Homeschool Minnesota

This is a throwback episode from fall of 2025!  We didn't want you to miss it! Homeschooling veteran and former public school teacher Ginny Yurich joins Dayle Annand to discuss her new book and why she believes parents are “doing it right just by doing it.” They talk about choosing an approach that fits your family, making time for connection and exploration, misconceptions about homeschoolers’ socialization, and why children need room for boredom.   To find more resources from Ginny: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/   To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/    

This is a throwback to an episode that was released in the summer of 2026--we didn't want you to miss it! Jamie Erickson discusses various homeschooling methods, from Charlotte Mason to unschooling, and offers practical advice for new homeschoolers on choosing the right approach and curriculum.   To find out more about Jamie and to order her books: https://jamieerickson.com/   To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Homeschooling Methods 02:21 Montessori Method and Errorless Learning 03:46 Unschooling and Strewing Learning 05:13 Balancing Faith and Unschooling 07:27 Following Your Child's Interests 09:31 Learning as Adults and Homeschooling 11:27 Choosing Curriculum and Self-Trust 13:21 Practical Tips for Homeschool Moms 15:04 Flexibility and Grace in Homeschooling 16:28 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts  

Homeschool Minnesota host Dayle Annand talks with John Fort, director of training for Be Broken Ministries and author of *Don't Stress Talking About Sex*, about helping parents discuss sexuality, pornography, boundaries, and exposure with their children. Fort offers age-based guidance and a five-conversation progression, emphasizing calm, repeated talks and a trusting parent-child connection rather than one intimidating “talk.”   To purchase books from John Fort: https://www.johnwfort.com/ To help a loved one recover from an addiction: https://www.bebroken.org/ For resources to help you talk with your kids of all ages: https://www.purelifeacademy.org/ To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Why parents dread talking about sex 02:11 When to start: body parts, sex, and age-based guidance 05:32 Introducing pornography and making disclosure safe 08:20 Connection, calm responses, and sharing your story 12:54 How much of a parent’s sexual history to share 16:40 Reducing shame and explaining healthy sexuality 18:22 Reproduction, bonding, selflessness, and counterfeit sexuality 22:20 A five-conversation path for parents who feel behind 26:37 Preparing for exposure through peers and everyday life 29:23 Be Broken resources and support for families 32:04 A reassuring first step for worried parents

In this episode, Dandi Daley Mackall shares her journey from growing up in Missouri to becoming a prolific author of over 500 books, including the Winnie the Horse Gentler series and devotionals. She discusses how her faith, love for horses, and experiences behind the Iron Curtain have shaped her writing and her approach to teaching children about God's love and character.   To learn more about Dandi Mackall: https://www.dandibooks.com/   To purchase Dandi's books: https://www.tyndale.com/search?author=Dandi%20Daley%20Mackall   To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dandi Daley Mackall and her work 01:59 Growing up in Missouri and love for horses 03:59 Faith journey and discovering God's grace 06:54 Behind the Iron Curtain: Missionary work in Eastern Europe 09:51 The Winnie the Horse Gentler series and its themes 12:52 The devotional format and emotional connection 16:07 Journaling, emotions, and spiritual growth 18:54 The importance of good theology in children's books 21:04 Balancing theological depth with child-friendly storytelling 23:59 The process of writing for different age groups 26:59 Dandi's personal connection to her characters 29:01 Closing thoughts and upcoming projects  

In this episode, Janel Breitenstein discusses how to shift parenting from fear and shame to trust and connection, emphasizing the importance of emotional health and gospel-centered parenting.   Links: To purchase Emotionally Strong(ish) Parenting: https://www.tyndale.com/search?keyword=emotionally+strong%28ish%29+parenting   To find out more about Janel Breitenstein: https://www.janelbreitenstein.com/   To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Shifts and Guest Background 02:01 Janelle's Personal Journey and Family Life 04:03 Understanding Shame-Based Parenting and Its Impact 07:02 The Difference Between Shame and Guilt in Parenting 10:02 The Power of Gospel and Grace in Parenting 13:04 Modeling Gospel Love in Parenting Moments 16:03 Recognizing Parental Emotional Patterns and Triggers 18:56 Practical Strategies for Emotional Regulation 23:05 Shifts Toward a Resilient, Jesus-Centered Family Culture 27:07 The Role of Trust, Humility, and Grace in Parenting 29:00 Closing Remarks and Resources  

