Homeschool is a Work of Heart

Send us Fan MailHave you ever encouraged your children to be curious, lifelong learners?I have, and this week, I found myself asking a different question: How often have I modeled that behavior myself?Recently, I stumbled across a strange foamy substance on one of my rosemary plants. What started as a quick gardening observation turned into an unexpected lesson about curiosity, learning, and the importance of practicing what we preach.In this episode, we'll explore the origin of the phrase "practice what you preach," the surprising truth about spittlebugs, and why one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is allowing them to see us learning right alongside them.We'll also talk about simple ways to encourage curiosity during the summer months, why you don't need to have all the answers, and how a family journal of curiosity could become one of your favorite summer traditions.If your goal is to raise children who love learning, this episode is a reminder that curiosity often begins with us.Write On!Mentioned in this episode: • WOW Essay Essentials

Send us Fan MailHave you ever noticed that putting something off doesn't actually make it disappear?This week, I'm sharing a simple realization that came to me while walking past a game closet that has needed attention for far too long. It got me thinking about how often we postpone projects, conversations, goals, and even important parts of homeschooling because we're waiting for the perfect time.The problem? Doing nothing is still doing something. Our inaction creates results just as surely as our actions do.Join me as I explore the hidden cost of postponing what matters and how one small step can create the momentum you've been hoping for.Write On!

Send us Fan MailWhat if the hard thing you're facing is actually helping you grow?In this episode, I share the story of watching our oldest son complete his first marathon and the powerful lessons it reminded me of about resilience, confidence, perseverance, and encouragement. From homeschooling and parenting to health goals, business challenges, and personal growth, some of life's greatest rewards are found on the other side of difficult things.We'll talk about why doing hard things strengthens us, why our children need opportunities to struggle appropriately, and how confidence is built through experience rather than praise alone. I'll also share why supporting others through their hard things can be just as meaningful as accomplishing our own goals.Plus, I will leave you with two simple journal prompts to help you identify your next step toward growth and encourage someone who may need your support today.Write On!Mentioned in this Week's Episode:Summer Story Studio - WOW Essay Essentials Summer 2026 Bonus 

Send us Fan MailDo you ever find yourself frustrated because your spouse, child, friend, or family member isn't behaving the way you think they should?You may be carrying around an invisible rulebook without even realizing it.In this episode, I'm eager to share a life-changing concept I learned years ago from a coach who transformed my marriage, relationships, parenting, and emotional well-being. This week, you can discover how your hidden expectations often create unnecessary disappointment and why other people's behavior doesn't have to determine how you feel.Plus! I have a simple journaling exercise that can help you uncover what you really want beneath your frustrations.If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "They should..." this episode is for you.Write On!

Send us Fan MailThis week on Homeschool is a Work of Heart, I’m talking about something that affects every home, every classroom, and every relationship: rewards and consequences. Inspired by conversations within my business, Write On Webb, about student essay reviews and motivation, I share some newly found research on why quick feedback matters and how timing affects learning and growth. We'll explore the difference between natural consequences and emotionally driven punishments, why balance matters so much in parenting, and how I intentionally reinforce the behaviors I most want to grow in children. Throughout the episode, I share practical examples, journal questions, and parenting reflections designed to help us raise kids who develop responsibility, resilience, emotional maturity, and confidence one behavior at a time.Write On!

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode of Homeschool is a Work of Heart, we’re talking about something many parents try hard to avoid: boredom. But what if boredom is not a problem to solve, but a valuable life skill to develop? Let's explore what child psychologists and researchers say about boredom, creativity, emotional regulation, and the “effort gap” that keeps kids reaching for instant entertainment. I'm excited to share a handful of practical ways homeschool families can create slower, more meaningful summers without constant stimulation, expensive plans, or packed schedules. Are you in? Let's go.Write On!Mentioned this Week:🔗 Summer Writing: WOW Essay Essentials 🍔📚 The Upside of Downtime by Dr. Sandi Mann

Send us Fan MailThis week on Homeschool is a Work of Heart, we’re diving into emotional regulation, what it is, what it is not, and why it matters so much in parenting and homeschooling.Most of us were taught how to manage behaviors, not regulate emotions. So what happens when our children experience big feelings, and we do too?In this episode, I’m sharing practical examples, parenting mindset shifts, behavior management versus emotional regulation, the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, and how we can begin modeling healthier emotional patterns for our kids.If you’ve ever found yourself saying things like “Calm down right now!” or “Stop crying,” this conversation may completely change the way you approach those moments moving forward.We are not aiming for emotionless children. We are aiming for emotionally aware families.Write On!Mentioned This Week:🔗 Homeschool Writing That Makes Sense | Free Training

Send us Fan MailWith Mother’s Day approaching, many moms quietly carry expectations about feeling appreciated, celebrated, and noticed. But what happens when those expectations go unmet?In this episode, I plan to share a powerful mindset shift inspired by Brooke Castillo's weekly fresh flower delivery service.  And, from fresh flowers to family expectations, this conversation explores how our thoughts create our emotional experiences and why waiting for others to “just know” what we want often leads to disappointment.To stop feeling unappreciated, we must stop thinking that we are and realize it's our job, not someone else's job, to provide the life experiences we long to enjoy.This week, I hope to help you stop waiting for others' actions to bring you happiness and start intentionally creating meaningful experiences for yourself and your family. This episode is full of practical encouragement, emotional insight, and empowering reminders that you are not helpless in creating the beautiful life you were meant to live.💐 Happy Mother’s Day, my friend.Write On!Mentioned in this Episode🔗 Link to Home Educator Trainings - Writing That Makes Sense🎙️ The Life Coach School Podcast with Brooke Castillo

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I reflect on a powerful idea I heard from Andrew Pudewa about how each major revolution has divided people into two groups. From the “hands and hands not” of the Industrial Revolution to the “maths and maths not” of the Information Age, we now find ourselves in the era of AI and robotics, where the divide may become the “thinks and the think nots.” So, what happens when we begin outsourcing not just our labor or our access to information, but our thinking itself? Please join me as I explore why this matters for our children, why writing is still essential, and how we can use AI wisely without losing something deeply human in the process.Let's raise thinkers!Write On.Mentioned in this Week's Episode🔗 Free Training | WriteOnWebb.com

Send us Fan MailEver notice how quickly emotions spread in your home? One frustrated child turns into two, then suddenly everyone is overwhelmed. It feels like it came out of nowhere, but it didn’t.In this episode, I’m breaking down something called “mirroring” and why your child reflects more than just your words. They reflect your tone, your reactions, and even your stress. Backed by brain science and real-life parenting moments, you’ll start to see how emotional patterns form in your home, in sibling dynamics, and even in your own relationships.More importantly, I’ll show you how to interrupt the cycle and teach your child awareness, ownership, and emotional control. This is one of those simple concepts that, once you see it, can completely change the atmosphere of your home.Let's go!Write on. Mentioned in this episode:💻 Register for Homeschool Writing That Makes Sense - A Training for Home Educators, hosted by Melissa Webb📓 Want to learn more about how emotions are contagious? Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman🎙️ Interested in last week's episode on awe? "Plan to be Awed"

Send us Fan MailHey Home Educators! What if the missing piece in your homeschool isn’t more or better curriculum, but rather wonder and awe?Wonder and awe are catalysts for deeper, more engaging learning, and it does require some planning. In this episode, I’m challenging you to think bigger than a book and start planning for awe. Inspired by Dacher Keltner's research, we’ll explore how everyday moments, like watching a seed grow or even regrowing celery on your kitchen counter, can transform the emotional climate of your home and make learning stick.We’ll also take a quick look at the emotions we experience daily, drawing on the work of Paul Ekman, and how those emotions shape how we teach and connect with our kids.If you want your child to love learning, it starts with what you’re intentionally creating.So, let’s add more awe to your homeschool days.Write On!Mentioned in this EpisodeBOOK: Awe - The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I sit down with Kami Wanous, founder of The Freedom Scholar, to talk about why so many homeschooling families struggle and how to move beyond it. Kami shares her early experience of recreating school at home, which quickly led to frustration for both her and her son. Can you relate?The turning point came when she stopped focusing on checking boxes and started rebuilding his love of learning. This was a real game-changer. Together, we talk about the pressure of “educational shoulds,” how that pressure lowers motivation, and why curiosity must come before academic rigor. Kami explains how we can bridge what our kids love with what society values, creating both engagement and real skill. We also talk about the importance of community and being intentional parents. At the heart of it all is this reminder: we are not just educating children, we are raising future adults who need to be confident, lifelong learners. Are you in?Write On!Links Mentioned in this Episode:🔗 April 16 - Inspiring Lifelong Learners Masterclass (Free for parents!)🎙️ The Homeschool Success Podcast with Kami Wanous💻 The Freedom Scholar

