Homeschool Talks: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Homeschool

Sue Manning’s homeschool journey began while her family was stationed in Japan with the military. Embracing the freedom and flexibility that homeschooling offers, she wants other families to experience the same! Join Sue (Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators) and your host, Jim Mason (HSLDA President) in a discussion on finding and fostering connection in the homeschooling community.

“Comparing yourself to other families is tough, [especially] in this day and age of social media. If you're a homeschool mom and you have made this choice because God directed you to do it, just keep swimming. . .find a friend that you can talk to. My biggest encouragement is: Stop comparing yourself [to others] and find a friend.” –Sue Manning

When faced with difficult life situations, it is critical to be resilient. As a homeschooling parent navigating through numerous life changes, Shari McMinn understands the challenges of adapting your life to fit your homeschool and family priorities! Join Shari and Darren Jones, HSLDA Group Services Attorney, in a conversation about the journey of single parenthood, adoption, and balancing work and homeschooling.

“This is a season of your life that will pass, and God will see you through it. Your children will be forever grateful that you said, you know, ‘I'm going to give up [or] I'm going to cut back on things. I'm going to prioritize so that I can support my family [and] homeschool my children.'”—Shari McMinn

Parenting isn’t always a peaceful journey, but in Marisol Rodero’s household, home education fosters a lifestyle of learning and discovery. Join Marisol and HSLDA Senior Counsel, Will Estrada, to discuss the joys of homeschooling and how a unique journey can be tailored for each student. Marisol’s wisdom springs from her own experience as she went from attorney to full-time homeschool mom and founder of Nobis Pacem, a bilingual homeschool curriculum!

“You can do [all the same things with each of your students]: talk about books, talk about learning, make it fun for them. In the end, you can't really expect all your kids to love learning the same way, but they all will [love learning] in their own unique way. That’s freeing.”—Marisol Rodero

Phylicia Masonheimer, homeschool mom, graduate, and founder of Every Woman A Theologian, joins your host Jim Mason, President of HSLDA, in an encouraging conversation about embracing the calling of homeschooling. In this episode, they discuss Phylicia’s ministry, how she has learned the importance of patience on her homeschool journey, and her advocacy work for homeschool freedom.

“One of the things that people often say to homeschool parents is, well, I could never do that. I'm not patient enough. And it's a frustrating thing for homeschool parents to hear because it's actually quite dismissive. It says that patience is something inherent, that you're born with it. That is really dismissive of how much work it is for homeschool parents to show up every day. Patience is a discipline. It's a fruit of the spirit. It's something that we have worked in us by doing hard work over and over, by being willing to sacrifice and lay ourselves down. Patience is a muscle. It grows as it is used.”—Phylicia Masonheimer

How do we embrace change? Sometimes, it’s hardest to do at home. Howard Schmidt joins your host, Jim Mason, to discuss Howard’s homeschool journey as a parent, his career as Vice President & General Manager at Lennox International, and his newest adventure working in the academic setting at Patrick Henry College as Executive Vice President. Gain insight into how he is equipping leaders to view challenges as opportunities in an ever-changing environment.

“Maybe you're going through a time of flux [in your home education journey], maybe it’s a difficult time. Just hit the slow down [button] (but never [the] stop button) and pray about it! Find some people to sit down and have the discussion. Why are we here? Why do we do this? And I can tell you, the purpose of homeschooling is so immense”—Howard Schmidt

Protecting homeschool freedom starts with protecting families in their homes from unreasonable searches and seizures. HSLDA co-founder Mike Farris joins Jim Mason (HSLDA president) in a discussion on 4th Amendment cases that HSLDA has taken on over the years. Learn why it is important for parents to know their rights, know when and how to respectfully assert them, and when to call HSLDA.

“We have information on our website [for parents]. They don't need to be experts [to know homeschool law]. They just need to know the basics. Our attorneys can [handle these situations quickly]. Other attorneys could figure it out in due course, but it's expensive, and it would take them a while. HSLDA’s ability to turn it around rapidly is because this is our expertise.”—Mike Farris

Lauren Gideon saw her children struggling with their workbooks and became determined to find a curriculum that worked for her family. Join Lauren and your host, Jim Mason, as they discuss children’s individuality and the need for a unique education that fits their needs. Discover how parents can enjoy the freedom and opportunity to define their educational goals!

“Enjoy [homeschooling]. Kids learn a lot more when they're having fun. Assume that you won't get it right the first time! And that's okay. I probably have pivoted more than most in homeschooling, and each time I learn something. I learned what I didn't want to do in my homeschool. And through that, I [have] curated a vision for what I wanted”—Lauren Gideon

Meet Abraham Hamilton, general counsel of American Family Association and host of the Hamilton Corner, a daily radio program. Abraham joins Jim Mason (HSLDA President) to explore the power of discipleship in homeschooling and Abraham’s dedication to homeschooling, a commitment that he and his wife made long before welcoming their own children into the world.

“[Homeschooling] has been a phenomenal journey. One of the things we found is that our children have cultivated a voracious appetite for learning; they view learning as an outgrowth of their commitment to Christ”—Abraham Hamilton

Rogers Hellman is an innovator and pioneer for homeschool families and those in need.

He initiated a healthcare computer system for underprivileged nations, sowed the seeds of HSLDA’s Compassion Fund, and delivered a moving presentation before the Panama parliament. Rogers joins Jim Mason, HSLDA's President, to engage in an uplifting conversation about small beginnings paving the way for the most beautiful and impactful journeys of making a difference in the lives of others.

“I try to give myself the same grace that I give others. We're all struggling, but that's okay. You know, we've got a role to do, and we've got things that we need to do. And loving one another and serving one another is way up there on the list”—Rogers Hellman

When Katy Van Horn asked her mom to homeschool her, her mom didn’t feel equipped. But then, a friend encouraged her that “Christ equips the called”.

This encouragement sparked the beginning of Katy’s homeschool journey. Now, 22 years later, she is taking her own experiences and using them to encourage other families. Join Katy and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) to discover how homeschooling provides an individualized and flexible education that focuses on the heart of your child, and reaches the whole person.

“Having the opportunity to encourage these families [and] say, ‘I know that you can't really see the light at the end of the tunnel right now. And this is looking difficult. But let me tell you, I've been there, and I can tell you there's so much blessing to be had from this choice that you've made to homeschool your kids’”—Katy Van Horn