In this episode, Kayla Craig shares how breath prayers can be a simple yet powerful tool for busy families to connect with God amidst their hectic lives. Discover practical ways to incorporate prayer into everyday moments and learn about the science and spiritual benefits of mindful breathing through Kayla's book, Our Daily Breath: 365 Prayers and Practices that Whisper Peace in a Shouting World from Tyndale Publishing.   Links: To find Kayla's book and other resources: https://www.kaylacraig.com/books   To find Kayla's podcast on prayer: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ntlqIUVj6PhCUfslzjKb9?si=d737a99a5abe458d   To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Breath Prayers and Their Benefits 02:05 Kayla Craig's Background and Inspiration for Writing 04:00 What Is a Breath Prayer and How to Practice It 07:01 Breath Prayers in Everyday Life: Car, Laundry, and More 09:03 The Spiritual and Scientific Benefits of Mindful Breathing 11:49 Using Breath Prayers to Manage Anxiety and Worry 14:58 The Format and Content of Kayla's Devotional Book 18:05 Encouragement for Parents to Incorporate Breath Prayers 21:51 Kayla's Podcast and Other Resources 23:57 Closing Remarks and Final Encouragement

In this episode, Abby Joy shares insights into her family's new Advent devotional, Come and Worship: A 25-Day Advent Family Devotional emphasizing the importance of scripture, theology, and intentional family worship during the Christmas season. Discover practical tips for starting family devotions and creating meaningful holiday traditions. Links: To purchase or download Come and Worship: https://familystylelearning.com/   To find Abby's YouTube Channel, Family Style Learning: https://youtube.com/@familystylelearning?si=keSR6r8YAV4-EpZw   To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Abby Joy and her family 00:40 The inspiration behind the Advent devotional 01:52 The importance of family worship and theology 04:13 How to start family devotions with young children 06:04 Using scripture, songs, and discussion in devotions 08:00 Extending Advent practices into the new year 10:08 Balancing tradition and flexibility in family worship 12:04 Encouragement for busy families to prioritize faith 13:54 The significance of focusing on Jesus during Christmas 16:10 Abby Joy’s family Christmas traditions 17:59 Resources and tips for engaging children in faith 20:03 The importance of biblical resources and vetting 21:59 Final encouragement and how to access the devotional resources

In this episode, Carrie Hoshaw shares her journey from military family roots to founding Butternut Publishing, focusing on faith-based children's books that nurture discipleship and character development. Discover how her personal experiences and faith inspire her work and learn about her upcoming projects.   Links: To find Butternut Publishing: https://butternutpublishing.com/   To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carrie Hoshaw and Butternut Publishing 02:08 Carrie’s background growing up as an army brat and her faith journey 04:04 The meaning behind the name Butternut Publishing 04:56 The focus on discipleship and family in their books 07:00 Details about the book 'No Goats' and its faith messages 09:03 The book 'Dumpster Leave It' and its lessons on failure and grace 11:00 Target age groups and upcoming projects like 'Eddie and the Bear' 12:58 The role of illustrations, scripture, and family prayer in books 15:00 The importance of cultural representation and diversity 16:56 The story behind the creation of QR codes for family discussions 19:08 Encouragement to step out in faith and obedience 20:54 Closing thoughts and contact information  

Does it take 45 minutes to get your family out the door? Is it a struggle to keep up with all the activities, homeschooling, house work, and still have time for connecting with your family? Do you ever wonder who is this person I'm married to? Is there a better way? In this episode, Blake and Chandler Allsmith share how they integrate business principles into family life, homeschooling seven kids, and maintaining a thriving marriage. They discuss practical strategies like weekly business meetings, creating family visions, and the importance of date nights to build a strong, connected family.   Links: To purchase The Family Framework: https://theallsmiths.com/#book   To receive the free information on family organization from the Allsmiths: https://theallsmiths.com/#final   To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blake and Chandler Allsmith 01:57 Homeschooling Seven Kids and Managing Multiple Businesses 04:13 The Impact of Business Failures on Family and Identity 08:06 The Importance of Family Vision and Core Values 11:51 Moving from Divide and Conquer to Teamwork 15:00 A Day in the Life: Managing Homeschool and Business 22:01 Practical Strategies: Standard Operating Procedures 27:51 The Significance of Weekly Date Nights 35:57 Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parents 39:01 Closing Remarks and Resources  

In this episode, Beth Hendrick discusses the importance of family discipleship, practical ways to incorporate biblical truth into daily life, and how to nurture faith and purpose in children amidst cultural pressures.   Links: To purchase The Way of Life: https://a.co/d/08FDMtdD   To contact Homeschool Minnesota: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Family Discipleship and Its Importance 02:11 The Role of Devotions and Holy Habits in Daily Life 04:19 Creating Practical and Engaging Family Devotions 07:07 Overcoming Barriers: Busy Schedules and Family Time 10:09 The Power of Consistency and Prioritizing God's Word 13:59 Teaching Children About God's Truth and Life in Abundance 16:29 Addressing Anxiety and Cultivating Peace in Families 19:08 Practical Tools: Breath Prayers and Gratitude Practices 22:14 Encouragement for Parents Who Feel It's Too Late 23:56 Creating a Family Culture of Faith and Discipleship