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The Christy-Faith Show

Christy-Faith

Explore game-changing educational and homeschool ideas. Designed for intentional parents like you.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Thursday

Episodes20

Newest first
  • Thursday · 28 min

    Ep. 129 - How to Set Up Your Homeschool Year: The Episode I Needed a Decade Ago

    You planned the perfect first week — and by day three it was already falling apart. What actually torches the start of a homeschool year has nothing to do with school supplies, curriculum, or the color-coded spreadsheet you built in July. It's your expectations. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith, an education and parenting expert with over 20 years of experience, walks through the seven mindset shifts that make setting up your homeschool year sustainable instead of soul-crushing. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why everything is hard at the beginning — even in year 15 — and the three-things rule that keeps week one from burying you Why the first weeks of school are the worst possible time to teach brand-new content How to prep before day one so your kids aren't learning new systems and new material at the same time Why your July and August plan is supposed to fall apart — and the documented brain glitch behind it How much margin to build into every single slot in your homeschool schedule Why there's no "teacher hat" to put on, and what changes when you teach as yourself Why you were always the variable, not the curriculum box Why that bone-deep week-one exhaustion is proof your brain is doing hard, honest work Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math ✔ Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Sample Homeschool Schedules — Christy-Faith's real schedules for every age and stage, PK through 12th: Get the Schedules Free Curriculum Recommendations — The vetted list, by subject, with zero paid placements: Free Download New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: Learn More Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - The Day That Fell Apart (02:07) - Why I Threw the First Draft in the Trash (03:41) - Expectations vs. Systems — What Part 1 Covers (05:20) - Mindset 1: Everything Is Hard at the Beginning (06:11) - The Three-Things Rule (07:36) - Mindset 2: The Worst Possible Time to Teach New Content (09:20) - Start Prepping Before Day One (12:51) - Mindset 3: Your July Plan Is Supposed to Fall Apart (13:35) - The Planning Fallacy (14:55) - Why Every Schedule Needs Margin (15:46) - Mindset 4: There Are No Hats (17:00) - Mindset 5: You Were Always the Variable, Not the Box (19:40) - Mindset 6: Go Easy on Your Kids Too (24:04) - Mindset 7: Why Week One Levels You (25:47) - Your Expectations Weigh More Than Your Curriculum (27:01) - The Recap — and What’s Coming in Part 2

  • July 30 · 1 hr 22 min

    Ep. 128 - How to Stop Second-Guessing Your Homeschool Decisions

    You've researched the curriculum, built the schedule, and made the plan — so why do you still lie awake wondering if you're doing enough? In this rare, behind-the-scenes episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with the mentors of Thrive Homeschool Community to talk about why even devoted homeschool moms keep second-guessing their decisions — and how to finally trust that you're the right one to make the call for your kids. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: The three questions that keep homeschool moms up at night: "Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much? Are these the right things?" Why more information hasn't made homeschooling easier — and how too many "experts" fuel the second-guessing Where real homeschool confidence actually comes from (hint: it's not a perfect curriculum) What the Accelerator group is and how it walks new members through Christy-Faith's core frameworks Why "Finding Your Why" becomes the North Star for every curriculum and scheduling decision How office hours, DMs, and mentor support give you an objective second set of eyes — not more forum noise Why competence breeds confidence — and why every family's homeschool plan should look different What makes a values-aligned support community different from a free Facebook group Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial · Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's training and support community for homeschool moms: christy-faith.com/thrive The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction: A Rare Look Inside Thrive (01:35) - Meet the Thrive Mentors (06:06) - Why Every Homeschool Mom Needs a Guide (09:51) - Too Much Information, Too Many “Experts” (13:24) - “Yes, I Can Do This”: Where Confidence Comes From (16:58) - Inside the Accelerator Group (36:21) - A Guided Community vs. a Facebook Group (38:42) - The Fears That Keep Moms Up at Night (46:15) - Finding Your Why: Your Homeschool North Star (48:43) - Why Every Homeschool Plan Looks Different (01:00:04) - Homeschool as a Lifestyle, Not a Classroom (01:02:35) - Learning to Trust Your Own Decisions (01:08:30) - Why Thrive Is a Paid Community (01:16:05) - Investing in Yourself as a Homeschool Mom

  • July 23 · 31 min

    Ep. 127 - Benefits of Reading Aloud to Kids - Even After They Can Read

    Should you still be reading aloud to your kids after they can read on their own? It turns out this is one of the most settled questions in all of education — and the answer has been sitting in a government report since 1985. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith walks through what the research actually says about reading aloud to kids, why it never expires, and why the book on your couch may outrank half of what's on your lesson plan. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why reading aloud to kids is called the single most important activity for building a reader What the million word gap study found about read-alouds before kindergarten Why the rare words in books almost never show up in everyday conversation What MRI scans revealed about a child's brain during a read-aloud How animated screens do the imagining that a book leaves to your child Why reading aloud to older kids does NOT make them lazy readers The difference between constrained and unconstrained reading skills What kids themselves say they want most from being read to Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial — or purchase with the homeschool discount LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math ✔ Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Quote of the Week Notecard — the Emilie Buchwald quote from this episode, ready to print My Curriculum Recommendations — the free list, by subject All of Christy-Faith's free homeschool resources The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers Thrive Homeschool Community Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book Related episodes: Ep. 107 — How to Reduce Screen Time for Kids Ep. 61 — Are Schools Killing a Love of Learning? Ep. 92 — Behind the Screen (Part 1/6) — the start of Christy-Faith's vulnerability series ⭐ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Should You Be Reading Aloud to Your Kids? (01:53) - Welcome + Why This Episode (02:50) - When Reading Aloud Feels Like a Chore (04:03) - How Story Time Became “Literacy” (06:55) - Am I Doing Enough? (07:35) - The Million Word Gap (08:47) - Why Book Words Beat Everyday Words (12:37) - Inside Your Child's Brain During a Read-Aloud (13:57) - What Screens Do Instead (14:54) - “My Kid Can Read Now — Can I Stop?” (16:22) - Constrained vs. Unconstrained Skills (17:14) - Lifting Big Kids to a Higher Ledge (18:01) - Beowulf and the Seventh-Grade Reading Circle (19:49) - Why Kids Love Being Read To (22:39) - What Kids Say They Want Most (23:52) - Family Read-Alouds (24:35) - Start Tonight — Even Five Minutes (27:15) - Reading Is Worth It (28:05) - The Quote and the Free Notecard

  • July 16 · 35 min

    Ep. 126 - How to Homeschool a Child Who Won’t Sit Still

    You've said "sit down, please" about twenty thousand times this week — and it's starting to feel personal. It isn't. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith unpacks what's actually happening in your child's brain, why the wiggling may be how the learning gets in, and the small shifts that make the morning stop being a fight. 🎁 Free Resource: 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure Twenty honest questions that help you spot the school-shaped rules you're still carrying — so you can put them down, one at a time. 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: The attention-span rule of thumb every homeschool mom should know — a few minutes per year of age on a grown-up-chosen task Why a 45-minute lesson is quietly asking your six-year-old to hold on three times longer than they can The three expectations strangling your homeschool mornings — and permission to put all three down What 54 studies and nearly 30,000 kids revealed about movement and learning How to shorten and split lessons without falling behind Why doing the hard subjects first changes the whole back half of your day How to rescue your read-alouds — a still body was never the point Loop scheduling and trimming your list so a lighter day actually gets finished How to build the focus muscle one minute at a time How to tell the difference between a kid being a kid and something worth investigating Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ My favorite online math program — a real teacher walks them through every lesson ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure — Spot the school-shaped rules you're still carrying Sample Homeschool Schedules — Real, doable rhythms you can borrow, including loop schedules Quote of the Week Notecard — A free printable of this episode's quote Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book, including the chapter on deschooling The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: Get on the waitlist All of Christy-Faith's free resources Related episodes: Ep. 82 — How Long Should a Homeschool Day Really Be? Ep. 64 — Overwhelmed by Homeschooling? How to Make It Manageable ⭐ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - The "Sit Down, Please" Morning (04:16) - Expectation One: What Focus Actually Looks Like (05:40) - Expectation Two: Redefining What "Done" Means (06:35) - Expectation Three: The Wiggling Isn’t Disrespect (07:50) - Shorten and Split the Lesson (09:00) - What Deschooling Actually Means (14:10) - Let Them Move on Purpose: 54 Studies, 30,000 Kids (15:30) - Do the Hard Things First (16:45) - Rescuing Your Read-Alouds (20:51) - Trim Your List and Loop Your Subjects (22:06) - Build the Focus Muscle Slowly (23:00) - Check the Inputs Before You Worry (27:30) - Is My Kid Normal, or Is Something Deeper Going On? (31:55) - Where We Started, Where We Landed

  • July 9 · 27 min

    Ep. 125 - How to Homeschool Without a Co-Op and Still Find Community | Throwback Thursday

    Homeschooling can feel wonderful and lonely at the very same time — especially when there's no co-op nearby, or the ones around you just don't fit. Here's the good news: real community is absolutely possible without one. In this Throwback Thursday favorite, homeschool expert Christy-Faith busts the socialization myth and shares 8 natural ways to find your people, whether you're an extrovert or a shy park-bench introvert. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why homeschooling without a co-op does NOT mean your kids are missing out The truth about homeschool socialization — and why school-style socializing was never the gold standard 8 natural ways to build real community: faith groups, volunteering, playgroups, libraries, museums, neighbors, and more How everyday errands and conversations grow your child's emotional intelligence and confidence Simple scripts to break the ice with new homeschool families — even if you're shy Why the depth of your friendships matters far more than the number 3 doable action steps to start finding your people this week Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial • Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real, long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment (use code HOME50) True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book; see Chapter 7 for the healthy-socialization checklist How to Find the Best Homeschool Co-Op (And When to Walk Away) The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (00:22) - Homeschooling Without a Co-Op Can Feel Lonely (You're Not Alone) (01:17) - The Pressure to Justify Your Homeschool (03:20) - The Socialization Myth, Busted (04:17) - Depth Over Numbers: Real-World Socialization (10:10) - Faith Communities & Starting a Small Group (11:16) - Volunteering & Playgroups (12:52) - Breaking the Ice at the Park (13:50) - Libraries & Community Hubs (16:18) - Museums, Science Centers & Your Neighbors (17:57) - Clubs, Sports & Built-In Activities (23:49) - Finding Your People Takes Time (25:31) - 3 Action Steps to Take This Week (27:01) - You Can Thrive Without a Co-Op

  • July 2 · 55 min

    Ep. 124 - The Homeschool Boy Episode Every Mom Needs | Remembering Durenda Wilson

    If you're raising boys, you already know they don't always learn the way school expects them to — and that can leave you wondering if something is wrong. In this throwback episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with the beloved Durenda Wilson to talk about how boys actually learn and how to raise them into capable, confident men. We're revisiting this conversation in loving memory of Durenda. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why boys often learn differently than girls — and what the brain research actually shows How to let go of rigid scope-and-sequence without feeling like you're falling behind Why movement, energy, and hands-on learning matter so much for boys How to raise self-directed sons who take ownership of their own learning The relationship-first approach that keeps boys from burning out on school How to protect connection while still teaching resilience and hard things Why sibling conflict is actually training ground for real life How to homeschool with the long game in mind — raising capable, confident men Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial | 👉 Get 50% Off Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Durenda Wilson — her books and podcast: durendawilson.com The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive About our guest: Durenda Wilson was a homeschooling author, speaker, and podcaster with more than 30 years of home education experience. A mom of eight — seven graduated — and grandmother of ten, she was a trusted voice at homeschooling conventions and the host of The Durenda Wilson Podcast. Her books include The Four Hour School Day, The Unhurried Homeschooler, and Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart. Durenda passed away recently, and this throwback is shared in loving memory of her. 👉 durendawilson.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction & Remembering Durenda Wilson (01:34) - Meet Durenda Wilson & Her Heart for Boys (03:48) - Why Boys Need a Different Approach (06:36) - How Boys Actually Learn (13:25) - Ditching Rigid Scope & Sequence (16:32) - Raising Self-Directed, Resilient Sons (21:13) - Raising Boys Who Become Capable Men (24:15) - Relationship Over Busywork (34:27) - Homeschooling with Long-Term Vision (40:11) - Modeling a Balanced Life (48:34) - Sibling Relationships as Training Ground (54:14) - Final Encouragement

  • June 25 · 45 min

    Ep. 123 - Homeschool Hot Takes: Unschooling, Curriculum Overload, and Starting Later | Live Q&A

    Is unschooling going too far — or is it exactly right? In this live Q&A from the Summer Homeschool Help Desk series, homeschool expert Christy-Faith pulls no punches on unschooling's real risks, curriculum overload, whether it's too late to start in high school, and what it actually takes to raise a well-educated child at home. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why Christy-Faith believes pure unschooling carries real risks — and what she calls educational neglect The difference between unschooling, deschooling, and interest-led learning How to use BJU Press without doing every single thing in the curriculum Whether it's too late to start homeschooling in middle or high school (spoiler: it's not) How working moms and single moms can realistically homeschool What to do when your child can't spell and it's affecting their confidence How to source curriculum so it doesn't require you sitting next to your kid every second Real questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help Desk Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial | Get 50% Off LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: How to Homeschool Guide — free 23-page ebook for anyone considering or just starting homeschool 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — free quiz to discover your homeschool style in under 5 minutes Free Curriculum Recommendations — Christy-Faith's curated list by subject, no paid placements Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool moms The Christy-Faith List — free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses and providers Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk (02:00) - Christy's Free Resources for Homeschool Moms (06:45) - Spelling Struggles and Older Students (11:35) - Curriculum Overload: How Much Is Too Much? (18:00) - Is It Too Late to Pull My Kids Out of School? (19:45) - Homeschooling While Working or in School Yourself (28:45) - Christy's Hot Take on Unschooling (36:15) - Single Moms, Working Moms, and Thrive (38:40) - You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

  • June 18 · 37 min

    Ep. 122 - Working Moms, Curriculum Choices, and Homeschool Structure | Live Q&A

    You've been up at midnight Googling curriculum, schedule templates, and whether you're doing enough. That stops here. In this Summer Homeschool Help Desk Live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith — author of Homeschool Rising and a homeschooling mom of four who also works full time — answers real questions from real moms on curriculum choices, daily structure, living books, reading gaps, toddlers underfoot, and how to stop doing it all yourself. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: How working moms make homeschooling work — and why "sourcing" is the real secret How to choose curriculum strategically so you're not teaching every subject yourself Why kids need structure (backed by 70 years of child psychology research) and what it actually looks like How to handle naysayers and skeptics who question your homeschool decision How to teach history in a way kids love — spines, living books, and picture books explained What to do if your child is behind in reading or has a suspected learning disability How to manage homeschooling when you have toddlers in the house Why the Christy-Faith List is the homeschool resource you didn't know you needed Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial | Purchase (50% off) Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — Free quiz to discover your homeschool style or pedagogy How to Homeschool Guide — Free 26-page ebook: 6 steps to get started and launch Free Sample Homeschool Schedules — Preschool through high school Free Curriculum Comparison Chart Free Curriculum Recommendations Download — Christy-Faith's fail-proof subject-by-subject list The Christy-Faith List — Free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses, doctors, and providers Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool moms Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction & Summer Help Desk Series (01:45) - Meet Christy-Faith & Free Resources Overview (04:00) - Free Resources: Style Finder, How to Homeschool Guide & More (06:00) - Working Moms & Homeschooling: How to Make It Work (08:10) - How to Teach History with Living Books & Spines (09:00) - New Homeschoolers: Where to Start (11:30) - Why Kids Need Structure (What the Research Says) (15:20) - The Christy-Faith List: Find Providers Who Get You (15:30) - Curriculum Recommendations Download (18:00) - Handling Naysayers & Building Your Support Tribe (19:30) - Daily Schedules, Habit Stacking & Chores (22:00) - When Other Homeschool Moms Judge Your Choices (24:00) - Teaching History Across Age Gaps (27:00) - Spines, Living Books & How to Use Both (28:00) - Reading Disabilities, Dyslexia & When to Seek Help (32:00) - Homeschooling with Toddlers in the House (35:20) - Multisensory Curriculum & Final Questions (36:20) - Closing Encouragement

  • June 11 · 1 hr 3 min

    Ep. 121 - Are You Sheltering Your Kids or Giving Them What They Need? | Live Q&A

    You've heard the question — maybe from a relative, a neighbor, or a stranger at a party: aren't you sheltering your kids? In this archived Summer Homeschool Help Desk live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith answers real questions from real homeschool moms and unpacks the difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" them — protecting them while they grow strong. Because a strong homeschool was never about the perfect curriculum. It's about a secure, confident mom who knows her why. 🎁 Free Resource: The 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder There are 9 homeschool styles — and when you know yours, the curriculum, the schedule, and your whole approach finally click. Take the free quiz and find your fit. 👉 Take the Free Quiz In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" them Why a strong homeschool isn't built on the perfect curriculum How to become a secure, confident homeschool leader who knows her "why" How to handle the pressure to prove your kids are keeping up Why trauma doesn't build resilient adults — but healthy challenge does How to find your homeschool style (and why it matters before you buy curriculum) When reading struggles mean it's time to get an evaluation Real questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help Desk Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder: find your homeschool style Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Homeschool Rising (Christy-Faith's book): Homeschool Rising The Christy-Faith List — find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk (04:30) - The Critics and Pressure Homeschool Moms Face (08:30) - Where Homeschoolers Get Stuck (16:00) - How to Find Your Homeschool Style (21:00) - Best Practices Over What's Popular (28:30) - Knowing Your "Why" as the Homeschool Leader (36:00) - Why Investing in Your Homeschool Isn't Selfish (40:00) - "Aren't You Sheltering Your Kids?" (43:00) - Sheltering vs. Greenhousing: Raising Resilient Kids (48:00) - Reading Struggles and When to Get Help (53:30) - The Christy-Faith List + Final Encouragement

  • June 5 · 46 min

    Ep. 120 - Homeschool Moms Asked Me Their Hardest Questions. Here Are My Answers.

    Is it ever too late to start homeschooling? What curriculum should you actually trust? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith opens the floor and answers the hardest questions real homeschool moms brought to her live Q&A — from homeschooling a gifted kindergartner to choosing curriculum, deschooling, and whether to school straight through the summer. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Whether it's ever too late to start homeschooling — even with an eleventh grader How to choose homeschool curriculum you can actually trust (and why Christy won't just hand you a list) What to do when you're homeschooling a gifted child — especially with a new baby in the house How to find your homeschool style so curriculum decisions get easier What deschooling is and why most new homeschoolers need it first How to keep US curriculum going when your family moves overseas The real case for and against homeschooling year-round vs. taking summers off When it makes sense to outsource the subjects that aren't your strong suit Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Curriculum Recommendations — Christy's by-subject list of curriculum she trusts: Free Curriculum Recommendations 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — Discover your homeschooling style in five minutes: Homeschool Style Finder How to Homeschool Guide — Christy's free getting-started guide: How to Homeschool Guide The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive ⭐ New to homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction: Is It Ever Too Late to Start? (01:14) - The Biggest Mistakes Homeschool Moms Make (12:25) - Choosing Curriculum You Can Actually Trust (13:06) - Homeschooling a Gifted Child with a Newborn (14:46) - Finding Your Homeschool Style (17:39) - Deschooling: Where to Begin (25:51) - What Thrive Community Actually Offers (30:52) - Curriculum Help for Multiple Ages (32:00) - Homeschooling Across Borders (39:08) - Year-Round or Summers Off? (43:03) - Outsourcing the Hard Subjects (45:06) - The Math Program I Use + Final Encouragement

  • May 28 · 28 min

    Ep. 119 - Why Boredom Is the Best Thing You Can Give Your Kids This Summer

    Before you spend another $500 on summer camp, ask one question: is boredom actually bad for your kids — or is it exactly what their growing brains need? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith makes the research-backed case that slow, unstructured, "boring" summers are one of the most powerful gifts you can give your kids. She breaks down what the science says, why their "I'm bored" makes us panic, and five simple moves for a slower, richer summer. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why boredom is good for kids — and the brain science that proves it What the CDC found about kids, screen time, and rising anxiety and depression How the brain's "default mode network" fuels creativity, memory, and identity Why unstructured play and white space matter more than another summer camp The real reason your kid's "I'm bored" makes YOU feel so uncomfortable How sitting with boredom builds frustration tolerance and emotional regulation 5 practical moves for a slower, richer summer — including the "fridge list" The one-afternoon challenge that shows you what your kids can do on their own Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (00:37) - The Summer Camp Trap (02:43) - The Summers We Used to Have (04:06) - What's Replacing Boredom Today (05:19) - What the Research Says About Boredom (13:37) - Why Boredom Makes Us Uncomfortable (16:47) - White Space Is Not Neglect (20:47) - 5 Moves for a Slower, Richer Summer (25:48) - Your One-Afternoon Challenge

  • May 22 · 49 min

    Ep. 118 - How to Build a Professional Homeschool Transcript (With Joan Girkins from Homeschool Records)

    If you've been putting off building a homeschool transcript because it feels too complicated, too official, or just too much — this episode is for you. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Joan Girkins, founder of Homeschool Records and a veteran homeschool mom of 20+ years, to demystify the entire process and give you a real, confidence-building action plan. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why keeping homeschool records matters — even if your state doesn't require it Whether a homeschool transcript carries the same weight as a public or private school transcript What "accreditation" actually means and why it's not a barrier for homeschool families When to start building your child's transcript (hint: 9th grade, out of the gate) What colleges actually want to see — and how to work backwards from their requirements Why record-keeping matters even if your child isn't college-bound How a student resume (activities, awards, achievements) can open doors to military academies, scholarships, and more How Homeschool Records' guided platform teaches you how to build a transcript as you go What to do if you've been homeschooling for years with zero paper trail The exclusive listener coupon code — use CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off + free trial at Homeschool Records Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Homeschool Records — Joan's guided platform for professional transcripts & student resumes. Free trial + use code CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off: homeschoolrecords.com Solid Rock Consulting Services — Joan's consulting firm: solidrockconsultingservices.com The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive About our guest: Joan Girkins is a veteran homeschool mom who homeschooled all four of her children for over 20 years and is now watching her grandchildren be homeschooled. She is the founder of Homeschool Records, a guided online platform that teaches parents how to build professional transcripts, student resumes, and complete academic documentation — step by step, as they go. 👉 homeschoolrecords.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction & Why Homeschool Records Matter (02:07) - Joan's Homeschool Story (04:30) - Why Record-Keeping Brings Integrity to Your Homeschool (06:28) - Record-Keeping for Every Homeschool Style (Yes, Even Unschoolers) (10:00) - Does a Homeschool Transcript Carry the Same Weight as Accredited Transcripts? (13:22) - Colleges Are Actively Recruiting Homeschoolers (14:58) - Working Backwards from College Requirements (18:23) - Why Professional Transcripts Matter (First Impressions) (20:24) - When to Start Building Your Transcript (21:11) - The Student Resume: Activities, Awards & Achievements (27:43) - What to Do If You Have Zero Paper Trail (30:40) - Families Who Aren't Planning on College (33:08) - Build It As If They Are College Bound (35:12) - Documentation Deadlines You Don't Want to Miss (38:49) - How a Well-Documented Record Opens Doors (Including Military Academies) (41:10) - Record-Keeping Reminds You of How Far You've Come (41:50) - How Homeschool Records' Platform Works (43:50) - Record-Keeping for Unschoolers in High School (46:54) - Listener Discount Code & Free Trial (47:43) - Joan's Encouragement for Homeschool Moms

  • May 14 · 1 hr 14 min

    Ep. 117 - When Your Baby Won’t Sleep and Homeschool Still Has to Happen

    You're homeschooling a five-year-old, chasing a toddler, and surviving on whatever broken sleep your baby will give you. The advice you were raised on — cry it out, Ferber method, strict schedules — may not be sitting right anymore. So what do you actually do? Natalie Diaz, founder of Twiniversity and Certified IBCLC, brings nearly two decades of one-on-one experience with exhausted moms to answer that question — gently, practically, and without shame. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why sleep training advice shifted so dramatically — and what the science now says The real reasons your baby isn't sleeping (and how to work through the checklist) Natalie's step-by-step approach for the mom who won't do cry-it-out but desperately needs sleep Why "sleepy gets sleep" is actually true — and how to use it to your advantage How breastfeeding and sleep are connected in ways most books get dangerously wrong The 3-hour chunk method for surviving newborn life without losing yourself What husbands and pediatricians consistently miss about mom exhaustion How to protect your marriage through the sleepless seasons — before resentment builds Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 Visit bjupresshomeschool.com/christy CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase LearningRx ✔ Individualized brain training to strengthen focus, memory, and processing speed ✔ Real results for struggling learners of all ages 👉 Visit learningrx.com True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Live, online classes taught by expert teachers ✔ Designed specifically for homeschool families 👉 Visit truenorthhomeschool.academy Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 Visit summithealthshare.com/cf Resources mentioned: Twiniversity — global resource hub for twin families: twiniversity.com Tiny New Yorkers — Natalie's personal IBCLC services (covered by many insurance plans): tinynewyorkers.com What to Do When You're Having Two (book): Amazon link The Newborn Twin Sleep Guide (book): Amazon link The Twiniversity Podcast: Spotify | YouTube The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive About our guest: Natalie Diaz is the founder of Twiniversity, a Certified IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), author, and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience working one-on-one with moms through newborn nights, feeding struggles, and the depletion that doesn't lift. A twin mom herself, she founded Twiniversity in 2009 and built it into a platform reaching over one million people weekly in more than 100 countries. She is the author of What to Do When You're Having Two and The Newborn Twin Sleep Guide, and the host of The Twiniversity Podcast. Her personal IBCLC practice, Tiny New Yorkers, is covered by many insurance plans throughout the United States. 👉 twiniversity.com 👉 tinynewyorkers.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome and Sleep Shift (01:09) - Meet Natalie Diaz (04:27) - Twiniversity Origin Story (06:12) - Exhaustion and PPD (16:07) - Why Sleep Training Changed (19:42) - Twin Sleep Guide Basics (20:52) - Free Classes and Resources (24:01) - Is Cry It Out Traumatic (27:18) - Safe Sleep and Anxiety (30:28) - Ideal Sleep Conditions (35:39) - Routine Over Schedule (38:13) - Breastfeeding Friendly Methods (40:26) - No One Size Fits All (41:17) - Track Baby Rhythms (42:04) - Shifts and Support (43:55) - Three Hour Chunks (45:34) - Bedtime Routine Basics (46:37) - Nap Trapping Strategy (53:16) - Homeschool Mom Reality (01:02:03) - Delegation and Love (01:09:25) - Resources and Wrap Up

  • May 8 · 28 min

    Ep. 116 - You’re Not Going to Finish Your Homeschool Curriculum - Here’s What to Do

    You counted the lessons left. You counted the days left. The math doesn't work — and now that quiet voice is asking if you've ruined your kids. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith has been there. In this episode, she gives you the framework she uses every single year with her own kids so you never panic about unfinished curriculum again. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations 🎁 Free Printable Notecard: "The scope and sequence is not a contract. It's a menu." Download this beautiful, ready-to-print notecard featuring this episode's quote of the week. 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why an unfinished curriculum is not a sign of failure — and what it actually means The mindset shift that ends the panic for good (it starts with one question) What curriculum is actually for — and why finishing it was never the point How to sort every subject into skill-based vs. content-based — and why it changes everything Exactly what to keep going, what to park until next year, and what to skip entirely How to build an actual end-of-year plan in under 30 minutes The "ghost metric" haunting your homeschool — and how to fire it The quote of the week: why the scope and sequence is a menu, not a contract Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase Azure Standard ✔ Homeschool-family-owned company ✔ Organic, natural, and non-GMO groceries, health, home, and garden products ✔ All vetted to be free of harmful preservatives, food colorings, chemicals, and pesticides ✔ Use code CHRISTYFAITH15 for 15% off your first order 👉 Browse Azure's Grocery, Health & Home Products Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Printable Notecard — "The scope and sequence is not a contract. It's a menu.": Free Download The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 64 — If you're feeling generally overwhelmed, start here Episode 88 — The liberation episode: all the things homeschool moms don't need to care about Episode 70 — If curriculum decisions are weighing on you right now Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (00:00) - 3:10 Welcome & What This Episode Is Really About (00:00) - 5:31 Mindset First: Why Unfinished Pages Hurt So Much (00:00) - 8:42 Curriculum Is Your Vehicle, Not Your Boss (00:00) - 11:57 Framework: Skill-Based vs. Content-Based Subjects (00:00) - 17:00 How to Sort Your Subjects & Do the Surgery (00:00) - 19:07 Christy's Own End-of-Year Plan (Real Example) (00:00) - 23:58 The Ghost Metric — and How to Fire It (00:00) - 25:55 Quote of the Week & Free Notecard Download (00:00) - 26:38 Related Episodes

  • May 1 · 49 min

    Ep. 115 - Why Your Child Says Reading Is Boring (And What to Do About It) // Janel Nansenn

    Your child reads beautifully out loud — but ask them what just happened in the story, and you get a blank stare. That's the gap most homeschool moms don't catch until it's too late. In Episode 115, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with educational therapist Janel Nansenn — founder of Read-A-Rific and a 25-year private practice veteran who has helped over 3,000 students — to break down the reading comprehension gap most families don't catch until fourth grade, when the doors really start closing. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). In this episode, you'll learn: What the Matthew effect is — and why it's the silent reason struggling readers fall further behind every year The critical difference between reading fluency and reading comprehension (and why fluent readers can still have huge gaps) The single skill underneath strong reading comprehension — concept visualization — and why most curricula skip it entirely The real reason kids say "reading is boring" (it's not laziness) The red flags that signal a comprehension problem before it tanks your child's confidence Comprehension-rich activities every homeschool mom should be doing — even if your child is already a strong reader How to evaluate whether a reading curriculum actually teaches comprehension or just tests it Why visualization is the bridge to math word problems, writing, vocabulary, and every other subject Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free symptoms checklist for weak visualization skills: readarific.com The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive About our guest: Janel Nansenn is an educational therapist with a master's degree in speech-language pathology and audiology, and the founder of Read-A-Rific. With nearly 25 years in private practice, she has helped over 3,000 students of all ages become independent, confident learners by addressing the root cause of reading comprehension struggles: weak concept visualization. 👉 readarific.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - The Matthew effect — why reading comprehension is the quiet worry (02:00) - Meet Janelle Nansen, founder of Read-A-Rific (03:28) - Janelle's story: how she discovered concept visualization (08:03) - Why she narrowed her practice to reading comprehension (08:46) - Reading fluency vs. reading comprehension (15:29) - Why kids think reading is "boring" (18:52) - The shame spiral: comprehension struggles and self-esteem (20:44) - Comprehension-rich activities every homeschool mom should do (23:29) - Red flags: symptoms of weak visualization skills (26:23) - Why visualization matters across math, writing & vocabulary (29:35) - How to evaluate a reading comprehension curriculum (34:26) - Charlotte Mason, narration & the long history of these methods (46:27) - The takeaway: find the root cause (47:49) - Where to find Janelle

  • April 24 · 1 hr 4 min

    Ep. 114 - Why Your Kid Hates Writing — Two Master Teachers Divulge Their Secrets

    If your kid hates writing, you're not alone — and the problem usually isn't the kid. It's that we were never shown the actual process. In this episode, Christy-Faith sits down with veteran teacher and BJU Press curriculum specialist Sharon Fisher to walk through the four-stage writing process homeschool moms have been missing — and the one mistake that quietly kills your child's voice every time you sit down to write. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why writing is a process, not an event — and what that mindset shift changes The four stages of the writing process and why mashing them together backfires Why correcting spelling during drafting is the fastest way to make your kid hate writing The "brain dump" technique that protects your child's creativity The critical difference between revising and editing (most moms combine them — don't) How to teach writing as a skills-based progression, not a content-completion checklist Why two or three really good writing projects a year beats ten rushed ones The best writing curriculum for homeschool families and what makes it different Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Purchase LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math ✔ Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: BJU Press Homeschool Writing Curriculum: View Samples The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: Browse the directory Thrive Homeschool Community: Join Thrive About our guest: Sharon Fisher is a wife, mother, and grandmother passionate about helping homeschool parents and Christian educators teach with excellence and a biblical worldview. She holds a B.S. and M.A. in Elementary Education and brings years of full-time elementary classroom experience plus her work as a former elementary author for BJU Press. Sharon presents teaching workshops nationally and internationally, and currently serves as Social Media Coordinator, Workshop Speaker, Blog Writer, and Curriculum Specialist. 👉 Visit BJU Press Homeschool Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction — Why writing is hard to teach (02:25) - Meet Sharon Fisher — A master teacher's perspective (06:50) - Where most parents go wrong with writing (10:56) - Writing is a process, not an event (19:22) - The brain dump: don't steal your kid's voice (23:59) - Stop "smooshing" the stages together (28:29) - Why drafting matters and what it looks like (37:03) - Revising vs. editing — the critical difference (43:30) - Skills-based vs. content-completion teaching (49:38) - The spiral approach and exposing kids to great writing (01:01:28) - Final word — Keep joy at the center

  • April 17 · 55 min

    Ep. 113 - 5 Skills Every Kid Needs for an AI Future (The 5 C's Homeschool Moms Should Know) // Lisa Nehring

    AI is changing what our kids need to learn — and fast. The skills that will actually matter in the AI economy aren't the ones school has been measuring. Today, kids need the 5 C's — and in this Part 2 conversation, Christy-Faith and Lisa Nehring break down what they are and how to start building them in your home today. 🟢 Free Resource: The New Homeschooler Roadmap Everything you need to start homeschooling — 8 steps, mapped out, ready to follow. In this episode, you'll learn: What skills kids actually need for an AI economy The 5 C's of education — critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, character Why "compare and contrast" isn't critical thinking — and what is The difference between real research and confirmation bias Why communication is a dying art (and the writing skill that doubles as a thinking skill) Why tech gurus don't let their own kids have devices The college cost reality: 25% of U.S. colleges expected to close in 10 years Why homeschool families are already positioned to raise AI-ready kids Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 Browse BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Visit CTCMath Curriculum Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources Mentioned: True North Homeschool Academy — Cognia-accredited live online classes, Dual Degree Program, free future-focused advising Not That Hard to Homeschool — Lisa Nehring's site and Facebook groups The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers Thrive Homeschool Community Other episodes for you: Episode 112: Why Homeschooled Kids Are Better Prepared for an AI World Than Anyone Realizes (Part 1) Episode 67: How to Teach Critical Thinking in Your Homeschool Episode 83: Underemployment, Student Debt, and the Homeschool Advantage About our guest: Lisa Nehring is a 30-year homeschool veteran, founder of True North Homeschool Academy, and one of the clearest thinkers on what the Fourth Industrial Revolution means for families. Her Dual Degree Program allows homeschool high schoolers to earn an accredited bachelor's degree while completing their high school education simultaneously. 👉 truenorthhomeschool.academy Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram — @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok — @christy_faith Website Homeschool Rising — my book ⭐ New to the series? Start with Episode 112 (Part 1) first — the conversation builds. (00:00) - Welcome Back — Where Part 1 Left Off (00:30) - The Skill That Matters Most: Teach Kids How to Learn (03:00) - Why Screens Hurt Young Brains (And What the Tech Gurus Do) (17:20) - The 5 C's Framework: What Every Kid Needs to Build (17:30) - Critical Thinking — And Why Opinions Aren't It (23:40) - Why Formal and Informal Logic Still Matter (30:00) - Communication — The Dying Art (38:45) - Creativity — It's Taught, Not Born (40:00) - Collaboration in the Global Gig Economy (41:10) - Character — The Person Behind the Avatar (45:00) - The Dual Degree Program at True North (Lincoln's Story) (48:00) - The College Cost Reality — Is It Still Worth It? (52:20) - Building a Strategic Educational Pathway (54:30) - Final Encouragement + Where to Find Lisa

  • April 9 · 43 min

    Ep. 112 - Why Homeschooled Kids Are Better Prepared for an AI World Than Anyone Realizes // Lisa Nehring

    My son Lincoln has wanted to be an attorney since he could pronounce the word. Then AI happened — and everything changed. In this episode, Christy-Faith sits down with Lisa Nehring — 30-year homeschool veteran and founder of True North Homeschool Academy — to talk about what jobs AI will replace, which fields are growing, whether college is still worth it, and why homeschool families already have the structural edge. This is Part 1 of 2. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: What the Fourth Industrial Revolution actually is — and why AI is different from every revolution before it Which white collar jobs are most at risk (and how fast the timeline really is) 8 emerging job areas your kids should be building toward right now What jobs AI can't replace — and why the "empath economy" is quietly exploding The college question: why 25% of colleges are expected to close in the next 10 years What homeschooling gives our kids that no classroom can — and why it matters more than ever How Lincoln is already getting ahead with an accredited bachelor's degree while still in high school What's coming in Part 2: the 5 exact skills every kid needs to succeed in an AI world Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: True North Homeschool Academy — Cognia-accredited live online classes, dual degree program, and flexible self-paced options for grades 6–12 "Something Big Is Happening" by Matt Schumer — must-read article on logarithmic AI change (search Google) The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly businesses and providers Thrive Homeschool Community 🌟 SPECIAL GUEST Lisa Nehring 👉 truenorthhomeschool.academy Live online, accredited classes taught by real teachers who keep your student on track (and un-stress you) Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction: When AI Changed Our Homeschool (06:24) - Meet Lisa Nehring (07:05) - The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Explained (11:28) - Why This Revolution Is Different (15:38) - Which Jobs Are Actually at Risk (19:22) - Agentic AI: What It Is and Why It Matters (25:13) - 8 Jobs Our Kids Should Know About (30:11) - The College Question (38:48) - The Homeschool Advantage (42:31) - Coming Up in Part 2

  • April 3 · 30 min

    Ep. 111 - 6 Things I Do Every Day to Protect My Kids' Mental Health (What the Research Actually Says)

    Childhood depression is rising. Teen anxiety is up. And online searches for kids' mental health have nearly tripled since last fall. Most parents don't need a statistic to feel it. So what can parents actually do at home, today? Homeschool expert Christy-Faith shares the six things she actively does every day to protect her kids' mental health — and the research behind every one of them. 📌 Resource for You: 12-Day Connection Reset Challenge Build real connection back into your family with this instant-download challenge. 🎁 Free Download: Quote of the Week Notecard "I am the most important part of my homeschool. Everything else is just a tool." — Ready-to-print notecard, totally free. In this episode, you'll learn: Why social media and kids' mental health are more connected than most parents realize — and the one data point that changes everything What a major NIH study found about children's sleep and brain structure — and why sleep deprivation doesn't always look like tired The Harvard research on real friendship and child mental health — and why more contact doesn't equal more connection Why overscheduled kids are at higher risk for anxiety, lower resilience, and difficulty self-regulating How parental stress affects kids — even when you're trying to hide it What Christy-Faith considers the most countercultural thing she does as a parent to protect her children's mental health The 25-year study that connects chores and contribution directly to mental health for kids A Fred Rogers quote about emotional health that will stay with you Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial Azure Standard ✔ Homeschool-family-owned company with real, organic food ✔ Vetted to be free of harmful preservatives, food colorings, chemicals, and pesticides ✔ Use code CHRISTYFAITH15 for 15% off your first order 👉 Browse Azure's Grocery, Health & Home Products Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Episode 107: How to Reduce Screen Time for Kids — Christy-Faith's deep dive on screens and the four-question framework Episode 99: The $40 Billion Youth Sports Machine — What overscheduling actually costs our kids Episode 54: Social-Emotional Learning: Why Homeschooling Does It Better Free Quote of the Week Notecard — Ready-to-print, totally free The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (05:30) - Welcome to The Christy-Faith Show (06:15) - #1: Social Media and Kids’ Mental Health (07:35) - #2: Protecting Their Sleep (09:35) - #3: Curating Real Friendship (15:19) - #4: Defending Unstructured Free Time (18:51) - #5: Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health (23:32) - #6: Building Purpose and Contribution (27:21) - Closing and Quote of the Week

  • March 26 · 47 min

    Ep. 110 - What Is the Science of Math and Why Does It Matter? // Nathan King

    There is a new term making its way through the education world right now — and researchers say it could change how we teach math the way the science of reading changed how we teach kids to read. Christy-Faith and Nathan King of CTC Math unpack the Science of Math movement and what it means for your homeschool. 🟢 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). In this episode, you'll learn: What the Science of Math is and why it's gaining momentum now How it parallels the science of reading — and what that means for your homeschool What explicit instruction is and why the research supports it Why so many kids (and moms) develop math anxiety The difference between mastery-based and spiral math curricula Why homeschool families already have a built-in edge What math automaticity is and why it matters How to evaluate a homeschool math curriculum based on research, not marketing Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 Browse BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Visit CTCMath Curriculum LearningRx ✔ Proven program to strengthen cognitive skills ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help for ADHD, dyslexia, and learning challenges — use code HOME50 for $50 off 👉 Learn More at LearningRx Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources Mentioned: Education Week — "Debates Over Math Teaching Are Heating Up" (January 2026) The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly businesses and providers Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool moms Other episodes for you: From Struggle to Success: Building Confidence in Math with Pat Murray What I Wish I Knew Before Buying Homeschool Curriculum Is It a Learning Disability, a Skill Gap, or Something Else? Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram — @christy_faith_homeschool TikTok — @christy_faith Website Homeschool Rising — my book ⭐ Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction: The Science of Math (02:23) - Meet Nathan King of CTC Math (04:55) - What Is the Science of Math? (07:33) - Science of Math vs. Science of Reading (13:03) - What Ideal Math Instruction Looks Like (19:07) - What This Means for Your Homeschool (26:37) - Mastery vs. Spiral — What Every Parent Should Know (31:22) - Why Homeschoolers Have the Edge (32:38) - Fun vs. Effective: The Edutainment Question (39:55) - Why Math Automaticity Still Matters