The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast

Episode 404 - Raising Capable Kids for the Real World - With Lisa Nehring

Wed, 13 May 2026 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we are talking about raising capable kids. As homeschooling parents, it can be easy to get focused only on academics, grades, and checking boxes, but at the end of the day, we want to raise young adults who can work hard, solve problems, serve others, and confidently step into the real world.

This week, we are joined by Lisa Nehring from Truth North Academy, It's Not That Hard to Homeschool, and Blue Collar Homeschool, and we talk about encouraging kids in their strengths, preparing them for life after homeschool, and why college isn’t the only path to success. We think this conversation will be a huge encouragement to parents who want to raise confident, capable kids. You can find more from Lisa at truenorthhomeschool.academy

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are the math curriculum our family uses, and it has helped us smile more, and we think it will do the same for your family. Go support them and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com

Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and Redeem Healthshare, where members are committed to honoring Christ through a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bill. Redeem HealthShare helps families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7Q0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 403 - Homeschool Moms Are Changing Lives

Wed, 06 May 2026 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re taking some time to encourage moms as we celebrate both National Teacher Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day.

Homeschool moms don’t get nearly the recognition they deserve, so today is all about recognizing you and everything you do for your kids. From wiping runny noses and teaching your children to read, to dealing with attitudes, discipline, discipleship, and the countless other responsibilities that come with motherhood and homeschooling, the work never really ends, and often goes unnoticed. But we truly believe the impact you are making on your children is deep, meaningful, and lifelong.

Our goal today is simply to encourage you and remind you that what you’re doing matters more than you know. We hope you enjoy the episode!

Before we start, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are the math curriculum our family uses, and it has helped us smile more, and we think it will do the same for your family. Go support them and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and Redeem HealthShare, where members are committed to honoring Christ through a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills. Redeem HealthShare helps families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7Q0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 402 – Planner Moms, Relaxed Moms, and Everyone In Between

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. We’re having some fun this week talking about the four homeschool personalities and some homeschooling “hot takes.” From planner moms to relaxed homeschoolers and everything in between, we’re seeing just how much our personalities shape the way we homeschool.

We’ll read through different homeschool scenarios and decide together which personality they fit best and along the way, hopefully remind you that there’s no one “right” way to homeschool. Whether you’ve mapped out your child’s education through graduation or you’re figuring out school over breakfast, this episode is for you!

Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and redeemhealthshare, where members are committed to honoring Christ through a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bill. Redeem Health Share helps families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7B0 about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 401 – Parenting Adult Children (Even If Yours Are Still Young)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:35:00 -0400

Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. This week, we’re talking about one of the biggest shifts in parenting, which is what it looks like to move from being in control when our kids are little to slowly letting go as they grow into adulthood.

We discuss the tension of parenting older kids, learning when to speak and when to stay quiet, and what it really means to “pass the baton” while maintaining the relationship. Even if you don’t have adult kids yet, this is such an important conversation because the way we parent now lays the groundwork for those future relationships.

It was a great conversation, and we hope you enjoy!

Today’s show is underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and redeemhealthshare, where members are committed to honoring Christ through a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bill. Redeem Health Share helps families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7B0 about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 400 – Celebrating 400 Episodes of Encouraging Homeschoolers to Smile

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:35:00 -0400

Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! In this special episode, we’re celebrating 400 episodes of The Smiling Homeschooler and taking some time to reflect on the journey so far.
We look back at the very beginning, including our first episode and talk about what led us to start the podcast in the first place. We revisit the heart behind The Smiling Homeschooler—encouraging families, bringing a little humor to the journey, and reminding parents that they’re not alone.

We also spend some time sharing a few of our favorite guests and moments over the years, and how those conversations have impacted us personally
Finally, we talk about where we hope to go from here and what we’d love the next 400 episodes to look like as we continue encouraging homeschoolers to smile.

Before we get started, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making what we do possible. They help thousands of homeschoolers smile every day, and if you haven’t checked them out yet, you can do so at teachingtextbooks.com.

Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and redeemhealthshare, where members are committed to honoring Christ through a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bill. Redeem HealthShare helps families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7B0 about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 399 - How to Stay Motivated at the End of the School Year

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:40:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re talking about something nearly every mom struggles with at the end of the school year: motivation!

As the school year winds down, motivation can be hard to find, and it’s easy to start questioning everything. Are we doing enough? Does this even count as school? Are our kids going to be ready for what’s next? We have a great conversation about those fears, and hopefully leave you encouraged to finish the year with confidence and peace.

Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and Redeem Healthshare, where members are committed to honoring Christ through a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills. Redeem Healthshare helps families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more here, https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7B0 about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 398 - Juggling It All & Getting Kids to Care

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’re talking about something I think a lot of you are going to relate to.

We start things off with a message from a homeschool mom who shared that she’s feeling overwhelmed right now—trying to juggle schooling her last two kids, being a grandma, planning a wedding, and everything else life is throwing at her. If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning a dozen plates at once, you are definitely not alone, and we want to encourage you today.

We also discuss something that multiple listeners brought up: how do you get your 10–12-year-olds to actually care about what you’re teaching? Sometimes they just don’t see the value in what they’re learning. We offer some tips and encouragement for that as well.

As always, we hope this episode leaves you feeling encouraged!

Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and redeemhealthshare, where members are committed to honoring Christ through a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bill. Redeem health share helps families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL6M0 about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 397 - Shaping Your Homeschool Approach

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:40:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re introducing the newest regular member of our podcast crew, Katherine Petgen!

Katherine is Todd’s daughter, a homeschool mom, a wife, and a homeschool graduate. She shares how homeschooling has impacted her life for the better, along with some of the lessons she’s carried into her own family. We also talk about her homeschooling personality type and how that can shape the way we approach teaching our kids. Lastly, we dive into the question so many parents wrestle with, when should you start structured homeschooling and how to push back against the pressure to begin too early.

Today’s show is also underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and REDEEM HealthShare. Members are committed to honoring Christ and serving one another through healthcare needs. As Todd likes to say, “We use, love, and recommend Samaritan Ministries.” You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL6M0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 396 - Encouragement Every Homeschool Family Needs to Hear - With David and Shirley Quine

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:55:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re bringing back a conversation from a couple of years ago that we think you’re really going to love. We had the opportunity to sit down with two very special guests—homeschooling pioneers David and Shirley Quine from Cornerstone Curriculum.

They share so much wisdom from their decades of experience, along with a real heart for family and homeschooling. It’s one of those conversations that’s just packed with encouragement, and is something every mom needs to hear!

We hope you enjoy!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for Making what we do possible! They help thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and if you haven't checked them out, you should, over at teachingtextbooks.com

Today’s show was also underwritten by
Samaritan Ministries and redeem healthshare. Where Members are committed to honoring Christ and serving one another through health care needs. As Todd likes to say, "We use, love, and recommend Samaritan Ministries. You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL6M0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 395 – Recharging Your Homeschool Mom Batteries - With Brandee Gillham

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:45:00 -0400

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’ve got a fun episode for you!

We are joined by Brandee Gillham from the Colorado State Homeschool Organization, and we’re going to be talking all about homeschool conventions. Whether you’ve been to one before or you’ve never even considered going, we’re going to unpack why they can be such a valuable part of the homeschool journey.

We also talk with Brandee about how she got started homeschooling, when she went to her very first homeschool convention, and what her takeaway was from that experience. She also gives tips to the Type A homeschooling moms out there. It is a great conversation, and we are sure it will leave you encouraged!

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They’re an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Today’s show is also being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and Redem Healthshare. Where Members are committed to honoring Christ and are a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing mom home. You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL6M0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 394 - The Power of Books and Audiobooks in Homeschooling - With Jim Hodges

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:45:00 -0500

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! This week we had a really fun conversation with Audiobook reader Jim Hodges. We talk about something that has been incredibly powerful in our homeschooling over the years… books and audiobooks.

There is something special about the way stories engage our kids’ imaginations when they are listening or reading, picturing the characters, the places, and the adventure in their own minds. It’s a very different experience from just watching something on a screen.

We talk about why imagination matters, some of our family’s and Jim's favorite books and audiobooks, and why he has been so passionate about creating content that is not only entertaining but also completely family-friendly.

If you’re looking for ways to encourage reading, build imagination, and find great content your whole family can enjoy together, I think you’ll really enjoy this conversation. You can stream his amazing audiobooks here https://stream.jimhodgesaudiobooks.com/

Before we get started, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They’re an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Today’s show is also being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and Redem Healthshare. Where Members are committed to honoring Christ and are A community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries at this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL6M0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 393 – Homeschooling Through Difficult Seasons – A Life Update with Rissa Wilson

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:35:00 -0500

This week on The Smiling Homeschooler, Rissa joins Ben for a life update and a really honest conversation about homeschooling through different seasons.

A few months ago, Rissa shared that she was walking through a very difficult time. During that season, homeschooling didn’t look the way it normally does in their home. It felt heavier. Slower. Survival-mode some days.

In this episode, they talk about what it looks like to homeschool when you’re not at your best — when expectations have to shift, when grace has to grow, and when “just getting by” is actually enough.

