The Christy-Faith Show

What is a homeschool dad actually supposed to do when his wife is the one teaching? Most homeschool content is written for moms, so dads are left guessing — supportive, but unsure where they fit. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Dr. Joe O'Tool, a board-certified functional neurologist and second-generation homeschooler, to answer the question directly: what every homeschool dad needs to know. 🎁 Free Resource: The New Homeschooler's Roadmap Your free step-by-step companion to this whole journey — all 8 steps, all the links, plus episode playlists organized by your biggest worries. Save it to your desktop — it's your command center. 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: What the dad's role in homeschooling actually is when mom is the primary teacher Why the best homeschool dads lead without micromanaging the day-to-day What to say to your wife when she has taught the same concept five times and hit a wall Why a dad's criticism is usually fear talking — and what to do with that fear The one action step Dr. Joe gives every nervous homeschool dad Why deschooling matters just as much for dads as it does for moms The skill that predicts academic success better than intelligence does How to explain your family's homeschooling to coworkers and friends without apologizing Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: The Stinks — Dr. Joe O'Tool's children's book about getting outside and getting the stink off Lifestream Clinic — Dr. Joe's functional neurology practice in Ankeny, Iowa Homeschool Iowa — the state organization Dr. Joe serves on the board of Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book, including the chapter on deschooling Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein — the book Dr. Joe references on struggle and long-term learning The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community About our guest: Dr. Joe O'Tool is a board-certified functional neurologist practicing in Ankeny, Iowa, where he works daily with children facing learning, behavior, and development concerns, and with patients experiencing concussion, vertigo, brain fog, and dizziness. He is a second-generation homeschooler who grew up in a family of nine children, and he and his wife, Angie, homeschool their own kids today. He serves on the board of Homeschool Iowa and is the author of the children's book The Stinks. His personal motto is: "Step Up. Change Lives. Inspire Hope." 👉 lifestreamclinic.com 👉 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_ TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (02:03) - Meet Dr. Joe O’Tool (04:21) - Why His Parents Homeschooled Before It Was Legal (07:42) - What Homeschooling Did for the Sibling Relationships (09:20) - The Dad’s Role When Mom Is the Teacher (10:54) - There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Homeschool Rhythm (14:55) - Speaking to the Dad Who’s Afraid They’re Behind (18:39) - What His High School Actually Looked Like (22:52) - Trade-Offs, Gap Years, and Missing Out (30:05) - When Mom Is at Her Wits’ End (33:33) - Dad as Vision Caster, Not Micromanager (36:14) - When Dad Is Looking Over Her Shoulder (41:37) - The One Action Step for Every Homeschool Dad (44:21) - The Skill That Predicts Success Better Than Grades (45:34) - Stop Teaching Kids to Find the Right Answer (52:44) - For the Dad Who Feels on the Outside (53:48) - Know Your Wife, Not the Curriculum (58:52) - For the Dad Who Feels Like the Only One (01:04:04) - The Stinks and What’s Next for Dr. Joe

Can homeschool graduates actually join the military — and is enlisting the only way in? Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Natalie Mack, M.Ed., a homeschool consultant, TEDx speaker, and retired military spouse with more than 23 years of homeschooling experience, to map every pathway to service. Enlistment, ROTC, service academies, military colleges, the Guard and Reserves — plus the tier rule that quietly decided how homeschoolers were treated for years. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: The five military pathways open to homeschool graduates, not just enlistment Why homeschool graduates are now tier one — and what to do if a recruiter says otherwise What the ASVAB actually measures, and why it isn't only for future service members How the free ASVAB Career Exploration Program works for any student in 10th grade and up The option that keeps your student's test scores out of a recruiter's hands How ROTC scholarships work, and the service obligation that can come with them What a service academy application really demands, and why you start before ninth grade Why applying early decision can quietly disqualify a service academy candidate Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: March to Success — free ASVAB prep from the U.S. Army: march2success.com Natalie Mack's website: natalie-mack.com High School Decisions Bootcamp — use code CHRISTY for a listener discount: natalie-mack.com/high-school-decisions-bootcamp Natalie's homeschool courses and masterclasses: natalie-mack.com/masterclass 101 Tips for Homeschoolers — Natalie's book: Get the book on Amazon The Impact of Homeschooling — Natalie's TEDx talk: Watch the TEDx talk The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive ⭐ This is Part 4, the final episode of a 4-part series with Natalie Mack on homeschooling high school. Part 1 — How to Homeschool High School With Confidence Part 2 — Can Homeschoolers Play College Sports? NCAA Eligibility Explained Part 3 — How to Prepare Your Homeschooler for College Part 4 — Homeschool to Military (this episode) About our guest: Natalie Mack, M.Ed. is the founder of Homeschool Natalie Mack, and a homeschool consultant, TEDx speaker, and author of 101 Tips for Homeschoolers. With more than 23 years of homeschooling experience, she helps families confidently navigate high school, transcripts, college admissions, military service, and other postsecondary pathways. Natalie is passionate about equipping parents with practical guidance so they can make informed decisions. 👉 natalie-mack.com 👉 Instagram: @homeschoolnataliemack 👉 TikTok: @homeschoolnataliemack 👉 Facebook: Homeschool Natalie Mack 👉 YouTube: @homeschoolnataliemack Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_ TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (01:14) - The Series So Far (02:25) - Meet Natalie Mack (04:45) - A Military Family (10:36) - Not a Fallback Option (11:28) - The Five Pathways (12:32) - Service Academies (13:41) - Military Colleges (14:56) - Guard and Reserves (21:06) - Can Homeschoolers Enlist? (23:21) - Tier One Explained (25:59) - Documentation and Transcripts (28:50) - What Is the ASVAB? (31:16) - The Free Career Test (34:11) - Keeping Scores Private (41:00) - ROTC Scholarships (43:33) - Service Academy Prep (47:17) - Don't Bet on One School (51:57) - Asking Better Questions (54:21) - Where to Find Natalie

