
Homeschool Made Simple
For the young parents, the veteran homeschoolers, or anyone navigating the waters of homeschool options, nationally-known speaker and educational consultant, Carole Joy Seid, helps you homeschool simply, inexpensively, and enjoyably with a Bible, math curriculum, and library card. Great books have the power to build godly family culture and give educational success! If you need a weekly shot of encouragement and support to continue on with confident joy in your homeschooling journey, listen in.
Latest episodes

Apr 23, 2025 • 31min
262: Why Literature and Being a Well-Read Mom Matters
Carole sits down with founder of the Well-Read Mom ministry, Marcie Stokman, to chat about how her ministry got started and the purpose behind these communities. Their mission says it all! “Well Read Mom accompanies women in the reading of great books and spiritual classics to encourage personal growth, friendship, and meaningful conversations in order to explore the human condition and reorient ourselves to what is good, beautiful, and true.”Join us for this delightful conversation about motherhood and the gems hidden in quality literature for mothers, beyond our work with our children’s education.RESOURCES+Well-Read Moms Membership (Get this years list PLUS next years for the price of one!)+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

Apr 16, 2025 • 27min
261: Why You Don’t Need to Worry About Socialization
One of the first questions many homeschooling families hear at family events or from public school friends is how will your children be socialized?"In this replay episode, Kristi Woodard, homeschool mom of eight, joins us to share her and her husband, Jason, experiences with raising children who perfectly answer this question of socialization with their community involvement, warmth, and general popularity.You'll hear about:How a wide range of relationships best socializes childrenThe value of connecting with a homeschool community of like-minded familiesWays to engage your children in service opportunitiesWhy socialization is a non-issueRESOURCES+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

Apr 9, 2025 • 28min
260: Why Waiting Can Benefit Your Child's Learning Journey
While the world presses in on us for children to learn to read in preschool and be able to do high-level math early on, the research shows it's actually better to slow down and wait for developmental readiness. In this encore episode, Carole shares about the work of Dr. Raymond Moore and his idea that late is better than early. You'll hear: - Why we need to look at the facts instead of the neighbors. - The socialization our children really need. - How kindergarten has become the new first grade. - Why attachment plays a part in effective education. - The stimulus of children's development and how to raise a lifelong learner.RESOURCES+Better Late Than Early by Dr. Raymond Moore+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 SeminarsHMS EssentialsEverything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials Bundle

Apr 2, 2025 • 24min
259: Why Breastfeeding Is Worth Pursuing Even While Homeschooling
Sometimes we lose steam for homeschooling but we also can lose steam for breastfeeding. Both, it turns out, are so beneficial to our children! In the second part of our discussion with Lactation Consultant and Homeschooling Mama, Jill Seberger, we discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and how Jill has maintained this while homeschooling her large family. This episode will surely fan the flame to continue breastfeeding through difficulties!RESOURCES+Jill Seberger’s Breastfeeding class: Breezy Breastfeeding Prenatal ClassCoupon Code HMS for 30% off Jill's Breastfeeding Course+Jill’s Website: BreezyBreastFeeding.com+Jill’s Ebook+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 SeminarsEarly Education BundleLay a firm foundation for raising children for the kingdom of God!Early Education Bundle

Mar 26, 2025 • 26min
258: Nurturing Strong Bonds From Birth: Breastfeeding and Beyond
The early years of a child's life are crucial for bonding. Carole and Rachel sit down with Lactation Consultant and homeschool mom of 5 Jill Seberger. They discuss the importance of eye contact and skin-to-skin contact to the diverse ways of nurturing a strong parent-child connection, whether you are breastfeeding or not. This will surely encourage you towards a positive connection with your littles.RESOURCES+Jill Seberger’s Breastfeeding class: Breezy Breastfeeding Prenatal ClassCoupon Code HMS for 30% off Jill's Breastfeeding Course+Jill’s Website: BreezyBreastFeeding.com+Jill’s Ebook+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:HMS EssentialsEverything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials Bundle Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

Mar 19, 2025 • 24min
257: Following the Lord In Our Marriages
While an ideal marriage can't be guaranteed, we can learn to live with faithfulness in the covenant we have made as a husband or wife. In this replay episode, Carole and one her best friends, Anne Storm talk about part of Carole’s marriage journey to her husband, John. Truly, each of us carries a burden with us in life, and Carole is a walking testament to following the Lord in her difficult circumstance. Be encouraged!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 SeminarsGet God's Good Design GuideGod's Good Design GuideSimply Food Prep!Get our free nutrition bundle to ease the burden of making meals.
Nutrition Bundle

Mar 12, 2025 • 23min
256: Becoming a Screen-Free Family
As Carole continues her conversation (see Episode 255) with homeschooling parents David and Audrey Ryan, she learns about their journey into doing life screen-free and how they initially struggled to unplug their children. However, they have seen real benefits in their children’s attitudes and behavior, such as improved family bonding and less conflict among their children. They love their new environment where children can explore and entertain themselves without the need for constant entertainment.RESOURCES+ Eps 139 - Better Late Than Early+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

Mar 5, 2025 • 24min
255: How Homeschooling Transformed Learning for a Special Needs Child
Does homeschooling work for a child with special needs or learning differences? Carole sits down with David and Audrey Ryan to talk about their experiences with public school and their transition to homeschooling. They share how they have moved past standardized tests and rigid benchmarks, to create a custom, nurturing educational environment tailored to their child’s unique needs. Join us for this encouraging episode!RESOURCES+The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley+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 ParentsHMS EssentialsEverything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials Bundle

Feb 26, 2025 • 32min
254: Homemaking and Finding Joy in Everyday Tasks with Your Kids
The thing about being home all day with your family is that your house gets a lot of use and that can be a challenge. Rachel and Carole discuss homemaking and the importance of passing the skills on to our kids. They discuss focus, “baking therapy,” hospitality, and the whys behind shifting our attitudes about home-keeping. Join us!RESOURCES+Home Comforts: The Art and Comfort of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson+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 BundleJoin us for an in-person seminar.The Year's Seminars Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

Feb 19, 2025 • 27min
253: Standardized Tests and Homeschooling Q & A
Some states require state testing to happen every year for homeschooling families. In this episode, Carole and Rachel address families' concerns about standardized testing, especially in states where it is mandatory, and offer practical advice for preparing children without inducing anxiety. And reading to your children is a game-changer for doing well on those tests! Carole encourages parents to approach test days positively and gives tips on preparing older children for the SAT and ACT. We hope this gives you a good perspective on testing and how to approach them stress-free.RESOURCES+Free Reading List for Homeschooling Parents+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:HMS EssentialsEverything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials BundleFree Reading List for ParentsFree Reading List for Parents Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars