Discover how one mom transformed her family's life by leaving traditional school behind for homeschooling on a 30-acre farm. In this inspiring episode, Brooke shares her journey from suburban Long Island to rural farm life, and why she chose to pull all five of her kids from conventional school.

What You'll Learn:

• How COVID sparked a complete lifestyle change and homeschool journey
• Why common core curriculum pushed one family toward homeschooling
• Real strategies for teaching reading, math, and science through daily farm life
• How to overcome the fear of homeschool paperwork and requirements
• Bridge Academy review: A curriculum that supports natural learning
• The truth about socialization and homeschooled kids
• Why boys especially struggle in traditional classroom settings
• Teaching real-life skills: banking, cooking, animal care, and more
• How to handle homeschool burnout and maintain patience

Special Guest: 10-year-old Savannah shares her honest perspective on school vs. homeschool life

Resources Mentioned:

• Bridge Academy with Leah McDermott (natural learning curriculum)
• Timbernook School outdoor learning approach
• New York homeschool laws and IHIP requirements

Whether you're considering homeschooling, already homeschooling, or curious about alternative education, this conversation reveals the beauty of child-led learning, the importance of play, and how everyday moments become powerful teaching opportunities.

Perfect for: Homeschool moms, parents considering homeschooling, farm life enthusiasts, natural learning advocates, unschoolers, Charlotte Mason followers

Cheryl's Ebook: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast.

👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15

Let's Talk, Emergencies!- Grab it on Amazon!
What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jessica Waldock, Florida homeschooling mom and founder of The Waldock Way, as she shares her 8-year journey homeschooling her only child.

In this episode, we explore:

• How to successfully homeschool an only child without feeling isolated
• Overcoming the "socialization" question and finding community
• Creating flexible daily routines that work for one child
• Interest-led learning and unit studies approach
• Navigating teenage years while maintaining strong family bonds
• Building a homeschool business around your unique journey
• Why you don't need to follow traditional curriculum paths

Perfect for:

• Parents considering homeschooling an only child
• New homeschool families seeking encouragement
• Anyone interested in unit studies and interest-based learning
• Working parents wondering if homeschooling is possible

Jessica breaks down common myths about only child homeschooling and proves that having one child isn't easier or harder - it's just different. She shares practical tips for creating structure while maintaining flexibility, finding the right community activities, and tailoring education completely to your child's interests and learning style.

Key Takeaways:

• Nobody is more invested in your child's success than you are
• Interest-led learning creates deeper engagement than forced curriculum
• Homeschool socialization can be more natural and less pressured
• You can build a business around your homeschool expertise
• Traditional educational "requirements" may not serve your child's unique needs

Whether you're just starting your homeschool journey or looking for fresh inspiration, Jessica's story will encourage you to trust yourself and embrace the unique advantages of homeschooling an only child.

Connect with Jessica:

• Website: www.thewaldockway.com
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/thewaldockway
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewaldockway
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewaldockway

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In this critical episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, host Cheryl interviews Mariama, a homeschooling mother from New Jersey who's been tracking dangerous legislation threatening homeschool freedom. With homeschooling rates skyrocketing from less than 1% to 3.7% post-pandemic in New Jersey, lawmakers are pushing unprecedented restrictions that could spread nationwide.

What You'll Learn:

The Four Bills Threatening New Jersey Homeschoolers:

• Assembly Bill 5825 & Senate Bill 1796: Mandatory curriculum alignment with state standards
• Assembly Bill 5796 & Senate Bill 4589: Required annual "health and wellness checks" with school district representatives

Constitutional Concerns:

• First Amendment religious freedom violations
• Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues
• 14th Amendment equal protection and parental rights infringement

The Real Story Behind Homeschool Success:

• African American and Latino homeschooled children outperform public school peers by 20-25 points on standardized tests
• New Jersey public schools: Only 52% pass ELA, 39% pass math, 24% pass science
• Why homeschool families are achieving superior educational outcomes

From COVID Awakening to Homeschool Advocacy: Mariama shares her journey from concerned parent during the pandemic to homeschool advocate, discussing vaccine mandates, gender ideology in schools, and the importance of biblical worldview education.

Key Topics Covered:

• Homeschool laws by state and how to track legislation
• HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) resources
• Responding to "sheltering" and "privilege" criticisms
• The historical context of compulsory education
• Building community and authentic cultural education at home
• Why school "confidential curriculum" policies are red flags

Critical Action Items:

• Follow HSLDA updates on pending legislation
• Share your homeschool story on social media
• Monitor your state's legislative calendar
• Connect with local homeschool advocacy groups

Featured Guest: Mariama (@GodlyMothersChosenLittles) - New Jersey homeschool advocate and mother of two

Blog: https://www.godlymotherschosenlittles.com/

Mariama's YouTube

Resources Mentioned:

• Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA.org)
• New Jersey homeschool law information
• Constitutional amendments and parental rights

Cheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast.

👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15

What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!
Help

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What happens when you throw out rigid timelines and arbitrary benchmarks, allowing children to learn at their own pace in ways that honor their unique personalities? Kristi's 11-year homeschooling journey with her three daughters reveals the transformative power of personalized education.

When her introverted third-grader with learning difficulties asked to homeschool, Kristi—despite having no prior knowledge of homeschooling—took the leap. Within two years, she brought all three daughters home, discovering that the full benefits came when the entire family shared the same educational approach. This shift opened extraordinary possibilities: four-day school weeks, regular RV camping trips, skiing adventures that started on Thursdays, and meaningful participation in the family's citrus farm.

Most remarkably, Kristi's approach to her oldest daughter's learning challenges demonstrates the power of patience and personalization. Working "one to two years behind typical grade level for a very long time" and even repeating ninth grade at the student's request, this daughter eventually caught up naturally. By age 15-16, professional assessments showed she qualified for no learning disorders whatsoever. Today, she attends Concordia University with a substantial academic scholarship.

Interest-led learning transformed their homeschool experience. When a child loved horses, they studied equine science for a year. When another was fascinated by birds, they created habitats around their home that now attract unique species their neighbors don't have. Their youngest daughter's inexplicable passion for the Beatles as a preschooler evolved into studying 60s history in ninth grade. As Kristi explains, "I think you get some passionate, extraordinary individuals by really customizing and letting them be interest-led in everything they do."

Considering homeschooling? Kristi's advice is refreshingly simple: "Homeschool should and can look different in every single household." You can always return to conventional schooling if needed—they'll take you back.

Kristi's Instagram

'Homeschooled' the movie: WHERE TO WATCH: https://homeschooledthemovie.com/where-to-watch

Curriculum discussed: Teaching Textbooks, Moving Beyond the Page, Apologia, IEW, Amal Unbound, Rutus Apetis, Alan Gratz, Under the Painted Sky

Cheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast.

👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15

What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!
Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies!

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What happens when a seasoned teacher with 20 years in the classroom decides traditional education isn’t right for her own children? In this inspiring episode, Toni, mother of five shares her journey from dedicated educator to passionate homeschool advocate.

Toni noticed troubling patterns in conventional schooling that she “couldn’t unsee,” realizing that schools often fail to prepare children for the real world while neglecting natural learning rhythms—especially for active learners who struggle to sit still. She shares her philosophy: “Academics should serve kids, not suffocate them,” and explains how homeschooling can preserve curiosity, foster creativity, and develop critical thinking skills.

Learn practical homeschooling strategies, including Toni’s “Socratic snack” discussions, balanced reading routines, and real-world projects that connect learning to life. Toni’s Roots and Wings method empowers children to build strong foundations while gaining the confidence to explore, create, and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, considering a switch, or exploring ways to enhance your child’s education, this episode provides actionable insights, encouragement, and inspiration to raise independent, creative thinkers.

Toni Samuelu is the founder of Simple Joyful Learning and the creator of the Roots & Wings framework, designed to help families spark wonder, build character, and raise creators—not consumers. A former teacher and single mom of five, Toni combines over 20 years of experience in education with the everyday reality of motherhood. Her mission is to give moms simple, meaningful tools to connect with their children, create fun memories, and raise kind, capable, creative kids—without overwhelm.

Check out Toni's Page: Simple Joyful Learning

and Toni's Instagram

Cheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast.

👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15

What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!
This could mean life or death in some cases!
Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies!

Support the show

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Join host Cheryl as she interviews Raven Kramer, a homeschool mom of four and successful online marketing entrepreneur, who shares her unschooling journey and family-first lifestyle. Living in a 1,000-square-foot house in Florida with no debt except their mortgage, Raven and her husband have built a life centered around their children's education and their family business.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What unschooling really looks like: Daily routines that balance core subjects with passion-led learning
• How to work from home with kids: Raven's strategies for building a marketing business while homeschooling
• Screen time boundaries that work: Why her kids get only 30-60 minutes of TV daily and no phones until they have jobs
• Real family rhythms: 5+ hours outside daily, morning and afternoon outings, and structured quiet time
• Social media and kids: Her approach to family content creation and setting boundaries with neighbor kids who have phones
• Preparing kids for an uncertain future: Why she focuses on reading, writing, math fundamentals over rigid curriculum
• College alternatives: Teaching kids about trades, entrepreneurship, and real-world skills

Key Takeaways:

• One-third of kids learn to read easily, one-third need more help, one-third need lots of help - and that's all normal
• Living below your means enables one-parent income and homeschool freedom
• Kids don't need constant entertainment - they need freedom to be kids and play
• Reading aloud to children and emotional regulation modeling are the most important "subjects"
• Progress over time matters more than grade-level expectations

Perfect for: Parents considering homeschooling, current homeschoolers looking for encouragement, families interested in unschooling approaches, and anyone wanting to balance entrepreneurship with family-centered living.
Resources Mentioned:

• Tuttle Twins books and curriculum
• "Good Pictures, Bad Pictures" book for internet safety
• Raven's Guide to Homeschooling e-course
• Reading Horizons curriculum

Raven's E-Couse: Guide to Homeschooling E Course

And check out: Raven's Instagram

Cheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast.

👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15

What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!
This could mean life or death in some cases!
Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies!

Support the show

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Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

Join host Cheryl as she explores the fascinating world of unschooling with Debbie, an Australian homeschooling mom who's raising three children (ages 4, 11, and 13) using radical unschooling principles. This eye-opening conversation reveals how questioning medical authority led to questioning educational systems, and why some families are choosing to let their children learn naturally through play and exploration.

What You'll Discover:

🎓 Unschooling Fundamentals:

• What unschooling really looks like in daily practice
• Why boys may naturally learn to read later than girls (ages 6-9 vs 5-7)
• How children thrive when they learn at their own developmental pace

🇦🇺 Homeschooling in Australia:

• Legal requirements and reporting processes for Australian homeschoolers
• How 11,000 registered families (potentially 30,000+ total) are homeschooling in Queensland alone
• Recent legislative challenges and victories for homeschool freedom

🌱 Child-Led Learning Benefits:

• Real examples of kids developing business skills through 3D printing ventures
• How unschooled children learn critical thinking and problem-solving naturally
• The importance of protecting childhood while preparing for adulthood

📱 Technology & Screens:

• Balanced approaches to screen time in unschooling families
• Teaching digital safety and online awareness to young children
• Why radical unschoolers don't impose traditional screen time limits

🏥 From Medical to Educational Freedom:

• How questioning unnecessary medical interventions led to educational awakening
• Parallels between hospital protocols and school systems
• The importance of individualized approaches vs. one-size-fits-all solutions

Perfect For:

• Parents considering homeschooling or unschooling
• Families seeking alternatives to traditional education
• Those interested in child development and natural learning
• Homeschoolers looking for community and support ideas

Featured Topics: Unschooling, radical unschooling, homeschooling Australia, child-led learning, natural reading development, homeschool reporting requirements, screen time balance, educational freedom, alternative education, deschooling journey

Guest: Debbie from The Village Hub, Queensland, Australia - Unschooling coach and homeschool community creator

Cheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast.

👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15

What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!
This could mean life or death in some cases!
Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies!

Support the show

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Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

For video of this interview, click here!

Join host Cheryl as she interviews Del Bigtree, founder of ICAN (Informed Consent Action Network) and host of The Highwire. From Hollywood producer to medical freedom advocate, Del shares his incredible journey and why he walked away from mainstream media.

🔥 What You'll Learn:

• The real story behind vaccine safety trials
• How homeschooling shaped Del's fearless approach
• Why informed consent is being violated
• The 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act explained
• How pharmaceutical companies control media narratives
• Legal victories in Mississippi and West Virginia
• What parents need to know about pediatric care

💡 Key Topics Covered:

• Medical freedom and informed consent rights
• Vaccine safety research and liability protection
• Homeschooling vs traditional education systems
• Fighting government overreach in healthcare
• Building communities around health freedom
• Taking action with elected representatives

Del discusses his work with Robert Kennedy Jr., court victories against the CDC and FDA, and practical advice for parents navigating medical decisions. Whether you're questioning vaccines, considering homeschooling, or seeking truth about health freedom, this conversation provides essential insights.

🎬 Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction & Del's background 2:46 Why Del's parents chose homeschooling 15:07 Traditional schools vs critical thinking 22:45 Media censorship & pharmaceutical influence 29:39 Understanding informed consent 43:22 Advice for hesitant parents

Connect with Del Bigtree:

🌐 https://thehighwire.com/ 📺 Live Thursdays 2pm EST / 11am PST

🏛️ https://icandecide.org

The Highwire on Instagram

Del on Instagram

Del on Culture Apothecary

Cheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast.

What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!
This could mean life or death in some cases!
Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies!

Support the show

Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast
Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast