Welcome to a brand new season of Homeschool Better Together—and a new voice behind the mic! I’m your new host, Laney Homan, and today I’m joined by our HBT community manager (and Charlotte Mason wisdom guru), Dawn Garrett, for a conversation that's near and dear to both our hearts: Community-Based Learning.

Truth be told, I’ve never been much for formal, lockstep co-ops (raise your hand if you’re allergic to group projects with rigid requirements and committee meetings that last for-e-ver 🖐). Turns out, Dawn couldn’t see herself fitting in those boxes either—so we’re talking about all the ways homeschoolers can build meaningful, creative, low-pressure community learning that’s flexible, affordable, and fits real life.

In this episode, we share stories from our own homeschools, compare notes on creative learning groups (spoiler: sometimes all you need are two families, a stack of art supplies, and a desperate desire to keep the paint off the carpet), and break down the biggest benefits of adding some organic connection alongside your at-home days.

Dawn spills the beans on what worked for her family—from impromptu art clubs in the living room, to literature-lovin’ library meetups, to Shakespeare performance groups that grew entirely out of “who’s willing to show up and recite lines?” And I share how, for my kids, homeschool community wasn’t always about the academics—it was a lifeline for real friendships, support for mom (can I get an amen?), and finding encouragement from others in the shared messy middle.

Curious how to make these grassroots groups work for your family? Wondering if community learning ever counts for high school credit? Need a nudge to just send that text and start something simple? You’re in the right place. Grab your coffee, put the baby in the swing, and let’s get real about what community-based learning can look like for you.

1. Real-life stories of community learning groups that worked (and why “co-op” doesn’t have to be intimidating)
2. How to kick off a grassroots learning group without losing your freedom (or your mind)
3. Creative models for homeschool community—from art clubs and PE meetups to project fairs and bowling days
4. The often-overlooked benefits of community learning—friendships, accountability, positive peer pressure, and mom sanity
5. How to handle the “I need control” factor (hint: you’re not the only one!)
6. Why your kids don’t need more busywork, and how to keep group learning low-pressure
7. Simple ways to turn community experiences into high school credit (it really does count!)
8. Encouragement for making friends (for your kids and yourself) even if you’re brand new or starting small
9. Honest thoughts about seasons with (and without) co-ops—and how to know what’s best for right now

Ever feel like you’re drowning in homeschool advice, but your confidence is getting lost in the flood? You’re not alone—and in this episode, I’m joined by our amazing Member Success Manager, Laney Homan, for a real talk chat about filtering all those voices and finally trusting your own judgment.

We’ll dish on how the “information overload” of today’s homeschool world is light-years away from the early days of conventions and catalogues. (Spoiler: The algorithm does not know what you actually need.) We get candid about how too many voices can stir up self-doubt—making you second-guess decisions or chase the elusive promise of a homeschool formula that simply doesn’t exist.

Want to know who is actually worth listening to? We’ll share how to spot a wise mentor, why good community matters (but isn’t everything), and how to sidestep the guilt bombs and prescriptive “this is the only way” messaging that can wreck your confidence.

Plus: A big announcement! Laney’s taking over as host for the next season of the podcast, and I couldn’t be more excited for the new combos and encouragement she’ll bring to your earbuds.

1. Why today’s homeschoolers are swimming in input—and how it’s different from the “good ol’ days.”
2. Why information overload can actually sabotage your confidence (and what to do instead)
3. How to filter curriculum promises, “expert” advice, and the allure of homeschooling quick fixes
4. What makes a good homeschool mentor—and giant red flags to dodge
5. How to find real encouragement and honest support (without sliding into a homeschool pity party)
6. The three levels of community…and why local support still matters
7. Ways to avoid the shame/should/“if you don’t, you’ll fail” trap
8. Pam’s biggest soapbox about absolutes and humility in homeschool leadership
9. Why Laney will be your new host for the next season (and why that’s downright awesome!)

1. Join our free Homeschool Better Together Community

Are you overwhelmed by the pressure to create Pinterest-perfect holiday memories in your homeschool? (Spoiler: so was I, and I’ve got some epic fails to share as proof!) If you’re feeling weighed down by Christmas school plans, elaborate crafts, and a to-do list longer than Santa’s, this episode is your permission slip to do less and experience more peace.

