeschooling days. Topics covered include: Life after homeschooling ends Homeschool mom identity and purpose Transitioning to an empty nest Launching adult children successfully Emotional adjustment after homeschooling Encouragement for new and veteran homeschool moms Whether you're in the thick of homeschooling or standing on the threshold of what comes next, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and a gentle reminder that every season has its purpose. Don't forget to share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement in her homeschool journey! Show notes and transcript: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/from-homeschool-mom-to-empty-nestLife Skills Now: https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/LSN5/arsloan/Homeschool START Course: https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3tGetting Started With Shakespeare Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/FREE 5 Day Gentle Homeschool Reset: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/While you're here, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review in your podcast app? Send me a screenshot of your review and I'll send you a $15 gift certificate to my shop! Just email me your review screenshot at Amy@HumilityandDoxology.comJoin Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community: HumilityandDoxology.com/M2H ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Homeschool Planner Calendar: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/FREE Homeschool Planning Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/Year of Memory Work: https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-workFollow Humility and Doxology Online:Blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amy's Favorites: ⁠⁠⁠https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites⁠⁠⁠This podcast and description contains affiliate links.

Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we're taking some time to encourage moms as we celebrate both National Teacher Appreciation Day and Mother's Day. Homeschool moms don't get nearly the recognition they deserve, so today is all about recognizing you and everything you do for your kids. From wiping runny noses and teaching your children to read, to dealing with attitudes, discipline, discipleship, and the countless other responsibilities that come with motherhood and homeschooling, the work never really ends, and often goes unnoticed. But we truly believe the impact you are making on your children is deep, meaningful, and lifelong. Our goal today is simply to encourage you and remind you that what you're doing matters more than you know. We hope you enjoy the episode! Before we start, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are the math curriculum our family uses, and it has helped us smile more, and we think it will do the same for your family. Go support them and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com. Today's show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and Redeem HealthShare, where members are committed to honoring Christ through a community of Christians that pay one another's medical bills. Redeem HealthShare helps families take a safe step of faith as they feel God's Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7Q0 Have a great week and don't forget to smile!