In this episode from the archives, Carole sits down with her son J.J. to discuss knowing the “why” behind your decision to homeschool. Whether you're considering homeschooling or you're two decades into this adventure, today we're talking about what would cause you to educate your kids at home, and what will sustain you through the years. This episode will help you refresh your memory and give fuel to your fire to press on!

RESOURCES

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025

The Year's Seminars

Unplugged Children Bundle

Give your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!

Unplugged Children Bundle

Learn More about CTCMath

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of our conversation with Mellany Zepelak, start there! This episode begins with Mellany sharing the fruit of speaking blessings and encouragement to her children and her husband, noting how these efforts have shifted the tone of her household toward encouragement and empathy. Parents play a powerful role in modeling God’s love to their children. Join us!

RESOURCES

+The Blessing Seminar

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Get God's Good Design Guide

God's Good Design Guide

Try CTC Math- Click here for 50% off

Try CTCMath-50% off!

Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025

The Year's Seminars

Homeschooling and family life can drain the life out of us. How do we maintain a right attitude and perspective in our families for the long haul? Carol talks with consulting client Mellany Zepelak about how learning to create margin in her life and receive God's love has transformed her family life. They discuss how adding personal downtime, encouraging a positive home environment, and embracing your identity in Christ can radically improve your family dynamics. Don’t miss this hope-filled conversation!

RESOURCES

+The Blessing Seminar

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025

The Year's Seminars

Learn More about CTCMath

Get God's Good Design Guide

God's Good Design Guide

The early years of a child's life are crucial for their long term development and success. In this archive episode, Carole, Rachel and her husband, Jesse, discuss how home is the best nest, especially in the preschool years. They share their family’s practical rhythms—like meaningful work, daily nature walks, and lots of read-aloud time—all focused on nurturing curiosity, habits, and character. What kids truly need is loving connection, real-life learning, and parents who are confident guides. You will love this episode if you are moving into a season of preschool-aged children and feel lost!

RESOURCES

+Books mentioned in this episode:

1. The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm (published by Crossway)
2. Read-Aloud Bible Stories by Ella Lindvall (Illustrated by Kent Puckett, published by Moody Press)

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025

The Year's Seminars

Early Education Bundle

Lay a firm foundation for raising children for the kingdom of God!

Early Education Bundle

Try CTC Math- Click here for 50% off

Try CTCMath-50% off!

Today Carole sat down with Jennifer Stowe, a veteran homeschool mom of six with 27 years of experience. Jennifer shares her journey from reluctant homeschooler to advocate, inspired by Dr. Raymond Moore and Charlotte Mason. She gives practical tips for using great books, embracing time outdoors, and documenting the activities you do each day. This episode is perfect for those seeking reassurance and encouragement as new or experienced homeschool parents to press on!

RESOURCES

+The Eclectic’s Miscellany by Blossom Arts

+The Book of Days by Jennifer Stowe

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025

The Year's Seminars

Learn More about CTCMath

Simply Food Prep!

Get our free nutrition bundle to ease the burden of making meals.

Nutrition Bundle

In the second part of our conversation with Leila Lawler, author and homeschool mom, we get practical! How do build a strong and wise family bond that will last for our children’s lives? We discuss a healthy mindset around Christmas, Sabbath rest, seeing children as blessing and making connecting a priority. Join us!

RESOURCES

+Leila Lawler Blog

+The Summa Domestica by Leila Lawler

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025

The Year's Seminars

Free Reading List for Parents

Free Reading List for Parents

Each memory and value we build within our family adds to the bridge our children are building for their adult life. Our guest, author and blogger Leila Lawler, has written a three-volume set on the value of building a home. In this episode, she shares about how her past informed her writings and the concept of collective memory in this 2-part interview with Carole and Rachel. How do we build a culture in our homes that is worth passing onto our children? Join us!

RESOURCES

+Leila Lawler Blog

+The Summa Domestica by Leila Lawler

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Simply Food Prep!

Get our free nutrition bundle to ease the burden of making meals.

Nutrition Bundle

Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025

The Year's Seminars

In this episode from the archives, Carole sits down with the owner of Yellow House Story Shoppe, Chelsea Jacobs, to talk about books that we can use to give our children "Windows and Mirrors" into the world and other cultures.

The Windows: seeing through the windows to other cultures and stories

The Mirrors: children seeing themselves represented in stories.

Join us for a wonderful list of books that your family can read to get a fuller appreciation of life around the globe.

For a full list of the books mentioned in this episode, find the show notes here

RESOURCES

+Get $5 off your order with this link to Yellow House Story Shoppe

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Book Lover's Bundle! Use coupon code PODCAST for 15% off

Book Lover's Bundle

Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025

The Year's Seminars