The Homeschool How To

Last week, we heard why teachers are leaving the system. This week, meet one who did — and what she built instead. Jen Delle Fave spent 8 years as a public school English teacher in upstate New York before walking away to raise her kids, homeschool, and build a real estate portfolio — without ever going to a bank. Now living in Florida with her husband and two kids (11 and 13), Jen runs multiple businesses, travels constantly, and fits homeschooling right into the middle of all of it. Cheryl and Jen get into the real stuff: the mom guilt, the chaotic seasons, the creative finance deals, and why letting your 13-year-old message sellers counts as school. This one's for the homeschool moms who are also building something — and the ones wondering if they even can. In this episode: How COVID pushed Jen from virtual school to full homeschool What homeschooling looks like in Florida vs. New York (spoiler: way less paperwork) How Jen buys real estate without bank loans — and what that actually means Unit studies, Teaching Textbooks, and letting learning stay fluid Why your kids calling restaurants and understanding credit matters more than memorizing formulas How to work, invest, and homeschool without burning out "Hustle should be a season, not a lifestyle." Find Jen: Instagram: @jenDelleFave Website: CreativeFinancePlaybook.com 🎯 Ready to learn how families are actually working + homeschooling? Cheryl has interviewed 200+ homeschool families—and put a step by step process together for how to work and homeschool (even as a single parent!) Check it out below! 👉 How to Work & Homeschool (Even as a Single Parent!) Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

What happens when a former public school teacher decides she won’t send her own kids to school? In this episode of the Homeschool How To Podcast, Cheryl sits down with Ashley Martinez—a former teacher turned homeschooling mom of two—who shares what she saw inside the classroom, why she chose a different path, and how her family makes homeschooling and working actually work. This conversation goes beyond curriculum and schedules. Ashley opens up about:  What teachers see inside schools that most parents don’t   Why more educators are choosing to homeschool their own kids   How to balance working from home while homeschooling   The truth about socialization, co-ops, and hybrid homeschool models   Why homeschooling gives families more freedom, flexibility, and connection   Letting go of “balance” and embracing seasons of life  If you’ve ever thought:  “Can I homeschool if I still need to work?”  or  “I feel called to homeschool but don’t know how to make it work…” This episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a real-life look at what’s possible. 🎯 Ready to learn how families are actually doing this? Cheryl has interviewed 200+ homeschool families—and put a step by step process together for how to work and homeschool (even as a single parent!) Check it out below! 👉 How to Work & Homeschool (Even as a Single Parent!) Find Ashley at: https://linktr.ee/mrsashleymartinez Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

In this episode, we step outside the traditional conversation around education and take a deeper look at something bigger—how we’re raising our kids in today’s world. Cheryl sits down with Doug Evans, founder of The Sprouting Company, to talk about self-sufficiency, food, environment, and why more families are questioning the systems we’ve always relied on—from school to the food we eat. They explore:  Why play-based learning may be more powerful than structured classrooms   How environment (indoor vs outdoor living) impacts children’s development   The connection between food, health, and independence   Simple ways families can become more self-sufficient (even if you’re busy)   What it looks like to raise kids outside the traditional system  While this conversation isn’t just about homeschooling, it touches on a core idea many parents are starting to realize: We have more control over our children’s lives—and learning—than we’ve been led to believe. If you’ve ever questioned the way things are “supposed” to be done, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Episode Resources: The Sprouting Company Instagram- The Sprouting Company https://www.youtube.com/@TheSproutingCompany Cheryl’s eBook- The Homeschool How To: Complete Starter Guide Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

What if the biggest problem with education isn’t your child… but the school system itself? In this episode of the Homeschool How To Podcast, Cheryl sits down with Dr. Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn, to talk about what schools get fundamentally wrong about how children actually learn. They discuss the hidden history of schooling, why shame and obedience are still built into the system, how kids learn to read and do math when they’re actually ready, and why self-directed learning may be far more effective than most parents have been led to believe. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is really “behind,” whether school is preparing kids for life, or whether there’s a better way to learn, this conversation will challenge the way you think about education. In this episode, we discuss:  what schools were originally designed to do   why forced learning often backfires   reading without a rigid timeline   math anxiety and real-life math   why motivation changes everything   how children learn when they’re trusted  About Dr. Peter Gray: Dr. Peter Gray is a research professor, psychologist, and author of Free to Learn. His work focuses on self-directed education, play, and the ways modern schooling conflicts with children’s natural development. Resources mentioned: Free to Learn by Dr. Peter Gray  Dr. Gray's website: https://www.petergray.org/ Check out Dr. Gray's Substack Cheryl’s eBook- The Homeschool How To: Complete Starter Guide If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a parent who needs to hear this. Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

What if the problem isn’t your child—but the environment they’re expected to learn in? In this episode, Cheryl talks with Corianda “Corey,” a homeschooling mom of six living in Spain, about raising neurodivergent kids and what happened when traditional school stopped working for her family. With three sons on the autism spectrum and experiences with ADHD, Corey began questioning whether the system was actually designed to help children like hers thrive. She shares how her family transitioned from the UK school system to homeschooling, how environment and freedom dramatically changed her children’s confidence, and why self-directed learning can be especially powerful for neurodivergent kids. Cheryl and Corey also discuss worldschooling, socialization outside the classroom, learning to read when children are truly ready, and why giving kids agency over their time can unlock creativity and real-life skills. Today Corey runs a worldschooling community in Spain where homeschooling families gather to learn, explore, and grow together. If you’re a homeschooling parent—or considering home education for a neurodivergent child—this conversation will open your mind to what’s possible. Find Corey here: www.shepherdsrest.org   Facebook: www.facebook.com/shepsrest  Instagram: www.instagram.com/shepsrest  📌 New here? Grab my free 30-day homeschool quick-start guide  🎹 Looking for a fun, simple way to introduce piano at home? We’ve loved using Simply Piano. It turns lessons into interactive challenges so kids can start playing real songs right away — without pressure or frustration. 👉 Click here to check it out! 📘 Feeling overwhelmed about where to start with homeschooling? After three years of interviewing homeschooling families, I compiled the best advice, practical tips, key questions, and trusted resources into one clear, actionable e-book: The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide. 👉 Grab it here! Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

In this episode of The Homeschool HowTo Podcast, Cheryl sits down with Stephany Rios — a homeschooling mom of five — to talk about building a business from home, navigating dyslexia, and learning to let go of school timelines. Stephany shares:  • The preschool bus moment that made homeschooling non-negotiable  • Running a jewelry business while homeschooling  • What to do when curriculum isn’t working  • Discovering her daughter’s dyslexia  • Practical tools that helped  • Why being “behind” isn’t failure  • Creating a morning rhythm that works  • How real-life learning beats rigid schedules If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough…  If your child struggles with reading…  If you’re juggling work and homeschooling… This conversation will remind you that you have time — and that love of learning matters more than checklists. Find Stephany: IG  @ivianaandco; @stephriosblog www.stephriosblog.com    (Blog) www.ivianaandco.com  (Jewelry) Home(school) with Steph Podcast  📌 New here? Grab my free 30-day homeschool quick-start guide  🎹 Looking for a fun, simple way to introduce piano at home? We’ve loved using Simply Piano. It turns lessons into interactive challenges so kids can start playing real songs right away — without pressure or frustration. 👉 Click here to check it out! 📘 Feeling overwhelmed about where to start with homeschooling? After three years of interviewing homeschooling families, I compiled the best advice, practical tips, key questions, and trusted resources into one clear, actionable e-book: The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide. 👉 Grab it here! Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

What happens when you stop measuring “success” by convenience—and start building your family life around your deepest values? In this episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, Cheryl sits down with homeschool dad Todd Marchand, founder of Be Whole Do Good, to talk about what it really looks like to raise kids with resilience, emotional tools, and a strong sense of identity—without turning your home into a lecture hall. Todd shares how their family found a hybrid homeschool rhythm, why “a good education” often just means “what we’ve always known,” and how he made the leap from software sales to entrepreneurship so his work could align with his family’s mission. You’ll also hear about the new text-message-based program Todd is launching—designed to help parents teach skills like emotional regulation, gratitude, growth mindset, and resilience in tiny daily moments (without adding more to your plate). In this episode, we cover: Why “good schooling” isn’t always the same as a meaningful education Hybrid homeschooling: how it works and why it fits some families best Values over convenience (and why that changes everything) Teaching emotional skills before the meltdown happens Simple gratitude practices that actually rewire perspective From corporate ladder to calling: building a life with autonomy What Todd wants his kids to know by age 18 (hint: it’s not just academics) Resources & Links Be Whole Do Good: bewholedogood.com (spelled: be whole do good) Night Zookeeper (free trial + 50% off yearly subscription) Cheryl’s eBook- The Homeschool How To: Complete Starter Guide- a compilation of everything she's learned from interviewing 150+ homeschool families  Cheryl’s FREE 30-Day Homeschool Quick Start Guide: thehomeschoolhowto.com If this episode encouraged you, follow the show and leave a review—it’s the best way to support the podcast. Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

Cheryl sits down with Katie Vieira — a former 4th grade teacher turned homeschool mom — to talk about what surprised her most when she stepped outside the traditional school system. They unpack how early academic pressure has changed, why many kids feel burnout younger than ever, and how standardized testing and school accountability can shape what happens in the classroom (and the stress teachers carry). They also dive into the real-life side of homeschooling: finding community, handling seasons where screens sneak in more than you planned, keeping reading and learning positive when kids resist “lessons,” and the ongoing challenge of balancing motherhood with creative work and personal goals. Katie shares about her children’s book “Into the Field: Tennessee Summer,” inspired by shifting away from screen-heavy days and toward outdoor adventures, confidence-building, and learning through experience — plus what’s next in her planned series. In this episode, we cover: Katie’s path from certified teacher to homeschool mom Why kindergarten/early elementary standards feel so intense now Standardized testing pressure (and how it can impact teachers) Lockdown drills, school anxiety, and what parents weigh in their choices Screen time seasons, outdoor resets, and the “thousand hours outside” idea Homeschool balance: work, creativity, and family rhythms Colorado homeschool options and one-day-a-week enrichment programs How to keep learning positive when kids push back Links & resources mentioned: Katie Vieira + Into the Field: Tennessee Summer Katie's Instagram  🎹  Have your kiddos learn piano from this amazing resource, check out: Simply Piano. We love it!  🎶  Cheryl's ebook: The Homeschool How To: Complete Starter Guide 🎁 Free resource: Grab my free 30-day homeschool quick start guide at thehomeschoolhowto.com Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

What does homeschooling look like after the kids are grown — and what advice actually holds up over 25 years? This week, I bring back a favorite episode of mine to help remind me what's really important while taking this homeschooling journey.  In this episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, I talk with Rosemary, a New Jersey mom of four who homeschooled all the way through high school and is now on the other side: kids launched, college decisions made, careers started, and the long view finally clear. Rosemary shares the approach that shaped her homeschool—part structure, part freedom—with a few non-negotiables (like math facts and early reading), plus a powerful reminder: you’re replaceable at work… but irreplaceable in your child’s life. You’ll also hear: Why agency is one of the biggest gifts homeschooling can give How she balanced academics + interests + sports as kids got older When and why she started testing (and what she learned) How her kids handled the culture shock of college environments A practical framework every family can use: Dojo • Cafeteria • Library A “well-kept secret” resource: Learning Unlimited (Saturday classes taught by graduate students) If you’re new to homeschooling—or you’re deep in the weeds—this conversation will help you zoom out and build a homeschool that’s less about checklists and more about raising capable, grounded kids who know how to learn.  🎹  Have your kiddos learn piano from this amazing resource, check out: Simply Piano. We love it!  🎶  Cheryl's ebook: The Homeschool How To: Complete Starter Guide 🎁 Free resource: Grab my free 30-day homeschool quick start guide at thehomeschoolhowto.com Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

