Education
**The Homeschool How To**

I don’t claim to know anything about homeschooling, so I set out on a journey to ask the people who do! Join me as I chat with homeschoolers to discuss; “why are people homeschooling,” “what are all the ways people are using to homeschool today,” and ultimately, “should I homeschool my kids?”

Latest Episodes:

#151: Breaking Big Food: How Homeschooling Helps Families Take Back Kids’ Health with Film Producers, Patrick & Ashley Dec 20, 2025

Show notes

What if one of the biggest homeschooling wins isn’t curriculum… but protecting your kids from modern pressures and modern “food”?

In this episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, Cheryl sits down with Patrick & Ashley—homeschool-connected entrepreneurs and the team behind Jigsaw Health—to talk about:

Patrick’s experience being homeschooled in 7th–9th grade (and why it mattered)
The myth of “socialization” vs. what homeschool kids actually gain
Why food choices have become a parenting issue (and a homeschooling advantage)
Their documentary Breaking Big Food: How the American Food System Went Rotten and How It’s Being Revived
Practical, realistic “one step at a time” swaps (without turning your life upside down)
Why “pay the farmer now or pharma later” keeps showing up in this conversation

You’ll also hear how families are building local alternatives—farmers markets, seed-oil-free restaurants, community markets—and how you can start making changes without getting overwhelmed.

🎥 Watch the documentary: BreakingBigFood.com

Ashley & Patrick's supplement brand: JigsawHealth.com and their organic coffee shop: FireflyScottsdale.com

If you’re homeschooling (or considering it) and you care about kids’ health, behavior, focus, food dyes, ultra-processed foods, and raising well-adjusted humans, this episode will give you both encouragement and next steps.

Follow/subscribe for weekly interviews with homeschooling families and experts—and share this episode with a friend who’s trying to “do better” but doesn’t know where to start.

Learn more about Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—the new prequel book from S. D. Smith—and explore the companion video game now available on Steam: sdsmith.com/helmer

Perfect for parents seeking meaningful, courage-building stories for kids ages 8–12.

📘 The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide
Thinking about homeschooling but don’t know where to start? Cheryl created this comprehensive guide, compiling insights from interviews with over 120 homeschooling families across the country. From navigating state laws to balancing work and home life — this eBook covers it all. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident on your homeschooling journey.

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#150: Indoctrination Wars: Taking Back Control of What Your Kids Actually Learn with Mises Institute Economist, Dr. Newman Dec 13, 2025

Show notes

Homeschooling isn’t just about math lessons and reading charts—it’s about who gets to shape how your kids see the world.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jonathan Newman from the Mises Institute, a homeschooling dad, economist, and libertarian who breaks down why he and his wife chose to keep their kids out of government schools, how they approach reading and “adulting” skills at home, and why there’s really no such thing as a “neutral” education.

We talk about:

Teaching kids to read with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons—and why it works for some kids and not others
The big differences between boys and girls when it comes to focus, readiness, and timelines
Why homeschooling is so much more efficient than public school (and what to do with all that extra time together)
The “adulting crisis” and how kids actually learn real-life skills like changing a tire, paying bills, and mailing a letter
What Austrian economics is, why the Mises Institute exists, and how Jonathan teaches multiple perspectives instead of one government-approved narrative
Capitalism vs. socialism, and why socialist systems struggle to get food, prices, and production right
Indoctrination, values, and why parents—not the state—should decide which ideas get center stage in their child’s education

If you’re a Christian, liberty-minded, or simply skeptical of the one-size-fits-all system and the stories your kids are being told about history, money, and government, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.

Follow Dr. Jonathan Newman on X - @NewmanJ_R

Discover free books, articles, and lectures on economics and liberty at Mises.org

Learn more about Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—the new prequel book from S. D. Smith—and explore the companion video game now available on Steam: sdsmith.com/helmer

Perfect for parents seeking meaningful, courage-building stories for kids ages 8–12.

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#149: Homeschool OT Explains Reflex Integration, Picky Eaters & Kids Who Won’t Sit Still Dec 06, 2025

Show notes

What happens when vaccine mandates, school regulations, and a mama’s intuition collide? In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany, a homeschool mom of almost-seven-year-old twin boys in West Virginia and an occupational therapist who now serves the homeschool community.

Tiffany shares how COVID, vaccine requirements, and a strong Christian conviction opened the door to homeschooling—not just for her twin boys, but for her stepkids too. We talk about co-ops, jujitsu, piano lessons, state requirements, and why “freedom” is the first word that comes to mind when she thinks of home education.

As an OT, Tiffany also dives into reflex integration—how primitive reflexes can affect things like handwriting, reading, attention, picky eating, emotional regulation, and why some kids “can’t sit still” no matter how hard they try. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this just a phase, or does my child actually need help?” this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

Homeschooling energetic twin boys with totally different strengths
Navigating co-ops, church life, and daily rhythms in West Virginia
How vaccine mandates and religious convictions pushed some families toward homeschooling
The difference between classical education and programs like Classical Conversations
West Virginia vs. New York homeschool requirements (portfolio reviews, testing, paperwork)
What pediatric occupational therapy actually is for homeschoolers
Reflex integration 101 and how unintegrated reflexes can show up as
- Poor handwriting
- Trouble sitting still
- Visual scanning issues when reading
- Picky eating, chewing on clothes/pencils
- Big emotions and meltdowns
Why it’s okay to ask for help and build your “village” as a homeschool parent

Connect with Tiffany:

Www.agapelove.com

Facebook: The Homeschool OT, Tiffany Parsons

Other therapy resources:

Www.HomeschoolOT.com

Facebook: The Homeschool OT, Sarah Collins

Harkla (parent trainings): https://harkla.co/?rfsn=8716597.365cfae

Learn more about Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—the new prequel book from S. D. Smith—and explore the companion video game now available on Steam: sdsmith.com/helmer

Perfect for parents seeking meaningful, courage-building stories for kids ages 8–12.

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#148 Homeschooling Special Needs Kids: Sensory Struggles, School Refusal & Finding Freedom Nov 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by Jem from Australia, a homeschooling mom of four navigating autism, ADHD, sensory needs, school refusal, and neurodivergent learning—and doing it all with honesty, humor, and so much heart.

Jem shares why her family left the traditional school system, how her kids went from daily meltdowns and sensory overwhelm to peaceful mornings and learning at their own pace, and why unschooling naturally became the approach that finally worked.

We talk about:
• What homeschooling looks like for autistic and ADHD learners
• Why school refusal isn’t “defiance”—it’s dysregulation
• The surprising benefits of late-morning starts, slow mornings, and interest-led learning
• How volunteering at an animal rescue farm completely changed her daughter’s confidence
• Creating sensory-friendly learning spaces at home
• Using fidgets, wobble seats, chewing tools, trampolines, and pets for regulation
• Transitioning out of curriculum and into a more intuitive, child-led rhythm
• How homeschooling reconnects families and helps kids thrive emotionally
• The differences between public school vs. homeschool in Australia
• What new homeschool parents REALLY need to hear before they begin

If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, exploring unschooling, or wondering whether homeschooling can truly support special needs, this episode will give you encouragement, perspective, and a whole lot of validation.

✨ Connect with Jem:
Jem's Facebook

Jem's Instagram

Leave the Big Box Store! Shop Here Instead!

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Learn more about Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—the new prequel book from S. D. Smith—and explore the companion video game now available on Steam: sdsmith.com/helmer

Perfect for parents seeking meaningful, courage-building stories for kids ages 8–12.

*** A Connected Christmas Unit Study! Start making Christmas memories today!!

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#147: She Took Her Son Out of School for Two Years… Here’s What Actually Happened Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode, Cheryl sits down with Anya, a seasoned mom who made the courageous choice to pull her son out of school during a season of deep grief — and discovered that unschooling was the unexpected key to his healing, growth, and confidence.

Anya shares how losing her son’s father, navigating the chaos of COVID schooling, and tuning into her child’s emotional needs led her to take full ownership of her family’s educational path. What followed included incredible personal growth, restored mental health, and the realization that children often learn more outside the system than inside it.

Together we explore:
• How unschooling helped her son recover emotionally and academically
• Why children can easily return to public school without “falling behind”
• The impact of grief, trauma, and stress on learning
• Why emotional intelligence matters more than worksheets
• Homeschool myths that keep parents scared
• Real-life skills kids actually need (and how school suppresses them)
• The hidden pressures on parents from schools, doctors & society
• Why confidence, connection, and slow childhood matter more than curriculum

If you’re considering homeschooling, curious about unschooling, or questioning the one-size-fits-all school system, this episode will give you permission to trust yourself — and your child — more deeply.

Connect with Anya: www.theangelwearsprana.com
Instagram
Youtube
Facbook

A Connected Christmas Unit Study! Start making Christmas memories today!!

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#146: We Pulled Our Kid From School After 2 Weeks - Here's Why We'll Never Go Back Nov 15, 2025

Show notes

Discover how one family's challenging school experience became a powerful homeschooling journey. What starts as a two-week trial becomes a wake-up call that changes everything. This raw, honest conversation reveals why traditional school wasn't working and how unschooling created the freedom their family desperately needed.

In this episode, we explore:

The wake-up call that changed everything about their education approach
Breaking free from "compliance culture" and therapy pressure
Building community through homeschool co-ops
France vs. U.S. schooling: eye-opening cultural differences
What unschooling really looks like in daily practice
Interest-led learning, morning baskets, and unit studies that work
Teaching kids how to think, not what to think
Handling hard days with regulation and nature resets
Self-care strategies for homeschool parents
Creating a freedom mindset around time, travel, and family values

Whether you're considering homeschooling, already on the journey, or simply curious about alternative education, Sarah's story offers practical insights and encouragement for raising independent thinkers.

Perfect for: homeschool parents, unschooling families, parents questioning traditional education, those interested in child-led learning

Get Sarah's Emotional Regulation FREE Toolkit here!

Sarah's website

Visit Sarah's Instagram here!

Teaching O and A

A Connected Christmas Unit Study! Start making Christmas memories today!!

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#145: Functional Medicine Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing—Here’s What It Really Means | Dr. Dusty Hess Nov 08, 2025

Show notes

Is your child struggling with ADHD, allergies, or chronic illness? Wondering why childhood health is declining despite modern medicine?

In this episode, functional medicine doctor Dr. Dusty Hess explains the root causes behind rising rates of ADHD, autism, and infertility—and shares practical solutions every family can implement today.

What You'll Learn: ✅ Functional medicine vs. conventional healthcare (firefighters vs. builders) ✅ How plastics, seed oils, and processed foods disrupt hormones ✅ The truth about vaccines and personalized health approaches ✅ Why inflammation is both friend and foe ✅ The shocking infertility crisis: sperm counts down 50% in 50 years ✅ Autophagy and intermittent fasting made simple ✅ Practical swaps for your kitchen, home, and daily routine ✅ Why homeschool families are uniquely positioned for better health

About Dr. Dusty Hess: Dr. Dusty is a functional medicine doctor, founder of Upstream Health, and creator of Upstream Magazine—a monthly publication helping Christian families get healthy from the inside out.

Resources: Explore everything Upstream Health has to offer at www.upstreamhealth.com

Our free ADHD webinar shares guidance, tools, and encouragement from our care team to support you or someone you love navigating ADHD. https://upstreamhealth.com/webinar-landing/

Upstream Health link-tree: https://upstreamhealth.com/link-tree/

Perfect for: Homeschool parents, Christian families, moms seeking natural health solutions, anyone dealing with chronic childhood illness, ADHD, autism, or fertility challenges.

🚨 Let’s Talk, Emergencies!
The most important lessons we can teach our kids aren’t just reading, writing, and math — they’re how to keep themselves and others safe. Let’s Talk, Emergencies! helps children learn essential safety skills in a fun, approachable way — from dialing 911 on a locked phone to staying safe online, around water, and in case of fire. Give your kids the knowledge and confidence to handle real-world situations.

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#144: Teacher Exposes School System 'Meat Grinder' | Homeschools 5 Kids on Sailboat Instead Nov 01, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you ditch the American Dream, move onto a boat with five kids, and homeschool while traveling the Caribbean? In this inspiring episode, former public school teacher Tanya shares her family's extraordinary journey of "boat schooling" for nearly a decade.

From their catamaran "Take Two" in Florida's 10,000 Islands, Tanya opens up about:

Why They Left Conventional Life Behind

The "meat grinder" feeling of the traditional education system
Moving from Atlanta suburbia to life on the open ocean
How a childhood dream became reality with five young children

The Reality of Boat Schooling

Managing seasickness, morning sickness, and life in close quarters
Using the world as your classroom: from banana plantations in Belize to Christopher Columbus's landing sites in the Bahamas
One-room schoolhouse methods that work with multiple ages (toddler to teen)

Honest Conversations About:

Unschooling yourself as a former teacher
The socialization question (spoiler: she's seen what socialization looks like in classrooms)
Teaching five different kids to read five different ways
Why the "hard parts" of their unconventional childhood made her kids tougher and more resilient
Creating deep family bonds that last into adulthood

Mentioned Resources:

Life of Fred math curriculum
Teach Your Baby to Read (Doman method)
A Voyage Long and Strange by Tony Horwitz
Tanya's book: "Leaving the Safe Harbor: The Risks and Rewards of Raising a Family on a Boat"
Blog: https://www.taketwosailing.com/

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#143: "I Was Homeschooled, Tried Public School, Then Homeschooled My 5 Kids - Here's What I Learned" Oct 25, 2025

Show notes

Nicole Goff was homeschooled by "hippie" parents, tried public school for two years (8th-9th grade), excelled academically but faced bullying, and chose to return home. Now she's homeschooled five kids for 20+ years and runs Four Corners Community School—a 32-family cooperative in Florida.

What we cover:

Florida's PEP scholarship: $8,000 per homeschool child for tutoring, curriculum, sports, music lessons, and more
Waldorf education philosophy: waiting until age 7 to teach reading and prioritizing imagination
Starting and sustaining a homeschool co-op from 2 families to 32 (including during COVID)
Screen time reality: why tech CEOs ban social media for their own kids and how to protect yours
Socio-emotional learning done right vs the concerning agenda in some public schools
Teaching special needs and dyslexic kids at home
The mistake of bringing "school" into your home (curriculum burnout and constant battles)
Parent emotional regulation: Nicole's #1 strategy for the hardest homeschool days

Perfect for: Parents considering homeschooling, veteran homeschoolers needing encouragement, anyone wanting to start a homeschool co-op, moms struggling with burnout, families exploring Waldorf/unschooling/experiential learning methods.

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/nicoledesireegoff/

Coaching Website: https://www.nicolegoffspeaks.com/

Ecstatic Life Podcast: https://nicolegoffspeaks.podbean.com/

Homeschool Co-op: https://4cornerscommunityschool.org/

Nicole Goff guides women in bringing the joy back into their lives at Ecstatic Life Coaching.

The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide - Thinking about homeschooling but don't know where to start? Purchase Here!

Let's Talk, Emergencies!

The most important lessons we can teach our kids aren't reading, writing, and math - they're how to keep themselves and others safe. Available on Amazon

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#142: She Quit Teaching After 24 Years to Build THIS School | Barefoot Unschooling Success Story Oct 18, 2025

Show notes

Discover how former UK teacher Kate transformed 24 years of mainstream education experience into "The Hive Adventure" - a revolutionary barefoot unschool in the Dominican Republic. In this inspiring episode, Kate shares her journey from French grammar teacher to creating a human-centered learning environment where students grow their own food, tackle global sustainability challenges, and learn emotional regulation from the inside out.

What You'll Learn:

How to create child-led, project-based learning experiences
Teaching emotional regulation and self-awareness to children
Building a food forest and garden-to-plate education program
Implementing social impact projects focused on UN global goals
The difference between coddling feelings vs. teaching healthy emotional processing
Why barefoot learning and outdoor education improve mental health
Starting alternative education programs (micro-schools, learning pods, unschools)

Perfect for homeschool families, alternative education advocates, and parents seeking nature-based, child-centered learning approaches. Kate's story proves you can create meaningful educational change anywhere in the world.

The Hive Adventure Instagram

The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide - Thinking about homeschooling but don't know where to start? Cheryl created this comprehensive guide which compiles insights from her interviews with over 120 homeschooling families across the country. From navigating state laws to finding your style to working while homeschooling- this eBook covers it all. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident. Purchase Here!

Let's Talk, Emergencies!

The most important lessons we can teach our kids aren't reading, writing, and math - they're how to keep themselves and others safe. Cheryl created this essential children's book which covers everything from dialing 911 on a locked cell phone to staying safe online, water safety, fire safety, and more. Let's Talk Emergencies! gives children the knowledge and confidence to handle real-world situations. These are conversations we shouldn't put off. Available on Amazon

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