Called To Homeschool

Math can feel overwhelming—for you and your kids.If you’ve ever felt like you’re explaining the same thing over and over and it’s just not sticking, you’re not alone.In this episode, I’m sharing a simpler, more effective way to approach math—one that helps your kids actually understand it and even enjoy it.I also answer a listener question about teaching math in the early years and share what I’ve used with my own kids—from games and flashcards to books and curriculum options.If math has felt hard in your home, this episode will help you rethink your approach and make it more enjoyable for everyone.

Are you helping your kids… or accidentally keeping them dependent?In this episode, we talk about a common parenting mistake that many well-meaning parents make—and how it can hold kids back from real independence.You’ll learn:Why independence comes from skills, not ageThe tension between giving too much freedom vs. not enoughA simple shift to help your kids grow in responsibilityBecause the goal isn’t just raising kids who behave…

Meet Mandy Davis from @homebuilteducation She is a former teacher and principal turned homeschooler.She has such a fascinating perspective of the public education model and homeschooling.I was excited to interview her and find out why she left, and why she thinks other people are leaving too.She talks about her struggles in homeschooling, socializing, and how can homeschoolers get into college.She also shared about her new book, The Homeschool Bible. The book is a roadmap to guide you through the real questions that show up in every season of homeschooling.You'll find: legal steps, curriculum overviews, daily rhythms, and so much more.

What if your homeschool was bigger than curriculum, schedules, and lesson plans?In this episode, I’m sharing something really special—our upcoming trip to England and Ireland, and how this adventure grew out of our homeschool life. We’ll talk about dreaming big with your homeschool, building a life your children actually get to experience, and why education doesn’t have to stay inside the walls of your home.I’ll also share what we’re studying before the trip, how we prepare for travel learning, and why homeschooling gives families the freedom to turn history, literature, and geography into real-life experiences.If you’ve ever wondered how big your homeschool could be, this episode is for you.

From Public School to Homeschool: Managing Downtime Without ScreensPulling your child from public school can feel freeing… and a little terrifying.Because here’s what no one tells you:Homeschool doesn’t take six hours a day.It might only take one or two.So what do you do with the rest of the time — especially when your child is used to constant structure, stimulation, and full-day schedules?In this episode, I’m talking directly to the mama transitioning from public school to homeschool — especially with little ones at home. We’ll cover:Why downtime isn’t dangerousHow to manage screen time without daily battlesWhy boredom is actually a skillHow to build simple afternoon rhythmsAnd how to confidently say no to constant entertainmentWe’ll also talk about winter months, outdoor time, and why the quote “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” might need to become your new homeschool motto.If you’re worried your child will just ask for TV all day… this episode will give you practical tools and a calme

What do you do when your child just isn’t interested in reading? When phonics feels like a battle, motivation is low, and you’re wondering if something is wrong?In this episode, we talk about reading readiness, child development, and why motivation cannot be forced. I share what actually matters in the early years, how pressure can backfire, and how to tell the difference between a true concern and simple developmental timing.If you’re worried your child is behind or unmotivated, this conversation will help you step back, stay calm, and move forward with confidence.

Can you grow your family and homeschool well at the same time? What happens to your routines, your curriculum, and your expectations when pregnancy, newborns, and toddlers enter the picture?In this episode, I share honest hindsight from homeschooling through multiple pregnancies and baby years. We talk about the logistics, the pressure Type A moms often feel, how to simplify during slower seasons, and why babies don’t ruin homeschool — rigid expectations do.If you’re wrestling with whether you can do both, this episode will bring clarity, perspective, and peace.

If homeschooling feels overwhelming or your child is resisting schoolwork, you may not need new curriculum — you may need better timing. In this episode, I explain the first three phases of learning in a Thomas Jefferson Education: Core Phase, Love of Learning, and Scholar Phase. We’ll talk about child development, academic readiness, character training, and how aligning your homeschool expectations with your child’s season can reduce stress and build long-term leadership. The right work at the right time changes everything in your homeschool.

Love is the goal. Systems are the tools. In this episode, we talk about using routines and frameworks to support connection — not replace it — and how to come back to love, especially as kids get older.

In this episode, we explore how to raise capable kids by teaching responsibility and life skills before giving privileges. Learn a calm, skill-based parenting approach that reduces power struggles, builds respect, and helps children earn real freedom. This episode introduces the Levels of Liberty framework and explains how emotional, mental, physical, social, financial, and spiritual skills create confident, independent kids — especially in homeschool families.

In this listener Q&A episode, I answer common questions about implementing Happy Habits with young children. We talk about avoiding all-or-nothing parenting, what to do when habits regress, how rewards really work, and how to build positive habits without power struggles.If you’re a homeschool mom trying to build routines and habits while already doing so much, this episode will help you focus on skill-building, calm leadership, and progress over perfection.