I’m re-releasing this episode because it’s still one of my all-time favorites—and honestly, one of the conversations that stayed with me long after we hit stop on the recording.  In this episode, I’m joined by Kiri Jorgensen, a former public school teacher in rural Montana and mom of four. Kiri shares what she saw changing inside the school system—from Common Core and high-stakes testing to increasing bureaucracy—and why her family chose to homeschool their youngest child after experiencing both public school and homeschooling. We also get practical: Kiri explains a simple framework that helps parents homeschool with confidence—separating “learning” (reading, writing, math) from “learning about” (curiosity-led unit studies). She shares her favorite strategy (the “curiosity jar”) to turn your child’s questions into meaningful learning without recreating school at home. Finally, Kiri talks about her work as the founder of Chicken Scratch Books, a publisher creating clean, traditional middle grade fiction for families who want books they can trust. In this episode, we cover: Why Kiri left teaching and what she noticed shifting in schools Common Core, testing pressure, and how it affects classrooms Why homeschooling can take less time and lead to deeper learning The “curiosity jar” method for interest-led homeschooling Building lifelong learners and confident, capable kids Chicken Scratch Books and choosing better middle grade reads Guest: Kiri Jorgensen Website: chickenscratchbooks.com Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a parent who needs reassurance today. Mentioned in today’s episode:  🎹  Have your kiddos learn piano from this amazing resource, check out: Simply Piano. We love it!  🎶  Cheryl's ebook: The Homeschool How To: Complete Starter Guide 🎁 Free resource: Grab my free 30-day homeschool quick start guide at thehomeschoolhowto.com Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

A former public school teacher never planned to homeschool — until COVID forced a hard reset. In this episode, Cheryl talks with Janae Daniels from the School to Homeschool Podcast about the moment everything changed: the “magical” 2020 shutdown, the surprising nudge to homeschool, and the first day that completely fell apart… until a piano tuner accidentally delivered the best real-life science lesson her kids had ever experienced. Janae shares what deschooling actually looks like (and why it’s harder for parents than kids), how she stopped trying to replicate school at home, and what happened when her children finally had room for boredom, curiosity, and real learning: guitar skills built through YouTube lessons, reading for meaning (not grades), embroidery that turned into paid work, early jobs, business books, conferences, and a senior year centered on debate, confidence, and entrepreneurship. If you’re thinking, “I’m not smart enough,” “My kids will fight me,” or “Is it too late to start homeschooling — especially for middle and high school?” this conversation will give you clarity, encouragement, and a new definition of education. Connect with Janae: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a parent who needs reassurance today. Mentioned in today’s episode:  🎹  Have your kiddos learn piano from this amazing resource, check out: Simply Piano. We love it!  🎶  Cheryl's ebook: https://thehomeschoolhowto.com/ebook 🎁 Free resource: Grab my free 30-day homeschool quick start guide at thehomeschoolhowto.com Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

You’ve heard it a thousand times: “But what about socialization?” “What if my kid falls behind?” “What if they only want screens?” In this episode, I’m joined by Courtney (former teacher + school psychologist, now a private evaluator/advocate) to break down what unschooling actually is — and what it looks like in real life. We talk about the fear parents carry when they step outside the school system, and why so many families need to deschool themselves first. Courtney shares what she’s seen from inside education and why forcing kids to meet grade-level standards can backfire — especially when kids develop at different rates. We also get into: What unschooling really means (and why it’s not “kids watching TV all day”) Why school “socialization” can be toxic and what healthy socialization looks like How to handle screen time without power struggles (and why curiosity matters) The link between anxiety, nervous system regulation, and learning Why many kids are labeled too early — and what parents can do instead How to spark learning naturally through real life, nature, conversation, and connection A fascinating look at Human Design as a tool for understanding how your child learns If you’re a parent who’s trying to homeschool without recreating school at home — and you want your child to grow in confidence, curiosity, and love of learning — this episode will help you breathe again.  📌 Links to Courtney’s work: https://linktr.ee/courtney_shakti Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a parent who needs reassurance today. Mentioned in today’s episode: My ebook: https://thehomeschoolhowto.com/ebook My children’s safety book Let’s Talk, Emergencies!: grab it on Amazon! 🎁 Free resource: Grab my free 30-day homeschool quick start guide at thehomeschoolhowto.com Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

What happens when you stop accepting the “official story” and start asking better questions—about education, parenting, freedom, and the systems we’ve all been told to trust? In this week’s episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, I’m joined by Tim (ANCAPTim)—a homeschooling dad, songwriter, and outspoken advocate of voluntary exchange, individual responsibility, and a truly free market. We talk about what anarcho-capitalism means in plain language, how his worldview shaped his decision to homeschool, and how to raise curious, grounded kids without turning them into “the weird kid on the playground.” We also get into: Why “both sides” can feel like two wings of the same bird Homeschooling as a custom fit for individual kids (not a one-size box) Unschooling explained without the stereotypes Consumer responsibility, ethics, and “voting with your wallet” AI, creativity, and what tech might change (and what it won’t) Connect with Tim + his music:  ANCAPTIM.com  Mentioned in today’s episode: My ebook: https://thehomeschoolhowto.com/ebook My children’s safety book Let’s Talk, Emergencies!: https://CherylDaley.com or grab it on Amazon! If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow the show and leave a review—it helps more homeschool families find the podcast. Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

What happens when a homeschooled kid grows up, skips the “missing out” narrative, and builds a real community of motivated teens who want to create, lead, and launch? In this episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, I’m joined by Malcolm—a homeschooled graduate who spent years in Classical Conversations (CC) and is now the founder of Teen Mastermind, a fast-growing entrepreneurship community for teens that’s already reaching beyond the U.S. We talk about what homeschooling was actually like from the student perspective—socialization, friendships, motivation, prom/homecoming alternatives, and why Malcolm says he didn’t miss out… he dodged a bullet. You’ll also hear a clear, simple breakdown of the classical education model (grammar, dialectic/logic, rhetoric) and how CC works week-to-week for families considering it. Then we go deeper into the part parents don’t always know how to teach: entrepreneurship. Malcolm shares what he learned from attending business events with his family, why masterminds matter, and how being around the right people can change a teen’s trajectory. If you’ve ever wondered: “Will my kids resent homeschooling?” “How do homeschoolers actually make friends?” “Is Classical Conversations worth it?” “How do I raise a motivated teen with real-world skills?” …this episode is for you. Resources mentioned: theteenmastermind.com teenmastermindlive.com Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

You know your child better than any teacher, curriculum, or system ever could — but trusting that instinct can feel scary. In this episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, I’m joined by Leanne, a former classroom teacher, homeschool mom of two grown kids, and Unfold History co-creator, to talk honestly about what homeschooling really looks like over the long haul. We dive into: How to know when a curriculum isn’t working — and when to switch Why learning should be engaging, exciting, and sometimes messy The freedom homeschooling gives families beyond academics The impact of screens, dopamine, and constant stimulation on developing brains Why college doesn’t have to be the end goal — and what success can actually look like How homeschooling can strengthen family bonds well into adulthood 🎬 Unfold History Leanne is also one of the creators behind Unfold History, a live-action, story-based history program for kids designed to make history meaningful, visual, and relatable. The program uses short, kid-centered videos paired with flexible curriculum to help children understand why history matters — not just memorize facts. Whether you’re homeschooling, exploring alternative education, or simply questioning the traditional school system, this episode will remind you that there is no single “right” path — only the one that works for your family. 🎧 Listen in and be encouraged: you can do this. Check out: www.unfoldhistory.org Follow Unfold History on Instagram and Facebook The documentary mentioned is actually called : The Social Dilemma (not The Social Experiment!)  📘 The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide Thinking about homeschooling but don’t know where to start? Cheryl created this comprehensive guide, compiling insights from interviews with over 120 homeschooling families across the country. From navigating state laws to balancing work and home life — this eBook covers it all. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident on your homeschooling journey. 👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15 Let's Talk, Emergencies!- Grab it on Amazon! What is the most important thing we can teach our kids? HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY! Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

What if one of the biggest homeschooling wins isn’t curriculum… but protecting your kids from modern pressures and modern “food”? In this episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, Cheryl sits down with Patrick & Ashley—homeschool-connected entrepreneurs and the team behind Jigsaw Health—to talk about: Patrick’s experience being homeschooled in 7th–9th grade (and why it mattered) The myth of “socialization” vs. what homeschool kids actually gain Why food choices have become a parenting issue (and a homeschooling advantage) Their documentary Breaking Big Food: How the American Food System Went Rotten and How It’s Being Revived Practical, realistic “one step at a time” swaps (without turning your life upside down) Why “pay the farmer now or pharma later” keeps showing up in this conversation You’ll also hear how families are building local alternatives—farmers markets, seed-oil-free restaurants, community markets—and how you can start making changes without getting overwhelmed. 🎥 Watch the documentary: BreakingBigFood.com  Ashley & Patrick's supplement brand: JigsawHealth.com and their organic coffee shop: FireflyScottsdale.com If you’re homeschooling (or considering it) and you care about kids’ health, behavior, focus, food dyes, ultra-processed foods, and raising well-adjusted humans, this episode will give you both encouragement and next steps. Follow/subscribe for weekly interviews with homeschooling families and experts—and share this episode with a friend who’s trying to “do better” but doesn’t know where to start. Learn more about Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—the new prequel book from S. D. Smith—and explore the companion video game now available on Steam: sdsmith.com/helmer  Perfect for parents seeking meaningful, courage-building stories for kids ages 8–12. 📘 The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide Thinking about homeschooling but don’t know where to start? Cheryl created this comprehensive guide, compiling insights from interviews with over 120 homeschooling families across the country. From navigating state laws to balancing work and home life — this eBook covers it all. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident on your homeschooling journey. Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

Homeschooling isn’t just about math lessons and reading charts—it’s about who gets to shape how your kids see the world. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jonathan Newman from the Mises Institute, a homeschooling dad, economist, and libertarian who breaks down why he and his wife chose to keep their kids out of government schools, how they approach reading and “adulting” skills at home, and why there’s really no such thing as a “neutral” education. We talk about: Teaching kids to read with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons—and why it works for some kids and not others The big differences between boys and girls when it comes to focus, readiness, and timelines Why homeschooling is so much more efficient than public school (and what to do with all that extra time together) The “adulting crisis” and how kids actually learn real-life skills like changing a tire, paying bills, and mailing a letter What Austrian economics is, why the Mises Institute exists, and how Jonathan teaches multiple perspectives instead of one government-approved narrative Capitalism vs. socialism, and why socialist systems struggle to get food, prices, and production right Indoctrination, values, and why parents—not the state—should decide which ideas get center stage in their child’s education If you’re a Christian, liberty-minded, or simply skeptical of the one-size-fits-all system and the stories your kids are being told about history, money, and government, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. Follow Dr. Jonathan Newman on X - @NewmanJ_R Discover free books, articles, and lectures on economics and liberty at Mises.org Learn more about Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—the new prequel book from S. D. Smith—and explore the companion video game now available on Steam: sdsmith.com/helmer  Perfect for parents seeking meaningful, courage-building stories for kids ages 8–12. 📘 The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide Thinking about homeschooling but don’t know where to start? Cheryl created this comprehensive guide, compiling insights from interviews with over 120 homeschooling families across the country. From navigating state laws to balancing work and home life — this eBook covers it all. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident on your homeschooling journey. Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

What happens when vaccine mandates, school regulations, and a mama’s intuition collide? In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany, a homeschool mom of almost-seven-year-old twin boys in West Virginia and an occupational therapist who now serves the homeschool community. Tiffany shares how COVID, vaccine requirements, and a strong Christian conviction opened the door to homeschooling—not just for her twin boys, but for her stepkids too. We talk about co-ops, jujitsu, piano lessons, state requirements, and why “freedom” is the first word that comes to mind when she thinks of home education. As an OT, Tiffany also dives into reflex integration—how primitive reflexes can affect things like handwriting, reading, attention, picky eating, emotional regulation, and why some kids “can’t sit still” no matter how hard they try. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this just a phase, or does my child actually need help?” this conversation is for you. In this episode, we cover: Homeschooling energetic twin boys with totally different strengths Navigating co-ops, church life, and daily rhythms in West Virginia How vaccine mandates and religious convictions pushed some families toward homeschooling The difference between classical education and programs like Classical Conversations West Virginia vs. New York homeschool requirements (portfolio reviews, testing, paperwork) What pediatric occupational therapy actually is for homeschoolers Reflex integration 101 and how unintegrated reflexes can show up asPoor handwriting Trouble sitting still Visual scanning issues when reading Picky eating, chewing on clothes/pencils Big emotions and meltdowns Why it’s okay to ask for help and build your “village” as a homeschool parent Connect with Tiffany: Www.agapelove.com Facebook: The Homeschool OT, Tiffany Parsons Other therapy resources:  Www.HomeschoolOT.com  Facebook: The Homeschool OT, Sarah Collins Harkla (parent trainings): https://harkla.co/?rfsn=8716597.365cfae Learn more about Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—the new prequel book from S. D. Smith—and explore the companion video game now available on Steam: sdsmith.com/helmer  Perfect for parents seeking meaningful, courage-building stories for kids ages 8–12. 📘 The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide Thinking about homeschooling but don’t know where to start? Cheryl created this comprehensive guide, compiling insights from interviews with over 120 homeschooling families across the country. From navigating state laws to balancing work and home life — this eBook covers it all. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident on your homeschooling journey.   Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Jem from Australia, a homeschooling mom of four navigating autism, ADHD, sensory needs, school refusal, and neurodivergent learning—and doing it all with honesty, humor, and so much heart. Jem shares why her family left the traditional school system, how her kids went from daily meltdowns and sensory overwhelm to peaceful mornings and learning at their own pace, and why unschooling naturally became the approach that finally worked. We talk about:  • What homeschooling looks like for autistic and ADHD learners • Why school refusal isn’t “defiance”—it’s dysregulation • The surprising benefits of late-morning starts, slow mornings, and interest-led learning • How volunteering at an animal rescue farm completely changed her daughter’s confidence • Creating sensory-friendly learning spaces at home • Using fidgets, wobble seats, chewing tools, trampolines, and pets for regulation • Transitioning out of curriculum and into a more intuitive, child-led rhythm • How homeschooling reconnects families and helps kids thrive emotionally • The differences between public school vs. homeschool in Australia • What new homeschool parents REALLY need to hear before they begin If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, exploring unschooling, or wondering whether homeschooling can truly support special needs, this episode will give you encouragement, perspective, and a whole lot of validation. ✨ Connect with Jem: Jem's Facebook Jem's Instagram Leave the Big Box Store! Shop Here Instead! Swap Where You Shop Learn more about Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—the new prequel book from S. D. Smith—and explore the companion video game now available on Steam: sdsmith.com/helmer  Perfect for parents seeking meaningful, courage-building stories for kids ages 8–12. *** A Connected Christmas Unit Study! Start making Christmas memories today!! 📘 The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide Thinking about homeschooling but don’t know where to start? Cheryl created this comprehensive guide, compiling insights from interviews with over 120 homeschooling families across the country. From navigating state laws to balancing work and home life — this eBook covers it all. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident on your homeschooling journey. Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

In this powerful episode, Cheryl sits down with Anya, a seasoned mom who made the courageous choice to pull her son out of school during a season of deep grief — and discovered that unschooling was the unexpected key to his healing, growth, and confidence. Anya shares how losing her son’s father, navigating the chaos of COVID schooling, and tuning into her child’s emotional needs led her to take full ownership of her family’s educational path. What followed included incredible personal growth, restored mental health, and the realization that children often learn more outside the system than inside it. Together we explore:  • How unschooling helped her son recover emotionally and academically  • Why children can easily return to public school without “falling behind”  • The impact of grief, trauma, and stress on learning  • Why emotional intelligence matters more than worksheets  • Homeschool myths that keep parents scared  • Real-life skills kids actually need (and how school suppresses them)  • The hidden pressures on parents from schools, doctors & society  • Why confidence, connection, and slow childhood matter more than curriculum If you’re considering homeschooling, curious about unschooling, or questioning the one-size-fits-all school system, this episode will give you permission to trust yourself — and your child — more deeply. Connect with Anya: www.theangelwearsprana.com Instagram Youtube Facbook  A Connected Christmas Unit Study! Start making Christmas memories today!! 📘 The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide Thinking about homeschooling but don’t know where to start? Cheryl created this comprehensive guide, compiling insights from interviews with over 120 homeschooling families across the country. From navigating state laws to balancing work and home life — this eBook covers it all. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident on your homeschooling journey. Support the show Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast