

The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast
The Smiling Homeschooler
This is the best podcast for homeschooling moms who need encouragement! Our goal is to help you smile more! Whether you are a new homeschooler or a veteran, we are positive you will feel encouraged!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 22, 2025 • 35min
Episode 336 - When God Calls Moms to Stay Home - With Jan Smith
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week were joined by speaker and homeschooling mom Jan Smith. She has a heart for moms being home with their kids. We had an amazing conversation packed with her wisdom and encouragement as she reminded us of a woman's value as a mom and wife!
We want to give a big thank you to Teaching Textbooks for supporting The Smiling Homeschooler. They offer one of the best math curriculums around, helping homeschoolers smile more every day. So, be sure to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com for your math needs this school year.
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!

Jan 15, 2025 • 33min
Episode 335 - Answering the Most Commonly Asked Homeschooling Questions
This week, the discussion revolves around the advantages of homeschooling, emphasizing personalized education and the importance of family bonds. Listeners are entertained with personal anecdotes about chaotic birthday celebrations and winter playtime adventures. Common misconceptions are clarified, particularly regarding legality and socialization in homeschooling. The conversation encourages connections with local support groups and highlights the profound impact of faith in the homeschooling journey. A light-hearted yet insightful exploration awaits, bursting with encouragement.

Jan 8, 2025 • 32min
Episode 334 - The Impact of ChatGPT and Ai on Homeschooling
The podcast dives into the effects of AI technologies like ChatGPT on homeschooling, discussing both the benefits and challenges they present. It emphasizes the importance of family bonding through old-fashioned games while navigating the complexities of technology in education. The nostalgia for simpler times is explored alongside the influence of tech on children's learning. The speakers advocate for a balanced approach to AI, stressing the need for independent thinking and character development in an increasingly digital world.

Jan 1, 2025 • 26min
Episode 333 - It's Never to Late to Make a Change!
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with our last episode of 2024! This week our topics are New Years resolutions and that it is never to late to decide to change something that isn't working in your homeschooling!
Before we jump in, we want to give a big thank you to Teaching Textbooks for supporting The Smiling Homeschooler. They offer one of the best math curriculums around, helping homeschoolers smile more every day. So, be sure to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com for your math needs this school year.
Also, thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine for supporting the Smiling Homeschooler. They are an amazing source of encouragement, and if you haven't already, make sure to subscribe over at homeschoolingtoday.com.
Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Dec 24, 2024 • 20min
Episode 332 - Merry Christmas from the Smiling Homeschooler!
Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We want to say Merry Christmas to all of our listeners. This is an episode that your entire family will enjoy, and we would encourage you to take just a few minutes today and listen to Todd read Gladys Remembers Christmas. If you would like to get your own copy, follow this link: Gladys Remembers Christmas.
We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible! They are an amazing math curriculum and help homeschoolers smile! Check out their free trial over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.
Also Thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine! They are an amazing source of encouragement and if you haven't subscribed already, make sure to do so over at homeschoolingtoday.com.
Have a Merry Christmas and don't forget to smile!

Dec 18, 2024 • 20min
Episode 331 - Embrace the Break - Homeschooling During the Holidays
Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
This week, we’re talking about embracing the break and letting go of the pressure to stick to traditional “education” during the holiday season. We’ll share how your child is learning incredible life lessons during this special time of year and why these fleeting moments are so important.
A big thank you to Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible! They offer an incredible math curriculum that is both fun and flexible. If you’d like to learn more or give them a try, visit their website at teachingtextbooks.com.
We also want to thank Homeschooling Today magazine for partnering with us. Their magazine is an excellent source of encouragement for homeschooling families and makes a thoughtful gift for any homeschooling mom. It’s not too late to grab a subscription for a friend! Visit homeschoolingtoday.com to learn more.
Have an amazing week, and don’t forget to smile!

Dec 11, 2024 • 22min
Episode 330 - When it All Seems to Hard...Don't Quit!
Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week Todd is on his own, and his topic is when it all seems too hard....don't quit. This is a message that every homeschooler will need to hear at some point, and we think you will find it encouraging.
We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible! They are an amazing math curriculum, and help more homeschoolers smile. Go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com
We also want to thank Homeschooling Today Magazine for their support. If you need more encouragement and inspiration, then subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.
Lastly don't forget to get your Christmas orders in before it is too late! If you order now you should be able to get our Christmas game and You Da' Dad daily calendar in time. You can purchase these products at thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Dec 4, 2024 • 32min
Episode 329 - Raising Problem-Solvers: How to Teach Practical Skills
Explore the art of teaching practical skills to kids while balancing guidance and curiosity. Discover the importance of budgeting, basic cooking, and household repairs for fostering independence. Learn how hands-on problem-solving encourages resilience. The conversation also touches on the value of family traditions during the holidays as meaningful educational experiences. Personal anecdotes highlight tailoring approaches to each child's strengths, fostering a strong work ethic and essential life skills.

Nov 27, 2024 • 38min
Episode 328 - A Heart-to-Heart with Four Homeschooling Moms
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! I'm Ben Wilson. A couple of years ago, we had four amazing homeschooling moms, Lexi, Ali, Rebekah, and my wife Rissa, join us to share their homeschooling journey. Now they are back! We asked them many questions to see how their first couple of years has been, and their answers were amazing and encouraging.
Before we jump in, we want to give a big thank you to Teaching Textbooks for supporting The Smiling Homeschooler. They offer one of the best math curriculums around, helping homeschoolers smile more every day. So, be sure to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com for your math needs this school year.
Don't forget to pick up your Christmas game and You'da dad daily calendar over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com.
Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Nov 20, 2024 • 29min
Episode 327 - Can Every Day Be a Good Day of Homeschooling?
Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week our discussion is about whether or not it is possible for every day of homeschooling to be a good day, and some of the things that can help make it better, or worse! It was a fun topic, and we think you will be encouraged!
Before we jump in, we want to give a big thank you to Teaching Textbooks for supporting The Smiling Homeschooler. They offer one of the best math curriculums around, helping homeschoolers smile more every day. So, be sure to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com for your math needs this school year.
Don't forget to pick up your Christmas game and You'da dad daily calendar over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com.
Have a great week and don't forget to smile!


