The BIG Home Ed Conversations

Thinking about home education but feeling overwhelmed by doubts, legal questions, or worries about what others will think? You’re not alone! In this episode, Kelly and Ashley get real about the most common roadblocks families face when starting (or even just considering) their home ed journey—from legalities and partner hesitations to social pressure, money worries, and the myth that you need to replicate school at home. We discuss: Is home education really legal in the UK (and beyond)? How to get confident about the rules Navigating partner, family, and friend scepticism—especially when no one around you “gets it” The fear of “ruining” your child’s education, missing out on socialisation, or not being “qualified” Why you don’t need to replicate school at home (and how much time home ed actually takes) The realities of working, budgeting, and fitting in self-care as a home educating parent How to handle awkward questions from strangers and the pressure to justify your choices The importance of building a supportive community and trusting your instincts Plus, we share our own stories—honest moments of doubt, funny run-ins with “concerned” strangers, and what finally helped us move past the biggest mental and practical barriers.   This summer, Outschool have offered us a sponsored opportunity to use—and honestly review—their learning platform right here on the podcast. Go listen to what we have to say! If you’d like to take advantage of the offer we mention, head to www.outschool.com/HOMEED and use code HOMEED35 to get $35 off your family’s first month!   Whether you’re just researching, feeling stuck, or already on your home ed journey but hitting new hurdles, this episode will help you breathe, reframe your worries, and find practical ways forward.   Remember: most “roadblocks” are just questions waiting for honest answers—and you’re allowed to do things differently.   Resources mentioned: Mindset coaching and support (with Kelly) - go to www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/work-with-me  Real-life examples and encouragement from the home ed community What’s the biggest roadblock on your mind right now? DM us on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast and let’s talk about it!

Ever wonder how home educating families actually plan, stay flexible, and fit everything in—without burning out? In this episode, Kelly and Ashley spill their real-life “home ed secrets,” sharing what planning looks like for seasoned (and sometimes scatterbrained!) home educators, how to stay creative without getting overwhelmed, and why flexibility is the true superpower for families learning outside the system.   We chat about: Why planning as a home educator looks nothing like school—and why that’s a good thing! How to use frameworks (like the UK national curriculum or US grade-level guides) without getting boxed in Balancing structure and spontaneity—so you don’t lose your mind (or your creativity) The power of following your child’s interests and letting go of perfection How to handle “rabbit holes,” project-based learning, and the endless questions that spark real learning Tips for planning non-academic parts of your day—like routines, family values, and self-care Why it’s totally normal (and healthy!) for your approach to evolve over time or even get completely scrapped and started over again This summer, Outschool have offered us a sponsored opportunity to use—and honestly review—their learning platform right here on the podcast. Go listen to what we have to say! If you’d like to take advantage of the offer we mention, head to www.outschool.com/HOMEED and use code HOMEED35 to get $35 off your family’s first month!   Whether you’re a new home educator, an unschooler, or just looking to refresh your planning style, this episode is packed with practical tips, gentle reassurance, and plenty of laughs about what really works (and what doesn’t) when you’re learning at home.    Resources mentioned: UK national curriculum and US grade-level “What Your ___ Grader Needs to Know” books. AI and creative planning tools Our honest experiences with Outschool classes for SEND and neurodivergent children What’s your biggest planning headache or home ed win? Share your thoughts or questions with us on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast—or send us a message to help shape future episodes!

Are you asking yourself, “Why am I doing this?” as you step into home education? You’re not alone!   In this episode of the Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed summer series, Kelly Rigg (mindset coach, home ed mum, and co-host of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast) helps you dig deep into the real reasons behind your home ed decision—and how to turn your hopes, fears, and family dreams into a philosophy that actually works for you.   We explore: The most common questions and worries parents have when starting home education (social life, exams, university, family pressure, and more) How to clarify your motivations—whether it’s about lifestyle, flexibility, travel, wellbeing, or simply wanting something different for your family Why your reasons are valid (even if they’re not what you expected!) The importance of visualising your “perfect day” and weaving home ed naturally into family life How to set realistic expectations (vs. reality!) and embrace flexibility when things don’t go to plan The value of writing down your hopes and dreams for your kids, your family, and yourself A gentle introduction to popular home education philosophies: unschooling (John Holt), Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Ken Robinson, Peter Gray, Ivan Illich, Julie Bogart, and more—plus tips for blending approaches to suit your unique family Practical resources mentioned: The Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed Workbook (with prompts for self-reflection and family discussion) – head to offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/work-with-me Free 30-minute clarity call with Kelly for parents who want extra support or just need a sounding board Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, overwhelmed, or all three, this episode will help you get clear on your “why,” explore what really matters to you, and start building a home ed journey that’s grounded in your own values—not just what everyone else expects.   What’s your “why” for home educating? Share your thoughts or questions with Kelly on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast, or reach out for a free clarity call. You don’t have to figure this out alone!

