HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast

In this episode, Jackie invites you to step back and look at how you're showing up in the many roles you hold—as a parent, teacher, partner, and manager of your home. Rather than judging yourself, you'll learn how curiosity can reveal the thoughts behind your actions and the results you're getting. This simple question can help you gain clarity, shift your mindset, and make meaningful changes—without adding more to your plate. Sign up for a free consultation. Learn more about our life coaching services for parents. © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever wondered what unschooling really is? We're unpacking what unschooling is, what it isn't, and how it works in real life. You'll also hear a bit about the history of unschooling, including key figures like John Holt and the ideas that shaped this unique approach to education. If you're curious about giving your kids more freedom in their learning—or just want to understand unschooling better—this episode will give you the clarity you need. Listen now to explore the world of unschooling! Want to dive deeper? Discover videos, recommended books, and more at... HomeSchoolThinkTank.com/What-Is-Unschooling/ © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever wondered why mindset comes up so often on HomeSchool ThinkTank—right alongside curriculum, schedules, and homeschool logistics? In this episode, I'm sharing why mindset became the foundation of how I support homeschooling parents—and why it's often the missing piece between feeling overwhelmed and feeling confident. You'll learn: Why "trying harder" or "toughening up" isn't the solution How your thoughts directly affect your homeschooling experience Why mindset work impacts parenting, relationships, and daily life How I combine homeschool consulting and life coaching to support parents as whole humans If homeschooling feels harder than you expected—or you're doing all the "right" things but still feel stuck—this episode will help you understand what's really going on and what can actually help. Learn more about my life coaching services for parents. Sign up for a free consultation. © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Most teens head to college without real clarity—and that lack of direction often leads to changes of major, extra years of school, and unnecessary stress for families. In this episode, Jackie talks with Beth and Greg Langston about how parents can help teens identify their strengths, values, and purpose before making college decisions. This conversation goes beyond applications and essays to focus on what truly prepares teens for college—or a meaningful career path. Learn more about the Langston's program and college preparation. Sign up for homeschooling tips and resources. © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In a world where kids learn to swipe before they can write, is handwriting still worth teaching? In this episode, we explore why teaching your children to write by hand—both print and cursive—is still essential. You'll discover the hidden benefits of handwriting, how it impacts brain development, memory, and learning, and why it's more than just a lost art. Get more information about handwriting and resources at the link below: Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum Guide Sign up for our newsletter and get a free consultation © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, I share why your connection with your child matters more than any curriculum. As a homeschooling mom, I share my homeschooling journey and the hard lessons I learned when I let curriculum take priority over my relationship with my children. I'll show you how focusing on connection can help prevent challenges, strengthen your bond with your children, and create a more rewarding homeschooling experience. Join me as I share practical advice and personal insights to help you understand my motto, "Connection Before Curriculum." Visit HomeSchoolThinkTank.com to learn more and find out how I can support you on your homeschooling journey. Click here to see the article that corresponds with this episode. Click here to sign up for my free course. © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

What does a real homeschool day look like—especially when it doesn't go as planned? In this episode, I share one ordinary (and very flexible) day in our homeschool life where learning happened outside the box. From dentist appointments to obstacle courses and impromptu learning moments, you'll hear how we embraced the day—and how this kind of flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of homeschooling. Whether you're just starting out or rethinking your routine, this episode will help you see how educational a homeschool day can be, even when you don't stick to the textbooks. Want more inspiration? Discover 50+ surprising benefits of homeschooling here. Click here to learn more about how we serve homeschool families. © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, marriage counselor Ron Price shares practical insights for improving relationships and navigating conflict in a healthier, more productive way. Ron is the author of the Play Nice in Your Sandbox series, and his approach is simple, relatable, and surprisingly powerful. The ideas he shares in this conversation apply to any relationship—marriage, parenting, friendships, work, and beyond. If you're looking for realistic strategies you can actually use (instead of vague advice), this episode will give you plenty to think about—and try. Learn more about Ron Price and get his books Sign up for helpful homeschooling and parenting tips © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, I explain why I discuss and recommend books beyond homeschooling topics. I share how books on mindset, relationships, and personal growth support parents—and why they matter just as much as curriculum. Click here to see my book recommendations © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever wondered if you could homeschool your kids while your family travels? In this episode, we take a realistic look at roadschooling—a form of homeschooling that blends education with travel and real-world experiences. You'll learn what roadschooling actually is, why families are drawn to it, and what learning can look like when it happens beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. We'll talk about how roadschooling connects learning to: Geography, history, and culture Nature, science, and everyday life Family connection and shared experiences Whether you're dreaming about full-time travel, considering a short roadschooling trip, or simply curious about how homeschooling can be more flexible, this episode will help you think more clearly about what's possible—and what might (or might not) be right for your family. 👉 Learn more and explore helpful resources here © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Even when you love your kids and believe in homeschooling, it can still feel like too much. Too many decisions. Too much responsibility. Too much pressure to get it right. If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in your head trying to figure everything out on your own, this is for you. I share how carrying a heavy mental and emotional load can quietly wear you down—and what actually helps when it feels like too much. This isn't about fixing everything overnight. It's about having the right kind of support at the right time. If this episode resonates, the next step is to sign up for a free homeschool consultation. We'll have a real conversation—focused on what's feeling hard right now and what kind of support would actually help. You'll walk away feeling clearer and more confident. 👉 Schedule your free consultation here: https://homeschoolthinktank.com/consult/ You don't need to have everything figured out. You just don't have to do this alone. © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

There's no shortage of homeschool curriculum… but that doesn't mean you need more choices. You need a better way to choose. In my second interview with Cathy Duffy, we talk through the decisions that matter most—what to figure out before you buy anything, the biggest mistake new homeschoolers make, and how to avoid getting pulled into someone else's "perfect" plan. Learn more and watch both interviews with Cathy Duffy here. © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Want to explore museums without spending a fortune? In this episode, I'm sharing how you can save big on museum visits with a little-known membership perk that offers access to hundreds of museums—science museums, art museums, history museums, and even botanical gardens—at a fraction of the cost. Whether planning local outings or traveling with your family, this simple strategy can open the doors to amazing educational experiences without breaking the bank. Tune in to discover how to get the most out of your museum visits and where to find the best deals. Remember to check out the article below for more details and helpful resources! https://homeschoolthinktank.com/museum-pass/ © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, Jackie shares a preview of her book, Think Homeschool, written for parents considering whether homeschooling might be right for their family. This book isn't about convincing you to homeschool. It's an invitation to slow down, ask better questions, and rethink how learning and family life can work together. Get the full audiobook for free here. © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever wondered how nutrition might affect learning, focus, and regulation for a child with autism? In this episode, Jackie sits down with Karen Thomas, a craniosacral therapist and holistic health practitioner with more than 30 years of experience—and a mother of an adult son who was diagnosed with autism. Drawing on both professional training and personal experience, Karen shares insights into how health, nutrition, and the environment can influence learning, regulation, and overall well-being in children on the autism spectrum. Rather than offering quick fixes or one-size-fits-all answers, this conversation helps parents consider what may be affecting their child and how they can further help their child with autism. Karen explains why so many children struggle in traditional learning environments, how sensory overload and biological stressors can interfere with focus and behavior, and why nutrition and gut health often play a bigger role than parents realize. You'll hear thoughtful discussion around: How learning environments impact children with sensory sensitivities Why picky eating is so common—and what it may be signaling The gut–brain connection and its influence on mood, focus, and sleep Why supporting health can make learning easier Flexible options like homeschooling, pods, and smaller learning environments This episode is for parents who want a better understanding of how nutrition can impact learning, focus, and overall well-being for children with autism. 👉 Explore this topic further and access Karen's current workshops (which she offers regularly)

Feeling overwhelmed by all the homeschooling advice out there? In this episode, I'll walk you through exactly how to homeschool your kids—step-by-step. Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or just need a clear plan, you'll learn the essential first steps to get started with confidence. If you know another parent who is thinking about homeschooling, please share this episode. It could be the clarity they've been searching for. 🎧 Listen now and start your homeschooling journey today: 👉 Click for the step-by-step article on how to start homeschooling. © 2018–2026 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.