#330 The Power of Short Lessons in Homeschooling + lesson plans for October

Do homeschool lessons in your house ever drag on…and on…and on? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive into one of Charlotte Mason’s most practical principles: keeping lessons short and focused.You’ll learn:Why short lessons train a child’s full attentionHow brevity prevents burnout and keeps learning freshThe surprising way short lessons create variety, confidence, and peace at homePractical tips for setting lesson times by ageEncouragement for when it feels like “we’re not doing enough”Whether you’re new to Charlotte Mason or looking to bring more joy into your homeschool, this episode will help you simplify lessons, protect relationships, and spark a love of learning in your children.

Do you love the idea of adding fun, whimsy, and faith into your homeschool day—but get stuck when it comes to actually planning it?In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question about balancing structure and creativity, especially when homeschooling kids under 6. If you thrive on schedules but feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities, this one’s for you.We’ll talk about:✨ Why rhythms work better than strict schedules✨ Simple ways to bring in games without overthinking it✨ How to naturally integrate Christianity into your dayYou don’t have to be naturally creative to make homeschooling fun. With a gentle framework, you can build days that feel peaceful, faith-filled, and full of delight.🎧 Tune in and discover how to make your homeschool both structured and joy-filled.

In this episode, I sit down with a thoughtful homeschool mom who opens up about a common challenge: What do you do when your child doesn’t want to come back to homeschooling? Her daughter was homeschooled in kindergarten, went to public school for first grade, and now Mom is wrestling with whether to bring her home again. We talk through her honest concerns—like taking her daughter away from beloved teachers and friends, and how her child seems to respond better to other adults.We also explore the idea that it’s okay if your child isn’t thrilled about homeschooling—and why your homeschool doesn’t have to look or feel like school to be meaningful. If you’ve ever second-guessed your decision or felt torn between what’s good for your child socially and what feels right for your family long-term, this conversation will speak to you.

In this episode, I answer a heartfelt question from a listener who’s working hard to parent with love and connection—but struggles when it comes to setting and holding boundaries. If you’ve ever felt squeamish or anxious when your kids are upset by limits (especially when your spouse handles it differently!), you’re not alone.We dive into why boundaries are not about control, but about love—and how holding them actually creates more peace and safety in your home. I also share why discomfort isn’t something to fear in our kids, and how growing your confidence in this area can transform your homeschool experience.You’ll also hear how to get started with my free Happy Habits guide—designed to help your family practice simple, doable boundaries in everyday life.

In this episode, I sit down with a homeschool mom who’s feeling the weight of overwhelm as she looks ahead to the school year. We talk about the common pressure to "do it all," how to simplify your approach, and how to know what to teach your kids.If you’ve ever wondered:When should I really start teaching formal writing?How do I know if I’m doing enough?What matters most during the early years of homeschooling?…then this conversation will feel like a deep breath. You’ll hear practical, grace-filled guidance and walk away with permission to slow down and focus on what truly matters.Tune in and get grounded before the homeschool year begins!

Curious what our homeschool is going to look like this year?In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing our plans for the 2025–2026 homeschool year—what we’re focusing on, what we’re simplifying, and how I’m building our rhythm around connection, not just checklists. 💛I’m also so excited to finally share the lesson plans I’ve created for YOU—designed to take the stress out of planning and bring more peace and purpose into your days.If you’ve been wishing for something that’s:✔️ Simple✔️ Flexible✔️ Easy to implement✔️ Rooted in values that matter to your family…You’re going to love these.🎧 Listen to the new episode for all the details—link in bio!📝 And head to the site to grab your copy of the new lesson plans! www.coachmegthomas.com

Ever dream of taking your homeschool on the road (or across the ocean!)—but feel overwhelmed by the cost, the logistics, or the idea of traveling with ALL the kids?⠀In this episode, I’m sharing how our family makes travel doable, even on a budget—and how we tie every adventure back into our homeschool.⠀🧳 Tips for finding cheap flights (even with a big family!)🧺 Budget hacks like grocery store meals & off-peak travel📖 How we prep with books, history, & culture before every trip💡 Why one paid excursion can be enough to make it magical🎒And how homeschooling gives us the flexibility to make it all work⠀From Hawaii and Germany to our upcoming trip to London and Paris—this is a peek behind the scenes at how we’re living our homeschool dream… one trip at a time.⠀Whether you’re road-tripping, dreaming of flying, or just wanting to travel smarter—this one’s for you.

What do you do when your child completely falls apart—whether it’s a full-on meltdown, a flood of tears, or explosive anger?In this episode, we’ll talk about how to stay steady when your child is anything but. You’ll learn what’s really happening in your child’s brain and body during these moments, why your calm matters more than the perfect words, and how to respond in a way that builds trust and long-term resilience.We’ll cover:✨ Practical things to do (and not do) in the heat of the moment✨ What to do to avoid meltdowns in the future✨ And why your own calm is the best gift you can give your kidsIf you’ve ever wondered “Am I handling this right?”—this episode is for you.

When our kids are young, we dream about the kind of family we want to have. We try to build traditions, set values, and create an atmosphere of love and connection—hoping it all pays off someday. Now, with five of my seven kids officially adults, I’m getting to see the fruits of those efforts. In this episode, I share how we intentionally shaped our family culture, the little (and big) things that made a difference, and what it all looks like years down the road. If you’ve ever wondered whether the daily work of building family culture really matters, this episode is for you.

If I could go back and start homeschooling from the beginning, what would I do differently? In this episode, I’m sharing the things I’ve learned through experience—the mindset shifts, the priorities, and the practices I wish I had embraced sooner.We’ll talk about how to find your why, define what you value most, focus on parenting first, make learning fun, and let go of what doesn’t really matter. Whether you’re just starting out or need a reset, this episode is full of encouragement and practical insight for a simpler, more joyful homeschool.