#329 How to Add Fun into a Structured Homeschool Day (Without Getting Overwhelmed

Feeling stretched by the little years, wondering how to support a gifted child, or trying to homeschool while solo and on a budget? This conversation is for you. In this episode, Coach Meg shares a gentle, doable roadmap for three big topics moms are asking about—under-7 homeschooling, "gifted" learners, and single-mom strategies—so you can lead your home with calm, clarity, and confidence.

If you’re homeschooling a strong-willed child, you know how draining the daily battles can feel. One mom writes in:"This is my second year homeschooling. I have three girls ages 7, 4, and 2. My oldest is very strong willed, opinionated, loves to debate or negotiate anything I say that involves doing school or other responsibilities she doesn’t like, and takes up a lot of the energetic space of our home. It is like pulling teeth to get her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. I do my best not to yell and use positive requests as well as state and keep boundaries. But they don’t seem to work… I’m feeling so nervous for our school year because our connection feels lacking and I just feel helpless with how to get that connection back so we can have a successful school year.”In this episode, I share how shifting from power struggles to partnership can transform your homeschool. We’ll talk about why parents often unknowingly step into the tug-of-war, how to refocus on the positive, what it looks like to ignore unhelpful behaviors without giving up authority, and how to intentionally teach good habits that make your days smoother.If you’ve ever wondered how to really connect with your strong-willed child while still leading your homeschool with confidence, this episode will give you practical encouragement and fresh hope.You’ll learn:How to step out of the tug-of-war and build true partnership with your strong-willed childSimple ways to shift attention toward the positive and let go of constant correctionPractical strategies for teaching habits that create smoother homeschool days

Homeschooling with little ones underfoot isn’t easy — and if you’ve ever felt like your days are chaotic, noisy, and full of interruptions, you’re not alone.In this episode of Called to Homeschool, I’m answering a listener’s question about how to teach a 7-year-old while also caring for a 4-year-old and an 8-month-old baby.You’ll learn:✨ How to keep lessons short, simple, and effective🧸 Creative ways to include (and occupy) younger siblings💛 How to protect your peace and find joy in this seasonIt doesn’t have to be calm to count.Homeschooling with littles isn’t quiet — but it’s still beautiful. 🌼

Burnout happens—even when you love homeschooling and positive parenting. In this candid conversation, my guest shares how she’s navigating the exhaustion of planning lessons, managing kids’ boredom, and preparing to welcome baby #5. We talk about practical ways to regain motivation by lowering expectations, simplifying your days, and focusing on small, consistent habits. You’ll hear encouraging ideas for shifting your mindset, doing less but better, and finding joy in the season you’re in—without running yourself into the ground.

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