Called To Homeschool

It's the question almost every homeschool parent has heard: "But what about socialization?"Will your kids have friends? Will they be socially awkward? Will they know how to interact with people outside their family?In this episode of Called to Homeschool, I'm answering these common questions and sharing what my own adult homeschool graduates have to say about their experiences growing up homeschooled.We'll talk about the difference between socializing and socialization, why our kids don't necessarily need more time with their peers, and how homeschooling gives us opportunities to intentionally teach important social skills.If you've ever worried about socialization or struggled to answer this question from friends and family, this episode is for you!

Does your child argue, refuse to listen, stomp their feet, or seem determined to turn everything into a battle?In this episode of Called to Homeschool, I'm answering a listener's question about her strong-willed four-year-old who has started showing more defiant and disrespectful behavior. She's also pregnant, working full time, and exhausted—and struggling to stay consistent with her parenting.We'll talk about how the labels we give our children can actually influence their behavior, why we sometimes make little behaviors into much bigger problems, and how to teach our kids appropriate behavior without constantly punishing or correcting them.I'll also share why the attention we give negative behavior matters, how to avoid power struggles, and why taking care of yourself is an important part of being a calm, consistent parent.If you're feeling frustrated with a child who won't listen, this episode will help you see their behavior differently and give you practical ways to respond with more confidence and less frustration.

If your kids only seem to listen once you start yelling, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down why yelling can accidentally become part of the instruction—and how to change that with Connect → Direct → Expect. I’ll also share how taking care of your own fundamentals can help you respond instead of react, plus all the details about No Yell November and how you can join us!https://www.coachmegthomas.com/product-page/no-yell-november-challenge

What if you want to homeschool—but you also want the freedom to travel?In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question about homeschooling while living part of the year in California and part of the year in the Midwest. We’ll talk about taking school on the road, finding flexible co-ops, sports, friendships and socialization, homeschool laws, and the fear that your kids might eventually want more stability.Homeschooling doesn’t have to tie you down. Learning doesn’t require a desk—it requires intention. And while you may have a few things to figure out along the way, most things are figureoutable.If you’ve ever wondered whether you can really take your homeschool with you, this episode is for you.

Did my homeschooled daughter ever wish she went to public school? In this episode, my adult daughter, Bella, is back to answer that question and share what it was really like growing up homeschooled in a family with seven kids.We talk about how being part of a large family shaped her, friendships inside and outside of homeschool, whether she ever felt like she was missing out, and what she would say to a teenager who is trying to decide between staying homeschooled or going to public school.