Called To Homeschool

Feeling stretched by the little years, wondering how to support a gifted child, or trying to homeschool while solo and on a budget? This conversation is for you. In this episode, Coach Meg shares a gentle, doable roadmap for three big topics moms are asking about—under-7 homeschooling, "gifted" learners, and single-mom strategies—so you can lead your home with calm, clarity, and confidence.

If you’re homeschooling a strong-willed child, you know how draining the daily battles can feel. One mom writes in:"This is my second year homeschooling. I have three girls ages 7, 4, and 2. My oldest is very strong willed, opinionated, loves to debate or negotiate anything I say that involves doing school or other responsibilities she doesn’t like, and takes up a lot of the energetic space of our home. It is like pulling teeth to get her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. I do my best not to yell and use positive requests as well as state and keep boundaries. But they don’t seem to work… I’m feeling so nervous for our school year because our connection feels lacking and I just feel helpless with how to get that connection back so we can have a successful school year.”In this episode, I share how shifting from power struggles to partnership can transform your homeschool. We’ll talk about why parents often unknowingly step into the tug-of-war, how to refocus on the positive, what it looks like to igno

Homeschooling with little ones underfoot isn’t easy — and if you’ve ever felt like your days are chaotic, noisy, and full of interruptions, you’re not alone.In this episode of Called to Homeschool, I’m answering a listener’s question about how to teach a 7-year-old while also caring for a 4-year-old and an 8-month-old baby.You’ll learn:✨ How to keep lessons short, simple, and effective

Burnout happens—even when you love homeschooling and positive parenting. In this candid conversation, my guest shares how she’s navigating the exhaustion of planning lessons, managing kids’ boredom, and preparing to welcome baby #5. We talk about practical ways to regain motivation by lowering expectations, simplifying your days, and focusing on small, consistent habits. You’ll hear encouraging ideas for shifting your mindset, doing less but better, and finding joy in the season you’re in—without running yourself into the ground.

Do homeschool lessons in your house ever drag on…and on…and on? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive into one of Charlotte Mason’s most practical principles: keeping lessons short and focused.You’ll learn:Why short lessons train a child’s full attentionHow brevity prevents burnout and keeps learning freshThe surprising way short lessons create variety, confidence, and peace at homePractical tips for setting lesson times by ageEncouragement for when it feels like “we’re not doing enough”Whether you’re new to Charlotte Mason or looking to bring more joy into your homeschool, this episode will help you simplify lessons, protect relationships, and spark a love of learning in your children.

Do you love the idea of adding fun, whimsy, and faith into your homeschool day—but get stuck when it comes to actually planning it?In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question about balancing structure and creativity, especially when homeschooling kids under 6. If you thrive on schedules but feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities, this one’s for you.We’ll talk about:✨ Why rhythms work better than strict schedules✨ Simple ways to bring in games without overthinking it✨ How to naturally integrate Christianity into your dayYou don’t have to be naturally creative to make homeschooling fun. With a gentle framework, you can build days that feel peaceful, faith-filled, and full of delight.

In this episode, I sit down with a thoughtful homeschool mom who opens up about a common challenge: What do you do when your child doesn’t want to come back to homeschooling? Her daughter was homeschooled in kindergarten, went to public school for first grade, and now Mom is wrestling with whether to bring her home again. We talk through her honest concerns—like taking her daughter away from beloved teachers and friends, and how her child seems to respond better to other adults.We also explore the idea that it’s okay if your child isn’t thrilled about homeschooling—and why your homeschool doesn’t have to look or feel like school to be meaningful. If you’ve ever second-guessed your decision or felt torn between what’s good for your child socially and what feels right for your family long-term, this conversation will speak to you.

In this episode, I answer a heartfelt question from a listener who’s working hard to parent with love and connection—but struggles when it comes to setting and holding boundaries. If you’ve ever felt squeamish or anxious when your kids are upset by limits (especially when your spouse handles it differently!), you’re not alone.We dive into why boundaries are not about control, but about love—and how holding them actually creates more peace and safety in your home. I also share why discomfort isn’t something to fear in our kids, and how growing your confidence in this area can transform your homeschool experience.You’ll also hear how to get started with my free Happy Habits guide—designed to help your family practice simple, doable boundaries in everyday life.

In this episode, I sit down with a homeschool mom who’s feeling the weight of overwhelm as she looks ahead to the school year. We talk about the common pressure to "do it all," how to simplify your approach, and how to know what to teach your kids.If you’ve ever wondered:When should I really start teaching formal writing?How do I know if I’m doing enough?What matters most during the early years of homeschooling?…then this conversation will feel like a deep breath. You’ll hear practical, grace-filled guidance and walk away with permission to slow down and focus on what truly matters.Tune in and get grounded before the homeschool year begins!

Curious what our homeschool is going to look like this year?In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing our plans for the 2025–2026 homeschool year—what we’re focusing on, what we’re simplifying, and how I’m building our rhythm around connection, not just checklists.

Ever dream of taking your homeschool on the road (or across the ocean!)—but feel overwhelmed by the cost, the logistics, or the idea of traveling with ALL the kids?⠀In this episode, I’m sharing how our family makes travel doable, even on a budget—and how we tie every adventure back into our homeschool.⠀

What do you do when your child completely falls apart—whether it’s a full-on meltdown, a flood of tears, or explosive anger?In this episode, we’ll talk about how to stay steady when your child is anything but. You’ll learn what’s really happening in your child’s brain and body during these moments, why your calm matters more than the perfect words, and how to respond in a way that builds trust and long-term resilience.We’ll cover:✨ Practical things to do (and not do) in the heat of the moment✨ What to do to avoid meltdowns in the future✨ And why your own calm is the best gift you can give your kidsIf you’ve ever wondered “Am I handling this right?”—this episode is for you.

When our kids are young, we dream about the kind of family we want to have. We try to build traditions, set values, and create an atmosphere of love and connection—hoping it all pays off someday. Now, with five of my seven kids officially adults, I’m getting to see the fruits of those efforts. In this episode, I share how we intentionally shaped our family culture, the little (and big) things that made a difference, and what it all looks like years down the road. If you’ve ever wondered whether the daily work of building family culture really matters, this episode is for you.

If I could go back and start homeschooling from the beginning, what would I do differently? In this episode, I’m sharing the things I’ve learned through experience—the mindset shifts, the priorities, and the practices I wish I had embraced sooner.We’ll talk about how to find your why, define what you value most, focus on parenting first, make learning fun, and let go of what doesn’t really matter. Whether you’re just starting out or need a reset, this episode is full of encouragement and practical insight for a simpler, more joyful homeschool.

Next week my husband and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage

In this episode, we’re getting real about the pressure to "do it all"—homeschooling, homemaking, parenting, and everything in between. The truth? You can’t do it all, and you’re not supposed to.Instead of striving for balance that doesn’t exist, we’ll talk about how to uncover your true priorities, release unrealistic expectations, and create more joy in your homeschool days.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just need a reminder that slow and steady is enough—this episode is for you.

Have you ever looked around and thought, “Where are the other families like us?”You’re not alone.This week on the podcast, I’m talking about something so many homeschool parents struggle with—how to find like-minded homeschool families.The kind of friends where your kids click, your values align, and you don’t have to explain why your 10-year-old is doing algebra at the park.In this episode, I’m answering questions like:• What if there aren’t many homeschoolers near me?• How do I find families who share our faith and lifestyle?• Is it even possible to build community when everyone’s busy?If you’ve ever felt isolated or just wished for a few good friends to do life with, this episode is for you.

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Matt Bowman, author of Open Education, to talk about something that’s been on the minds of many parents and educators:What if the problem isn’t your child—but the system itself?Matt brings deep insight and experience to the table as we dive into why standardized education often fails to meet the needs of real learners. We talk about the history behind one-size-fits-all schooling, what’s broken in today’s classrooms, and how we can imagine something better—especially for homeschool families.If you’ve ever felt like your child is being left behind, boxed in, or simply bored in the current system, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

As homeschool moms, we often feel like we’re carrying the full weight of our children’s education. But the truth is—dad is teaching, too.He’s teaching through his work ethic.He’s modeling how to treat others.He’s shaping their view of faith, family, and what it means to be a man.In this episode, I share:5 powerful things kids learn by watching their dadEncouragement for moms whose husbands aren't deeply involved in homeschoolingA reminder we all need: your marriage matters tooBecause one day, our kids will move out—and we’ll still be here, husband and wife. Let’s not forget to nurture that relationship in the midst of it all.❤️ This episode is full of grace, perspective, and practical encouragement—just in time for Father’s Day.

In this Q&A-style episode, I’m answering real questions from homeschool moms about some of the most common (and frustrating!) parenting challenges—like how to help your kids listen without yelling, what to do when toys are left out again, and how to handle sibling rivalry with more peace and less drama.Whether you're in the thick of toddler messes or navigating squabbles between older kids, this episode is packed with practical, grace-filled strategies to bring more calm and cooperation into your home.