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just a bit “meh” about home education right now? You’re not alone! In this honest episode, Kelly and Ashley dive deep into the reality of home ed slumps—those periods when motivation dips, life gets in the way, and routines seem impossible to maintain.   We chat about: Why home ed slumps happen (burnout, big life events, travel, illness, family stress, or just plain old exhaustion) The emotional rollercoaster of home educating—especially for neurodivergent families and parents juggling work, home, and learning How “real life” IS learning: from moving house to camping trips, grief, or just catching up on laundry, your kids are still growing and learning every day Guilt, comparison, and the myth of “falling behind”—and why schools aren’t as non-stop as you might think! Practical strategies for easing back into routines: starting small, building momentum, and letting go of perfection The power of noticing the little wins (and a little hack for noticing the positives!) When to switch things up: changing subjects, trying new approaches, or simply giving everyone a break Plus: Why home education doesn’t have to look like school at home The importance of self-compassion, flexibility, and adjusting your expectations (for yourself and your kids) How to use “real life” as curriculum, and why every conversation, walk, or pancake breakfast counts Listener shout-out: If you’ve been binge-listening or found our chats helpful, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it really helps us reach more home ed families! And if you’re climbing out of a slump (or still deep in one), let us know what’s helped you—or if you badly need some help right now - send us a message on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast, or drop us a line for a bit of solidarity.

Thinking about home education but feeling overwhelmed by doubts, fears, or pushback from others? You’re not alone! In this bonus episode, Kelly Rigg (home ed mum, mindset coach, and founder of Offroading Motherhood) kicks off the “Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed” series with a deep dive into the mindset shifts every new home educating parent needs to make.   We’ll talk about: Why “de-schooling” yourself (and your kids) is the essential first step How to spot and challenge the beliefs holding you back—like “sitting down is the only way to learn” or “I’m not qualified” The real-life journey from school/nursery stress to thriving at home (even if you’re starting from scratch, or feeling scared!) How to handle doubts, fears, and family resistance—and why it’s normal to feel all the feelings Practical steps: deregistration, legal rights, and what to expect from the local authority Why you don’t have to recreate school at home (and what to do instead) The power of reconnecting with your child, observing their needs, and letting your home ed journey evolve Resource: Download the “Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed” workbook for self-reflection prompts, practical checklists, and family conversation starters: offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/work-with-me   Listener homework: Stick a piece of paper on your fridge and jot down every doubt, fear, or question that pops up about home ed—no judgment, just awareness. Notice the stories in your head and start asking “why?” (Kelly shares how this simple exercise transformed her own journey.)   Ready for support? Connect with Kelly for coaching, reassurance, or just a friendly chat on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast, or via WhatsApp through her website.

Is “sit down and focus” really the best way for kids to learn? In this lively episode, Kelly and Ashley dig into the myths and realities of “sit down culture” in education—and why home educators are uniquely positioned to break free from it.   We explore: The hidden costs of sit-down, desk-based learning (especially for neurodivergent kids) Why movement, play, and hands-on experiences are essential for real learning and regulation How “real life” moments—like reading menus, counting on walks, or exploring local foods—build reading, maths, and critical thinking skills The science behind learning through play (and why it’s so much more effective than worksheets!) Practical tips for weaving movement and creativity into every subject—even the “desk” ones like reading, writing, and maths The power of daily rhythm over strict schedules (hello, Charlotte Mason!) Why it’s okay if your home ed day looks nothing like school—and how to silence the guilt when you ditch the desk Plus: Real talk about parental needs, self-regulation, and why your well-being matters too Stories from Montessori, alternative schooling, and the world’s most creative thinkers—proving that movement and curiosity build the best minds Listener question: Do you ever feel pressured to “make them sit down and do school”? What helps you break the mould?   Share your stories or tips with us on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast, or send us a message for some solidarity!

Is artificial intelligence (AI) a helpful tool for home educators—or a shortcut that risks critical thinking? In this lively episode (more like debate), Kelly and Ashley dig into the real pros and cons of using AI (like ChatGPT) in home education, sharing personal experiences, practical tips, and honest concerns.   We cover: How AI can streamline planning, spark creativity, and save time for busy home ed parents (think: instant topic ideas, bedtime stories, personalized lesson plans, and more) Why clear, thoughtful prompts are the secret to getting useful results from AI (and how to avoid the “rubbish” outputs!) The debate: does using AI for research or writing undermine kids’ learning—or is it just the next step after Google and Wikipedia? Concerns about plagiarism, loss of patience, and the temptation to let AI “do the thinking” for us (and how to balance tech with real-world skills) Creative ways to use AI with kids: generating custom stories, social scripts, activity ideas, and even coloring pages Why AI can be a neuroaffirming, inclusive tool—especially for children who struggle with handwriting or need learning adapted to their interests The importance of using tech intentionally: reclaiming your time for rest, connection, and slowing down—not just squeezing more into your day Listener tip: If you’re curious about using AI in your home ed journey, start small and play around! Ask it to help with lesson ideas, simplify tricky topics, or create custom stories for your kids. But remember: the goal isn’t to do more, faster—it’s to make your life easier and your learning more joyful.   Join the conversation:This has been a very controversial subject! How are you using (or avoiding) AI in your home education?   Share your thoughts or questions with us on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast—or drop us a message if you’d like a deeper workshop on making AI work for your family.

In this episode, Kelly Rigg & Ashley Vanerio chat to Luna Flowerday—radical unschooler, worldschooler, and inspiring mum of three—who is currently traveling the world with her husband and children.   Luna’s journey started with a bold leap into bus life during Covid, while pregnant and with a toddler in tow. What began as a necessity has become years of adventure, joy, and challenge—reshaping her family’s outlook on life, learning, and what’s truly possible beyond the usual social constructs.   We dive into: The truths about worldschooling and radical unschooling (from someone living it right now!) Luna’s story: from starting out on the road to building a life of freedom and connection How little you really need in order to travel full-time with kids (and why it costs less than you think) Work-from-home ideas and creative ways to fund your journey The practicalities: packing light, staying regulated as a family, and overcoming fears Why worldschooling is more achievable and possible than most people imagine—with a bit of imagination, perseverance, and willingness to ditch the “shoulds” Parenting tips, travel hacks, and the real challenges and joys of learning through life on the road Whether you’re a home educator, a travel dreamer, or just curious about alternative ways to live and learn, this episode will open your mind to what’s possible. If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the routine and living life on your own terms, Luna’s story is sure to inspire you.   Follow us for more real-life home ed conversations: TikTok & Instagram: @bighomeedpodcast Follow Luna: @lunaflowerday Want to learn more or make this lifestyle a reality? Check out Luna’s resources and guides: https://stan.store/LunaFlowerday   See you next week for an impromptu debate between myself and Ashley about the use of AI in home education! Eeek! That was so much fun to record—can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

In this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the feelings and reflections that arise as the 'school year' comes to a close, as home educators we don't always adhere to the concepts of school years/grade levels and otherwise - but we do still have some hang ups that like to rear their ugly heads this time of year. In this episode, Kelly and Ashley reflect on how this time of year has made them feel, what it inspires us to do over the summer and how this can be turned into a positive, reflective and joyful time of year as easily as it could end up being stressful. The conversation emphasizes the significance of trusting the home education process, reducing anxiety, and recognizing the progress made throughout the year. Find us on Instagram and Tiktok @bighomeedpodcast - don't forget to rate if you loved this episode!  Keywords: home education, school year, learning, flexibility, planning, summer break, school anxiety, parenting, education, reflections, end of term, summer holidays, unschooling, parenting, motherhood, reframing, mindset, limiting beliefs, deschooling, deregistering, changing mindsets around education

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss their journey in home education, reflecting on their podcast's evolution and the importance of individual learning paths. They share personal anecdotes about family dynamics, gratitude, and the challenges of parenting. The conversation emphasizes the significance of values in education and different learning styles, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique approaches to home education. In this conversation, they discuss the evolution of their educational methods, whether its a more school-like approach to unschooling to a more structured yet flexible approach that prioritizes child-led learning. The conversation also touches on the significance of fostering a positive parent-child relationship and the values that guide their educational philosophy. Additionally, they reflect on their podcast's growth and share plans for future episodes, highlighting the importance of community feedback. Follow us over on @bighomeedpodcast on instagram and tiktok! Let us know who you want to hear from in upcoming interviews and please do share the podcast with a friend! 

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss their reactions and lasting feelings after the interview last week with Wendy Charles-Warner, Co-Chair of Education Otherwise. They emphasize the importance of community support, the need for a unified approach to advocacy, and the ongoing fight for home education rights. The hosts address stereotypes, government agendas, and the necessity for compassionate dialogue while highlighting the value of home education in promoting diversity and creativity in society. In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the implications of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill affecting home education, focusing on the burdensome reporting requirements for parents, the perceived overreach of government control, and the emotional toll on families. They critically examine the narrative that schools are inherently safer for children and advocate for parental rights and autonomy in education. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building relationships with children and the need for community advocacy to protect these rights. Share you thoughts and feedback with Kelly and Ashley on TikTok and Instagram @bighomeedpodcast Sign the petition mentioned in the podcast here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/716515?fbclid=IwY2xjawKv8GNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFvNHVwTzZEVlMzWURiZmMxAR63S6Urz5MQUOqJZh9q4JoJIfNjHH81vVn18umW96KqfDCbkHgxbkwjulZnLg_aem_s4NWwDJ_dlbFAGa5FcX1Yw  Keywords: home education, rights, community, legislation, misconceptions, government agenda, financial support, compassionate dialogue, education diversity, home educators, home education, parental rights, government overreach, children's safety, education policy, homeschooling, family values, safeguarding, education reform, community advocacy

In this episode, May 2025, Kelly Rigg and Wendy Charles-Warner discuss the ongoing Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, its implications for home education, and the community's response. They explore the current status of the bill in Parliament, concerns regarding registration and data requirements, and the potential impact on families, particularly those under scrutiny from social services. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community activism, the role of media in advocacy, and the need for parents to overcome fear and take action to protect their rights. In this conversation, Wendy Charles-Warner and Kelly Rigg discuss the complexities and challenges surrounding home education, particularly in light of proposed government registration measures. They explore the limitations of government oversight, the need for funding and support for home educators, and the impact of draconian measures on relationships between parents and local authorities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity in education and the ideological motivations behind current education policies. Ultimately, they advocate for parental rights and the need for a more supportive approach to home education. Share you thoughts and feedback with Kelly and Ashley on TikTok and Instagram @bighomeedpodcast Sign the petition mentioned in the podcast here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/716515?fbclid=IwY2xjawKv8GNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFvNHVwTzZEVlMzWURiZmMxAR63S6Urz5MQUOqJZh9q4JoJIfNjHH81vVn18umW96KqfDCbkHgxbkwjulZnLg_aem_s4NWwDJ_dlbFAGa5FcX1Yw  Keywords: Children's Wellbeing, Schools Bill, Home Education, Parental Rights, Social Services, Education Otherwise, Community Activism, Legislative Process, Family Rights, Education Policy, home education, registration, government oversight, funding, support, education policy, parental rights, diversity, advocacy

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the joys of home education, particularly focusing on the insane benefits of world schooling, learning through travel and experiences. They reflect on their own experiences with travel, how it serves as a powerful teacher for children, and the importance of contextual learning. The conversation emphasizes the value of creating relevant and engaging learning opportunities for children through real-world experiences, allowing children time to delve into their own child-led interests, and the benefits of embracing tangents in learning. The discussion emphasizes the joy of learning for its own sake and the importance of fostering a curious mindset in both children and adults and the benefit that brings us in life. Keywords: home education, experiential learning, travel, parenting, education, homeschooling, family, learning, nature, wildlife, homeschooling, learning, curiosity, education, ocean exploration, hands-on activities, flexibility in education, lifelong learning, parenting, experiential learning, worldschooling, travelling with kids. 

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the evolution of home education, particularly in the UK, highlighting the significant growth of the community post-COVID. They explore the challenges and opportunities that arise from this expansion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the core values of home education while adapting to new realities. The conversation also touches on the need for sustainability in community activities and the value of gratitude in parenting. In this conversation, Ashley Vanerio and Kelly Rigg discuss the importance of community engagement in home education, the need for support and resources for local educators, and the challenges of funding for home educators. They explore the concept of active inclusion in education, the evolving nature of the home education community, and the significance of building relationships and support networks among parents. Keywords: home education, community growth, sustainability, parenting, neurodivergent families, education evolution, gratitude, family activities, home ed community, mindset coaching, home education, community support, local resources, funding, active inclusion, homeschooling, parent relationships, educational resources, online learning, home educators

In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio explore the complexities of sensory sensitivities and not just through the eyes of neurodivergence, but the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for self-care in parenting as we work so hard to meet the needs of our children. They discuss how sensory overload affects family dynamics and the significance of  engaging and understanding our sensory experience of the world. They discuss how overstimulation and under-stimulation - be it too much noise or being stuck at home for days, can affect focus, drive, satisfaction and emotional well-being, and emphasize the significance of recognizing personal limits and needs. Ultimately, they advocate for listening to one's body and respecting your needs as well as your children's, to foster a healthier family environment that is sustainable.