They also share encouragement for families who may be in a hard season right now, and the reminder that seasons do change. What feels overwhelming today won’t last forever.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough… if you’ve ever felt behind… or if homeschooling looks different than you thought it would — this episode is for you.

we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making what we do possible. let them know that you appreciate their support of us and check them out at teachingtextbooks.com

Today’s show was also underwritten by
Samaritan Ministries and Redem Healthshare. Where Members are committed to honoring Christ and serving one another through health care needs. As Todd likes to say, "We use, love, and recommend Samaritan Ministries. You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries by clicking this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7q0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 392 - Homeschooling Without Support

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! This week, we’re talking about something that almost every homeschool family faces at some point… what do you do when the people around you just don’t understand homeschooling?

For a lot of parents, choosing to homeschool doesn’t just come with lesson plans and curriculum decisions — it comes with questions, raised eyebrows, and sometimes even criticism. Maybe it’s extended family. Maybe it’s friends. Maybe it’s your culture or community. Maybe someone you love is saying, “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

Those moments can make you second-guess yourself. You start wondering… am I doing the right thing? Do I have to prove something? Do I need to do this perfectly so no one can point fingers? Tonight we want to talk about that pressure. Where it comes from, how to handle it, and why you don’t have to be perfect to be effective.

We’ll talk about being real, being confident in your conviction, and what it looks like to keep going even when support isn’t there yet.

Today’s show is also being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and Redem HealthShare. Where Members are committed to honoring Christ and A community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7q0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 391 - Help! Am I Qualified to Homeschool High School?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! This week we are talking about something that makes a lot of homeschool parents nervous… high school.

High school often seems different. It feels heavier. The subjects get harder, the stakes feel higher, and suddenly all those quiet doubts start getting louder. Am I qualified? What about chemistry? What about advanced math? What about sports and social opportunities? Are we keeping them from something important?

A lot of families say, “We’ll homeschool… but probably not for high school.” And tonight we want to talk about that. Where does that fear come from? Is it actually justified? And what are we really giving up if we decide to send them in just because it feels intimidating?

Today’s show is also being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and Redeem HealthShare. Where Members are committed to honoring Christ and A community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s
Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries at https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7q0.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 390 - Home Is Where They Belong - A Conversation With Gena Suarez and Deborah Wuehler

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:45:00 -0500

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! This week we have a great episode for you. We’re joined by Gena Suarez and Deborah Wuehler from The Old Schoolhouse. They are longtime homeschooling veterans with a deep passion for encouraging and supporting moms throughout their homeschooling journey.

We talk about why home is one of the best places for your kids, how homeschooling is truly an act of discipleship, and the kind of fruit you can see grow in your children over time. It’s an encouraging and meaningful conversation, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. If you would like to hear more from The Old School House, visit https://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They’re an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

We’d also like to thank Samaritan Ministries—a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that’s a career change, a ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support the show through this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7q0.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 389 - When Life Gets in the Way of Finishing the Curriculum

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! Today’s topic is something that resonates with just about every homeschooling family: the pressure to finish the curriculum while still saying yes to all the amazing opportunities around us.

We recently asked our followers over on Facebook what feels hardest right now, and another one of the most common responses was feeling torn between making steady progress through textbooks, lesson plans, and checklists — and making time for sports, church events, friendships, and real-life learning. It can leave parents feeling behind, stressed, and wondering if they’re measuring success by completed pages instead of true learning. We had an encouraging converstation and we hope you enjoy!

We’d also like to thank Samaritan Ministries — a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that’s a career change, a ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support the show here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL4d0

Have a great day and don't forget to smile!

Episode 388 - Balancing It All: Homeschool, Work, Church, and Family Time

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler!

Today’s topic is something that resonates with just about every homeschooling family: busyness and balance. We recently asked our followers over on Facebook what feels the hardest to manage right now, and another common answer was trying to juggle school, work, church, activities, social events, and still find meaningful family time in the middle of it all. It can leave parents feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, and wondering if they’re focusing on the right things So this week, our goal is to bring some encouragement as we talk about busyness versus importance, when it’s okay to say yes — and when it’s okay to say no — and how to guard your family time in a world that never seems to slow down.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They’re an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

We’d also like to thank Samaritan Ministries — a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that’s a career change, a ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support the show here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL4d0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 387 - Is All This Arguing and Bickering Normal?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! Today’s topic is something that resonates with just about every homeschooling family: arguing and bickering. We recently asked our followers over on Facebook what the hardest part of homeschooling is right now, and the overwhelming answer was children arguing, bickering, and fighting. It makes getting school done difficult and often leaves moms feeling drained and without much joy by the end of the day. So this week, our goal is to bring some encouragement and perspective around this topic. B

efore we get started, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. They’re an amazing math curriculum, and we encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

We’d also like to thank Samaritan Ministries — a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that’s a career change, a ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support the show through this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL4d0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 386 - Resetting Your Homeschool Mindset for the New Year

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:45:00 -0500

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler! We are kicking off our very first new show of the year. This is that time of year when everything just feels fresh again. Your brain gets a little reset, the stress of the holidays is gone, and it’s a great chance to rethink the things that didn’t work so well last semester. Maybe it’s time to change a routine, toss some of the stuff that doesn’t bring joy, or simplify a little. Co-ops are starting back up, routines are getting back in place, and before you know it, spring and summer will be here—whether you’re ready or not!

We will also be answering a listener's question and reading some of our listeners' highlights of 2025 and what they are looking forward to in 2026! It should be a fun and encouraging episode.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 385 - You Don’t Have to Do It All: Letting Go of Homeschooling Pressure

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’re taking a short break to celebrate the New Year. But don’t worry—we’ve got a fantastic episode from our archives for you!

Today we’re talking about the pressure so many homeschooling moms feel to teach it all… to hit every subject… and to start earlier and earlier with their kids. Our hope is to take some of that pressure off and remind you that it’s okay to let a few things slide.

We’d also like to thank Samaritan Ministries—a community of Christians who help one another with medical bills. They make it possible for families to take steps of faith, whether that’s a career change, ministry opportunity, or bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us through this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0.

Episode 384 - The Moments Our Kids Will Remember

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler. We’re really glad you’re here with us today!

We’re talking about memories. Not just big moments or picture-perfect days, but the kinds of memories our kids will carry with them when they’re grown—the feeling of being safe, known, and loved; the traditions we repeat year after year; and the time we choose to simply be together. We also want to talk honestly about how our minds often let the hard parts fade, while connection and relationship seem to last.
If you’ve ever worried that you’re not doing enough, or that the difficult seasons might overshadow everything else, this conversation is meant to be encouraging. Because choosing relationship, presence, and togetherness—especially in the ordinary moments—has a way of paying off in the long run.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com

Lastly, Thank you to Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us by clicking the link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 383 - When Friendship Is Hard (For Moms and Kids)

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 07:45:00 -0500

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler podcast. Today we’re spending some time talking about friendships—for moms and for kids. This conversation was prompted by a message we got from a mom whose son is really struggling to find meaningful connection, even though they’re involved in church, homeschooling, and community. So we want to talk honestly about why friendships can be harder than we expect, the fears that drive us as parents, and what we can—and can’t—control when it comes to helping us and our kids build real relationships.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriculum and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com

Lastly, thank you to Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us by clicking this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 382 - Simple Ways to Encourage a Mom This Christmas

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 07:45:00 -0500

Hey everybody, welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler podcast. Christmas is coming fast, and today we’re spending some time talking about something super practical—what to actually get your husband for Christmas. Not the gimmicky stuff, but the quality gifts dads really appreciate, the things that last and feel meaningful.

We’re also talking about gifts you can give other homeschooling moms, and not the things you buy from a store. Christmas can be overwhelming for a lot of homeschool moms, so we’re sharing some simple, thoughtful ways you can encourage another mom right now. Nothing big or perfect—just real reminders that she’s doing a good job and she’s not alone.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the smiling homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriculum and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com

Thank you to Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us by clicking the link

https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0

Episode 381 - Breaking Free From the Lies of Fear

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. This week we’re focusing on something every homeschooling mom faces but isn’t always willing to talk about: fear. The fear of not measuring up, the fear of failing our kids, the fear that we aren’t enough for our children, and so many more. We walk through the most common fears parents carry, how those fears shape our decisions, and how to replace the lies with the truth, hope, and confidence that God provides. It’s a great conversation, and we hope you enjoy it!

We want to thank teaching textbooks for making the smiling homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriclulm and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com

Also, thank you to Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more and support us by clicking this link https://hubs.ly/Q03VZKNS0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 380 - Guarding Their Hearts: What Should Our Kids Watch? - With Sam Wilson

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re diving into a topic every homeschooling family wrestles with: deciding what content, movies, and shows we allow into our homes. We talk through how we make those decisions, what standards guide us, and share a few recommendations that have worked well for our families.

We are also joined by a very special guest — Todd's son, Sam Wilson, lead animator for Season 3 of The Wingfeather Saga. He gives us an inside look at the new season and why this series stands out as a great option for families.
It’s an encouraging and practical conversation about media, discernment, and enjoying thanksgiving together as a family

We also want to thank teaching textbooks for making the smiling homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriculum and we would encourage you to check them out over at teachingtextbooks.com

Lastly, we want to thank Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s
Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at https://hubs.ly/Q03CR00H0

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 379 - The Lessons That Stick Aren't From a Textbook

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:45:00 -0500

Hey everyone, welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. Todd flies solo this week and he shares an honest look at homeschool basketball season — the joys, the exhaustion, and the commitment to showing up for our kids. He encourages parents not to feel guilty about what they aren’t doing, but to celebrate the memories they are making.

