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!
Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’re talking about something that can make or break your school year — your non-negotiables. Every family has different priorities, but if you don’t know what’s most important to you, it’s easy to get distracted by all the extras and other peoples opinions. Today we’re going to share some of our own non-negotiables, talk about why they matter, and hopefully help you think through what you want to hold onto in your homeschool this year. 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 to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Ben is joined by his wife, Rissa, as they talk about the start of a brand-new homeschool year. They'll dive into the curriculum she’s using, how the first week didn’t go exactly as planned, and what it looks like to adjust when some of the material turns out to be too advanced for one of their kids. He is also joined by his cousin Perry to talk about a new audio drama from the Jesus Film Project, which he had a hand in creating. This is something your entire family can enjoy together, and we think you'll enjoy 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 Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’re joined by a brand-new homeschooling dad, Dustin Garrett, who’s just getting ready to start the adventure. We’ll be talking about what led his family to homeschool, What they are hopeful for, their approach to homeschooling so far, and a whole bunch more. We’re also excited to have Todd's daughter, Katherine Petgen, with us to share about her upcoming online story writing class for homeschoolers. These were fun and encouraging conversations, and we hope you enjoy! 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 to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re joined by a very special guest — Ashley Wiggers from Homeschooling Today magazine. Ashley is a homeschooling mom and graduate who has a heart for helping families homeschool boldly. Our topic this week is: What should preschool look like, skipping kindergarten, and the road to reading. It was an amazing conversation, and we know you’ll walk away encouraged! 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 to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we're tackling the dreaded question: When should I start the school year? The answer isn’t always one-size-fits-all, so it should make for a great conversation. We’re also reminiscing about some of our family RV travels and talking about the lasting value of making memories together as a family. 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 to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re bringing you an episode from the archives where we discuss how parenting and homeschooling aren’t two separate things—they’re one and the same. When you approach homeschooling with this mindset, it can make a powerful difference in your day-to-day homeschool life! 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 Don't forget to share our show with another homeschooling mom and please leave us a review on whatever pocast app you listen on! Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re talking about how to incorporate activities often considered extracurricular—like music, construction, cooking, computers, art, and more—into your regular homeschool routine. We also interview former Disney animator Chad Stewart, who shares about his animation course designed specifically for homeschoolers interested in art and animation. It's an encouraging episode, and we hope you enjoy 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 Don't forget to share our show with another homeschooling mom, and please leave us a review on whatever pocast app you listen on! Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are excited to be joined by Todd's daughter, Maggie! She’s getting married in just a few weeks, so we talk all about her upcoming wedding, her journey to becoming a nail technician, and what life has been like after school. It’s a fun episode, and we hope you enjoy listening! 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 to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We have a fun, different episode this week! We talk 4H, the county fair, the 4th of July, and some other ways to connect as a family this summer! We had a great time recording this episode, and we hope you enjoy it! Before we begin, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile 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 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 SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re talking about how important it is to de-stress and recharge, and we’ll discuss what summer break can look like for older kids. We hope you enjoy it! We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their math curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we encourage you to check it out for next school year at teachingtextbooks.com. Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries — a community of Christians who share one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they follow God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman. One last thing — if you haven’t already, please consider leaving us a review on whatever podcast app you use. This is a great way to help spread the word about The Smiling Homeschooler! Have a great week, and don’t forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we were joined be Debbie Wilson. Over this past weekend, one of the Wilson kids graduated, so we talked to Debbie about her approach to graduations and transitioning into her final years of homeschooling. She also shares what some of the highlights were for this past school year, what curriculum she enjoyed, and what she wants to do differently going into the next year. She is always encouraging, and we hope you 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 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 SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we are playing an episode from way back in the archives. We were joined by Homeschooling Mom, Author, and speaker, Durenda Wilson. We are big believers in her approach to homeschooling, and think you will find this interview encouraging! Durenda has been battling cancer, and we would ask you to join our family in praying for her recovery. To support her and her family, visit her website durendawilson.com. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile 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 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 SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! With the school year wrapping up, we’re taking some time to talk about the signs that it might be time to make a few changes in your homeschooling for next year! As always, we hope this episode is encouraging and helps you smile! Before we begin, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their math 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 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 SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we’re talking about wrapping up the school year, creating a fun summer bucket list, and how we can help our children feel valued for who they are. 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 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 SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we're sharing an email from a homeschooling mom who recently pulled her kids out of school. She's been wrestling with the reasons behind her decision to homeschool, and her experience is both honest and encouraging. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile 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 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 SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’re sharing an episode from the archives all about spelling! We were joined by Debbie Wilson—a homeschooling mom of eight—who shares her tips, tricks, and philosophy on teaching spelling. It was a great episode, and we hope you find it encouraging! 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 at teachingtextbooks.com. Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by 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 SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we have a fun and relaxed episode for you! We talk about some advice that changed one homeschooling mom's life, and encourage you to be confident that your children are going to turn out okay. We hope you enjoy! 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 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 SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! My name is Ben Wilson, and today we’re joined by longtime homeschooling mom Becky Clark. She shares her journey and offers wisdom for moms who may be wondering if they’re doing things “right.” Becky has a heart for encouraging moms to resist comparison and pressure, and instead, focus on homeschooling in a way that’s best for their child. 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 encouarge 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 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 SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman Have a great week and don't forget to smile!