#389 But What About Socialization?

What do you do when life feels overwhelming, but you still want to homeschool?In this episode, I'm answering a question from a mom who is juggling five young children, working two jobs, managing a property, and dealing with some really challenging family circumstances. She's exhausted, struggling with yelling, and worried that her children are falling behind.We're talking about how to grow through hard things, recognize what you can let go of, and simplify homeschooling without feeling like you're failing your kids.I'll share practical ways to focus on what matters most, teach your children valuable life skills, and give yourself a whole lot of love along the way.Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your homeschool is take a look at everything else you're trying to manage and decide what can wait.

It's the question almost every homeschool parent has heard: "But what about socialization?"Will your kids have friends? Will they be socially awkward? Will they know how to interact with people outside their family?In this episode of Called to Homeschool, I'm answering these common questions and sharing what my own adult homeschool graduates have to say about their experiences growing up homeschooled.We'll talk about the difference between socializing and socialization, why our kids don't necessarily need more time with their peers, and how homeschooling gives us opportunities to intentionally teach important social skills.If you've ever worried about socialization or struggled to answer this question from friends and family, this episode is for you!

Does your child argue, refuse to listen, stomp their feet, or seem determined to turn everything into a battle?In this episode of Called to Homeschool, I'm answering a listener's question about her strong-willed four-year-old who has started showing more defiant and disrespectful behavior. She's also pregnant, working full time, and exhausted—and struggling to stay consistent with her parenting.We'll talk about how the labels we give our children can actually influence their behavior, why we sometimes make little behaviors into much bigger problems, and how to teach our kids appropriate behavior without constantly punishing or correcting them.I'll also share why the attention we give negative behavior matters, how to avoid power struggles, and why taking care of yourself is an important part of being a calm, consistent parent.If you're feeling frustrated with a child who won't listen, this episode will help you see their behavior differently and give you practical ways to respond with more confidence and less frustration.

If your kids only seem to listen once you start yelling, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down why yelling can accidentally become part of the instruction—and how to change that with Connect → Direct → Expect. I’ll also share how taking care of your own fundamentals can help you respond instead of react, plus all the details about No Yell November and how you can join us!https://www.coachmegthomas.com/product-page/no-yell-november-challenge

What if you want to homeschool—but you also want the freedom to travel?In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question about homeschooling while living part of the year in California and part of the year in the Midwest. We’ll talk about taking school on the road, finding flexible co-ops, sports, friendships and socialization, homeschool laws, and the fear that your kids might eventually want more stability.Homeschooling doesn’t have to tie you down. Learning doesn’t require a desk—it requires intention. And while you may have a few things to figure out along the way, most things are figureoutable.If you’ve ever wondered whether you can really take your homeschool with you, this episode is for you.

Did my homeschooled daughter ever wish she went to public school? In this episode, my adult daughter, Bella, is back to answer that question and share what it was really like growing up homeschooled in a family with seven kids.We talk about how being part of a large family shaped her, friendships inside and outside of homeschool, whether she ever felt like she was missing out, and what she would say to a teenager who is trying to decide between staying homeschooled or going to public school.

What do you do when the homeschool routine that worked for years suddenly turns into a daily battle?In this episode, I’m answering a mom’s question about her 12-year-old son who has lost motivation, pushes back on school, and seems to resist everything she says.We’ll talk about what’s changing during the teenage years, why your homeschool may need to change too, and how to give your teen more ownership without giving up all expectations.Most importantly, we’ll talk about how to stop battling over school and start protecting your relationship with your teen.

When you’re homeschooling little kids, how much of the day should actually be spent doing school? How much should they be helping around the house? And if they would happily play outside all day long… should you let them?In this episode, I’m answering a mom of three little ones, who is wondering if she’s doing enough or allowing too much free play.If you’re homeschooling little kids and wondering what your days are “supposed” to look like, this episode will help you simplify things and focus on what matters most: habits first, a little structured learning, and lots of time and space to play.

Does your child give up as soon as something feels hard? In this episode, I’m answering a homeschool mom’s question about helping her 6-year-old build perseverance without turning learning into a constant battle. We’ll talk about when to push, when to back off, how to build confidence and independence, and why doing hard things doesn’t have to mean making things harder than they need to be.

How do you homeschool a kindergartener when you also have a preschooler, toddler, and baby who all need you?In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question about what a typical homeschool day can look like when you have a house full of little kids. I’ll share what I would actually focus on at these ages, how I’d keep kindergarten and preschool simple, why I wouldn’t save school for nap time, and how I think about a daily rhythm instead of a strict schedule.If you’re trying to juggle lessons, naps, babies, toddlers, chores, and everything else that comes with this season, this episode is for you.