This week, I’m sharing why “Christmas School for the Soul” is a better plan than another jam-packed checklist. We’re reframing holiday homeschooling: less pressure, more joy. I’ll tell you about my own holiday mishaps (candy kiss countdown disaster, anyone?), what I’ve learned about letting go of perfection, and exactly how a simple morning time routine can offer both you and your kids the holiday anchor you actually need.

Let’s trade “doing more” for making meaning and let beauty do the heavy lifting. Whether you’re on top of things or not, this is your invitation to step off the treadmill and just be together. (Bonus: Don’t miss your FREE Advent Morning Time plans, made for your heart, not your checklist.)

• Why you might need Advent Morning Time as much as your kids do
• How “Christmas School for the Soul” can be your stress antidote
• The danger of the holiday homeschool perfection trap (plus, my own hilarious fails)
• Three steps to a simpler, soul-filling holiday homeschool
• Why choosing a single “anchor” tradition is enough
• How to replace “more” with “meaningful” (and cut the guilt)
• How music, art, and poetry can do the hard work for you (so you don’t have to!)
• The real reason behind doing school during the holidays—and how to reclaim peace

• FREE Advent Morning Time Plans
• Join our free homeschool community

Ready to trade overwhelm for joy this homeschool year?

If you’ve ever wished for a homeschooling break that actually refills your cup without the speaker overload of a massive conference or the pressure to “do it all,” this episode is your permission slip. I’m sitting down with Barbara Cozens to talk about what really happens at a We Gather Together Beach Retreat.

Barbara traveled to the 2023 retreat from snowy Nevada for some well-deserved rest, good company, and inspiration. She’s sharing her honest take on what surprised her, what she brought home for her own kids, and why she believes every mom needs time away before she reaches burnout.

If you’re debating whether to join us at the retreat, have big “what ifs” about coming alone, or don’t even own a pair of flip-flops, this is the episode to press play. It’s about connection, permission to rest, and finding YOUR people—even if it feels a little nerve-wracking at first.

• The difference between homeschool conferences vs. our soulful beach retreat (no decision fatigue—promise)
• Why you don’t have to “do Morning Basket perfectly” to get big benefits (Barbara’s light bulb moment)
• How to build authentic connections even if you’re an introvert flying solo
• The surprising things you can get out of a 3-day retreat (hint: it’s not just about new teaching tips)
• Simple ways to bring retreat wisdom and peace back into your daily homeschool
• Tips for first-time attendees: travel, what to expect, and how we make it easy and welcoming

• Homeschool Mom Beach Retreat Info Page
• Ask us anything about the retreat: info@pambarnhill.com
• Free Homeschool Better Together Community

Ready to fill your own cup so you can pour into your homeschool? Come relax, reset, and find your people. Barbara, I, and a beach chair with your name are waiting.

For the full show notes visit: https://pambarnhill.com/hsbt50

What’s the real story behind “bad” handwriting? Is it just a phase, or a red flag? And what should you actually do when your kid melts down every time you pull out a pencil?

In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Collins, a homeschool mom, licensed occupational therapist, and founder of Homeschool OT, to debunk some common OT myths and offer practical, encouraging advice for homeschool parents concerned about handwriting, motor skills, and when to seek extra help.

You’ll hear:

• How Sarah pivoted from OT homeschool skeptic to trailblazer serving families worldwide
• The #1 question every parent should ask if their child struggles with handwriting (hint: function > form)
• Simple ways to support reluctant writers (think: core strength before cursive!)
• What really matters for writing readiness, warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to seek professional support (without guilt or shame)
• Lots of fun, judgment-free encouragement for new and veteran homeschoolers

Resources Mentioned:

• Sarah’s site, resources & podcast
• Instagram: @homeschoolot
• Improving Handwriting Without Actually Writing
• A Chameleon Tale (Sarah’s sensory-regulation picture book)
• Free Homeschool Community

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt49

How many times have you set out to have a “consistent” homeschool, only to get derailed by spilled cereal, a surprise dentist appointment, or, let’s be real, your own epic meltdown? (Just me? Didn’t think so.)

Let’s bust this myth right up front: Consistency in homeschool is NOT about never missing a day, nailing every lesson, and marching through the schedule like a robot from a Tesla demo reel.

So what IS the secret? It’s adaptability. True, sustainable consistency, the kind that survives germs, grief, “one of those days,” and whatever else life throws at you, is built on having a plan that bends without breaking.

In this episode, I break down how you can actually plan for adaptability and why it’s not a cop-out, but instead, it’s the key.

• How adaptability is the true backbone of homeschool consistency
• Practical ways to scale schoolwork when time or energy are short
• Simple “last resort” activities that count as connection, not failure
• The value of planning your Plan B ahead (not during the drama)
• Why “good enough” still builds a powerful homeschool habit—more than you think

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Homeschool Consistency Bootcamp
• Free Homeschool Community

Want to make your Plan B list and finally ditch the guilt on messy days? Now’s the time: join our Homeschool Consistency Bootcamp! Doors close October 17th—let’s build real-life consistency together.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/hsbt48

Are you drowning in interruptions, curveballs, or the chaos of real-life homeschooling—and wondering if you’ll ever get back to consistent days? You’re not alone, friend! This week on the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, I’m joined by DaLynn DeWitt—a South Texas homeschool mom of three, rodeo wife, and self-confessed “all or nothing” personality—who opens up about what it really looks like to homeschool when life goes sideways.

DaLynn shares how her school year started with ceilings leaking, family camping out in one bedroom, a kitchen-turned-homeschool zone, and zero hope of a “normal” routine. And yet—she found this was actually one of her most consistent, joyful years ever. (Spoiler: You do NOT need a perfect plan or a Pinterest-ready schoolroom to make homeschool work—you just need a launch point and a whole lot of grace).

We talk about the power of starting with just one thing (even if it’s just reading the Bible or a good book), using tools like the Minimum Viable Day, and how to climb out of a rut after illness, loss, and every possible interruption. DaLynn shares her brutally honest take on mindset, figuring out your “good enough” day, and learning when to keep pushing—and when to step outside and catch your breath.

If you’re stuck in a season of hard, or just want practical ideas (and a good laugh) on building better routines, you do not want to miss this episode.

• What to do when your “perfect” plan is torpedoed by life (construction, illness, travel… you name it)
• How starting with just ONE anchor habit can launch the rest of your homeschool day
• The magic of the Minimum Viable Day (when it really is “good enough”)
• Moving forward after a school slump, setbacks, or ‘failing’ weeks
• Giving yourself grace—and permission to do less, not more—when everything falls apart
• Why consistency doesn’t require perfection (and actually thrives on the opposite)
• The real secret sauce to building homeschool momentum—and keeping it when you’re tired, grumpy, or overwhelmed

• Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot
• Homeschool Consistency Bootcamp
• Wonder Studies
• Homeschool Better Together Free Community

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt47

Raise your hand if your homeschool year already feels like it’s veering off course. (Don’t worry, mine’s up too.) Let’s be real: there’s no such thing as one smooth, perfectly consistent homeschool year. Enter…the homeschool reboot.

This episode is your practical pep talk for starting over, with zero guilt. I break down why a homeschool reboot isn’t just normal, it might actually be your greatest superpower as a home educator. Whether your family was hit by The Cold That Would Not Die, your house imploded (literally), or you just looked around and realized Morning Time hasn’t happened since February, hear me loud and clear: the restart button is there for a reason, and pressing it is healthy, not humiliating.

We’ll cover exactly what a reboot is, why “falling behind” is a myth, and how to refresh your homeschool with grace (for everyone, including yourself).

• How to reset your homeschool without guilt or drama
• The “three core things” strategy for making a reboot stick
• Grace-filled mindset shifts that make restarts feel lighter, not heavier
• Why starting fresh (again) is a homeschool superpower
• Easy ways to refresh your physical and mental homeschool space
• Why celebrating your restart is not just allowed—it’s necessary

• The Grace-Filled Reboot Download (grab your checklist, print it, use it anytime)
• Free Homeschool Community

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt46