Your prescription for happier, healthier homeschooling. Christian psychologist, author, and homeschool mom of six Dr. Melanie Wilson shares research-backed, doable strategies for the things that steal your sanity — stress and burnout, time management, organization, motivation, and curriculum decisions — with plenty of encouragement along the way. For homeschooling parents who want calmer, more joyful days. Follow the show and homeschool with more sanity and grace.
Special Replay: Christian Parenting Practices With Israel Wayne
Oct 10, 2023
Show notes
Hey, homeschoolers! Today we’re going to talk about how to parent as a Christian homeschooler. We are spending more time than ever parenting as we shelter in place. There’s nothing like a quarantine to show you what needs your attention.
Great Homeschool Conventions
Before we jump in and I introduce my guest, I want to tell you about Great Homeschool Conventions online, April 16th-18th! VIP access is free. You’ll have access to two popular parenting sessions from me: “How to Outwit, Outthink, and Outlast the Strong-Willed Homeschooler” and “How to Negotiate Sibling Conflict Like an FBI Pro.” Both of these sessions are going to be especially helpful to you when you’re staying home full-time. To register, go to GreatHomeschoolConventions.com.
Christian Parenting Practices
Now let’s talk about parenting with my guest Israel Wayne. Israel has a podcast on The Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network, but we hadn’t met until we both attended a BJU Press conference. We got to talking about parenting and realized that we share similar views.
Israel desires to point parents to raise their children with a biblical worldview. As a nationally known speaker and author, he captivates audiences with enthusiasm for bringing the Word of God to bear on all aspects of life. His messages, from education to theology to current events take him across the country to challenge and encourage families. As the pandemic has left him unable to speak at in-person conferences, I’m thrilled to be able to chat with him on the podcast.
We discussed:
the difference between secular and Christian parenting
what Gospel-Centered parenting looks like
effective discipline for young children
how parenting should change in the teen years, and more!
Teaching Mental Health To Teens
Oct 04, 2023
Show notes
Hey, homeschoolers! Even in an age of enlightenment, there is still stigma and misunderstanding about mental health. As homeschoolers, we don’t want to neglect to teach it to our children–especially to our teens. But before I introduce my guest, I want to thank you sponsor: Reading Eggs.
Sponsor: Reading Eggs
With Reading Eggs, your homeschoolers will enjoy a highly personalized learning journey, designed to support them at every stage. Plus, you’ll get four programs in one with your subscription – Reading Eggs, Reading Eggspress, Reading Eggs Junior, and Fast Phonics. Our interactive lessons are based on scientific research and feature colorful animations, fun music, and exciting rewards to keep your children motivated to learn.
“My kids are homeschooled and this is the best reading and math site that I have ever found. My son started not knowing all the letter sounds and within a few months he was reading at a first grade level.” – Mehdi C.
Watch on YouTube
Tiffany Jones is a Greenville, SC native. Raised in a Christian culture that shamed mental illness, she fought to understand what God’s Word had to say about her struggles. Tiffany battled depression for many years and looking to her community for help brought more shame. Her upbringing led her to believe that she wasn’t good enough to fight off attacks from the evil one, and that is why she was never free from her burden. When years of practicing their solutions was not working, she began looking for other possible answers. That led to a pivotal moment in her healing journey: naming her true enemy in 2015. God’s love and tender mercy overcomes all our wickedness. The death of Jesus paid our debt. While we are still fully capable of making mistakes, Jesus offers forgiveness, comfort and peace. Tiffany hopes to encourage others by sharing these truths. I pray that encouragement is just what you find in our conversation.
Interview Summary
Melanie starts by asking Tiffany to introduce herself and share a bit about her family. Tiffany talks about her three children, her experience of adopting her oldest child, and her initial reluctance to homeschool due to negative childhood experiences with it.
Tiffany explains that she decided to homeschool her oldest child when the school suggested holding her back due to behavioral concerns. She emphasizes the flexibility and enjoyment she found in homeschooling, despite initially being hesitant about it. She also shares that she believes parents should choose the best educational path for each of their children individually.
Melanie and Tiffany discuss the topic of in and out of homeschooling, with Melanie sharing that one of her own children attended public high school for their last two years of education, and it worked well for that particular child.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as Tiffany talks about her interest in mental health. She shares that her mother had bipolar disorder, and her family’s church community did not respond well to mental health issues. This led to feelings of shame and secrecy around mental health problems. Tiffany eventually sought therapy and began her mental health journey.
Later on, Tiffany discusses her involvement in a church-based group, where she participated in a Bible study called the Armor of God by Priscilla Shrier. This experience helped her understand her inner struggles and the importance of self-compassion.
Throughout the conversation, Melanie and Tiffany touch on various aspects of homeschooling, mental health, and personal growth, providing insights and reflections on these topics.
How To Teach Kids To Cook Independently
Sep 26, 2023
Show notesWatch on YouTube
In this podcast episode, Melanie Wilson interviews Chanel Miller, a homeschooling mom, about her journey and her new cookbook for kids called Kid De Cuisine. Chanel shares that she homeschools her three daughters and explains how the idea of homeschooling began during the pandemic when her daughters were in pre-K. She wanted to be more hands-on with their education and spend quality family time together.
The conversation then shifts to discussing Chanel’s cookbook, which is designed to teach kids to cook independently. Chanel’s cookbook is unique because it comes with measuring cups and spoons that are color-coded to match the recipes, making it easy for young children to follow along. The cookbook also includes stories before each recipe to facilitate parent-child interaction, review sessions, fun tidbits, and activity pages.
Melanie and Chanel discuss the importance of allowing kids to be in the kitchen and start with simple tasks before gradually adding more complex cooking skills. Chanel emphasizes the value of creating memories and spending quality time with kids in the kitchen. The cookbook includes recipes that can be completed in about 30 minutes, including setup and cleanup, making it accessible for busy parents.
Chanel mentions that the cookbook is available for pre-order on their website, them3andme.com, and offers various incentives for pre-orders. She also shares that she plans to release two more children’s books after this one, each dedicated to one of her daughters, with a focus on breakfast, lunch, or dessert recipes.
The podcast episode ends with Melanie expressing her appreciation for Chanel’s cookbook and its potential as an educational and memorable gift for children. Chanel thanks Melanie for the opportunity to share her work and hopes that listeners will enjoy the cookbook as much as she enjoyed creating it.
When Your Homeschool Day Is a Dumpster Fire: How to Turn It Around
Sep 19, 2023
Show notes
Hey, homeschoolers! Do you ever have days that go so badly that you just want to throw your hands up in surrender? I know I have. In this episode, we’ll discuss a better approach than surrender for a day that’s a dumpster fire.
There are a lot of reasons we want to give up on a day. Perhaps it’s personal. We might have a personal goal of eating better. But we get up and instead of having that egg white omelet packed with protein, we reach for the Pop Tarts that somehow made it into the pantry. After snarfing them and a chocolate milk laced with coffee (better known as a frappacino) down, you commit to having a salad with chicken breast for lunch–only you end up at Sonic for an impromptu family picnic and there is no way you can order a salad when the cheese curds, chili dog, and slushy are just the reward you need after a stressful morning. Now you want to surrender and wait until the next day or week to eat well.
Social Dumpster Fires
Or maybe your day is more of a social dumpster fire. You prayed for patience and you were determined to be the meek and quiet mother that you’ve read about in books. But then your child couldn’t find his shoes before you had to be out the door. A fight broke out between that child and the one he was sure intentionally moved his shoes just to aggravate him. Another child is complaining about how tired they are, how bored they are, or how hungry they are, and your patience commitment is gone.
Homeschool Dumpster Fires
Or perhaps your day is truly a homeschooling dumpster fire. You had your lesson plan that was going to have you on track. You were finally going to get caught up. And then a toilet backed up, the dog escaped the yard, or your kiddo had a meltdown over the math lesson. Suddenly it’s noon and you’ll be lucky if you make something for lunch let alone get any school done. You may as well give up for the day, right?
Wrong! I have given up on dumpster-fire days more times than I care to admit. I have even felt helpless in the face of them, as though the failure that follows is inevitable. I was having one of these days recently and I was feeling discouraged. I was going to have to wait until the next day to get back on track, right? That’s when I remembered something I learned as a child about fires. You may have learned it too. Instead of running away in a panic and surrendering to the flames when you are on fire, you stop, drop, and roll. You may have said it with me! How does this short set of instructions apply to dumpster-fire days? Allow me to explain my thinking here.
Stop
First, stop. The day does NOT have to continue on the same path. Stop what you’re doing. Stop panicking and don’t give up. This day can be salvaged. I promise!
If you’re in the middle of the chili cheese dog, ask yourself if you’re satisfied. If you are, stop eating. Don’t continue eating in despair or as a punishment. If the cheese curds are long gone, forget about them. What’s done is done.
If you are in the middle of yelling at your kids, stop. Put yourself in time out. Take some deep breaths. If you finished ranting this morning, ask your kids for forgiveness now. Then give yourself grace so you can start fresh.
If no school has been completed, stop what you’re doing instead if you can. Collect the kids and let them know that school will be back in session shortly.
Drop
After we’ve stopped, the next step is drop. For our purposes, we are going to physically or metaphorically drop to our knees in prayer. We’ve been doing this day in our own strength. Now it’s time to let God help us. Wherever you are, pray. Remind the Lord that you can’t do these things without Him. Ask Him for self-control and freedom from overeating. Ask Him for supernatural patience with your kids through the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for wisdom to know which lessons are the most important to focus on as you return to your homeschool day. Then believe that He will answer that prayer. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” I love this image of God seeing exactly what’s happening with us and responding to our requests.
Roll
The final step to take when our day is a dumpster fire is to roll. For our purposes, it means to get on with the day. Philippians 3:13 tells us to look forward in our journey with God rather than back. When we have made poor food choices, we can start fresh. Wait for hunger or plan a healthy dish for your next meal. When we have lost our cool, we can say “Serenity now!” and laugh when the kids misbehave again and play with them to blow off steam. When we haven’t followed our homeschool plan, we can create a new plan for the rest of the day or we can use our original plan. I tell families using The Organized Homeschool Life planner to either jump in where they are in their loose schedule for the day or start where they left off when you were interrupted. Either approach will help you get more done than if you give up.
Surrendering
Are there days that it makes sense to give up? If your neighbor invites you over for a lasagna dinner and you risk offending them if you say no, maybe it is. If your kids’ behavior doesn’t improve all day, maybe they need to see they’ve pushed Mom too far. If you’re spending the day waiting in urgent care for stitches when a kid sliced his knee open, you might want to try again tomorrow. However, when we string dumpster-fire days together and regularly give up, waiting for things to improve, I think we’ll all have more sanity when we choose a stop-drop-and-roll approach instead.
Conclusion
I used this approah when I felt I’d wasted a good part of the day online. I stopped and went for a walk. I returned and dropped for some prayer time. I asked the Lord for wisdom on how to spend the rest of the day and I rolled with what He said to do. And the amazing thing is I ended up feeling good about the day–so good that I wanted to share this approach with you on the podcast.
If the Organized Homeschool Life Planner would help you stop, drop, and roll on dumpster fire days, here’s the link. If you give this approach a try and it works for you, would you let me know? Screenshot this episode and share it on social media.
Melanie begins by recounting the biblical story of Joseph and how he overcame numerous challenges. She emphasizes that life can be filled with adversity, but we are not in control of the plot; God is. She encourages listeners to take on the roles of both protagonist and editor in their life’s journey.
Melanie delves into the hero’s journey, explaining that it often begins with a desire for a peaceful life or an unexpected call to adventure. She stresses the importance of acknowledging Jesus as a constant mentor and companion during life’s trials.
The podcast highlights the significance of the mentor phase in the hero’s journey, emphasizing that Jesus is always present, even when it feels like we’re facing challenges alone. Melanie references Scripture to illustrate God’s guidance during tough times.
The ordeal phase is discussed, where allies and enemies are developed. Melanie encourages listeners to focus on their allies rather than obsessing over obstacles and adversaries. She uses Joseph’s life as an example, showcasing allies like Potiphar (in the beginning) and the prison warden.
In the return phase, Melanie explains how the hero returns transformed after enduring hardships. She discusses Joseph’s growth in humility and his capacity to forgive. Melanie also emphasizes the rewards of a successful hero’s journey, including witnessing God’s work and positively impacting others.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the hero’s journey in their own lives and their children’s experiences. Melanie underscores the importance of changing perspectives to live a happier life.
This episode invites listeners to reconsider and reshape their life stories, finding inspiration in the journey of Joseph and the guidance of faith along the way.
Teaching The Underground Railroad With Danika Cooley
Sep 05, 2023
Show notes
Introduction
In this episode of the Home School Sanity Show, Melanie Wilson welcomes back Danika Cooley to discuss her latest additions to the Who What Why series, which is designed to teach Christian history.
With Reading Eggs, your homeschoolers will enjoy a highly personalized learning journey, designed to support them at every stage. Plus, you’ll get four programs in one with your subscription – Reading Eggs, Reading Eggspress, Reading Eggs Junior, and Fast Phonics. Our interactive lessons are based on scientific research and feature colorful animations, fun music, and exciting rewards to keep your children motivated to learn.
