Hey homeschoolers!

As beginning homeschoolers, we tend to be way more focused on our homeschool space and curriculum then we are on relationships. But just as engaged couples should be focused more on the marriage then the wedding, we have to be intentional about developing our relationships. That’s what I will cover in this episode of the Homeschool Sanity Show.

Before I do, however, I want to tell you about The Organized Homeschool Life book and planner. I had good intentions of spending time with God, my husband, and my ch...

Hey, homeschoolers! In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips for getting more done.

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Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught...

Hey, homeschoolers! I intended to publish this episode last week but ended up giving you a chance to practice patience in waiting for it. I want to share what I’ve learned about being a patient mom, but first, I want to thank the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network. They are celebrating their 10-year anniversary, which is amazing to me. I can’t believe it’s been that long since the kind and generous Felice Gerwitz offered me the chance to have my own podcast.

Some weeks (like last week), it’s challenging to get the content out, but most...

Download your FREE Homeschool Confidence Action Plan: https://funtolearnbooks.activehosted.com/f/68

Every July, homeschool moms tell themselves, “This year is going to be different.” But by October, many are overwhelmed, exhausted, and wondering what went wrong.

The difference isn’t trying harder—it’s building the right habits before the school year begins.

In this episode, psychologist and veteran homeschool mom Dr. Melanie Wilson shares seven simple habits that successful homeschool moms practice before August to reduce frustration, build confidence, and create a homeschool year their families can enjoy.

Whether you’re hom...

Read the transcript  

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

– Why AI is not a future technology — it’s here now, and it’s not going away – The most important mindset shift homeschooling families need to make about AI – How your approach to AI should differ for young children vs. teens – The foundational skills kids need *before* becoming heavy AI users – Practical guardrails and family conversations to put in place – Concrete, everyday ways AI can actually benefit your homeschool – How to cut through the overwhelm and choose an AI approach that fits your family values

Key Takeaways:

Summer is often seen as a break from the structured routine of homeschooling—an opportunity for kids to relax, play outside, and enjoy more free time. But for many homeschooling parents, summer can also bring heightened challenges: sibling conflict, boredom, and lack of initiative, for example. Why do these issues surface more during break time, and what can you do to turn summer frustrations into opportunities for your child’s growth?In this post, I’ll explore common summer struggles for homeschoolers, why they happen, and practical strategies to equip your kids with the skills they need—so both of you c...

If you have a child whose creativity and confidence you’d love to encourage, this episode is for you! I chat with Bethany Baldwin of MAD Society Inc. about her ingenious approach to homeschool theater:

The surprising benefits of theater—even if your child isn’t a “theater kid”

How to start a homeschool drama club with zero experience

Why student-led performances can spark confidence and creativity in every child

Ready to be inspired? Watch or listen now!

Melanie Wilson

Hey, homeschoolers! Last week my guest and I talked about finding a homeschool community. Often our biggest concern is helping our kids make friends. But what about us? We need friends too. I might not have made it without the homeschool mom friendships I had.

If you’re interested in developing new friendships, you’ll love my chat with Kristen Strong. Kristen, whose authored books include Girl Meets Change and When Change Finds You, also compiled the 90-day devotional, Praying Through Loneliness. Her new book is titled Desperate Woman Seeks Friends. Kristen writes as a friend walking alon...

Does the thought of homeschooling high school make you feel panicked?

Maybe you’re wondering:

You are not alone.

In this episode of The Homeschool Sanity Show, I’m talking with Rachel Kovac, homeschooling mom of six and author of Their Future is Shining Bright, about the fears parents have about homeschooling high school—and why many of those fears simply aren’t true.

Rachel shares practical encouragement for parent...

Hey, homeschoolers! Few things are as distressing as having an anxious child. I’m revisiting the topic today.

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Summary

In this conversation, Melanie Wilson discusses anxiety in homeschoolers and provides a three-part framework for managing anxiety. The first part of the framework is prevention, which includes ensuring regular sleep and wake times, engaging in exercise, and limiting caffeine intake. The second part is recognizing the symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, headaches, stomach aches, and insomnia. The third part is substitution, which involves teaching children to calm themselves do...

Hey homeschoolers!

Welcome to the The Homeschool Sanity Show, where it’s all about less frustration and more confidence in your homeschool and parenting.

I’m your host, Dr. Melanie Wilson—Christian psychologist, homeschool mom, and author of story-based curriculum kids love.

And today, we’re talking about one of the biggest sources of frustration for homeschool parents…

kids who don’t take initiative.

If you feel like:

Have you ever wondered if you’ve gotten discipline wrong — been too strict, too lenient, or somehow both in the same day? If so, you’re in good company. In this episode, I’m tackling one of the most common fears I hear from homeschool parents: the fear that your approach to discipline may have already done damage. I want to reassure you right from the start — it is not too late.

Why We End Up at the Extremes

Most of us were never taught how to discipline in a balanced way. Instead, w...

Hey, homeschoolers! I love hacks. A hack is a simple, creative strategy or shortcut that makes homeschooling easier, more effective, or more enjoyable. In my case, there are 12 hacks that changed everything for me as a homeschool mom. I hope you’ll listen to them all and will find one or more than will change everything for you too. I’m recording this episode in honor of the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network’s birthday celebration. Take a moment to visit the website this week and download free gifts we’ve provided at ultimateradioshow.com.

Watch on YouTu...

Have you ever said the words, “Everything feels hopeless”? Whether you’re walking through chronic pain, a prodigal child, grief, or unanswered prayers, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Dr. Melanie Wilson sits down with Kirby Kelly — author, speaker, and podcaster — to talk about her new book, The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season. Kirby has lived through deep personal loss, chronic migraines, and seasons that felt like a long, dark winter. She doesn’t offer easy platitudes — she offers something better: honest...

How to Get Back on Track in Your Homeschool When You’ve Fallen Behind

A sanity-saving plan for overwhelmed homeschool moms

Have you fallen behind in your homeschool plan and now avoid opening your planner because it feels too discouraging?

You’re not alone.

In this episode of The Homeschool Sanity Show, Dr. Melanie Wilson explains why so many homeschool moms fall behind—even when they start the year with the best intentions—and what to do when your homeschool plan no longer matches real life. If you’ve ever looked at your le...

How do you teach grammar in high school homeschool?

The best way to teach grammar in high school homeschool is through short, practical instruction that connects directly to real writing. High school students are often more developmentally ready to understand grammar than younger students, and they are more motivated to improve because grammar now affects essays, communication, and future academic or career goals.

Do you have a high school student who struggles with grammar? Or do you have a soon-to-be high school student and no idea how to approach grammar at this stage?

...

The Importance of Music in Child Development

Why does music matter in home education? Is it just so we can have junior show off for grandparents at recitals? Is it just a nice elective to fill out the kids’ transcript? Or is it an underappreciated medium for the development of multiple skills? That’s what I’ll discuss with my guest Adrian Edward.

Sponsor: NOW Programs

Visit our sponsor: Now Programs, Neuro Development of Words

Podcast Guest: Adrian Edward

I met Adrian the way I...

Your child wants to keep every rock, every toy, every piece of packaging. And saying “this is trash” just creates power struggles.

Dana K. White (decluttering expert and author of “Winnie’s Pillows”) shares a better way.

Learn: • The biggest mistake parents make when decluttering with kids • Two powerful questions that help kids make their own decisions • How the Container Concept works even with strong-willed kids • Why the “five-minute pickup” is your secret weapon • How “Winnie’s Pillows” gets kids to voluntarily declutter

**Key insight:** You don’t have to convince kids somethin...

Read the Transcript   Watch on YouTube

Jonathan is a homeschool graduate who became the youngest director of admissions in Virginia. He spent 11 years on the inside of traditional higher education. Now, as CEO of Unbound and father of eight homeschooled kids, he’s challenging everything we think we know about preparing young adults for life after high school.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER:

Hey, homeschoolers! I used to be of the mind that leaders were born, not made. What I mean is, I thought you needed to be a Type A extrovert to be a leader. There didn’t seem to be much point to teaching my introverted kids how to lead.

But my opinion has changed as I’ve watched my introverted, Type B child become a leader. I’ve also changed my thinking after interviewing Kerry Beck for the podcast. Her definition of leadership motivates us to teach every child these skills.

I’m thrilled to be joini...

How do you teach your kids to make wise decisions in a world that feels increasingly morally gray? As homeschool parents, many of us worry about striking the right balance. We don’t want to be too controlling on one hand, but we also don’t want to just let our kids “figure it out” on their own. So how do we help them develop godly wisdom without micromanaging every choice?

In this episode, I talk with Dean Zuleger—a father of four, grandfather of seven, and someone who has spent decades mentoring kids through coaching...

Feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or like you’re the only one struggling? This conversation will remind you that you’re not alone.

Annette Vaughn, author of Dear Homeschool Mom, shares early warning signs of burnout, the difference between healthy reflection and unhealthy guilt, and practical ways to refuel your tank before you hit empty.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

The best part? Her book features encouragement from 50+ ordinary homeschool moms who’ve been there—written specifically for different struggles and seasons you’re facing.

Learn:

Warning si...

Tired? Fearful about your family’s health? Overwhelmed by conflicting health information and not sure who to trust? You’re not alone. And this conversation is going to help.

In this episode, Dr. Melanie Wilson talks with Dr. Dusty Hess, founder of Upstream Health and publisher of Upstream Magazine, about how to realign your family’s health back to God’s original design—without fear, without overwhelm, and without needing to become a health expert.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER:

Do you feel like you’re failing because your kids’ character, or math skills, or writing aren’t where they should be? Did you plan to read more books, finish more lessons, and make more healthy meals than you did? Or do you feel like you’re failing personally in your faith, organization, or health? If so, know that I can relate. I’m Dr. Melanie Wilson and this is The Homeschool Sanity Show where I will share three reasons you think you’re failing and how you can just stop that already. Seriously, I want you to feel better after...

Do you feel like you’re only as good as your last perfect homeschool day? Do you struggle with the exhausting cycle of trying to prove your worth through achievement? In this powerful conversation, Pamela Good shares her journey from childhood survival mode to adult perfectionism—and how she finally broke free.

Pamela grew up with three siblings in a home where their mother struggled with paranoid schizophrenia. To cope, she learned to push herself relentlessly in sports, work, and eventually motherhood. But that survival strategy that served her as a child became a prison as an adul...

Feeling overwhelmed by homeschool decisions? Struggling with patience? You’re not alone—and there’s a powerful solution hiding in plain sight.

Join Dr. Melanie Wilson and author Danika Cooley for an inspiring conversation about how prayer can ground your daily life, reduce overwhelm, and create a peaceful rhythm for your homeschool year. This isn’t about adding another “should” to your list—it’s about discovering simple, repeatable prayer practices that actually work for busy homeschool moms.

Danika shares powerful stories of answered prayer (including an incredible 15-year journey of seeing God transform an ent...

Sharing this special replay in honor of Durenda Wilson, who is spending this Christmas with her Savior, leaving behind family and friends who will miss her terribly.

Hey, homeschoolers! I never thought I would have five boys, but I am so glad I do. I love them to the moon and back and judging by the response my episode on homeschooling boys got, so do you.

That’s why I was excited to read Durenda Wilson’s new book on the topic and to hear her thoughts on why it’s so important to think about...

It’s the end of the traditional school year here and you may be trying to get caught up before summer. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show–the episode where I’ll give you permission to stop trying.

I cover three key steps to abandoning the quest to get caught up:

5 Ways to End the Endless Game of Catching Up

Checklist for completing this quarter (a fresh start)

Have a happy homesc...

Listen to the podcast

Deal with Disappointment

The first reason George and you and I find it hard to be happy through the holidays is disappointment. Maybe your homeschool year hasn’t been going the way you hoped. The kids don’t love their classes or curriculum. You’re already behind schedule. A learning challenge has been indentified. Maybe your finances are stretched even tighter than you thought. You’ve been ill. Or maybe you’ve experienced a loss. A loved one won’t be joining you for the holidays. A relationship has ended. Or you or your spouse...

Hey, homeschoolers! Pushing back against a consumerist culture is an issue all year but is on our minds even more during the holidays. My guest today has experience in teaching kids to combat consumerism with good old-fashioned hard work. I’ll introduce him after this message from our sponsor. Now programs.

Podcast Sponsor: NOW Programs

http://NOWPrograms.com

Podcast Guest: Keith Phillips

Keith Phillips is a former US Army helicopter pilot who, along with his wife Becky and their six children, is dedicated to building productive families and en...

Hey, homeschoolers!

Are you dealing with complaining when it’s time to start school, or time to do chores, or time to do anything your kids don’t like to do? If so, you will want to listen to this episode of the homeschool sanity show. I have six ideas for you that will result in a complaint-free homeschool.

Subscribe to the podcast

Before we dive in, I would love to have you subscribe to the podcast. You’ll get links to new episodes, but I also provide a weekly sanity saver...

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should introduce your child to the fantasy genre, you’ll want to listen to today’s episode. And if you feel discouraged about training up young men and women of God, you’ll want to meet my inspiring guest that I’ll introduce in a moment.

Sponsor: Fun to Learn Books

The sponsor of today’s episode is Fun to Learn Books, the publisher of story-based curriculum like Grammar Galaxy and Training Aliens. Kids love this fantasy-based learning for its funny, short lessons and...

If your student wants to attend college but doesn’t want to be loaded down with debt, I have a treat for you. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where guest Kara Walker shares uncommon but practical tips for saving money on a college education.

Hey, homeschoolers! I absolutely love chatting with homeschoolers. That’s just one reason I wanted to interview Kara Walker. Kara graduated from college debt-free, and is now on a quest to help other students do the same with her podcast, “Money and Mental Peace,” and her online course “The Debt-Free College Bl...

Hey, homeschoolers! Homeschooling has changed so much since I started teaching my kids. I wonder what it will look like if and when my kids start homeschooling their children. I wanted to talk with someone who is on the cutting edge of education. I know you’ll be interested in what my guest has to say because it can change the way you homeschool now.

For over 30 years, Matt Bowman has been reimagining education for the digital age. As a former sixth-grade teacher turned tech executive and education entrepreneur, Matt saw firsthand how the traditional ed...

We know what to do when our child gets hurt – a skinned knee, a bruise, a cut. But we may feel ill equipped to help when our child’s heart is hurting. Teasing, feeling different, even bullying can cause woundedness. I have written Training Aliens Social & Emotional Skills curriculum because I am passionate about kids and parents having tools to build confidence. That’s why I wanted my guest to share her unique approach to helping parents and kids respond to hurts. Listening will encourage you as you guide your child.

Ruth Wilkey is an educator, musician, and st...

Hey, homeschoolers! If you’ve been discouraged lately, know that I can relate. I’ve been through a season that has diminished my courage to keep podcasting, writing, and building relationships. I went through similar seasons while homeschooling.

Watch on YouTube

Sponsor: NIV Application Bible

There are three lies the enemy tells us that can deflate us and three responses that can get us homeschooling courageously again. Before I share them I want to thank the NIV Application Bible for sponsoring the podcast.

I am taking the three lies from a bibl...

Hey, homeschoolers!

In 2019, I started a monthly podcast series I called the Trust Project. I wanted us to focus on how to trust God in multiple areas of our lives.

Today, though, I’d like to check in with you–not by asking whether you’re trusting God in your homeschool, for your kids, for your health, and so on–but by asking you WHAT you’re trusting in. Life can be very difficult when we trust in something other than God. We may live in constant fear. We don’t have peace or joy. And we are u...

Hey, homeschoolers! How to help an anxious, frustrated, or bored child is the most common question I get. In this episode, I’ll share a three-step approach you can use to help your child manage any negative emotion.

Summary

In this episode, Melanie Wilson addresses the common concern of homeschooling parents regarding their child’s ability to manage emotions. She emphasizes that emotional struggles should be seen as skill deficits rather than character flaws. Melanie highlights the lack of emotional management education in schools and the need for explicit teaching in t...

Hey, homeschoolers! Are you overwhelmed? Is it embarrassing to be overwhelmed this early in the year? I can empathize. I’ve been feeling the same way, even though I’m a homeschool business owner and not teaching this fall. I asked the Lord for wisdom and I wrote down three steps we can take to get out of overwhelm now. I already feel so much better after taking them, and I pray that you will too.

SPONSOR: NOW Programs

Before I share more, I want to thank NOW Programs for sponsoring the podcast. Be sure to c...

How to Have a Better Homeschool Year

Want a better homeschool year—but without buying a new curriculum, rebuilding your schedule, or starting over from scratch?

Sometimes the biggest homeschool changes don’t begin with a planner or a new routine. They begin with a mindset shift.

In this episode of the Homeschool Sanity Show, Melanie Wilson shares a simple but powerful strategy called “What’s Better” to help homeschool moms improve self-image, reset negative thinking, and move through challenges with more peace and perspective. If your homeschool year has felt heavy, frustrating, or just no...