HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast

What if successful homeschooling has less to do with the curriculum you choose and more to do with how you approach homeschooling? After years of homeschooling my own children, I've developed a philosophy that guides how I think about homeschooling, parenting, and education. In this episode, I share three foundational principles that can help you make decisions with greater confidence, strengthen...

Do you ever find yourself setting boundaries out of frustration instead of love? The holidays can make setting boundaries even more challenging. In this episode, I'll share how shifting your mindset can help you set boundaries from a place of love. You'll discover how approaching boundaries with calm, clarity, and confidence can help you reduce tension, strengthen relationships, and create more pe...

👉 Schedule a free consultation and see how I help parents homeschool with confidence:  HomeSchoolThinkTank.com. Do you find yourself avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable or bring up negative emotions? Join me as I share a story filled with discomfort—and why I believe it's vital to get UNCOMFORTABLE on purpose. In this podcast episode, I share insights on how embracing discomfort...

Have you or your kids ever wanted to learn how to paint? Meet Brenda Mullard, a longtime art teacher who shares free online painting lessons through easy-to-follow video tutorials. Whether you're a homeschooling parent looking for art lessons for your kids or a mom who wants to explore painting for herself, Brenda's tutorials are a wonderful place to start. Ready to pick up a paintbrush? Visit the...

What can an impromptu hike teach you about homeschooling, decision-making, and life? A last-minute decision turned into an experience I didn't expect and a reminder I needed. If you tend to research, think, plan, question, and sometimes get stuck before you ever take that first step, this episode is for you. Discover how a day in the mountains turned into a lesson I want to share with you. Visit H...

Do you really need to follow your homeschool curriculum exactly as it's written? It's easy to start homeschooling thinking you need to complete every lesson, stay on schedule, and finish the curriculum. But curriculum is supposed to help your child learn, not become another set of rules you have to follow. In this episode, I share a different way to think about homeschool curriculum, including whe...

Did you know most math programs use one of two approaches—mastery or spiral? In this short episode, I'll explain the difference, share examples of each, and help you think through which style might be the best fit for your child. For even more curriculum options, videos, and helpful resources, check out the companion article here:  https://homeschoolthinktank.com/mastery-vs-spiral-math-curriculum/...

Do you have what it takes to homeschool your kids? You may believe that homeschooling requires exceptional patience, endless creativity, or the ability to know exactly what your children need at every stage. But the qualities that help a parent homeschool successfully might not be what you expect—and you may already possess more of them than you realize. In this episode, I share what I believe it...

Ever wish homeschooling could feel more connected, meaningful, and fun—for both you and your kids? In this episode, I'm sharing how the unit study method can do exactly that. Whether you're new to homeschooling or simply looking for fresh ideas to keep your kids engaged during seasonal breaks and holidays, unit studies offer flexibility, creativity, and depth. You'll learn how to: Choose a topic t...

Are you feeling frustrated with homeschooling? You're not alone—and often the problem comes from treating homeschooling like public school at home.   Homeschooling is about freedom, flexibility, and connection—not replicating the classroom. Tune in to discover how you can make homeschooling a more positive and successful experience for both you and your kids.   👉 Learn more here:  https://homesch...

What really counts as a homeschool day? A mom asked this question after realizing her carefully planned school year was 15 days short. But as I read her question, one small detail completely changed the way I thought about her problem: her oldest child was only in preschool. That opened the door to a much bigger conversation about what we count as "school," what we count as learning, and whether t...

Have you wondered how to schedule an entire year's worth of homeschool curriculum lessons? In this episode, you'll learn three different ways to plan your homeschool lessons for the year—and decide which approach might work best for your family. Keep Learning: Learn more about choosing and using homeschool curriculum: https://homeschoolthinktank.com/homeschool-curriculum/ Get Personalized Homescho...

