Homeschool Coffee Break

Teaching manners isn’t about rules and rigidity—it’s about showing love, kindness, and respect to the people around us. In this conversation with Monica Irvine from The Etiquette Factory, we unpack simple and practical strategies for teaching manners in a way that sticks. You’ll discover why manners are more than table rules and how they shape your children’s character for life. If you’ve ever won...

What if your homeschool didn’t feel like a checklist, but a life-giving journey? In this Best of Homeschool Super Heroes Workshop episode, Julie Ross shares the tools of a Charlotte Mason education and how they can bring peace, beauty, and connection to your home. You’ll learn how to apply these tools—atmosphere, discipline, and life—in a way that nourishes both your children and yourself. This ge...

Celebrate Epiphany with your family through hands-on activities that bring the story of the Wise Men to life. In this episode, we’ll explore creative crafts, thought-provoking questions, and global traditions to help your children understand the meaning of this special day. Learn how to incorporate the gifts of the Wise Men and act out the Nativity story together. Make Epiphany unforgettable with...

Dreading math time every day? Feeling unqualified to teach it or overwhelmed by the daily battles? In this conversation with Nadim from CTC Math, we're exploring how to shift from being the teacher to being the coach—and why that makes all the difference for busy homeschool families. Nadim shares honest insights about building math independence , the truth about screen time and dopamine , and why...

Ever wondered what is Advent beyond just lighting candles or opening little doors on a calendar? Advent is about arrival and anticipation—a sacred season that prepares our hearts to celebrate Christ's first coming while also anticipating His second coming. In this episode, we're exploring the rich history of Advent from the 5th-6th centuries and practical ways to make space for Christ in your fami...

Feeling overwhelmed by the busy holiday season and not sure how to make Advent meaningful for your family? In this conversation with Jamie Suel (artist, former missionary, and mom of five grown kids), we're exploring advent family ideas that create space to encounter God instead of just adding more activities to your already-full schedule. Jamie shares honest wisdom about slowing down , renewing y...

Feeling the pressure to homeschool perfectly through Thanksgiving and Christmas while also hosting, baking, and keeping everyone cheerful? In this conversation with Kelly Warner from Hope in the Chaos, we're exploring how to make holiday homeschool simple, peaceful, and actually enjoyable—without the guilt of falling behind or missing out. Kelly shares honest stories from her decade of homeschooli...

What if cultivating joy in your homeschool could be as simple as saying "good morning" with intention or creating one silly family tradition? In this conversation with Amber Smith (mom of 10!), we're exploring how gratitude practices transform not just your homeschool, but your relationships with your kids and your ability to handle the overwhelming seasons. From speaking life over a strong-willed...

What if gratitude could actually make you more beautiful from the inside out? In this conversation with Meredith Curtis, we're exploring the transformative power of cultivating gratitude in your homeschool family—and how thanksgiving changes not just your heart, but your entire countenance and home atmosphere. From Thanksgiving traditions that knit families together to miracle stories of God's pro...

What if 5 minutes could completely shift your perspective from overwhelm to peace? In this episode, we're diving into powerful gratitude examples from history and my own life that prove thanksgiving isn't just feel-good advice—it actually changes your brain, your home atmosphere, and your children's mental health. From Abraham Lincoln declaring Thanksgiving during the Civil War to Corrie ten Boom...

What if Christmas wasn't about doing more, but learning how to be more present with your family? In this episode, we're diving into why holiday perfection is stealing your joy and how you can shift from chaos to connection this season. We're talking about practical ways to focus on what really matters—faith, family, and freedom from the pressure to do everything perfectly. You'll discover how to c...

Do you ever feel like Christmas sneaks up on you — and suddenly your home is filled with chaos instead of calm? In this episode, we’re talking about how to plan now so you can enjoy a peaceful Christmas filled with joy, not stress. You’ll hear how one simple shift helped our family slow down, say no to busyness, and finally make Jesus the center of our Advent season. Here’s what we’ll cover in thi...

Fall can be full of cozy traditions — and it can also be a chance to point our families toward Jesus instead of fear. In this episode we share simple, Christ-centered ideas you can use at home or in your homeschool as meaningful Christian alternatives to halloween. You’ll hear practical activities — everything from Reformation Day celebrations to service opportunities for your kids — and one “read...

The world feels heavy right now, and as homeschool parents, we're navigating how to walk alongside our children through national tragedies while maintaining our faith and hope. In this deeply personal episode , I explore how God brings redemption even in the darkest moments and why talking about these difficult events with our kids is so important. We'll discuss the spiritual battle happening arou...

Are your kids dragging their feet when it’s time for schoolwork? Football season gives you the perfect opportunity to flip that around and show them how to enjoy learning in ways that connect with their real interests. With a little creativity, you can turn the excitement of the season into meaningful lessons that stick. In this episode, you’ll discover: ✅Simple strategies to use football to insp...

Teaching manners isn’t about rules and rigidity—it’s about showing love, kindness, and respect to the people around us. In this conversation with Monica Irvine from The Etiquette Factory, we unpack simple and practical strategies for teaching manners in a way that sticks. You’ll discover why manners are more than table rules and how they shape your children’s character for life. If you’ve ever won...

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics—it’s about helping your kids discover their unique strengths and preparing them to lead. In this inspiring conversation with Heidi Christianson from Leadership Education Mentoring Institute, we explore the powerful role of mentoring youth in your homeschool, along with how to shift from a checklist mindset to a life-long learning approach. You’ll hear stori...

You see those grade-level checklists and stress out. How will you check off all the boxes? The better question is how to help each child grow at their own pace? In this episode we tackle the grade level myth, so kids can learn at their own pace. You’ll discover practical ways an individualized learning plan helps your child gain confidence and real mastery in your homeschool. You’ll hear real stor...

Homeschool doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or exhausting. In this episode, we’ll explore the power of short lessons in homeschooling—a simple shift that helps kids stay focused, build confidence, and reduce daily stress. You’ll discover practical ways to break subjects into smaller sessions, add movement breaks, and use short lessons for mastery. With real-life examples for both elementary and h...

What if your homeschool didn’t feel like a checklist, but a life-giving journey? In this Best of Homeschool Super Heroes Workshop episode, Julie Ross shares the tools of a Charlotte Mason education and how they can bring peace, beauty, and connection to your home. You’ll learn how to apply these tools—atmosphere, discipline, and life—in a way that nourishes both your children and yourself. This ge...

In this Best of Homeschool Super Heroes episode, Rachael Carman brings clarity to what matters most in your homeschool. After 26 years of homeschooling her seven kids, she shares why the most important subject to teach your children isn’t academic—it’s spiritual. This episode will encourage and equip you to make the Bible the foundation of your homeschool. Rachael’s wisdom is practical, powerful,...

With 20+ years of experience, Jen Merckling, shows you how to make any homeschool curriculum work—even if it's not the "perfect" fit. These 5 tips will help you feel confident, supported, and ready for a school year full of peace and growth. You’ll learn: ✅Why modeling matters more than early independence ✅How to pause and repeat without falling “behind” ✅What to do when grade levels don’t matc...

There’s a lot we take for granted when it comes to homeschooling—especially our freedoms. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear how homeschool freedom is under threat in places you might not expect... and how one nonprofit is working to protect it. From museum tours to national advocacy, Steven Policastro shares how God is using their work to equip homeschool leaders in 130+ nations. You’ll be insp...

As we approach the Day of the Christian Martyr on June 29, 2025, talking to kids about difficult topics like persecution or the life of a Christian martyr isn't easy—but it's important. In this episode, Kerry sits down with homeschool curriculum author Bonnie Rose Hudson to discuss how to introduce these powerful stories to children in a way that honors truth, age-appropriateness, and their emotio...

If you’ve ever wondered how to slow down and connect while still “doing school,” this episode is for you. Today, I’m sharing how a simple walk with my granddaughter — and her obsession with roly-polies — reminded me why nature walks are a powerful tool in your homeschool. You’ll discover how even 15 minutes outside can spark curiosity, lead to deeper relationships, and provide rich educational exp...