Send us Fan MailWhat if one simple storybook could spark an entire unit of learning?In this episode, I share how a single story can become the foundation for reading, science, writing, art, and more. Inspired by a few surprising ladybug facts from my own garden, I walk you through the power of thematic learning and why connecting subjects helps children understand more and remember more.I also share the story behind my children’s book, How the Ladybug Got Her Spots, and how it was written with both curiosity and education in mind.If you’ve ever felt stretched trying to cover every subject, this episode will encourage you to simplify, connect your lessons, and let one meaningful story multiply your child’s learning. Write On!Mentioned in this EpisodeBOOK: How the Ladybug Got Her SpotsLIT GUIDE: How the Ladybug Got Her Spots on TPTRESOURCES: History Pockets, Moving Beyond the Pages

Send us Fan Mail“I forgot.”Have you heard that one before?This week, I want to talk about why kids forget and why it’s actually okay that they do.After reading over a hundred student essays this month with my team, I was reminded of something so important. One of our students skipped a step in the writing process… again. He felt frustrated and embarrassed and told me, “I forgot.”And it got me thinking. "What if forgetting isn’t a problem to fix? What if it’s actually part of how learning works? We should talk about this!"In this episode, I’m sharing a few encouraging, research-backed ideas that will help you better understand your child’s learning process:Why forgetting is a sign the brain is working properlyWhy repetition matters more than we thinkHow practicing remembering strengthens memoryIf you’ve ever felt frustrated when your child forgets something they just learned, this episode will help you see it in a whole new light.Write On!

Send us Fan MailHave you heard of neuroscientist Richard J. Davidson, author of Born to Flourish?Until this past week, I hadn’t either. But I’m so glad I know who he is now, and I want to share him and his research with you.In this episode, based on both his studies and my own experiences working with children for more than 30 years, I share three ideas that homeschooling parents can use to help their children grow in confidence and resilience and ultimately flourish.When children see others succeed, something powerful happens. They begin to believe it might be possible for them, too.And that’s when flourishing begins to spread.So let’s all catch it and spread it.Write on!Mentioned in this Week's Episode🔗 Born to Flourish by Dr. Richard J. Davidson🔗 The Names by Florence Knapp

Send us Fan MailAfter more than 30 years in education, I’ve had the privilege of watching thousands of children learn, struggle, grow, and eventually step into adulthood.If there’s one thing experience has taught me, it’s this: most of what we stress about in our children’s lives is small stuff.In this episode, I’m zooming out and sharing five life lessons I’ve learned from three decades of teaching and parenting. As graduation season approaches and many families reflect on the journey of childhood, it’s the perfect time to step back and ask the bigger questions. ✅ Are our children learning? ✅ Are they growing? ✅ Are they becoming thoughtful and responsible people?From test scores to messy essays to the pressure we sometimes put on ourselves as parents, we’ll explore how shifting our perspective can bring more peace and joy into the learning journey.You've got this! 🎉Write On!

Send us Fan MailTwo years ago, I released an episode called Leave Busyness to the Bees, and it resonated with so many homeschool moms that I decided to build something practical to go with it. In this episode, I’m replaying that conversation about busyness, time, and the stories we tell ourselves about why we can’t get everything done. But this time there’s a brand-new resource waiting for you! 🎉I created a free, downloadable Google Sheet called The 3-Day Time-Truth Project, designed to help you track your time in simple half-hour blocks so you can clearly see where your hours go. With color-coded days, easy dropdown categories, directions, and even a short video tutorial, this tool makes doing a time audit surprisingly simple. If you’ve ever wondered where your day disappears, this project might be the eye-opening clarity you didn’t know you needed.Write On!Mentioned in this Episode🔗 Freebie! Your 3-Day Time-Truth Project

Send us Fan MailHave you ever set a goal with the best intentions, only to watch it quietly fall apart?Me, too! And the fact is that you and I are not lazy, and nothing is wrong with us. We've just been fighting the wrong battle. In this episode of Homeschool is a Work of Heart, I would like to share a powerful framework with you. Brendon Burchard taught this concept years ago, and it helped explain why follow-through breaks down for so many of us. There are four common hurdles that tend to block progress: money, time, skill, and discipline. Once you can name which one is actually getting in your way, everything changes. You will indeed stop fighting the wrong battle and start addressing the real obstacle. This episode is practical, honest, and encouraging, with real-life examples you can relate to right away. Grab a journal, reflect along with me, and get ready to move forward with more clarity and confidence.Write On!Mentioned in this Episode🎙️ HSWH: Episode 30 - Leave Busyness to the Bees

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode of Homeschool is a Work of Heart, I’m naming a growing problem I’m seeing everywhere: we are becoming a skimming society. Skimming is fine for recreational enjoyment, but such passive engagement hurts today's learners. We need to do better.Students are racing through instruction, multitasking, and playing learning videos at high speeds while missing the deeper thinking real learning requires. Please tune in to hear the explanation as to why exposure is not the same as understanding, why attention matters more than speed, and how poor digital habits can quietly weaken focus, follow-through, and long-term retention. Most importantly, I’ll share how we can build stronger learning habits at home, even when using online and digital instruction. This conversation is about raising the bar with love, clarity, and practical accountability. Please join me.Write On!

Send us Fan MailState testing is a hot topic in the homeschool world, especially when it comes to ELA performance tasks.Many families feel unsure about testing, or even resistant to it. I get it!In this episode, we are going to take a fresh look at state tests and explore why and how they can be helpful tools rather than something to fear. There may be plenty of cons, but there are so many pros! I have several worth sharing with you. If testing is part of your homeschool journey this year, this episode will help you approach it with confidence and clarity. I'm here to help.Write On!Mentioned in this Week's Episode🎙️ Episode 127: To the Naysayers: Why We Should Teach Essay Writing📽️ YouTube: Parent-Training: How to Teach the Core Writing Styles

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Homeschool is a Work of Heart, we are talking about The Accountability Advantage and why it is one of the most powerful skills you can teach your child at home. Accountability is often framed as pressure or control, but real accountability is "support with structure." Accountability is the difference between hoping work gets done and having a plan to make it happen. Through personal and practical examples, you will hear why accountability is not a personality trait. It is a skill that can be taught. You will also learn simple, research-supported ways to help your child make a clear plan, follow through, and reflect when things do not go as expected. This episode will help you turn good intentions into consistent progress.Do you want to give your kids an upper-hand advantage? Accountability does just that. Write On!

Send us Fan MailSomeone recently left me a comment on Facebook in response to an ad I created for a free essay-writing lesson plan. She said, “Yeah. Teach essay writing because we always need to write 5-paragraph essays as adults. What a joke.” Okay. Sure, I get the sentiment, but I also think this home educator is missing the bigger picture.We do not teach the 5-paragraph essay because it is a life skill. We teach it because it is a thinking skill.So, in this episode, I will unpack why structured writing is really training wheels for the brain, how writing reveals how our children think, and why organization on paper leads to clarity everywhere else. If your child struggles to explain ideas, stay on topic, or build logical arguments, this conversation will reframe everything.Write On!

Send us Fan MailWhat if we aren't being the supportive parents we think we are? Asking questions like, “Do you need help?” “Are you doing okay?” sounds supportive. How about, “Let me know if you need anything. I'm here.” Doesn't that sound nice? The fact is, however nice those questions and offers sound, they aren't all that helpful. In this episode, we explore why overwhelmed people, including our kids, almost always say “I’m fine” even when they are not, but don't worry. I have some simple ways we can move from reactive parenting to proactive support.If you have ever discovered too late that your child was struggling, falling behind, or quietly stuck, this conversation will change how you show up.Less asking. More noticing. More helping. More impact.Write On!

Send us Fan MailWinter break has a funny way of knocking the rhythm right out of family life. One day, you are coasting, the next day it feels oddly hard just to get moving again. If you have ever thought, "Why does restarting feel harder than stopping?" you are not alone.In today’s episode, we are talking about routines. Not the rigid, rule-heavy kind, but the kind that helps children think more clearly, act with more confidence, and learn with less resistance. We will look at why predictability matters, how simple rhythms can calm both homes and minds, and how small daily habits quietly shape academic growth.I will also share insights from a homeschool mom and author who reframes routines as support systems rather than stress systems.Let’s talk about getting back into our groove.Write On!

Send us Fan MailWhat if fun wasn't something we believed we had to wait for but something we could make happen whenever and wherever we wanted? In this episode, I will explore a powerful mindset shift I first heard years ago and have been practicing ever since. Fun is a thought, and it's always available. We are going to talk about fun not as a constant state of happiness or ridiculous silliness, but as a state of mind that feels lighter than resistance. Plus! I have some practical, realistic ways to make ordinary responsibilities feel more doable, both for you and your kids, without adding more work or pressure. If life feels demanding and you’re craving a little more ease, this episode is for you.Every day can be fun. Truly. So, grab your earbuds.Write On!

Send us Fan MailHappy New Year. As we step into a fresh season, many of us are thinking about productivity. We are wondering what we want to do better, how we want this year to feel, and how to set ourselves up for success as homeschool parents. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing three simple but powerful shifts I’ve seen make the most significant difference for homeschooling families. These aren’t complicated systems or expensive programs. So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, behind, or unsure if you’re doing enough, this conversation is for you. Let’s talk about how to create a homeschool rhythm that feels calmer, more focused, and actually sustainable.Write On!Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Paradox of Choice by Barry SchwartzTiny Habits by BJ FoggVideo: Developing a Growth Mindset by Carol DweckEpisode 90: Motivation is Overrated

Send us Fan MailRecently, while prepping for the holidays, I came across a blog post that stopped me in my tracks in the best way. It was written by someone who has a gift for noticing ordinary life and capturing it beautifully. In that post, our friend's daughter, Kimberlee, shared about a simple practice called color walks and how it has quietly become a joyful part of her life.The idea intrigued me because it felt gentle, accessible, and surprisingly meaningful. As I kept reading and learning more, I realized this small practice connects beautifully to wellness, learning, and getting our families outside more without pressure.So today, I want to share this idea with you and invite you to try it for yourself.Write On!Mentioned in this Week's EpisodeKimberleeK Blog PostEpisode 92: Get Out and Stay Out

Send us Fan MailThis week, I overheard a moment in a store that made me smile and think at the same time. A tween, clearly frustrated, looked at her mom and said, “Mom, you’re so extra. Stop crashing out on me.” Translation for those of us not fluent in today's slang - “Mom, you’re overreacting.” Most of us have been accused of overreacting, right? Not because we don’t care, but because we’re tired, stretched thin, and pulled in a dozen directions at once. In this episode, we’re talking about the difference between reacting and responding, why reacting is automatic but responding is a skill, and how strengthening our response muscles can lead to calm over chaos and sanity over spiraling. This is not about perfection. It’s about awareness, emotional intelligence, and learning how to stay in the driver’s seat even when life presses in.Write On!Mentioned in the Episode🔗 Daniel Goleman - Book - Emotional Intelligence

Send us Fan MailAre your kids deep in the season of “I want this” and “can I have that”? You are not alone. This week’s episode brings you a simple, eye-opening family activity that helps children recognize how much they already have. It is rooted in gratitude, awareness, and a mindset that builds emotional strength for life. Grab your earbuds, and I will walk you through the exercise I once did myself, the impact it had, and how it can transform the way your children see their world. If you want a more peaceful, meaningful pause during a busy season, this episode will give you a family moment you've always wanted. Write On!

Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever looked at your homeschool day and thought, “I wish this could feel lighter and more joyful,” then today’s episode is going to hit home. We’re talking about something every mom wants, and believe it or not, a little experiment involving dry spaghetti and a marshmallow has a lot to teach us about how children naturally learn and how we can make our homeschool environment feel more peaceful and productive.So if you’re craving a fresh mindset, a calmer rhythm, and a new sense of “I can do this,” stay right here. This one’s for you.Write On!Mentioned in the Episode🔗 Peter Skillman's Design Challenge🔗 Writing Programs at Write On! Webb

Send us Fan MailAs we roll into Thanksgiving week here in the States, I wanted to share something special with you. I am spending the holiday week in Italy this year, taking a moment to soak in gratitude, beauty, and a slower pace. It felt like the perfect time to revisit one of the most loved episodes from two years ago. Episode #20, ABC Goals, was one that sparked reflection, journaling, and real goal-setting for so many listeners.With another year winding down, you might already feel that nudge to evaluate where you are and where you want to go next. So find a quiet corner, my friend. This replay will guide you to think bigger, dream deeper, and step into the growth you know is waiting for you.I am grateful for you! Happy Thanksgiving. Write On!P.S. If you're interested in any writing goals for your kids for the spring semester, please check out our website at www.writeonwebb.com.

Send us Fan MailAs we step into Thanksgiving week, most of us hope for joy and peace, but real life tends to throw stress, long lists, and short tempers our way. In this episode, I’m breaking down why yelling at our kids has far less to do with them and everything to do with the stress sitting on our shoulders. I’ll introduce you to the Family Stress Model, unpack why our nervous system hijacks our patience, and offer simple, doable tools you can use today. If you want a calmer holiday season, healthier reactions, and more peaceful moments with your kids, this conversation is exactly what you need right now.Grab your earbuds! Let's go.Write On.

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode is titled Homeschooling Is Not Fun, which is a thought I recently heard from a homeschooling parent. She shared her struggles, and I could feel how heavy that thought felt for her.This week, I thought we could discuss our thoughts, those sentences in our heads that are serving us, and those that need to go. Thoughts are powerful. They shape our feelings, our actions, and ultimately the atmosphere in our homes.So if you’ve ever quietly found yourself saying, "homeschooling is not fun," stay with me. We’re going to unpack that thought, look at it with curiosity, and explore how shifting it can transform your homeschool experience from the inside out.Grab your journal!Write On.

Send us Fan MailHello homeschoolers!Welcome back to Homeschool is a Work of Heart. Have you ever met one of your heroes? I did back in 2015 when I met Andrew Pudewa, founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. He was the first person I ever heard connect how the brain works with how we write, and that changed everything for me as a teacher. I’ll always remember how kind, humble, and downright brilliant he was. This week, I’m unpacking one of his most powerful talks, The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing. It’s a must-listen for any parent who has struggled to make writing less painful and more purposeful. But you know me, I’ll put a positive spin on it. Instead of four deadly errors, we’ll focus on four powerful do’s: encourage, guide, structure, and recognize. Let’s dive in. Write On!Mentioned in this Episode🔗 Andrew Pudewa's Full Recording of Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing🔗 Current Programs and Offerings at Write On! Webb

Send us Fan MailEver wonder why you want what you want? This week’s episode, The Chase is On, explores the hidden truth behind our goals, wishes, and holiday “must-haves.” From business dreams to remodeled kitchens and new video games, it’s rarely the thing we’re chasing; it’s the feeling we believe it will bring. This week, you'll want to pause and ask yourself, “What emotion am I really after?” Yes, this is a great week to journal, my friend!Tune in and you’ll learn how to tap into those feelings right now and teach your children to do the same. It’s the perfect listen before the holiday rush, reminding us that joy, peace, and fulfillment start within and are always accessible.Write On!

Send us Fan MailThis week, we are revisiting the familiar Starfish Story, but through the eyes of a homeschooling parent. Yes, someone like you! If your life often feels like a beach scattered with endless needs and responsibilities, this episode is for you. You may not be able to handle everything all at once, but you can choose one important thing and do it well. Today, I am sharing three practical ways to live the “one starfish at a time” mindset at home. These reminders will help you focus on what truly matters, let go of unnecessary pressure, and find peace in simple, meaningful actions.Write On!

Send us Fan Mail"Reactions" are a funny thing. They can happen so fast. Before our kids (or we) can control ourselves, we speak sharply, and then wish we hadn’t. That flash between feeling and action is where regret lives, but it is also where growth begins. This week, we are talking about what I call The Pause Principle, the skill of catching yourself in that half-second before reacting. I will share stories, research, and simple ways to help your family practice it at home. Pausing is not a weakness. It is strength under control, and that is what real self-control looks like.Write On!

Send us Fan MailParenting trends change from one generation to the next. For most of us, we'd agree that there are parts of various parenting trends that we can get behind and other parts that make us cringe.    In today's world, is it possible we are so focused on helping kids feel good about themselves that we have forgotten to help them do good? This week, I'm encouraging everyone to focus less on self-esteem and how our children are feeling and look more closely at self-control and what our children are doing. In this episode, I share a few truths I have learned as a mom, teacher, and grandmother. Together, we will explore why lasting confidence grows from character practiced daily. Grab your earbuds, and let's go.Write On!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we’re tackling something that might just change the way you and your kids approach learning.We'll be discussing the importance of planning. Not the rigid, soul-crushing kind, but the kind that actually frees up your energy, lowers stress, and leads to real progress.We’ll delve into self-regulation theory (SRT), and I’ll demonstrate why calendars and schedules are among the strongest predictors of long-term success. You’ll hear how modeling these habits yourself makes all the difference for your kids, and I’ll give you three practical steps you can start using this week.If you’ve ever felt like your homeschooling journey is slipping into chaos, this episode is your roadmap back to clarity and confidence.Write On!

Send us Fan MailIt’s officially fall, y'all, and the cooler, crisper air begs for memories in the making. Picture apple picking in the morning and enjoying a warm pie right out of the oven after dinner, or a surprise drive-in movie under the blankets. The choices you make today will become tomorrow’s stories. In this episode, I’ll share why fall fun isn’t fluff, especially when it’s tied to curriculum. We’ll discuss how sensory experiences spark memories, how traditions foster a sense of belonging, and how a well-timed break can help prevent homeschool burnout. Whether your kids are little or grown, I’ll show you how to blend learning with seasonal play. Grab the free seasonal guide I've made for you, and let’s harvest joy together.Write On!Mentioned in this Week's Episode🍁 Seasonal Guide - Fall Family Fun

Send us Fan MailHello friends. This week, I’m inviting you to put on your coaching hat. During a long drive, I kept circling back to something my brother said, "As a doctor, I've learned that the best diagnoses start with the best questions." It hit me how often our children (and we) default to “Do I have to?” A question that limits curiosity and growth. As moms, educators, and our kids' life coaches, it's important that we teach them how to ask better questions. Let’s raise thinkers who seek wisdom, not just compliance, and discover together how better questions can change how we learn, teach, and live.Write On!Links Mentioned in this EpisodeArticle: The Benefits of Asking Students to Write Their Questions DownPodcast Episode: Read. Repeat. Grow.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I speak from a heavy heart after the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. My desire is to share biblical encouragement to help you guide your children with prayer, hope, and love. Let's remember, even in darkness, God works for good and prayer does matter.

Send us Fan MailHow are you doing at accepting life as it is? When it's going great, it's an easy ride, but half of the time, things may be challenging. How do you show up then?In this episode, we'll consider the futility of fighting reality and what it means to live with the truth that life is 50/50—half joy, half challenge. From messy houses to reluctant writers to schedules that never go as planned, acceptance isn’t giving up; it’s freeing yourself from resentment or wishing things were different from what they are. We’ll also tackle the common “buts” we all wrestle with. There are legitimate concerns, such as the fear of becoming complacent or lowering our standards when we "give in" and accept reality. Please tune in to find the peace that comes when you stop resisting and start working with what’s real.Write On!

Send us Fan MailWe’re off and running with a new WOW Writers Clubhouse semester. We have excited kids, parents, and teachers everywhere! But here’s what's happening: when life gets busy, we skim. We skim over directions, assignments, lessons, and so on. Frustrations rise. Confusion sets in. Next thing we know, we're all feeling overwhelmed. Yet, in today's society, speed matters most! Get it done. Now! Fast. Hurry. But what are we missing? A lot!This week on the podcast, I’m talking about why repetition isn’t a waste of time and neither is slowing things down. Taking the time to re-read directions, assignments, lessons, and our favorite books or bible verses deepens comprehension, sparks new insight, and models good learning to our kids.Let's focus on depth over speed this year. Write On!Links to things mentioned in this week's episode:Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann HobermanChange Your Paradigm, Change Your Life by Bob Proctor

Send us Fan MailDeadlines get a bad reputation, but what if they could actually become your homeschool secret weapon? In this episode, I’m sharing why deadlines aren’t restrictive. In fact, they’re empowering. You’ll hear how removing deadlines once cut my students’ completion rates in half, why our brains actually crave goal markers, and how simple mini-deadlines can turn stressful projects into confidence-boosting wins. With practical tips, encouraging insights, and even a few fun “deadline celebration” ideas, this episode will help you reframe due dates as something positive for both you and your kids this semester.Write On!

Send us Fan MailThis week, I’m inviting you, my Freedom Scholars, on a little time-travel adventure through homeschooling’s historical and incredible transformation. We will start in the 1970s, when just 13,000 students learned at home in what was considered an underground movement, and end in today’s vibrant world, where over 4 million families design unique education ecosystems. I’ll share why you don’t have to be your child’s only teacher, how modern homeschoolers mix co-ops, online classes, and real-world learning, and why your role is more architect than instructor. Today’s homeschool is bigger, bolder, and bursting with possibility.Write On!

Send us Fan MailFeeling ready to reset and refocus this fall? I've got ya!In this episode, I will introduce a powerful and practical acronym to help you and your homeschooler set and actually achieve meaningful goals.You’ll discover how to guide your child to achieve "K.I.D.S" goals:Know what they want and why it mattersIntend to succeed with a clear planDo the work through consistent actionSupport and be supported with accountabilityThese aren’t just good ideas. These are strategies backed by research and real results. They're also not just for our children. This acronym can help you achieve more, too. Let’s build strong habits and confident learners together. Press play and let’s get started.Write On!Mentioned in this Week's Episode:Drive by Daniel Pink Atomic Habits by James Clear"Goals Research Summary" by Dr. Gail Matthews

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we’re diving into the powerful concept of TNT -Takes No Talent. Inspired by legendary coach Lou Holtz, TNT refers to simple, impactful habits that require zero natural talent but lead to massive success. Things like being on time, showing effort, and having a positive attitude can completely transform your homeschool environment and parent-child relationships. Tune in to learn what TNT is, how it originated, and how both parents and kids can apply these practices to boost learning, strengthen character, and create lasting momentum. If you’ve ever felt underqualified or overwhelmed, this episode will remind you that success starts with what you can control.Mentioned in this Week's Episode🗳️ PLEASE VOTE! Our program, WOW Writers Clubhouse, has been nominated for Homeschool.com's Back-to-Homeschool Curriculum Awards. Anyone can vote, and here's the link >>> Vote Today! (Contest ends August 4, 2025.)

Send us Fan MailDid you know you can believe that? It’s not your fault. 💛In this episode, we’re unpacking the weight so many homeschooling moms carry, which is the belief that if their child is struggling, they must be doing something wrong. However, the truth is that learning differences, slower developmental timelines, and unique wiring aren’t signs of failure. They’re invitations to teach differently, not harder.Get ready! You’ll walk away with encouragement, clarity, and the reminder that quiet, steady progress is still progress. You’re not behind. You’re building something lasting with love, patience, and purpose, and that’s more than enough.Write On!Links Mentioned in this Week's EpisodeJody Moore Podcast: Better Than HappyFish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly HuntUnderstood.orgHomeschooling with Dyslexia

Send us Fan MailSimplicity scales success, and who doesn't want to experience that?Are you feeling overwhelmed as you plan your next homeschool semester? In this encouraging episode, I will share why simplicity is your secret weapon. It's not a shortcut, but a strategy for real success. Simplicity involves scaling back and creating space for deeper learning, stronger connections, and less burnout. I have some practical tips and exercises that you can implement today, so if you're craving peace, purpose, and progress in your homeschool, this episode will remind you that simplicity can be your secret weapon.Tune in and be encouraged. You may want to grab your journal for this one. Write On!Mentioned this week:BOOK: More Than Enough by Kara Anderson