#334 Ask Coach Meg: Homeschooling Kids Under 7 on One Budget + November Lesson Plans

In this episode, Meg shares why staying calm and not reacting to negativity is one of the most powerful parenting tools you can use. You’ll learn how attention fuels behavior, why most misbehaviors disappear when ignored with purpose, and how to hold your peace instead of getting pulled into the drama.

What if raising hard-working, responsible kids had nothing to do with money — and everything to do with habits, purpose, and family culture?In this coaching conversation with a homeschool mom, we dive into how to teach children to be good humans, contribute to the home, and build real-life skills without paying them for every task. Instead of rewards and bribes, I introduce the power of Happy Habits — simple, consistent practices that shift responsibility, ownership, and self-motivation from the outside in.If you’ve ever wondered how to motivate without micromanaging — this one is for you.

This week I’m chatting with a mama who’s wrestling with a tough decision—whether to pull her 9th and 7th graders back out of public school. After a couple of years away from homeschooling, she’s noticing big changes: attitude problems, a lack of motivation, and tension at home. But she’s also feeling the weight of fear—What if they’re mad at me? What if it’s too late to bring them home?In this honest and heartfelt conversation, we talk through what’s really going on beneath the surface, how to rebuild connection with your teens, and how to lead with love and confidence instead of fear. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late to bring your kids home, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to restore peace and purpose to your family.

Do your homeschool lessons take forever? In this episode, I talk with a mom whose 8-year-old gets distracted by everything. We chat about staying calm, keeping lessons short, and letting go of the pressure to “get it all done.” You’ll hear what my homeschool days looked like with little ones and how to find peace in the slow moments.

Are you not enjoying your homeschool right now?You love your kids and you’re grateful for this lifestyle — but lately, it feels heavy. The lessons drag, your energy is low, and joy feels far away.In this episode, Meg shares gentle encouragement for the mom who’s showing up but not feeling it. You’ll learn why you don’t have to feel joy all the time to be faithful, how to reconnect with your “why,” and simple ways to bring beauty, peace, and delight back into your homeschool days.Listen in for honest encouragement, a mindset reset, and a reminder that you were called to this — and joy is still available, even here. 🌿🎧 Plus: Grab your free Joy Thoughts Printable to help you create calm and connection in your homeschool every day in our weekly newsletter.

The holidays are almost here — and so is the chaos! Between sugar highs, Christmas concerts, and twinkling distractions, December can make even the calmest homeschool mom feel like she’s losing her mind.In this episode, Meg reminds you that you’re not behind — and that homeschooling in December can actually be peaceful and fun. She’ll share how to simplify your days, release the pressure, and embrace meaningful learning through stories, service, and connection.Public schools aren’t doing much “serious” learning this month — so take a breath, grab some cocoa, and let this be the season your family learns through joy, not stress.

Being with your kids 24/7 can be beautiful… and overwhelming. In this episode of Called to Homeschool, we’re talking honestly about what it takes to protect your peace, recharge your energy, and stay grounded when you’re never off the clock.You’ll hear simple, practical ways to build breathing room into your days, support your nervous system, and give yourself permission to be human—so you can show up as the mom you want to be.Because you can love your kids deeply and still need space to be you.

You already know yelling isn’t the mom you want to be… but when the kids are fighting, chores aren’t done, and no one is listening, it feels like the only option in the moment. So what can you do instead?In this episode, I’m sharing practical, real-life strategies you can use when the pressure builds and you’re tempted to raise your voice. Because the truth is, you don’t have to be a perfect mom—you just need better tools. And every small change in how you respond makes a big difference in your home.👉 If you’re ready for extra accountability and encouragement, join me for No Yell November—a 30-day challenge to reset your home, calm the chaos, and build deeper connections with your kids.www.coachmegthomas.com#NoYellNovember #HomeschoolMom #ParentingWithPurpose #GentleParenting #HomeschoolEncouragement

You love your kids deeply, but somehow the yelling keeps slipping out… and every time, you promise yourself it won’t happen again. So why is it so hard to stop?In this episode, I’m unpacking the real reasons moms yell—not because you’re a “bad mom,” but because you’re human, overwhelmed, and often running on empty. We’ll talk about why yelling feels like the quick fix in the moment, the hidden cost it has on your kids and your family culture, and the hope that things really can change.If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of yelling, guilt, and regret, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and show you the first steps toward breaking free.👉 And if you’re ready to practice this in a safe, supportive way, join me in No Yell November—a 30-day challenge to reset your home, calm the chaos, and rebuild connection with your kidswww.coachmegthomas.com

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.