Todd then dives into the idea of “electives” in homeschooling — and why in a homeschool environment, everything can be an elective! From animation to hair styling to basketball, the things your children love can be just as valuable (or more valuable) than the so-called “core” subjects.

As the holidays approach, remember that enjoying the season is school. Holiday crafts, traditions, decorating, and serving together are the real-life lessons your children will carry into adulthood.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Episode 378 - Homeschooling During a Hard Season of Life - With Rissa Wilson

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. We are really glad you’re here today, because this week’s episode is going to be a little different. Ben's wife, Rissa, is joining him, and she’s opening up about some of the struggles she’s been walking through over the past few months. She’s going to share honestly about what homeschooling can look like when life feels heavy, and offer encouragement to any mom who’s in a tough season right now.

So if you’ve been feeling worn out or like you’re not doing enough — you’re not alone. This episode is full of grace and hope, and we think it’s going to really encourage you.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 377 - Making Math Less Miserable

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 07:45:00 -0500

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
We’re glad you’re here. This week, we’re talking all about math—what really matters, how we actually use it in everyday life, and how you can help your kids (and maybe yourself) smile a little more while doing it.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 376 - Investing in Family: Why Vacations and Breaks Matter

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
This week on The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast, we’re back from vacation and talking about why family trips are worth every penny.
Vacations can be expensive and a lot of work — especially with kids — but we believe they’re an incredible investment in your family’s relationships and memories. We also chat a bit about taking breaks during the homeschooling year and share a few thoughts about Halloween.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 375 - The Reward of Investing Time in Your Children - With Renee Miller

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
Thank you for joining us! This week, our family is on vacation, so we’re bringing you an episode from the archives. In this conversation, we were joined by Renee Miller, founder of Miller Pad and Paper. She’s a veteran homeschool mom of four with a passion for encouraging moms to invest time in their children—because the fruit that homeschooling produces is truly amazing. Please enjoy!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 374 - Surviving Spelling and English Without Losing Your Mind

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
We’re so glad you’re joining us. This week, we’re talking about a topic that can trip up just about every homeschool family at some point — spelling and English! Whether your kids are natural readers and writers or still struggling to remember “i before e except after c,” we’re going to talk about what really matters, what doesn’t, and how to keep a smile on your face through it all.

But Before we begin We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 373 - Hard Days Happen: You’re Not Alone

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

This week, we’re revisiting a powerful episode all about those tough days — when homeschooling feels overwhelming, parenting feels heavy, and sometimes… you just need to cry. It’s something every homeschooling mom experiences at some point, and we want you to know — you’re not alone.

So sit back, take a deep breath, and join us for a conversation that’s honest, real, and hopefully, encouraging.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 372 - Does Science Have to Be So... Scientific?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

This week we’re asking a big question: Do all those scientific terms, formulas, and technical details really matter in everyday life? Sure, they have their place—but when it comes to homeschooling, maybe our real job isn’t drilling vocabulary words or memorizing the periodic table.

Instead, what if the best gift we can give our kids is a love of discovery? A sense of wonder about how the world works, and the freedom to chase the questions that spark their curiosity. Because when a child is genuinely interested, that’s when diving deeper into the details actually becomes meaningful.

So today, we’re going to talk about practical ways to spark that interest, keep the joy alive, and let science be less about checking boxes—and more about cultivating curiosity.

Before we begin, We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 371 – The Smiling Homeschooler’s Guide to Teaching Literature

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re tackling a subject that can feel a little overwhelming for many parents: teaching literature. What’s the actual point of it? How much is really enough? Do we need to check off a long list of classics and assignments, or is there a simpler way to nurture a love for great stories? We’ll talk through what matters most, what you can let go of, and how to make literature something that brings joy rather than stress in your homeschool.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 370 - Education or Indoctrination? - Rethinking the College Choice

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a big question: Is college really the best path for everyone? For decades, it’s been presented as the obvious next step after high school, but in today’s world, is that always true?

We’ll be talking about the risks, the challenges, and even some of the dangers of college—especially in light of recent events—while also looking at alternatives that might better fit your family. Our goal isn’t to make the decision for you, but to encourage you to think critically about what’s truly best for your kids.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 369 - Does Learning Have to Be Fun to Be Effective?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re asking the question: Does learning always have to be fun to be valuable? In today’s world, it feels like everything has to be exciting, engaging, and entertaining to matter. But what about the times when things feel… well, boring?

Can kids still learn deeply even when they aren’t entertained? And is it possible that growth and learning are still happening, even during those boring moments? We’ll dig into these questions and more—and we think you’ll find the answers encouraging!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 368 - Our Non-Negotiables: Setting Priorities in Homeschooling

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’re talking about something that can make or break your school year — your non-negotiables. Every family has different priorities, but if you don’t know what’s most important to you, it’s easy to get distracted by all the extras and other peoples opinions. Today we’re going to share some of our own non-negotiables, talk about why they matter, and hopefully help you think through what you want to hold onto in your homeschool this year.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 367 - A Real Life Start to a New Homeschool Year - With Rissa Wilson

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

This week Ben is joined by his wife, Rissa, as they talk about the start of a brand-new homeschool year. They'll dive into the curriculum she’s using, how the first week didn’t go exactly as planned, and what it looks like to adjust when some of the material turns out to be too advanced for one of their kids.

He is also joined by his cousin Perry to talk about a new audio drama from the Jesus Film Project, which he had a hand in creating. This is something your entire family can enjoy together, and we think you'll enjoy it!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 366 - From Curiosity to Conviction: Our Homeschooling Journey - With Dustin Garrett

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
This week we’re joined by a brand-new homeschooling dad, Dustin Garrett, who’s just getting ready to start the adventure. We’ll be talking about what led his family to homeschool, What they are hopeful for, their approach to homeschooling so far, and a whole bunch more.

We’re also excited to have Todd's daughter, Katherine Petgen, with us to share about her upcoming online story writing class for homeschoolers.
These were fun and encouraging conversations, and we hope you enjoy!

But before we begin
We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 365 - Let Them Be Little: Rethinking Preschool and Kindergarten - With Ashley Wiggers

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

This week, we’re joined by a very special guest — Ashley Wiggers from Homeschooling Today magazine. Ashley is a homeschooling mom and graduate who has a heart for helping families homeschool boldly. Our topic this week is: What should preschool look like, skipping kindergarten, and the road to reading. It was an amazing conversation, and we know you’ll walk away encouraged!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 364 - Back to School… But When?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
This week we're tackling the dreaded question: When should I start the school year? The answer isn’t always one-size-fits-all, so it should make for a great conversation.
We’re also reminiscing about some of our family RV travels and talking about the lasting value of making memories together as a family.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 363 - Why You Can't Separate Homeschooling From Parenting

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

This week, we’re bringing you an episode from the archives where we discuss how parenting and homeschooling aren’t two separate things—they’re one and the same. When you approach homeschooling with this mindset, it can make a powerful difference in your day-to-day homeschool life!

Don't forget to share our show with another homeschooling mom and please leave us a review on whatever pocast app you listen on!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 362 – Turning the Extras into Essentials – with Chad Stewart

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
This week, we’re talking about how to incorporate activities often considered extracurricular—like music, construction, cooking, computers, art, and more—into your regular homeschool routine.
We also interview former Disney animator Chad Stewart, who shares about his animation course designed specifically for homeschoolers interested in art and animation.
It's an encouraging episode, and we hope you enjoy it!

Don't forget to share our show with another homeschooling mom, and please leave us a review on whatever pocast app you listen on!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 361 - Life After Graduation: Encouragement for New Grads and Parents - With Maggie Wilson

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are excited to be joined by Todd's daughter, Maggie! She’s getting married in just a few weeks, so we talk all about her upcoming wedding, her journey to becoming a nail technician, and what life has been like after school. It’s a fun episode, and we hope you enjoy listening!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 360 - Making Summer Memories as a Family

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

We have a fun, different episode this week! We talk 4H, the county fair, the 4th of July, and some other ways to connect as a family this summer! We had a great time recording this episode, and we hope you enjoy it!

Before we begin, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode359 - Why Recharging and Rest Matter for You and Your Kids

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
This week, we’re talking about how important it is to de-stress and recharge, and we’ll discuss what summer break can look like for older kids. We hope you enjoy it!

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their math curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we encourage you to check it out for next school year at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries — a community of Christians who share one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they follow God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman.

One last thing — if you haven’t already, please consider leaving us a review on whatever podcast app you use. This is a great way to help spread the word about The Smiling Homeschooler!

Have a great week, and don’t forget to smile!

Episode 358 - What Worked (and What Didn't) This School Year - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
This week we were joined be Debbie Wilson. Over this past weekend, one of the Wilson kids graduated, so we talked to Debbie about her approach to graduations and transitioning into her final years of homeschooling. She also shares what some of the highlights were for this past school year, what curriculum she enjoyed, and what she wants to do differently going into the next year. She is always encouraging, and we hope you enjoy!

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries a community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 357 - Durenda Wilson - Why Homeschooling Doesn't Have to Take All Day

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

This week, we are playing an episode from way back in the archives. We were joined by Homeschooling Mom, Author, and speaker, Durenda Wilson. We are big believers in her approach to homeschooling, and think you will find this interview encouraging! Durenda has been battling cancer, and we would ask you to join our family in praying for her recovery. To support her and her family, visit her website durendawilson.com.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries a community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 356 - Signs you Might Need to Make a Change Next School Year

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
With the school year wrapping up, we’re taking some time to talk about the signs that it might be time to make a few changes in your homeschooling for next year!

