Homeschool Hints Podcast

How do you homeschool during the holidays? Jordan Gabler discusses setting expectations, getting help, and avoiding the two “ditches” of too many projects vs. too little merriment for the season!-Some ways her holiday season has changed over the years [1:25]-Avoiding the two ditches of Advent and Christmas preparation [1:40]-How being meaningful doesn’t have to mean being busy [2:55]-Adjusting holiday projects to the ages of your children [3:20]-Advice for new homeschoolers starting their first holiday together [4:35]-Favorite homeschool activities and traditions [6:00]-Thoughts for homeschoolers dealing with burnout, depression, or other challenges at this time of year [8:03]-How to keep some sort of rhythm or routine throughout the holidays and plan for the next semester [10:10]-Different strategies of holiday homeschooling as children grow [11:42]-Slowly building your Advent and Christmas library and resources instead of getting overwhelmed [13:15]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/kansas-city-holiday-events/ (Holiday Events Enjoyed By KC-Area Homeschool Families)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/womens-encouragement-day/ (Women’s Encouragement Day)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Upcoming events in December and beyond include:Our last Moms Breakfast for the year is Thursday, Dec. 14, at Denny’s on Shawnee Mission Parkway.We’ve scheduled a Facebook Live with Zan Tyler on Jan. 9. Zan is a featured speaker for both our Women’s Encouragement Day in February and homeschool conference & curriculum fair in April!Homeschool Capitol Day is Feb. 1. Coming to the Capitol is the easiest way for most people to visit their own state legislators. Meeting up for Homeschool Capitol Day provides the encouraging presence of other homeschool families as well as many first-hand educational experiences!We’re having a Homeschool Dads Night Out BBQ dinner on Feb. 2. Registration is open on our website.Registration for Women’s Encouragement Day is open!Our first ever homeschool business field trip will be 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 13 at the School of Economics in Blue Springs! This will be for children in grades 3-8. Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

How do you homeschool during a school year when you're pregnant or have babies or toddlers who aren’t school-age yet? Krystal Evensen, mom of 13, shares some tips and tricks that have worked from personal experience!-Naptimes for the win [0:45]-Activities at the table, educational movies, learning games, etc. [1:15]-How to set realistic expectations? [5:17]-Knowing when to have a change of scenery and take care of mom’s needs as well as the children’s needs [6:30]-Communicating with your spouse or friends to “divide and conquer” by separating the school-age kids from the smaller ones [7:15]-Coping with unexpected life challenges such as the fridge breaking down, etc. [8:50]-Focusing not on what you didn’t do, but what you DID do [10:00]-Consider having older children helping with younger ones [11:02]-Curriculum and cycles: how you will cover the same material in different years, just in more detail [13:20]-Enjoying our families as part of an invitation of “making it about us” [16:15]-The beauty of accepting and loving little ones unconditionally [17:20]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/homeschooling-with-babies-toddlers-tips/ {Homeschooling with babies and toddlers: 9 Activities & Tips)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Upcoming events in November and beyond include:1) Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks in February. Registration is now open. Enjoy fantastic deals and discounts on room rates, waterpark wristbands, food and concessions, MagiQuest and more!2) Our Women's Encouragement Day will open for registration in November. It's a quiet, relaxing day in the middle of winter when we all could use a little encouragement to help us finish the school year. All homeschool moms in every season are invited, as well as those moms who may be considering homeschool next year.3) We're excited to announce an MPE field trip 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 13 at the School of Economics in Blue Springs, MO! This will be for children in grades 3-8. More info will be published to our website and social media as it becomes available.4) Our next class of 2024 graduation meeting will be Monday, Nov. 13. This is the last chance to submit a signed contract and fee for the graduation. No appeals or refunds will be accepted after the November meeting. 4) Our 2024 Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair will be April 5-6 at the KCI Expo Center. We're excited to announce Zan Tyler as a featured speaker. Zan's homeschool journey began in 1984 when homeschooling was illegal and she was threatened with jail. For either years, she and other families battled for homeschool freedom and established landmark homeschool legislation in South Carolina. She is now a consultant with BJU Press Homeschool. Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

How do homeschoolers spend all that time with their kids? 😉 Krystal Evensen, a mom of 13, discusses her strategies and experiences raising many children in a small space and finding joy along the way, even if life doesn't always go as planned!-How Krystal started homeschooling [1:05]-Making a schedule to plan the day, including times to rest and recharge [3:15]-Other tips and coping strategies e.g. outside walks, different activities [4:50]-Different schedules for different seasons, e.g. more flexibility for teenagers vs. littles [6:01]-Misconception of 6-hour homeschool days, like a traditional classroom - homeschooling can be done sometimes in a few hours, especially in elementary years [7:07]-How to give children space and time for pretend play, self-directed learning, etc. [8:00]-When to take a break [10:30]-Mindset of “doing life together” vs. “everyone separated by age, doing their own thing” [11:49]-What about “alone time” or “quiet time”? [14:20]-How to deal with sibling rivalry [16:35]-Setting boundaries and sticking to them; finding help from spouses and/or friends [20:00]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/homeschool-morning-routine/ (Creating the best homeschool morning routine for your family)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/teaching-methods-finland-homeschooling/ (How teaching methods in Finland apply to homeschooling)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Some events coming up for October include the following:* Next graduation meeting for the Class of 2024 will be Monday, Oct. 9. * The Crown Center Homeschool Week will take place Oct. 9-14. * Shawnee Town 1929 is offering a Homeschool Day on Friday, Oct. 13. * The free online Homeschool Parenting 2.0 Summit is taking place Oct. 16-21. Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

In a previous episode, Angelena Stowell discussed planning and organizing your homeschool year. Today we’ll discuss how to build your homeschool community and different ways to do so, from homeschool co-ops and small groups to enrichment programs and more!-What are co-ops, groups, and enrichment programs? What are the differences? [1:00]-Building community not just among your children, but also among moms and parents [2:30]-Other extracurricular activities and opportunities / homeschool enrichment days [3:45]-Researching homeschool groups [5:00]-MPE events and mentoring moms [5:55]-Finding your own “busy” [7:00]-Tackling the whole homeschool socialization question! [7:58]-Mom 2 Mom coffee gatherings [9:00]-GROW homeschool workshops [11:17]-How to start small [12:30]Resource #1 - KC-area list of co-ops, enrichment programs, activities and more: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/homeschool-enrichment-co-op-athletic-programs/ Resource #2 - GROW homeschool workshops: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/grow-back-homeschool-workshop/ Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Some events MPE has planned for September:* Today (Aug. 25) is the last day to register for our Sept. 1 Homeschool Day at the K! Tailgating starts at 4 p.m. It includes Food, Music, Games and Fellowship. Game against the Red Sox starts at 7:10 p.m. Look out for a drone show at the end!* The first graduation meeting for our Class of 2024 will be Monday, Sept. 11, at Garrett Chapel at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe. Each graduate helps shape the ceremony by participating in a committee. There are specific requirements for eligibility, committee participation, and standards to follow to participate. These requirements will also be explained in full at the September graduation meeting.* Our Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks are Sept. 17-29. These are fantastic for kicking off the school year and making memories with your family. I’m quoting from Bethany, “We enjoyed our first time at great wolf lodge! We have never been because it was too expensive for our family of 5. We were also able to celebrate 2 of our kids’ birthdays while there. Thank you!”* Registration is open for our PSAT testing opportunity in October. Taking the PSAT can qualify high school juniors for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships, which can help with college funding and academic honors. Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Learn how homeschool families organize and plan for their school year - across a wide range of learning spaces. Angelena Stowell, a KC-area homeschool mom, discusses her best tips for organization and planning - including favorites like Japanese chalk and metal bins!-How Angelena started her homeschool journey [1:01] -Tips for organizing and planning the homeschool year: cleaning, decluttering, meal planning, etc. [6:00]-Ideas for researching curriculum and tailoring learning to each child [8:30]-Advice and ideas for organizing curriculum, finding cheap and free resources [9:55]-Homeschool planners and finding the one that best fits your family [14:10]-Some resources to help with planning and organization [18:00]-Tailoring the school year’s goals and supplies to each of your children’s needs [20:45]-Odds and ends, or homeschool supplies you may have never heard before but need to know! [23:30]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/graduation/Resource #2: Peaceful Press Homeschool Planner - https://www.thepeacefulpreschool.com/the-homeschool-plannerResource #3: Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning for Purpose and Peace by Pam Barnhill - https://www.amazon.com/Plan-Your-Year-Homeschool-Planning/dp/0999742124 Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

July is one of the most exciting times of the year for homeschool families! Some events MPE has planned for the upcoming school year:* “How to Homeschool in KS or MO” live webinar, 3-4 p.m. July 18. We’ll help you set expectations, meet legal requirements, tailor curriculum, and choose educational methods for your unique family. You will leave with resources and confidence to begin or continue your homeschool journey.* GROW workshop for homeschool moms, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 25. Our speaker will discuss mapping and planning your homeschool year; creating a workable rhythm, or schedule; choosing the best curriculum for your family’s unique needs; and knowing when to switch curriculum if/when needed. Come enjoy fellowship while sharing a light sandwich dinner (included in registration)!* Homeschool Day at the K, starting 4 p.m. Sept. 1. What better way to meet other homeschoolers and just have a good time than a KC Royals game! Tailgating starts at 4 p.m. It includes food, music, games and fellowship. Game starts at 7:10 p.m. Since it is a Friday, it should have fireworks at the end!* Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks, Sept. 17-29. Celebrate the start of the school year with these fantastic deals where excitement abounds and it’s always 84 degrees!Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/how-to-homeschool-webinar/ (Homeschool Webinar)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/grow-back-homeschool-workshop/ (GROW Workshop)Resource #3: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-day-k/ (Homeschool Day at the K)Resource #4: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/great-wolf-lodge-homeschool-week/ (Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Meet Marissa Hitt, who graduated with MPE's Class of 2023! She's also an artist and business owner through Melane & Co. She credits her homeschool experience with giving her the ability to pursue her interests from an early age and jumpstart her entrepreneurship skills, partly because of the strong support and encouragement from her parents.-Graduating with MPE and fellow homeschool students [1:01] -Her homeschool journey and how it helped her [1:40]-Some challenges Marissa encountered along the way [3:50]-How her business developed and stretched her as an entrepreneur [7:15]-Business mentoring, resources, and other tips for young homeschool students [10:40]-How to pursue your interests and look for key themes in your life [15:20]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/graduation/Resource #2: Melane & Co.’s Website: melaneandco.com & Email: [email protected] Media: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/melaneandco/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/melaneandco), Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/melaneandco/)Marissa Hitt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa_hitt/Marissa Hitt’s Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marissa_hitt/Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Field trips can be the homeschool family's "secret weapon" to make learning fun! Annette Vaughn is a homeschool mom to three boys and organizes regular outings for a group of 20+ families in the Kansas City area. She shares strategies for planning your next field trip, including cost-cutting strategies, research, and catering to different ages and grades.-Different categories or options for field trips [1:20] -Some challenges to consider: children’s ages, realistic expectations, etc. [3:25]-Helpful ways to keep field trips to a budget - how to save money, cut costs, and plan ahead. [5:20]-Setting a reasonable field trip budget for your family. [9:45] -Handy tips when considering how to organize and plan for field trips: tools for signing up, etc. [11:30]-Pros and cons of going with a group vs. on your own [18:43]-Advice for new or first-time “accidental” homeschoolers who may feel overwhelmed about field trips [21:42]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/field-trips/Resource #2: https://kidsskatefree.com/ (Kids Skate Free Program)Resource #3: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/ (Kids Bowl Free Program)Resource #4: https://kansascity.momcollective.com/guide-best-parks-kansas-city/ (KC Mom Collective – Guide to the Best Parks in KC)Resource #5: https://ifamilykc.com/blog/things-to-do/indoor-play-places-areas/ (List of Indoor Play Areas in KC)Resource #6: https://ifamilykc.com/blog/guide/kid-friendly-hiking-trails-kansas-city/ (Kid Friendly Outdoor Hiking in KC)Resource #7: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm (Every Kid Outdoors – Pass for Fourth Graders and their Families)Resource #8: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/forts/kidsandeducation.htm (Kids and Education – Visiting Forts from the National Parks Service)Resource #9: https://museums4all.org/ (Museums for All Program (Free and reduced museum entry for those with SNAP food assistance)Resource #10: https://www.homeworksbyprecept.com/Annette-Vaughn (Annette Vaughn's bio as a BJU Press Homeschool Consultant)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Our 2023 Women’s Encouragement Day featured Abbie Halberstadt, author of the book “M is for Mama.” Abbie is also a fitness instructor, homeschool teacher, and mama of ten children, including two sets of identical twins! Here are some highlights from a Q&A with Abbie, using questions submitted by the homeschool moms in the audience.-How do you deal with people saying you’re always with your children? [0:30]-How do you talk with husbands who may not be as supportive of homeschooling as you are? [2:40]-How to deal with creative, easily bored and distracted children? [4:50]-How to deal with adult siblings who aren’t believers and say things you aren’t comfortable with, in front of your children? [7:39]-Sharing among children, and setting boundaries for times when we get angry and overwhelmed [9:26]-Teens and high school [12:05]-Have you ever done a gap year in homeschooling? [16:30]-How can we “vote” with our spending? [17:25]-Boys and homeschooling [20:00]-Ideas for family devotions? [21:30]-Toddlers and homeschooling [24:50]-ADHD? [28:00]-Resources for middle school: Social media practices and other tips, including “Grace Girl” groups [29:30] -Preparing for the end of the school year - any form of testing? [37:50]-Practical ways for homeschool husbands and wives to build unity [39:50]-How can moms find a homeschool mentor? [43:50]-How to find the balance between emphasizing academics and just learning from nature [47:08]-Resources on setting boundaries, and homeschool styles [48:20]-Are extracurricular activities necessary? [50:40]-How do you remind yourself of grace when you’re always “doing” daily tasks? [54:03]-Finding joy in everyday life while processing trauma and other challenges? [55:39]-Time management in homeschooling [58:10]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/mpe-sisterhood-group/ (Mentoring Moms - MPE Sisterhood Group)Resource #2: https://misformama.net/ (M is for Mama)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

What are government-funded Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and how do they relate to homeschooling? Scott Woodruff, HSLDA attorney, discusses these and the "ugly baggage" that can come with ESA Statutes from his experience in other states. Look for Scott as one of our speakers at the March 31-April 1 homeschool conference and curriculum fair at the KCI Expo Center!-HSLDA’s position on the current ESA legislation in Kansas [0:40]-ESA bills in general and what’s happening across the nation [1:35]-Reasons why government-funded money does not help homeschool families: 1) creates government dependence [5:50] and 2) creates a “quid pro quo” mentality toward the government [6:40]-“Slow-moving train wreck” eroding homeschool freedoms over time as political parties change [8:50]-Homeschool critics can use ESAs as a platform to attack all homeschooling in general, demand more regulations [14:20]-Update on Kansas ESA legislation [17:50]-ESA legislation in other states around the nation [23:40]-Q&A: What is an ESA as it relates to public school funding legislation? [26:06]-Q&A: What are the risks to homeschooling if a student becomes an ESA student? [27:07]-Q&A: What would be your response to someone who opposes this bill because the public schools will get stuck with all the special-needs kids without the resources to properly educate them? [28:03]-Q&A: What about Missouri? [30:00]-Q&A: Any advice to a friend who is enrolled in private school? [33:25] Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

With more than 27 years of home education experience, Durenda Wilson is a trusted voice and resource at homeschooling conventions and on The Durenda Wilson Podcast. Durenda and her husband, Darryl, have eight kids (7 graduated) and nine grandchildren. As an author, speaker, and podcaster her greatest joy is reminding parents how doable and effective homeschooling is and that they are, in fact, qualified for the job! Her books include The Four Hour School Day, The Unhurried Homeschooler, and Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart. Get to know Durenda in this podcast and look for her as one of our featured speakers at the March 31-April 1 homeschool conference and curriculum fair at the KCI Expo Center!-Ways to simplify homeschooling [1:30]-How homeschooling has changed for her over the years [5:35]-Questions she receives from new homeschool moms [7:00]-Misconceptions and stereotypes about homeschooling [9:40]-What surprised her during her homeschool journey [12:00]-Different challenges and accomplishments during her homeschooling [16:42]-Takeaways for attendees at the March 31-April 1 homeschool conference and curriculum fair [21:40]QUOTES:“We’re not going into this thing saying we know it all. We’re going into it, willing to learn right alongside our kids.” “As moms [and] parents, we’re always teaching our kids. We just don’t think about it. … It’s natural for us to teach our kids.”“We’ve just become so narrow in our view of what education actually is. And so, to have the freedom to be able to do it in a way that works for your family, for your kids, is just really important if you’re going to do this for the long haul.”Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (Conference)Resource #2: https://www.durendawilson.com/ (Durenda Wilson's website)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Natalie Haber shares her homeschool journey, including her marriage to a public school administrator and addressing her family's initial hesitations with this educational choice. Her latest initiative is GROW, a division at MPE meant to create community through small workshops where women are encouraged and equipped to create a life-giving homeschool environment.-How Natalie started her homeschool journey [0:50]-How she heard about homeschooling [4:00]-Her advice to other moms who may be experiencing family concerns over homeschooling [6:00]-How children all learn differently through homeschooling, including the age they start reading [9:00]-How Natalie got involved with MPE [11:10]-How GROW began [11:30]-How people can get involved [16:40]-Some goals for GROW over the next few years [17:20]-Preview of the next event March 9 at the Vintage House [19:00]-Come visit the GROW booth at the MPE conference! [20:20]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/grow (GROW)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/womens-encouragement-day/ (Women's Encouragement Day)Resource #3: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (Conference)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Homeschool moms need one another for encouragement and support, especially during the cold, wintry months when the days seem extra long and school seems extra challenging! Join us on Feb. 4 with Abbie Halberstadt, "M is for Mama" author and homeschool mom of 10.The day starts with a light breakfast that you didn’t have to make. Enjoy refreshments, hot drinks, and chocolates throughout the day surrounded by beautiful decorations for all you special moms. This is your day, and we want you to enjoy it to the full! We will glean wisdom from God’s word through speaker sessions, music that will lift our spirits and enjoy a delicious lunch while fellowshipping with other homeschool moms. Our hope is that you leave refreshed and reinvigorated for the rest of the school year!-Krystal Evensen, a homeschool mom of 12, describes her first experience at the Women’s Encouragement Day, where moms came around and encouraged her. [0:30]-Did you know you get to eat a HOT meal?! [3:10]-We can feel alone and stuck at home every day, but this is a touch-point where we all gather together and make a new friend or even group. [4:15]-During the years, Krystal made friends with older women who could help her with babysitting. Her friend Susan came to provide childcare for her when previous plans fell through and she thought she couldn’t make it to that year’s Encouragement Day! [5:30]-Featured speaker - Abbie Halberstadt, M is for Mama from Texas. Fellow homeschool mom of 10, with 2 sets of twins! [6:50]-Krystal wanted to be the CEO of a company and never considered herself a homebody or wanted to homeschool, but an experience from her 6-year-old daughter in kindergarten changed her heart. [9:20]-Is this event for homeschool moms who are introverted and/or may feel overwhelmed at walking into a place full of strangers? YES! [11:15]-Giveaway sneak peek... [14:20]-Come see the teenage daughters of the women involved on the committee and give them the opportunity to serve you! [15:15]-Are you coming with a baby, or considering whether to come if you have a baby? [16:50]-Musician Sarah Edwards, a fellow homeschool mom, is coming to lead worship this year! [19:20]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/womens-encouragement-day/Resource #2: https://misformama.net/Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Join us for an interview with Chad and Michelle Womble! Chad is MPE's President and has been serving at MPE for more than two decades. Learn more about the nonprofit's homeschool history and benefits.-Introductions from Chad and Michelle [0:30]-How they heard about MPE and its conference [2:00]-What has MPE meant to them over the years [3:00]-Benefits they’ve seen in their own family from serving [3:50]-Challenges they’ve experienced serving at MPE, including changes from the COVID-19 pandemic [6:50]-How MPE has changed over the years, including its support and help for homeschool families [10:40]-Long-term goals for MPE, including adapting to changes in the social landscape [13:30]-Any advice and encouragement for people new to homeschooling? [17:20]-High school graduation ceremony, one of the benefits of MPE membership [22:00]QUOTES:1) “I look at MPE as my ministry, and I’ve looked at it that way for over 20 years.”2) “It’s been a dream of mine that eventually, MPE is run by homeschool graduates. And part of that dream is getting our children involved.”3) “I’m not a homeschool mom, but I certainly understand and can see the need for encouragement. It’s a really hard job, and the paycheck is deferred way down the road, so I’m glad to see that we’re really working towards encouraging moms.”4) “Kansas has been very favorable to homeschooling. Missouri has been very favorable to homeschooling, but truthfully, that can change within one legislative session. And I would really like to see us be very vigilant about that, to continue to get the word out and for families to continue to be involved, and to be even more involved.”5) “You’re not going to screw your kid up. There are lots of resources out there. When your child graduates from high school and you’ve homeschooled them, you will have given them what they need. They’ll know how to read, they’ll know how to write, they’ll know how to communicate with other people. You will have given them everything that they need.”Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (Conference)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/womens-encouragement-day/ (Women's Encouragement Day)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe