EP 19: Can I Really Teach My Child to Read? Simple Phonics for Homeschool Moms

EP 19: Can I Really Teach My Child to Read? Simple Phonics for Homeschool Moms

Teaching your child to read can feel overwhelming—especially when the world says kids should already be reading by age five. In this episode, I’m joined by Melanie, former core literacy teacher and host of the globally ranked Phonics Rules for Kids podcast, to talk about what learning to read actually looks like for real kids. Melanie shares practical, encouraging advice for homeschool moms who want to teach reading with confidence using simple phonics skills—without tears, overwhelm, or constant battles at home. In this conversation we discuss: * The normal age range for children learning to read * Signs your child is truly ready for reading instruction * The best age to begin phonics lessons * How to make phonics fun and engaging * Whether you really need a phonics curriculum * Strategies that help kids with ADHD stay engaged during lessons * Encouragement for moms battling self-doubt in homeschooling If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really teach my child to read?” this episode will leave you feeling equipped, encouraged, and reminded that you absolutely can.   Ready to Get your kiddo reading by lesson 5? Check out Melanie's Curriculum to make your mom life simple to teach reading! [https://www.phonicsrulesforkids.com] Find the Phonics Rules for Kids Podcast with Melanie Jefferey Here [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phonics-rules-for-kids-best-homeschool-kindergarten/id1771772664] with all the tips to get your kiddo reading without tears!    Let's chat! Email me at Kelsieshelaine@gmail.com

EP 18: Debating Public School Next Year? Why More Parents Are Choosing to Homeschool

What if your child isn’t failing school… but school is failing your child? In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest reasons families are turning to homeschooling: their kids were struggling in the traditional school system. Whether it’s falling behind academically, anxiety in the classroom, learning differently, lack of individualized attention, or simply feeling defeated every day at school—many parents are realizing their child doesn’t need more pressure, they need a different environment. We’re diving into the real benefits of homeschooling for kids who: * Learn at a different pace * Feel overwhelmed in a classroom setting * Struggle with confidence or anxiety * Need more flexibility and one-on-one support * Thrive when learning becomes personal instead of standardized We’ll also touch on concerns like bullying, school environment, and curriculum—but this conversation is really about helping kids rediscover a love of learning and giving families permission to think outside the traditional school box. If you’ve been wondering whether homeschooling could help your child thrive, this episode is for you. #Homeschooling #StrugglingLearner #HomeschoolMom #AlternativeEducation #ParentingPodcast #HomeschoolLife #EducationMatters Let's chat email me at KelsieShelaine@gmail.com [KelsieShelaine@gmail.com]  with any questions or comments along the way!  What to listen to next!  Curriculum Help- An Interview with the Curriculum Queen  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-through-motherhood-christian-mom-podcast-faith/id1742552922?i=1000672255755]

EP 17: What If Jesus Says, "I Never Knew You"?: How to Know you are truly saved

How do you know if you're truly saved? Can a Christian lose their salvation? What did Jesus mean when He said, "I never knew you"? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Amanda Grantham—a homeschooling mom, pastor's wife, worship leader, and women's ministry leader—to have an honest conversation about salvation, faith, assurance, and spiritual doubt. Together we discuss: * How to know if you are saved * The meaning of "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23) * The difference between knowing about Jesus and having a relationship with Him * Signs of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life * The fruit of genuine faith * Why so many Christian women struggle with fear, insecurity, and feeling "not enough" * Baptism and salvation * Finding confidence in God's grace instead of striving for perfection If you've ever questioned your salvation, wrestled with assurance of faith, or wondered whether you're truly following Jesus, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for your walk with God. Resources Mentioned: The Fruit of the Spirits Not a Coconut [https://youtu.be/Rezg4jYFoj0?si=gUVwpe4pR5YbXtAr] Josh Howerton- What Happens When You Ignore Your Conscience Sermon [https://youtu.be/LyBJ6WTkoII?si=-25HkzV4n3xKo31Q] Live Free Podcast Are Aliens Demons? [?si=_TA7_TKccWaDpBhl] Start at 53:15 for this topic Thanks so much to Amanda for joining me!

EP 16: How to Study Your Bible (Even If You’re a Busy Mom)

Struggling to understand or find excitement in reading your Bible—even if you’re reading it consistently? In this episode, I share how slowing down your Bible reading (even just one chapter a day) can help you study, understand, and connect with Scripture. You’ll learn how to: ✨ Ask better questions while reading the Bible ✨ Study Scripture without overwhelm ✨ Follow curiosity and go deeper ✨ Use simple tools to find answers fast Perfect for the busy mom who wants deeper Bible study without spending hours a day.

EP 15: Slowing Down The Bible Recap: How to Stop Rushing and Start Connecting with God

Have you ever felt like you’re rushing through your Bible reading just to keep up? Like you’re showing up every day… but not actually slowing down enough to connect with God? In this episode, I share what happened when I lost my 474-day Bible streak—and why it was the shift I didn’t know I needed. Instead of trying to keep up with a fast pace, I started slowing down—using a familiar Bible reading plan as a guide, but giving myself permission to move differently. If you’ve been wanting to slow down while still following along… use your paper Bible… watch the videos… actually have time to explore what you’re learning… and dive into the note sections instead of skipping past them… this episode is for you. We’re also talking about how to ask simple but powerful questions like: 👉 What is my “God shot” for today? …and actually give yourself the space to answer it. This is for the busy mom who wants to stay consistent in the Word—without feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or disconnected. If you’ve been craving deeper connection, not just completion—this is your invitation to slow down. Lets Connect find me on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kelsie.folsom/]