#312 Connection Over Curriculum — The 80/20 Rule for Homeschool Success

In this episode, we’re getting real about the pressure to "do it all"—homeschooling, homemaking, parenting, and everything in between. The truth? You can’t do it all, and you’re not supposed to.Instead of striving for balance that doesn’t exist, we’ll talk about how to uncover your true priorities, release unrealistic expectations, and create more joy in your homeschool days.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just need a reminder that slow and steady is enough—this episode is for you. 💛🎧 Tune in and take a deep breath—you’re doing better than you think.

Have you ever looked around and thought, “Where are the other families like us?”You’re not alone.This week on the podcast, I’m talking about something so many homeschool parents struggle with—how to find like-minded homeschool families.The kind of friends where your kids click, your values align, and you don’t have to explain why your 10-year-old is doing algebra at the park.In this episode, I’m answering questions like:• What if there aren’t many homeschoolers near me?• How do I find families who share our faith and lifestyle?• Is it even possible to build community when everyone’s busy?If you’ve ever felt isolated or just wished for a few good friends to do life with, this episode is for you.

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Matt Bowman, author of Open Education, to talk about something that’s been on the minds of many parents and educators:What if the problem isn’t your child—but the system itself?Matt brings deep insight and experience to the table as we dive into why standardized education often fails to meet the needs of real learners. We talk about the history behind one-size-fits-all schooling, what’s broken in today’s classrooms, and how we can imagine something better—especially for homeschool families.If you’ve ever felt like your child is being left behind, boxed in, or simply bored in the current system, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

As homeschool moms, we often feel like we’re carrying the full weight of our children’s education. But the truth is—dad is teaching, too.He’s teaching through his work ethic.He’s modeling how to treat others.He’s shaping their view of faith, family, and what it means to be a man.In this episode, I share:5 powerful things kids learn by watching their dadEncouragement for moms whose husbands aren't deeply involved in homeschoolingA reminder we all need: your marriage matters tooBecause one day, our kids will move out—and we’ll still be here, husband and wife. Let’s not forget to nurture that relationship in the midst of it all.❤️ This episode is full of grace, perspective, and practical encouragement—just in time for Father’s Day.

In this Q&A-style episode, I’m answering real questions from homeschool moms about some of the most common (and frustrating!) parenting challenges—like how to help your kids listen without yelling, what to do when toys are left out again, and how to handle sibling rivalry with more peace and less drama.Whether you're in the thick of toddler messes or navigating squabbles between older kids, this episode is packed with practical, grace-filled strategies to bring more calm and cooperation into your home.

In this special episode, I sit down with my daughter Tess—my fifth homeschool graduate—to reflect on her journey through homeschooling from kindergarten to graduation. Tess shares what she loved, what challenged her, how homeschooling shaped her identity, and what she’s planning next. Whether you’re a veteran homeschool mom or just starting out, this candid mother-daughter chat offers encouragement, perspective, and a glimpse into what it’s all about when the homeschool years come full circle.

This quote is adapted from the famous saying from Nietzsche.Some homeschool days are going to feel hard.Some days you are going to wonder if you are doing everything wrong.And some days you are going to want to give up.But when you have a strong enough why, you can bear almost any how.In today's podcast episode, I am going over this to help you push through when things don't feel like they are going right.

What if the secret to a thriving homeschool isn’t in the perfect curriculum — but in the strength of your connection with your child?In this episode, we unpack the powerful truth that homeschooling is 80% connection and only 20% curriculum. You’ll learn why building trust and emotional safety is the true foundation of learning, what “connection first” looks like in everyday homeschool life, and how to stop stressing over unfinished lessons.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough?” — this episode will breathe fresh encouragement into your heart and remind you that you are the greatest gift your homeschool has.✨ You’ll hear:Why relationship is your most powerful teaching toolWhat to let go of in your curriculumHow to create connection moments that shift your homeschool atmosphereThe one mindset shift that can change everythingLet’s trade burnout for peace, checkboxes for connection — and rediscover the joy of learning together.

Homeschool moms—we mean well. We love deeply. But sometimes… our love turns into control. 😣This week on the podcast, we’re digging into the hard truth: our good intentions can actually suffocate our kids.🧠 Why over-correcting damages confidence🧡 How to shift from fear-based parenting to connection🛠️ Practical ways to step back so your child can step upLet’s trade control for trust. Your child doesn’t need you to be perfect—they need you to be present. 💬✨

If you want your homeschool to be amazing, you have to start with the family. Restoring the family — building strong marriages, raising loved and secure children, and teaching children to be hard workers— is how we lay the foundation for real, lasting change. In today's podcast, I am giving away a simple guide to help you on the road to restore your family. It's called, Happy Habits, and it's an easy step by step guide to help your children learn appropriate behavior.  You can download it for free HERE. Inside the guide, you’ll find simple, proven strategies to teach your child positive behavior without yelling, nagging, or constant reminders. The next step? Start small. Pick one habit to focus on this week and use the tips to build consistency and confidence. If you're looking for more support in restoring your family, then please come and join us in Mama's Members. The course starts this Tuesday, May 6th, and I can't wait to see you there. P.S.- The membership has a free 7 day trial! Come and check it out with no risk.