Do you ever wonder what a homeschool day should look like? In this episode, Jackie shares practical ways to create a homeschool schedule and routine that fits your family's unique needs. You'll learn how to balance academics, life, and family time without feeling tied to a rigid 8-to-3 structure. 👉 Want More Ideas?  Check out our article about homeschool schedules.   While you're there, be sure t...

Did you know there are many different ways to homeschool your kids? Most parents think homeschooling has to look like a traditional school at home — but it doesn't! In this episode, you'll get a quick, clear overview of  some of the most popular homeschooling styles . From unschooling and gameschooling to classical education, unit studies, roadschooling, and more — you'll see how different methods...

What does worldschooling really look like in everyday life? In this episode, Jackie talks with homeschooling mom Sarah Moore, who shares her experience worldschooling her child. You'll hear what it was like to homeschool while traveling, how learning continued from place to place, and why education doesn't have to be tied to one location. This conversation explores the practical realities of world...

Are you looking for a simple, effective way to spark your child's curiosity and make learning come alive in your homeschool? In this episode, I dive into the world of strewing - a powerful, yet often overlooked, tool that can transform your homeschooling experience. Learn what strewing is and how to use it to create a rich, engaging learning environment that inspires your child to explore, discove...

Do you take time to play with your kids? In this episode, I share a heartfelt story about playing in the rain with Dad —and how moments like these create lasting memories and deeper connections with our children. Sometimes the simplest experiences leave the biggest imprint. This is a story you won't forget. 👉 Be sure to check out the companion article to learn more about positive parenting and ho...

What happens when a dyslexic kid grows up to illustrate some of the most vibrant children's books about science and diversity? In this episode, meet David Lee Csicsko—the artist behind  Science People , The Skin You Live In , and more. He shares how art, curiosity, and determination shaped his path. You'll hear surprising stories, meet fascinating scientists through his work, and discover how his...

Wondering if homeschooling is the right choice for your family? You're not alone. In this episode, we'll talk through key questions to help you decide with confidence, so you can make the choice that's best for you and your child. 🎯 If you'd like personalized guidance, schedule a one-on-one homeschool consultation and get the clarity you need to move forward. 🔗 Click here to visit the companion...

Are you feeling frustrated with homeschooling? You're not alone—and often the problem comes from treating homeschooling like public school at home. Homeschooling is about freedom, flexibility, and connection—not replicating the classroom. Tune in to discover how you can make homeschooling a more positive and successful experience for both you and your kids. 👉 Learn more here:   https://homeschool...

What's the real reason you chose to homeschool? And what keeps you going when things get hard? In this episode, we're diving into the power of knowing your why —not just for homeschooling, but for anything that matters in your life.  🎯 Want to go deeper?  If today's episode got you thinking, click here to check out the companion article and video. 👉 Sign up for my newsletter: You'll get weekly h...

In this episode, I share which math manipulatives are truly worth using, how they help children understand math concepts more deeply, and how to avoid overbuying tools you don't need.  If your child is struggling with math (or you're feeling overwhelmed by options), this episode will help you simplify and choose confidently. Click here to discover math manipulatives.   © 2018–2026 HomeSchool Think...

Feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home and life? In this episode, I share my personal journey with decluttering—from tackling sentimental items to overcoming the fear of letting go. As a homeschooling parent, I know how hard it can be to balance everything, and simplifying your space can make a world of difference. Tune in for practical tips, relatable stories, and motivation to help you...

Do your kids thrive when they're outside? In this episode, I'll introduce you to the concept of nature-based education. This episode will inspire you to turn the natural world into your best classroom. Want to go deeper? Check out the full article on nature schooling—it's packed with practical ideas, book suggestions, and curriculum resources to help you bring even more outdoor learning into your...

Are you worried you might be letting your child fall behind—especially when they seem to be learning in their own way? In this episode, you'll hear a real coaching session with a homeschool mom who's questioning whether she should step in more or trust the process with her eight-year-old. What starts as a concern about spelling turns into a powerful mindset shift that many homeschooling parents ne...