Homeschool Made Simple

In this replay episode, Carole and her son, J. J. discuss social media exposure for children amidst the digital age, drawing thoughts from Andy Crouch's "The Tech Wise Family." He recommends several books for parents to read and some as a family to develop your children’s discernment and your teen's Christian ethics about today’s culture. For a full list of resources mentioned in this episode, cli...

Parental discretion is advised in this replay episode as we discuss gender identity. We want our kids to be a peaceful presence, proclaiming the gospel with their lives despite growing up in this divided age. They need to be confident enough in their own hearts, and settled in their convictions. J. J. Seid sits down with Carole Joy Seid to talk about important books that will help us, as parents,...

In this replay episode, we will be covering gender and transgender issues. Listener discretion is advised. As LGBTQ+ advocacy groups push for full inclusion and affirmation, how do we best care for youth and teenagers who find themselves confused in the midst of these times? Student Pastor in Wheaton, IL, Will Chester shares his expertise on gender dysphoria and navigating these issues with teenag...

In this replay episode, Carole talks to Jani Ortlund, author of the book, A Child’s First Book About Marriage: God’s Way is Always Best . Amidst so much turmoil and confusion over marriage and sexuality in our day, parents needed a tool to talk with their children about God’s design for marriage. Jani Ortlund has provided that tool! Jani shares her heart and vision of this book, and even reads an...

In this replay episode, we are talking about the importance of sharing God's design for sex with our children. We advise you to occupy your children elsewhere for this one! Dr. Stanton and Brenna Jones have written a collection of books to help Christian parents talk with their children about human sexuality: The Story of Me , Before I Was Born God Knew My Name , What's the Big Deal: Why God Cares...

Today, Carole Joy Seid talks with recent homeschool graduate Adeline Beck about her unique educational journey. Homeschooling allowed Adeline to explore interests like gardening, healthy eating, and professional dance while learning responsibility. She reflects on the close relationships within her large family and the personalized support from her parents. We love talking about the benefits of in...

In a continuation of Episode 231, Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss even more of the influential books that shaped their philosophy and formed their educational foundation. They highlight authors that discuss the development of children and their needs, and ones that address family life and how it shapes our children. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting out, this ep...

Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss the influential books that shaped the early homeschool movement. They discuss the key influencers with their groundbreaking books by authors like Raymond Moore, John Holt, Ruth Beechick, and Gladys Hunt. Carole shares how they significantly impacted her family life and many like her in the early years of homeschooling. This conversation will highlight...

We have the pleasure of hearing Carole Joy Seid’s journey from to the early days in the homeschool movement. It is a story filled with personal resistance, unexpected realizations, and joyful transformations. From a background of liberal, progressive schooling, her perspective began to shift. Carole shares how she came to new understandings about child development and focusing on the needs of the...

A continuation of the discussion based on the song Bored of Education by Christian hip-hop artist, Propaganda. If you haven’t listened to Episode 228, go back and listen to this first.  Regardless of the place of education that your family has found itself in, you can have a homeschooling mentality in nurturing your children. We discuss the importance of homeschooling with humble confidence, avoid...

It's all too common for an education not to foster a love of learning. In this episode, using the inspiration of Christian hip-hop artist, Propaganda, J.J., Carole, and Rachel talk about breaking the one-size-fits-all box of a boring education. We explore the power of experiential learning, real-life experiences, and the joy of working alongside children.  RESOURCES +Watch the Bored of Educat...

If you had the chance to re-do some of your parenting and homeschooling choices, what would you change? Our guest Rachel Reeves, having graduated her oldest child, is doing this now as they added a new baby to their family in the last couple of years. We discuss the benefits and experiences of having multiple children with a wide array of ages. From the unifying effect of a late-in-life caboose ba...

Settle in with Rachel Winchester and Carole Joy Seid as they share their recent reading adventures. They discuss their latest book finds, whether it's the heartwarming story of "Mountain Born" or the eye-opening insights from "Theology of the Body for Beginners." From classic favorites to modern discoveries, discover the literary treasures that are lighting up their homesc...

Today, Carole and Rachel share a few scriptures that encourage each of us not to follow the course of the world, but to learn the way of Jesus day by day. They discuss the impact of “hiding God’s Word” in your heart and the hearts of your children and share a couple of verses that give us good motivation to continue to press on, living counter-culture. With personal, funny stories and recommendati...

Are you wondering whether or not to use a spelling curriculum for your child?  Are you unsure of what your state requires of you as a homeschooling parent?  Have you worried that you may have caused permanent damage by starting your homeschooling journey late or by using too much screen time?  Rachel and Carole respond to listener questions in this episode. With insightful anecdotes and practical...

The job of raising children is hard and requires strength and wisdom far beyond what we can muster up in and of ourselves. Thankfully, the Bible has a lot to say to us in our weakness and need for wisdom. Carole and Rachel share practical ways that she encourages families to immerse themselves in the God’s Word to grow in faith and peace. They discuss ways of organizing and surrounding family spac...

How do you set realistic expectations for the school year?  In this episode, Rachel Winchester and J. J. Seid discuss the common struggle parents face in balancing the desire to provide a robust education for their children without overwhelming themselves and their kids.  They talk about creating a flexible and sustainable plan, focusing on cultivating curiosity, and embracing a long-term view of...

Are you considering bringing your child home from traditional school?  Deschooling is the first thing we suggest you do!  In this episode, we discuss what deschooling is and encourage you to break free from the "school at home" model.  Give your kids the freedom to explore their interests under parental guidance.  Carole shares her expertise, encouraging parents to consider emotional and...

Today, Rachel and Carol respond to listener questions about unschooling, co-ops, and community in homeschooling. Carol clarifies the differences between her approach and unschooling, emphasizing the importance of balance and parental involvement in their method. She also shares her thoughts on co-ops, providing valuable insights on how to leverage community connections in the homeschooling journey...

Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester dive into the topic of restful rhythms for homeschooling families.  They discuss the significance of Sabbath as a gift and a blessing, and how it can provide  much-needed rest in the midst of the busyness of daily life.  Carole and Rachel share practical tips and examples of how different families observe Sabbath. They emphasizing the importance of preparing f...

Rachel Winchester and JJ Seid tackle the topic of getting on the same page with your spouse when it comes to homeschooling. They share practical insights and strategies for navigating the challenges of conveying the benefits of homeschooling to a reluctant spouse.  Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of understanding each other's perspectives, engaging in curiosity-driven co...

Discover how batch cooking can help you save time, money, and stress in the kitchen, and how it allows you to enjoy nutritionally dense meals without the daily hassle of cooking. In this episode, Laura Tabbut, a batch-cooking genius, explains the art of simplifying food prep for families.  From planning and shopping to cooking and freezing meals, Laura and Carole break down key steps they followed...

Are you homeschooling a high schooler or planning to? In this episode, we delve into the “golden years” of homeschooling, exploring the crucial role of parents in shaping your children's education during this impactful stage. We talk about the importance of keeping your teenagers close during this pivotal stage, maintain hands-on discipleship and influence while preparing your children for college...

As we continue our journey through the various stages of a child's education, we wanted to take a closer look at a crucial phase of homeschooling: middle school. Homeschooling middle schoolers is a topic we are often asked about as parents wonder how to approach these years. This transitional period between childhood and adolescence can be daunting. However, it is also key to shaping their spiritu...

Today, we explore homeschooling elementary-aged children. Oftentimes, parents begin to add pressure on children with formal academics before it is actually developmentally appropriate. In this episode, Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss how to ease the pressure of formal academics when homeschooling elementary-aged children. These years are when the "better late than early" approach is...