Afleveringen
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Should you still be reading aloud to your kids after they can read on their own? It turns out this is one of the most settled questions in all of education β and the answer has been sitting in a government report since 1985. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith walks through what the research actually says about reading aloud to kids, why it never expires, and why the book on your couch may outrank half of what's on your lesson plan.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π Free DownloadIn this episode, you'll learn:
Why reading aloud to kids is called the single most important activity for building a readerWhat the million word gap study found about read-alouds before kindergartenWhy the rare words in books almost never show up in everyday conversationWhat MRI scans revealed about a child's brain during a read-aloudHow animated screens do the imagining that a book leaves to your childWhy reading aloud to older kids does NOT make them lazy readersThe difference between constrained and unconstrained reading skillsWhat kids themselves say they want most from being read toSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial β or purchase with the homeschool discountLearningRx
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia
β Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math
β Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment
π Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills AssessmentSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
Free Quote of the Week Notecard β the Emilie Buchwald quote from this episode, ready to printMy Curriculum Recommendations β the free list, by subjectAll of Christy-Faith's free homeschool resourcesThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providersThrive Homeschool CommunityHomeschool Rising β Christy-Faith's bookRelated episodes:
Ep. 107 β How to Reduce Screen Time for KidsEp. 61 β Are Schools Killing a Love of Learning?Ep. 92 β Behind the Screen (Part 1/6) β the start of Christy-Faith's vulnerability seriesβ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 β the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin.
Connect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Should You Be Reading Aloud to Your Kids?(01:53) - Welcome + Why This Episode(02:50) - When Reading Aloud Feels Like a Chore(04:03) - How Story Time Became βLiteracyβ(06:55) - Am I Doing Enough?(07:35) - The Million Word Gap(08:47) - Why Book Words Beat Everyday Words(12:37) - Inside Your Child's Brain During a Read-Aloud(13:57) - What Screens Do Instead(14:54) - βMy Kid Can Read Now β Can I Stop?β(16:22) - Constrained vs. Unconstrained Skills(17:14) - Lifting Big Kids to a Higher Ledge(18:01) - Beowulf and the Seventh-Grade Reading Circle(19:49) - Why Kids Love Being Read To(22:39) - What Kids Say They Want Most(23:52) - Family Read-Alouds(24:35) - Start Tonight β Even Five Minutes(27:15) - Reading Is Worth It(28:05) - The Quote and the Free Notecard -
You've said "sit down, please" about twenty thousand times this week β and it's starting to feel personal. It isn't. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith unpacks what's actually happening in your child's brain, why the wiggling may be how the learning gets in, and the small shifts that make the morning stop being a fight.
π Free Resource: 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure
Twenty honest questions that help you spot the school-shaped rules you're still carrying β so you can put them down, one at a time.
π Free DownloadIn this episode, you'll learn:
The attention-span rule of thumb every homeschool mom should know β a few minutes per year of age on a grown-up-chosen taskWhy a 45-minute lesson is quietly asking your six-year-old to hold on three times longer than they canThe three expectations strangling your homeschool mornings β and permission to put all three downWhat 54 studies and nearly 30,000 kids revealed about movement and learningHow to shorten and split lessons without falling behindWhy doing the hard subjects first changes the whole back half of your dayHow to rescue your read-alouds β a still body was never the pointLoop scheduling and trimming your list so a lighter day actually gets finishedHow to build the focus muscle one minute at a timeHow to tell the difference between a kid being a kid and something worth investigatingSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β My favorite online math program β a real teacher walks them through every lesson
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial
π Get 50% Off for Homeschool FamiliesSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure β Spot the school-shaped rules you're still carryingSample Homeschool Schedules β Real, doable rhythms you can borrow, including loop schedulesQuote of the Week Notecard β A free printable of this episode's quoteHomeschool Rising β Christy-Faith's book, including the chapter on deschoolingThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: Get on the waitlistAll of Christy-Faith's free resourcesRelated episodes:
Ep. 82 β How Long Should a Homeschool Day Really Be?Ep. 64 β Overwhelmed by Homeschooling? How to Make It Manageableβ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 β the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin.
Connect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - The "Sit Down, Please" Morning(04:16) - Expectation One: What Focus Actually Looks Like(05:40) - Expectation Two: Redefining What "Done" Means(06:35) - Expectation Three: The Wiggling Isnβt Disrespect(07:50) - Shorten and Split the Lesson(09:00) - What Deschooling Actually Means(14:10) - Let Them Move on Purpose: 54 Studies, 30,000 Kids(15:30) - Do the Hard Things First(16:45) - Rescuing Your Read-Alouds(20:51) - Trim Your List and Loop Your Subjects(22:06) - Build the Focus Muscle Slowly(23:00) - Check the Inputs Before You Worry(27:30) - Is My Kid Normal, or Is Something Deeper Going On?(31:55) - Where We Started, Where We Landed -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Homeschooling can feel wonderful and lonely at the very same time β especially when there's no co-op nearby, or the ones around you just don't fit. Here's the good news: real community is absolutely possible without one. In this Throwback Thursday favorite, homeschool expert Christy-Faith busts the socialization myth and shares 8 natural ways to find your people, whether you're an extrovert or a shy park-bench introvert.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendationsIn this episode, you'll learn:
Why homeschooling without a co-op does NOT mean your kids are missing outThe truth about homeschool socialization β and why school-style socializing was never the gold standard8 natural ways to build real community: faith groups, volunteering, playgroups, libraries, museums, neighbors, and moreHow everyday errands and conversations grow your child's emotional intelligence and confidenceSimple scripts to break the ice with new homeschool families β even if you're shyWhy the depth of your friendships matters far more than the number3 doable action steps to start finding your people this weekSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial β’ Get 50% Off for Homeschool FamiliesLearningRx
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real, long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia
β Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math
π Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment (use code HOME50)True North Homeschool Academy
β Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6β12
β Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma
β Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment
π Explore Courses & Get StartedSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
Homeschool Rising β Christy-Faith's book; see Chapter 7 for the healthy-socialization checklistHow to Find the Best Homeschool Co-Op (And When to Walk Away)The Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction(00:22) - Homeschooling Without a Co-Op Can Feel Lonely (You're Not Alone)(01:17) - The Pressure to Justify Your Homeschool(03:20) - The Socialization Myth, Busted(04:17) - Depth Over Numbers: Real-World Socialization(10:10) - Faith Communities & Starting a Small Group(11:16) - Volunteering & Playgroups(12:52) - Breaking the Ice at the Park(13:50) - Libraries & Community Hubs(16:18) - Museums, Science Centers & Your Neighbors(17:57) - Clubs, Sports & Built-In Activities(23:49) - Finding Your People Takes Time(25:31) - 3 Action Steps to Take This Week(27:01) - You Can Thrive Without a Co-Op -
If you're raising boys, you already know they don't always learn the way school expects them to β and that can leave you wondering if something is wrong. In this throwback episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with the beloved Durenda Wilson to talk about how boys actually learn and how to raise them into capable, confident men. We're revisiting this conversation in loving memory of Durenda.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π Free DownloadIn this episode, you'll learn:
Why boys often learn differently than girls β and what the brain research actually showsHow to let go of rigid scope-and-sequence without feeling like you're falling behindWhy movement, energy, and hands-on learning matter so much for boysHow to raise self-directed sons who take ownership of their own learningThe relationship-first approach that keeps boys from burning out on schoolHow to protect connection while still teaching resilience and hard thingsWhy sibling conflict is actually training ground for real lifeHow to homeschool with the long game in mind β raising capable, confident menSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial | π Get 50% OffSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
Durenda Wilson β her books and podcast: durendawilson.comThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveAbout our guest:
Durenda Wilson was a homeschooling author, speaker, and podcaster with more than 30 years of home education experience. A mom of eight β seven graduated β and grandmother of ten, she was a trusted voice at homeschooling conventions and the host of The Durenda Wilson Podcast. Her books include The Four Hour School Day, The Unhurried Homeschooler, and Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart. Durenda passed away recently, and this throwback is shared in loving memory of her.
π durendawilson.comConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction & Remembering Durenda Wilson(01:34) - Meet Durenda Wilson & Her Heart for Boys(03:48) - Why Boys Need a Different Approach(06:36) - How Boys Actually Learn(13:25) - Ditching Rigid Scope & Sequence(16:32) - Raising Self-Directed, Resilient Sons(21:13) - Raising Boys Who Become Capable Men(24:15) - Relationship Over Busywork(34:27) - Homeschooling with Long-Term Vision(40:11) - Modeling a Balanced Life(48:34) - Sibling Relationships as Training Ground(54:14) - Final Encouragement -
Is unschooling going too far β or is it exactly right? In this live Q&A from the Summer Homeschool Help Desk series, homeschool expert Christy-Faith pulls no punches on unschooling's real risks, curriculum overload, whether it's too late to start in high school, and what it actually takes to raise a well-educated child at home.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendationsIn this episode, you'll learn:
Why Christy-Faith believes pure unschooling carries real risks β and what she calls educational neglectThe difference between unschooling, deschooling, and interest-led learningHow to use BJU Press without doing every single thing in the curriculumWhether it's too late to start homeschooling in middle or high school (spoiler: it's not)How working moms and single moms can realistically homeschoolWhat to do when your child can't spell and it's affecting their confidenceHow to source curriculum so it doesn't require you sitting next to your kid every secondReal questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help DeskSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial | Get 50% OffLearningRx
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia
β Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math
π Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment β use code HOME50Summit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
How to Homeschool Guide β free 23-page ebook for anyone considering or just starting homeschool5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder β free quiz to discover your homeschool style in under 5 minutesFree Curriculum Recommendations β Christy-Faith's curated list by subject, no paid placementsThrive Homeschool Community β Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool momsThe Christy-Faith List β free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses and providersConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk(02:00) - Christy's Free Resources for Homeschool Moms(06:45) - Spelling Struggles and Older Students(11:35) - Curriculum Overload: How Much Is Too Much?(18:00) - Is It Too Late to Pull My Kids Out of School?(19:45) - Homeschooling While Working or in School Yourself(28:45) - Christy's Hot Take on Unschooling(36:15) - Single Moms, Working Moms, and Thrive(38:40) - You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone -
You've been up at midnight Googling curriculum, schedule templates, and whether you're doing enough. That stops here. In this Summer Homeschool Help Desk Live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith β author of Homeschool Rising and a homeschooling mom of four who also works full time β answers real questions from real moms on curriculum choices, daily structure, living books, reading gaps, toddlers underfoot, and how to stop doing it all yourself.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendationsIn this episode, you'll learn:
How working moms make homeschooling work β and why "sourcing" is the real secretHow to choose curriculum strategically so you're not teaching every subject yourselfWhy kids need structure (backed by 70 years of child psychology research) and what it actually looks likeHow to handle naysayers and skeptics who question your homeschool decisionHow to teach history in a way kids love β spines, living books, and picture books explainedWhat to do if your child is behind in reading or has a suspected learning disabilityHow to manage homeschooling when you have toddlers in the houseWhy the Christy-Faith List is the homeschool resource you didn't know you neededSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial | Purchase (50% off)Summit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder β Free quiz to discover your homeschool style or pedagogyHow to Homeschool Guide β Free 26-page ebook: 6 steps to get started and launchFree Sample Homeschool Schedules β Preschool through high schoolFree Curriculum Comparison ChartFree Curriculum Recommendations Download β Christy-Faith's fail-proof subject-by-subject listThe Christy-Faith List β Free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses, doctors, and providersThrive Homeschool Community β Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool momsConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction & Summer Help Desk Series(01:45) - Meet Christy-Faith & Free Resources Overview(04:00) - Free Resources: Style Finder, How to Homeschool Guide & More(06:00) - Working Moms & Homeschooling: How to Make It Work(08:10) - How to Teach History with Living Books & Spines(09:00) - New Homeschoolers: Where to Start(11:30) - Why Kids Need Structure (What the Research Says)(15:20) - The Christy-Faith List: Find Providers Who Get You(15:30) - Curriculum Recommendations Download(18:00) - Handling Naysayers & Building Your Support Tribe(19:30) - Daily Schedules, Habit Stacking & Chores(22:00) - When Other Homeschool Moms Judge Your Choices(24:00) - Teaching History Across Age Gaps(27:00) - Spines, Living Books & How to Use Both(28:00) - Reading Disabilities, Dyslexia & When to Seek Help(32:00) - Homeschooling with Toddlers in the House(35:20) - Multisensory Curriculum & Final Questions(36:20) - Closing Encouragement -
You've heard the question β maybe from a relative, a neighbor, or a stranger at a party: aren't you sheltering your kids? In this archived Summer Homeschool Help Desk live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith answers real questions from real homeschool moms and unpacks the difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" them β protecting them while they grow strong. Because a strong homeschool was never about the perfect curriculum. It's about a secure, confident mom who knows her why.
π Free Resource: The 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder
There are 9 homeschool styles β and when you know yours, the curriculum, the schedule, and your whole approach finally click. Take the free quiz and find your fit.
π Take the Free QuizIn this episode, you'll learn:
The difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" themWhy a strong homeschool isn't built on the perfect curriculumHow to become a secure, confident homeschool leader who knows her "why"How to handle the pressure to prove your kids are keeping upWhy trauma doesn't build resilient adults β but healthy challenge doesHow to find your homeschool style (and why it matters before you buy curriculum)When reading struggles mean it's time to get an evaluationReal questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help DeskSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial
π Get 50% Off for Homeschool FamiliesLearningRx
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia
β Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math
π Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment β use code HOME50True North Homeschool Academy
β Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6β12
β Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma
β Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment
π Explore Courses & Get StartedSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder: find your homeschool styleThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveHomeschool Rising (Christy-Faith's book): Homeschool RisingThe Christy-Faith List β find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk(04:30) - The Critics and Pressure Homeschool Moms Face(08:30) - Where Homeschoolers Get Stuck(16:00) - How to Find Your Homeschool Style(21:00) - Best Practices Over What's Popular(28:30) - Knowing Your "Why" as the Homeschool Leader(36:00) - Why Investing in Your Homeschool Isn't Selfish(40:00) - "Aren't You Sheltering Your Kids?"(43:00) - Sheltering vs. Greenhousing: Raising Resilient Kids(48:00) - Reading Struggles and When to Get Help(53:30) - The Christy-Faith List + Final Encouragement -
Is it ever too late to start homeschooling? What curriculum should you actually trust? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith opens the floor and answers the hardest questions real homeschool moms brought to her live Q&A β from homeschooling a gifted kindergartner to choosing curriculum, deschooling, and whether to school straight through the summer.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π Free DownloadIn this episode, you'll learn:
Whether it's ever too late to start homeschooling β even with an eleventh graderHow to choose homeschool curriculum you can actually trust (and why Christy won't just hand you a list)What to do when you're homeschooling a gifted child β especially with a new baby in the houseHow to find your homeschool style so curriculum decisions get easierWhat deschooling is and why most new homeschoolers need it firstHow to keep US curriculum going when your family moves overseasThe real case for and against homeschooling year-round vs. taking summers offWhen it makes sense to outsource the subjects that aren't your strong suitSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial
π PurchaseSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
Free Curriculum Recommendations β Christy's by-subject list of curriculum she trusts: Free Curriculum Recommendations5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder β Discover your homeschooling style in five minutes: Homeschool Style FinderHow to Homeschool Guide β Christy's free getting-started guide: How to Homeschool GuideThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveβ New to homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 β the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin.
