Homeschool Better Together
- Épisodes
- 229
- Parution
- toutes les deux semaines
- Dernier épisode
- 4 Nov 2026
À propos du podcast
Are you ready for homeschooling to feel joyful again? Do you need support as you learn alongside your kids? Welcome to Homeschool Better Together. Hosted by Laney Homan, this podcast shares how to stop questioning if you are doing enough and create a homeschool experience that fits your family. In the podcast, we break down the big ideas into manageable chunks to give you the confidence and resources you need to finally step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder. Homeschool stories and practical tips are delivered straight to your earbuds full of inspiration and encouragement. They are perfect to listen to while running errands or folding a load of laundry. No matter what homeschool method you use, you’ll learn how to remove the overwhelm from your homeschool so you can focus on building relationships. To stay connected and learn even more about the Homeschooling Better Together resources, join the free community: https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/join-the-community-2/
Épisodes 229
Prepare Your Heart & Your Homeschool for Christmas
What if you didn't have to choose between keeping your homeschool moving forward and enjoying the Christmas season with your family?Christmas school is an opportunity to shift your homeschool rhythm during …
Notes de l’épisode
What if you didn't have to choose between keeping your homeschool moving forward and enjoying the Christmas season with your family?
Christmas school is an opportunity to shift your homeschool rhythm during Advent, making room for Scripture, beautiful books, art, music, meaningful activities, and family traditions. Instead of trying to squeeze all the Christmas fun into the hours after school, you can let those experiences become part of your school day.
In this episode, Laney Homan and Emily Brown talk about how their families have embraced Christmas school, what it looks like in their homes, and how they've learned to create a more intentional rhythm for the season. They share ideas for keeping some regular schoolwork in place while setting other things aside, finding educational opportunities in everyday activities, and building traditions their children look forward to year after year.
Whether you've been doing Christmas school for years or are just beginning to explore the idea, this conversation will encourage you to find a rhythm that helps your family slow down and enjoy the season.
In this episode, you'll hear about:- What Christmas school is and how it can fit into your homeschool.
- Why shifting your homeschool rhythm during Advent can bring more joy and less stress.
- How to decide which subjects to continue and which ones to set aside temporarily.
- Ways to incorporate Scripture, art, poetry, music, nature study, and literature into your days.
- How ordinary Christmas activities like baking and building gingerbread houses create natural learning opportunities.
- Why you don't have to turn every activity into a formal lesson.
- How family traditions evolve as children grow up and begin building families of their own.
- Simple ways to make Christmas more intentional without adding financial pressure or an overwhelming list of activities.
Resources mentioned in this episode:- Free Christmas Celebrations Morning Time Plans
- Interactive Christmas Countdown Calendar, including additional daily activities, Christmas bingo, and a Christmas planner
- All Creation Waits: the Advent Mystery of New Beginnings
- Legend of the Christmas Tree
When You Need to Adjust Your Homeschool Plan
You spent the summer planning your homeschool year. You chose the curriculum, mapped out the schedule, and pictured how everything would work. But now that you're living the plan, you're realizing that …
Notes de l’épisode
You spent the summer planning your homeschool year. You chose the curriculum, mapped out the schedule, and pictured how everything would work. But now that you're living the plan, you're realizing that something isn't working quite the way you expected.
So what do you do? Push through and hope things eventually click, or admit that it might be time to make a change?
In this episode, Laney shares why having a plan is valuable—but being unwilling to change that plan can keep us from meeting our children's needs. She talks about how to recognize when a homeschool approach isn't working, how to decide whether to persevere or pivot, and how to make thoughtful adjustments without throwing out your entire plan.
Drawing from her own experience homeschooling children with different strengths, interests, and learning needs, Laney shares practical examples of adapting assignments, separating subjects when necessary, and letting go of expectations about what homeschooling should look like.
You'll also hear why flexibility doesn't mean abandoning consistency or lowering expectations. It's about paying attention to what your children need, identifying your learning goals, and choosing an approach that helps them grow.
In this episode, you'll learn:- How to recognize when your homeschool plan isn't working in real life.
- How to decide whether your child needs to persevere through a challenge or whether your approach needs to change.
- Why teaching multiple ages together doesn't mean every child needs identical assignments or expectations.
- How to make adjustments for different learning needs, including learning disabilities.
- What questions to ask before changing your curriculum, schedule, or routine.
- Why it's important to notice progress instead of focusing only on what's not working.
- How to let go of your original plan while remaining intentional about your children's education.
Remember, you don't have to throw out your entire homeschool plan because one part isn't working. You also don't have to keep doing something simply because you already chose it.
A faithful homeschool isn't one where everything goes according to plan. It's one where we keep paying attention, keep learning, and keep making thoughtful decisions for the children entrusted to our care.
Questions to consider:- Is there one part of your homeschool that isn't serving your child well right now?
- What is your child showing you?
- What is one thoughtful adjustment you could make?
Resources:Join our free homeschool community
Sign up for the Homeschool Better Together email list to be notified when the free Christmas Celebrations plans release.
Join Elevate.
What Is Mindset Coaching Anyway?
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I just need to fix this homeschool,” this conversation might make you pause before you change another curriculum, schedule, chore chart, or routine.In this episode …
Notes de l’épisode
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I just need to fix this homeschool,” this conversation might make you pause before you change another curriculum, schedule, chore chart, or routine.
In this episode, Laney sits down with Emily Brown to talk about a question we’ve been hearing more and more around Homeschool Better Together: What exactly is mindset coaching, and what does it have to do with homeschooling?
Emily explains what a mindset coach actually does—and why it has very little to do with someone telling you how to live your life. Instead, mindset coaching helps you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions so you can understand what is really happening underneath the problem you’re experiencing.
And that matters in homeschool because the way we think about our kids, our time, our curriculum, our calling, and ourselves directly affects how we show up each day.
Mindset isn't pretending everything is fineEmily is very clear about this.
Mindset work isn't about sprinkling “positive thinking” over a difficult situation and pretending reality isn't hard.
It's about separating the facts from the interpretation we've added to those facts.
How faith fits into mindset coachingThis is an especially meaningful part of the conversation for the HBT community.
Emily explains how her faith undergirds the way she approaches mindset coaching. She believes our brains and bodies were designed by God and that understanding how they work doesn't compete with faith—it can actually point us back toward the Creator.
In this episode- What a mindset coach actually does
- Why mindset coaching isn't about someone telling you how to live
- How thoughts influence emotions and actions
- Why homeschool moms can feel trapped by their circumstances
- The difference between facts and our interpretation of facts
- How mindset can uncover practical problems that actually need to be addressed
- Why changing your thoughts doesn't mean ignoring reality
- How mindset coaching fits with a Christian worldview
- What mindset coaching can look like inside Elevate
- Why community matters when you're trying to make lasting change
- Emily's “Holy Spirit pause” for the overwhelmed homeschool mom
Want to experience Emily's coaching for yourself?Emily offers mindset masterclasses and open coaching calls inside Elevate, alongside practical homeschool classes, community support, and other resources designed to help you homeschool with more confidence and less overwhelm.
Resources Mentioned10 Skills That Make Homeschool Flow Better
Have you ever found yourself reminding your kids about the same things over and over again?Finish your math.Stay focused.Check your schedule.Get back to work.Why aren’t you doing the thing we already talked …
Notes de l’épisode
Have you ever found yourself reminding your kids about the same things over and over again?
Finish your math.
Stay focused.
Check your schedule.
Get back to work.
Why aren’t you doing the thing we already talked about?
Sometimes what looks like a behavior problem is actually a skill that hasn’t been developed yet.
In today’s episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek inside one of Emily Brown’s recent Elevate mindset classes: School and Home Skill Building. Emily walks through five skills she believes kids need to practice in order to become more capable and independent—and five skills moms need to practice in order to create a healthier, more functional homeschool.
And even after more than 20 years of homeschooling, I walked away with practical things I could use in my own home.
In this episode:- Why self-confidence is the belief that “I can do it or I can figure it out”
- Helping kids discover their own reasons for doing difficult things
- Using goals to build independence
- Emily's whiteboard system for helping her kids plan their day
- How to practice focus with small, achievable wins
- Why kids need to know what “done” actually looks like
- The three-question evaluation Emily uses with her kids
- How moms can build belief in their children
- Setting reasonable and age-appropriate expectations
- Why constantly moving the finish line can break trust
- Keeping shame out of skill-building
- Taking responsibility for our own emotions
- Celebrating our own wins as homeschool moms
Mentioned in this episode:Elevate Membership: https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/elevate
Simplification: The Best Way to Reduce Overwhelm
What if the thing making you feel overwhelmed isn't that you're bad at managing your time?What if you just have too much on your plate?I know. Revolutionary.In this episode, I'm talking with Kayse Pratt of …
Notes de l’épisode
What if the thing making you feel overwhelmed isn't that you're bad at managing your time?
What if you just have too much on your plate?
I know. Revolutionary.
In this episode, I'm talking with Kayse Pratt of Anchored Women about something both of us have had to wrestle with: simplification.
Kayse recently made a pretty dramatic change in her business. After 16 years of creating digital products, she found herself with 223 different products. And here's the kicker: the business whose entire mission was to help people simplify had created a product line that was actually making things more complicated.
So Kayse did something that is not easy to do.
She cut it down to four.
And that decision got us talking about what happens when we look at our own lives and realize we've done the exact same thing.
We've added good thing after good thing until our lives are completely packed.
And then we wonder why we're exhausted.
As homeschool moms, this can happen especially easily. We aren't just educating our kids. We're managing the house, feeding everybody, running people to activities, keeping up with relationships, serving at church, working jobs, and trying to maintain some semblance of spiritual life somewhere in the middle of all of it.
So how do we know what needs to stay?
And what are we actually allowed to let go?
Kayse and I talk honestly about the difficulty of simplifying, why we sometimes have to "hit the wall" before we're willing to change, and what it looks like to trust God with the things we can't control.
We also get very practical.
We're talking about making decisions once instead of over and over again, using a Top Three list, simplifying meals, creating family rhythms, and recognizing that homeschool absolutely counts as one of the things taking up your time and energy.
Because simplifying isn't about becoming more efficient so you can cram even MORE into your day.
It's about making room for the things that actually matter.
In this episode, you'll learn:- Why adding good things can still leave you with an unsustainable life
- How Kayse decided to cut Anchored Women from 223 products down to just four
- Why simplifying can be painful before it becomes life-giving
- How to recognize when you're approaching the point where something needs to change
- Why homeschool belongs on your list of actual time and energy commitments
- How making decisions once can dramatically reduce daily decision fatigue
- How to use a simple Top Three system without pretending you have unlimited capacity
- Why simple family rhythms can actually help your kids feel more secure
- How to simplify meals without creating another complicated system
- Why we sometimes need to let go of good things to make room for better things
- How pride and our desire for control can keep us from simplifying
- What Psalm 23 has taught Kayse about trusting God instead of trying to make everything happen ourselves
- Why simplification isn't necessarily permanent—sometimes we're in a season of cutting back, and sometimes we're in a season of growth
Mentioned in This Episode:- Elevate--Support for the homeschool mom
- Anchored Women (planning resources + community)
- The Steadfast Over Scattered Planner
- Brain Dump and prioritize FREE Download
Stop Trying to Homeschool the "Right" Way
Are you doing everything “right” in your homeschool… and still wondering if you’re doing it right enough?In this episode, I’m talking with Jeanette Pascua, a longtime homeschool mom of five, former high school …
Notes de l’épisode
Are you doing everything “right” in your homeschool… and still wondering if you’re doing it right enough?
In this episode, I’m talking with Jeanette Pascua, a longtime homeschool mom of five, former high school theology teacher, and the editor behind much of what we create at Homeschool Better Together.
Jeanette has been homeschooling for about a decade, and her oldest is now in high school. That means she has something I think every homeschool mom desperately needs: perspective from the other side of the elementary years.
Her homeschool looks pretty different today than it did when she started. Her kids are scattered around the house doing different things, her older children have significant control over their schedules, and the whole day feels much more relaxed.
But it didn't start that way.
We talk about what it actually takes to help our kids grow into independent learners, why independence looks different for every child, and how Jeanette gradually handed over pieces of her children's education instead of throwing them into the deep end.
And then we get into something I think almost every homeschool mom has wrestled with: the pressure to do homeschooling “the right way.”
Jeanette is a Charlotte Mason homeschooler, and she talks honestly about the pressure that she puts on herself to follow this method the way others prescribe that it "should" be done.
Sound familiar?
We also talk about letting go of the perfect plan, what happens when subjects or books fall off the schedule, and the surprising reassurance that comes from watching an older child move toward high school.
Because sometimes you don't realize your homeschool is working until you get far enough down the road to look back.
What You'll Learn- How Jeanette gradually transferred responsibility for school from herself to her kids
- Why independence doesn't look the same for every child
- How to invite your kids into homeschool planning without handing them the whole steering wheel
- The pressure to follow an educational philosophy “correctly”
- Why you need to homeschool the kids actually standing in front of you
- What happens when a book, subject, or entire chunk of your beautiful plan gets dropped
- How reaching the high school years can give you a completely different perspective on your earlier homeschool worries
- Why a homeschool that looks relaxed from the outside may actually have a lot happening underneath
- How homeschooling has shaped Jeanette into a gentler, more patient mom
- And, naturally, whether iced coffee counts as a homeschool snack
Jeanette also shares what she loves most about working behind the scenes at Homeschool Better Together—including the books she discovers while editing our curriculum plans.
And if you've ever looked at your homeschool plan three months into the year and realized, Wait…we're not actually doing that subject anymore, you're definitely going to want to hear this conversation.
One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation is this: balance in a homeschool isn't static. We're constantly adjusting. Sometimes something needs more attention, something else needs to take a back seat, and that's okay.
That's not failure.
That's homeschooling.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:- Homeschool Better Together
- Wonder Studies
- Science Together
- Language Arts Together
- Mystie Winckler at Simply Convivial
- Little Women
- The Chronicles of Narnia
The Unexpected Joy of Learning Alongside Your Kids
Homeschooling is never a straight line. Seasons change, families grow, circumstances shift, and the way we teach our children evolves along the way.In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, I talk with …
Notes de l’épisode
Homeschooling is never a straight line. Seasons change, families grow, circumstances shift, and the way we teach our children evolves along the way.
In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, I talk with Betsy Cypress, one of the curriculum writers behind Homeschool Better Together, about what it means to truly learn alongside your children.
Betsy shares her homeschool journey—from raising five children and graduating her oldest, to unexpectedly welcoming four additional students into her homeschool after the loss of a close friend. Through that season, she discovered even more deeply that homeschooling together isn’t just about making lessons easier—it’s about building relationships, creating community, and learning through life’s challenges.
We also dive into the process behind creating Wonder Studies, including:
- why picture books can open the door to deeper learning
- how curriculum can serve as a springboard rather than the finish line
- why conversations and connections often become the most meaningful parts of homeschooling
- how learning alongside your children changes the way you teach
- why consistency and loving kindness matter more than perfection
Whether your homeschool has one child or many, whether you are adding students or watching them leave the nest, this conversation is an encouragement to embrace your current season and discover the wonder waiting there.
What You’ll Learn:- Betsy’s unique homeschool story and how her family adapted through major transitions
- How multi-age homeschooling can create connection and community
- Why learning alongside your children benefits both parents and kids
- How Wonder Studies help families explore topics through beautiful books and meaningful discussion
- Encouragement for homeschool moms who are trying to stay faithful in challenging seasons
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:- Wonder Studies https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/wonder-studies-annual-access
- Through Sand and Salt: A Tale of Discovery Across the Sahara by Elizabeth Zunon
- Deserts Wonder Study
- The William Hoy Story by Nancy Churnin
- Baseball Wonder Study
- Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando by Andrea Wang
- Japan Wonder Study
- Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr
All About Slow Mornings and Sidestepping the Comparison Trap
Ever found yourself eyeing someone’s “Pinterest pretty” homeschool and wondered if you’re missing something? Today, I’m sitting down with Katy Wallace—our very own graphic designer at Homeschool Better …
Notes de l’épisode
Ever found yourself eyeing someone’s “Pinterest pretty” homeschool and wondered if you’re missing something? Today, I’m sitting down with Katy Wallace—our very own graphic designer at Homeschool Better Together—to pull back the curtain on what “real” homeschooling actually looks like. Katy is not just a talented visual visionary—she’s an Alabama homeschool mom of teens, an accidental chicken-keeper, and someone who swore she’d never give up the corporate grind. (Spoiler: she did.)
We’re getting personal about how both of us landed in the world of homeschooling when it was NOT on our radar, how our school days have shifted as our families have grown, and what happens when your high schoolers start flying the nest. Katy shares how her creative side spills into her homeschool days (yes, there was sidewalk chalk involved), and why she never joined a co-op—plus how she deals with comparison and all the “shoulds” that come with doing things a little differently.
We laugh about slow mornings and Southern accents, dig into why beautiful curriculum actually makes a difference, and talk honestly about sanctification, flexibility, and how homeschooling will expose all your perfectionist tendencies…and why that’s not a bad thing.
This one is for every homeschool mom who’s wondered if she’s the only one doing it her own way (hint: you’re not). Join us for a down-to-earth conversation that will leave you feeling encouraged, seen, and a lot less alone.
What you’ll learn:- Katy’s totally unexpected journey from corporate life to rural homeschool mom and graphic designer
- The “normal” (and not-so-normal) homeschool days—slow mornings, morning baskets, and navigating high school independence
- What actually changes (and what doesn’t) when your kids become teens and start dual enrollment or get part-time jobs
- Why Katy never found a co-op that fit and how she avoids the comparison trap
- The surprising impact beautiful curriculum design has on our homeschool mood and function (and how clutter really messes with us!)
- Pep talks on perfectionism, the myth of having it all figured out, and learning to embrace flexibility—even when you’re more “planner” than “free spirit”
- How faith, prayer, and real-life messiness shape our days more than the right planner or perfect routine
- Honest talk on the sanctifying work of homeschooling (it’ll grow you just as much as your kids)
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:- Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot (step-by-step planning system):
- The Elevate Program with Finishers Club + live planning accountability:
- Science Together
- Heaven is Having You by Giles Andreae
- Epposumondas by Coleen Salley
How I Make My Homeschool Plan Work Every Year
Ever feel like your homeschool planner is just a guilt trip in a spiral binding? Been there, bought the (overly ambitious) boxed curriculum, cried all over it. In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on …
Notes de l’épisode
Ever feel like your homeschool planner is just a guilt trip in a spiral binding? Been there, bought the (overly ambitious) boxed curriculum, cried all over it. In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on my own 23-year planning evolution—the good, the bad, and the “how did we get this far off track?” moments.
If your school year starts hopeful, but quickly turns into a flip-and-flop scramble between “we’re already behind in math” and “wait, who moved the lesson plans again?”, you’re not alone. I’ve walked that tightrope between Pinterest-perfect plans and the reality of messy, beautiful family life.
Today, I’m breaking down:- Why your planning approach might actually be feeding your overwhelm
- The not-so-glamorous backstory of my own planning fails (and what finally clicked)
- Why I finally ditched those one-size-fits-none grid schedules for a plan that actually works
And yes—we’re going deep on my absolute favorite strategy: Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot. Honestly? Total game-changer for ditching the chaos, the guilt, and the endless Sunday-night planner panic.
If you’re ready for practical peace, more consistent days, and just a tad more joy in your homeschool, you’ll find all kinds of hope in this conversation.
What you’ll learn:- How boxed curricula and rigid schedules can set you up for stress and comparison (yep, I lived it)
- The ugly truth about planning “shoulds” vs. what actually fits your real life
- Why a big-picture vision beats lesson-plan whack-a-mole every time
- The simple shift that freed up my weekends—and gave me back my sanity
- How to build a homeschool plan that’s flexible, realistic, and totally guilt-proof
- The underrated superpower of periodic reviews and “just do the next thing” lists
- Why planning in the summer is my secret weapon for a strong finish—no more mid-year meltdown
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:- Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot (step-by-step planning system): https://shop.homeschoolbettertogether.com/products/put-your-homeschool-year-on-autopilot
- The Elevate Program with Finishers Club + live planning accountability: https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/elevate
How to Elevate Your Homeschool
Are you tired of feeling like you have to have all the answers (and keep every colored-pencil-coded planner page perfect)? You’re not alone—in fact, that’s exactly why we created Elevate.In today’s episode, I’m …
Notes de l’épisode
Are you tired of feeling like you have to have all the answers (and keep every colored-pencil-coded planner page perfect)? You’re not alone—in fact, that’s exactly why we created Elevate.
In today’s episode, I’m talking with Emily Brown, certified life coach and the new owner of Homeschool Better Together, about what moms REALLY need to thrive in their homeschool (spoiler: it’s not just the “right curriculum”). We’re opening up about decision fatigue, unrealistic expectations, self-doubt, burnout, and why you don’t have to go it alone. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re the only one struggling to stay consistent (or just wondered if you’re the only “normal” homeschool mom who hides in the laundry room to regroup), you’re going to feel seen.
We also share how community, mindset shifts, and permission to invest in you breathe life into your homeschool journey. Plus, we spill all the details about Elevate—the new membership designed specifically to encourage, equip, and connect homeschool moms, all year long.
What you’ll learn:- The biggest struggles homeschool moms face—beyond curriculum (and why no one talks about them enough)
- Why community and mentorship are game-changers for your peace and confidence
- What unrealistic expectations and “mom guilt” really cost us (and what to do instead)
- Practical ways to feed your mind, heart, and faith—even in the most chaotic seasons
- How to spot and break out of the “I don’t know” spiral (it’s not you, it’s decision fatigue)
- What you actually get inside Elevate (and why we’re obsessed with making it affordable and flexible)
- Tips for getting real support (free or paid) so you never feel isolated again
Resources mentioned:- Join the free Homeschool Better Together Community
- Elevate Membership: access to masterclasses, co-working, mentorship, and ongoing support (now open!): https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/elevate/
Dawn Garrett Reflects: Connection in Your Homeschool that Lasts
Are you craving more connection and less chaos in your homeschool life? This week, I got to sit down with the brilliant Dawn Garrett, Homeschool Better Together’s community manager and an experienced homeschool …
Notes de l’épisode
Are you craving more connection and less chaos in your homeschool life? This week, I got to sit down with the brilliant Dawn Garrett, Homeschool Better Together’s community manager and an experienced homeschool mom whose kids have all graduated and flown the nest. (Yes, she survived—she’s living proof.)
We got candid about what “togetherness” really looked like in her homeschool. Dawn shared the honest ups and downs: the seasons when being together at the table was the perfect fit—and the moments when togetherness just wasn’t working. Hear how she pivoted, created new rhythms, faced those inevitable sibling squabbles, and nurtured the deep family bonds that have lasted well into her kids’ adulthood.
We also dug into the importance of community for moms—especially when overwhelm strikes. Dawn dishes on finding mentors, being encouraged by fellow homeschoolers, and how relationships with both your kids and other moms are what really matter, long after the worksheets are graded.
This one is jam-packed with real talk, encouragement, and more than a few laugh-out-loud stories—because let’s be honest, if you’ve never measured your day by whether someone’s book crossed “the tape line” at the kitchen table, are you even homeschooling?
What you’ll learn:- Dawn’s “origin story”—why she went all-in on homeschooling (spoiler: the desire started long before kids arrived)
- The power of morning time as the anchor for their best homeschool days—and what happened when she had to let it go
- Why being together is beautiful… until it isn’t (and how to recognize when it’s time to try something new)
- The messy, hilarious reality of sibling relationships at home (and the infamous masking tape table trick)
- How the atmosphere you create—over years—helps kids remain connected long after graduation (yes, even when you thought they might never stop bickering)
- Simple, practical ways to foster relationships, reconciliation, and wonder at your homeschool table—even on days you want to wave the white flag
- Why community with other homeschool moms is essential for your sanity, confidence, and growth (plus, Dawn’s tips for finding true connection—even if it’s online)
- What to do when you’re in the thick of overwhelm: where to focus, what to drop, and how to “step out of the chaos and into the wonder.”
Mentioned in this episode:- Cindy Rollins’ resources
- Ambleside Online (for Charlotte Mason inspiration)
- The Homeschool Better Together Community
Your Next Steps:- Ready to build honest, lasting relationships in your homeschool? Join our free online community for encouragement, resources, and real connection.
- Never miss an episode! Be sure to follow, subscribe, and leave a review so you don’t miss what’s next.
- Find out more about Homeschool Better Together resources for your best homeschool year.
Practical Habits to Reclaim Your Rest
Ready to finally break free from the relentless go-go-go of homeschool mom life and actually feel rested again? (Nope, that nagging to-do list doesn't count.) In this episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes …
Notes de l’épisode
Ready to finally break free from the relentless go-go-go of homeschool mom life and actually feel rested again? (Nope, that nagging to-do list doesn't count.) In this episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of my own summer shift—from noisy productivity to a slower, more soul-filling kind of rest.
Here's the not-so-secret truth: most of us homeschool moms are absolutely terrible at resting. I know I am. Give me an empty summer calendar, and suddenly I’m knee-deep in a bedroom declutter, my head bursting with more projects than I could possibly finish. Meanwhile, my kids are doing exactly what summer’s meant for: slowing down, savoring, sleeping in, play, and a little joyful loafing. Why is it so hard for us to join them?
This week, I’m reflecting on what rest really means (hint: it's way deeper than a rare solo trip to Target). There’s “day at the spa” rest, sure—but even more, there’s the everyday spiritual and emotional rest Jesus offers. I’m sharing practical habits I’m actively working on—like journaling in my Bible, being intentional with what I choose to read (and what inputs I allow!), slowing down my audiobooks (yes, really), and actually carving out margin to just...be quiet. Maybe you’ll hear something that sparks your own personal “rest” list.
Want to create habits of rest, not just wish for them? Grab your notebook. Let’s do it.
What you'll hear in this episode:- The honest confession: why “rest” never makes it to the top of my list—and what changed this summer.
- The four types of exhaustion (and why it matters for homeschool moms).
- What spiritual rest really looks like (spoiler: it’s not a spa day).
- My personal “habits of rest” list for summer—including practical, small ways to slow down.
- Choosing your “inputs” and why intentionality matters for an overwhelmed mind.
- How to reclaim quiet reflection and model healthier rhythms for our kids.
- The “shutdown practice” I’m experimenting with to protect my evenings and my sanity.
Resources mentioned:- Tired of Being Tired by Jess Connolly
- Matthew 11:28-30
- Journaling Bible
- Kayse Pratt’s Weekly Reset System on sale through June 30, 2026!
- Previous episode with Kasey Pratt on monthly planning
Your turn:- What would make your own "habits of rest" list?
- Which type of exhaustion is loudest in your life right now?
- Share your list or reflections in our homeschool community!
The Unexpected Benefits of Homeschooling Together
Ever bribe your kids with snacks just so everyone gets through “group time” without a meltdown? Been there, done that. For a long time, I thought the best way to cut the chaos was to keep my kids separated—both …
Notes de l’épisode
Ever bribe your kids with snacks just so everyone gets through “group time” without a meltdown? Been there, done that. For a long time, I thought the best way to cut the chaos was to keep my kids separated—both in life and in homeschooling. Spoiler: All that did was up my stress and leave my relationships running on empty.
In this episode, I’m getting super honest about how I finally embraced the real meaning behind “homeschool better together.” From my early days of keeping squabbling siblings apart (for my own sanity) to the messy, miraculous shift of bringing everyone to the table, I’m sharing what it actually takes to create a peaceful, connected homeschool—and why it’s absolutely not just about the academics.
We’ll talk about the nitty-gritty of navigating sibling drama, the emotional marathon that is homeschooling, and why mom-friends (the ones in the trenches with you) matter just as much as your lesson plans. Plus, I’ll share the “aha” moment that connected the dots between running an ultramarathon and needing community as a homeschool mom.
Whether you’re burned out from breaking up arguments, longing for real support, or just want a homeschool that feels less lonely, this episode is for YOU.
What you'll learn:- Why “homeschooling together” used to terrify me (and what changed)
- The hidden pitfalls of separating siblings for “peace”
- How bringing your kids together shapes more than just academics—it builds character and relationships
- The messy, slow process of learning to guide sibling conflict, not just survive it
- Why finding your homeschool “people” (peer or mentor) is vital—and not just a nice-to-have
- What running an ultramarathon taught me about support, encouragement, and shared struggle
- Practical encouragement for moms who feel isolated, exhausted, or unsure “together” will ever work
Your Next Steps:- Join our email list to be the first to hear the details about the Homeschool Better Together Elevate Program (doors opening this summer)! Sign up for the email list here and receive our free planning pages.
- Feeling stuck and alone? Join our supportive, online community for free!
- Share this episode with a homeschool mom who needs to know she’s not alone
Why Emily Said Yes
Is anyone else feeling that mix of excitement and nerves when big changes come to your favorite corner of homeschool internet? Yep, us too. But today’s episode is about pulling back the curtain (no …
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Is anyone else feeling that mix of excitement and nerves when big changes come to your favorite corner of homeschool internet? Yep, us too. But today’s episode is about pulling back the curtain (no Pinterest-perfect backdrops here) and inviting you to meet the heart behind Homeschool Better Together’s next chapter.
Today I (Laney) sit down with Emily Brown—homeschool mom, longtime superfan, certified life coach, and now, (drumroll, please), the new owner and lead cheerleader for Homeschool Better Together. We dive into her real-life journey from “absolutely-not-ever-homeschooler” to full-circle homeschooling advocate, how she found herself unexpectedly running the show, and what’s staying the same (spoiler: most things, including the curriculum you love) as well as what new encouragement and support is coming your way.
If you crave reassurance about the future, or just want to feel seen in the not-so-shiny parts of homeschool life, this conversation is for you. Expect honest stories, a few laugh-out-loud moments about meltdown drop-offs, and the kind of practical wisdom that grows from messy beginnings (and seven kids in eight years—send coffee).
What you’ll learn:- Emily’s honest story: how she ended up leading the community that resonated with her heart when she found herself in the midst of homeschooling even after she swore "she would never."
- The #1 reason her family finally committed to homeschooling—and why “togetherness” is still the core of everything at HBT.
- How burnout, school drop-off tears, and self-doubt actually forged her style and shaped her heart for helping other moms.
- What’s NOT changing at Homeschool Better Together (curriculum, community, all the laughter, all the Narnia units, and the support you count on).
- A sneak peek into Elevate: opening to more moms, more often, with the same “moms in the trenches” mentorship you love—plus Emily’s special blend of life coaching know-how.
- Why Homeschool Better Together will always be run by real homeschoolers, for real homeschoolers—no fake, no pressure, just practical joy.
- Emily’s vision for building a culture where the number one lesson isn’t “do it right,” but “build the relationships first."
Resources & Next Steps:Keep an eye out for new Narnia language arts units, upcoming science plans, plus a curriculum bundle coming soon.
While you wait, check out our titles available now!
- Language Arts Together: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Language Arts Together: The Magician's Nephew
- Language Arts Together: The Silver Chair
- Science Together: Physical Science Bundle
Curious about Elevate, Bootcamp, curriculum releases, or community news? Make sure you’re on the email list. Sign up here and receive our free planning pages.
How to Stop Killing Creativity in Your Homeschool: A Conversation with the Co-Founder of Night Zookeeper
Are your kids dragging their feet when it comes to writing? You’re far from alone. This week on Homeschool Better Together, Laney Homan sits down with Joshua Davidson—children’s author and co-founder of Night …
Notes de l’épisode
Are your kids dragging their feet when it comes to writing? You’re far from alone. This week on Homeschool Better Together, Laney Homan sits down with Joshua Davidson—children’s author and co-founder of Night Zookeeper—to unpack why so many kids lose their early love for creativity, and, most importantly, how we can spark that joy (and confidence) again, even for the most reluctant writers.
Joshua shares a behind-the-scenes look into how creativity and story play a critical role in confidence building—not just on paper, but in your child’s sense of self. We talk about the science behind why kids start doubting their creative abilities (especially around ages 7–8), the difference between praise-based and skills-based confidence, and why stories can help even literal, “grandpa before their time” thinkers start to unlock imaginative worlds.
Laney also gets honest about her goal-oriented, checklist mindset (raise your hand if you’re with me) and how it can unintentionally sap the joy from our homeschool days. There are plenty of practical ideas you can try today—whether your child needs a gentle push into creative writing, a safe space for self-expression, or just permission to invent the next great “kickboxing tiger.” Yes, that’s a thing!
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn:- Why writing is so dang hard for kids (it’s not just them!)
- The age when children typically get self-conscious… and what to do about it
- How creative expression anchors real confidence—not just loud “look at me” energy
- The surprising link between storytelling, play, and long-lasting self-awareness
- Tips for helping both wildly imaginative and “black-and-white thinker” kids get unstuck
- New ways to use character-building (without forcing kids to produce yet another story)
- How to leverage positive peer feedback—even when you’re homeschooling solo
- The difference between praise-based confidence (“Good job!”) and skills-based confidence (the kind that actually lasts)
Resources Mentioned:- Night Zookeeper program
- Sir Ken Robinson (on creativity)
- Homeschool Better Together’s Language Arts Together program
Your Next Steps:- Check out Night Zookeeper for a playful, confident approach to writing
- Try building writing sessions around character creation—or let kids expand on their favorite movie/book character adventures
- Embrace “imperfect” creative sessions—sometimes that wild made-up word is the best thing your family will remember
Ready for more encouragement and practical tools? Join our free homeschool community.
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/stop-killing-creativity
Why Consistency Matters More Than You Think
Are you stuck in a cycle of “start strong, fizzle fast” with your homeschool? Are the cries of “I’m behind!” and “Why can’t I stick with anything?!” becoming the theme music of your year? You’re not …
Notes de l’épisode
Are you stuck in a cycle of “start strong, fizzle fast” with your homeschool? Are the cries of “I’m behind!” and “Why can’t I stick with anything?!” becoming the theme music of your year? You’re not failing—consistency is just a muscle you haven’t built… yet.
In this episode, I open up about my early homeschool years: the chaos, the comparison, and the myth that “the right curriculum” could fix everything. Spoiler: it didn’t. But finding a perfection-proof, real-life approach to showing up—imperfectly!—changed everything for my family (and me). We’re talking trading overwhelm for stability, and self-doubt for steady progress… without rigid schedules, toxic guilt, or soul-sucking lesson plans.
If you’re ready to gently but firmly stake your claim on steady routines—with or without a shiny sink—this episode is your permission slip.
We also dive into what actually works (hint: it’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things regularly), why “trying again tomorrow” isn’t a sign you’ve failed, and how community + accountability are real game-changers when the going gets tough. Plus, I’ll walk you through my big mindset shift from chasing homeschool “success” to focusing on faithfulness—and how that tiny shift ripples out to everyone in your home.
What you’ll learn:- How ditching perfection unlocked real consistency in my homeschool (and sanity!)
- Why curriculum isn’t the answer to homeschool frustration
- Practical, baby-step strategies to build routines you can actually keep
- The difference between “showing up” and doing “all the things” (and why that matters)
- How consistency brings security, independence, and fewer battles for your kids
- Why real accountability (not just another checklist) made all the difference
- How to start small and protect your non-negotiables—no matter how messy life is
- The surprising connection between faithfulness, community, and homeschool peace
Resources mentioned:- Homeschool Consistency Bootcamp hosted by Dawn Garrett and Emily Brown: https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/consistency
- FlyLady (shine your sink!): https://flylady.net/
To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.
Loving Your Limits: A Faith-Based Approach to Planning
In a season where everything feels important, how do you decide what actually matters?In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, host Laney Homan sits down with Kayse Pratt, creator of Anchored Women, to …
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In a season where everything feels important, how do you decide what actually matters?
In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, host Laney Homan sits down with Kayse Pratt, creator of Anchored Women, to talk about the power of monthly planning.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly reacting to life instead of living it with intention, this conversation will help you slow down, refocus, and create a rhythm that actually serves your family—and your faith.
Together, Laney and Kayse explore how stepping back once a month can reduce overwhelm, clarify priorities, and help you embrace your God-given limits instead of fighting them.
What You’ll Learn- Why monthly planning is more effective than just daily or weekly planning
- How to reduce your mental load by seeing the bigger picture
- Simple reflection questions to help you evaluate your current season
- Why you can’t do it all—and why that’s actually a good thing
- How to choose a focused priority without neglecting everything else
- The connection between planning, stewardship, and faith
- A healthier mindset that prevents planning from becoming another source of guilt
Resources Mentioned- Anchored Women (planning resources + community)
- The Steadfast Over Scattered Planner
- Free resource: Name Your Season Guide
Your Next StepsFeeling inspired? Here are a few simple ways to take action:
- Set aside 15–60 minutes this week for a monthly planning session
- Ask yourself:
- What was last month like?
- What do I (and my family) need right now?
- Choose:
- 1 habit goal
- 1 project goal
- Pray over your month and ask for clarity in your focus
- Give yourself permission to let go of what doesn’t fit this season
The Litany of “Not Enough”—and How to Escape It
Let’s be real—homeschooling doesn’t always look like those dreamy, sun-drenched Instagram feeds. Some days it’s more tears, sibling spats, and “Mommmm, I can’t do this!” than cozy read-alouds and family …
Notes de l’épisode
Let’s be real—homeschooling doesn’t always look like those dreamy, sun-drenched Instagram feeds. Some days it’s more tears, sibling spats, and “Mommmm, I can’t do this!” than cozy read-alouds and family harmony. And spoiler alert: the attitude problem isn’t always just coming from the kids.
In today’s episode, Laney Homan sits down with Emily Brown, veteran homeschool mom of seven and life coach for homeschoolers, to talk about the hard (but totally normal) realities of kids’ behavior—and the negative thought spirals parents can get stuck in when things are less than perfect at home. Emily has been through it all, from pulling five kids out of school at once to juggling newborns, teens, and everything in between.
We’re getting honest about:- Why you’re not alone in feeling totally overwhelmed by challenging behavior,
- How easy it is to take your kids’ struggles as a personal failure,
- And why it matters to check your own thought loops, not just your kids’ attitudes.
Are you ready for practical help, mindset shifts, and actual hope? Emily brings both wisdom and gentle challenge—plus a concrete script you can use right away to turn around tense moments. This is an episode for anyone who’s questioned whether they’re “enough,” who’s worried they’re failing their kids, or who’s just desperate to stop the meltdown cycle.
You are not alone in this (and your emotions are not out of your control!). Let’s break out of the negativity spiral, re-center on what matters, and find more joy in the homeschool journey—even on the messy days.
What you’ll learn:- Why kids' “bad” behavior isn’t usually personal—or even intentional
- How our negative thought patterns (“the litany of not enough”) fuel family friction
- Why owning your emotional state changes the whole home atmosphere
- The ONE script you can use when your child is being disrespectful (and how to model a graceful do-over)
- Why regular pauses, built-in breaks, and gratitude can short-circuit tension
- How to reframe your role—your worth isn’t on the line, and you aren’t your kids’ savior (thank goodness for that!)
- How shifting your language from “have to” to “get to” opens space for gratitude, even in the chaos
Resources Mentioned:- Find Emily Brown at Fiat Life Coaching for homeschool moms or listen to her podcast Happy, Holy Mama Podcast
- The Grumble-Free Year by Tricia Goyer
- Sibling Relationship Lab by Lynna Sutherland
- Simply Convivial by Mystie Winckler
Your Next Steps:- Choose one phrase of truth or gratitude to repeat when you’re in a tough moment.
- Try Emily’s script: “In case you’re unaware, the way you’re talking to me sounds disrespectful. If that’s not what you meant, please try again and say it how you want me to hear it.”
- Find a few practical ways to insert a pause (for you AND your kids) during the school day.
- Schedule a “homeschool audit” to troubleshoot problem spots, then brainstorm one small tweak.
- Surround yourself with homeschool friends who encourage growth, not just commiseration.
Project-Based Learning: Messy, Magical, and Totally Doable
Ever wonder why your kids’ “school projects” either fizzle out or turn into frantic, last-minute glue-sticking marathons? Or maybe you secretly dread “interest-led learning” because you picture glitter …
Notes de l’épisode
Ever wonder why your kids’ “school projects” either fizzle out or turn into frantic, last-minute glue-sticking marathons? Or maybe you secretly dread “interest-led learning” because you picture glitter explosions and science fair-level chaos? I get it. But what if project-based learning—done right—could actually bring joyful curiosity, deeper learning, and family connection…without sending you to the craft store (or losing your mind)?
In this episode, I sit down with my real-life friend and local homeschool teacher, Karla Schlatter. Karla’s a mama of four boys, a champion of lifelong learning, and a pro at weaving meaningful projects into home education. Together, we peel back the curtain on what project-based learning really looks like in our actual, messy homeschool lives.
We share what sparked our love for this hands-on approach, how it’s played out with both our self-motivated and less-eager kids, and some hilarious mishaps along the way (never underestimate a determined kid with a cardboard stash or the allure of rabbit poop “science experiments”).
We unpack:- Why “interest-led” projects are more than just crafts or busywork—and how they differ from those assembly-line curriculum assignments
- How Karla designed a high school project course that has our teens actually caring about deadlines, peer feedback, and creativity (hello, executive function skills!)
- The magic (and mild panic) of letting go of control as a homeschool mom—and why that’s where the real learning happens
- Pitfalls we’ve both hit, including perfectionism, decision-paralysis, and that ever-present urge to “just do it my way”
- How to scaffold and support reluctant or overwhelmed kids so they can actually succeed (and learn from mistakes)
What you’ll learn:- The two types of project-based learning—and which one sparks more meaningful growth
- How to create accountability, positive peer pressure, and genuine motivation (even if your kid is a world-class procrastinator)
- Strategies for building projects around your child’s true interests—even if those interests seem a bit out-there (rabbit fertilizer, anyone?)
- Why it’s worth teaching kids to “break big goals into small steps”—and how project learning does just that
- Ways to start small and make project-based learning a natural part of your family culture, whether you have a group or you’re flying solo
Resources Mentioned:- Land That I Love from Homeschool Better Together
- Navigating High School Course
- 4-H and county fairs for kid-friendly project experiences
- Colleen Kessler at Raising Lifelong Learners
Formal Co-ops Not Your Thing? Try This Instead
Welcome to a brand new season of Homeschool Better Together—and a new voice behind the mic! I’m your new host, Laney Homan, and today I’m joined by our HBT community manager (and Charlotte Mason wisdom guru) …
Notes de l’épisode
Welcome to a brand new season of Homeschool Better Together—and a new voice behind the mic! I’m your new host, Laney Homan, and today I’m joined by our HBT community manager (and Charlotte Mason wisdom guru), Dawn Garrett, for a conversation that's near and dear to both our hearts: Community-Based Learning.
Truth be told, I’ve never been much for formal, lockstep co-ops (raise your hand if you’re allergic to group projects with rigid requirements and committee meetings that last for-e-ver 🖐). Turns out, Dawn couldn’t see herself fitting in those boxes either—so we’re talking about all the ways homeschoolers can build meaningful, creative, low-pressure community learning that’s flexible, affordable, and fits real life.
In this episode, we share stories from our own homeschools, compare notes on creative learning groups (spoiler: sometimes all you need are two families, a stack of art supplies, and a desperate desire to keep the paint off the carpet), and break down the biggest benefits of adding some organic connection alongside your at-home days.
Dawn spills the beans on what worked for her family—from impromptu art clubs in the living room, to literature-lovin’ library meetups, to Shakespeare performance groups that grew entirely out of “who’s willing to show up and recite lines?” And I share how, for my kids, homeschool community wasn’t always about the academics—it was a lifeline for real friendships, support for mom (can I get an amen?), and finding encouragement from others in the shared messy middle.
Curious how to make these grassroots groups work for your family? Wondering if community learning ever counts for high school credit? Need a nudge to just send that text and start something simple? You’re in the right place. Grab your coffee, put the baby in the swing, and let’s get real about what community-based learning can look like for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- Real-life stories of community learning groups that worked (and why “co-op” doesn’t have to be intimidating)
- How to kick off a grassroots learning group without losing your freedom (or your mind)
- Creative models for homeschool community—from art clubs and PE meetups to project fairs and bowling days
- The often-overlooked benefits of community learning—friendships, accountability, positive peer pressure, and mom sanity
- How to handle the “I need control” factor (hint: you’re not the only one!)
- Why your kids don’t need more busywork, and how to keep group learning low-pressure
- Simple ways to turn community experiences into high school credit (it really does count!)
- Encouragement for making friends (for your kids and yourself) even if you’re brand new or starting small
- Honest thoughts about seasons with (and without) co-ops—and how to know what’s best for right now
Are These Homeschool Voices Stealing Your Joy?
Ever feel like you’re drowning in homeschool advice, but your confidence is getting lost in the flood? You’re not alone—and in this episode, I’m joined by our amazing Member Success Manager, Laney Homan, for a …
Notes de l’épisode
Ever feel like you’re drowning in homeschool advice, but your confidence is getting lost in the flood? You’re not alone—and in this episode, I’m joined by our amazing Member Success Manager, Laney Homan, for a real talk chat about filtering all those voices and finally trusting your own judgment.
We’ll dish on how the “information overload” of today’s homeschool world is light-years away from the early days of conventions and catalogues. (Spoiler: The algorithm does not know what you actually need.) We get candid about how too many voices can stir up self-doubt—making you second-guess decisions or chase the elusive promise of a homeschool formula that simply doesn’t exist.
Want to know who is actually worth listening to? We’ll share how to spot a wise mentor, why good community matters (but isn’t everything), and how to sidestep the guilt bombs and prescriptive “this is the only way” messaging that can wreck your confidence.
Plus: A big announcement! Laney’s taking over as host for the next season of the podcast, and I couldn’t be more excited for the new combos and encouragement she’ll bring to your earbuds.
What you’ll learn:- Why today’s homeschoolers are swimming in input—and how it’s different from the “good ol’ days.”
- Why information overload can actually sabotage your confidence (and what to do instead)
- How to filter curriculum promises, “expert” advice, and the allure of homeschooling quick fixes
- What makes a good homeschool mentor—and giant red flags to dodge
- How to find real encouragement and honest support (without sliding into a homeschool pity party)
- The three levels of community…and why local support still matters
- Ways to avoid the shame/should/“if you don’t, you’ll fail” trap
- Pam’s biggest soapbox about absolutes and humility in homeschool leadership
- Why Laney will be your new host for the next season (and why that’s downright awesome!)
Resources mentioned:Christmas School for the Soul
Are you overwhelmed by the pressure to create Pinterest-perfect holiday memories in your homeschool? (Spoiler: so was I, and I’ve got some epic fails to share as proof!) If you’re feeling weighed down by …
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Are you overwhelmed by the pressure to create Pinterest-perfect holiday memories in your homeschool? (Spoiler: so was I, and I’ve got some epic fails to share as proof!) If you’re feeling weighed down by Christmas school plans, elaborate crafts, and a to-do list longer than Santa’s, this episode is your permission slip to do less and experience more peace.
This week, I’m sharing why “Christmas School for the Soul” is a better plan than another jam-packed checklist. We’re reframing holiday homeschooling: less pressure, more joy. I’ll tell you about my own holiday mishaps (candy kiss countdown disaster, anyone?), what I’ve learned about letting go of perfection, and exactly how a simple morning time routine can offer both you and your kids the holiday anchor you actually need.
Let’s trade “doing more” for making meaning and let beauty do the heavy lifting. Whether you’re on top of things or not, this is your invitation to step off the treadmill and just be together. (Bonus: Don’t miss your FREE Advent Morning Time plans, made for your heart, not your checklist.)
What you’ll learn:- Why you might need Advent Morning Time as much as your kids do
- How “Christmas School for the Soul” can be your stress antidote
- The danger of the holiday homeschool perfection trap (plus, my own hilarious fails)
- Three steps to a simpler, soul-filling holiday homeschool
- Why choosing a single “anchor” tradition is enough
- How to replace “more” with “meaningful” (and cut the guilt)
- How music, art, and poetry can do the hard work for you (so you don’t have to!)
- The real reason behind doing school during the holidays—and how to reclaim peace
Mentioned resources:Trade Overwhelm for Joy
Ready to trade overwhelm for joy this homeschool year?If you’ve ever wished for a homeschooling break that actually refills your cup without the speaker overload of a massive conference or the pressure to “do …
Notes de l’épisode
Ready to trade overwhelm for joy this homeschool year?
If you’ve ever wished for a homeschooling break that actually refills your cup without the speaker overload of a massive conference or the pressure to “do it all,” this episode is your permission slip. I’m sitting down with Barbara Cozens to talk about what really happens at a We Gather Together Beach Retreat.
Barbara traveled to the 2023 retreat from snowy Nevada for some well-deserved rest, good company, and inspiration. She’s sharing her honest take on what surprised her, what she brought home for her own kids, and why she believes every mom needs time away before she reaches burnout.
If you’re debating whether to join us at the retreat, have big “what ifs” about coming alone, or don’t even own a pair of flip-flops, this is the episode to press play. It’s about connection, permission to rest, and finding YOUR people—even if it feels a little nerve-wracking at first.
What you’ll learn:- The difference between homeschool conferences vs. our soulful beach retreat (no decision fatigue—promise)
- Why you don’t have to “do Morning Basket perfectly” to get big benefits (Barbara’s light bulb moment)
- How to build authentic connections even if you’re an introvert flying solo
- The surprising things you can get out of a 3-day retreat (hint: it’s not just about new teaching tips)
- Simple ways to bring retreat wisdom and peace back into your daily homeschool
- Tips for first-time attendees: travel, what to expect, and how we make it easy and welcoming
Resources & Mentions:- Homeschool Mom Beach Retreat Info Page
- Ask us anything about the retreat: [email protected]
- Free Homeschool Better Together Community
Ready to fill your own cup so you can pour into your homeschool? Come relax, reset, and find your people. Barbara, I, and a beach chair with your name are waiting.
For the full show notes visit: https://pambarnhill.com/hsbt50
When Handwriting Isn’t Clicking (And What Really Matters)
What’s the real story behind “bad” handwriting? Is it just a phase, or a red flag? And what should you actually do when your kid melts down every time you pull out a pencil?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah …
Notes de l’épisode
What’s the real story behind “bad” handwriting? Is it just a phase, or a red flag? And what should you actually do when your kid melts down every time you pull out a pencil?
In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Collins, a homeschool mom, licensed occupational therapist, and founder of Homeschool OT, to debunk some common OT myths and offer practical, encouraging advice for homeschool parents concerned about handwriting, motor skills, and when to seek extra help.
You’ll hear:
- How Sarah pivoted from OT homeschool skeptic to trailblazer serving families worldwide
- The #1 question every parent should ask if their child struggles with handwriting (hint: function > form)
- Simple ways to support reluctant writers (think: core strength before cursive!)
- What really matters for writing readiness, warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to seek professional support (without guilt or shame)
- Lots of fun, judgment-free encouragement for new and veteran homeschoolers
Resources Mentioned:
- Sarah’s site, resources & podcast
- Instagram: @homeschoolot
- Improving Handwriting Without Actually Writing
- A Chameleon Tale (Sarah’s sensory-regulation picture book)
- Free Homeschool Community
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt49
Adaptability Is Your Homeschool Superpower
How many times have you set out to have a “consistent” homeschool, only to get derailed by spilled cereal, a surprise dentist appointment, or, let’s be real, your own epic meltdown? (Just me? Didn’t think …
Notes de l’épisode
How many times have you set out to have a “consistent” homeschool, only to get derailed by spilled cereal, a surprise dentist appointment, or, let’s be real, your own epic meltdown? (Just me? Didn’t think so.)
Let’s bust this myth right up front: Consistency in homeschool is NOT about never missing a day, nailing every lesson, and marching through the schedule like a robot from a Tesla demo reel.
So what IS the secret? It’s adaptability. True, sustainable consistency, the kind that survives germs, grief, “one of those days,” and whatever else life throws at you, is built on having a plan that bends without breaking.
In this episode, I break down how you can actually plan for adaptability and why it’s not a cop-out, but instead, it’s the key.
What you’ll learn:- How adaptability is the true backbone of homeschool consistency
- Practical ways to scale schoolwork when time or energy are short
- Simple “last resort” activities that count as connection, not failure
- The value of planning your Plan B ahead (not during the drama)
- Why “good enough” still builds a powerful homeschool habit—more than you think
Resources Mentioned:Want to make your Plan B list and finally ditch the guilt on messy days? Now’s the time: join our Homeschool Consistency Bootcamp! Doors close October 17th—let’s build real-life consistency together.
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/hsbt48
One Small Habit That Transforms Your Homeschool
Are you drowning in interruptions, curveballs, or the chaos of real-life homeschooling—and wondering if you’ll ever get back to consistent days? You’re not alone, friend! This week on the Homeschool Better …
Notes de l’épisode
Are you drowning in interruptions, curveballs, or the chaos of real-life homeschooling—and wondering if you’ll ever get back to consistent days? You’re not alone, friend! This week on the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, I’m joined by DaLynn DeWitt—a South Texas homeschool mom of three, rodeo wife, and self-confessed “all or nothing” personality—who opens up about what it really looks like to homeschool when life goes sideways.
DaLynn shares how her school year started with ceilings leaking, family camping out in one bedroom, a kitchen-turned-homeschool zone, and zero hope of a “normal” routine. And yet—she found this was actually one of her most consistent, joyful years ever. (Spoiler: You do NOT need a perfect plan or a Pinterest-ready schoolroom to make homeschool work—you just need a launch point and a whole lot of grace).
We talk about the power of starting with just one thing (even if it’s just reading the Bible or a good book), using tools like the Minimum Viable Day, and how to climb out of a rut after illness, loss, and every possible interruption. DaLynn shares her brutally honest take on mindset, figuring out your “good enough” day, and learning when to keep pushing—and when to step outside and catch your breath.
If you’re stuck in a season of hard, or just want practical ideas (and a good laugh) on building better routines, you do not want to miss this episode.
What you’ll learn:- What to do when your “perfect” plan is torpedoed by life (construction, illness, travel… you name it)
- How starting with just ONE anchor habit can launch the rest of your homeschool day
- The magic of the Minimum Viable Day (when it really is “good enough”)
- Moving forward after a school slump, setbacks, or ‘failing’ weeks
- Giving yourself grace—and permission to do less, not more—when everything falls apart
- Why consistency doesn’t require perfection (and actually thrives on the opposite)
- The real secret sauce to building homeschool momentum—and keeping it when you’re tired, grumpy, or overwhelmed
Resources mentioned in this episode:- Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot
- Homeschool Consistency Bootcamp
- Wonder Studies
- Homeschool Better Together Free Community
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt47
Homeschool Off Track? Time for a Reboot
Raise your hand if your homeschool year already feels like it’s veering off course. (Don’t worry, mine’s up too.) Let’s be real: there’s no such thing as one smooth, perfectly consistent homeschool year …
Notes de l’épisode
Raise your hand if your homeschool year already feels like it’s veering off course. (Don’t worry, mine’s up too.) Let’s be real: there’s no such thing as one smooth, perfectly consistent homeschool year. Enter…the homeschool reboot.
This episode is your practical pep talk for starting over, with zero guilt. I break down why a homeschool reboot isn’t just normal, it might actually be your greatest superpower as a home educator. Whether your family was hit by The Cold That Would Not Die, your house imploded (literally), or you just looked around and realized Morning Time hasn’t happened since February, hear me loud and clear: the restart button is there for a reason, and pressing it is healthy, not humiliating.
We’ll cover exactly what a reboot is, why “falling behind” is a myth, and how to refresh your homeschool with grace (for everyone, including yourself).
What you’ll learn:- How to reset your homeschool without guilt or drama
- The “three core things” strategy for making a reboot stick
- Grace-filled mindset shifts that make restarts feel lighter, not heavier
- Why starting fresh (again) is a homeschool superpower
- Easy ways to refresh your physical and mental homeschool space
- Why celebrating your restart is not just allowed—it’s necessary
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:- The Grace-Filled Reboot Download (grab your checklist, print it, use it anytime)
- Free Homeschool Community
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt46
High School Foreign Language Credit, No Textbook Required
Ready to actually use a foreign language in your homeschool—and give your high schooler credit for it? This episode is a breath of fresh air for every parent who’s ever tried to check the “foreign language” …
Notes de l’épisode
Ready to actually use a foreign language in your homeschool—and give your high schooler credit for it? This episode is a breath of fresh air for every parent who’s ever tried to check the “foreign language” box…and wondered if anything was actually sticking.
Today, I’m joined again by Adelaide Olguin, founder of Talkbox Mom, whose innovative program teaches families to use a second language in real life (think: snack time, errands, or even brushing teeth). She and her husband, Hector, have raised their three boys across five continents, speaking multiple languages wherever they go.
Recently, Adelaide expanded Talkbox Mom to serve high schoolers too. If the idea of high school “credit” makes your palms sweat, don’t worry: she’s sharing exactly how to make real-world fluency count for both your transcript and your family connection.
We chat about what it takes to homeschool high school foreign language with confidence and joy—even if you’re learning right alongside your teen, juggling multiple ages, or terrified of testing.
Wondering if you can keep things hands-on and still get a transcript-ready result? This episode will have you saying “da,” “sí,” or just plain “yes, please!”
What you’ll learn:- The common pressure (and myth) around “doing high school foreign language right”—and how to actually serve your student
- Why most traditional programs leave kids unable to actually speak another language (even after years of study)
- How Talkbox Mom’s high school program works (yes, including record keeping, grading, and what “counts” as a credit)
- Practical ideas to integrate language learning with real family life—no need to become a grammar drill sergeant
- Easy ways to adapt if you have teens and little ones (or a teen who surprises you with a “random” language they want to study)
- Why fluency opens up opportunities for college, career, travel, and community
- How to handle grading, cultural projects, and “testing”—especially if you’re learning right along with your teen
- Real-life encouragement for the “type A” mom who needs a system (but wants actual results)
Resources Mentioned:- Talkbox Mom + Free Starter Pack and all other resources Adelaide mentioned
- YMB #54 Natural Foreign Language Learning: A Conversation with Adelaide Olguin (Podcast)
- Language Learning Made Fun With a Fluency Approach (Podcast)
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt45
Rabbit Trails and Real Life: One Mom’s Journey
Are you homeschooling a neurodivergent child, or just feeling like the “typical” homeschool advice doesn’t fit your real life? This episode is for all the mamas who secretly (or not-so-secretly) wish for a …
Notes de l’épisode
Are you homeschooling a neurodivergent child, or just feeling like the “typical” homeschool advice doesn’t fit your real life? This episode is for all the mamas who secretly (or not-so-secretly) wish for a blueprint, but end up building a rollercoaster every single day.
Today, I’m joined by Amie, a veteran mom of one, homeschooling her neurodivergent son, and living proof that “just one kid” does NOT mean it’s always a walk in the park! (Try keeping up with a high-speed Wikipedia page who only wants to talk about trains and Japanese sailing. It’s an Olympic sport.)
Amie opens up about her journey: from the failed attempt at “Best School in the System” to finding a unique family rhythm at home, letting go of expectations, and embracing a blend of Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and good old, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants adaptability. We dive into what school looks like for a wildly curious, deeply-focused teen and how Wonder Studies (yes, still with her high schooler!) has become a lifeline for jumpstarting curiosity and keeping herself sane.
Wonder how to juggle rabbit trails, box-checking, and your own perfectionist guilt? Amie and I get real about dropping the Pinterest boards and finding peace in the “messy middle.” If your homeschool feels all over the place. Spoiler: you’re in good company.
What you’ll learn:- Why letting go of “school should look like school” is the first step to real joy
- Exactly how Amie balances deep-dive interests with actually “doing the school things”
- Why unit studies + living books + rabbit holes are magic for neurodivergent and neurotypical kids alike
- Tips for Morning Time with a single, high-intensity learner (and why baskets save everyone’s sanity!)
- How Wonder Studies gives teens independence and mamas instant relief
- Letting go of perfectionism, surviving “no core subjects this week,” and still raising an amazing kid
- Why curiosity and joy matter just as much, if not more, than checking the boxes
Resources mentioned in this episode:For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt44
Ditching the Overwhelm for Family Learning
Are you craving more joy, flexibility, and real connection in your homeschool? Today’s episode is a deep-dive with Angela Huber, one of our own Homeschool Better Together community moms. Angela’s homeschool …
Notes de l’épisode
Are you craving more joy, flexibility, and real connection in your homeschool? Today’s episode is a deep-dive with Angela Huber, one of our own Homeschool Better Together community moms. Angela’s homeschool journey began like so many: She swore she’d never do it, then got thrown into elearning during 2020 (which, spoiler, did NOT spark joy). Fast-forward, she’s now navigating homeschooling three daughters (with learning differences and a toddler in the mix) and has made some major changes to reclaim that family-learning magic.
Angela shares exactly why her family pivoted away from a rigorous co-op (goodbye, hours of homework and family separation!), and leaned all-in with Wonder Studies, family-style learning, and a focus on togetherness. We get honest about the big switch: her fears around consistency and accountability, how she supports her girls with dyslexia, and why it sometimes feels like the toddler is actually the one in charge.
We laugh about the morning basket snuggles, get nerdy about “connected learning moments,” and get really real about what matters most: kids who want to be with you (even if the science experiment flops and the baby steals everyone’s pencils).
If you’ve ever wondered whether multi-age, family-style learning can actually work (or you need encouragement to step out of the “schooly” grind), this one’s for you.
What you’ll learn:- The surprising reason Angela ditched an intense co-op (and how it changed her homeschool culture)
- How she supports TWO kids with dyslexia, builds in “together time,” and keeps learning joyful… even with a toddler underfoot
- Exactly what a relaxed, real-life Wonder Studies day looks like (spoiler: it’s not color-coded or Pinterest perfect)
- The power of “connected learning moments” and why family learning is deeper (and way more fun!)
- How to overcome fears around “gaps,” consistency, and accountability when you leave a co-op
- The simple routines and tools Angela uses to keep learning happening year-round
- Why her kids say their favorite part isn’t a resource or experiment—but simply “being together”
Resources mentioned in this episode:- Wonder Studies
- Morning Time resources from Pam
- History Plus Online
- Spelling Plus
- Logic of English
- Homeschool Better Together Free Community
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt43
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