The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! Today’s topic is something that resonates with just about every homeschooling family: busyness and balance. We recently asked our followers over on Facebook what feels the hardest to manage right now, and another common answer was trying to juggle school, work, church, activities, social events, and still find meaningful family time in the middle of it all. It can leave parents feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, and wondering if they’re focusing on the right things So this week, our goal is to bring some encouragement as we talk about busyness versus importance, when it’s okay to say yes — and when it’s okay to say no — and how to guard your family time in a world that never seems to slow down. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They’re an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com. We’d also like to thank Samaritan Ministries — a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that’s a career change, a ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support the show here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL4d0 Have a great week and don't forget to smile! 

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! Today’s topic is something that resonates with just about every homeschooling family: arguing and bickering. We recently asked our followers over on Facebook what the hardest part of homeschooling is right now, and the overwhelming answer was children arguing, bickering, and fighting. It makes getting school done difficult and often leaves moms feeling drained and without much joy by the end of the day. So this week, our goal is to bring some encouragement and perspective around this topic. B efore we get started, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They’re an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com. We’d also like to thank Samaritan Ministries — a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that’s a career change, a ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support the show through this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL4d0 Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! We are kicking off our very first new show of the year. This is that time of year when everything just feels fresh again. Your brain gets a little reset, the stress of the holidays is gone, and it’s a great chance to rethink the things that didn’t work so well last semester. Maybe it’s time to change a routine, toss some of the stuff that doesn’t bring joy, or simplify a little. Co-ops are starting back up, routines are getting back in place, and before you know it, spring and summer will be here—whether you’re ready or not! We will also be answering a listener's question and reading some of our listeners' highlights of 2025 and what they are looking forward to in 2026! It should be a fun and encouraging episode.  Before we get started, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They’re an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com. We’d also like to thank Samaritan Ministries—a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that’s a career change, a ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us through the link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL4d0   Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’re taking a short break to celebrate the New Year. But don’t worry—we’ve got a fantastic episode from our archives for you! Today we’re talking about the pressure so many homeschooling moms feel to teach it all… to hit every subject… and to start earlier and earlier with their kids. Our hope is to take some of that pressure off and remind you that it’s okay to let a few things slide. Before we get started, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They’re an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com. We’d also like to thank Samaritan Ministries—a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that’s a career change, ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us through this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0.

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler. We’re really glad you’re here with us today! We’re talking about memories. Not just big moments or picture-perfect days, but the kinds of memories our kids will carry with them when they’re grown—the feeling of being safe, known, and loved; the traditions we repeat year after year; and the time we choose to simply be together. We also want to talk honestly about how our minds often let the hard parts fade, while connection and relationship seem to last. If you’ve ever worried that you’re not doing enough, or that the difficult seasons might overshadow everything else, this conversation is meant to be encouraging. Because choosing relationship, presence, and togetherness—especially in the ordinary moments—has a way of paying off in the long run. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com Lastly, Thank you to Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us by clicking the link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0 Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler podcast. Today we’re spending some time talking about friendships—for moms and for kids. This conversation was prompted by a message we got from a mom whose son is really struggling to find meaningful connection, even though they’re involved in church, homeschooling, and community. So we want to talk honestly about why friendships can be harder than we expect, the fears that drive us as parents, and what we can—and can’t—control when it comes to helping us and our kids build real relationships. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriculum and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com Lastly, thank you to Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us by clicking this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0   Have a great week and don't forget to smile! 

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler podcast. Christmas is coming fast, and today we’re spending some time talking about something super practical—what to actually get your husband for Christmas. Not the gimmicky stuff, but the quality gifts dads really appreciate, the things that last and feel meaningful. We’re also talking about gifts you can give other homeschooling moms, and not the things you buy from a store. Christmas can be overwhelming for a lot of homeschool moms, so we’re sharing some simple, thoughtful ways you can encourage another mom right now. Nothing big or perfect—just real reminders that she’s doing a good job and she’s not alone.   We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the smiling homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriculum and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com Thank you to Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us by clicking the link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0    

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. This week we’re focusing on something every homeschooling mom faces but isn’t always willing to talk about: fear. The fear of not measuring up, the fear of failing our kids, the fear that we aren’t enough for our children, and so many more. We walk through the most common fears parents carry, how those fears shape our decisions, and how to replace the lies with the truth, hope, and confidence that God provides. It’s a great conversation, and we hope you enjoy it! We want to thank teaching textbooks for making the smiling homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriclulm and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com Also, thank you to Samaritan Ministries,  a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us by clicking this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0   Have a great week and don't forget to smile! 

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re diving into a topic every homeschooling family wrestles with: deciding what content, movies, and shows we allow into our homes. We talk through how we make those decisions, what standards guide us, and share a few recommendations that have worked well for our families. We are also joined by a very special guest — Todd's son,  Sam Wilson, lead animator for Season 3 of The Wingfeather Saga. He gives us an inside look at the new season and why this series stands out as a great option for families. It’s an encouraging and practical conversation about media, discernment, and enjoying thanksgiving together as a family We also want to thank teaching textbooks for making the smiling homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriculum and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com Lastly,  we want to thank Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at https://hubs.ly/Q03CR00H0   Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Hey everyone, welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. Todd flies solo this week and he shares an honest look at homeschool basketball season — the joys, the exhaustion, and the commitment to showing up for our kids. He encourages parents not to feel guilty about what they aren’t doing, but to celebrate the memories they are making. Todd then dives into the idea of “electives” in homeschooling — and why in a homeschool environment, everything can be an elective! From animation to hair styling to basketball, the things your children love can be just as valuable (or more valuable) than the so-called “core” subjects. As the holidays approach, remember that enjoying the season is school. Holiday crafts, traditions, decorating, and serving together are the real-life lessons your children will carry into adulthood. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com. Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. We are really glad you’re here today, because this week’s episode is going to be a little different. Ben's wife, Rissa, is joining him, and she’s opening up about some of the struggles she’s been walking through over the past few months. She’s going to share honestly about what homeschooling can look like when life feels heavy, and offer encouragement to any mom who’s in a tough season right now. So if you’ve been feeling worn out or like you’re not doing enough — you’re not alone. This episode is full of grace and hope, and we think it’s going to really encourage you. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com. Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman   Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We’re glad you’re here. This week, we’re talking all about math—what really matters, how we actually use it in everyday life, and how you can help your kids (and maybe yourself) smile a little more while doing it. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com. Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman   Have a great week and don't forget to smile! 

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week on The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast, we’re back from vacation and talking about why family trips are worth every penny.  Vacations can be expensive and a lot of work — especially with kids — but we believe they’re an incredible investment in your family’s relationships and memories. We also chat a bit about taking breaks during the homeschooling year and share a few thoughts about Halloween. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com. Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile! 

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Thank you for joining us! This week, our family is on vacation, so we’re bringing you an episode from the archives. In this conversation, we were joined by Renee Miller, founder of Miller Pad and Paper. She’s a veteran homeschool mom of four with a passion for encouraging moms to invest time in their children—because the fruit that homeschooling produces is truly amazing. Please enjoy!  We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com. Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman   Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We’re so glad you’re joining us. This week, we’re talking about a topic that can trip up just about every homeschool family at some point — spelling and English! Whether your kids are natural readers and writers or still struggling to remember “i before e except after c,” we’re going to talk about what really matters, what doesn’t, and how to keep a smile on your face through it all. But Before we begin We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.    Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile! 

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re revisiting a powerful episode all about those tough days — when homeschooling feels overwhelming, parenting feels heavy, and sometimes… you just need to cry. It’s something every homeschooling mom experiences at some point, and we want you to know — you’re not alone. So sit back, take a deep breath, and join us for a conversation that’s honest, real, and hopefully, encouraging.  We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.  Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman   Have a great week and don't forget to smile! 

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’re asking a big question: Do all those scientific terms, formulas, and technical details really matter in everyday life? Sure, they have their place—but when it comes to homeschooling, maybe our real job isn’t drilling vocabulary words or memorizing the periodic table. Instead, what if the best gift we can give our kids is a love of discovery? A sense of wonder about how the world works, and the freedom to chase the questions that spark their curiosity. Because when a child is genuinely interested, that’s when diving deeper into the details actually becomes meaningful. So today, we’re going to talk about practical ways to spark that interest, keep the joy alive, and let science be less about checking boxes—and more about cultivating curiosity.   Before we begin, We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.  Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman   Have a great week and don't forget to smile! 

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re tackling a subject that can feel a little overwhelming for many parents: teaching literature. What’s the actual point of it? How much is really enough? Do we need to check off a long list of classics and assignments, or is there a simpler way to nurture a love for great stories? We’ll talk through what matters most, what you can let go of, and how to make literature something that brings joy rather than stress in your homeschool. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com. Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!   Have a great week and don't forget to smile! 

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a big question: Is college really the best path for everyone? For decades, it’s been presented as the obvious next step after high school, but in today’s world, is that always true? We’ll be talking about the risks, the challenges, and even some of the dangers of college—especially in light of recent events—while also looking at alternatives that might better fit your family. Our goal isn’t to make the decision for you, but to encourage you to think critically about what’s truly best for your kids.  We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.  Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re asking the question: Does learning always have to be fun to be valuable? In today’s world, it feels like everything has to be exciting, engaging, and entertaining to matter. But what about the times when things feel… well, boring? Can kids still learn deeply even when they aren’t entertained? And is it possible that growth and learning are still happening, even during those boring moments? We’ll dig into these questions and more—and we think you’ll find the answers encouraging! We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.    Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman   Have a great week and don't forget to smile!