Do you want to be a calm, confident homeschool mom—but feel like you’re constantly reacting instead? In this episode, I answer a listener’s honest question about overwhelm, frustration, and not knowing what to do in the moment, and share why calm is a skill you can learn—not a personality trait. I also invite you to my free training, From Chaos to Calm, where I teach these tools step by step.Link to register: https://purple-bird-127.myflodesk.com/d19q9fm2uv

If you’re doing everything you can not to yell—and it still feels impossible—this episode is for you.I’m answering a mom’s honest question about parenting two little boys with big energy, big feelings, and constant boundary-testing. In this episode, I cover:• Why rough play can be healthy• What behaviors you can ignore—and which ones matter• How praising the good changes behavior faster than correcting the bad• How to use simple “happy habits” for kids and parents• Why regulation is a skill you can buildThis is real-life parenting support—not perfection.If you’re tired, trying, and worried about starting homeschool already overwhelmed, this episode will meet you right where you are.

What do you do when life has been hard for a long time—and you’re trying to keep homeschooling anyway?In this episode, I respond to a heartfelt question from a mom who believes deeply in intentional motherhood, homeschooling, and building a beautiful life with her children… but has been knocked down by a season of real hardship and healing.We talk about:Why happiness can feel inaccessible after dark or difficult seasonsWhy feeling constantly annoyed is often a sign of exhaustion, not failureHow the pressure of the “shoulds” keeps us stuckWhy you don’t restart homeschooling the same way you paused itAnd how joy, peace, and motivation return gently—not through forceThis is not a push-through-it conversation. It’s a compassionate, honest discussion about nervous system regulation, healing, parenting, and what homeschooling can look like when capacity is limited.If you’ve been wondering how to move forward without rushing yourself, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about something so many families struggle with quietly: toy clutter.Inspired by Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne, I answer a listener’s question about how to keep toys (and clutter) from taking over your home — especially when kids are gifted so many toys, toy rotation feels overwhelming, and letting things go brings guilt.We’ll talk about:• why a simpler environment supports children’s nervous systems• how too many toys affect attention, behavior, and play• how to decide which toys to keep and which to release• how to talk to young children about having less• how to set kind but firm boundaries with extended family• and how parents can confidently lead the environment of their homeThis episode is for parents who want calmer homes, deeper play, and an environment that truly supports their family — without extremes, shame, or perfection.If clutter has been weighing on you, this conversation will give you clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps.

In this episode, Meg shares the third pillar of effective parenting: setting clear boundaries and having clear consequences. When kids know exactly what the rules are—and what happens when those rules are broken—the power struggles begin to fade. Boundaries remove the guessing game from parenting and allow you to respond with confidence instead of reacting emotionally.You don’t need to lecture, threaten, or yell. The boundary does the teaching for you. Using simple, consistent follow-through (and your Happy Habits as a guide), you can create a home that feels peaceful, predictable, and steady for both you and your children.This final pillar brings structure, clarity, and calm to your parenting—so everyone in the home can thrive.

In this episode, Meg teaches the second pillar of effective parenting: Noticing the Good. Most parents unintentionally overlook about 95% of their children’s positive behaviors—not because they don’t care, but because they’re busy, distracted, or focused on what needs fixing.When you intentionally call out the good, you’re not just praising a moment—you’re reinforcing the behavior and character you want to see grow. Meg shares simple phrases like “I notice…” and “I see…” that help you highlight kindness, effort, patience, and all the strengths your children are developing.This pillar works quietly but powerfully to build confidence, connection, and cooperation in your home.

In this episode, Meg shares why staying calm and not reacting to negativity is one of the most powerful parenting tools you can use. You’ll learn how attention fuels behavior, why most misbehaviors disappear when ignored with purpose, and how to hold your peace instead of getting pulled into the drama.

What if raising hard-working, responsible kids had nothing to do with money — and everything to do with habits, purpose, and family culture?In this coaching conversation with a homeschool mom, we dive into how to teach children to be good humans, contribute to the home, and build real-life skills without paying them for every task. Instead of rewards and bribes, I introduce the power of Happy Habits — simple, consistent practices that shift responsibility, ownership, and self-motivation from the outside in.If you’ve ever wondered how to motivate without micromanaging — this one is for you.

This week I’m chatting with a mama who’s wrestling with a tough decision—whether to pull her 9th and 7th graders back out of public school. After a couple of years away from homeschooling, she’s noticing big changes: attitude problems, a lack of motivation, and tension at home. But she’s also feeling the weight of fear—What if they’re mad at me? What if it’s too late to bring them home?In this honest and heartfelt conversation, we talk through what’s really going on beneath the surface, how to rebuild connection with your teens, and how to lead with love and confidence instead of fear. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late to bring your kids home, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to restore peace and purpose to your family.