She thought preschool meant worksheets and flashcards.

In this freeing and practical episode, Christy-Faith sits down with child development expert and homeschooling mom Kathy Eggers to challenge the myth that “real” learning only happens at a desk. With decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and author of The Homegrown Preschooler and A Year of Playing Skillfully, Kathy reveals why play is not a distraction from academics; it’s the very foundation of them.

From the science showing kids master concepts 20x faster through play than through drills, to the surprising role of mud pies, fairy houses, and pretend kitchens in developing executive function and emotional regulation, this episode offers both encouragement and concrete strategies.

If you’ve ever felt guilty about not doing enough “schoolwork” with your preschooler, or overwhelmed by the mess that comes with play, Kathy and Christy-Faith bring relief: you don’t need to replicate school at home. You need to love, connect, and make space for wonder.

Because at the end of the day, connection with your child is greater than any curriculum you’ll ever buy.

The Christy-Faith Show | Ep. 81

🛠️ LINKS & RESOURCES

Free Homeschooling Resources
Find everything you need to simplify and strengthen your homeschool journey:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/links

Thrive Homeschool Community
Join Christy-Faith’s online community for mentorship, encouragement, and real friendships that last:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/thrive

Christy-Faith’s List
A curated directory of homeschool-friendly service providers, businesses, and colleges:
👉 https://christy-faiths-list.com

Christy-Faith’s Book: Homeschool Rising
📖 Encouragement and strategy for starting strong or starting over:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising

🎙️ SHOW SPONSORS

BJU Press Homeschool
✔ Flexible structure with a biblical worldview
✔ Built-in critical thinking and hands-on learning
👉 https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy

CTC Math
✔ Online, self-paced K–12 math curriculum
✔ 50% off plus a free trial for Christy-Faith listeners
👉 https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF

LearningRx
✔ Cognitive skills training for kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and more
✔ $50 off assessment with code HOME50
👉 https://LearningRx.com  or call 866-272-4601

Lovevery – The Reading Skill Set
✔ Game-based, science-backed reading program
✔ 98% of kids improved in just 6 weeks
💰 https://lovevery.com/christyfaith  (code CHRISTY10)

REFERENCES IN EPISODE 👀

Play Skillfully with Kathy Eggers

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/playskillfullywithkathyeggers

🎧 SHOW RECAP

Too many moms of littles believe they aren’t “doing enough.” This episode shows why that’s not true.

✅ Why play builds brains faster than flashcards
✅ How messy play builds fine motor skills and confidence
✅ Why uninterrupted play is vital for social and emotional growth
✅ How to reframe clutter and chaos without giving up peace
✅ Why connection matters more than curriculum in early childhood
✅ The simple mindset shift that frees parents from guilt

If you’ve ever felt like preschool “doesn’t count” unless it looks like school, this episode will remind you of the truth: love, play, and presence are the best teachers of all.

📌 Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a mom who needs this encouragement.

💬 What’s one way your child learns best through play? Share your story in the comments.