How do you prepare a homeschooler for college — and do you have to do the traditional four years to get there? Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Natalie Mack, M.Ed., a homeschool consultant and TEDx speaker with more than 23 years of homeschooling experience, to walk through every college-bound pathway open to homeschool families. Dual enrollment, community college, dual degree programs, and the traditional four-year route — plus the transfer trap that quietly costs families thousands. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: The four college-bound pathways available to homeschool families, laid out side by side When community college during high school is a smart move — and when it isn't How dual enrollment works, and why one semester course can equal a full high school year Why some dual credit classes never transfer, and the residency requirement behind it The exact question to ask a college registrar before your teen enrolls in anything What dual degree programs are, and which students they actually fit How the college application process differs for homeschool students (and how much it doesn't) Why colleges actively recruit homeschool students for the skills they bring Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Natalie Mack's website — home of her free downloadable extracurricular activity resume for tracking leadership, service, and volunteer work: natalie-mack.com High School Decisions Bootcamp — use code CHRISTY for a listener discount: natalie-mack.com/high-school-decisions-bootcamp Natalie's homeschool courses and masterclasses: natalie-mack.com/masterclass 101 Tips for Homeschoolers — Natalie's book: Get the book on Amazon The Impact of Homeschooling — Natalie's TEDx talk: Watch the TEDx talk The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive ⭐ This is Part 3 of a 4-part series with Natalie Mack on homeschooling high school. Part 1 — How to Homeschool High School With Confidence Part 2 — Can Homeschoolers Play College Sports? NCAA Eligibility Explained Part 3 — How to Prepare Your Homeschooler for College (this episode) Part 4 — From homeschool to military service: enlistment, ROTC, and service academies About our guest: Natalie Mack, M.Ed. is the founder of Homeschool Natalie Mack, and a homeschool consultant, TEDx speaker, and author of 101 Tips for Homeschoolers. With more than 23 years of homeschooling experience, she helps families confidently navigate high school, transcripts, college admissions, military service, and other postsecondary pathways. Natalie is passionate about equipping parents with practical guidance so they can make informed decisions. 👉 natalie-mack.com 👉 Instagram: @homeschoolnataliemack 👉 TikTok: @homeschoolnataliemack 👉 Facebook: Homeschool Natalie Mack 👉 YouTube: @homeschoolnataliemack Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_ TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction and Where We Are in the Series (01:14) - Meet Natalie Mack (03:06) - Demystifying Homeschooling High School (04:39) - You're Not Neglecting Them — You're Supporting Them (05:14) - Should Homeschoolers Use Community College? (06:19) - Lower Stakes, Lower Cost, Real College Experience (07:32) - When Community College Isn't the Right Fit (08:30) - How Dual Enrollment Actually Works (09:04) - One Semester Course Equals One Full High School Year (13:10) - The College-Bound Pathways, Laid Out (14:22) - What Dual Degree Programs Are (15:20) - Why Families Are Rethinking the Four-Year Price Tag (19:38) - The Dual Credit Transfer Trap (20:42) - Residency Requirements and Why Colleges Protect Their Brand (21:46) - How to Find Out What Actually Transfers (23:00) - Getting Buy-In From Your Student (24:34) - When Pushback Is Really Overwhelm (30:16) - Building Confidence and a Love of Learning (31:34) - Should Your Teen Sit In on the Consultation? (34:28) - The Shift From Teacher to Facilitator (36:49) - Why the Mental Health Piece Matters in High School (43:38) - The Traditional Four-Year Application Process (45:15) - Transcripts, Activity Resumes, and the Common App (46:14) - Wearing Two Hats: Mom and Guidance Counselor (48:48) - Why Colleges Actively Recruit Homeschool Students (51:21) - Skills, Character, and What Employers Want Now (52:29) - Don't Apologize for Homeschooling (53:35) - Where to Find Natalie Mack

Can homeschoolers actually play college sports? If your athlete has ever said "I want to play in college," there is a separate process running alongside college admissions that most homeschool families never hear about until it's too late. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Natalie Mack, M.Ed., to walk through exactly how NCAA eligibility works when you're the one wearing the guidance counselor hat. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Whether homeschool students can compete in NCAA athletics just like traditionally schooled students Where to find the NCAA Eligibility Center's homeschool toolkit and why it's the document to follow How the 16 core courses and the 10/7 rule actually work What a Core Course Worksheet (CCW) is and when a parent has to fill one out When the eligibility clock starts and why 9th grade is already late to begin planning How dual enrollment, co-op classes, and online courses count toward eligibility The real difference between Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 requirements The most common mistakes that quietly create eligibility problems for homeschool athletes Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Natalie Mack's website — free high school planning checklist for grades 9–12, the high school decisions workshop, and her homeschool courses High School Decisions Bootcamp — use code CHRISTY for a listener discount Natalie's homeschool courses — cross-cultural American literature and model diplomacy global affairs simulation 101 Tips for Homeschoolers — Natalie's book The Impact of Homeschooling — Natalie's TEDx talk The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive ⭐ This is Part 2 of a 4-part series with Natalie Mack on homeschooling high school. Part 1 — How to Homeschool High School With Confidence Part 3 — the college-bound path, including community college and dual enrollment Part 4 — from homeschool to military service: enlistment, ROTC, and service academies About our guest: Natalie Mack, M.Ed., is the founder of Homeschool Natalie Mack, and a homeschool consultant, TEDx speaker, and author of 101 Tips for Homeschoolers. With more than 23 years of homeschooling experience, she helps families confidently navigate high school, transcripts, college admissions, military service, and other postsecondary pathways. Natalie is passionate about equipping parents with practical guidance so they can make informed decisions. 👉 natalie-mack.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_ TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction and why this series got split into four episodes (02:30) - Natalie's daughter and the road to Division 1 soccer (06:16) - Can homeschoolers compete in NCAA athletics? (09:20) - The NCAA Eligibility Center and the homeschool toolkit (10:55) - The 16 core courses and the 10/7 rule (12:28) - Core Course Worksheets for parent-taught classes (16:46) - When the clock starts: planning before 9th grade (19:24) - What athletic scholarship money really looks like (20:59) - Division 1 vs. Division 2 vs. Division 3 (22:33) - What the NCAA counts as a homeschool course (24:54) - The mistakes that create eligibility problems (28:37) - "Why not just send them to brick-and-mortar?" (33:28) - Dual enrollment, co-ops, and outside instructors (38:52) - What to do while your student is still in middle school (41:06) - The broken leg question every family should ask (43:26) - When a kid's identity gets wrapped up in performance (50:46) - Why one thing should never be everything (53:24) - What's coming next in the series and how to find Natalie

Your student is heading into ninth grade and suddenly everything feels like it counts. Credits, transcripts, graduation requirements, college, and a hundred decisions you're not sure you're qualified to make. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Natalie Mack, M.Ed., to answer the question that keeps homeschool moms up at night: how do you homeschool high school without living in a pressure cooker? This is Part 1 of a four-part high school series. 🎁 Free Resource: Sample Homeschool Schedules See how real homeschool families actually structure their days — then take what works and leave the rest. 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: What actually changes when you move from homeschooling middle school into high school Why Natalie calls high school a blank canvas — and why there's no single right way through it The five core subject areas that build a sound high school foundation How many credits a homeschool high schooler needs each year, and what a credit really represents Why every student needs a homeschool transcript — even the ones who say they're not going to college When to start the transcript and why it stays a draft document for years How to set your own graduation requirements and where state law comes into it The biggest mistake homeschool parents make in high school planning — and how fear drives it The truth about the all-AP myth, straight from a College Board parent advisory council member How to choose between dual enrollment, AP, CLEP, and online classes using four fit filters The dual credit mistake that costs families real money when credits don't transfer Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Natalie Mack's website — free high school planning checklist for grades 9–12, the high school decisions workshop, and her homeschool courses: natalie-mack.com High School Decisions Bootcamp — use code CHRISTY for a listener discount: High School Decisions Bootcamp Natalie's homeschool courses — cross-cultural American literature and model diplomacy global affairs simulation: Natalie's Courses 101 Tips for Homeschoolers — Natalie's book: 101 Tips for Homeschoolers The Impact of Homeschooling — Natalie's TEDx talk: Watch the TEDx talk The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive About our guest: Natalie Mack, M.Ed., is the founder of Homeschool Natalie Mack, and a homeschool consultant, TEDx speaker, and author of 101 Tips for Homeschoolers. With more than 23 years of homeschooling experience, she helps families confidently navigate high school, transcripts, college admissions, military service, and other postsecondary pathways. Natalie is passionate about equipping parents with practical guidance so they can make informed decisions. 👉 natalie-mack.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Meet Natalie Mack (02:15) - What's Coming in This 4-Part Series (05:30) - Natalie's Five Kids and Their Different Paths (09:20) - What Actually Changes in High School (10:30) - High School Is a Blank Canvas (16:33) - Why 14-Year-Olds Shouldn't Have to Decide Forever (18:25) - Homeschooling Is the Flex (21:00) - Trust the Process and Calm It Down (26:00) - Credits, Transcripts, and the Five Core Subjects (28:00) - How Many Credits Per Year (29:30) - Why Every Student Needs a Transcript (31:20) - Graduation Requirements and the Diploma (36:55) - The Biggest Mistake: Planning From Fear (40:15) - Dual Enrollment, AP, CLEP, or Online (43:00) - The Dual Credit Transfer Trap (45:25) - How Early Should Families Start Planning? (49:05) - Where to Find Natalie Mack

It's 8 AM on the first day of school — pencils sharpened, kids ready — and the website won't load, a password is wrong, and the whole morning unravels before it starts. In Part 2 of How to Set Up Your Homeschool Year, homeschool expert Christy-Faith — author of Homeschool Rising with over 20 years of experience in education — moves from mindset to the nuts and bolts: the 7 systems she sets up every summer so her homeschool runs at a clip instead of starting in overwhelm. 🎁 Free Resource: Sample Homeschool Schedules Curious what other homeschool moms' schedules actually look like? Grab free sample schedules by age and stage — Christy-Faith's own included. 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why the worst time to teach a new chore system is September — and when to train it instead How a simple printed schedule lowers your kids' stress hormones (clinicians have measured it) Why you don't need a dedicated schoolroom — and the "everything has a home" rule that keeps your house tidy The unglamorous tech-and-passwords setup that saves your first day of school How to teach kids exactly what to do when mom gets pulled away mid-lesson The prep work Christy-Faith does every summer before she opens a single curriculum How to layer subjects in slowly so the year starts calm instead of like a tidal wave Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Get 50% Off (Homeschool Discount) 👉 Start Your Free Trial LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Sample Homeschool Schedules — by age and stage: christy-faith.com/download-free-sample-homeschool-schedules How to Set Up Your Homeschool Year (Part 1) — start here first: Listen to Part 1 Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book (deschooling chapter): Homeschool Rising The Christy-Faith List — find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome to Part 2 — Building Your Year by Hand (01:31) - What This Show Is About (02:41) - System 1: Retrain Chores in the Summer (05:01) - System 2: The Printed Schedule (A Security Blanket for Kids) (11:46) - System 3: Give Everything a Home (You Don't Need a Schoolroom) (15:59) - System 4: Set Up Tech & Passwords Before Day One (20:38) - System 5: Teach the Plan for When Mom's in the Weeds (23:52) - System 6: Do Your Own Homework First (27:10) - System 7: Layer Your Subjects in Slowly (31:44) - The 7 Systems, Recapped

You planned the perfect first week — and by day three it was already falling apart. What actually torches the start of a homeschool year has nothing to do with school supplies, curriculum, or the color-coded spreadsheet you built in July. It's your expectations. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith, an education and parenting expert with over 20 years of experience, walks through the seven mindset shifts that make setting up your homeschool year sustainable instead of soul-crushing. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why everything is hard at the beginning — even in year 15 — and the three-things rule that keeps week one from burying you Why the first weeks of school are the worst possible time to teach brand-new content How to prep before day one so your kids aren't learning new systems and new material at the same time Why your July and August plan is supposed to fall apart — and the documented brain glitch behind it How much margin to build into every single slot in your homeschool schedule Why there's no "teacher hat" to put on, and what changes when you teach as yourself Why you were always the variable, not the curriculum box Why that bone-deep week-one exhaustion is proof your brain is doing hard, honest work Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math ✔ Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Sample Homeschool Schedules — Christy-Faith's real schedules for every age and stage, PK through 12th: Get the Schedules Free Curriculum Recommendations — The vetted list, by subject, with zero paid placements: Free Download New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: Learn More Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - The Day That Fell Apart (02:07) - Why I Threw the First Draft in the Trash (03:41) - Expectations vs. Systems — What Part 1 Covers (05:20) - Mindset 1: Everything Is Hard at the Beginning (06:11) - The Three-Things Rule (07:36) - Mindset 2: The Worst Possible Time to Teach New Content (09:20) - Start Prepping Before Day One (12:51) - Mindset 3: Your July Plan Is Supposed to Fall Apart (13:35) - The Planning Fallacy (14:55) - Why Every Schedule Needs Margin (15:46) - Mindset 4: There Are No Hats (17:00) - Mindset 5: You Were Always the Variable, Not the Box (19:40) - Mindset 6: Go Easy on Your Kids Too (24:04) - Mindset 7: Why Week One Levels You (25:47) - Your Expectations Weigh More Than Your Curriculum (27:01) - The Recap — and What’s Coming in Part 2

You've researched the curriculum, built the schedule, and made the plan — so why do you still lie awake wondering if you're doing enough? In this rare, behind-the-scenes episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with the mentors of Thrive Homeschool Community to talk about why even devoted homeschool moms keep second-guessing their decisions — and how to finally trust that you're the right one to make the call for your kids. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: The three questions that keep homeschool moms up at night: "Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much? Are these the right things?" Why more information hasn't made homeschooling easier — and how too many "experts" fuel the second-guessing Where real homeschool confidence actually comes from (hint: it's not a perfect curriculum) What the Accelerator group is and how it walks new members through Christy-Faith's core frameworks Why "Finding Your Why" becomes the North Star for every curriculum and scheduling decision How office hours, DMs, and mentor support give you an objective second set of eyes — not more forum noise Why competence breeds confidence — and why every family's homeschool plan should look different What makes a values-aligned support community different from a free Facebook group Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial · Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's training and support community for homeschool moms: christy-faith.com/thrive The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction: A Rare Look Inside Thrive (01:35) - Meet the Thrive Mentors (06:06) - Why Every Homeschool Mom Needs a Guide (09:51) - Too Much Information, Too Many “Experts” (13:24) - “Yes, I Can Do This”: Where Confidence Comes From (16:58) - Inside the Accelerator Group (36:21) - A Guided Community vs. a Facebook Group (38:42) - The Fears That Keep Moms Up at Night (46:15) - Finding Your Why: Your Homeschool North Star (48:43) - Why Every Homeschool Plan Looks Different (01:00:04) - Homeschool as a Lifestyle, Not a Classroom (01:02:35) - Learning to Trust Your Own Decisions (01:08:30) - Why Thrive Is a Paid Community (01:16:05) - Investing in Yourself as a Homeschool Mom

Should you still be reading aloud to your kids after they can read on their own? It turns out this is one of the most settled questions in all of education — and the answer has been sitting in a government report since 1985. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith walks through what the research actually says about reading aloud to kids, why it never expires, and why the book on your couch may outrank half of what's on your lesson plan. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why reading aloud to kids is called the single most important activity for building a reader What the million word gap study found about read-alouds before kindergarten Why the rare words in books almost never show up in everyday conversation What MRI scans revealed about a child's brain during a read-aloud How animated screens do the imagining that a book leaves to your child Why reading aloud to older kids does NOT make them lazy readers The difference between constrained and unconstrained reading skills What kids themselves say they want most from being read to Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial — or purchase with the homeschool discount LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math ✔ Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Quote of the Week Notecard — the Emilie Buchwald quote from this episode, ready to print My Curriculum Recommendations — the free list, by subject All of Christy-Faith's free homeschool resources The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers Thrive Homeschool Community Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book Related episodes: Ep. 107 — How to Reduce Screen Time for Kids Ep. 61 — Are Schools Killing a Love of Learning? Ep. 92 — Behind the Screen (Part 1/6) — the start of Christy-Faith's vulnerability series ⭐ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Should You Be Reading Aloud to Your Kids? (01:53) - Welcome + Why This Episode (02:50) - When Reading Aloud Feels Like a Chore (04:03) - How Story Time Became “Literacy” (06:55) - Am I Doing Enough? (07:35) - The Million Word Gap (08:47) - Why Book Words Beat Everyday Words (12:37) - Inside Your Child's Brain During a Read-Aloud (13:57) - What Screens Do Instead (14:54) - “My Kid Can Read Now — Can I Stop?” (16:22) - Constrained vs. Unconstrained Skills (17:14) - Lifting Big Kids to a Higher Ledge (18:01) - Beowulf and the Seventh-Grade Reading Circle (19:49) - Why Kids Love Being Read To (22:39) - What Kids Say They Want Most (23:52) - Family Read-Alouds (24:35) - Start Tonight — Even Five Minutes (27:15) - Reading Is Worth It (28:05) - The Quote and the Free Notecard

You've said "sit down, please" about twenty thousand times this week — and it's starting to feel personal. It isn't. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith unpacks what's actually happening in your child's brain, why the wiggling may be how the learning gets in, and the small shifts that make the morning stop being a fight. 🎁 Free Resource: 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure Twenty honest questions that help you spot the school-shaped rules you're still carrying — so you can put them down, one at a time. 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: The attention-span rule of thumb every homeschool mom should know — a few minutes per year of age on a grown-up-chosen task Why a 45-minute lesson is quietly asking your six-year-old to hold on three times longer than they can The three expectations strangling your homeschool mornings — and permission to put all three down What 54 studies and nearly 30,000 kids revealed about movement and learning How to shorten and split lessons without falling behind Why doing the hard subjects first changes the whole back half of your day How to rescue your read-alouds — a still body was never the point Loop scheduling and trimming your list so a lighter day actually gets finished How to build the focus muscle one minute at a time How to tell the difference between a kid being a kid and something worth investigating Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ My favorite online math program — a real teacher walks them through every lesson ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure — Spot the school-shaped rules you're still carrying Sample Homeschool Schedules — Real, doable rhythms you can borrow, including loop schedules Quote of the Week Notecard — A free printable of this episode's quote Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book, including the chapter on deschooling The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: Get on the waitlist All of Christy-Faith's free resources Related episodes: Ep. 82 — How Long Should a Homeschool Day Really Be? Ep. 64 — Overwhelmed by Homeschooling? How to Make It Manageable ⭐ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - The "Sit Down, Please" Morning (04:16) - Expectation One: What Focus Actually Looks Like (05:40) - Expectation Two: Redefining What "Done" Means (06:35) - Expectation Three: The Wiggling Isn’t Disrespect (07:50) - Shorten and Split the Lesson (09:00) - What Deschooling Actually Means (14:10) - Let Them Move on Purpose: 54 Studies, 30,000 Kids (15:30) - Do the Hard Things First (16:45) - Rescuing Your Read-Alouds (20:51) - Trim Your List and Loop Your Subjects (22:06) - Build the Focus Muscle Slowly (23:00) - Check the Inputs Before You Worry (27:30) - Is My Kid Normal, or Is Something Deeper Going On? (31:55) - Where We Started, Where We Landed

Homeschooling can feel wonderful and lonely at the very same time — especially when there's no co-op nearby, or the ones around you just don't fit. Here's the good news: real community is absolutely possible without one. In this Throwback Thursday favorite, homeschool expert Christy-Faith busts the socialization myth and shares 8 natural ways to find your people, whether you're an extrovert or a shy park-bench introvert. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why homeschooling without a co-op does NOT mean your kids are missing out The truth about homeschool socialization — and why school-style socializing was never the gold standard 8 natural ways to build real community: faith groups, volunteering, playgroups, libraries, museums, neighbors, and more How everyday errands and conversations grow your child's emotional intelligence and confidence Simple scripts to break the ice with new homeschool families — even if you're shy Why the depth of your friendships matters far more than the number 3 doable action steps to start finding your people this week Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial • Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real, long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment (use code HOME50) True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book; see Chapter 7 for the healthy-socialization checklist How to Find the Best Homeschool Co-Op (And When to Walk Away) The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (00:22) - Homeschooling Without a Co-Op Can Feel Lonely (You're Not Alone) (01:17) - The Pressure to Justify Your Homeschool (03:20) - The Socialization Myth, Busted (04:17) - Depth Over Numbers: Real-World Socialization (10:10) - Faith Communities & Starting a Small Group (11:16) - Volunteering & Playgroups (12:52) - Breaking the Ice at the Park (13:50) - Libraries & Community Hubs (16:18) - Museums, Science Centers & Your Neighbors (17:57) - Clubs, Sports & Built-In Activities (23:49) - Finding Your People Takes Time (25:31) - 3 Action Steps to Take This Week (27:01) - You Can Thrive Without a Co-Op

If you're raising boys, you already know they don't always learn the way school expects them to — and that can leave you wondering if something is wrong. In this throwback episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with the beloved Durenda Wilson to talk about how boys actually learn and how to raise them into capable, confident men. We're revisiting this conversation in loving memory of Durenda. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why boys often learn differently than girls — and what the brain research actually shows How to let go of rigid scope-and-sequence without feeling like you're falling behind Why movement, energy, and hands-on learning matter so much for boys How to raise self-directed sons who take ownership of their own learning The relationship-first approach that keeps boys from burning out on school How to protect connection while still teaching resilience and hard things Why sibling conflict is actually training ground for real life How to homeschool with the long game in mind — raising capable, confident men Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial | 👉 Get 50% Off Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Durenda Wilson — her books and podcast: durendawilson.com The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive About our guest: Durenda Wilson was a homeschooling author, speaker, and podcaster with more than 30 years of home education experience. A mom of eight — seven graduated — and grandmother of ten, she was a trusted voice at homeschooling conventions and the host of The Durenda Wilson Podcast. Her books include The Four Hour School Day, The Unhurried Homeschooler, and Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart. Durenda passed away recently, and this throwback is shared in loving memory of her. 👉 durendawilson.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction & Remembering Durenda Wilson (01:34) - Meet Durenda Wilson & Her Heart for Boys (03:48) - Why Boys Need a Different Approach (06:36) - How Boys Actually Learn (13:25) - Ditching Rigid Scope & Sequence (16:32) - Raising Self-Directed, Resilient Sons (21:13) - Raising Boys Who Become Capable Men (24:15) - Relationship Over Busywork (34:27) - Homeschooling with Long-Term Vision (40:11) - Modeling a Balanced Life (48:34) - Sibling Relationships as Training Ground (54:14) - Final Encouragement

Is unschooling going too far — or is it exactly right? In this live Q&A from the Summer Homeschool Help Desk series, homeschool expert Christy-Faith pulls no punches on unschooling's real risks, curriculum overload, whether it's too late to start in high school, and what it actually takes to raise a well-educated child at home. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why Christy-Faith believes pure unschooling carries real risks — and what she calls educational neglect The difference between unschooling, deschooling, and interest-led learning How to use BJU Press without doing every single thing in the curriculum Whether it's too late to start homeschooling in middle or high school (spoiler: it's not) How working moms and single moms can realistically homeschool What to do when your child can't spell and it's affecting their confidence How to source curriculum so it doesn't require you sitting next to your kid every second Real questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help Desk Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial | Get 50% Off LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: How to Homeschool Guide — free 23-page ebook for anyone considering or just starting homeschool 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — free quiz to discover your homeschool style in under 5 minutes Free Curriculum Recommendations — Christy-Faith's curated list by subject, no paid placements Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool moms The Christy-Faith List — free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses and providers Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk (02:00) - Christy's Free Resources for Homeschool Moms (06:45) - Spelling Struggles and Older Students (11:35) - Curriculum Overload: How Much Is Too Much? (18:00) - Is It Too Late to Pull My Kids Out of School? (19:45) - Homeschooling While Working or in School Yourself (28:45) - Christy's Hot Take on Unschooling (36:15) - Single Moms, Working Moms, and Thrive (38:40) - You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

You've been up at midnight Googling curriculum, schedule templates, and whether you're doing enough. That stops here. In this Summer Homeschool Help Desk Live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith — author of Homeschool Rising and a homeschooling mom of four who also works full time — answers real questions from real moms on curriculum choices, daily structure, living books, reading gaps, toddlers underfoot, and how to stop doing it all yourself. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: How working moms make homeschooling work — and why "sourcing" is the real secret How to choose curriculum strategically so you're not teaching every subject yourself Why kids need structure (backed by 70 years of child psychology research) and what it actually looks like How to handle naysayers and skeptics who question your homeschool decision How to teach history in a way kids love — spines, living books, and picture books explained What to do if your child is behind in reading or has a suspected learning disability How to manage homeschooling when you have toddlers in the house Why the Christy-Faith List is the homeschool resource you didn't know you needed Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial | Purchase (50% off) Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — Free quiz to discover your homeschool style or pedagogy How to Homeschool Guide — Free 26-page ebook: 6 steps to get started and launch Free Sample Homeschool Schedules — Preschool through high school Free Curriculum Comparison Chart Free Curriculum Recommendations Download — Christy-Faith's fail-proof subject-by-subject list The Christy-Faith List — Free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses, doctors, and providers Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool moms Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction & Summer Help Desk Series (01:45) - Meet Christy-Faith & Free Resources Overview (04:00) - Free Resources: Style Finder, How to Homeschool Guide & More (06:00) - Working Moms & Homeschooling: How to Make It Work (08:10) - How to Teach History with Living Books & Spines (09:00) - New Homeschoolers: Where to Start (11:30) - Why Kids Need Structure (What the Research Says) (15:20) - The Christy-Faith List: Find Providers Who Get You (15:30) - Curriculum Recommendations Download (18:00) - Handling Naysayers & Building Your Support Tribe (19:30) - Daily Schedules, Habit Stacking & Chores (22:00) - When Other Homeschool Moms Judge Your Choices (24:00) - Teaching History Across Age Gaps (27:00) - Spines, Living Books & How to Use Both (28:00) - Reading Disabilities, Dyslexia & When to Seek Help (32:00) - Homeschooling with Toddlers in the House (35:20) - Multisensory Curriculum & Final Questions (36:20) - Closing Encouragement

You've heard the question — maybe from a relative, a neighbor, or a stranger at a party: aren't you sheltering your kids? In this archived Summer Homeschool Help Desk live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith answers real questions from real homeschool moms and unpacks the difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" them — protecting them while they grow strong. Because a strong homeschool was never about the perfect curriculum. It's about a secure, confident mom who knows her why. 🎁 Free Resource: The 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder There are 9 homeschool styles — and when you know yours, the curriculum, the schedule, and your whole approach finally click. Take the free quiz and find your fit. 👉 Take the Free Quiz In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" them Why a strong homeschool isn't built on the perfect curriculum How to become a secure, confident homeschool leader who knows her "why" How to handle the pressure to prove your kids are keeping up Why trauma doesn't build resilient adults — but healthy challenge does How to find your homeschool style (and why it matters before you buy curriculum) When reading struggles mean it's time to get an evaluation Real questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help Desk Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder: find your homeschool style Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Homeschool Rising (Christy-Faith's book): Homeschool Rising The Christy-Faith List — find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk (04:30) - The Critics and Pressure Homeschool Moms Face (08:30) - Where Homeschoolers Get Stuck (16:00) - How to Find Your Homeschool Style (21:00) - Best Practices Over What's Popular (28:30) - Knowing Your "Why" as the Homeschool Leader (36:00) - Why Investing in Your Homeschool Isn't Selfish (40:00) - "Aren't You Sheltering Your Kids?" (43:00) - Sheltering vs. Greenhousing: Raising Resilient Kids (48:00) - Reading Struggles and When to Get Help (53:30) - The Christy-Faith List + Final Encouragement

Is it ever too late to start homeschooling? What curriculum should you actually trust? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith opens the floor and answers the hardest questions real homeschool moms brought to her live Q&A — from homeschooling a gifted kindergartner to choosing curriculum, deschooling, and whether to school straight through the summer. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Whether it's ever too late to start homeschooling — even with an eleventh grader How to choose homeschool curriculum you can actually trust (and why Christy won't just hand you a list) What to do when you're homeschooling a gifted child — especially with a new baby in the house How to find your homeschool style so curriculum decisions get easier What deschooling is and why most new homeschoolers need it first How to keep US curriculum going when your family moves overseas The real case for and against homeschooling year-round vs. taking summers off When it makes sense to outsource the subjects that aren't your strong suit Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Curriculum Recommendations — Christy's by-subject list of curriculum she trusts: Free Curriculum Recommendations 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — Discover your homeschooling style in five minutes: Homeschool Style Finder How to Homeschool Guide — Christy's free getting-started guide: How to Homeschool Guide The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive ⭐ New to homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction: Is It Ever Too Late to Start? (01:14) - The Biggest Mistakes Homeschool Moms Make (12:25) - Choosing Curriculum You Can Actually Trust (13:06) - Homeschooling a Gifted Child with a Newborn (14:46) - Finding Your Homeschool Style (17:39) - Deschooling: Where to Begin (25:51) - What Thrive Community Actually Offers (30:52) - Curriculum Help for Multiple Ages (32:00) - Homeschooling Across Borders (39:08) - Year-Round or Summers Off? (43:03) - Outsourcing the Hard Subjects (45:06) - The Math Program I Use + Final Encouragement

Before you spend another $500 on summer camp, ask one question: is boredom actually bad for your kids — or is it exactly what their growing brains need? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith makes the research-backed case that slow, unstructured, "boring" summers are one of the most powerful gifts you can give your kids. She breaks down what the science says, why their "I'm bored" makes us panic, and five simple moves for a slower, richer summer. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why boredom is good for kids — and the brain science that proves it What the CDC found about kids, screen time, and rising anxiety and depression How the brain's "default mode network" fuels creativity, memory, and identity Why unstructured play and white space matter more than another summer camp The real reason your kid's "I'm bored" makes YOU feel so uncomfortable How sitting with boredom builds frustration tolerance and emotional regulation 5 practical moves for a slower, richer summer — including the "fridge list" The one-afternoon challenge that shows you what your kids can do on their own Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (00:37) - The Summer Camp Trap (02:43) - The Summers We Used to Have (04:06) - What's Replacing Boredom Today (05:19) - What the Research Says About Boredom (13:37) - Why Boredom Makes Us Uncomfortable (16:47) - White Space Is Not Neglect (20:47) - 5 Moves for a Slower, Richer Summer (25:48) - Your One-Afternoon Challenge

If you've been putting off building a homeschool transcript because it feels too complicated, too official, or just too much — this episode is for you. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Joan Girkins, founder of Homeschool Records and a veteran homeschool mom of 20+ years, to demystify the entire process and give you a real, confidence-building action plan. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why keeping homeschool records matters — even if your state doesn't require it Whether a homeschool transcript carries the same weight as a public or private school transcript What "accreditation" actually means and why it's not a barrier for homeschool families When to start building your child's transcript (hint: 9th grade, out of the gate) What colleges actually want to see — and how to work backwards from their requirements Why record-keeping matters even if your child isn't college-bound How a student resume (activities, awards, achievements) can open doors to military academies, scholarships, and more How Homeschool Records' guided platform teaches you how to build a transcript as you go What to do if you've been homeschooling for years with zero paper trail The exclusive listener coupon code — use CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off + free trial at Homeschool Records Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Homeschool Records — Joan's guided platform for professional transcripts & student resumes. Free trial + use code CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off: homeschoolrecords.com Solid Rock Consulting Services — Joan's consulting firm: solidrockconsultingservices.com The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive About our guest: Joan Girkins is a veteran homeschool mom who homeschooled all four of her children for over 20 years and is now watching her grandchildren be homeschooled. She is the founder of Homeschool Records, a guided online platform that teaches parents how to build professional transcripts, student resumes, and complete academic documentation — step by step, as they go. 👉 homeschoolrecords.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction & Why Homeschool Records Matter (02:07) - Joan's Homeschool Story (04:30) - Why Record-Keeping Brings Integrity to Your Homeschool (06:28) - Record-Keeping for Every Homeschool Style (Yes, Even Unschoolers) (10:00) - Does a Homeschool Transcript Carry the Same Weight as Accredited Transcripts? (13:22) - Colleges Are Actively Recruiting Homeschoolers (14:58) - Working Backwards from College Requirements (18:23) - Why Professional Transcripts Matter (First Impressions) (20:24) - When to Start Building Your Transcript (21:11) - The Student Resume: Activities, Awards & Achievements (27:43) - What to Do If You Have Zero Paper Trail (30:40) - Families Who Aren't Planning on College (33:08) - Build It As If They Are College Bound (35:12) - Documentation Deadlines You Don't Want to Miss (38:49) - How a Well-Documented Record Opens Doors (Including Military Academies) (41:10) - Record-Keeping Reminds You of How Far You've Come (41:50) - How Homeschool Records' Platform Works (43:50) - Record-Keeping for Unschoolers in High School (46:54) - Listener Discount Code & Free Trial (47:43) - Joan's Encouragement for Homeschool Moms

You're homeschooling a five-year-old, chasing a toddler, and surviving on whatever broken sleep your baby will give you. The advice you were raised on — cry it out, Ferber method, strict schedules — may not be sitting right anymore. So what do you actually do? Natalie Diaz, founder of Twiniversity and Certified IBCLC, brings nearly two decades of one-on-one experience with exhausted moms to answer that question — gently, practically, and without shame. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why sleep training advice shifted so dramatically — and what the science now says The real reasons your baby isn't sleeping (and how to work through the checklist) Natalie's step-by-step approach for the mom who won't do cry-it-out but desperately needs sleep Why "sleepy gets sleep" is actually true — and how to use it to your advantage How breastfeeding and sleep are connected in ways most books get dangerously wrong The 3-hour chunk method for surviving newborn life without losing yourself What husbands and pediatricians consistently miss about mom exhaustion How to protect your marriage through the sleepless seasons — before resentment builds Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 Visit bjupresshomeschool.com/christy CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase LearningRx ✔ Individualized brain training to strengthen focus, memory, and processing speed ✔ Real results for struggling learners of all ages 👉 Visit learningrx.com True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Live, online classes taught by expert teachers ✔ Designed specifically for homeschool families 👉 Visit truenorthhomeschool.academy Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 Visit summithealthshare.com/cf Resources mentioned: Twiniversity — global resource hub for twin families: twiniversity.com Tiny New Yorkers — Natalie's personal IBCLC services (covered by many insurance plans): tinynewyorkers.com What to Do When You're Having Two (book): Amazon link The Newborn Twin Sleep Guide (book): Amazon link The Twiniversity Podcast: Spotify | YouTube The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive About our guest: Natalie Diaz is the founder of Twiniversity, a Certified IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), author, and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience working one-on-one with moms through newborn nights, feeding struggles, and the depletion that doesn't lift. A twin mom herself, she founded Twiniversity in 2009 and built it into a platform reaching over one million people weekly in more than 100 countries. She is the author of What to Do When You're Having Two and The Newborn Twin Sleep Guide , and the host of The Twiniversity Podcast. Her personal IBCLC practice, Tiny New Yorkers, is covered by many insurance plans throughout the United States. 👉 twiniversity.com 👉 tinynewyorkers.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome and Sleep Shift (01:09) - Meet Natalie Diaz (04:27) - Twiniversity Origin Story (06:12) - Exhaustion and PPD (16:07) - Why Sleep Training Changed (19:42) - Twin Sleep Guide Basics (20:52) - Free Classes and Resources (24:01) - Is Cry It Out Traumatic (27:18) - Safe Sleep and Anxiety (30:28) - Ideal Sleep Conditions (35:39) - Routine Over Schedule (38:13) - Breastfeeding Friendly Methods (40:26) - No One Size Fits All (41:17) - Track Baby Rhythms (42:04) - Shifts and Support (43:55) - Three Hour Chunks (45:34) - Bedtime Routine Basics (46:37) - Nap Trapping Strategy (53:16) - Homeschool Mom Reality (01:02:03) - Delegation and Love (01:09:25) - Resources and Wrap Up

You counted the lessons left. You counted the days left. The math doesn't work — and now that quiet voice is asking if you've ruined your kids. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith has been there. In this episode, she gives you the framework she uses every single year with her own kids so you never panic about unfinished curriculum again. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations 🎁 Free Printable Notecard: "The scope and sequence is not a contract. It's a menu." Download this beautiful, ready-to-print notecard featuring this episode's quote of the week. 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why an unfinished curriculum is not a sign of failure — and what it actually means The mindset shift that ends the panic for good (it starts with one question) What curriculum is actually for — and why finishing it was never the point How to sort every subject into skill-based vs. content-based — and why it changes everything Exactly what to keep going, what to park until next year, and what to skip entirely How to build an actual end-of-year plan in under 30 minutes The "ghost metric" haunting your homeschool — and how to fire it The quote of the week: why the scope and sequence is a menu, not a contract Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase Azure Standard ✔ Homeschool-family-owned company ✔ Organic, natural, and non-GMO groceries, health, home, and garden products ✔ All vetted to be free of harmful preservatives, food colorings, chemicals, and pesticides ✔ Use code CHRISTYFAITH15 for 15% off your first order 👉 Browse Azure's Grocery, Health & Home Products Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Printable Notecard — "The scope and sequence is not a contract. It's a menu.": Free Download The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 64 — If you're feeling generally overwhelmed, start here Episode 88 — The liberation episode: all the things homeschool moms don't need to care about Episode 70 — If curriculum decisions are weighing on you right now Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (00:00) - 3:10 Welcome & What This Episode Is Really About (00:00) - 5:31 Mindset First: Why Unfinished Pages Hurt So Much (00:00) - 8:42 Curriculum Is Your Vehicle, Not Your Boss (00:00) - 11:57 Framework: Skill-Based vs. Content-Based Subjects (00:00) - 17:00 How to Sort Your Subjects & Do the Surgery (00:00) - 19:07 Christy's Own End-of-Year Plan (Real Example) (00:00) - 23:58 The Ghost Metric — and How to Fire It (00:00) - 25:55 Quote of the Week & Free Notecard Download (00:00) - 26:38 Related Episodes