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

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

Ep.120 - Homeschool Moms Asked Me Their Hardest Questions. Here Are My Answers.

Is it ever too late to start homeschooling? What curriculum should you actually trust? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith opens the floor and answers the hardest questions real homeschool moms brought to her live Q&A — from homeschooling a gifted kindergartner to choosing curriculum, deschooling, and whether to school straight through the summer. 🎁 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: * Whether it's ever too late to start homeschooling — even with an eleventh grader * How to choose homeschool curriculum you can actually trust (and why Christy won't just hand you a list) * What to do when you're homeschooling a gifted child — especially with a new baby in the house * How to find your homeschool style so curriculum decisions get easier * What deschooling is and why most new homeschoolers need it first * How to keep US curriculum going when your family moves overseas * The real case for and against homeschooling year-round vs. taking summers off * When it makes sense to outsource the subjects that aren't your strong suit 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 [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: * Free Curriculum Recommendations — Christy's by-subject list of curriculum she trusts: Free Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] * 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — Discover your homeschooling style in five minutes: Homeschool Style Finder [https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder] * How to Homeschool Guide — Christy's free getting-started guide: How to Homeschool Guide [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-how-to-homeschool-guide] * 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] ⭐ New to homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 [https://christy-faith.com/podcast/how-to-start-homeschooling-part-1-3-the-legal-stuff-choosing-the-right-approach/] — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. 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: Is It Ever Too Late to Start? * (01:14) - The Biggest Mistakes Homeschool Moms Make * (12:25) - Choosing Curriculum You Can Actually Trust * (13:06) - Homeschooling a Gifted Child with a Newborn * (14:46) - Finding Your Homeschool Style * (17:39) - Deschooling: Where to Begin * (25:51) - What Thrive Community Actually Offers * (30:52) - Curriculum Help for Multiple Ages * (32:00) - Homeschooling Across Borders * (39:08) - Year-Round or Summers Off? * (43:03) - Outsourcing the Hard Subjects * (45:06) - The Math Program I Use + Final Encouragement

Ep. 119 - Why Boredom Is the Best Thing You Can Give Your Kids This Summer

Before you spend another $500 on summer camp, ask one question: is boredom actually bad for your kids — or is it exactly what their growing brains need? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith makes the research-backed case that slow, unstructured, "boring" summers are one of the most powerful gifts you can give your kids. She breaks down what the science says, why their "I'm bored" makes us panic, and five simple moves for a slower, richer summer. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] I spill the tea! 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 boredom is good for kids — and the brain science that proves it * What the CDC found about kids, screen time, and rising anxiety and depression * How the brain's "default mode network" fuels creativity, memory, and identity * Why unstructured play and white space matter more than another summer camp * The real reason your kid's "I'm bored" makes YOU feel so uncomfortable * How sitting with boredom builds frustration tolerance and emotional regulation * 5 practical moves for a slower, richer summer — including the "fridge list" * The one-afternoon challenge that shows you what your kids can do on their own 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 [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: * 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 * (00:37) - The Summer Camp Trap * (02:43) - The Summers We Used to Have * (04:06) - What's Replacing Boredom Today * (05:19) - What the Research Says About Boredom * (13:37) - Why Boredom Makes Us Uncomfortable * (16:47) - White Space Is Not Neglect * (20:47) - 5 Moves for a Slower, Richer Summer * (25:48) - Your One-Afternoon Challenge

Ep. 118 - How to Build a Professional Homeschool Transcript (With Joan Girkins from Homeschool Records)

If you've been putting off building a homeschool transcript because it feels too complicated, too official, or just too much — this episode is for you. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Joan Girkins, founder of Homeschool Records and a veteran homeschool mom of 20+ years, to demystify the entire process and give you a real, confidence-building action plan. 🎁 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 keeping homeschool records matters — even if your state doesn't require it * Whether a homeschool transcript carries the same weight as a public or private school transcript * What "accreditation" actually means and why it's not a barrier for homeschool families * When to start building your child's transcript (hint: 9th grade, out of the gate) * What colleges actually want to see — and how to work backwards from their requirements * Why record-keeping matters even if your child isn't college-bound * How a student resume (activities, awards, achievements) can open doors to military academies, scholarships, and more * How Homeschool Records' guided platform teaches you how to build a transcript as you go * What to do if you've been homeschooling for years with zero paper trail * The exclusive listener coupon code — use CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off + free trial at Homeschool Records 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 [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: * Homeschool Records — Joan's guided platform for professional transcripts & student resumes. Free trial + use code CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off: homeschoolrecords.com [https://homeschoolrecords.com/] * Solid Rock Consulting Services — Joan's consulting firm: solidrockconsultingservices.com [https://www.solidrockconsultingservices.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: Joan Girkins is a veteran homeschool mom who homeschooled all four of her children for over 20 years and is now watching her grandchildren be homeschooled. She is the founder of Homeschool Records, a guided online platform that teaches parents how to build professional transcripts, student resumes, and complete academic documentation — step by step, as they go. 👉 homeschoolrecords.com [https://homeschoolrecords.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 & Why Homeschool Records Matter * (02:07) - Joan's Homeschool Story * (04:30) - Why Record-Keeping Brings Integrity to Your Homeschool * (06:28) - Record-Keeping for Every Homeschool Style (Yes, Even Unschoolers) * (10:00) - Does a Homeschool Transcript Carry the Same Weight as Accredited Transcripts? * (13:22) - Colleges Are Actively Recruiting Homeschoolers * (14:58) - Working Backwards from College Requirements * (18:23) - Why Professional Transcripts Matter (First Impressions) * (20:24) - When to Start Building Your Transcript * (21:11) - The Student Resume: Activities, Awards & Achievements * (27:43) - What to Do If You Have Zero Paper Trail * (30:40) - Families Who Aren't Planning on College * (33:08) - Build It As If They Are College Bound * (35:12) - Documentation Deadlines You Don't Want to Miss * (38:49) - How a Well-Documented Record Opens Doors (Including Military Academies) * (41:10) - Record-Keeping Reminds You of How Far You've Come * (41:50) - How Homeschool Records' Platform Works * (43:50) - Record-Keeping for Unschoolers in High School * (46:54) - Listener Discount Code & Free Trial * (47:43) - Joan's Encouragement for Homeschool Moms