Ep.125 - How to Homeschool Without a Co-Op and Still Find Community | Throwback Thursday

Ep.125 - How to Homeschool Without a Co-Op and Still Find Community | Throwback Thursday

Homeschooling can feel wonderful and lonely at the very same time — especially when there's no co-op nearby, or the ones around you just don't fit. Here's the good news: real community is absolutely possible without one. In this Throwback Thursday favorite, homeschool expert Christy-Faith busts the socialization myth and shares 8 natural ways to find your people, whether you're an extrovert or a shy park-bench introvert. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] In this episode, you'll learn: * Why homeschooling without a co-op does NOT mean your kids are missing out * The truth about homeschool socialization — and why school-style socializing was never the gold standard * 8 natural ways to build real community: faith groups, volunteering, playgroups, libraries, museums, neighbors, and more * How everyday errands and conversations grow your child's emotional intelligence and confidence * Simple scripts to break the ice with new homeschool families — even if you're shy * Why the depth of your friendships matters far more than the number * 3 doable action steps to start finding your people this week Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith]  •  Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real, long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment [https://learningrx.com/] (use code HOME50) True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started [https://truenorthhomeschool.academy/] Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] — Christy-Faith's book; see Chapter 7 for the healthy-socialization checklist * How to Find the Best Homeschool Co-Op (And When to Walk Away) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ygvg_zxZ_g] * The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com [https://christy-faiths-list.com] * Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - Introduction * (00:22) - Homeschooling Without a Co-Op Can Feel Lonely (You're Not Alone) * (01:17) - The Pressure to Justify Your Homeschool * (03:20) - The Socialization Myth, Busted * (04:17) - Depth Over Numbers: Real-World Socialization * (10:10) - Faith Communities & Starting a Small Group * (11:16) - Volunteering & Playgroups * (12:52) - Breaking the Ice at the Park * (13:50) - Libraries & Community Hubs * (16:18) - Museums, Science Centers & Your Neighbors * (17:57) - Clubs, Sports & Built-In Activities * (23:49) - Finding Your People Takes Time * (25:31) - 3 Action Steps to Take This Week * (27:01) - You Can Thrive Without a Co-Op

Ep.124 - The Homeschool Boy Episode Every Mom Needs | Remembering Durenda Wilson

If you're raising boys, you already know they don't always learn the way school expects them to — and that can leave you wondering if something is wrong. In this throwback episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with the beloved Durenda Wilson to talk about how boys actually learn and how to raise them into capable, confident men. We're revisiting this conversation in loving memory of Durenda. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] In this episode, you'll learn: * Why boys often learn differently than girls — and what the brain research actually shows * How to let go of rigid scope-and-sequence without feeling like you're falling behind * Why movement, energy, and hands-on learning matter so much for boys * How to raise self-directed sons who take ownership of their own learning * The relationship-first approach that keeps boys from burning out on school * How to protect connection while still teaching resilience and hard things * Why sibling conflict is actually training ground for real life * How to homeschool with the long game in mind — raising capable, confident men Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith]  |  👉 Get 50% Off [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * Durenda Wilson — her books and podcast: durendawilson.com [https://durendawilson.com] * The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com [https://christy-faiths-list.com] * Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] About our guest: Durenda Wilson was a homeschooling author, speaker, and podcaster with more than 30 years of home education experience. A mom of eight — seven graduated — and grandmother of ten, she was a trusted voice at homeschooling conventions and the host of The Durenda Wilson Podcast. Her books include The Four Hour School Day, The Unhurried Homeschooler, and Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart. Durenda passed away recently, and this throwback is shared in loving memory of her. 👉 durendawilson.com [https://durendawilson.com] Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - Introduction & Remembering Durenda Wilson * (01:34) - Meet Durenda Wilson & Her Heart for Boys * (03:48) - Why Boys Need a Different Approach * (06:36) - How Boys Actually Learn * (13:25) - Ditching Rigid Scope & Sequence * (16:32) - Raising Self-Directed, Resilient Sons * (21:13) - Raising Boys Who Become Capable Men * (24:15) - Relationship Over Busywork * (34:27) - Homeschooling with Long-Term Vision * (40:11) - Modeling a Balanced Life * (48:34) - Sibling Relationships as Training Ground * (54:14) - Final Encouragement

Ep. 123 - Homeschool Hot Takes: Unschooling, Curriculum Overload, and Starting Later | Live Q&A

Is unschooling going too far — or is it exactly right? In this live Q&A from the Summer Homeschool Help Desk series, homeschool expert Christy-Faith pulls no punches on unschooling's real risks, curriculum overload, whether it's too late to start in high school, and what it actually takes to raise a well-educated child at home. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] In this episode, you'll learn: * Why Christy-Faith believes pure unschooling carries real risks — and what she calls educational neglect * The difference between unschooling, deschooling, and interest-led learning * How to use BJU Press without doing every single thing in the curriculum * Whether it's too late to start homeschooling in middle or high school (spoiler: it's not) * How working moms and single moms can realistically homeschool * What to do when your child can't spell and it's affecting their confidence * How to source curriculum so it doesn't require you sitting next to your kid every second * Real questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help Desk Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith] | Get 50% Off [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment [https://learningrx.com/] — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * How to Homeschool Guide [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-how-to-homeschool-guide] — free 23-page ebook for anyone considering or just starting homeschool * 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder [https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder] — free quiz to discover your homeschool style in under 5 minutes * Free Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] — Christy-Faith's curated list by subject, no paid placements * Thrive Homeschool Community [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool moms * The Christy-Faith List [https://christy-faiths-list.com] — free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses and providers Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk * (02:00) - Christy's Free Resources for Homeschool Moms * (06:45) - Spelling Struggles and Older Students * (11:35) - Curriculum Overload: How Much Is Too Much? * (18:00) - Is It Too Late to Pull My Kids Out of School? * (19:45) - Homeschooling While Working or in School Yourself * (28:45) - Christy's Hot Take on Unschooling * (36:15) - Single Moms, Working Moms, and Thrive * (38:40) - You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

Ep. 122 - Working Moms, Curriculum Choices, and Homeschool Structure | Live Q&A

You've been up at midnight Googling curriculum, schedule templates, and whether you're doing enough. That stops here. In this Summer Homeschool Help Desk Live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith — author of Homeschool Rising and a homeschooling mom of four who also works full time — answers real questions from real moms on curriculum choices, daily structure, living books, reading gaps, toddlers underfoot, and how to stop doing it all yourself. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] In this episode, you'll learn: * How working moms make homeschooling work — and why "sourcing" is the real secret * How to choose curriculum strategically so you're not teaching every subject yourself * Why kids need structure (backed by 70 years of child psychology research) and what it actually looks like * How to handle naysayers and skeptics who question your homeschool decision * How to teach history in a way kids love — spines, living books, and picture books explained * What to do if your child is behind in reading or has a suspected learning disability * How to manage homeschooling when you have toddlers in the house * Why the Christy-Faith List is the homeschool resource you didn't know you needed Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith] | Purchase (50% off) [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder [https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder] — Free quiz to discover your homeschool style or pedagogy * How to Homeschool Guide [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-how-to-homeschool-guide] — Free 26-page ebook: 6 steps to get started and launch * Free Sample Homeschool Schedules [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-sample-homeschool-schedules] — Preschool through high school * Free Curriculum Comparison Chart [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-comparison-chart] * Free Curriculum Recommendations Download [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] — Christy-Faith's fail-proof subject-by-subject list * The Christy-Faith List [https://christy-faiths-list.com] — Free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses, doctors, and providers * Thrive Homeschool Community [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool moms Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - Introduction & Summer Help Desk Series * (01:45) - Meet Christy-Faith & Free Resources Overview * (04:00) - Free Resources: Style Finder, How to Homeschool Guide & More * (06:00) - Working Moms & Homeschooling: How to Make It Work * (08:10) - How to Teach History with Living Books & Spines * (09:00) - New Homeschoolers: Where to Start * (11:30) - Why Kids Need Structure (What the Research Says) * (15:20) - The Christy-Faith List: Find Providers Who Get You * (15:30) - Curriculum Recommendations Download * (18:00) - Handling Naysayers & Building Your Support Tribe * (19:30) - Daily Schedules, Habit Stacking & Chores * (22:00) - When Other Homeschool Moms Judge Your Choices * (24:00) - Teaching History Across Age Gaps * (27:00) - Spines, Living Books & How to Use Both * (28:00) - Reading Disabilities, Dyslexia & When to Seek Help * (32:00) - Homeschooling with Toddlers in the House * (35:20) - Multisensory Curriculum & Final Questions * (36:20) - Closing Encouragement

Ep. 121 - Are You Sheltering Your Kids or Giving Them What They Need? | Live Q&A

You've heard the question — maybe from a relative, a neighbor, or a stranger at a party: aren't you sheltering your kids? In this archived Summer Homeschool Help Desk live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith answers real questions from real homeschool moms and unpacks the difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" them — protecting them while they grow strong. Because a strong homeschool was never about the perfect curriculum. It's about a secure, confident mom who knows her why. 🎁 Free Resource: The 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder [https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder] There are 9 homeschool styles — and when you know yours, the curriculum, the schedule, and your whole approach finally click. Take the free quiz and find your fit. 👉 Take the Free Quiz [https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder] In this episode, you'll learn: * The difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" them * Why a strong homeschool isn't built on the perfect curriculum * How to become a secure, confident homeschool leader who knows her "why" * How to handle the pressure to prove your kids are keeping up * Why trauma doesn't build resilient adults — but healthy challenge does * How to find your homeschool style (and why it matters before you buy curriculum) * When reading struggles mean it's time to get an evaluation * Real questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help Desk Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith] 👉 Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment [https://learningrx.com/] — use code HOME50 True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started [https://truenorthhomeschool.academy/] Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder: find your homeschool style [https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder] * Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] * Homeschool Rising (Christy-Faith's book): Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] * The Christy-Faith List — find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com [https://christy-faiths-list.com] Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk * (04:30) - The Critics and Pressure Homeschool Moms Face * (08:30) - Where Homeschoolers Get Stuck * (16:00) - How to Find Your Homeschool Style * (21:00) - Best Practices Over What's Popular * (28:30) - Knowing Your "Why" as the Homeschool Leader * (36:00) - Why Investing in Your Homeschool Isn't Selfish * (40:00) - "Aren't You Sheltering Your Kids?" * (43:00) - Sheltering vs. Greenhousing: Raising Resilient Kids * (48:00) - Reading Struggles and When to Get Help * (53:30) - The Christy-Faith List + Final Encouragement