Tried and True Homeschooling

Listen above or on Apple, Spotify, or Pocketcasts✨What does education look like when it’s driven by curiosity, not curriculum?Today, I talk with the incredible Kerry McDonald—a Harvard-trained economist, author, and unschooling mom of four—for a rich and honest conversation about educational freedom.Kerry shares how a chance encounter with a homeschooling family turned her life upside down, sparking a journey away from traditional schooling and toward self-directed education. From her daughter teaching herself to read at four, to navigating teenage years without coercion, Kerry walks us through what it really looks like to trust your child—and yourself.If you’ve ever wondered whether kids can really learn without being “taught”, this conversation is for you.We also dive deep into the growing microschool movement and show you why so many families are stepping outside the system to build something better. 🖋️If you’d like to connect with Kerry, you’ll find her at her podcast website. You can also buy her new book Joyful Learning available TODAY!If you found this episode helpful, please give us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast platform. It helps others find us!🔥BONUS! Downloadable show notes with key takeaways, inspiring quotes, resource recommendations, journal prompts, and more! Exclusively for my favorite people👇Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach—my goal is to present real families and their experiences. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

This post was incorrectly marked paid only. The podcast is always free - especially this episode! I’ve deleted the prior post. My apologies for the mistake and the second email in your inbox. Listen above or on Apple, Spotify, or Pocketcasts✨Are you homeschooling kids with dyslexia and wondering if they'll ever thrive as readers and learners? Meet Jessica Kulynych —a mom who accidentally fell into homeschooling and ended up transforming the lives of her three dyslexic children. Faced with delayed reading, dysgraphia, and emotional sensitivities, Jessica refused to give up. Instead, she became an expert - researching relentlessly, embracing Orton-Gillingham, and crafting a flexible classical-eclectic approach that met her kids exactly where they were. Today, her children are thriving adults in love with reading.Jessica is a warrior mom whose story left me in awe of what dedicated homeschooling can achieve. If you're dealing with dyslexia, Jessica’s story will give you hope, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.🖋️Connect with Jessica Kulynych on her Substack An Unexpected Difficulty or enjoy her article Homeschooling Dyslexia: Lessons from 20 Years of Trial and Triumph. 🔥BONUS! Downloadable show notes with key takeaways, inspiring quotes, resource recommendations, journal prompts, and more! Exclusively for my favorite people👇If you found this episode helpful, please give us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast platform. It helps others find us!Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach—my goal is to present real families and their experiences. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

Listen above or on Apple, Spotify, or Pocketcasts✨Are you homeschooling kids with dyslexia and wondering if they'll ever thrive as readers and learners? Meet Jessica Kulynych —a mom who accidentally fell into homeschooling and ended up transforming the lives of her three dyslexic children. Faced with delayed reading, dysgraphia, and emotional sensitivities, Jessica refused to give up. Instead, she became an expert - researching relentlessly, embracing Orton-Gillingham, and crafting a flexible classical-eclectic approach that met her kids exactly where they were. Today, her children are thriving adults in love with reading.Jessica is a warrior mom whose story left me in awe of what dedicated homeschooling can achieve. If you're dealing with dyslexia, Jessica’s story will give you hope, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.🖋️Connect with Jessica Kulynych on her Substack An Unexpected Difficulty or enjoy her article Homeschooling Dyslexia: Lessons from 20 Years of Trial and Triumph. 🔥BONUS! Downloadable show notes with key takeaways, inspiring quotes, resource recommendations, journal prompts, and more! Exclusively for my favorite people👇If you found this episode helpful, please give us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast platform. It helps others find us!Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach—my goal is to present real families and their experiences. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.clarified.lifeListen above or on Apple, Spotify, or Pocketcasts✨What happens when you ditch traditional schooling and fold your child into the rhythms of real life? I had the pure pleasure of sitting down with Peter, a music producer, author, and homeschooling dad, to explore the unique and beautiful way he educated his son.Peter and his wife integrated their son John into their music business, fostering his independence and diverse skills. Peter’s son was running the cash box by 8. Later he ran sound checks, managed security and ticket booths. He tried his hand at blacksmithing and learning to fly a plane. Peter’s “curriculum” was anything but conventional. Peter’s philosophy emphasizes following a child’s interests, embracing individuality, and learning through real-world experiences. He’ll even share what happened when his son decided to go back to public high school.If you're feeling boxed in by traditional education, this conversation will stretch your thinking and inspire new possibilities.🖋️If you’d like to connect with Peter, you can find him on his website and X. Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach—my goal is to present real families and their experiences. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.✨INTRODUCING ClarifiEd Show Notes!I kept finding myself relistening to episodes to remember precisely what resources these incredible veterans recommended or their beautiful quotes, so I decided to write a short, snappy, summary of each episode with my favorite takeaways, inspirational quotes, things I plan to try, thought prompts, and ALL the recommended resources from each episode - all in a nice downloadable pdf.I’m crafting these show notes as a thank you to my paid supporters. Your help covers video, editing tools, all my time recording and editing these podcasts (it’s a lot of hours friends!). Any level of support comes with access to my You Can Homeschool course. Thank you friends. Truly♥️ClarifiEd Show Notes👇

If you are listening outside my website, head over to clarified.life for workshops, courses, lesson plans, and more. ✨Are you worried that your messy, imperfect life will get in the way of homeschooling?Today's guest tells reassures us that it’s not perfect conditions, but teaching strength of character and responsibility, that shapes strong, capable adults.Let’s dive into the extraordinary story of Von, a homeschooling dad six and grandfather to 25, who, alongside his wife, educated their kids in remote African mission fields. Facing challenges like delayed curricula shipments, his wife’s illnesses, and raising kids in a high-stakes, sometime dangerous environments, Von prioritized character and practical skills. His approach—rooted in obedience, great books, and real-world responsibility—produced six successful adults, all now homeschooling their own kids or thriving in careers like programming and running their own construction companies.🖋️His Key Advice to Homeschooling Parents👉Focus on Character First: Teach obedience and responsibility early to manage chaos and build lifelong resilience.👉Use Great Books for Critical Thinking: Read classics together, discuss values, and spark curiosity to teach kids how to learn.In this episode, you’ll learn👇* Homeschooling in Crisis: How Von’s family kept learning during his wife’s bed rest by training kids to manage the household.* Raising Responsible Kids: Strategies like “two-year-old obedience” and “hierarchical obedience” to handle large families.* Building Work-Ready Teens: Why early jobs (like dairy work at 14) created resumes that outshine college degrees.* Using Classic Books for Values: How discussions around Little Britches and other stories shaped character and critical thinking.* Language Learning Regrets and Tips: Why bilingualism matters and how to use free resources and cooking shows to teach Spanish effectively.PS: Don’t miss the last 10 minutes when Von gives practical advice on teaching kids a 2nd language!Von inspired me to think more deeply about the importance of raising responsible children with high character. His approach my not be for everyone, but I encourage you to listen with an open heart. As Aristotle says it is the mark of “an educated person to consider an idea without immediately accepting or rejecting it.”Favorite Quote: “You’re not a grade, you’re a person.”If you’d like to connect with Von, you can find him at his website.Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach—my goal is to present real families and their experiences. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.Know someone who would benefit from hearing this podcast? Please share! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

✨Overwhelmed by Homeschooling? This Mom’s Peaceful Approach Will Recenter YouToday’s guest, Brooke Z, homeschooled her two sons for 15 years—then watched them transition seamlessly into private high school, earn scholarships, and thrive. Her approach? Relaxed, but purposeful. She built a joyful home where curiosity ruled, independence grew, and learning happened everywhere—from picture books to science centers.Brooke’s biggest advice👇✨Trust your gut. No one knows your kids better than you.✨Have a plan—but stay flexible. A missed day isn’t a failure. It’s life.This episode is a breath of fresh air if you’re feeling the pressure of high school, transcripts, or “keeping up.” You’ll leave encouraged, grounded, and reminded that homeschooling really does work.Favorite Quote: “You’ll get there. Day by day, you’ll get there.”✨If you want to connect with Brooke, check out her substack The Pondering Scottie and stay tuned for Friday’s guest post!If you are new to homeschooling, you might like my You Can Homeschool Course and workshops like Socratic Method for Beginners.Become a paid subscriber to get access to courses, workshops, masterpiece lesson plans, and detailed post. The annual membership is on SALE for the summer $5/month — cheaper than one (1!) Frappuccino. Disclaimer: Tried and True Homeschooling shares real parents stories without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach presented in these discussions—my goal is to present real families and their experiences so you can decide what’ best for your children. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.~Dr. Claire Honeycutt♥️Know anyone who’d like this, please share! It’d an incredible way to support the podcast and my work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

Listen above or on Apple, Spotify, or Pocketcasts✨Do you worry you’re not enough to give your kids a great education? Today's guest, Melissa, homeschooled her four kids through unthinkable challenges. A single mom, she earned her master's degree while homeschooling, she teaches online and recently bought her own business. Yet somehow she also managed to give her kids an exceptional education and her oldest is currently attending West Point. Melissa is living proof that you don't need perfect conditions to give your kids a powerful education. She shares honest, practical wisdom on juggling work, fostering independence, and trusting your instincts even when the odds are stacked against you. Melissa’s story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and trusting your instincts as a parent.On a personal note, it was a blog by a single homeschool mom that convinced me that I could do this. And I hope Melissa's story does the same for you. 🌸In This Episode, You’ll Learn:* How to Homeschool as a Working Mom: How Melissa juggled full-time tech jobs and homeschooling.* Raising Academic Kids: What does it take academically to help your kids into one of the most rigorous institutions in the country.* Navigating College Admissions: Tips for tackling transcripts and why the PSAT was a game-changer for scholarships and military academies.* Making It Work on a Budget: How the public library became their classroom and HSLDA grants saved the day.* Balancing Discipline and Love: Melissa’s approach to raising teens who are respectful and resilient. Favorite Tip: Go to the library, pick one history & one science book every week and watch their knowledge explode!Connect with Melissa: Find her on X at @MelissaAmaya32 If you are new to homeschooling, you might like my You Can Homeschool Course and workshops like Socratic Method for Beginners.Become a paid subscriber to get access to courses, workshops, masterpiece lesson plans, and detailed post. The annual membership is on SALE for the summer $5/month — cheaper than one (1!) Frappuccino. Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach—my goal is simply to present real families and their experiences. For my own advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.Know anyone who’d like this, please share! It helps us grow and support more families. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

Explore the world of homeschooling unique learners, from ADHD to gifted children. Discover how personalized education shaped each of Cornelia's four kids, revealing their strengths. Learn practical strategies for adapting teaching methods and rethinking college prep with innovative approaches. Embrace mindfulness and joy in the learning journey, while celebrating each child's unique achievements. This insightful discussion encourages parents to let go of fear and focus on the present moments that matter most.

✨Wondering how to homeschool with limited resources and still raise confident, capable adults? Today, we'll learn from a pioneer homeschool mom who has made it work through creativity and community. I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Dawnita Fogleman. She navigated significant challenges, such as raising six children, managing chronic illness, and facing natural disasters like wildfires, all while homeschooling in rural Oklahoma. Despite feeling like she failed at times, her success lies in raising independent, capable, and grounded adults who pursue their passions and maintain a strong faith and character.Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or outcome—my goal is simply to present real families and their experiences. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.A heartfelt thank you to the paid subscribers who make this podcast possible.Your support fuels everything I create—conversations, resources, and tools to help parents. If this podcast (or anything I share) has been valuable to you, please become a paid subscriber to support my work. If you are interested in supporting the podcast and picking up some great benefits along the way, head over to clarified.life This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

✨Introducing Tried & True Homeschooling: Real Parents, Real Stories, Real Results. What happens after homeschooling? This podcast goes beyond the day-to-day to explore how real families made it work—and how it all turned out. Hosted by Dr. Claire Honeycutt, a former professor turned homeschool mom, Tried & True Homeschooling features honest conversations with veteran parents who’ve successfully graduated their kids.Each episode offers practical strategies, mindset shifts, and lessons learned from years of experience—so you can homeschool with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Discover how different homeschooling philosophies shape adult outcomes—from college and careers to family, faith, and fulfillment. Subscribe now to get the wisdom you wish you had from the start—and walk away inspired, equipped, and reassured that you can do this. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe