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.