“My kids are homeschooled and this is the best reading and math site that I have ever found. My son started not knowing all the letter sounds and within a few months he was reading at a first grade level.” – Mehdi C.
Danika Cooley introduces the Who What Why series, which focuses on God’s hand in history.
The series releases three titles at a time: “Who” (biographies), “What” (historical events or inventions), and “Why” (theology and history).
The new titles in the series are centered around the abolition movement, a significant historical event heavily influenced by Christianity.
Segment 2: Why Abolition and the New Titles
Danika explains why she chose to focus on the abolition movement for the new titles.
Abolition was a movement that affected millions of people and was primarily spearheaded by Christians, making it crucial for children to understand.
The new titles include Who Were the Abolitionists?, What Was the Underground Railroad?, and Why Did Slavery End?.
Segment 3: Impactful Stories and Lessons
Melanie asks Danika about the stories and lessons that made a significant impact on her while researching and writing these books.
Danika discusses the incredible stories of abolitionists, their journeys to faith, and their contributions to the movement.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding what Scripture says about slavery and the application of Scripture in history.
Segment 4: Modifying the Content for Younger Audiences
Melanie and Danika discuss the challenge of addressing slavery for a younger audience and how to modify the content.
Danika explains how she focused on calling slavery a sin, showing how it broke families, and using appropriate language for younger readers.
The importance of not shying away from history but presenting it in a way that young readers can understand and engage with is emphasized.
Segment 5: Teaching Slavery and Abolition to Children
Melanie asks for advice on how parents can effectively teach their children about slavery and abolition.
Danika suggests bringing everything back to God’s Word and discussing biblical principles while using historical context.
She recommends reading aloud with children, discussing real-life examples, and addressing abstract concepts concretely.
Danika emphasizes the importance of having discussions about biblical worldviews with children.
Segment 6: Additional Materials and Activities
Danika mentions that she has created lap books and crafts to complement her books, which are available for free.
She suggests reading additional books and narratives about figures like Olaudah Equiano, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Tubman, depending on the age and maturity of the child.
Some of these books may be suitable for older children but should be approached with care.
Segment 7: Encouraging Critical Thinking and Applying Scripture
Danika shares the importance of teaching children about civil disobedience from a biblical perspective.
Melanie and Danika discuss the relevance of this topic and how it can lead to deeper conversations about faith and action.
Danika emphasizes the need for children to know what the Bible says, apply it to their lives, and think through issues biblically.
Segment 8: Future Titles in the Who What Why Series
Danika reveals that future titles in the series will explore the Exodus movement, Jesus in the New Testament, and continue to cycle through history.
There are discussions about expanding the series to cover even more historical events.
Conclusion
Melanie thanks Danika for joining the show and discussing her latest books and the importance of teaching children about Christian history and biblical worldviews.
For more information on Danika Cooley’s books and the Who What Why series, visit whowhatwhyseries.com.
Melanie introduces the topic of dating philosophies and their extremes. Discusses the “too strict” philosophy born out of fear of negative consequences and wrong partners. Mentions the extreme position of advocating courtship instead of dating, involving parental involvement and no kissing. Highlights challenges of implementing the “too strict” philosophy, especially with strong-willed teens. Shares examples of success stories and failures within this philosophy.
Explores the “too lax” philosophy rooted in fear of losing the parent-child relationship. Discusses lack of enforced rules, including premarital sex and sleepovers. Presents examples of both successful and unsuccessful outcomes within this philosophy. Points out potential consequences such as broken homes and strained relationships.
Finding the “Just-Right” Approach
Melanie encourages listeners to avoid extreme approaches and seek a balanced perspective. Advocates teaching through fear of natural consequences rather than punishment. Shares personal story of the power of fear of consequences. Recommends using resources like the video Sex Still Has a Price Tag to illustrate real-life consequences. Suggests sharing examples of well-adjusted couples who adhered to biblical principles. References Tommy Nelson’s Bible study on courtship from the book of Song of Solomon.
Advocates coaching approach by asking open-ended questions and guiding discussions. Emphasizes that rules should be tailored to each family’s values and dynamics. Discusses the importance of maintaining open communication and dialogue with teens. Advises parents to prioritize their relationship with their children while discussing dating. Highlights the need for affection and attention, even in the teenage years. Reminds parents to show humility and be willing to adapt their approach. Discusses the significance of prayer in shaping a child’s dating experiences. Shares the historical example of Augustine’s mother’s prayers influencing the faith of her son and the church. Encourages listeners to find the right dating philosophy and make changes when needed. Emphasizes the value of humility and flexibility in parenting. Have a happy homeschool week!
3 Keys To Staying Sane While Homeschooling Strong-Willed Kids
Aug 26, 2023
Show notes
Introduction:
In this episode, we’re addressing a common challenge among homeschoolers: homeschooling strong-willed children. While strong-willed kids have potential to be world changers, homeschooling them can be overwhelming. Tune in to discover three key strategies to maintain your sanity while homeschooling strong-willed kids.
Strong-willed children tend to rebel against rules, especially when rules seem arbitrary. A poorly conceived rule can trigger defiance and disrespect. Suggested solution: Limit the number of rules and make sure they’re essential, connected to safety and values. Focus on rules that truly matter, and eliminate those that trigger unnecessary conflict. Seek a balance between respecting authority and avoiding nonsensical rules.
Step 2: Provide Constructive Challenges:
Strong-willed kids thrive on challenges; without them, they may challenge parents. Offer avenues for constructive challenges to redirect their energy. Allow competition: Engage in sports, games, self-competition, or challenges related to various subjects. Provide leadership opportunities: Let them supervise younger siblings or teach a subject, fostering responsibility. Assign passion projects: Engage in ambitious endeavors like starting a business, writing a book, or pursuing a skill.
Step 3: Express Unconditional Love:
Assure your strong-willed child that your love is unwavering. They might assume you prefer easygoing children over them. Make an effort to show appreciation and approval for their unique traits, including their strong will. Lovingly address defiance, disobedience, or immoral behavior – discipline is a form of love. Discipline, combined with love, nurtures a healthy parent-child relationship.
Conclusion:
Homeschooling strong-willed children is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. By limiting arbitrary rules, providing constructive challenges, and expressing unconditional love, you can maintain your sanity and build a strong parent-child bond.
In our next episode, we’ll delve into finding a dating philosophy for your family. If you found this episode valuable, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow homeschoolers. Until next time, have a wonderful week of homeschooling!
Overcoming Options Overwhelm
Aug 22, 2023
Show notesWatch on YouTube
Introduction:
Homeschooling options have exploded over the years, leading to overwhelm.
Three steps to escape overwhelm and make confident choices.
Sponsor
With Reading Eggs, your homeschoolers will enjoy a highly personalized learning journey, designed to support them at every stage. Plus, you’ll get four programs in one with your subscription – Reading Eggs, Reading Eggspress, Reading Eggs Junior, and Fast Phonics. Our interactive lessons are based on scientific research and feature colorful animations, fun music, and exciting rewards to keep your children motivated to learn.
“My kids are homeschooled and this is the best reading and math site that I have ever found. My son started not knowing all the letter sounds and within a few months he was reading at a first grade level.” – Mehdi C.
Homeschool Freedom With Connor Boyack
Aug 08, 2023
Show notes
Hey, homeschoolers! For me and for so many of you, homeschooling is about freedom—the freedom to educate our children ourselves, the freedom to teach our values. It’s a freedom that we often take for granted. Sometimes it’s a freedom that feels at odds with government education and programs.
I am happy to have Connor Boyack join me for an enlightening discussion of freedom in homeschooling. Connor is a popular speaker at the Great Homeschool Conventions, but we have not had a chance to connect there. He is founder and president of Libertas Institute, a free market think tank in Utah. Named one of Utah’s most politically influential people by The Salt Lake Tribune, Connor’s leadership has led to dozens of legislative victories spanning a wide range of areas such as privacy, government transparency, property rights, entrepreneurship, education, personal freedom, and more.
Author of over two dozen books, Connor is best known for The Tuttle Twins books, a children’s series introducing young readers to economic, political, and civic principles.
Connor lives near Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife and two homeschooled children. I hope you appreciate his perspective as much as I did.
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Hey, homeschoolers! Do you ever have days that go so badly that you just want to throw your hands up in surrender? I know I have. In this episode, we’ll discuss a better approach than surrender for a day that’s a dumpster fire.
In this episode, Melanie Wilson explores the concept of rewriting our life stories and guiding our children to do the same.
Introduction
Melanie introduces the topic of dating philosophies and their extremes and encourages parents to find an approach that is just right for their family.
Hey, homeschoolers! For me and for so many of you, homeschooling is about freedom—the freedom to educate our children ourselves, the freedom to teach our values. It’s a freedom that we often take for granted. Sometimes it’s a freedom that feels at odds with government education and programs.
