For many families, sending children to school full time at a young age isn’t the best fit. Some want a more active role in their children’s education, while others simply want more time together during childhood. In this week’s episode, moms Ali and Taylor share why they chose hybrid homeschooling and how it’s the perfect blend of structure and freedom for their families. If you’re curious about homeschooling but uncertain about doing it full time, this episode is for you.

Highlights

• Why two families chose hybrid homeschooling over traditional school
• The meaning and value of “slow living” for busy families
• How hybrid models provide both structure and flexibility
• Overcoming fears and misconceptions about homeschooling
• The role of community, accountability, and family involvement
• Adapting to challenges: juggling younger kids, changing routines, and embracing chaos
• Encouragement for parents considering alternative education paths
• Debunking myths: Homeschooling isn’t about fear or sheltering—it’s about opportunity and freedom
• The importance of sibling relationships and real-life learning moments

Chapters

00:35 – Meet the Families: Ali and Taylor

01:41 – The Concept of Slow Living

02:45 – Choosing Hybrid Homeschooling

04:01 – Homeschooling Curriculum and Accountability

06:07 – Parental Involvement and Challenges

10:16 – Making the Decision to Homeschool

15:20 – Children’s Interests and Future Plans

18:59 – Screen Time and Family Activities

20:03 – Family Interests and Outdoor Activities

21:02 – Gardening and Teaching Moments

22:00 – Homeschooling and Family Involvement

23:21 – Challenges and Adaptations in Homeschooling

25:30 – Balancing Education and Family Life

27:52 – Embracing Chaos and Creativity

32:06 – Advice for Parents Considering Homeschooling

35:33 – Debunking Myths About Homeschooling

38:13 – Personal Growth Through Homeschooling

39:37 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned

• Light Academy (the hybrid homeschool program discussed): https://www.lightacademywichita.com/

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Join us for a candid conversation with Cassie Tinsmon, founder of Lily Lake Play Cafe and Homeschool Collective who unpacks what it means to “unschool” your kids. Cassie shares how she came to embrace a curriculum-free approach and tap into her community to create a rich lifestyle of learning centered on her children’s unique talents and interests. For Cassie, some rules are made to be broken—and a little risk is part of the equation, too. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler, just curious, or somewhere in between, you’ll find inspiration and practical wisdom in this episode.

Highlights

• Cassie’s personal story: from a family of independent thinkers to launching Lily Lake
• The vision and evolution of Lily Lake Play Cafe and Homeschool Collective
• What “unschooling” really looks like in practice
• How to build a supportive, flexible learning community
• Letting go of perfection and embracing real-life learning
• The role of parents as facilitators, not just teachers
• Navigating family, work, and education in a changing world
• Myths and realities about socialization and nontraditional education
• Encouraging risk-taking, critical thinking, and kindness in kids
• Practical tips for parents considering homeschooling or alternative education

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast
01:07 – Cassie's Background in Homeschooling
02:11 – Founding Lily Lake Play Cafe
02:54 – The Concept of Lily Lake
04:39 – Flexible Membership Model
04:42 – Cassie's Parenting Style
07:56 – Vivian's Role at Lily Lake
09:53 – Homeschooling Journey
14:43 – Unschooling Philosophy
16:38 – Learning Through Real-Life Experiences
19:03 – Interactive Learning at Lily Lake
21:23 – Current Focus as a Parent
21:44 – Struggles with Unschooling Expectations
22:27 – Play Cafe Adventures
23:23 – Aspiring Attorney Dreams
24:30 – Campaign Finance Career
26:21 – Creative Compliance
26:21 – Critical Thinking and Rules
27:57 – Community and Shared Spaces
35:53 – Homeschooling Myths
38:20 – Learning Through Real-Life Situations
44:13 – Encouraging Risk-Taking in Kids
44:35 – Importance of Play
47:39 – Questioning Everything

Resources Mentioned

• Lily Lake Play Cafe & Homeschool Collective
  https://www.lilylakecollective.com
• Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
  https://www.harpercollins.com/products/tuesdays-with-morrie-mitch-albom
• Reverie Coffee Roasters (local coffee served at Lily Lake)
  https://reverieroasters.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or leave a review to help others find the show.

Take the first step by downloading the VELA app in the App Store or Google Play.

Own Your Education is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information, visit ictpod.net.

What if the best path for your child isn’t the one you expected? Today’s conversation explores the real-life journey of a family who made the leap into homeschooling during high school, navigating neurodiversity, family dynamics, and the search for the right educational fit. You’ll hear honest reflections, practical advice, and the surprising ways that flexibility and faith can transform a family’s story.

Highlights

• The unexpected decision to homeschool a high schooler—and how it changed everything
• Navigating a blended family and the unique challenges of parenting older kids
• Discovering and supporting a child’s neurodiversity (autism and ADHD)
• Overcoming doubts and finding the right curriculum through trial and error
• Balancing work, homeschooling, and family life as a working mom
• The importance of community, socialization, and letting kids lead their own learning
• How spiritual life coaching and setting boundaries shaped one parent's homeschooling journey
• Honest advice for parents considering a big educational change

Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
• 00:46 – Meet Cheryl and Her Blended Family
• 01:28 – Challenges of Parenting Older Kids
• 02:24 – Jordyn’s Homeschooling Journey Begins
• 03:50 – Deciding to Homeschool Jordyn
• 05:54 – Adjusting to Homeschooling
• 07:22 – Finding the Right Curriculum
• 10:13 – Balancing Homeschooling and Work
• 11:45 – Struggles and Support in Homeschooling
• 13:18 – Homeschooling Flexibility and Opportunities
• 14:08 – Family Dynamics and Homeschooling
• 17:08 – Spiritual Life Coaching and Parenting
• 20:06 – Advice for Parents Considering Homeschooling
• 21:10 – Looking Ahead: Jordyn’s Future

Resources Mentioned

• Seton Home Study School – The first curriculum Cheryl and Jordyn tried for homeschooling
• BJU Press Homeschool – The curriculum that ultimately worked best for Jordyn
• VELA – Supporting families in finding educational freedom and community

Take the first step by downloading the VELA app in the App Store or Google Play.