The Homeschool Sisters Podcast

The sisters are hopping in their homeschool time machine today and looking back on what they've learned. Listen in as Cait and Kara talk about how they got started homeschooling, what they would have done less of and what they would have done more of, and hear how they're applying what they've learned to their homeschools now. Come reminisce with the girls! This episode is brought to you by Audible. Get a free book when you go to www.audibletrial.com/sisters To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

The Sisters are 25!! Of course. You didn't think they were older, right? In this new episode, Cait and Kara take your questions. It's mostly a homeschool husband-themed episode - will homeschooling destroying your marriage? and how much money does this homeschooling business cost anyway? - but there's also a bit of tea discussion at the end. So join the sisters as they talk it out and give you their recommendations on everything from favorite tea blends to why date night isn't always the answer. To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are back for season 3, and today, they're chatting how to teach your kids survival without setting your house (or chicken coop) on fire. They're also sharing their thoughts about homeschooling this fall, and lots of fun resources including Epic! which is offering a coupon code for readers. The girls are thrilled to be back for a brand new season - they've missed all their virtual sisters out there!! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

In this episode the girls are talking all things summer, and how to take a structured break. Even if we homeschool year-round, we all need a little breather this summer! But how do we take a summer vacation that doesn't turn into chaos and end with chasing a wet dog off the trampoline? The sisters share their ideas, and what they're doing this summer with their kids - outdoor projects, laid-back learning and even a new idea for handling household chores. And head's up sisters - this is the last episode of Season 2. Cait + Kara will be taking their own "structured break," until early August - but don't worry, they are working on lots of fun episodes for Season 3 and will be bringing you some updated episodes from the first two seasons this summer! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.    

The sisters are chatting books! Yeah! They're sharing fun books, plus books to get you ready for homeschooling *next* year - what Cait calls, "Poolside Professional Development" books. (Doesn't that sound so fancy?!) The gals are going to help load your Amazon cart, or make the librarian look at you a little funny, but you'll also get a ton of ideas for books that take you away from it all, and then get you inspired for next year. Warning: Don't try to keep up with them all while listening - we're linking to all of them in the show notes for this episode - just head to thehomeschoolsisters.com. To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

Are you a blogger, or working mama? Or are you just curious how the business of blogging works behind the scenes? The sisters are joined this week by one of their very favorite bloggers and owner of the Learning Well Community, Alicia Hutchinson! Listen in as they chat about the myth of "balance," and how Alicia and the sisters tackle homeschooling, work, parenting and homemaking without losing their minds. Plus, learn why you shouldn't blog for money. At least, not at first! If you're a working mama or interested in working from home, this episode is a great place to start! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are answering your questions in this episode - from dads who distract (often with plans that are more fun!), to testing, to weekly homeschool planning. They also chat about homeschooling kids with special needs and how organizational systems save their bacon. So pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, and listen in as Cait and Kara share their ideas. Note: You could also pour yourself a giant bowl of potato chips ... wink! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters get questions about screens all the time! So in this episode, they're phoning a friend - The amazing Mary Wilson from NotBefore7! Mary has a great strategy in her home, and she has found peace with this topic, so you're going to love hearing what she has to say. Cait and Kara chat with Mary about all the most common screen questions they receive: How much is too much? How do you find balance between "learning" screen time and "play" screen time? Is technology a monster? Or manageable? And finally, is homeschooling moving more toward technology? If so, how can we embrace that? There is so much wisdom from Mary in this episode! It's like a deep breath for worried parents! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

Is it normal for your homeschooler to have strengths and weaknesses in certain subjects? How much should you worry about keeping your child at grade level? Is there a way to know what your child *should* be learning? This week, the homeschool sisters dive into these questions and offer up some thoughts about the "standards," plus how to keep from worrying all the time.  They chat about kid quirks, dealing with state requirements, grandma doubts and dad concerns. And mostly, they remind you that all kids naturally develop on their own timelines, so don't fret - you've got this! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

Cait and Kara have been joking about this episode for months and finally made it happen. Warning: This episode might not be appropriate for tiny children, sensitive spouses, grandparents, pastors ... Also, there is some giggling. Because the sisters are getting REAL about being a woman, and how that can affect homeschooling. From cramps to PMS to whether or not being bloated and angry should earn you a sick day from co-op, the gals hope you'll be able to relate to this episode. And that you don't run away screaming. Because there's 16 other episodes where they don't mention this stuff. To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

In this episode the sisters are answering YOUR questions! Cait + Kara get such great questions from you all, so they're addressing several of them, from finding your tribe, to keeping homeschooling legal, to chores! They even share some ideas for other podcasts. Also, Cait is caught in a Nor'Easter, so Kara sends her a Saint Bernard with a barrel full of tequila. Snow margaritas! Pop the gals in your ears, and let's have some fun! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

Oh February. It's a short month, but for homeschoolers, it can feel like it drags for about 2 years. But don't worry, mamas - Cait and Kara have you covered. In this episode, the sisters talk about how February is basically like homeschool PMS, "the husband shuffle," lazy unit studies, and a ton of fun resources including one that Cait terms "math dessert!" Plus, the gals spill the beans about their MASSIVE February giveaway. So don't worry, homeschool mamas - February is notoriously hard, but you've got this, sister! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are talking winter (homeschool) survival in the first episode of Season 2! Listen in to their intentions for the new year (it has a bad word in it, you guys!), how they are keeping a Christmas Break feeling in their homeschools and ways to bring hygge, or togetherness and coziness to your everyday. Feeling overwhelmed already by short, dark days? The sisters are back, baby, and they've got some ideas to make winter feel joyful and warm, even when it's really darn cold outside!  To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.

It's never easy when someone questions you about something as close to your heart as homeschooling. So in this episode, the sisters address how to handle homeschool doubters. What can you say when you first make the decision to homeschool? Is it worth it to argue? Will arguments even work? And what about the upcoming holidays - exactly what do you say when between bites of green bean casserole, your uncle leans across the table and tells you you are ruining your kids' lives? (It happens, sisters - and here's what you can do.) To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

Cait is a game-master. Kara wants to be, but things keep getting in the way ... like directions. So in today's episode, Cait shares amazing ideas for adding more games to your days, for both learning and fun. The sisters talk favorite games old and new, games for certain subjects like science and math, why it's OK to NOT love a game even if everyone else does, and the many, many lessons kids can learn from growing up playing. So join us as we roll the dice, spin the wheel, and share easy tips for incorporating more games into your homeschool - such a fun way to learn together! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

One of the most common questions the sisters get is about rhythms and routines. How to start one? How to resume one after a break? What about when your rhythm or routine just is NOT working. Cait and Kara hash it out in this episode and share their tips and ideas. The biggest one? Start small! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

The sisters are chatting exercise in this episode! How do they do it? Where do they do it? (It sure isn't like life before kids, but that's OK). We want to encourage you to exercise where you can and how you can - but don't sweat it - this is a guilt-free podcast! ;) To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

The sisters have been getting lots of questions about planning for the fall. In this episode, Cait and Kara share all of the resources that they are excited about using in the upcoming year. And, with five children and an age range of 5-12 between them, you’re not going to want to miss what they have to say! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

It's the sisters' first slumber party! Cait and Kara chat with Shawna Wingert - writer, speaker, author and mama to two boys with special needs. Do you ever feel like your homeschool just doesn't or can't look like the homeschool next door, or the family from co-op or church, or even all the families on the internet? Shawna joins the sisters to remind you that that's OK, and that just because you have to do things a little differently, that doesn't mean what you are doing is less. To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

In this episode Cait and Kara talk the early days of homeschooling, share tips for getting started and impart their favorite piece of advice - that you DO NOT have to do it all, especially your first year. Listen as they chat about deschooling, finding your tribe and how your house will never be the same, but in a really awesome way. Don't fret if this is your first year - the sisters have got you covered! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

In this episode, we call upon Cait's expertise as a school psychologist and mom to a "world-class worrier." Cait and Kara address worries, how they affect homeschooling, and what to do when worries become too much. If you have a worrier - this episode is a must-listen! To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

If you have a spouse who travels or works a lot - you aren't alone! The sister do too. In this episode, they talk coping strategies, hard-day plans, and how to make times when you are parenting solo fun instead of stressful. To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

Summer - it's a time for reading books on the porch and sipping lemonade, right? Um ... maybe not. In this episode, Cait and Kara talk summer survival, and trying to find the sweet spot when it comes to how much to do, and when to pack up your beach ball and just go home. From fireworks and parades to summer book clubs and pool-phobia, the sisters will help you feel better about doing summer your way. To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.  

Cait and Kara discuss homeschool overwhelm and why moms often feel pulled in so many directions. Cait gives us the details about her Year of Nope, and the sisters share their favorite tips and tricks for getting back on track when things get bumpy. To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.