Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

What’s the real story behind “bad” handwriting? Is it just a phase, or a red flag? And what should you actually do when your kid melts down every time you pull out a pencil?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Collins, a homeschool mom, licensed occupational therapist, and founder of Homeschool OT, to debunk some common OT myths and offer practical, encouraging advice for homeschool parents concerned about handwriting, motor skills, and when to seek extra help.You’ll hear:How Sarah pivoted from OT homeschool skeptic to trailblazer serving families worldwideThe #1 question every parent should ask if their child struggles with handwriting (hint: function > form)Simple ways to support reluctant writers (think: core strength before cursive!)What really matters for writing readiness, warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to seek professional support (without guilt or shame)Lots of fun, judgment-free encouragement for new and veteran homeschoolersResources Mentioned:Sarah’s site, resources & podcastInstagram: @homeschoolotImproving Handwriting Without Actually WritingA Chameleon Tale (Sarah’s sensory-regulation picture book)Free Homeschool CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt49

How many times have you set out to have a “consistent” homeschool, only to get derailed by spilled cereal, a surprise dentist appointment, or, let’s be real, your own epic meltdown? (Just me? Didn’t think so.)Let’s bust this myth right up front: Consistency in homeschool is NOT about never missing a day, nailing every lesson, and marching through the schedule like a robot from a Tesla demo reel.So what IS the secret? It’s adaptability. True, sustainable consistency, the kind that survives germs, grief, “one of those days,” and whatever else life throws at you, is built on having a plan that bends without breaking.In this episode, I break down how you can actually plan for adaptability and why it’s not a cop-out, but instead, it’s the key.What you’ll learn:How adaptability is the true backbone of homeschool consistencyPractical ways to scale schoolwork when time or energy are shortSimple “last resort” activities that count as connection, not failureThe value of planning your Plan B ahead (not during the drama)Why “good enough” still builds a powerful homeschool habit—more than you thinkResources Mentioned:Atomic Habits by James ClearHomeschool Consistency BootcampFree Homeschool CommunityWant to make your Plan B list and finally ditch the guilt on messy days? Now’s the time: join our Homeschool Consistency Bootcamp! Doors close October 17th—let’s build real-life consistency together.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/hsbt48

Are you drowning in interruptions, curveballs, or the chaos of real-life homeschooling—and wondering if you’ll ever get back to consistent days? You’re not alone, friend! This week on the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, I’m joined by DaLynn DeWitt—a South Texas homeschool mom of three, rodeo wife, and self-confessed “all or nothing” personality—who opens up about what it really looks like to homeschool when life goes sideways.DaLynn shares how her school year started with ceilings leaking, family camping out in one bedroom, a kitchen-turned-homeschool zone, and zero hope of a “normal” routine. And yet—she found this was actually one of her most consistent, joyful years ever. (Spoiler: You do NOT need a perfect plan or a Pinterest-ready schoolroom to make homeschool work—you just need a launch point and a whole lot of grace).We talk about the power of starting with just one thing (even if it’s just reading the Bible or a good book), using tools like the Minimum Viable Day, and how to climb out of a rut after illness, loss, and every possible interruption. DaLynn shares her brutally honest take on mindset, figuring out your “good enough” day, and learning when to keep pushing—and when to step outside and catch your breath.If you’re stuck in a season of hard, or just want practical ideas (and a good laugh) on building better routines, you do not want to miss this episode.What you’ll learn:What to do when your “perfect” plan is torpedoed by life (construction, illness, travel… you name it)How starting with just ONE anchor habit can launch the rest of your homeschool dayThe magic of the Minimum Viable Day (when it really is “good enough”)Moving forward after a school slump, setbacks, or ‘failing’ weeksGiving yourself grace—and permission to do less, not more—when everything falls apartWhy consistency doesn’t require perfection (and actually thrives on the opposite)The real secret sauce to building homeschool momentum—and keeping it when you’re tired, grumpy, or overwhelmedResources mentioned in this episode:Put Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotHomeschool Consistency BootcampWonder StudiesHomeschool Better Together Free CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt47

Raise your hand if your homeschool year already feels like it’s veering off course. (Don’t worry, mine’s up too.) Let’s be real: there’s no such thing as one smooth, perfectly consistent homeschool year. Enter…the homeschool reboot.This episode is your practical pep talk for starting over, with zero guilt. I break down why a homeschool reboot isn’t just normal, it might actually be your greatest superpower as a home educator. Whether your family was hit by The Cold That Would Not Die, your house imploded (literally), or you just looked around and realized Morning Time hasn’t happened since February, hear me loud and clear: the restart button is there for a reason, and pressing it is healthy, not humiliating.We’ll cover exactly what a reboot is, why “falling behind” is a myth, and how to refresh your homeschool with grace (for everyone, including yourself).What you’ll learn:How to reset your homeschool without guilt or dramaThe “three core things” strategy for making a reboot stickGrace-filled mindset shifts that make restarts feel lighter, not heavierWhy starting fresh (again) is a homeschool superpowerEasy ways to refresh your physical and mental homeschool spaceWhy celebrating your restart is not just allowed—it’s necessaryResources Mentioned in This Episode:The Grace-Filled Reboot Download (grab your checklist, print it, use it anytime)Free Homeschool CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt46

Ready to actually use a foreign language in your homeschool—and give your high schooler credit for it? This episode is a breath of fresh air for every parent who’s ever tried to check the “foreign language” box…and wondered if anything was actually sticking.Today, I’m joined again by Adelaide Olguin, founder of Talkbox Mom, whose innovative program teaches families to use a second language in real life (think: snack time, errands, or even brushing teeth). She and her husband, Hector, have raised their three boys across five continents, speaking multiple languages wherever they go.Recently, Adelaide expanded Talkbox Mom to serve high schoolers too. If the idea of high school “credit” makes your palms sweat, don’t worry: she’s sharing exactly how to make real-world fluency count for both your transcript and your family connection.We chat about what it takes to homeschool high school foreign language with confidence and joy—even if you’re learning right alongside your teen, juggling multiple ages, or terrified of testing.Wondering if you can keep things hands-on and still get a transcript-ready result? This episode will have you saying “da,” “sí,” or just plain “yes, please!”What you’ll learn:The common pressure (and myth) around “doing high school foreign language right”—and how to actually serve your studentWhy most traditional programs leave kids unable to actually speak another language (even after years of study)How Talkbox Mom’s high school program works (yes, including record keeping, grading, and what “counts” as a credit)Practical ideas to integrate language learning with real family life—no need to become a grammar drill sergeantEasy ways to adapt if you have teens and little ones (or a teen who surprises you with a “random” language they want to study)Why fluency opens up opportunities for college, career, travel, and communityHow to handle grading, cultural projects, and “testing”—especially if you’re learning right along with your teenReal-life encouragement for the “type A” mom who needs a system (but wants actual results)Resources Mentioned:Talkbox Mom + Free Starter Pack and all other resources Adelaide mentionedYMB #54 Natural Foreign Language Learning: A Conversation with Adelaide Olguin (Podcast)Language Learning Made Fun With a Fluency Approach (Podcast)For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt45

Are you homeschooling a neurodivergent child, or just feeling like the “typical” homeschool advice doesn’t fit your real life? This episode is for all the mamas who secretly (or not-so-secretly) wish for a blueprint, but end up building a rollercoaster every single day.Today, I’m joined by Amie, a veteran mom of one, homeschooling her neurodivergent son, and living proof that “just one kid” does NOT mean it’s always a walk in the park! (Try keeping up with a high-speed Wikipedia page who only wants to talk about trains and Japanese sailing. It’s an Olympic sport.)Amie opens up about her journey: from the failed attempt at “Best School in the System” to finding a unique family rhythm at home, letting go of expectations, and embracing a blend of Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and good old, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants adaptability. We dive into what school looks like for a wildly curious, deeply-focused teen and how Wonder Studies (yes, still with her high schooler!) has become a lifeline for jumpstarting curiosity and keeping herself sane.Wonder how to juggle rabbit trails, box-checking, and your own perfectionist guilt? Amie and I get real about dropping the Pinterest boards and finding peace in the “messy middle.” If your homeschool feels all over the place. Spoiler: you’re in good company.What you’ll learn:Why letting go of “school should look like school” is the first step to real joyExactly how Amie balances deep-dive interests with actually “doing the school things”Why unit studies + living books + rabbit holes are magic for neurodivergent and neurotypical kids alikeTips for Morning Time with a single, high-intensity learner (and why baskets save everyone’s sanity!)How Wonder Studies gives teens independence and mamas instant reliefLetting go of perfectionism, surviving “no core subjects this week,” and still raising an amazing kidWhy curiosity and joy matter just as much, if not more, than checking the boxesResources mentioned in this episode:Wonder Studies Annual AccessTeens on Track resources:Morning Time PlansFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt44

