Homeschool Moms Unfiltered

We started homeschooling to give our kids a different kind of education, but we never imagined how much it would change us. In this episode, we're digging into the unexpected realities of homeschooling, from the isolation, exhaustion, and identity shifts to the incredible freedom of questioning everything we thought we knew about education. We're sharing what surprised us, what challenged us, and what we can never unsee after years of homeschooling. As always, it's an honest conversation about the messy, complicated, and sometimes pretty amazing reality of homeschooling.

Also, we’ve chosen our next book club selection and you won’t want to miss this!!!! We’ll be reading Boys Will Be Boys: Power, Patriarchy and Toxic Masculinity by Clementine Ford. The best part is… we don’t judge you if you show up and haven’t read the book! Join our Bookworm or All-Access Patreon membership if you’d like to participate in the book club. We’d love to welcome you! https://bit.ly/HMUPatreon

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Politics affects our kids long before they're old enough to vote, so how do we help them understand the world around them without overwhelming them or telling them what to think? This week, we're talking about when and how to introduce politics, navigating tough conversations with sensitive and neurodivergent kids, building critical thinking and media literacy skills, and helping kids find meaningful ways to get involved.

*** For the additional resources we mentioned in the episode, head over to Patreon! --> https://bit.ly/HMUPatreon

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Kids are naturally curious about the world around them, so why does their enthusiasm for learning science start declining as early as third grade? In this episode, we're digging into a fascinating study involving more than 7,000 students and exploring what the findings mean for homeschoolers. From the pressure to cover curriculum to the importance of hands-on exploration, we're talking about how to nurture curiosity, make learning meaningful, and raise kids who don't just know more, but actually want to learn more.

Study source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11165-026-10368-z

Also, our current book club pick is The Self-Driven Child. Want to join us? The best part is… we don’t judge you if you show up and haven’t read the book! Join our Bookworm or All-Access Patreon membership if you’d like to participate in the book club. We’d love to welcome you! https://bit.ly/HMUPatreon

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

⚠️⚠️⚠️ TIME SENSITIVE ⚠️⚠️⚠️

We are finalists for a Signal Award - which in the world of podcasting is incredibly exciting!! We’d be SO grateful if you’d take a moment and toss your vote our way for the Listener’s Choice award. It takes two minutes and costs nothing, but we’ll express ship our eternal gratitude your way for the effort.

Click here to vote: https://bit.ly/awardvotehmu — Voting ENDS October 15th!!

Are you doing enough as a homeschool parent/caregiver? This is often a big worry and topic of conversation, but today we’ll be exploring what does “enough” even mean and how would you know when you've reached it? We'll explore practical ways to evaluate your child's progress, recognize what's actually working, and make room for learning, curiosity, and life beyond the checklist.

Also, our current book club pick is The Self-Driven Child. Want to join us? The best part is… we don’t judge you if you show up and haven’t read the book! Join our Bookworm or All-Access Patreon membership if you’d like to participate in the book club. We’d love to welcome you! https://bit.ly/HMUPatreon

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

We're finalists for a Signal Award - which is a huge honor and a big freaking deal! We would super duper appreciate your support for the Listener's Choice Award.

At the time we are posting this we are just 2% down. Voting takes 2 minutes and costs nothing. Spread the word. We'd be super grateful for all the help we can get!

Head here to vote ⬅️

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! We have the greatest community and we appreciate each and every one of you so much!

Meagan & Amanda

⚠️⚠️⚠️ TIME SENSITIVE ⚠️⚠️⚠️

We are finalists for a Signal Award - which in the world of podcasting is incredibly exciting!! We’d be SO grateful if you’d take a moment and toss your vote our way for the Listener’s Choice award. It takes two minutes and costs nothing, but we’ll express ship our eternal gratitude your way for the effort.

Click here to vote: https://bit.ly/awardvotehmu — Voting ENDS October 15th!!

Wow! It has been a doozy of a week for each of us. So today, we have some fresh updates for you, followed by some classic Homeschool Moms Unfiltered content.

We’ll be digging into the differences between monochronic and polychronic cultures and how our deeply ingrained cultural tendencies shape the way we think about time, structure, and schedules… and what that means for education and learning.

Also, our current book club pick is The Self-Driven Child. Want to join us? The best part is… we don’t judge you if you show up and haven’t read the book! Join our Bookworm or All-Access Patreon membership if you’d like to participate in the book club. We’d love to welcome you! https://bit.ly/HMUPatreon

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Portfolio reviews, work samples, district meetings… how much proof of homeschooling do you actually need? This week, we’re talking about what’s worth documenting, what you can stop saving, how requirements can vary wildly depending on where and how you homeschool, and why your portfolio should reflect the education your child actually received… not manufacture a school-shaped version of it. Whether you live in a low-regulation state or a high-regulation state, our goal for you is the same - meet the requirements without letting documentation take over your homeschool.

Our current book club pick is The Self-Driven Child. Want to join us? The best part is… we don’t judge you if you show up and haven’t read the book! Join our Bookworm or All-Access Patreon membership if you’d like to participate in the book club. We’d love to welcome you! https://bit.ly/HMUPatreon

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Homeschool socialization… everyone has an opinion, but what does it actually look like in real life? This week, we’re talking about how much socialization kids really need, close friends vs. acquaintances, avoiding the urge to overschedule, and how we’ve helped our own kids find their people from the elementary years through the teens.

Our next book club pick is The Self-Driven Child. Want to join us? And the best part is… we don’t judge you if you show up and haven’t read the book! Join our Bookworm or All-Access Patreon membership if you’d like to participate in the book club. We’d love to welcome you! https://bit.ly/HMUPatreon

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

This week, we’re recapping The Yes Brain by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, our latest Homeschool Moms Unfiltered Book Club pick. We’re sharing the bits we loved, the parts that got us thinking, and how the book’s approach to resilience, flexibility, and emotional growth might be relevant on your homeschooling and parenting journey.

Our next book club pick is The Self-Driven Child. Want to join us? And the best part is… we don’t judge you if you show up and haven’t read the book! Join our Bookworm or All-Access Patreon membership if you’d like to participate in the book club. We’d love to welcome you! https://bit.ly/HMUPatreon

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

How much does homeschooling really cost? Spoiler: the curriculum is only the beginning. This week, we’re digging into potential hidden costs of homeschooling. We’ll explore lost income, extracurriculars, co-op fees, gas, subscriptions, testing, and teen expenses. We’ll also talk about things that are harder to quantify like time, energy, and mental load. They never show up on the receipt, but we feel them alright! This isn’t about scaring anyone away from homeschooling; it’s about knowing the real cost so you can plan for it and build a homeschool life that’s actually sustainable for your family.

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Your kid finished the lesson, completed the worksheet, and checked every box... but did they actually learn it? This week, we’re talking about what makes learning stick, why simply doing more practice isn’t always the answer, and how mistakes and meaningful feedback can turn practice into real understanding. We’ll also share simple ways to spot the difference between completing the work and actually mastering what they’re learning. (And - in a most scandalous turn of events - we’ll share instances where mastering content might not necessarily be the goal.)

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Discovering that your child has a significant gap in reading, writing, math, or another foundational skill can send even the most seasoned homeschool parent into a panic spiral. In this episode, we’re talking about how to figure out what’s actually missing, address learning gaps without turning “catching up” into your child’s entire education, and protect their confidence along the way. Because sometimes you don’t need to lower the ceiling… you just need to build the missing stairs.

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

We were recently asked to talk about homeschooling neurodivergent kids who struggle, and it got us thinking about why struggle isn't always the part of our homeschool lives you hear us talking about most these days. Our kids absolutely do struggle, and there have been seasons when those struggles were incredibly difficult, but we've also spent years learning how their brains work and intentionally designing their education around them. In this episode, we're talking about how we got here and what a strengths-based approach can look like in practice, from leaning into interests and supporting executive function to using accommodations and removing barriers that make learning unnecessarily difficult. And because supporting our kids doesn't mean making everything easy, we're also talking about finding that balance between providing the support they need and giving them meaningful opportunities to stretch, build confidence, develop grit, and discover just how capable they really are.

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

For many homeschoolers, this time of year means a fresh start and new planning cycle. In this episode, we’re sharing our real-life homeschool plans for the 2026–2027 school year, including the curriculum we’re using, the classes and activities on the calendar, what we’re changing from last year, and how we’re thinking through it all. We’re inviting you behind the scenes to hear what we chose, what we skipped, and why.

*****

At the time this episode drops, Meagan has two spaces left in her 2026-2027 Unschooling Confidence Cohort. It’s for homeschool parents who want to recognize learning beyond the checkboxes, confidently support their kids’ interests, and build an education that actually works for their family. Learn more and grab one of the remaining spots here: https://bit.ly/unschoolingcohort

*****Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Reading instruction has become one of the biggest conversations in education, but what does the research actually say? In this episode, we explore the science behind phonics, how reading instruction shifted away from explicit phonics, and why so many schools are returning to evidence-based practices. We also share practical, play-based ways to introduce phonics at home, favorite resources for different ages, and why teaching children to decode words doesn't have to come at the expense of a love of books. Whether you're homeschooling a preschooler, supporting a struggling reader, or trying to make sense of the reading wars, you'll leave feeling informed, confident, and ready to help your child build a strong reading foundation.

For a list of studies and resources mentioned in this episode, scroll to the bottom of the show notes.

Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is more than a podcast! Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ for personalized homeschool coaching, self-paced courses, books, secular unit studies, our Patreon community, and more.

Follow us for updates and giveaways!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered

Support the show:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered

Resources from this episode:

Bruce McCandliss, Yuliya Yoncheva, and Jessica Wise, “Hemifield Differences in Word Learning Reveal Incomplete Mapping of Visual Words to Left Hemisphere Language Areas” (2015):
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandl.2015.03.009

Henry May et al., “Long-Term Impacts of Reading Recovery Through Third and Fourth Grade: A Regression Discontinuity Study” (2023):
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED628331

Full-text PDF:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED628331.pdf

Philip Sirinides, Abigail Gray, and Henry May, “The Impacts of Reading Recovery at Scale: Results From the 4-Year i3 External Evaluation” (2018):
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1186803

Sandra Iversen and William Tunmer, “Phonological Processing Skills and the Reading Recovery Program” (1993):
https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.85.1.112

University of Memphis evaluation of Fountas & Pinnell’s Leveled Literacy Intervention:
https://www.memphis.edu/crep/pdfs/publications/lli_efficacy_wo_appendices_accessible_10_29_18.pdf

Sold a Story:
https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/

Reading Eggs:
https://readingeggs.com

Preschool Prep Company (Meet the Phonics):
https://www.preschoolprepco.com

Hooked on Phonics:
https://www.hookedonphonics.com

All About Reading:
https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading/

Meadowlark Preschool:
https://meadowlarkpreschool.com

Playing Preschool (Busy Toddler):
https://busytoddler.com/playing-preschool/

Explode the Code:
https://epslearning.com

Carson Dellosa Gold Stars Phonics:
https://www.carsondellosa.com

Logic of English:
https://www.logicofenglish.com

Studies & Resources

This week we're sharing one of our favorite homeschool "superpowers"... turning one simple resource into weeks or even months of rich, meaningful learning. Whether you're using a curriculum, a library book, a documentary, or a unit study, we'll show you how to follow your child's curiosity, make natural connections across subjects, and build unforgettable learning experiences without buying more curriculum. If you've ever wondered how experienced homeschoolers seem to make learning come alive, this episode is for you.

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Custom Unit Study Building - Going on a summer trip? Have a kid with a wildly specific interest? Tell us what you want to explore, and we’ll build a ready-to-use unit study around it so you can just open it and go. We’ll even meet with you to walk through the resource and share tips for making the most of it.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

What if your child's biggest interest wasn't a distraction from learning, but the key to deeper, more meaningful education? In this episode, we explore how to leverage your child's passions - from trucks and horses to astronomy and beyond - to build a rich, academically rigorous homeschool without sacrificing curiosity. We share practical ideas for every stage, from preschool through high school, discuss how interest-led learning can look very different depending on your homeschool style, and offer simple ways to start customizing your homeschool without feeling overwhelmed. If you've ever wondered how experienced homeschoolers make learning feel so personal, this episode is for you.

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Custom Unit Study Building - Going on a summer trip? Have a kid with a wildly specific interest? Tell us what you want to explore, and we’ll build a ready-to-use unit study around it so you can just open it and go. We’ll even meet with you to walk through the resource and share tips for making the most of it.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Feeling like you have no idea what you’re doing? You're not alone. In this episode, we share 10 practical ways to build confidence as a homeschool parent. We’ll review topics like understanding how children actually learn and what's developmentally appropriate to finding your homeschool philosophy, tuning out comparison, embracing flexibility, and knowing when to pivot. We also talk about why self-doubt is a normal part of the journey and how the right knowledge, community, and mindset can help you spend less time second-guessing yourself and more time enjoying the freedom homeschooling offers. If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing this all wrong?" this episode is for you.

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Custom Unit Study Building - Going on a summer trip? Have a kid with a wildly specific interest? Tell us what you want to explore, and we’ll build a ready-to-use unit study around it so you can just open it and go. We’ll even meet with you to walk through the resource and share tips for making the most of it.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

What does it really look like to homeschool a dyslexic learner? In this episode, we're joined by a homeschool mom who shares her family's firsthand experience navigating dyslexia… the challenges, the victories, the resources that helped, and what she wishes every parent knew. Even if dyslexia isn't part of your homeschool journey, this conversation is well worth a listen. Whether you organize homeschool events, volunteer at a co-op, lead classes, or simply want to better support the diverse learners in your community, understanding dyslexia helps create spaces where every child and family feels seen, welcomed, and supported.

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Custom Unit Study Building - Going on a summer trip? Have a kid with a wildly specific interest? Tell us what you want to explore, and we’ll build a ready-to-use unit study around it so you can just open it and go. We’ll even meet with you to walk through the resource and share tips for making the most of it.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase play-based learning? If you're picturing chaos, endless toys, and children running wild with no real education happening, you're not alone, but that picture couldn't be further from the truth. In this episode, we unpack what intentional play-based education actually looks like, why it's backed by decades of research, and how parents can nurture literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and social-emotional development through age-appropriate play. We'll explore structured versus free play, themed learning, the physiology of young children, common objections (including gifted learners and workbook-loving kids), and why play isn't the opposite of learning. In fact, it's often the very foundation that makes meaningful learning possible.

Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast?

We’ve built the tools, resources, and community we wish had existed when we started homeschooling, so you don’t have to bump your way through it alone. And we’re still building all the time.

Visit https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ to find everything in one place, including:

•

Personalized Homeschool Coaching - Get practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family, your kids, your questions, and your real-life homeschool challenges.

•

Self-Paced Homeschool Courses - Start anytime and work at your own pace with hands-on courses that include companion workbooks, practical exercises, and step-by-step support to help you build your homeschool foundation, choose curriculum, gain confidence, and so much more.

•

Books to Support Your Homeschool Life - We wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need and the name isn’t ironic. From getting started to choosing curriculum to dealing with homeschooling naysayers, our books are created to help you make informed decisions without panic, perfectionism, or someone else’s rigid blueprint.

•

Live Monthly Meetings on Patreon - Join us for supportive, honest conversations with other homeschool parents and caregivers who get it. Bring your questions, your wins, your worries, and your “what even is happening?” moments.

•

Secular, Progressive Unit Studies - Explore themed studies designed for curious learners and thoughtful families, with resources that are inclusive, accurate, engaging, and never trying to sneak in a worldview you didn’t ask for.

•

Custom Unit Study Building - Going on a summer trip? Have a kid with a wildly specific interest? Tell us what you want to explore, and we’ll build a ready-to-use unit study around it so you can just open it and go. We’ll even meet with you to walk through the resource and share tips for making the most of it.

•

Twice-Monthly Parent/Caregiver Book Club on Patreon - A low-pressure, community-centered book club for homeschool grown-ups who want to reflect, learn, laugh, and grow alongside people who understand the beautiful chaos of this life.

Let's be friends!!! Follow us on social media for giveaways and updates!!

IG:⁠https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered/⁠ FB:⁠https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠

Love Homeschool Moms Unfiltered and want to show your support?⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/homeschoolmomsunfiltered⁠