In this insightful episode I am joined by the hosts of Homeschool Unrefined, Angela and Maren. We dive deep into their personal journeys transitioning from homeschooling to public schooling with their children. As seasoned homeschoolers with a combined experience of over a decade, they share the challenges, surprises, and rewards that have come with this significant shift.

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction to Homeschool Unrefined:

   • Meet Angela and Maren, the voices behind Homeschool Unrefined.
   • A brief history of their homeschooling journey and how they transitioned into podcasting.

2. Angela's Journey:

   • Life in Minnesota with three teens: 19, 17, and 15.
   • Reflecting on 10 years of homeschooling and the decision to move her children into public high school.

3. Maren's Journey:

   • From teaching in a classroom to homeschooling her four children: 17, 15, 15, and 13.
   • Navigating the complexities of homeschooling with neurodiverse children and how that influenced their learning styles.

4. Homeschooling to Public School Transition:

   • The decision-making process behind the shift from homeschool to public school.
   • The importance of empowering children to take ownership of their education and advocate for their needs.

5. Challenges and Lessons Learned:

   • The mental shift required for parents when moving from a structured classroom environment to a more flexible homeschooling approach.
   • How their children adapted academically and socially in the public school system.

6. Reflections on Teaching and Education:

   • Insights from their experiences as former classroom teachers and how that influenced their homeschooling approach.
   • Discussing the balance between academic rigor and fostering a love of learning.

7. Maintaining Core Values:

   • How their family values and educational philosophies have remained intact despite the shift to public schooling.
   • The ongoing role of homeschooling principles in their children's education and personal growth.

8. Practical Advice for Families:

   • Tips for parents considering a similar transition from homeschooling to traditional schooling.
   • The importance of flexibility, understanding your child's unique learning needs, and maintaining a focus on holistic development.
   • Reassuring advice on the long-term benefits of homeschooling and how it sets children up for success.

9. Final Thoughts:

   • Embrace Variety: It's okay to have multiple interests and hobbies. Trying new things adds richness to life and helps you discover more about yourself.
   • Learning is Personal: Everyone learns differently, and that's something to be celebrated. Finding what works best for you is key to feeling good in your own skin, mind, and body.
   • Modeling Curiosity: As lifelong learners, we set an example for our children. Curiosity and self-care are powerful tools for personal growth.
   • Confidence in Your Path: Trust in your unique journey. The system might not always fit you, and that's okay. It's not about you—it's about the system. Continue to explore and adapt learning methods that

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Think Differently About Learning: A Homeschool Where Children and Parents Thrive
• Homeschool Unrefined Website
• Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify and share your thoughts on homeschooling and education transitions with us on our social media channels!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Am I Doing Enough?

This is a question that plagues all homeschoolers from time to time. In this episode, Robyn Robertson of Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids and Kelly Edwards of 90-Minute School Day conclude their 4-part “How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler” summer conversation series.

What is ‘enough’? How do we define it? How do we know if we are falling behind? What is ‘behind’?

Listen-in as this topic is broken down into three steps to debunk the fears or to notice an area that needs change. Then we share the 4 ingredients to include in your homeschool to enact that move.

This conversation guides you in shifting from wondering if you’re doing enough to feeling contentment and peace, knowing “I am enough” in my homeschooling.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

“Escape” (Pina Colada Song)

Dino Spiral Reel - Am I Doing Enough?

Assault Bike

Get your Certified Awesome Homeschool Parent Card Freebie!

Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast

Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon

90-Minute School Day podcast

90-Minute School Day in the Life community - Open House + Workshop Tuesday, July 23rd at 11 AM. Join the waitlist for the workshop link.

Will you take a moment and rate the podcast? Go to the show in your feed and scroll down to leave a 5 star review with one-click. If you have a minute longer to support the podcast, would you write a review? That is such a great way to say “thank you” if you enjoy the content we prepare and publish! Thank you for your support and listening.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:52 Beach Days and Pina Coladas

00:08:37 Shifting Perspectives on Standards

00:10:38 Learning from Life's Lessons

00:14:46 Model Positive Behaviors

00:17:07 Finding Abundance in Homeschooling

00:20:23 Learning Even When Plans Fail

00:24:29 Speaking to Ourselves with Compassion

00:27:32 Aligning Actions with Why and Values

00:28:32 Acknowledging Common Challenges

00:28:48 Fear of Letting Go in Academics

00:30:21 Importance of Rest and Rhythms

00:31:02 Assessing and Recognizing Seasonality

00:32:23 Embracing Community for Support

00:33:41 Changes in Children Through Ages

00:38:26 Finding White Space in Life

00:40:43 Redefining What "Enough" Means

00:41:19 Finding Joy in Homeschooling

00:54:44 Building a Supportive Community

00:56:25 Upcoming Podcast Guests

00:58:01 Embracing the Process of Learning

01:01:18 Creating Inspiring Homeschool Environments

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is part 2 of 3 of our LIVE summer conversation series on "How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler."

Kelly Edwards from “90-Minute School Day” and Robyn Robertson of “Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids” dive into the complexities of choosing and using curriculum in homeschooling or not using curriculum at all! They discuss the myths and expectations surrounding curriculum, the importance of understanding your family's unique needs, and how to balance structure with the freedom of learning. They also explore ways to make curriculum work for you, rather than feeling controlled by it.

Tune-in to hear insights for both new and seasoned homeschoolers, emphasizing the importance of connection, communication, and flexibility in education.

Would you like to join the next conversation LIVE?

Sign-up here to join our Summer Conversation Series!

Save the date for our upcoming final conversation, hosted LIVE at 11 AM EDT:

July 16th - How Do I Know If I'm Doing Enough?

Other Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Wild + Free conference in Sept.

Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast

Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon

90-Minute School Day podcast

90-Minute School Day in the Life community

Wild Math

Will you take a moment and rate the podcast? Go to the show in your feed and scroll down to leave a 5 star review with one-click. If you have a minute longer to support the podcast, would you write a review? That is such a great way to say “thank you” if you enjoy the content we prepare and publish! Thank you for your support and listening.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:43 Live Convo

38:45 Conclusion

40:10 Join Us Next Week

41:00 Outro

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to "How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler!”

In this episode, we dive into the joys and challenges of homeschooling. We ask the following questions:

• What does it mean to be successful in homeschooling?
• How does that definition vary for each family?
• What are you afraid of (in homeschooling)?
• What does control have to do with it?
• What can we do to help ourselves?

Robyn and Kelly share personal stories and insights on maintaining connection, open communication, and understanding family values. They emphasize the importance of reflecting on your homeschooling journey, addressing fears, and ensuring that your goals align with your family's needs. The significance of autonomy and self-advocacy for children is also discussed, especially as they grow older.

Join us for a heartfelt and enlightening discussion, and don't forget to sign-up to join us LIVE for this continuing discussion.

Sign-up here to join our Summer Conversation Series!

Upcoming Conversations, hosted LIVE at 11 AM EDT:

July 9th - Curriculum Conundrum: Dispelling Myths, Embracing Freedom

July 16th - How Do I Know If I'm Doing Enough?

Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice to help you navigate your homeschooling path successfully.

Other Resources:

Wild + Free conference in Sept.

Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast

Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon

90-Minute School Day podcast

90-Minute School Day in the Life community

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to How to Be An Awesome Homeschooler

01:35 Building Community and Introductions

02:02 Understanding Success in Homeschooling

02:54 Defining Success and Self-Evaluation

05:50 Realigning Goals with Why We Homeschool

09:31 Evolving Expectations and High Standards

12:40 Facing Fears and High Expectations

15:10 Overcoming Fear of Failure in Homeschooling

17:43 The Fear of Failing as a Parent

20:03 Reflecting on Homeschooling and its Values

22:36 Reflection and Reevaluation in Homeschooling

25:16 Navigating Teenage Challenges and Communication

27:25 Reanchoring Our Homeschool Goals

30:10 Closing Remarks and Looking Ahead

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler! Join hosts Kelly Edwards, creator of The 90-Minute School Day, and Robyn Robertson, creator of Honey! I'm Homeschooling the Kids, as they introduce and dive into their exciting summer conversation series for 2024.

In this special episode, Kelly and Robyn pull back the curtain on their friendship, families, and homeschools. They share updates from their independent lives and, most importantly, announce what’s coming up for How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler!

They discuss their upcoming 2024 Summer Conversation series and how they’ve reimagined their popular summit into a three-part live conversation across three Tuesdays in July, focusing on big homeschooling questions. The best part? YOU! This is a free and LIVE offering for everyone, so come and join us!

Reserve your seat here.

All you have to do now is to save the dates to join the fun LIVE.

Here’s the schedule:

• "How Do I Not Screw This Up?" on July 2nd, 2024 at 11am EDT
• “Curriculum Conundrum: Dispelling Myths, Embracing Freedom” on July 9th, 2024 at 11 am EDT
• "How Do I Know if I'm Doing ‘Enough’?" on July 16th, 2024 at 11 am EDT

We can’t wait to be with you in the How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler Summer Conversation Series, where we will learn from one another’s personal homeschooling experiences, challenges faced, and the valuable lessons we’ve all learned along the way. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect, share, and grow with fellow homeschoolers.

Tune-in and get inspired! Save your seat here.

Also inside this episode, Robyn and Kelly discuss:

• Why is homeschooling so scary for parents?
• Where do parents get stuck?
• What does school have to do with our understanding of education and learning?
• What about going back to school?
• How does unschooling look everyday?

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

That Canadian Citizenship Reel

How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler Recordings

• Save Your Seat for Summer Conversation Series!

HSLDA.ORG Homeschool Laws - United States

HSLDA.ORG Homeschool Laws - International

Wild + Free conference in Sept.

Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast

• Deschooling
• Conscious Parenting and Deschooling
• Strewing

90-Minute School Day podcast

• Strewing Episode
• Deschooling Episode

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:18 How We Met

00:06:52 Life Changes

00:10:01 Reflections on Life

00:15:33 Learning is Life

00:20:25 Launching a Community

00:23:17 Reimagining the Summit

00:28:55 Getting Ready for the Podcast Series

00:30:05 Unpacking the Concept of Home Learning

00:32:47 Dealing with Challenges in Homeschooling

00:36:19 Navigating Challenges in Homeschooling

00:37:30 Understanding the Role of School in Education

00:41:25 Defining Education, Schooling, and Learning

00:42:59 Exploring Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation

00:44:21 Tailoring Education to Individual Needs

00:51:22 Reflecting on the Homeschooling Journey

00:52:06 Rethinking Education and Learning

00:55:06 Focusing on How to Succeed in Homeschooling

00:55:28 Embracing the Process of Learning

00:56:21 Looking Forward to Future Conversations

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overcoming Fears and Doubts

Homeschooling fears got you down? Parenting doubts keeping you paralyzed?

Does the worry and fear wear you down?

Erica Kesilman joined me on this episode to talk about the fears and doubts we face as homeschoolers and parents and how we can overcome them.

Erica helps parents grow strong family relationships without yelling, guilt or overwhelm. She utilizes trauma-sensitive, somatic, body-centered therapies for nervous system healing of complex developmental, psychological, neurological, or emotional challenges so you can realize inner security, safety, and optimal health and wellness. She does this through workshops, group programs or one-on-ones.

She has over 20 years of experience working with families in a wide range of capacities. Erica holds two M.Ed. degrees in Educational Administrations & Leadership, a B.A. in Clinical Psychology with Certifications in Trauma Coaching, Conscious Parenting, Somatic Attachment Therapies, EFT and Breathwork.

She is a homeschooling mom to 3.

In This Episode

In this episode Erica shares her own experiences of the fear of imperfections. From the classroom to unschooling wasn't as easy for her as you may think. Just because Erica has the education credentials doesn't mean it was a breeze. She's been working through the demands of perfectionism. Demands that compromised what is most important to her- the integrity of the relationship with her kids.

We talk about:

• The fear of imperfections and making mistakes and what to do when we were never modelled that for ourselves.
• How we can begin to go through the repair process with our kids
• Looking at how our child responds and how you respond when there is challenging behaviour
• Focusing on the "glimmers"
• Building in academics by working with the child
• Creating rhythms or patterns that can build the skills
• Inner Resources
• Soft Structure
• Conscious Parenting
• Going from automatic to intentional
• Self Forgiveness Practice

Resources To Share

If you would like to connect with Erica you can find her at https://ericakesilman.com/

Instagram @erica_kesilman

Facebook

Mentioned in the episode

Peter Gray Book- Free To Learn

Listen to my interview with Dr. Peter Gray HERE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.