Called To Homeschool

In this episode, I sit down with a thoughtful homeschool mom who opens up about a common challenge: What do you do when your child doesn’t want to come back to homeschooling? Her daughter was homeschooled in kindergarten, went to public school for first grade, and now Mom is wrestling with whether to bring her home again. We talk through her honest concerns—like taking her daughter away from beloved teachers and friends, and how her child seems to respond better to other adults.We also explore the idea that it’s okay if your child isn’t thrilled about homeschooling—and why your homeschool doesn’t have to look or feel like school to be meaningful. If you’ve ever second-guessed your decision or felt torn between what’s good for your child socially and what feels right for your family long-term, this conversation will speak to you.

In this episode, I answer a heartfelt question from a listener who’s working hard to parent with love and connection—but struggles when it comes to setting and holding boundaries. If you’ve ever felt squeamish or anxious when your kids are upset by limits (especially when your spouse handles it differently!), you’re not alone.We dive into why boundaries are not about control, but about love—and how holding them actually creates more peace and safety in your home. I also share why discomfort isn’t something to fear in our kids, and how growing your confidence in this area can transform your homeschool experience.You’ll also hear how to get started with my free Happy Habits guide—designed to help your family practice simple, doable boundaries in everyday life.

In this episode, I sit down with a homeschool mom who’s feeling the weight of overwhelm as she looks ahead to the school year. We talk about the common pressure to "do it all," how to simplify your approach, and how to know what to teach your kids.If you’ve ever wondered:When should I really start teaching formal writing?How do I know if I’m doing enough?What matters most during the early years of homeschooling?…then this conversation will feel like a deep breath. You’ll hear practical, grace-filled guidance and walk away with permission to slow down and focus on what truly matters.Tune in and get grounded before the homeschool year begins!

Curious what our homeschool is going to look like this year?In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing our plans for the 2025–2026 homeschool year—what we’re focusing on, what we’re simplifying, and how I’m building our rhythm around connection, not just checklists.

Ever dream of taking your homeschool on the road (or across the ocean!)—but feel overwhelmed by the cost, the logistics, or the idea of traveling with ALL the kids?⠀In this episode, I’m sharing how our family makes travel doable, even on a budget—and how we tie every adventure back into our homeschool.⠀

What do you do when your child completely falls apart—whether it’s a full-on meltdown, a flood of tears, or explosive anger?In this episode, we’ll talk about how to stay steady when your child is anything but. You’ll learn what’s really happening in your child’s brain and body during these moments, why your calm matters more than the perfect words, and how to respond in a way that builds trust and long-term resilience.We’ll cover:✨ Practical things to do (and not do) in the heat of the moment✨ What to do to avoid meltdowns in the future✨ And why your own calm is the best gift you can give your kidsIf you’ve ever wondered “Am I handling this right?”—this episode is for you.

When our kids are young, we dream about the kind of family we want to have. We try to build traditions, set values, and create an atmosphere of love and connection—hoping it all pays off someday. Now, with five of my seven kids officially adults, I’m getting to see the fruits of those efforts. In this episode, I share how we intentionally shaped our family culture, the little (and big) things that made a difference, and what it all looks like years down the road. If you’ve ever wondered whether the daily work of building family culture really matters, this episode is for you.

If I could go back and start homeschooling from the beginning, what would I do differently? In this episode, I’m sharing the things I’ve learned through experience—the mindset shifts, the priorities, and the practices I wish I had embraced sooner.We’ll talk about how to find your why, define what you value most, focus on parenting first, make learning fun, and let go of what doesn’t really matter. Whether you’re just starting out or need a reset, this episode is full of encouragement and practical insight for a simpler, more joyful homeschool.

Next week my husband and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage

In this episode, we’re getting real about the pressure to "do it all"—homeschooling, homemaking, parenting, and everything in between. The truth? You can’t do it all, and you’re not supposed to.Instead of striving for balance that doesn’t exist, we’ll talk about how to uncover your true priorities, release unrealistic expectations, and create more joy in your homeschool days.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just need a reminder that slow and steady is enough—this episode is for you.

Have you ever looked around and thought, “Where are the other families like us?”You’re not alone.This week on the podcast, I’m talking about something so many homeschool parents struggle with—how to find like-minded homeschool families.The kind of friends where your kids click, your values align, and you don’t have to explain why your 10-year-old is doing algebra at the park.In this episode, I’m answering questions like:• What if there aren’t many homeschoolers near me?• How do I find families who share our faith and lifestyle?• Is it even possible to build community when everyone’s busy?If you’ve ever felt isolated or just wished for a few good friends to do life with, this episode is for you.

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Matt Bowman, author of Open Education, to talk about something that’s been on the minds of many parents and educators:What if the problem isn’t your child—but the system itself?Matt brings deep insight and experience to the table as we dive into why standardized education often fails to meet the needs of real learners. We talk about the history behind one-size-fits-all schooling, what’s broken in today’s classrooms, and how we can imagine something better—especially for homeschool families.If you’ve ever felt like your child is being left behind, boxed in, or simply bored in the current system, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

As homeschool moms, we often feel like we’re carrying the full weight of our children’s education. But the truth is—dad is teaching, too.He’s teaching through his work ethic.He’s modeling how to treat others.He’s shaping their view of faith, family, and what it means to be a man.In this episode, I share:5 powerful things kids learn by watching their dadEncouragement for moms whose husbands aren't deeply involved in homeschoolingA reminder we all need: your marriage matters tooBecause one day, our kids will move out—and we’ll still be here, husband and wife. Let’s not forget to nurture that relationship in the midst of it all.❤️ This episode is full of grace, perspective, and practical encouragement—just in time for Father’s Day.

In this Q&A-style episode, I’m answering real questions from homeschool moms about some of the most common (and frustrating!) parenting challenges—like how to help your kids listen without yelling, what to do when toys are left out again, and how to handle sibling rivalry with more peace and less drama.Whether you're in the thick of toddler messes or navigating squabbles between older kids, this episode is packed with practical, grace-filled strategies to bring more calm and cooperation into your home.

In this special episode, I sit down with my daughter Tess—my fifth homeschool graduate—to reflect on her journey through homeschooling from kindergarten to graduation. Tess shares what she loved, what challenged her, how homeschooling shaped her identity, and what she’s planning next. Whether you’re a veteran homeschool mom or just starting out, this candid mother-daughter chat offers encouragement, perspective, and a glimpse into what it’s all about when the homeschool years come full circle.

This quote is adapted from the famous saying from Nietzsche.Some homeschool days are going to feel hard.Some days you are going to wonder if you are doing everything wrong.And some days you are going to want to give up.But when you have a strong enough why, you can bear almost any how.In today's podcast episode, I am going over this to help you push through when things don't feel like they are going right.

What if the secret to a thriving homeschool isn’t in the perfect curriculum — but in the strength of your connection with your child?In this episode, we unpack the powerful truth that homeschooling is 80% connection and only 20% curriculum. You’ll learn why building trust and emotional safety is the true foundation of learning, what “connection first” looks like in everyday homeschool life, and how to stop stressing over unfinished lessons.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough?” — this episode will breathe fresh encouragement into your heart and remind you that you are the greatest gift your homeschool has.✨ You’ll hear:Why relationship is your most powerful teaching toolWhat to let go of in your curriculumHow to create connection moments that shift your homeschool atmosphereThe one mindset shift that can change everythingLet’s trade burnout for peace, checkboxes for connection — and rediscover the joy of learning together.

Homeschool moms—we mean well. We love deeply. But sometimes… our love turns into control.

If you want your homeschool to be amazing, you have to start with the family. Restoring the family — building strong marriages, raising loved and secure children, and teaching children to be hard workers— is how we lay the foundation for real, lasting change. In today's podcast, I am giving away a simple guide to help you on the road to restore your family. It's called, Happy Habits, and it's an easy step by step guide to help your children learn appropriate behavior.  You can download it for free HERE. Inside the guide, you’ll find simple, proven strategies to teach your child positive behavior without yelling, nagging, or constant reminders. The next step? Start small. Pick one habit to focus on this week and use the tips to build consistency and confidence. If you're looking for more support in restoring your family, then please come and join us in Mama's Members. The course starts this Tuesday, May 6th, and I can't wait to see you there. P.S.- The membership has a free 7 day trial!

Did you try something last year in your homeschool and it worked really well, but now it's not serving you?Do you hold onto it because it used to work?In today's podcast, I am talking about being willing to change and adapt and I am also going over the lesson plans for May.