Are you craving more joy, flexibility, and real connection in your homeschool? Today’s episode is a deep-dive with Angela Huber, one of our own Homeschool Better Together community moms. Angela’s homeschool journey began like so many: She swore she’d never do it, then got thrown into elearning during 2020 (which, spoiler, did NOT spark joy). Fast-forward, she’s now navigating homeschooling three daughters (with learning differences and a toddler in the mix) and has made some major changes to reclaim that family-learning magic.Angela shares exactly why her family pivoted away from a rigorous co-op (goodbye, hours of homework and family separation!), and leaned all-in with Wonder Studies, family-style learning, and a focus on togetherness. We get honest about the big switch: her fears around consistency and accountability, how she supports her girls with dyslexia, and why it sometimes feels like the toddler is actually the one in charge.We laugh about the morning basket snuggles, get nerdy about “connected learning moments,” and get really real about what matters most: kids who want to be with you (even if the science experiment flops and the baby steals everyone’s pencils).If you’ve ever wondered whether multi-age, family-style learning can actually work (or you need encouragement to step out of the “schooly” grind), this one’s for you.What you’ll learn:The surprising reason Angela ditched an intense co-op (and how it changed her homeschool culture)How she supports TWO kids with dyslexia, builds in “together time,” and keeps learning joyful… even with a toddler underfootExactly what a relaxed, real-life Wonder Studies day looks like (spoiler: it’s not color-coded or Pinterest perfect)The power of “connected learning moments” and why family learning is deeper (and way more fun!)How to overcome fears around “gaps,” consistency, and accountability when you leave a co-opThe simple routines and tools Angela uses to keep learning happening year-roundWhy her kids say their favorite part isn’t a resource or experiment—but simply “being together”Resources mentioned in this episode:Wonder Studies Morning Time resources from PamHistory Plus OnlineSpelling PlusLogic of EnglishHomeschool Better Together Free CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt43

Is your homeschool running on autopilot and losing its spark? You're not alone, and you’re definitely not failing. In this special episode, I’m getting real about a syndrome I call the “Ho Hum Homeschool.” You know, when you’re doing all the things, color-coded planners, checklists, math, and reading, but somehow, none of it feels like actual learning. The days start to blur together. The joy fades. You start wondering: why does this feel so hard? (And if it’s just us, or if everyone’s eating cereal for every meal in May.)Grab a cool drink, your favorite homeschool catalog, and let’s have a gut-check. I’ll walk you through the five big warning signs your homeschool might be a little (or a lot) off track, even if you look good on paper. Spoiler: It’s not about buying new curriculum, hacking your whole schedule, or laminating every last thing in sight.But don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging! I’m inviting you to my favorite (and totally free) workshop, The Case of the Ho Hum Homeschool, where we’ll use some playful detective work and real-life encouragement to uncover the three small but powerful shifts that can bring the heart, the connection, and the joy back into your homeschool days. No trench coat required, I promise.Here’s what we’re covering:The true signs your homeschool is flatlining (even if you’re “checking the boxes”)Why more curriculum and new schedules aren’t the solution to burnout (and what is)Why fun and connection are always the first things to get cut, and how to fix itHow to design a homeschool day that actually feels good for your family (without the guilt or overwhelm)A behind-the-scenes sneak peek at my free, hope-filled workshop to help you reset before next year (even if you’re already tired planning!)Mentioned resources:Sign up for The Case of the Ho Hum Homeschool workshopWonder StudiesOur episode on schedule ideasFree communityReady for clarity and actual hope (not just another to-do list)?Head to pambarnhill.com/hohum to save your seat for the workshop, free, actionable, and replay available!

Are you facing a move and feeling completely overwhelmed about starting over with your homeschool? Maybe you’re wishing for some sense of rhythm and comfort when everything else around you is shifting.In this episode, I talk with Melaney Smith, a pastor’s wife and homeschool mom of three, about what it’s like to leave everything behind and begin again. Melaney recently moved her family from Stockton, California, all the way to the snowy prairies of North Dakota. She generously shares what it was like to grieve, adjust (and freeze!), and eventually discover her new groove as a homeschooling mom.We talk about what really happens when your routines get tossed upside-down and how to handle the emotional load, the reality of creating community in a completely new place, and how tools like Autopilot became Melaney’s secret weapon during the chaos. In her story, you’ll find surprising insights about why familiar routines matter so much during big transitions and how flexible habits can truly anchor your family when everything else feels unfamiliar.If you are walking through a big life change or just need some honest encouragement (plus a few laughs about frozen winters and missing good hot sauce), you’ll find practical help and camaraderie right here.What you’ll learn:What actually happens (emotionally and practically) when you move cross-country with your family and begin homeschooling againHow consistency and familiar homeschool rhythms can help everyone adjust after a big moveWhy planning tools and a supportive community are essential during chaotic seasonsThe basics of “Minimum Viable Days” and why these can be a lifesaver when your regular routines are impossibleCreative ideas for adapting your homeschool to new climates, schedules, and culturesWhy taking three to five years to feel at home is normal—and perfectly okayHow letting go of perfection and choosing to show up faithfully brings peace and growthResources mentioned:Put Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotHomeschool Consistency BootcampPodcast episode on the Minimum Viable DayHomeschool Better Together CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt42

Karissa Martin, a dedicated homeschooling mom of four, shares her inspiring journey through a challenging year filled with family crises. She explores how she managed to keep homeschooling afloat while juggling significant responsibilities, revealing her do-the-next-thing planning strategy. Karissa emphasizes the importance of asking for help and finding strength in vulnerability. With community support, her children's education not only survived the chaos but thrived, teaching valuable life lessons along the way. Tune in for practical ideas and a hefty dose of encouragement!