Connect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction: Is It Ever Too Late to Start?(01:14) - The Biggest Mistakes Homeschool Moms Make(12:25) - Choosing Curriculum You Can Actually Trust(13:06) - Homeschooling a Gifted Child with a Newborn(14:46) - Finding Your Homeschool Style(17:39) - Deschooling: Where to Begin(25:51) - What Thrive Community Actually Offers(30:52) - Curriculum Help for Multiple Ages(32:00) - Homeschooling Across Borders(39:08) - Year-Round or Summers Off?(43:03) - Outsourcing the Hard Subjects(45:06) - The Math Program I Use + Final Encouragement -
Before you spend another $500 on summer camp, ask one question: is boredom actually bad for your kids β or is it exactly what their growing brains need? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith makes the research-backed case that slow, unstructured, "boring" summers are one of the most powerful gifts you can give your kids. She breaks down what the science says, why their "I'm bored" makes us panic, and five simple moves for a slower, richer summer.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π Free DownloadIn this episode, you'll learn:
Why boredom is good for kids β and the brain science that proves itWhat the CDC found about kids, screen time, and rising anxiety and depressionHow the brain's "default mode network" fuels creativity, memory, and identityWhy unstructured play and white space matter more than another summer campThe real reason your kid's "I'm bored" makes YOU feel so uncomfortableHow sitting with boredom builds frustration tolerance and emotional regulation5 practical moves for a slower, richer summer β including the "fridge list"The one-afternoon challenge that shows you what your kids can do on their ownSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial
π PurchaseLearningRx
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia
β Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math
π Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment β use code HOME50Summit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
The Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction(00:37) - The Summer Camp Trap(02:43) - The Summers We Used to Have(04:06) - What's Replacing Boredom Today(05:19) - What the Research Says About Boredom(13:37) - Why Boredom Makes Us Uncomfortable(16:47) - White Space Is Not Neglect(20:47) - 5 Moves for a Slower, Richer Summer(25:48) - Your One-Afternoon Challenge -
If you've been putting off building a homeschool transcript because it feels too complicated, too official, or just too much β this episode is for you. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Joan Girkins, founder of Homeschool Records and a veteran homeschool mom of 20+ years, to demystify the entire process and give you a real, confidence-building action plan.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendationsIn this episode, you'll learn:
Why keeping homeschool records matters β even if your state doesn't require itWhether a homeschool transcript carries the same weight as a public or private school transcriptWhat "accreditation" actually means and why it's not a barrier for homeschool familiesWhen to start building your child's transcript (hint: 9th grade, out of the gate)What colleges actually want to see β and how to work backwards from their requirementsWhy record-keeping matters even if your child isn't college-boundHow a student resume (activities, awards, achievements) can open doors to military academies, scholarships, and moreHow Homeschool Records' guided platform teaches you how to build a transcript as you goWhat to do if you've been homeschooling for years with zero paper trailThe exclusive listener coupon code β use CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off + free trial at Homeschool RecordsSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial
π PurchaseSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
Homeschool Records β Joan's guided platform for professional transcripts & student resumes. Free trial + use code CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off: homeschoolrecords.comSolid Rock Consulting Services β Joan's consulting firm: solidrockconsultingservices.comThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveAbout our guest:
Joan Girkins is a veteran homeschool mom who homeschooled all four of her children for over 20 years and is now watching her grandchildren be homeschooled. She is the founder of Homeschool Records, a guided online platform that teaches parents how to build professional transcripts, student resumes, and complete academic documentation β step by step, as they go.
π homeschoolrecords.comConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction & Why Homeschool Records Matter(02:07) - Joan's Homeschool Story(04:30) - Why Record-Keeping Brings Integrity to Your Homeschool(06:28) - Record-Keeping for Every Homeschool Style (Yes, Even Unschoolers)(10:00) - Does a Homeschool Transcript Carry the Same Weight as Accredited Transcripts?(13:22) - Colleges Are Actively Recruiting Homeschoolers(14:58) - Working Backwards from College Requirements(18:23) - Why Professional Transcripts Matter (First Impressions)(20:24) - When to Start Building Your Transcript(21:11) - The Student Resume: Activities, Awards & Achievements(27:43) - What to Do If You Have Zero Paper Trail(30:40) - Families Who Aren't Planning on College(33:08) - Build It As If They Are College Bound(35:12) - Documentation Deadlines You Don't Want to Miss(38:49) - How a Well-Documented Record Opens Doors (Including Military Academies)(41:10) - Record-Keeping Reminds You of How Far You've Come(41:50) - How Homeschool Records' Platform Works(43:50) - Record-Keeping for Unschoolers in High School(46:54) - Listener Discount Code & Free Trial(47:43) - Joan's Encouragement for Homeschool Moms -
You're homeschooling a five-year-old, chasing a toddler, and surviving on whatever broken sleep your baby will give you. The advice you were raised on β cry it out, Ferber method, strict schedules β may not be sitting right anymore. So what do you actually do? Natalie Diaz, founder of Twiniversity and Certified IBCLC, brings nearly two decades of one-on-one experience with exhausted moms to answer that question β gently, practically, and without shame.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendationsIn this episode, you'll learn:
Why sleep training advice shifted so dramatically β and what the science now saysThe real reasons your baby isn't sleeping (and how to work through the checklist)Natalie's step-by-step approach for the mom who won't do cry-it-out but desperately needs sleepWhy "sleepy gets sleep" is actually true β and how to use it to your advantageHow breastfeeding and sleep are connected in ways most books get dangerously wrongThe 3-hour chunk method for surviving newborn life without losing yourselfWhat husbands and pediatricians consistently miss about mom exhaustionHow to protect your marriage through the sleepless seasons β before resentment buildsSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π Visit bjupresshomeschool.com/christyCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial
π PurchaseLearningRx
β Individualized brain training to strengthen focus, memory, and processing speed
β Real results for struggling learners of all ages
π Visit learningrx.comTrue North Homeschool Academy
β Live, online classes taught by expert teachers
β Designed specifically for homeschool families
π Visit truenorthhomeschool.academySummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π Visit summithealthshare.com/cfResources mentioned:
Twiniversity β global resource hub for twin families: twiniversity.comTiny New Yorkers β Natalie's personal IBCLC services (covered by many insurance plans): tinynewyorkers.comWhat to Do When You're Having Two (book): Amazon linkThe Newborn Twin Sleep Guide (book): Amazon linkThe Twiniversity Podcast: Spotify | YouTubeThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveAbout our guest:
Natalie Diaz is the founder of Twiniversity, a Certified IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), author, and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience working one-on-one with moms through newborn nights, feeding struggles, and the depletion that doesn't lift. A twin mom herself, she founded Twiniversity in 2009 and built it into a platform reaching over one million people weekly in more than 100 countries. She is the author of What to Do When You're Having Two and The Newborn Twin Sleep Guide, and the host of The Twiniversity Podcast. Her personal IBCLC practice, Tiny New Yorkers, is covered by many insurance plans throughout the United States.
π twiniversity.com
π tinynewyorkers.comConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Welcome and Sleep Shift(01:09) - Meet Natalie Diaz(04:27) - Twiniversity Origin Story(06:12) - Exhaustion and PPD(16:07) - Why Sleep Training Changed(19:42) - Twin Sleep Guide Basics(20:52) - Free Classes and Resources(24:01) - Is Cry It Out Traumatic(27:18) - Safe Sleep and Anxiety(30:28) - Ideal Sleep Conditions(35:39) - Routine Over Schedule(38:13) - Breastfeeding Friendly Methods(40:26) - No One Size Fits All(41:17) - Track Baby Rhythms(42:04) - Shifts and Support(43:55) - Three Hour Chunks(45:34) - Bedtime Routine Basics(46:37) - Nap Trapping Strategy(53:16) - Homeschool Mom Reality(01:02:03) - Delegation and Love(01:09:25) - Resources and Wrap Up -
You counted the lessons left. You counted the days left. The math doesn't work β and now that quiet voice is asking if you've ruined your kids. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith has been there. In this episode, she gives you the framework she uses every single year with her own kids so you never panic about unfinished curriculum again.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendationsπ Free Printable Notecard: "The scope and sequence is not a contract. It's a menu."
Download this beautiful, ready-to-print notecard featuring this episode's quote of the week.
π Free DownloadIn this episode, you'll learn:
Why an unfinished curriculum is not a sign of failure β and what it actually meansThe mindset shift that ends the panic for good (it starts with one question)What curriculum is actually for β and why finishing it was never the pointHow to sort every subject into skill-based vs. content-based β and why it changes everythingExactly what to keep going, what to park until next year, and what to skip entirelyHow to build an actual end-of-year plan in under 30 minutesThe "ghost metric" haunting your homeschool β and how to fire itThe quote of the week: why the scope and sequence is a menu, not a contractSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial
π PurchaseAzure Standard
β Homeschool-family-owned company
β Organic, natural, and non-GMO groceries, health, home, and garden products
β All vetted to be free of harmful preservatives, food colorings, chemicals, and pesticides
β Use code CHRISTYFAITH15 for 15% off your first order
π Browse Azure's Grocery, Health & Home ProductsSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
Free Printable Notecard β "The scope and sequence is not a contract. It's a menu.": Free DownloadThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveEpisodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 64 β If you're feeling generally overwhelmed, start hereEpisode 88 β The liberation episode: all the things homeschool moms don't need to care aboutEpisode 70 β If curriculum decisions are weighing on you right nowConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction(00:00) - 3:10 Welcome & What This Episode Is Really About(00:00) - 5:31 Mindset First: Why Unfinished Pages Hurt So Much(00:00) - 8:42 Curriculum Is Your Vehicle, Not Your Boss(00:00) - 11:57 Framework: Skill-Based vs. Content-Based Subjects(00:00) - 17:00 How to Sort Your Subjects & Do the Surgery(00:00) - 19:07 Christy's Own End-of-Year Plan (Real Example)(00:00) - 23:58 The Ghost Metric β and How to Fire It(00:00) - 25:55 Quote of the Week & Free Notecard Download(00:00) - 26:38 Related Episodes -
Your child reads beautifully out loud β but ask them what just happened in the story, and you get a blank stare. That's the gap most homeschool moms don't catch until it's too late.
In Episode 115, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with educational therapist Janel Nansenn β founder of Read-A-Rific and a 25-year private practice veteran who has helped over 3,000 students β to break down the reading comprehension gap most families don't catch until fourth grade, when the doors really start closing.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).In this episode, you'll learn:
What the Matthew effect is β and why it's the silent reason struggling readers fall further behind every yearThe critical difference between reading fluency and reading comprehension (and why fluent readers can still have huge gaps)The single skill underneath strong reading comprehension β concept visualization β and why most curricula skip it entirelyThe real reason kids say "reading is boring" (it's not laziness)The red flags that signal a comprehension problem before it tanks your child's confidenceComprehension-rich activities every homeschool mom should be doing β even if your child is already a strong readerHow to evaluate whether a reading curriculum actually teaches comprehension or just tests itWhy visualization is the bridge to math word problems, writing, vocabulary, and every other subjectSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial
π PurchaseLearningRx
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia
β Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math
Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment
π Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills AssessmentSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
Free symptoms checklist for weak visualization skills: readarific.comThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveAbout our guest:
Janel Nansenn is an educational therapist with a master's degree in speech-language pathology and audiology, and the founder of Read-A-Rific. With nearly 25 years in private practice, she has helped over 3,000 students of all ages become independent, confident learners by addressing the root cause of reading comprehension struggles: weak concept visualization.
π readarific.comConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - The Matthew effect β why reading comprehension is the quiet worry(02:00) - Meet Janelle Nansen, founder of Read-A-Rific(03:28) - Janelle's story: how she discovered concept visualization(08:03) - Why she narrowed her practice to reading comprehension(08:46) - Reading fluency vs. reading comprehension(15:29) - Why kids think reading is "boring"(18:52) - The shame spiral: comprehension struggles and self-esteem(20:44) - Comprehension-rich activities every homeschool mom should do(23:29) - Red flags: symptoms of weak visualization skills(26:23) - Why visualization matters across math, writing & vocabulary(29:35) - How to evaluate a reading comprehension curriculum(34:26) - Charlotte Mason, narration & the long history of these methods(46:27) - The takeaway: find the root cause(47:49) - Where to find Janelle -
If your kid hates writing, you're not alone β and the problem usually isn't the kid. It's that we were never shown the actual process. In this episode, Christy-Faith sits down with veteran teacher and BJU Press curriculum specialist Sharon Fisher to walk through the four-stage writing process homeschool moms have been missing β and the one mistake that quietly kills your child's voice every time you sit down to write.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π Free DownloadIn this episode, you'll learn:
Why writing is a process, not an event β and what that mindset shift changesThe four stages of the writing process and why mashing them together backfiresWhy correcting spelling during drafting is the fastest way to make your kid hate writingThe "brain dump" technique that protects your child's creativityThe critical difference between revising and editing (most moms combine them β don't)How to teach writing as a skills-based progression, not a content-completion checklistWhy two or three really good writing projects a year beats ten rushed onesThe best writing curriculum for homeschool families and what makes it differentSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free Trial
π PurchaseLearningRx
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia
β Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math
β Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment
π Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills AssessmentSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
BJU Press Homeschool Writing Curriculum: View SamplesThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: Browse the directoryThrive Homeschool Community: Join ThriveAbout our guest:
Sharon Fisher is a wife, mother, and grandmother passionate about helping homeschool parents and Christian educators teach with excellence and a biblical worldview. She holds a B.S. and M.A. in Elementary Education and brings years of full-time elementary classroom experience plus her work as a former elementary author for BJU Press. Sharon presents teaching workshops nationally and internationally, and currently serves as Social Media Coordinator, Workshop Speaker, Blog Writer, and Curriculum Specialist.
π Visit BJU Press HomeschoolConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction β Why writing is hard to teach(02:25) - Meet Sharon Fisher β A master teacher's perspective(06:50) - Where most parents go wrong with writing(10:56) - Writing is a process, not an event(19:22) - The brain dump: don't steal your kid's voice(23:59) - Stop "smooshing" the stages together(28:29) - Why drafting matters and what it looks like(37:03) - Revising vs. editing β the critical difference(43:30) - Skills-based vs. content-completion teaching(49:38) - The spiral approach and exposing kids to great writing(01:01:28) - Final word β Keep joy at the center -
AI is changing what our kids need to learn β and fast. The skills that will actually matter in the AI economy aren't the ones school has been measuring. Today, kids need the 5 C's β and in this Part 2 conversation, Christy-Faith and Lisa Nehring break down what they are and how to start building them in your home today.
π’ Free Resource: The New Homeschooler Roadmap
Everything you need to start homeschooling β 8 steps, mapped out, ready to follow.In this episode, you'll learn:
What skills kids actually need for an AI economyThe 5 C's of education β critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, characterWhy "compare and contrast" isn't critical thinking β and what isThe difference between real research and confirmation biasWhy communication is a dying art (and the writing skill that doubles as a thinking skill)Why tech gurus don't let their own kids have devicesThe college cost reality: 25% of U.S. colleges expected to close in 10 yearsWhy homeschool families are already positioned to raise AI-ready kidsSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π Browse BJU Press Homeschool CurriculumCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Visit CTCMath CurriculumSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources Mentioned:
True North Homeschool Academy β Cognia-accredited live online classes, Dual Degree Program, free future-focused advising
Not That Hard to Homeschool β Lisa Nehring's site and Facebook groups
The Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers
Thrive Homeschool CommunityOther episodes for you:
Episode 112: Why Homeschooled Kids Are Better Prepared for an AI World Than Anyone Realizes (Part 1)
Episode 67: How to Teach Critical Thinking in Your Homeschool
Episode 83: Underemployment, Student Debt, and the Homeschool AdvantageAbout our guest:
Lisa Nehring is a 30-year homeschool veteran, founder of True North Homeschool Academy, and one of the clearest thinkers on what the Fourth Industrial Revolution means for families. Her Dual Degree Program allows homeschool high schoolers to earn an accredited bachelor's degree while completing their high school education simultaneously.
π truenorthhomeschool.academyConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram β @christy_faith_homeschool
TikTok β @christy_faith
Website
Homeschool Rising β my bookβ New to the series? Start with Episode 112 (Part 1) first β the conversation builds.
(00:00) - Welcome Back β Where Part 1 Left Off(00:30) - The Skill That Matters Most: Teach Kids How to Learn(03:00) - Why Screens Hurt Young Brains (And What the Tech Gurus Do)(17:20) - The 5 C's Framework: What Every Kid Needs to Build(17:30) - Critical Thinking β And Why Opinions Aren't It(23:40) - Why Formal and Informal Logic Still Matter(30:00) - Communication β The Dying Art(38:45) - Creativity β It's Taught, Not Born(40:00) - Collaboration in the Global Gig Economy(41:10) - Character β The Person Behind the Avatar(45:00) - The Dual Degree Program at True North (Lincoln's Story)(48:00) - The College Cost Reality β Is It Still Worth It?(52:20) - Building a Strategic Educational Pathway(54:30) - Final Encouragement + Where to Find Lisa -
My son Lincoln has wanted to be an attorney since he could pronounce the word. Then AI happened β and everything changed. In this episode, Christy-Faith sits down with Lisa Nehring β 30-year homeschool veteran and founder of True North Homeschool Academy β to talk about what jobs AI will replace, which fields are growing, whether college is still worth it, and why homeschool families already have the structural edge. This is Part 1 of 2.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).
π christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendationsIn this episode, you'll learn:
What the Fourth Industrial Revolution actually is β and why AI is different from every revolution before itWhich white collar jobs are most at risk (and how fast the timeline really is)8 emerging job areas your kids should be building toward right nowWhat jobs AI can't replace β and why the "empath economy" is quietly explodingThe college question: why 25% of colleges are expected to close in the next 10 yearsWhat homeschooling gives our kids that no classroom can β and why it matters more than everHow Lincoln is already getting ahead with an accredited bachelor's degree while still in high schoolWhat's coming in Part 2: the 5 exact skills every kid needs to succeed in an AI worldSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free TrialLearningRx
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia
β Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math
Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment
π Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills AssessmentTrue North Homeschool Academy
β Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6β12
β Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma
β Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment
π Explore Courses & Get StartedSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
True North Homeschool Academy β Cognia-accredited live online classes, dual degree program, and flexible self-paced options for grades 6β12"Something Big Is Happening" by Matt Schumer β must-read article on logarithmic AI change (search Google)The Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly businesses and providersThrive Homeschool Communityπ SPECIAL GUEST
Lisa Nehring π truenorthhomeschool.academy
Live online, accredited classes taught by real teachers who keep your student on track (and un-stress you)Connect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction: When AI Changed Our Homeschool(06:24) - Meet Lisa Nehring(07:05) - The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Explained(11:28) - Why This Revolution Is Different(15:38) - Which Jobs Are Actually at Risk(19:22) - Agentic AI: What It Is and Why It Matters(25:13) - 8 Jobs Our Kids Should Know About(30:11) - The College Question(38:48) - The Homeschool Advantage(42:31) - Coming Up in Part 2 -
Childhood depression is rising. Teen anxiety is up. And online searches for kids' mental health have nearly tripled since last fall. Most parents don't need a statistic to feel it. So what can parents actually do at home, today? Homeschool expert Christy-Faith shares the six things she actively does every day to protect her kids' mental health β and the research behind every one of them.
π Resource for You: 12-Day Connection Reset Challenge
Build real connection back into your family with this instant-download challenge.π Free Download: Quote of the Week Notecard
"I am the most important part of my homeschool. Everything else is just a tool." β Ready-to-print notecard, totally free.In this episode, you'll learn:
Why social media and kids' mental health are more connected than most parents realize β and the one data point that changes everythingWhat a major NIH study found about children's sleep and brain structure β and why sleep deprivation doesn't always look like tiredThe Harvard research on real friendship and child mental health β and why more contact doesn't equal more connectionWhy overscheduled kids are at higher risk for anxiety, lower resilience, and difficulty self-regulatingHow parental stress affects kids β even when you're trying to hide itWhat Christy-Faith considers the most countercultural thing she does as a parent to protect her children's mental healthThe 25-year study that connects chores and contribution directly to mental health for kidsA Fred Rogers quote about emotional health that will stay with youSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free TrialAzure Standard
β Homeschool-family-owned company with real, organic food
β Vetted to be free of harmful preservatives, food colorings, chemicals, and pesticides
β Use code CHRISTYFAITH15 for 15% off your first order
π Browse Azure's Grocery, Health & Home ProductsSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
Episode 107: How to Reduce Screen Time for Kids β Christy-Faith's deep dive on screens and the four-question frameworkEpisode 99: The $40 Billion Youth Sports Machine β What overscheduling actually costs our kidsEpisode 54: Social-Emotional Learning: Why Homeschooling Does It BetterFree Quote of the Week Notecard β Ready-to-print, totally freeThe Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Risingπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction(05:30) - Welcome to The Christy-Faith Show(06:15) - #1: Social Media and Kidsβ Mental Health(07:35) - #2: Protecting Their Sleep(09:35) - #3: Curating Real Friendship(15:19) - #4: Defending Unstructured Free Time(18:51) - #5: Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health(23:32) - #6: Building Purpose and Contribution(27:21) - Closing and Quote of the Week -
There is a new term making its way through the education world right now β and researchers say it could change how we teach math the way the science of reading changed how we teach kids to read. Christy-Faith and Nathan King of CTC Math unpack the Science of Math movement and what it means for your homeschool.
π’ Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).In this episode, you'll learn:
What the Science of Math is and why it's gaining momentum nowHow it parallels the science of reading β and what that means for your homeschoolWhat explicit instruction is and why the research supports itWhy so many kids (and moms) develop math anxietyThe difference between mastery-based and spiral math curriculaWhy homeschool families already have a built-in edgeWhat math automaticity is and why it mattersHow to evaluate a homeschool math curriculum based on research, not marketingSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π Browse BJU Press Homeschool CurriculumCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Visit CTCMath CurriculumLearningRx
β Proven program to strengthen cognitive skills
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real long-term help for ADHD, dyslexia, and learning challenges β use code HOME50 for $50 off
π Learn More at LearningRxSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources Mentioned:
Education Week β "Debates Over Math Teaching Are Heating Up" (January 2026)
The Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly businesses and providers
Thrive Homeschool Community β Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool momsOther episodes for you:
From Struggle to Success: Building Confidence in Math with Pat Murray
What I Wish I Knew Before Buying Homeschool Curriculum
Is It a Learning Disability, a Skill Gap, or Something Else?Connect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram β @christy_faith_homeschool
TikTok β @christy_faith
Website
Homeschool Rising β my bookβ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction: The Science of Math(02:23) - Meet Nathan King of CTC Math(04:55) - What Is the Science of Math?(07:33) - Science of Math vs. Science of Reading(13:03) - What Ideal Math Instruction Looks Like(19:07) - What This Means for Your Homeschool(26:37) - Mastery vs. Spiral β What Every Parent Should Know(31:22) - Why Homeschoolers Have the Edge(32:38) - Fun vs. Effective: The Edutainment Question(39:55) - Why Math Automaticity Still Matters -
Every spring, testing season arrives β and homeschool families face a question that's equal parts legal, philosophical, and personal. When should homeschoolers use standardized testing β and when should they skip it entirely?
π’ Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).In this episode, you'll learn:
Why standardized tests were never designed with homeschoolers in mindWhen homeschool testing actually serves your family β and when to skip itWhich standardized test is best for homeschoolers (Iowa, Stanford 10, CAT, MAP Growth, CLT compared)What states require standardized testing for homeschoolers β and alternatives most families don't know existWhether homeschool kids do better on standardized testsFree standardized testing for homeschool prep resourcesHow to use testing strategically β not reflexivelySponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π Browse BJU Press Homeschool CurriculumCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Visit CTCMath CurriculumSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources Mentioned:
Homeschool Laws By State β View state requirements
BJU Press Online Testing β Iowa Assessments + Stanford 10 online
Free Quote Notecard β "Fish and tree" quote printable
The Christy-Faith List β Find homeschool-friendly providers
Thrive Homeschool Community β Build a homeschool with excellenceOther episodes for you:
Why Homeschooling High School Isn't As Scary As It Seems
The 5 Myths of Homeschooling for High School
Underemployment, Student Debt, and the Homeschool AdvantageConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram β @christy_faith_homeschool
TikTok β @christy_faith
Website
Homeschool Rising β my bookπ§ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen β it helps more homeschool families find us!
(00:00) - Introduction(04:58) - The Wrong Ruler(07:32) - When Testing Actually Serves You(11:29) - When to Skip Testing(13:46) - Which Test Is Right for Your Family(20:01) - What Your State Actually Requires(21:54) - Wrap-Up + Key Takeaways -
Most families Googling the disadvantages of homeschooling are secretly hoping the fears arenβt real. In this episode of The Christy-Faith Show, homeschool expert Christy-Faith takes every fear on the list β socialization, academic gaps, parent qualifications, and the financial question β and follows each one all the way to the research. The answers change everything.
π Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations
I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market.In this episode, youβll learn:
What the research actually says about homeschooled kids and academic outcomesThe truth about the socialization question every homeschool mom gets askedWhat Vygotskyβs research says about healthy child development and peer relationshipsWhat Brian Rayβs 35+ years of NHERI data shows about homeschool vs. public school outcomesWhether you need a teaching credential to homeschool β and what the data actually showsHow to honestly evaluate whether homeschooling is worth it financiallyWhy homeschooling doesnβt require 7 hours a day β and how working moms make it workSponsors:
BJU Press Homeschool
β Flexible curriculum to fit your familyβs needs
β Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
β Hands-on learning for every grade level
π View SamplesCTC Math
β Get 50% off my favorite online math program
β Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
β Teaching, grading, and testing β all done for you!
π Free TrialLearningRx
β Backed by 35 years of research
β Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia
β Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math
π Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment β use code HOME50True North Homeschool Academy
β Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6β12
β Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma
β Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment
π Explore Courses & Get StartedSummit Healthshare
β Save 40β60% vs. traditional health insurance
β See any doctor β no networks, no permission slips
β Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans
π View Health Plans & SavingsResources mentioned:
Free Curriculum RecommendationsThe Christy-Faith List β Free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses and providersThrive Homeschool CommunityConnect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising(00:00) - The Questions Every Homeschool Mom Asks(00:28) - How Christy Changed Her Mind About Homeschooling(04:21) - Introduction(08:16) - The Four Fears β Named Out Loud(09:44) - Fear #1: The Socialization Question(17:37) - What the Research Says About Child Socialization(21:53) - Fear #2: Homeschooled Kids and Academic Outcomes(25:26) - Fear #3: Am I Qualified to Teach My Own Children?(30:05) - Fear #4: Is Homeschooling Worth It Financially?(33:15) - Wrap-Up - Laat meer zien
