The Christy-Faith Show
Ep. 131 - How to Homeschool High School With Confidence (Part 1 of 4) // Natalie Mack
Your student is heading into ninth grade and suddenly everything feels like it counts. Credits, transcripts, graduation requirements, college, and a hundred decisions you're not sure you're qualified to make. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Natalie Mack, M.Ed., to answer the question that keeps homeschool moms up at night: how do you homeschool high school without living in a pressure cooker? This is Part 1 of a four-part high school series. 🎁 Free Resource: Sample Homeschool SchedulesSee how real homeschool families actually structure their days — then take what works and leave the rest.👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: What actually changes when you move from homeschooling middle school into high schoolWhy Natalie calls high school a blank canvas — and why there's no single right way through itThe five core subject areas that build a sound high school foundationHow many credits a homeschool high schooler needs each year, and what a credit really representsWhy every student needs a homeschool transcript — even the ones who say they're not going to collegeWhen to start the transcript and why it stays a draft document for yearsHow to set your own graduation requirements and where state law comes into itThe biggest mistake homeschool parents make in high school planning — and how fear drives itThe truth about the all-AP myth, straight from a College Board parent advisory council memberHow to choose between dual enrollment, AP, CLEP, and online classes using four fit filtersThe dual credit mistake that costs families real money when credits don't transferSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial👉 Get 50% Off Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Natalie Mack's website — free high school planning checklist for grades 9–12, the high school decisions workshop, and her homeschool courses: natalie-mack.comHigh School Decisions Bootcamp — use code CHRISTY for a listener discount: High School Decisions BootcampNatalie's homeschool courses — cross-cultural American literature and model diplomacy global affairs simulation: Natalie's Courses101 Tips for Homeschoolers — Natalie's book: 101 Tips for HomeschoolersThe Impact of Homeschooling — Natalie's TEDx talk: Watch the TEDx talkThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveAbout our guest: Natalie Mack, M.Ed., is the founder of Homeschool Natalie Mack, and a homeschool consultant, TEDx speaker, and author of 101 Tips for Homeschoolers. With more than 23 years of homeschooling experience, she helps families confidently navigate high school, transcripts, college admissions, military service, and other postsecondary pathways. Natalie is passionate about equipping parents with practical guidance so they can make informed decisions.👉 natalie-mack.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Meet Natalie Mack (02:15) - What's Coming in This 4-Part Series (05:30) - Natalie's Five Kids and Their Different Paths (09:20) - What Actually Changes in High School (10:30) - High School Is a Blank Canvas (16:33) - Why 14-Year-Olds Shouldn't Have to Decide Forever (18:25) - Homeschooling Is the Flex (21:00) - Trust the Process and Calm It Down (26:00) - Credits, Transcripts, and the Five Core Subjects (28:00) - How Many Credits Per Year (29:30) - Why Every Student Needs a Transcript (31:20) - Graduation Requirements and the Diploma (36:55) - The Biggest Mistake: Planning From Fear (40:15) - Dual Enrollment, AP, CLEP, or Online (43:00) - The Dual Credit Transfer Trap (45:25) - How Early Should Families Start Planning? (49:05) - Where to Find Natalie Mack
Ep. 130 - 7 Homeschool Systems That Make Your School Year Run Smoother (Part 2 of 2)
It's 8 AM on the first day of school — pencils sharpened, kids ready — and the website won't load, a password is wrong, and the whole morning unravels before it starts. In Part 2 of How to Set Up Your Homeschool Year, homeschool expert Christy-Faith — author of Homeschool Rising with over 20 years of experience in education — moves from mindset to the nuts and bolts: the 7 systems she sets up every summer so her homeschool runs at a clip instead of starting in overwhelm. 🎁 Free Resource: Sample Homeschool SchedulesCurious what other homeschool moms' schedules actually look like? Grab free sample schedules by age and stage — Christy-Faith's own included.👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why the worst time to teach a new chore system is September — and when to train it insteadHow a simple printed schedule lowers your kids' stress hormones (clinicians have measured it)Why you don't need a dedicated schoolroom — and the "everything has a home" rule that keeps your house tidyThe unglamorous tech-and-passwords setup that saves your first day of schoolHow to teach kids exactly what to do when mom gets pulled away mid-lessonThe prep work Christy-Faith does every summer before she opens a single curriculumHow to layer subjects in slowly so the year starts calm instead of like a tidal waveSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Get 50% Off (Homeschool Discount)👉 Start Your Free Trial LearningRx✔ Backed by 35 years of research✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and mathUse code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment True North Homeschool Academy✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Sample Homeschool Schedules — by age and stage: christy-faith.com/download-free-sample-homeschool-schedulesHow to Set Up Your Homeschool Year (Part 1) — start here first: Listen to Part 1Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book (deschooling chapter): Homeschool RisingThe Christy-Faith List — find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveConnect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome to Part 2 — Building Your Year by Hand (01:31) - What This Show Is About (02:41) - System 1: Retrain Chores in the Summer (05:01) - System 2: The Printed Schedule (A Security Blanket for Kids) (11:46) - System 3: Give Everything a Home (You Don't Need a Schoolroom) (15:59) - System 4: Set Up Tech & Passwords Before Day One (20:38) - System 5: Teach the Plan for When Mom's in the Weeds (23:52) - System 6: Do Your Own Homework First (27:10) - System 7: Layer Your Subjects in Slowly (31:44) - The 7 Systems, Recapped
Ep. 129 - How to Set Up Your Homeschool Year: The Episode I Needed a Decade Ago (Part 1 of 2)
You planned the perfect first week — and by day three it was already falling apart. What actually torches the start of a homeschool year has nothing to do with school supplies, curriculum, or the color-coded spreadsheet you built in July. It's your expectations. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith, an education and parenting expert with over 20 years of experience, walks through the seven mindset shifts that make setting up your homeschool year sustainable instead of soul-crushing. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why everything is hard at the beginning — even in year 15 — and the three-things rule that keeps week one from burying youWhy the first weeks of school are the worst possible time to teach brand-new contentHow to prep before day one so your kids aren't learning new systems and new material at the same timeWhy your July and August plan is supposed to fall apart — and the documented brain glitch behind itHow much margin to build into every single slot in your homeschool scheduleWhy there's no "teacher hat" to put on, and what changes when you teach as yourselfWhy you were always the variable, not the curriculum boxWhy that bone-deep week-one exhaustion is proof your brain is doing hard, honest workSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial👉 Get 50% Off LearningRx✔ Backed by 35 years of research✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math✔ Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Sample Homeschool Schedules — Christy-Faith's real schedules for every age and stage, PK through 12th: Get the SchedulesFree Curriculum Recommendations — The vetted list, by subject, with zero paid placements: Free DownloadNew to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to beginThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: Learn MoreConnect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - The Day That Fell Apart (02:07) - Why I Threw the First Draft in the Trash (03:41) - Expectations vs. Systems — What Part 1 Covers (05:20) - Mindset 1: Everything Is Hard at the Beginning (06:11) - The Three-Things Rule (07:36) - Mindset 2: The Worst Possible Time to Teach New Content (09:20) - Start Prepping Before Day One (12:51) - Mindset 3: Your July Plan Is Supposed to Fall Apart (13:35) - The Planning Fallacy (14:55) - Why Every Schedule Needs Margin (15:46) - Mindset 4: There Are No Hats (17:00) - Mindset 5: You Were Always the Variable, Not the Box (19:40) - Mindset 6: Go Easy on Your Kids Too (24:04) - Mindset 7: Why Week One Levels You (25:47) - Your Expectations Weigh More Than Your Curriculum (27:01) - The Recap — and What’s Coming in Part 2
Ep. 128 - How to Stop Second-Guessing Your Homeschool Decisions
You've researched the curriculum, built the schedule, and made the plan — so why do you still lie awake wondering if you're doing enough? In this rare, behind-the-scenes episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with the mentors of Thrive Homeschool Community to talk about why even devoted homeschool moms keep second-guessing their decisions — and how to finally trust that you're the right one to make the call for your kids. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: The three questions that keep homeschool moms up at night: "Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much? Are these the right things?"Why more information hasn't made homeschooling easier — and how too many "experts" fuel the second-guessingWhere real homeschool confidence actually comes from (hint: it's not a perfect curriculum)What the Accelerator group is and how it walks new members through Christy-Faith's core frameworksWhy "Finding Your Why" becomes the North Star for every curriculum and scheduling decisionHow office hours, DMs, and mentor support give you an objective second set of eyes — not more forum noiseWhy competence breeds confidence — and why every family's homeschool plan should look differentWhat makes a values-aligned support community different from a free Facebook groupSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial · Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families LearningRx✔ Backed by 35 years of research✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's training and support community for homeschool moms: christy-faith.com/thriveThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comConnect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction: A Rare Look Inside Thrive (01:35) - Meet the Thrive Mentors (06:06) - Why Every Homeschool Mom Needs a Guide (09:51) - Too Much Information, Too Many “Experts” (13:24) - “Yes, I Can Do This”: Where Confidence Comes From (16:58) - Inside the Accelerator Group (36:21) - A Guided Community vs. a Facebook Group (38:42) - The Fears That Keep Moms Up at Night (46:15) - Finding Your Why: Your Homeschool North Star (48:43) - Why Every Homeschool Plan Looks Different (01:00:04) - Homeschool as a Lifestyle, Not a Classroom (01:02:35) - Learning to Trust Your Own Decisions (01:08:30) - Why Thrive Is a Paid Community (01:16:05) - Investing in Yourself as a Homeschool Mom
Ep. 127 - Benefits of Reading Aloud to Kids - Even After They Can Read
Should you still be reading aloud to your kids after they can read on their own? It turns out this is one of the most settled questions in all of education — and the answer has been sitting in a government report since 1985. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith walks through what the research actually says about reading aloud to kids, why it never expires, and why the book on your couch may outrank half of what's on your lesson plan. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why reading aloud to kids is called the single most important activity for building a readerWhat the million word gap study found about read-alouds before kindergartenWhy the rare words in books almost never show up in everyday conversationWhat MRI scans revealed about a child's brain during a read-aloudHow animated screens do the imagining that a book leaves to your childWhy reading aloud to older kids does NOT make them lazy readersThe difference between constrained and unconstrained reading skillsWhat kids themselves say they want most from being read toSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial — or purchase with the homeschool discount LearningRx✔ Backed by 35 years of research✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math✔ Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Quote of the Week Notecard — the Emilie Buchwald quote from this episode, ready to printMy Curriculum Recommendations — the free list, by subjectAll of Christy-Faith's free homeschool resourcesThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providersThrive Homeschool CommunityHomeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's bookRelated episodes: Ep. 107 — How to Reduce Screen Time for KidsEp. 61 — Are Schools Killing a Love of Learning?Ep. 92 — Behind the Screen (Part 1/6) — the start of Christy-Faith's vulnerability series⭐ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Should You Be Reading Aloud to Your Kids? (01:53) - Welcome + Why This Episode (02:50) - When Reading Aloud Feels Like a Chore (04:03) - How Story Time Became “Literacy” (06:55) - Am I Doing Enough? (07:35) - The Million Word Gap (08:47) - Why Book Words Beat Everyday Words (12:37) - Inside Your Child's Brain During a Read-Aloud (13:57) - What Screens Do Instead (14:54) - “My Kid Can Read Now — Can I Stop?” (16:22) - Constrained vs. Unconstrained Skills (17:14) - Lifting Big Kids to a Higher Ledge (18:01) - Beowulf and the Seventh-Grade Reading Circle (19:49) - Why Kids Love Being Read To (22:39) - What Kids Say They Want Most (23:52) - Family Read-Alouds (24:35) - Start Tonight — Even Five Minutes (27:15) - Reading Is Worth It (28:05) - The Quote and the Free Notecard
Ep. 126 - How to Homeschool a Child Who Won’t Sit Still
You've said "sit down, please" about twenty thousand times this week — and it's starting to feel personal. It isn't. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith unpacks what's actually happening in your child's brain, why the wiggling may be how the learning gets in, and the small shifts that make the morning stop being a fight. 🎁 Free Resource: 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling AdventureTwenty honest questions that help you spot the school-shaped rules you're still carrying — so you can put them down, one at a time.👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: The attention-span rule of thumb every homeschool mom should know — a few minutes per year of age on a grown-up-chosen taskWhy a 45-minute lesson is quietly asking your six-year-old to hold on three times longer than they canThe three expectations strangling your homeschool mornings — and permission to put all three downWhat 54 studies and nearly 30,000 kids revealed about movement and learningHow to shorten and split lessons without falling behindWhy doing the hard subjects first changes the whole back half of your dayHow to rescue your read-alouds — a still body was never the pointLoop scheduling and trimming your list so a lighter day actually gets finishedHow to build the focus muscle one minute at a timeHow to tell the difference between a kid being a kid and something worth investigatingSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ My favorite online math program — a real teacher walks them through every lesson✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial👉 Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure — Spot the school-shaped rules you're still carryingSample Homeschool Schedules — Real, doable rhythms you can borrow, including loop schedulesQuote of the Week Notecard — A free printable of this episode's quoteHomeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book, including the chapter on deschoolingThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: Get on the waitlistAll of Christy-Faith's free resourcesRelated episodes: Ep. 82 — How Long Should a Homeschool Day Really Be?Ep. 64 — Overwhelmed by Homeschooling? How to Make It Manageable⭐ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - The "Sit Down, Please" Morning (04:16) - Expectation One: What Focus Actually Looks Like (05:40) - Expectation Two: Redefining What "Done" Means (06:35) - Expectation Three: The Wiggling Isn’t Disrespect (07:50) - Shorten and Split the Lesson (09:00) - What Deschooling Actually Means (14:10) - Let Them Move on Purpose: 54 Studies, 30,000 Kids (15:30) - Do the Hard Things First (16:45) - Rescuing Your Read-Alouds (20:51) - Trim Your List and Loop Your Subjects (22:06) - Build the Focus Muscle Slowly (23:00) - Check the Inputs Before You Worry (27:30) - Is My Kid Normal, or Is Something Deeper Going On? (31:55) - Where We Started, Where We Landed
Ep. 125 - How to Homeschool Without a Co-Op and Still Find Community | Throwback Thursday
Homeschooling can feel wonderful and lonely at the very same time — especially when there's no co-op nearby, or the ones around you just don't fit. Here's the good news: real community is absolutely possible without one. In this Throwback Thursday favorite, homeschool expert Christy-Faith busts the socialization myth and shares 8 natural ways to find your people, whether you're an extrovert or a shy park-bench introvert. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why homeschooling without a co-op does NOT mean your kids are missing outThe truth about homeschool socialization — and why school-style socializing was never the gold standard8 natural ways to build real community: faith groups, volunteering, playgroups, libraries, museums, neighbors, and moreHow everyday errands and conversations grow your child's emotional intelligence and confidenceSimple scripts to break the ice with new homeschool families — even if you're shyWhy the depth of your friendships matters far more than the number3 doable action steps to start finding your people this weekSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial • Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families LearningRx✔ Backed by 35 years of research✔ Real, long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment (use code HOME50) True North Homeschool Academy✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Homeschool Rising — Christy-Faith's book; see Chapter 7 for the healthy-socialization checklistHow to Find the Best Homeschool Co-Op (And When to Walk Away)The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveConnect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (00:22) - Homeschooling Without a Co-Op Can Feel Lonely (You're Not Alone) (01:17) - The Pressure to Justify Your Homeschool (03:20) - The Socialization Myth, Busted (04:17) - Depth Over Numbers: Real-World Socialization (10:10) - Faith Communities & Starting a Small Group (11:16) - Volunteering & Playgroups (12:52) - Breaking the Ice at the Park (13:50) - Libraries & Community Hubs (16:18) - Museums, Science Centers & Your Neighbors (17:57) - Clubs, Sports & Built-In Activities (23:49) - Finding Your People Takes Time (25:31) - 3 Action Steps to Take This Week (27:01) - You Can Thrive Without a Co-Op
Ep. 124 - The Homeschool Boy Episode Every Mom Needs | Remembering Durenda Wilson
If you're raising boys, you already know they don't always learn the way school expects them to — and that can leave you wondering if something is wrong. In this throwback episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with the beloved Durenda Wilson to talk about how boys actually learn and how to raise them into capable, confident men. We're revisiting this conversation in loving memory of Durenda. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why boys often learn differently than girls — and what the brain research actually showsHow to let go of rigid scope-and-sequence without feeling like you're falling behindWhy movement, energy, and hands-on learning matter so much for boysHow to raise self-directed sons who take ownership of their own learningThe relationship-first approach that keeps boys from burning out on schoolHow to protect connection while still teaching resilience and hard thingsWhy sibling conflict is actually training ground for real lifeHow to homeschool with the long game in mind — raising capable, confident menSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial | 👉 Get 50% Off Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Durenda Wilson — her books and podcast: durendawilson.comThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveAbout our guest: Durenda Wilson was a homeschooling author, speaker, and podcaster with more than 30 years of home education experience. A mom of eight — seven graduated — and grandmother of ten, she was a trusted voice at homeschooling conventions and the host of The Durenda Wilson Podcast. Her books include The Four Hour School Day, The Unhurried Homeschooler, and Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart. Durenda passed away recently, and this throwback is shared in loving memory of her.👉 durendawilson.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction & Remembering Durenda Wilson (01:34) - Meet Durenda Wilson & Her Heart for Boys (03:48) - Why Boys Need a Different Approach (06:36) - How Boys Actually Learn (13:25) - Ditching Rigid Scope & Sequence (16:32) - Raising Self-Directed, Resilient Sons (21:13) - Raising Boys Who Become Capable Men (24:15) - Relationship Over Busywork (34:27) - Homeschooling with Long-Term Vision (40:11) - Modeling a Balanced Life (48:34) - Sibling Relationships as Training Ground (54:14) - Final Encouragement
Ep. 123 - Homeschool Hot Takes: Unschooling, Curriculum Overload, and Starting Later | Live Q&A
Is unschooling going too far — or is it exactly right? In this live Q&A from the Summer Homeschool Help Desk series, homeschool expert Christy-Faith pulls no punches on unschooling's real risks, curriculum overload, whether it's too late to start in high school, and what it actually takes to raise a well-educated child at home. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why Christy-Faith believes pure unschooling carries real risks — and what she calls educational neglectThe difference between unschooling, deschooling, and interest-led learningHow to use BJU Press without doing every single thing in the curriculumWhether it's too late to start homeschooling in middle or high school (spoiler: it's not)How working moms and single moms can realistically homeschoolWhat to do when your child can't spell and it's affecting their confidenceHow to source curriculum so it doesn't require you sitting next to your kid every secondReal questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help DeskSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial | Get 50% Off LearningRx✔ Backed by 35 years of research✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: How to Homeschool Guide — free 23-page ebook for anyone considering or just starting homeschool5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — free quiz to discover your homeschool style in under 5 minutesFree Curriculum Recommendations — Christy-Faith's curated list by subject, no paid placementsThrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool momsThe Christy-Faith List — free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses and providersConnect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk (02:00) - Christy's Free Resources for Homeschool Moms (06:45) - Spelling Struggles and Older Students (11:35) - Curriculum Overload: How Much Is Too Much? (18:00) - Is It Too Late to Pull My Kids Out of School? (19:45) - Homeschooling While Working or in School Yourself (28:45) - Christy's Hot Take on Unschooling (36:15) - Single Moms, Working Moms, and Thrive (38:40) - You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
Ep. 122 - Working Moms, Curriculum Choices, and Homeschool Structure | Live Q&A
You've been up at midnight Googling curriculum, schedule templates, and whether you're doing enough. That stops here. In this Summer Homeschool Help Desk Live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith — author of Homeschool Rising and a homeschooling mom of four who also works full time — answers real questions from real moms on curriculum choices, daily structure, living books, reading gaps, toddlers underfoot, and how to stop doing it all yourself. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: How working moms make homeschooling work — and why "sourcing" is the real secretHow to choose curriculum strategically so you're not teaching every subject yourselfWhy kids need structure (backed by 70 years of child psychology research) and what it actually looks likeHow to handle naysayers and skeptics who question your homeschool decisionHow to teach history in a way kids love — spines, living books, and picture books explainedWhat to do if your child is behind in reading or has a suspected learning disabilityHow to manage homeschooling when you have toddlers in the houseWhy the Christy-Faith List is the homeschool resource you didn't know you neededSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial | Purchase (50% off) Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — Free quiz to discover your homeschool style or pedagogyHow to Homeschool Guide — Free 26-page ebook: 6 steps to get started and launchFree Sample Homeschool Schedules — Preschool through high schoolFree Curriculum Comparison ChartFree Curriculum Recommendations Download — Christy-Faith's fail-proof subject-by-subject listThe Christy-Faith List — Free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses, doctors, and providersThrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool momsConnect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction & Summer Help Desk Series (01:45) - Meet Christy-Faith & Free Resources Overview (04:00) - Free Resources: Style Finder, How to Homeschool Guide & More (06:00) - Working Moms & Homeschooling: How to Make It Work (08:10) - How to Teach History with Living Books & Spines (09:00) - New Homeschoolers: Where to Start (11:30) - Why Kids Need Structure (What the Research Says) (15:20) - The Christy-Faith List: Find Providers Who Get You (15:30) - Curriculum Recommendations Download (18:00) - Handling Naysayers & Building Your Support Tribe (19:30) - Daily Schedules, Habit Stacking & Chores (22:00) - When Other Homeschool Moms Judge Your Choices (24:00) - Teaching History Across Age Gaps (27:00) - Spines, Living Books & How to Use Both (28:00) - Reading Disabilities, Dyslexia & When to Seek Help (32:00) - Homeschooling with Toddlers in the House (35:20) - Multisensory Curriculum & Final Questions (36:20) - Closing Encouragement
Ep. 121 - Are You Sheltering Your Kids or Giving Them What They Need? | Live Q&A
You've heard the question — maybe from a relative, a neighbor, or a stranger at a party: aren't you sheltering your kids? In this archived Summer Homeschool Help Desk live Q&A, homeschool expert Christy-Faith answers real questions from real homeschool moms and unpacks the difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" them — protecting them while they grow strong. Because a strong homeschool was never about the perfect curriculum. It's about a secure, confident mom who knows her why. 🎁 Free Resource: The 5-Minute Homeschool Style FinderThere are 9 homeschool styles — and when you know yours, the curriculum, the schedule, and your whole approach finally click. Take the free quiz and find your fit.👉 Take the Free Quiz In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between sheltering your kids and "greenhousing" themWhy a strong homeschool isn't built on the perfect curriculumHow to become a secure, confident homeschool leader who knows her "why"How to handle the pressure to prove your kids are keeping upWhy trauma doesn't build resilient adults — but healthy challenge doesHow to find your homeschool style (and why it matters before you buy curriculum)When reading struggles mean it's time to get an evaluationReal questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help DeskSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial👉 Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families LearningRx✔ Backed by 35 years of research✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 True North Homeschool Academy✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment👉 Explore Courses & Get Started Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder: find your homeschool styleThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveHomeschool Rising (Christy-Faith's book): Homeschool RisingThe Christy-Faith List — find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comConnect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk (04:30) - The Critics and Pressure Homeschool Moms Face (08:30) - Where Homeschoolers Get Stuck (16:00) - How to Find Your Homeschool Style (21:00) - Best Practices Over What's Popular (28:30) - Knowing Your "Why" as the Homeschool Leader (36:00) - Why Investing in Your Homeschool Isn't Selfish (40:00) - "Aren't You Sheltering Your Kids?" (43:00) - Sheltering vs. Greenhousing: Raising Resilient Kids (48:00) - Reading Struggles and When to Get Help (53:30) - The Christy-Faith List + Final Encouragement
Ep. 120 - Homeschool Moms Asked Me Their Hardest Questions. Here Are My Answers.
Is it ever too late to start homeschooling? What curriculum should you actually trust? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith opens the floor and answers the hardest questions real homeschool moms brought to her live Q&A — from homeschooling a gifted kindergartner to choosing curriculum, deschooling, and whether to school straight through the summer. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Whether it's ever too late to start homeschooling — even with an eleventh graderHow to choose homeschool curriculum you can actually trust (and why Christy won't just hand you a list)What to do when you're homeschooling a gifted child — especially with a new baby in the houseHow to find your homeschool style so curriculum decisions get easierWhat deschooling is and why most new homeschoolers need it firstHow to keep US curriculum going when your family moves overseasThe real case for and against homeschooling year-round vs. taking summers offWhen it makes sense to outsource the subjects that aren't your strong suitSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial👉 Purchase Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Free Curriculum Recommendations — Christy's by-subject list of curriculum she trusts: Free Curriculum Recommendations5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder — Discover your homeschooling style in five minutes: Homeschool Style FinderHow to Homeschool Guide — Christy's free getting-started guide: How to Homeschool GuideThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive⭐ New to homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction: Is It Ever Too Late to Start? (01:14) - The Biggest Mistakes Homeschool Moms Make (12:25) - Choosing Curriculum You Can Actually Trust (13:06) - Homeschooling a Gifted Child with a Newborn (14:46) - Finding Your Homeschool Style (17:39) - Deschooling: Where to Begin (25:51) - What Thrive Community Actually Offers (30:52) - Curriculum Help for Multiple Ages (32:00) - Homeschooling Across Borders (39:08) - Year-Round or Summers Off? (43:03) - Outsourcing the Hard Subjects (45:06) - The Math Program I Use + Final Encouragement
Ep. 119 - Why Boredom Is the Best Thing You Can Give Your Kids This Summer
Before you spend another $500 on summer camp, ask one question: is boredom actually bad for your kids — or is it exactly what their growing brains need? In this episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith makes the research-backed case that slow, unstructured, "boring" summers are one of the most powerful gifts you can give your kids. She breaks down what the science says, why their "I'm bored" makes us panic, and five simple moves for a slower, richer summer. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why boredom is good for kids — and the brain science that proves itWhat the CDC found about kids, screen time, and rising anxiety and depressionHow the brain's "default mode network" fuels creativity, memory, and identityWhy unstructured play and white space matter more than another summer campThe real reason your kid's "I'm bored" makes YOU feel so uncomfortableHow sitting with boredom builds frustration tolerance and emotional regulation5 practical moves for a slower, richer summer — including the "fridge list"The one-afternoon challenge that shows you what your kids can do on their ownSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial👉 Purchase LearningRx✔ Backed by 35 years of research✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveConnect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (00:37) - The Summer Camp Trap (02:43) - The Summers We Used to Have (04:06) - What's Replacing Boredom Today (05:19) - What the Research Says About Boredom (13:37) - Why Boredom Makes Us Uncomfortable (16:47) - White Space Is Not Neglect (20:47) - 5 Moves for a Slower, Richer Summer (25:48) - Your One-Afternoon Challenge
Ep. 118 - How to Build a Professional Homeschool Transcript (With Joan Girkins from Homeschool Records)
If you've been putting off building a homeschool transcript because it feels too complicated, too official, or just too much — this episode is for you. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with Joan Girkins, founder of Homeschool Records and a veteran homeschool mom of 20+ years, to demystify the entire process and give you a real, confidence-building action plan. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why keeping homeschool records matters — even if your state doesn't require itWhether a homeschool transcript carries the same weight as a public or private school transcriptWhat "accreditation" actually means and why it's not a barrier for homeschool familiesWhen to start building your child's transcript (hint: 9th grade, out of the gate)What colleges actually want to see — and how to work backwards from their requirementsWhy record-keeping matters even if your child isn't college-boundHow a student resume (activities, awards, achievements) can open doors to military academies, scholarships, and moreHow Homeschool Records' guided platform teaches you how to build a transcript as you goWhat to do if you've been homeschooling for years with zero paper trailThe exclusive listener coupon code — use CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off + free trial at Homeschool RecordsSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 View Samples CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial👉 Purchase Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Homeschool Records — Joan's guided platform for professional transcripts & student resumes. Free trial + use code CHRISTYFAITH for 20% off: homeschoolrecords.comSolid Rock Consulting Services — Joan's consulting firm: solidrockconsultingservices.comThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveAbout our guest: Joan Girkins is a veteran homeschool mom who homeschooled all four of her children for over 20 years and is now watching her grandchildren be homeschooled. She is the founder of Homeschool Records, a guided online platform that teaches parents how to build professional transcripts, student resumes, and complete academic documentation — step by step, as they go.👉 homeschoolrecords.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction & Why Homeschool Records Matter (02:07) - Joan's Homeschool Story (04:30) - Why Record-Keeping Brings Integrity to Your Homeschool (06:28) - Record-Keeping for Every Homeschool Style (Yes, Even Unschoolers) (10:00) - Does a Homeschool Transcript Carry the Same Weight as Accredited Transcripts? (13:22) - Colleges Are Actively Recruiting Homeschoolers (14:58) - Working Backwards from College Requirements (18:23) - Why Professional Transcripts Matter (First Impressions) (20:24) - When to Start Building Your Transcript (21:11) - The Student Resume: Activities, Awards & Achievements (27:43) - What to Do If You Have Zero Paper Trail (30:40) - Families Who Aren't Planning on College (33:08) - Build It As If They Are College Bound (35:12) - Documentation Deadlines You Don't Want to Miss (38:49) - How a Well-Documented Record Opens Doors (Including Military Academies) (41:10) - Record-Keeping Reminds You of How Far You've Come (41:50) - How Homeschool Records' Platform Works (43:50) - Record-Keeping for Unschoolers in High School (46:54) - Listener Discount Code & Free Trial (47:43) - Joan's Encouragement for Homeschool Moms
Ep. 117 - When Your Baby Won’t Sleep and Homeschool Still Has to Happen
You're homeschooling a five-year-old, chasing a toddler, and surviving on whatever broken sleep your baby will give you. The advice you were raised on — cry it out, Ferber method, strict schedules — may not be sitting right anymore. So what do you actually do? Natalie Diaz, founder of Twiniversity and Certified IBCLC, brings nearly two decades of one-on-one experience with exhausted moms to answer that question — gently, practically, and without shame. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum RecommendationsI spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion).👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations In this episode, you'll learn: Why sleep training advice shifted so dramatically — and what the science now saysThe real reasons your baby isn't sleeping (and how to work through the checklist)Natalie's step-by-step approach for the mom who won't do cry-it-out but desperately needs sleepWhy "sleepy gets sleep" is actually true — and how to use it to your advantageHow breastfeeding and sleep are connected in ways most books get dangerously wrongThe 3-hour chunk method for surviving newborn life without losing yourselfWhat husbands and pediatricians consistently miss about mom exhaustionHow to protect your marriage through the sleepless seasons — before resentment buildsSponsors: BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 Visit bjupresshomeschool.com/christy CTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Free Trial👉 Purchase LearningRx✔ Individualized brain training to strengthen focus, memory, and processing speed✔ Real results for struggling learners of all ages👉 Visit learningrx.com True North Homeschool Academy✔ Live, online classes taught by expert teachers✔ Designed specifically for homeschool families👉 Visit truenorthhomeschool.academy Summit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 Visit summithealthshare.com/cf Resources mentioned: Twiniversity — global resource hub for twin families: twiniversity.comTiny New Yorkers — Natalie's personal IBCLC services (covered by many insurance plans): tinynewyorkers.comWhat to Do When You're Having Two (book): Amazon linkThe Newborn Twin Sleep Guide (book): Amazon linkThe Twiniversity Podcast: Spotify | YouTubeThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveAbout our guest: Natalie Diaz is the founder of Twiniversity, a Certified IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), author, and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience working one-on-one with moms through newborn nights, feeding struggles, and the depletion that doesn't lift. A twin mom herself, she founded Twiniversity in 2009 and built it into a platform reaching over one million people weekly in more than 100 countries. She is the author of What to Do When You're Having Two and The Newborn Twin Sleep Guide, and the host of The Twiniversity Podcast. Her personal IBCLC practice, Tiny New Yorkers, is covered by many insurance plans throughout the United States.👉 twiniversity.com👉 tinynewyorkers.com Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Welcome and Sleep Shift (01:09) - Meet Natalie Diaz (04:27) - Twiniversity Origin Story (06:12) - Exhaustion and PPD (16:07) - Why Sleep Training Changed (19:42) - Twin Sleep Guide Basics (20:52) - Free Classes and Resources (24:01) - Is Cry It Out Traumatic (27:18) - Safe Sleep and Anxiety (30:28) - Ideal Sleep Conditions (35:39) - Routine Over Schedule (38:13) - Breastfeeding Friendly Methods (40:26) - No One Size Fits All (41:17) - Track Baby Rhythms (42:04) - Shifts and Support (43:55) - Three Hour Chunks (45:34) - Bedtime Routine Basics (46:37) - Nap Trapping Strategy (53:16) - Homeschool Mom Reality (01:02:03) - Delegation and Love (01:09:25) - Resources and Wrap Up
Mick Unplugged
The Mel Robbins Podcast
The Jamie Kern Lima Show
We!
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
Makes Sense - with Dr. JC Doornick