As always, we hope this episode is encouraging and helps you smile!
Before we begin, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their math curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries. A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 355 - Ending Well: A Strong Finish to the Homeschool Year

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
Today we’re talking about wrapping up the school year, creating a fun summer bucket list, and how we can help our children feel valued for who they are.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 354 - The Heart Behind Homeschooling

Wed, 28 May 2025 07:35:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we're sharing an email from a homeschooling mom who recently pulled her kids out of school. She's been wrestling with the reasons behind her decision to homeschool, and her experience is both honest and encouraging.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 353 - Simple Strategies for Teaching Spelling - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 21 May 2025 07:40:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we’re sharing an episode from the archives all about spelling! We were joined by Debbie Wilson—a homeschooling mom of eight—who shares her tips, tricks, and philosophy on teaching spelling. It was a great episode, and we hope you find it encouraging!

Before we begin, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the smiling homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 352 - One Mom's Game-Changing Moment

Wed, 14 May 2025 07:44:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we have a fun and relaxed episode for you! We talk about some advice that changed one homeschooling mom's life, and encourage you to be confident that your children are going to turn out okay. We hope you enjoy!

Before we begin, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 351 - Comparison is a Liar: Finding Confidence in Your Homeschooling - With Becky Clark

Wed, 07 May 2025 07:45:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! My name is Ben Wilson, and today we’re joined by longtime homeschooling mom Becky Clark. She shares her journey and offers wisdom for moms who may be wondering if they’re doing things “right.” Becky has a heart for encouraging moms to resist comparison and pressure, and instead, focus on homeschooling in a way that’s best for their child.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encouarge you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 350 - Fuel the Fire: Supporting Your Child's Passions - With Ike Wilson

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:30:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are bringing you an episode from the archvies where we were joined by my brother, Ike. Our topic was how to encourage your child in their interests, and in pursuing their dreams. He has some great advice to share, and we hope you enjoy!

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 349 - Part 3: The Lies Homeschooled Kids Believe

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:30:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week is our third and final part of the Lies Our Homeschooled Kids Believe.
We’ll be tackling common misconceptions like:
• “I won’t be able to play sports if I’m homeschooled.”
• “I don’t have any friends because I’m homeschooled.”
...and many more
It’s going to be another great episode—We hope you enjoy!

We want to give a big thank you to Teaching Textbooks for supporting The Smiling Homeschooler. They offer one of the best math curriculums around, helping homeschoolers smile more every day. So, be sure to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com for your math needs this school year.

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries is A community of Christians that pay one another’s medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s
Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Episode 348 - Part 2 of the Lies Homeschooled Kids Believe

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:40:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!
This week, we're diving into Part 2 of our mini-series on the lies homeschooled kids believe.

Here are just a couple of the lies we unpack in this episode:

“I’m homeschooled, so I won’t be able to get into college.”

“Going to a real school wouldn’t influence me.”

We tackle these myths head-on and share the truth behind them—along with a whole lot of encouragement. We think you’ll find this episode both helpful and uplifting!

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries: A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 347 - The Lies Homeschooled Kids Believe

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:30:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. Today, we’re diving into a conversation that hits close to home for so many of us homeschooling families—especially when it comes to the things our kids are believing.
Maybe you've heard it from your own child—or maybe just caught it in their tone:
"Other kids are getting a better education than me..."
"I’m missing out on all the fun..."
"Going to real school wouldn’t change me..."
These kinds of thoughts can sneak in quietly, but they carry a lot of weight—and if we’re not careful, they can start shaping how our kids see themselves, and their education. So today, we’re unpacking some of the most common lies our homeschooled kids believe! This is going to be another encouraging episode!

Also Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Podcast Episode 346 - Common Homeschool Challenges (And How to Handle Them!)

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We have a great episode for you this week!
we’re tackling some of the biggest questions and challenges homeschool parents face—how do we balance it all while still slowing down to enjoy the moments? What about the pressure of keeping up with standards or fighting that nagging feeling of being “behind”?
Join us as we dive into real struggles (and wins!) from homeschool parents just like you. We’ll be talking about motivation, schedules, and legal changes!

We hope you’re encouraged by the conversation!

One last thing: another great way that you can support what we do is sign up for our short weekly email over at thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Also while you are at it, sign your husband up for the Familyman weekly over at familymanweb.com. You won't regret it!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 345 - Homeschooling Through Spring: When to Push, Pause, or Pivot

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Believe it or not, we are in the final stretch of the school year! Which is what our topic is all about! How to enjoy this spring season, whether or not to push through to the end, or when it might be a good idea to stop or change things up! We hope you are encouraged by our conversation!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 344 - How to Keep Smiling When Homeschooling Gets Tough

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we're talking about smiling. Sometimes homeschooling, parenting, and life in general can feel so tough and exhausting that smiling feels nearly impossible. If that's you, you're not alone—it's completely normal and part of life! Our goal today is to encourage you on those hard days and share a few ideas to help you find a reason to smile, even when it doesn’t come easy.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 343 - Beating the Winter Doldrum Burnout - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we're bringing back an episode from our archives with Debbie Wilson, where she shares practical ways to beat the dreaded winter doldrums. She also talks about the curriculum she used that semester and how she tackled getting back into the swing of things for the second half of the school year. Whether you’re hearing this for the first time or revisiting it, Debbie’s insights are just as encouraging and helpful today as they were when we first aired this episode!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 342 - Overcoming Distractions to Focus on What Matters

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This weeks episode is a great one! Our topic for discussion revolves around the fact that the hard things in life usually are the good things! We delve into this and talk about all the distractions and things we need to do that keep us from relationships. We hope you enjoy!

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s
Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 341 - Not By the Book - With Suzanne Nunn

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Tonight, we have a special guest who’s no stranger to the homeschool community—Suzanne Nunn from the podcast Not by the Book! She’s deep in the world of homeschooling, and is gearing up for convention season, and has even created her own curriculum called Musings.
We’re going to dive into why homeschool conventions are such a game-changer, the story behind Not by the Book, and what she’s learned from interviewing so many inspiring people. Plus, we’ll talk about her Musings curriculum—what it is, who it’s for, and how it can help homeschool families like yours.

Before we jump in, we want to give a big thank you to Teaching Textbooks for supporting The Smiling Homeschooler. They offer one of the best math curriculums around, helping homeschoolers smile more every day. So, be sure to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com for your math needs this school year.

Also Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 340 - The Silent Struggle of Homeschooling Moms - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Ben is joined by his mom, Debbie Wilson. The topic this week is a silent struggle that many homeschooling moms experience, which is loneliness. This is something Debbie has dealt with many times over the years, and she has some great practical advice and encouragement to share.

Also, Today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 339 - Every Child is Smart: Helping Them Shine in Their Strengths

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week's episode is a rerun, but is a really important episode to listen to! We discuss the fact that every child is smart, just not in the same way. It's critical that our children know that we believe they are smart, and encourage them in that.

Also, Today’s Show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 338 - Top 10 Reasons You Won't Want to Miss Attending a Homeschooling Convention

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! It is that time of year when you should start thinking about attending a homeschooling convention near you! So this week we create a top 10ish list of the best reasons why you need to go!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 337 - Equipping Homeschoolers to Dream Big

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by Dustin Garrett from Samaritan Ministries. He has an amazing and hilarious birth story to share, and how Samaritans can equip homeschoolers to dream big! It was a really fun episode and we think you will enjoy it.

Also Today’s show is being underwritten by
Samaritan Ministries A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s
Leading in career or ministry changes or bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 336 - When God Calls Moms to Stay Home - With Jan Smith

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week were joined by speaker and homeschooling mom Jan Smith. She has a heart for moms being home with their kids. We had an amazing conversation packed with her wisdom and encouragement as she reminded us of a woman's value as a mom and wife!

Also Today’s show is being underwritten by
Samaritan Ministries A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s
Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 335 - Answering the Most Commonly Asked Homeschooling Questions

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are answering the most commonly asked homeschooling questions. Whether you are a brand-new to homeschooler or a seasoned veteran, this will be a helpful and encouraging episode!

Also, Today’s Show is being underwritten by
Samaritan Ministries A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s
Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman.

If you would like to take advantage of the World Watch special promotion, use the code todd3 for three free months plus 7 days!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 334 - The Impact of ChatGPT and Ai on Homeschooling

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week our topic is how to handle the rise of ChatGPT/AI, and the positive and negative impacts it can have on our homeschooling. This was another great episode and we hope you find it encouraging and helpful!

Also, Today’s Show is being underwritten by
Samaritan Ministries, A community of Christians that pay one another’s
medical bills…helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God's
Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 333 - It's Never to Late to Make a Change!

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with our last episode of 2024! This week our topics are New Years resolutions and that it is never to late to decide to change something that isn't working in your homeschooling!

Also, thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine for supporting the Smiling Homeschooler. They are an amazing source of encouragement, and if you haven't already, make sure to subscribe over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 332 - Merry Christmas from the Smiling Homeschooler!

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We want to say Merry Christmas to all of our listeners. This is an episode that your entire family will enjoy, and we would encourage you to take just a few minutes today and listen to Todd read Gladys Remembers Christmas. If you would like to get your own copy, follow this link: Gladys Remembers Christmas.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible! They are an amazing math curriculum and help homeschoolers smile! Check out their free trial over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Also Thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine! They are an amazing source of encouragement and if you haven't subscribed already, make sure to do so over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a Merry Christmas and don't forget to smile!

Episode 331 - Embrace the Break - Homeschooling During the Holidays

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:33:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

This week, we’re talking about embracing the break and letting go of the pressure to stick to traditional “education” during the holiday season. We’ll share how your child is learning incredible life lessons during this special time of year and why these fleeting moments are so important.

A big thank you to Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible! They offer an incredible math curriculum that is both fun and flexible. If you’d like to learn more or give them a try, visit their website at teachingtextbooks.com.

We also want to thank Homeschooling Today magazine for partnering with us. Their magazine is an excellent source of encouragement for homeschooling families and makes a thoughtful gift for any homeschooling mom. It’s not too late to grab a subscription for a friend! Visit homeschoolingtoday.com to learn more.

Have an amazing week, and don’t forget to smile!

Episode 330 - When it All Seems to Hard...Don't Quit!

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week Todd is on his own, and his topic is when it all seems too hard....don't quit. This is a message that every homeschooler will need to hear at some point, and we think you will find it encouraging.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible! They are an amazing math curriculum, and help more homeschoolers smile. Go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com

We also want to thank Homeschooling Today Magazine for their support. If you need more encouragement and inspiration, then subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Lastly don't forget to get your Christmas orders in before it is too late! If you order now you should be able to get our Christmas game and You Da' Dad daily calendar in time. You can purchase these products at thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Episode 329 - Raising Problem-Solvers: How to Teach Practical Skills

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 07:20:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we explore how to approach teaching practical skills to your kids: When to guide them and when to let them figure it out. How much to Push vs letting curiosity lead, and creative ways to instill the value of hard work!

We want to give a big thank you to Teaching Textbooks for supporting The Smiling Homeschooler. They offer one of the best math curriculums around, helping homeschoolers smile more every day. So, be sure to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com for your math needs this school year.

Also, thank you to Homeschool Today magazine for their support. They are a fantastic source of encouragement and would make a great Christmas gift for any homeschooling mom. Subscribe over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Don't forget to pick up your Christmas game and You'da dad daily calendar over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Episode 328 - A Heart-to-Heart with Four Homeschooling Moms

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! I'm Ben Wilson. A couple of years ago, we had four amazing homeschooling moms, Lexi, Ali, Rebekah, and my wife Rissa, join us to share their homeschooling journey. Now they are back! We asked them many questions to see how their first couple of years has been, and their answers were amazing and encouraging.

Don't forget to pick up your Christmas game and You'da dad daily calendar over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 327 - Can Every Day Be a Good Day of Homeschooling?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week our discussion is about whether or not it is possible for every day of homeschooling to be a good day, and some of the things that can help make it better, or worse! It was a fun topic, and we think you will be encouraged!

Don't forget to pick up your Christmas game and You'da dad daily calendar over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 326 - Who Decides? Navigating Choices from Childhood to Graduation

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with a great new episode! Our topic this week is what decisions can we let our children make, and what decisions do we make for them? We break it down from young kids all the way up through graduation! It was a great conversation, and we hope you enjoy it!

We’d also like to thank Homeschooling Today magazine for their support. If you’re looking for more encouragement and inspiration, head over to homeschoolingtoday.com and subscribe to their incredible magazine.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 325 - Fighting the Fear of Being Behind

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Unfortunately, while we were recording by internet stopped working again, so we are going to re-play an episode from a couple of years ago where we discuss ways to help fight the feeling of your children being behind. This is something that almost every homeschooler will struggle with at some point, so we think this is a great topic and will help you smile!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 324 - Homeschooling Moments that Make Us Laugh

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with a brand new episode! Our topic this week is the moments that make us laugh during homeschooling. This is something we haven't ever really talked about before, but these are some of the best moments you'll experience in your homeschooling journey. Hopefully this episode will help you smile and laugh more in the coming homeschooling week!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 323 - Questions and Answers with Todd and Debbie

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We’re back from a wonderful vacation! We made it home safely, but we’re still in recovery mode, so today we’re sharing another special episode from the archives.

A couple of years ago, my parents, Todd and Debbie, hosted an episode on their own where they answered some fantastic listener questions. These questions are still so relatable, and I think you'll find the answers encouraging and uplifting. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Before we dive in, we want to say a big thank you to our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They offer one of the best math curriculums out there, making math easier and more enjoyable for homeschoolers. Be sure to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com for your math needs this school year.

We’d also like to thank Homeschooling Today magazine for their support. If you're looking for more encouragement and inspiration, head over to homeschoolingtoday.com and subscribe to their fantastic magazine.

Have a great week, and don’t forget to smile!

Episode 322 - Finding Happiness in Homeschooling - With Charlene Notgrass

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Our family is currently on vacation, but we have a fantastic episode from our archives that we think you'll enjoy. In this episode, we were joined by Charlene Notgrass from Notgrass History and Be Happy Homeschooling. Her passion is encouraging homeschooling moms, and she brings so much wisdom and realness to the conversation. We hope this episode helps you smile!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile

Episode 321 - Encouragement for the Discouraged Homeschool Mom

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we have a great episode for you. We asked our community what they are most discouraged by in their homeschooling. The responses that so many homeschooling moms had to share were real and relatable. We share some of their answers and try to provide some encouragement that discouraged homeschooling moms need to hear! We really enjoyed recording this episode, and hope you enjoy listening to it!

Lastly, if you enjoy our show, don't forget to share it with another homeschooling mom. This could be a great way to help spread some encouragement to those around you!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 320 - Homeschool Without the Pressure: Trusting Your Own Path

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We’ve got an exciting episode for you today. We’re diving into how to handle all the different voices out there telling you what you should be doing in your homeschooling journey. There’s always pressure to do more, but we have some advice to help you focus on what makes sense for you and your kids.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 319 - Practical Tips to Support Your Child's Dreams

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:55:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week our topic is practical tips to encourage and support your child's dreams. This can be tough for many parents, but it will have a profound impact on your child! So we hope this episode is encouraging and helpful. If you would like to sign up for four free months of World Watch News, use code TODD4 at checkout or click this link.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile, and you should use their math curriculum for this school year. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Lastly, if you haven't already, please take a minute and leave us a review on whatever podcast app you listen on. This is a great way to help us out!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 318 - When to Make a Change in Your Homeschooling

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are discussing deciding when it is time to make a change in your homeschooling, whether it be the curriculum you are using, your schedule, or something else entirely. Every homeschooling mom will experience these questions at some point, so we hope this conversation is encouraging and helpful. Also, when we recorded this it was voter registration day. So if you live in the United States, so don't forget to make sure that your kids who have turned 18 recently are registered to vote!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to smile!

Episode 317 - The Value of Community

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by homeschooling mom, Amy Dearie, to discuss the value and encouragement a homeschool co-op can provide.

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 316 - Tips and Encouragement for Starting the School Year With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by Todd's wife Debbie! She shares how the first day of school went for her, what her plans are for this year, encouragement for how to handle things not going as planned, and what curriculum she is using this year! As always she has so much encouragement and wisdom to share, and we know it will help you smile!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 315 - Kids Learn Through Stories - With Brinkman Adventures

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week are joined by Ian Boultman from Brinkman Adventures. They create incredible audio dramas that your kids will love and learn from at the same time. He has a passion for stories and families; we think you will enjoy what they have created.

Also, thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 314 - Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about one of the most important topics in all of homeschooling, which is the lies that every homeschooling mom believes!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

If you would like to pick up a copy of Lies Homeschooling Moms believe, visit our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 313 - How to Have a Fun School Year!

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with a brand new episode! We are getting close to starting the school year, so this week we talk about ways to inject fun into the school day! Our goal is to help you have to an amazing school year, and we hope this episode is encouraging!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 312 - Understanding Your Homeschooling Personality

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We promise this will be the last week for a while, but Todd is currently on his way to Arkansas, so we are replaying an episode about the different homeschool personality types. We thought this would be a great topic to revisit since the school year is just a few weeks away! If you want to take the homeschooler personality test, visit our website, thesmilinghomeschooler.com. It's free and fast!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 311 - How to Avoid Ruining Your Homeschooling Experience

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about how to avoid a bad homeschooling experience. It breaks our hearts when we talk to a mom, graduate, or child who didn't like their homeschooling experience. Since we are getting closer to the school year, we thought we would discuss the most common causes of a bad homeschooling experience and how to avoid them!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Episode 310 - Loving Your Child For Who They Are, Not What They Do

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are playing an episode from a couple of years ago where we discuss how to encourage your child who is thinking about the future and loving them for who they are, not what they do. It was a great episode and we hope you enjoy it!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 309 - Our Memories Help Make us

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are discussing our listeners' highlights from the summer so far. This includes trips to Disney World, the fair, pool days, and relaxing! There are so many ways to make memories with our kids, and those memories help make us who we are! This was a super fun episode to record, and we hope you have as much fun listening to it!

Before we begin we want to Thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Go support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine for supporting what we do! They are another fantastic source of homeschooling encouragement, so please go subscribe to their magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 308 - Hanging on to Summer

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Todd is flying solo! He talks about how it is up to you when and how you homeschool, the County Fair, and his favorite summer foods. It was a fun episode, so enjoy!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine for supporting what we do! They are another fantastic source of homeschooling encouragement, so please go subscribe to their magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 307 - A Healthy Chocolate that Tastes Good! - With Scott Walker

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 07:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! My name is Ben wilson, and during the summer months, we are going to be talking about some topics that aren't focused entirely on homeschooling! So this week we are joined by a homeschooling dad, and founder of Verse Chocolate, Scott Walker. He has a passion for healthy Chocolate and has created an amazing product that we think every homeschooling mom will enjoy. He also shares the process of how chocolate is made, and we think it is super interesting! If you would like to purchase some of their amazing chocolate visit versechocolate.com. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 306 - Our Family Movie and Activities Suggestions!

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! My name is Ben wilson, and it is now officially summer and our goal is to help you and your family enjoy these short summer months! So on this episode, we give our suggestions for some safe summer movies and fun activities you can do as a family!

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 305 - The Joy of Making Memories with Your Kids

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 07:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about the joy of making memories as a family during the summer, and celebrating Kid's Day! Summer provides so many opportunities to spend time as a family and make memories that will last a lifetime! This was a fun episode to record, and we hope you enjoy it!

Lastly, if you haven't already, please support us by leaving a review on whatever podcast app you listen on. This is an easy way to help others find our show, and we would really appreciate your support!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 303 - Wrapping Up the School Year - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 09:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Ben is joined by his mom, Debbie Wilson, to talk about wrapping up the school year. She shares how she finishes the curriculum and picks the last day. Also, they discuss how she handles keeping transcripts for the older children. Finally, they talk about some of their listener's favorite online homeschool resources. It was a great episode and we are sure you'll be encouraged!

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for supporting the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They are an amazing math curriculum and offer a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine for helping make The Smiling Homeschooler Possible. Their magazine is a fantastic source of encouragement, and every mom should subscribe over homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 302 - Equipping Your Artistic Child for the Future - With The Animation Course

Wed, 29 May 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by Chad and Kayla Stewart. He is a former Disney animator, and she is a homeschooling mom of 8 kids, and together they started The Animation Course. They offer classes to help teach any kid from the age of 11 to 18 how to draw and animate. They have a great approach to the process, and they have some fantastic advice and encouragement to share. If you are interested in enrolling your child into their classes, then use this special promo code to take $50 dollars off of your first enrollment. All you have to do is use the code smile50 at checkout over at theanimcourse.com. We want to Thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Go support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com. Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine for supporting what we do! They are another amazing source of homeschooling encouragement, so please go subscribe to their magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com. Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 301 - Homeschooling is Tough, but it is Good! With Zane Tyler

Tue, 21 May 2024 21:32:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Todd, is in North Carolina for a homeschooling convention. So we are replying an amazing episode from many years ago, where we interviewed Zane Tyler. She is a speaker, an advocate for homeschooling, and a mom. She was integral in the fight to help make homeschooling easy and possible and has a ton of encouragement to share.

We want to Thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Go support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 300 - Celebrating 300 Episodes!

Wed, 15 May 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are celebrating the 300th episode of The Smiling Homeschooler! We can't believe we have been doing the show for almost 5 years, and we couldn't do it without you! Thank you for being part of our team! On the episode, we talk about some of our favorite moments, and read some of our listener's favorite episodes as well. Join us for the celebration!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 299 - Homeschooling is the Best! - With Kelsi Ard

Wed, 08 May 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we were joined by homeschooling mom, and mother of three, Kelsi Ard. We met her at a recent homeschooling convention, liked her story, and thought she would be an encouraging guest to have on the show! We discuss her highs and lows from the first few years of homeschooling, and her thoughts after attending her first homeschool convention. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

Also, thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine for supporting what we do! They are another fantastic source of homeschooling encouragement, so please go subscribe to their magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Next week is our 300th episode, and we will be doing a live recording on the 14th over on our Facebook page. We are going to have some fun guests, and will be doing some giveaways! So we hope you can join us!

Episode 298 - What Happens After Graduation?

Wed, 01 May 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about what to expect after graduation. Our role as parents doesn't end the minute our children graduate. So we discuss whether or not you should allow your child to live with you until a certain age; if you should pressure them to get a job, go to college, or pay you rent? These ideas are important and relevant whether you have kids that are about to graduate, or you are just starting your homeschooling journey.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 297 - Should You Homeschool Your Child, Even if They Don't Want to?

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with a great new episode this week! Todd just got back from a convention in Fort Worth Texas, and while he was there he had some great conversations with homeschooling moms. These included questions about whether or not you should homeschool your child even if they want to go to school, whether is it okay to just graduate your child even if they haven't finished everything, what counts as 180 days of school, and more! This should be another encouraging episode and we hope you enjoy!

Lastly, don't forget to leave us a review on whatever podcast app you listen on. this is a great way to help others find our podcast and helps support what we do.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 296 - Enjoying God's Creation as a Family - With 1000 Hours Outside - Genny Yurich

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Todd is speaking at a homeschooling convention in Texas this week. So we are replaying an awesome episode. We were joined by Genny Yurich, of 1,000 Hours Outside! She has a mission to encourage families to spend more time outside, together, enjoying God's creation, playing, and learning. She was a great guest to have and had a ton of encouragement to share. We hope you enjoy!

Lastly, don't forget to leave us a review on whatever podcast app you listen on. this is a great way to help others find our podcast and be encouraged.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 295 - The 8 Great Smarts with Dr. Kathy Koch

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! My name is Ben wilson, and today we are playing an episode from a while back, where we were joined by Kathy Koch. She is a speaker, and author, and she joined us to share her encouragement that each child is "smart" in their own way! This is something every parent should listen to, and we hope you are encouraged!

Lastly, don't forget to leave us a review on whatever podcast app you listen on. this is a great way to help others find our podcast and be encouraged.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 294 - What Has Been the Hardest Part of Homeschooling Right Now?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:50:58 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! My name is Ben wilson, and this week we asked our listeners, what is the hardest part of homeschooling for you right now? We received some great responses, and we discussed some of these answers and provided some encouragement.

Lastly, don't forget to leave us a review on whatever podcast app you listen on. this is a great way to help others find our podcast and be encouraged

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 293 - Understanding Our Children’s Unique Personalities

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:44:11 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Ben had his son this past week, so he starts the episode to talk about how the birth went, and trying to savor these short days we have with our kids! Then Todd talks about understanding our children's unique personality types. We hope you enjoy it!

Before we begin we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Go support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 292 - Be Your Child's Cheerleader - Equipping Them to Dream

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! On this week's episode, our topic is equipping your child to find their own way as they grow older, and being their biggest cheerleader. This is something that every parent will have to deal with and gives you an amazing opportunity to impact your child's life. We think this episode will encourage you!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 291 - Valuing The Gift of Being a Woman

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! It is currently National Women's History Month, and because of this, we decided to talk about how important moms are, and the necessity of raising our daughters to value the gift of being a woman. Our world has put so much pressure on women and attempted to change the definition of what that means and what is important. Because of this, we think this is a critical topic to discuss! We think you will finish this episode encouraged!

But, have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 290 - How to Help Your Child Plan for the Future

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are replaying a great episode from a few years ago. We had a great discussion about how to equip and encourage your children as they start to think about their future. We think this will be encouraging!

Lastly, if you enjoy our podcast, make sure to share it with other homeschooling moms. There are so many other moms out there who need weekly encouragement!

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 289 - Distinguishing Between Your Child's Learning Hurdles and Laziness

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 07:20:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! In this episode we are talking about a question we hear often from our listeners, how do you know the difference between when your child is stuck because they don't get it, or is just acting lazy? How hard should you push them to keep trying in a given subject? We had a great conversation about these topics and we hope you feel encouraged by it!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 288 - Homeschooling During Hardship

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! In this episode, we talk about homeschooling during hardship. It is part of every person's life, and having the right approach to homeschooling during these tough times is important!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 287 - How to Be Happy While Homeschooling - With Charline Notgrass

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are playing an episode from a couple of years ago, where Charlene Notgrass joined us from Notgrass History. She is an author, speaker, and a homeschooling veteran! She has a passion for helping homeschooling moms be happy! She has a ton of encouragement and wisdom to share!

Lastly, if you need more weekly encouragement, you can sign up for our short weekly email over on our website, thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 286 - Why Homeschooling Conventions Are Amazing!

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 07:10:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are getting closer to Homeschool convention season, which is one of our favorite times of the year! So this week we talk about why homeschooling conventions are amazing, and why you should attend. We also give our insider tips on how to have a great experience!

Lastly, if you haven't already, please leave us a review on whatever podcast app you listen on! This is a great way to help others find our podcast, and encourage more homeschooling moms!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 285 - Standing Strong Against the Worlds Philosophy in Homeschooling

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are talking about standing strong against the world's philosophy in homeschooling. There is so much wrong thinking about what matters and also when it comes to learning and raising our kids. There is constant pressure from so many different people. So we have some encouragement to share that will help you withstand these pressures in your homeschooling.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 284 - Homeschool Curriculum Changes, Successes, and Beating the Winter Doldrums - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! My name is Ben Wilson, and we have a great episode for you this week! We are joined by Todd's wife, Debbie Wilson, to check in on how her year of homeschooling has gone so far. We discussed what has worked, what hasn't, and when it is okay to change homeschool curriculum. She also gave us her favorite part of the school year and she shared some encouragement on how to deal with the winter doldrums. It is always a great episode when Debbie is on, and we hope you enjoy it!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 283 - Homeschooling Can's and Can'ts

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are discussing what homeschooling can do, and what it can't do. This episode was inspired by a couple of emails we received from listeners, and we think this is an important topic to cover. We hope you finish this episode encouraged!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 282 - Are Extracurricular Activities Essential?

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week our topic of discussion is extracurricular activities. There are so many options and pressures out there when it comes to these types of activities, so we talk about whether or not they are important, and how you can approach them.

Lastly, if you haven't already, please leave us a quick review on whatever podcast app you listen on. This is a great way to help spread the word about the smiling homeschooler!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 281 - The Ten Most Important Things We have Ever Learned

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with our first episode of 2024! So to start this year off, we created lists of the top 10 most important things we have EVER learned! It was fun for us to put together our lists, and we would encourage you to try this as well!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 280 - Homeschooling and Parenting Are the Same!

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler We are taking a short Christmas break, so this week we are playing an episode from a couple of years ago. We discussed the fact that homeschooling and parenting go hand in hand, and are the same thing! This was a fun episode, and we hope you enjoy it!

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 279 - Take a Christmas Break!

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week join Todd for a short Christmas episode! We hope you enjoy this quick shot of encouragement and Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for helping make the smiling homeschooler possible! They are an amazing math curriculum, and the one our family uses! We would encourage you to check out their free trial over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly, thank you to Homeschool Today Magazine for their support. They are another wonderful source of homeschooling encouragement and we believe every mom should subscribe to their magazine. If you aren't already, please do so over at homeschooltoday.com.

Have a Merry Christmas and don't forget to smile!

Episode 278- Favorite Christmas Traditions

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! It is less than 2 weeks until Christmas! We can hardly believe it! This week we want to keep with the festive Christmas spirit, so we talk about our Favorite Christmas Tradition, and read some of our listener's favorites as well! This is a super fun episode.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile.

Episode 277 - The Pitfalls of Homeschooling and How to Avoid Them

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week are talking about the fact that although we believe homeschooling is amazing and something that everyone can do, the reality is that there are some pitfalls that we see homeschoolers fall into. We discuss some of the most common, and how to get out of them or avoid them. We think this is another encouraging episode!

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 276 - What is More Important?

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about what really matters, Math or science? History or Spelling? Cursive, or print? and a lot more! There are no wrong answers for many of these comparisons, but there is one theme that does matter: family and relationships. So we hope you enjoy this episode and leave encouraged!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine for supporting what we do! They are another fantastic source of homeschooling encouragement, so please subscribe to their magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com,

Lastly, don't forget to pick up the To Bethlehem our family Christmas game! You only have a small window to order in time for it to arrive before Christmas, so don't wait!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 275 - A Unique Way to Teach Science - With CrossWired Science

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we were joined by homeschooling veterans and the creators of CrossWired Science, Don and Renita Miller. They have a passion for homeschooling and teaching science, and they created an amazing curriculum because of this. They share how they started this journey and the unique approach their science curriculum uses. We think you will enjoy their encouragement and what they have to share! This is the week of Thanksgiving, so we hope you are taking a break from your normal homeschooling and are enjoying this time together.

Lastly, if you are interested in picking up To Bethlehem: The Christmas Game for the Entire Family, head on over to our website, thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 274 - Valuing the Gift of Time With Your Children - With Renee Miller

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by a veteran homeschooling mom of four, Renee Miller. Renee and her husband Rand started Miller Pad's and Paper many years ago and she has been running it with her family ever since. She is an important part of the homeschool community, has seen the fruit of homeschooling, and has a ton of wisdom and encouragement to share.

Lastly, just a reminder to pick up the You Da Dad daily calendar as a Christmas present for your husband. This is a great way to encourage your husband and will benefit the entire family. We have a limited quantity left, so make sure to get your order placed at thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 273 - The Most Frequently Asked Questions by Homeschooling Moms

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are going to answer the most frequently asked questions by Homeschooling Moms. Over the years we have had hundreds of homeschooling moms ask us questions, but many of them revolve around the same topics! These are great questions and important, and we hope you find our answers encouraging!

Lastly, we just released our 20th edition of the You da dad daily calendar. It is over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com. This a perfect Christmas present, and is a great way to support what we do. But we have a limited number of these, so don't wait to order!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 272 - Cherish Every Moment

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 08:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with a new episode! After a great family vacation, we've been thinking a lot about the speed at which time passes and the importance of making memories with our children. Family and homeschooling are so hard, but in the midst of the hard, we can create memories that last a lifetime. This is a great episode and we hope you enjoy!

Lastly, we just released our 20th edition of the You Da Dad daily calendar. It is over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com. This makes a fantastic Christmas present and is a great way to support what we do. https://store.familymanweb.com/2024-you-da-dad-daily-calendar/ But we have a limited quantity, so don't wait to order!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 271 - How to Manage Learning Frustration and Prevent Burnout - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We just got back from vacation today, so we are currently recovering! So we are replaying an episode from a while back. We had Todd's wife, Debbie, on to talk about how to prevent homeschooling burnout, and what to do when your child isn't learning something quickly. She always has wisdom and encouragement to share, and we hope you enjoy!

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine for supporting what we do! They are another fantastic source of homeschooling encouragement, so please go subscribe to their magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Also, if you haven't already we would appreciate if you would leave us a review on whatever podcast app you listen on! This is a great way to help spread the word about The Smiling Homeschooler.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 270 - What to Do When You Feel Like Crying

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are on vacation this week, so we are replaying an episode from a while back. If you homeschool, then chances are tears have been shed at some point. This is part of almost every mom's homeschooling journey, so this week we are talking about what to do when you are brought to tears!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 269 - Learning Gaps Happen, and That is Okay!

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week our topic is the fact that every child will have learning "gaps" and that is okay! This is one of the worries that we hear most often from homeschooling moms. So we talk about how to deal with the worry of the dreaded learning gap!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 268 - Breaking Free From the Fear of Failure

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:41:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we have a fantastic episode for you! We were joined by Ashley Wiggers with Homeschooling Today Magazine. We talk about what homeschooling with young children realistically looks like, and how to break free from the feeling of failure. Every time Ashley is on our show it is encouraging, and this week is no exception!

Before we begin we want to Thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine for their support. They are a fantastic resource for encouragement and if you haven't already, go subscribe over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 267 - How to Handle Interruptions to Homeschooling

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Our topic this week is a major aspect of life, interruptions. We talk about how to handle them, and whether or not there is such a thing as a bad interruption. We hope you enjoy!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more regular homeschooling encouragement, which every mom does, then subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

If you would like to take our homeschooler personality test, then head on over to our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 266 - Should Your Kids Have a Say in How you Homeschool Them?

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week talk about whether or not your child should have a say in how you homeschool them. We receive questions about this topic frequently, and we hope you find our answers encouraging!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. If you need more regular homeschooling encouragement, which every mom does, then subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Another great way to support the Smiling Homeschooler and encourage yourself is picking up one of our books over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 265 - Taking a Leap of Faith - With Jan Smith

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by homeschooling veteran, speaker, and leader, Jan Smith. She shares her wisdom and encouragement to take the leap of faith from the workspace and stay home with the kids. If you are already able to stay at home, then this episode will still be encouraging since she shares how important what you do is!

Another great way to support the Smiling Homeschooler and encourage yourself is picking up one of our books over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 264 - What to Expect When You’re Homeschooling

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are talking about what you can actually expect when it comes to homeschooling. Whether you are new homeschool mom, or a seasoned veteran, having realistic expectations is essential and can help you smile more! We hope this encourages you, and that you are having a great start to the school year, if you have started!

We want to Thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly, you can pick up our book Lies Homeschooling Mom's Believe over on our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com. If you need more encouragement, then this is the book you need to read!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 263 - What Should Our Priorities Be?

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we have a great episode for you! We discuss what the actual priorities look like for each subject that we teach and what actually matters! We are sure this will be encouraging!

Another great way to support the Smiling Homeschooler and encourage yourself, is by picking up one of our books over on our website the smilinghomeschooler.com

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 262 - Fun Questions with The Big Bash from World Watch News!

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are joined by Brian The Big Bash Basham from World Watch News! We talk about World Watch News, and we have some fun questions to help get to know Brian better! The regular news can be depressing and scary, and World Watch New's approach to daily news is important, refreshing, and safe! We highly recommend it and hope you enjoy this episode!

Lastly, if you would like a 6-month free trial of World Watch News, visit their website and use the promo code toddwilson6.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 261 - How to Handle a Rough Start to the School Year

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week was a fantastic episode! We were joined by Debbie Wilson, to talk about dealing with a rough start to the school year. She also has a ton of encouragement to share about how to deal with a child that you butt heads with, how to find joy in homeschooling and remembering that homeschooling is a marathon.

We also want to Thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Go support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 260 - The Four Whys Behind Homeschooling

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:47:07 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Todd gives the four whys behind why we homeschool! These are important to know and remember, especially as we get closer to the school year! As always, this will be an encouraging episode and we hope you enjoy!

