122 - Raising Thinkers, Not Subjects: A Conversation with Author and Homeschool Dad, Scott Clifton

122 - Raising Thinkers, Not Subjects: A Conversation with Author and Homeschool Dad, Scott Clifton

Former public school teacher and veteran homeschool educator Scott Clifton joins us to discuss why he and his wife chose homeschooling long before it was popular, what he witnessed inside the public school system, and why Christian parents should feel confident homeschooling through high school. In this conversation, Scott shares stories of students who flourished after leaving traditional schools, explains how homeschool parents can raise independent thinkers instead of passive learners, and offers practical advice for creating engaging learning environments at home and in co-ops. We also discuss Christian literature, choosing books with discernment, the importance of teaching from a biblical worldview, and why one-on-one attention from a loving parent often outperforms even the most credentialed educational systems. Whether you're considering homeschooling, currently teaching high school at home, or simply looking for encouragement on the journey, this episode is packed with wisdom from a teacher who has spent decades helping families succeed. In This Episode *  Why Scott and his wife chose homeschooling before they had children  *  What he witnessed as a public school teacher  *  How homeschool students often flourish after leaving traditional schools  *  Teaching children to think rather than simply repeat answers  *  Creating engaging and memorable learning experiences  *  Why homeschooling high school is more achievable than parents think  *  Choosing literature through a Christian worldview  *  Raising self-directed learners  *  The long-term fruit of homeschooling into adulthood and grandparenthood Show Notes: Published on June 7, 2026 Scott's Website https://www.homeschoolpartners.net/ [https://www.homeschoolpartners.net/] National Home Education Research Institute *  NHERI.org Commonsensemedia.org [https://www.commonsensemedia.org/] Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

121 - What We Learned at the Biggest Homeschool Convention in America (And the Catholic Story We Didn't Expect)

Fresh back from the FPEA Homeschool Convention, Maeve and Mat share some of their favorite moments from a weekend full of encouragement, unexpected conversations, and memorable encounters. From celebrating a homeschool graduation to connecting with Catholic families from across the country, this year's convention revealed a growing hunger for faith, community, and truth. Along the way, a chance conversation led Maeve to discover a Marian apparition (or bi-location, if you really want to be "Catholic-nerd" specific) story that she can't stop thinking about—one that offers a powerful reminder for any parent who has ever wondered if their efforts are making a difference. If you've ever felt discouraged in your homeschooling, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES PUBLISHED MAY 31, 2026 In this episode: *  Highlights from the FPEA Homeschool Convention  *  Celebrating homeschool graduation  *  Debuting the Catholic Homeschool Planner  *  Why Catholic families were seeking each other out  *  The surprising rise in Catholic conversions  *  What recent converts told us about discovering the Church  *  The role of the Early Church Fathers in conversion stories  *  Catholic Schoolhouse and growing Catholic homeschool communities  *  The story of Carlo Acutis and an unexpected convention reunion  *  The fascinating history of Our Lady of Pilar *  How Mary encouraged St. James during a season of discouragement  *  What homeschool parents can learn from that story  *  Encouragement for families wondering if their efforts are making a difference  LINKS MENTIONED *  Catholic Homeschool Planner  *  catholichomeschoolplanner.com  [https://catholichomeschoolplanner.com/] *  Raising Saints TV  *  Raising Saints TV (YouTube)  *  TBHC Homeschool Convention  *  Use code MAEVE26 for registration savings Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

*Replay* 97 How to Get Kids to Listen: A Catholic Homeschool Guide to Habits, Character & Cooperation

Many new or discerning homeschool parents share the same fear: “What if we butt heads all day?” In this episode, Maeve and Matt unpack real listener concerns and offer practical, Catholic-rooted solutions for cooperation, motivation, and peaceful homeschooling. They revisit the timeless wisdom of Charlotte Mason, explore what “first-time obedience” looks like (and why counting to three doesn’t work), and talk honestly about discipline—from biblical authority to gentle consequences to understanding each child’s “currency” of motivation. You’ll also hear a powerful story of how quickly even very young children can form beautiful habits through Mass and catechesis. Expect humor, honesty, and encouragement as they show you how good habits + biblical character + thoughtful motivation can transform your homeschool days. Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

119 - Homeschooling High School Without Fear | Catholic College, Transcripts & Confidence with Jenni Cassidy and Helen Harrold

Homeschooling high school can feel intimidating — transcripts, SATs, AP classes, college admissions… suddenly the stakes feel higher and many homeschool moms begin to doubt themselves. In this deeply encouraging episode, Maeve sits down with Dumb Ox Learning founders Jenni Cassidy and Helen Harrold, two Catholic homeschool mothers who, between them, have homeschooled 14 children across the U.S. and Europe and successfully guided them into college, scholarships, and faithful adulthood. Together they discuss: *  how to homeschool high school without fear  *  why homeschoolers actually have a huge advantage  *  formation vs. information  *  transcripts, AP classes, and scholarships  *  preparing teens for college  *  balancing academics with family life  *  homeschooling multiple ages  *  creating a strong Catholic family culture  *  helping children become lifelong learners  Most importantly, this episode reminds overwhelmed homeschool parents that the goal is not perfection — it’s raising well-formed children who know, love, and serve God. Whether you’re approaching high school or still deep in the little years, this conversation will leave you encouraged, peaceful, and newly confident in your homeschool calling.  Where to find Jenni and Helen Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1EXtuxM1eS/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/1EXtuxM1eS/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumb.oxlearning?igsh=MWtjZ2xoaWZ3enYwNA== [https://www.instagram.com/dumb.oxlearning?igsh=MWtjZ2xoaWZ3enYwNA==] Website:  https://dumboxlearning.com/ [https://dumboxlearning.com/] Email:  dumboxlearning@gmail.com [dumboxlearning@gmail.com]  Mother of Divine Grace: https://modg.org/ [https://modg.org/] Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

118 Catholic Truth, Civil War Reenactments & the Road to Emmaus | Homeschooling for Catholic Parents

In this episode of Homeschooling for Catholic Parents, Maeve and Mat share the exciting countdown to the launch of the new Catholic Homeschool Planner on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day — along with hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from the planner photo shoot, homeschooling life, and camping adventures in rural Florida. The conversation takes a deeper turn as they reflect on truth, integrity, and what it means to raise children who can stand firm in their faith and convictions. From Civil War reenactments at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park to ga-ga ball controversies at campgrounds, Maeve and Mat discuss how character is formed in the small moments of everyday family life. They also unpack a fascinating Catholic insight from the Road to Emmaus account in the Gospel of Luke, exploring church tradition surrounding St. Cleopas, Mary of Clopas, and Jesus’ extended family — a rich piece of Catholic history many Christians have never encountered. In this episode: *  The launch of the Catholic Homeschool Planner  *  Liturgical living and Catholic homeschooling rhythms  *  Camping and Civil War reenactment stories  *  Teaching integrity and truth to children  *  Raising kids who can stand firm in college and culture  *  The Road to Emmaus and Catholic church tradition  *  St. Cleopas, Mary of Clopas, and Jesus’ family  *  Why “the intellect was made for truth as the eye was made for light”  Learn more about the planner at Catholic Homeschool Planner [https://catholichomeschoolplanner.com/].com Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]