In this episode of An Unfiltered Life, I’m sharing the heart behind our homeschooling years — the style we used (a blend of unschooling and Thomas Jefferson Education), what worked beautifully, what didn’t, and why we eventually chose to make a change.

Whether you’re deep in the homeschool world, exploring your options, or just curious how one mom of six made it all work (for a while), this episode offers an honest look at education, freedom, burnout, and pivoting with grace.

Grab your laundry pile or a hot cup of tea — let’s hang out.

homeschooling, education, parenting, project-based learning, socialization, family, learning styles, transition to school, Melissa Lahti

Summary

In this episode, Melissa Lahti shares her personal journey of homeschooling her six children, discussing the motivations behind her decision, the challenges she faced, and the joys of project-based learning. She reflects on the importance of fostering a love for learning and the socialization aspect of homeschooling. Melissa also addresses the transition from homeschooling to public school and the lessons learned along the way.

Takeaways

Melissa has six children and began her homeschooling journey with a desire to provide a better educational experience.

She emphasizes the importance of socialization in homeschooling, countering common concerns about isolation.

Project-based learning was a key focus in her homeschooling approach, allowing her children to thrive.

Melissa believes that learning should be driven by passion and interest rather than traditional methods.

She enjoyed the freedom and flexibility that homeschooling provided, allowing for a more personalized education.

Melissa faced challenges with the judgmental nature of some homeschooling communities.

She acknowledges the difficulties of managing homeschooling alongside her growing family and business.

The transition to public school was motivated by the need for more structured support for her children.

Melissa encourages parents to try homeschooling without the fear of a long-term commitment.

She highlights that there are many ways to homeschool, and each family's approach can be unique.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Homeschooling Journey

06:31 Deciding to Homeschool: The Socialization Question

10:47 Project-Based Learning and Its Impact

16:03 What I Loved and Hated About Homeschooling

21:11 Transitioning from Homeschooling to Public School

25:13 Embracing Authenticity in Motherhood

25:15 Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Wins