Homeschool Made Simple

In this episode from the archives, Carole sits down with her son J.J. to discuss knowing the “why” behind your decision to homeschool. Whether you're considering homeschooling or you're two decades into this adventure, today we're talking about what would cause you to educate your kids at home, and what will sustain you through the years. This episode will help you refresh your memory and give fuel to your fire to press on!RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's SeminarsUnplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children BundleLearn More about CTCMath

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of our conversation with Mellany Zepelak, start there! This episode begins with Mellany sharing the fruit of speaking blessings and encouragement to her children and her husband, noting how these efforts have shifted the tone of her household toward encouragement and empathy. Parents play a powerful role in modeling God’s love to their children. Join us!RESOURCES+The Blessing Seminar+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Get God's Good Design GuideGod's Good Design GuideTry CTC Math- Click here for 50% offTry CTCMath-50% off! Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

Homeschooling and family life can drain the life out of us. How do we maintain a right attitude and perspective in our families for the long haul? Carol talks with consulting client Mellany Zepelak about how learning to create margin in her life and receive God's love has transformed her family life. They discuss how adding personal downtime, encouraging a positive home environment, and embracing your identity in Christ can radically improve your family dynamics. Don’t miss this hope-filled conversation!RESOURCES+The Blessing Seminar+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's SeminarsLearn More about CTCMathGet God's Good Design GuideGod's Good Design Guide

Rachel Winchester, a homeschooling mom of three, and her husband Jesse, a realtor, share their insights on nurturing preschool-aged children. They discuss the vital role of home in early development and the importance of intentional family rhythms like nature walks and read-aloud time. The couple emphasizes creating a loving environment that balances structured learning with natural exploration. They also highlight respectful communication and encourage parental involvement to foster curiosity and essential social skills.

In this insightful discussion, veteran homeschool mom Jennifer Stowe, with 27 years of experience and a passion for literature-based education, shares her enlightening journey from reluctant educator to advocate. She emphasizes the importance of embracing nature and reading together to spark curiosity. Jennifer offers practical tips for documentation and crafting immersive learning experiences, from thematic studies to keepsakes that celebrate accomplishments. This dialogue is a treasure trove of encouragement for both new and seasoned homeschooling families.

In the second part of our conversation with Leila Lawler, author and homeschool mom, we get practical! How do build a strong and wise family bond that will last for our children’s lives? We discuss a healthy mindset around Christmas, Sabbath rest, seeing children as blessing and making connecting a priority. Join us!RESOURCES+Leila Lawler Blog+The Summa Domestica by Leila Lawler+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's SeminarsFree Reading List for ParentsFree Reading List for Parents

Each memory and value we build within our family adds to the bridge our children are building for their adult life. Our guest, author and blogger Leila Lawler, has written a three-volume set on the value of building a home. In this episode, she shares about how her past informed her writings and the concept of collective memory in this 2-part interview with Carole and Rachel. How do we build a culture in our homes that is worth passing onto our children? Join us!RESOURCES+Leila Lawler Blog+The Summa Domestica by Leila Lawler+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Simply Food Prep!Get our free nutrition bundle to ease the burden of making meals. Nutrition Bundle Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

In this episode from the archives, Carole sits down with the owner of Yellow House Story Shoppe, Chelsea Jacobs, to talk about books that we can use to give our children "Windows and Mirrors" into the world and other cultures. The Windows: seeing through the windows to other cultures and stories The Mirrors: children seeing themselves represented in stories. Join us for a wonderful list of books that your family can read to get a fuller appreciation of life around the globe.For a full list of the books mentioned in this episode, find the show notes here RESOURCES+Get $5 off your order with this link to Yellow House Story Shoppe+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Book Lover's Bundle! Use coupon code PODCAST for 15% offBook Lover's Bundle Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

In this second episode with Jan Bloom, Carole and Jan remind us that true classics—books that have stood the test of time—are far more than relics of the past. These are the stories filled with innocence, joy, and the richness of family life, the very things our modern world sometimes seems to have lost. Whether it’s Wind in the Willows, Winnie the Pooh, or the hilarious works of P.G. Wodehouse, these books are worthy of our time! This episode is chock full of authors to read. Join us!RESOURCES+Check out Jan’s invaluable resources of books and authors at booksbloom.com+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Free Book List Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

This week, we continue our little series on literature because we believe in the power of books to shape us. Carole sat down with Jan Bloom, the author behind “Who Should We Then Read,” to talk about how knowing the stories behind our favorite authors brings even more richness to homeschooling. Jan shared her journey from not growing up around books to becoming a homeschooling family who loved books, building an incredible home library, and helping families everywhere discover the best literature for their children and for themselves. If you want to ignite a love of learning through incredible stories, this episode is for you!RESOURCES+Jan Bloom’s Website: Books Bloom.com+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Free Reading List for ParentsFree Reading List for Parents Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars