HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast

Do you have an introverted child who craves quiet time and an extroverted one who lights up in social settings? In this episode, I dive into the introvert-extrovert dynamic within families and share ideas to help you create harmony at family gatherings. Discover how to honor each child's unique needs, foster understanding between siblings, and make family time enjoyable for everyone. Tune in for insights on balancing the personalities in your family. Learn more about my life coaching services for parents… https://homeschoolthinktank.com/life-coaching-for-parents/

Looking for a fun, low-prep way to teach math and connect as a family? In this episode, I'm sharing one of my favorite go-to games—packed with laughter, learning, and creativity. It's simple, screen-free, and secretly educational. You'll hear how you can use it to teach math concepts like addition, multiplication, and pattern recognition—plus fun twists to keep it fresh. 🎲 Want to turn game night into learning time? Click here to discover the game, grab bonus tips, and bring more joy into your homeschool! 📬 Get helpful homeschooling tips, strategies, and support—sign up for our newsletter here.

Have you ever let fear or self-doubt stop you from chasing a dream or taking that next big step? You're not alone! Join me as I explore how our doubts hold us back and share practical strategies to push past fear and take action. Whether you're considering homeschooling, starting a new project, or simply trying to overcome daily challenges, this episode will inspire you to confront your doubts, embrace courage, and move forward with confidence. It's time to stop letting fear win and start creating the life you want. Tune in now! Ready to take the first step toward your goals? Schedule a free consultation with me today, and let's work together to overcome your fears, build confidence, and create a clear path forward. Click here to learn more and book your session!

✨ Coaching, calm, and clarity for homeschool parents — it's all happening inside The Christmas Countdown. Click here to learn more. If your child struggles with big emotions, negative thoughts, or self-doubt, this episode is for you. Therapist Kim Restivo Lange shares practical strategies to help kids manage their emotions, along with actionable ideas to help you support your child's emotional growth. In this conversation, we discuss: How to help kids express emotions in a healthy way Why negative thinking happens and how to address it Simple strategies to guide kids through emotional struggles The importance of externalizing emotions to reduce shame Plus, Kim has created a helpful resource just for you! Click here to download A Conversational Framework – a guide to help you navigate meaningful conversations with your child. Want to learn more about positive parenting? Click here to explore practical strategies for raising confident, emotionally healthy kids. Looking for more support? Click here to schedule your free consultation and get personalized guidance for your homeschooling and parenting journey. Tune in and discover tools to help your child build emotional resilience! © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

🌟 Real coaching for real parents — feel supported and confident all season long.  Click here to check out The Christmas Countdown.  Do you ever find yourself setting boundaries out of frustration instead of love? In this episode, Jackie shares how to shift your mindset and set boundaries from a place of love—so you can create more peace and connection in your home. You'll learn how approaching boundaries with calm and clarity can help you strengthen relationships, reduce tension, and guide your kids with confidence. 👉 Learn more about how life coaching can help you set loving, effective boundaries. Read the Life Coaching for Parents article and sign up for a free consultation. © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

✨ Simplify your holidays, steady your mindset, and stay on track — join The Christmas Countdown today! Are schools helping children succeed—or subtly shaping them to conform? In this episode, we unpack Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto. Discover the seven hidden lessons that schools teach—lessons that condition children to obey, comply, and depend on authority. Whether you're homeschooling or simply questioning the traditional system, this episode will help you think differently about education—and empower you to reclaim your child's learning journey. 🎧 Listen now to explore what's really being taught in school—and how to break free from the hidden curriculum. 👉 Get the book and watch a rare video of Gatto himself.   The HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

🎄 Stay calm, consistent, and confident through the holidays — join The Christmas Countdown for Homeschool Parents today! 👉 Learn more here. In this episode, Jackie breaks down four fun (and relatable) types of homeschool families. You'll discover where your family fits right now, how your style might change over time, and why there's no one "right" way to homeschool. Whether you're new to homeschooling or have been at it for years, this episode will help you reflect, laugh a little, and feel more confident in your unique homeschooling journey. 👉 Click here to see the article that goes with this podcast episode. © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The holidays don't always look like a perfect Christmas snow globe, a cozy commercial, or your favorite influencer's Instagram feed. In reality, they're 50/50 — part joy, part chaos. Some moments feel magical… and others leave you wondering how to keep it all together. That's exactly why I created The Christmas Countdown — eight weeks of real coaching for real parents who want to stay grounded, present, and connected through the season. 🎄 Early Bird Sessions start TODAY — and it's only $47. Join now and start creating a calmer, more joyful holiday season for your family. 👉 Learn more at HomeSchoolThinkTank.com/Christmas/

Do you ever feel like you've just found your homeschool rhythm… and then bam! the holidays hit, and everything gets harder to manage? I get it — I've been there, too. That's exactly why I created The Homeschool Christmas Countdown — a small group coaching program designed to help homeschooling parents stay consistent, feel supported, and handle the holiday madness with more calm and confidence. 👉 Listen to this episode to learn how it works, then head to HomeSchoolThinkTank.com/Christmas to enroll. Early Bird Sessions start this week — join now and get a head start on the holiday season!   © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever wondered if you're doing enough to help your child learn to read? In this conversation, I sit down with Margaret Craig, an award-winning Reading Recovery teacher and author of The Young Reader. With decades of experience teaching literacy in public and private schools, Margaret shares simple, effective strategies that parents can use to help their children become confident readers. In this episode, you'll learn: How to teach reading at home—even if you're not a teacher The best reading strategies for early learners and struggling readers How to avoid common mistakes parents make when teaching reading Why Reading Recovery techniques can help any child, regardless of age Practical reading tips you can start using today This episode is packed with actionable insights to support your child's reading development, so be sure to listen through to the end. Check the show notes for helpful reading resources and to watch the video version of this interview. https://homeschoolthinktank.com/teaching-reading/ Whether you're homeschooling, supplementing your child's education, or simply want to make reading a joyful experience, this episode is for you.   HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Established, 2018.

Have you ever noticed how often people use the words learning, education, teaching, and schooling as if they mean the same thing? In this episode, Jackie shares why they're actually very different—and how understanding those differences can completely change the way you approach homeschooling. You'll discover what learning really means, why it matters, and how recognizing the difference between learning and schooling can help your child thrive. Prefer to watch instead of listen? 👀 This episode is also available as a video. Click the link below to watch and explore the article that goes with this episode. 👉 Click here to access the video at HomeSchoolThinkTank.com   © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Looking for creative ways to make spelling lessons more fun? In this episode, you'll discover practical, engaging activities that help kids learn to spell with confidence. Whether your child is just starting or needs extra practice, these hands-on ideas make spelling easier—and a lot more enjoyable. From games and movement-based learning to writing and wordplay, you'll find simple strategies you can start using today. You'll also find a companion article with links to recommended homeschool spelling curriculum, online programs, and spelling games—plus a video version of this episode at the link below. https://homeschoolthinktank.com/homeschool-spelling-curriculum/   © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Do you find yourself avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable or bring up negative emotions? Join me as I share a story filled with discomfort—and why I believe it's vital to get UNCOMFORTABLE on purpose. In this podcast episode, I share insights on how embracing discomfort can help you and your kids build confidence. As a homeschooling parent, you'll discover how the lessons I've learned can empower you to face challenges head-on and pass that strength on to your kids. Tune in and discover how you can transform discomfort into a tool for growth. 👉 To take this idea further, read my article about how life coaching helps homeschool parents. You'll learn how to schedule a free consultation and access the support that homeschooling parents need. HomeSchoolThinkTank.com/Life-Coaching-for-Parents/   © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you allowed your child's natural curiosity to drive their learning? In this episode, I discuss the concept of child-led learning and how to use this approach in your homeschool. You'll discover some benefits of allowing your child's interests to guide their education and how this approach can foster independence and a lifelong love of learning. Tune in for ideas about how to balance structure with freedom. Click the link below to learn about a variety of homeschooling methods: https://homeschoolthinktank.com/homeschool-styles/   © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Do you want to grow as a person—or help your kids reach their full potential? Growth doesn't come from staying comfortable. It comes from facing challenges, stretching yourself, and intentionally choosing to do hard things. In this episode, I'll share how taking on challenges can shape both you and your children, and why it's one of the most valuable lessons you can pass on through homeschooling and parenting. Learn more about my life coaching services for parents: https://homeschoolthinktank.com/life-coaching-for-parents/   © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Did you know most math programs use one of two approaches—mastery or spiral? In this short episode, I'll explain the difference, share examples of each, and help you think through which style might be the best fit for your child. For even more curriculum options, videos, and helpful resources, check out the companion article here:  https://homeschoolthinktank.com/mastery-vs-spiral-math-curriculum/ © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Are you feeling frustrated with homeschooling? You're not alone—and often the problem comes from treating homeschooling like public school at home. Homeschooling is about freedom, flexibility, and connection—not replicating the classroom. Tune in to discover how you can make homeschooling a more positive and successful experience for both you and your kids. 👉 Learn more here:  https://homeschoolthinktank.com/   © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Do your kids thrive when they're outside? In this episode, I'll introduce you to the concept of nature-based education. This episode will inspire you to turn the natural world into your best classroom. Want to go deeper? Check out the full article on nature schooling—it's packed with practical ideas, book suggestions, and curriculum resources to help you bring even more outdoor learning into your homeschool. https://homeschoolthinktank.com/nature-schooling/ © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

You've been going back and forth… wondering if homeschooling is really the right choice.  What if you make the wrong decision? In this episode, I'll guide you through a powerful framework to help you stop spinning in indecision—and finally make a choice you can feel good about. You'll discover:  ✅ Why staying stuck in "maybe" isn't helpful  ✅ How to uncover hidden options you might not have considered  ✅ The mindset shift that changes everything about decision-making  ✅ Step-by-step strategies to help you move forward with confidence Whether you're new to homeschooling or just rethinking your path, this episode will help you cut through the overwhelm—and take action. 👩‍🏫 I'm Jackie, founder of HomeSchool ThinkTank and a certified life coach for parents. If you're feeling stuck, I'd love to help you get clarity. 📅 Click Here to Schedule a Free Consultation 📚 Check out the companion article, "Thinking About Homeschooling,"   © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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.   © 2018–2025 HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.