From Principal to Homeschooling for Freedom — My Story on The Torch Mom Podcast

3 Tips for Planning Your Next Homeschool Year (From Inside Ready 2026)

If “plan for next school year” is sitting on your mental to-do list and just looking at it makes you tired, then this one’s for you. We’re three weeks into Ready 2026 [https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888] (the 21-day planning group I’m hosting right now), and I’ve been paying close attention to what’s actually working for the moms inside. Not theory. Not what should work. What’s genuinely moving the needle for real homeschool moms planning a real school year. In this episode, I’m sharing the three tips that keep coming up: * Create a plan to plan. Before you open one more curriculum tab, pause. You need a container and a sequence — not more research. * Start with your curriculum philosophy. Curriculum is the #1 anxiety-producer in homeschool planning. Starting with your why (instead of the sea of options) changes everything. * Don’t plan in a silo. I spent years as a teacher and principal, and I almost never planned alone — there’s a reason. Community brings better ideas and the accountability that actually gets the plan done. If you want the whole 21-day system done-for-you (calendar, curriculum charts for ELA, math, science, and history, Google Doc + Sheet templates, daily prompts, and a WhatsApp community of moms doing it alongside you), the June Ready 2026 group kicks off June 1st. Join now and you get early access to all 21 days [https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888]. We’ll move through them live together in WhatsApp June 1–21. It’s $21. Link to join 👉🏽 https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888 [https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888] Timestamps: * 00:00 — Why these three tips (and where they came from) * 00:35 — Tip #1: Create a plan for how you’re going to plan * 02:08 — Tip #2: Start with your curriculum philosophy * 03:31 — Tip #3: Do it in community * 05:05 — Recap + how to join Ready 2026 (June group) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com [https://theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Prioritize You: The Mindsets That Keep Homeschool Moms Going

As a homeschool mom, you’re carrying a lot. You’re not just mom. You’re teacher, schedule-keeper, curriculum-chooser, and everything in between. And somewhere in all of that, it’s really easy to put yourself last. In this episode, I’m sharing the mindsets that keep me grounded, the ones I come back to when the weight of it all starts to feel like too much. We’re talking about what it actually means to do enough, why you don’t have to do it all, the power of treating your homeschool like an experiment, and why your happiness is the thermostat for your whole home. I’m also sharing one practical thing you can do right now to start putting yourself first and there is no overhaul required. Because when you’re good, everything else has a much better shot at being good too. 🎧 Listen to this episode and let me know: what’s your one non-negotiable? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com [https://theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

21-Day Homeschool Planning System for the 2026-2027 School Year | Ready 2026 Group

How to Plan Your Homeschool Year in 21 Days [https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888] Are you a homeschool mom feeling overwhelmed by planning the next school year? In this episode, I’m sharing my complete 21-day homeschool planning system designed to help you organize curriculum, set goals, and prepare for the 2026-2027 school year — without the stress and mental overload. Whether you’re a new homeschooler making your first big decisions or a veteran homeschool parent returning for another year, this step-by-step homeschool planning framework will guide you through every decision you need to make. What You’ll Learn in This Homeschool Planning Episode: ✅ Week 1 – Homeschool Foundations: How to define your homeschool why, create a vision statement, set yearly goals for each child, reflect on the previous school year, and audit your current homeschool resources ✅ Week 2 – Homeschool Curriculum Selection: A proven curriculum decision-making framework (developed from real experience choosing curriculum for an entire elementary school) to help you confidently pick the best homeschool curriculum for your family ✅ Week 3 – Homeschool Organization & Systems: How to organize homeschool materials, set up record-keeping systems, track homeschool days and grades, manage high school credits, and stay compliant with your state’s homeschool laws Join the Ready 2026 Homeschool Planning Group [https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888] https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888 [https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888] Want to plan your homeschool year alongside other homeschool moms? Join Ready 2026, my small-group homeschool planning challenge starting May 1st. You’ll get: * Daily planning prompts following the 21-day system * A private WhatsApp community of homeschool moms * Direct access to ask questions and share progress * Accountability to finish your homeschool plan by May 21st * Homeschool planning workbook (Google Sheets & Docs format) * Curriculum selection framework * Goal-setting templates for each child Perfect for homeschool moms who want to: * Finish homeschool planning before summer * Enjoy a stress-free June, July, and August * Start the new school year feeling confident and organized * Connect with a supportive homeschool community Topics Covered: homeschool planning, homeschool curriculum, homeschool organization, homeschool schedule, homeschool mom, homeschool routine, back to homeschool, homeschool year planning, homeschool goals, homeschool record keeping Connect With Me: Have questions about homeschool planning? DM me on social media, comment on Substack, or send an email. I’d love to hear about your homeschool journey and see your completed plan! 🎧 Listen now and start planning your best homeschool year yet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com [https://theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Voice Note 33: Pivoting With Purpose: Tiffany’s Lessons from Year One of Homeschooling

Your first year of homeschooling isn’t about perfection — it’s about pivoting with purpose. In this episode, I talk with Tiffany Smith (@rooted.inlearning), a Florida homeschooling mom of two who made the transition from corporate life to full-time motherhood and homeschooling. Tiffany shares what her first year really looked like — the lessons, the pivots, the planning tweaks, and the wins that gave her confidence going into year two. You’ll hear: * Why kindergarten didn’t work for her daughter and how she trusted her intuition * What the “learning year” looked like in real life * How she handled curriculum gaps and changes with confidence * The systems she uses for planning, organization, and self-care * How she balances part-time work while homeschooling two little ones * The joy she’s found in a slower pace, intentional learning, and strong community ✨ A grounding, encouraging listen for homeschool moms at any stage — especially those navigating their first year. About Tiffany: Hi, I’m Tiffany! I’m a 32-year-old wife and homeschooling girl mom living our best Florida life — from beach days to biking, hiking, exploring the springs, and a little Disney. Our homeschool is Christ-centered, with a strong emphasis on quality education. We take an eclectic, year-round approach, blending hands-on activities, unit studies, and plenty of real-world learning. Every day is an opportunity to grow, discover, and enjoy the journey together! ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Meet Tiffany: Florida mom of two, adventurer, and new homeschooler 02:00 – Why she knew kindergarten wasn’t the right fit 06:00 – Trusting her gut and bringing her daughter home 10:00 – Leaving corporate work: fears, peace, and new beginnings 14:00 – The “learning year” and what it taught her 18:00 – The myth of socialization & finding real community 24:00 – Curriculum pivots: what worked and what didn’t 32:00 – Planning rhythm: weekly structure, pacing, and balance 39:00 – Homeschool + part-time work: what this looks like 47:00 – Self-care, faith, and protecting your peace 54:00 – Favorite resources + curriculum she loves 1:06:00 – Encouragement for new homeschool moms: pivot with purpose 1:13:00 – Where to connect with Tiffany 🔗 Resources & Links Tiffany’s Favorites & Mentions: * The Good and the Beautiful [https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/collections/language-arts] (Language Arts & History) * Abeka [https://www.abeka.com/Search.aspx#stq=&subject=MATH] (Math) * All About Reading [https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading/] * Horizon [https://aop.com/products/horizons-spelling-vocab-box-set-jsc100] (Spelling) [https://aop.com/products/horizons-spelling-vocab-box-set-jsc100] * BJU Press [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/science] (Science) * LIFEPAC [https://aop.com/collections/lifepac] (Bible Curriculum) * CrunchLabs [https://www.crunchlabs.com/pages/subscription-comparison] (STEM subscription) * The Well Ordered Homeschool Planner [https://www.thewellorderedhomeschool.com/collections/all] 🔗 Social Media * Connect with Tiffany on Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@rooted.inlearning] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rooted.inlearning] * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool [https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedhomeschool] * Listen & subscribe: Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-notes-from-the-organized-homeschool/id1821652066] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0j45Sxj9CYwmtDcdFJnXri] | Substack [https://theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com [https://theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

From Principal to Homeschooling for Freedom — My Story on The Torch Mom Podcast

In this episode of The Torch Mom Podcast with Tia Lilley, I share my story of walking away from a career in education to build a life of freedom through homeschooling. I open up about my journey from being a 26-year-old principal and workaholic to becoming a homeschool mom who finally found peace, purpose, and joy at home. We talk about the fears I faced leaving the system, how motherhood completely changed my definition of success, and what freedom truly looks like for our family today. Tia and I also dive into how I’m helping other moms simplify homeschooling, find calm in their days, and build homes that feel good to live and learn in. If you’ve ever wondered what it might look like to trade the chaos for calm and create a life you actually love waking up to — this one’s for you. 🔖 Chapters 00:00 — Childhood lessons from strong women 04:30 — From dolls to principal: how teaching found me 07:30 — Pregnancy, power, and learning to slow down 12:00 — An unexpected labor story (and a 9½ cm surprise) 19:00 — What kids really crave in education 22:00 — Safety scares and the moment I knew I couldn’t go back 27:00 — The sculptor’s journey: chipping away toward freedom 36:00 — The tears, fear, and faith of leaving the system 37:30 — What “freedom” looks like for our homeschool 39:00 — Protecting the fun — and why play matters 45:00 — Balancing motherhood, business, and self-care 49:00 — Dreaming of location freedom and travel learning 52:00 — Helping other moms simplify homeschool planning 56:00 — Encouragement for overwhelmed moms 59:00 — Mirror work, gratitude, and the art of becoming 1:08:00 — The legacy of confident, joyful kids 1:09:00 — The Homeschool for Freedom Expo vision 1:12:00 — One word that defines motherhood: Freeing 🔗 Resources & Links * 📘 Homeschool for Freedom Planner [https://stan.store/theorganizedhomeschool/p/homeschool-for-freedom-planner] * 🗓 Join the Homeschool for Freedom Expo Waitlist [https://homeschool-for-freedom-2.kit.com/254c929989] * 🎧 Subscribe to The Torch Mom Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-torch-mom-podcast/id1646106223] * Follow The Torch Mom Podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetorchmompodcast/] * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool [https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedhomeschool] * Listen & subscribe: Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voice-notes-from-the-organized-homeschool/id1821652066] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0j45Sxj9CYwmtDcdFJnXri] | Substack [https://theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com [https://theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]