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible for the last five years. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Go support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. If you need more regular homeschooling encouragement, which every mom does, then subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Lastly, if you haven't already, visit our website thesmlinghomeschooler.com and pick up Todd's book, Lies Homeschooling Moms believe. If you need more encouragement, then this is the book for you!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 259 - Don’t Start the School Year Yet! + Favorite Curriculum

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:10:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with a brand new episode! We have been hearing rumors of lots of moms that are thinking about starting the school year soon! But we are here this week to encourage you to wait! We also talk about our listener's favorite curriculum and tools from last year's school year. It was a fun episode to record, and we hope you enjoy it!

We also want to thank Teaching textbooks for helping to make the smiling homeschooler possible for the last five years. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly, if you haven't already, visit our website thesmlinghomeschooler.com, and pick up Todd's book Lies Homeschooling Moms believe. If you need more encouragement, then this is the book for you!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 258 - How to Have a Great Homeschooling Co-op Experience!

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are busy enjoying summer, and hopefully, you are too! It isn't time to start school yet, but one thing that some moms are starting to think about is co-op! Joining a good homeschool co-op can be great, but we talk about what it takes to have a wonderful homeschooling co-op experience. This episode is from a while back, and we hope you enjoy it!

Before we begin we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 257 - Teaching Your Kids About Money - With Charla McKinley

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! On today's episode, we are joined by Charla McKinley creator of Beyond Personal Finance and the Artisan of Adulting. She has created a fun and engaging curriculum to teach teens about the realities of money and finances.

Before we begin we want to Thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. You can visit Teachingtextbooks.com to check out a free trial.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 256 - It’s summertime!

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:18:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Todd is flying solo! He talks about spending time at the county fair, and answers some summer-related listener questions!

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making the Smiling Homeschooler possible! Their math curriculum is fun, engaging, and one of the best! Check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine for their support! Every homeschooling mom needs encouragement, and Homeschooling Today Magazine provides this! Go subscribe over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 255 - Family Friendly Movie Night Recommendations

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This is the week of the 4th of July, so this episode is a day late! Summer is a fantastic time to have fun with your family, and sometimes that can be a movie night! But it can be tough to find something that is appropriate for all ages, especially in this day and age. So we are replaying an episode from a couple of years ago, where we give some of our family-friendly movie night suggestions!

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 254 - Celebrating the Freedom of Homeschooling

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are only a few days away from the 4th of July, so we are talking about the freedom we have to homeschool and what raising patriots means in this day and age! It is another fun episode, and we hope you enjoy!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the smiling homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile during math time. Go support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly, if you want to pickup the book Todd mentioned or any of our other resources, go to thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 252 - Celebrating Our Children

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are talking about taking time to celebrate your kids and letting them know how important they are. We also talk about what to do if you don't have anyone encouraging you in your life.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. We work with them, because we believe their curriculum is one of the best and helps more homeschoolers smile. Support them, and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly, don't forget we have a ton of encouraging products over on our website, including books, notecards, t-shirts, and games. Visit thesmilinghomeschooler.com and click on the store to see all that we have to offer.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 252 - Parenting is Hard!

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 08:25:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are doing something a little bit different, we talk about the origins of Familyman Ministries and The Smiling Homeschooler! Also in honor of fathers Day coming up, we talk about the Bathroom Book of Fathering, which is a book Todd Wilson wrote to remind dads about what is most important. Although it is geared towards dads, don't worry, it is encouraging to any parent, and we think you will enjoy it!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for supporting the Smiling Homeschooler for more than 250 episodes. We would encourage you to let them know that you appreciate them supporting us, and if you haven't already go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. We were big fans of their magazine long before they were a sponsor and my Dad has written for them for many many years. If you would to have more regular homeschooling encouragement, then subscribe to their magazine over at homeschooling today.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 251 - Fostering a Love of Homeschooling in Your Children - With Ashley Wiggers

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! It is Ben's wedding anniversary on the day we normally record, so we decided to replay an awesome episode from a couple of years ago. We were joined by Ashley Wiggers from Homeschooling Today magazine, to talk about fostering a love of homeschooling in your children and multigenerational homeschooling. It was a great episode and we hope you enjoy it!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for supporting the Smiling Homeschooler for all of these years. We would encourage you to let them know that you appreciate them supporting us, and you should check out their math curriculum for next school year, over at teachingtextbooks.com

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. We were big fans of their magazine long before they were a sponsor and Todd has written for them for many many years. If you would like to have more regular homeschooling encouragement, then subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 250 - All Homeschoolers Have the Same Struggles

Wed, 31 May 2023 08:20:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back this week for episode 250! We have a great show for you! We talk about some of the conversations we have had with homeschooling moms recently, the end of the school year, and which states have the most smiling homeschoolers!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for supporting the Smiling Homeschooler for 250 episodes. We encourage you to let them know that you appreciate them supporting us, and if you haven't already go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. They are a wonderful source for regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already, you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com. You won't regret it!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 249 - Are You Actually Behind in Homeschooling?

Wed, 24 May 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We talk to and hear from so many homeschool moms, and one of the most common things they say, is that they are worried that their children are behind. So this week, we are replaying an episode from a while back, where we discuss this fear of being behind, and what to do to combat it!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. If you haven't used their amazing curriculum before, then check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. They are a wonderful source for regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already, you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 248 - End of the School Year Review and Listener Questions Answered - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 17 May 2023 08:20:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we were joined by Debbie Wilson to talk about how her school year has gone. What she has enjoyed doing that is new, and what she will be doing differently next year. She also shares some advice on whether to continue school through the summer, if you need to finish the curriculum to be done with the school year and what to do if your child is struggling to read!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. Go check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 247 - One of the Best Things You Can Do For Your Child is Homeschool

Wed, 10 May 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we talk about homeschool appreciation week, the impact putting your kids in public school could have, and if it is okay to skip English! This is another encouraging episode!

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 246 - Creating a Biblical Alternative to Disney - With Davy Liu - Kendu kids

Wed, 03 May 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by Davey Liu, founder of Kindu Kids! He is an animator, author, and visionary. His goal is to create movies that can rival Disney, and at the same time share Christian values and are safe for the entire family to watch. We love his passion, and we think you will too!

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. They are an outstanding source for regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already, you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 245 - Reasons Not to Homeschool and a Homeschooling Check-in

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 08:14:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Ben was joined by his wife Rissa to check in on how their homeschooling year has gone. They discussed the highlights, the surprises, and what curriculum they have enjoyed using. Ben also gives his counter-arguments to an article that offers many reasons why someone shouldn't homeschool. If you would like to reference some of the research Ben mentioned, visit https://www.nheri.org/ This is another awesome episode!

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for helping to make the Smiling Homeschooler possible. They are an amazing math curriculum, and help homeschoolers learn better and smile more! Go check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly, thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine! They are an amazing source of regular homeschooling encouragement! Subscribe to their magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 244 - When Should You Graduate Your Child?

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we talk about when it is a good time to graduate your kid and what does a homeschool graduation even look like? We are almost done with the school year, so we thought this would be a great time to talk about this!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 243 - Homeschooling Community is Important!

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are playing an episode from a couple of years ago where we were joined by David and Leslie Nunnery who run the Teach Them Diligently homeschooling conferences. We had a great conversation with them about the importance of the homeschool community, and how encouraging homeschooling conversations can be.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. They are an outstanding source of regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already, you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 242 - What To Do When You Feel Like You’re Behind in Homeschooling

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are talking about what to do when you feel like you are behind in your homeschooling, some of the homeschool personality types, and what changes to make if your child hates a subject.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile

Episode 241 - Can You Be Too Relaxed in Homeschooling?

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we discuss if it is possible to be too relaxed in your homeschooling and what to do if your child doesn't like homeschooling! These were great topics, we think you'll be encouraged!

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. They are a wonderful source of regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already, you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 240 - The Best Homeschooling Advice We’ve Been Given!

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:13:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are replaying an episode from a couple of years ago. We asked our listeners what the best Homeschooling advice they were ever given was, and their answers are very encouraging! We hope you enjoy it!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. We love their math curriculum, and we think you will too! You can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 239 - Energizing Your Homeschooling, and Motivating Teens

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are talking about how to energize your homeschooling, how to deal with attitudes and character issues, and how to motivate your teens. This is going to be another great episode!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check out a free trial at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. They are an outstanding source for regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already, you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 238 - Balancing a Clean House and Homeschooling, Fighting the Feeling of Failure, and More Listener Questions

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 07:10:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we answer some listener questions. These include how to balance a clean house, kids, and school. If it is okay to do the same school for two different-aged kids. Fighting the feeling of failure, and a whole lot more!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are the math curriculum that the Wilson family has used for more than a decade and recommend. If you would like to check out a free trial, head on over to teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 237 - Socialization and Homeschooling Conventions

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! My name is ben Wilson, this week we talk about the age-old topic of socialization, and we also discuss homeschooling conventions, because it is that time of year again! We hope you enjoy this week's episode! If you would like to see a list of all of the events Todd will be speaking at, visit this page. https://familymanweb.com/speaking/speaking-schedule/

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 236 - What is Okay to Let Slide?

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! There is so much pressure on homeschooling moms to teach it all, hit every subject, and start while their kids are young. So this week we are talking about the subjects that we think are okay to let slide sometimes! This was a fun episode and we hope you enjoy.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. We believe they are one of the best math curriculums, and they help more homeschoolers smile during math time! So go check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. They are a fantastic source for regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already, you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 235 - Every Child is Unique, and That is a Good Thing - With Pat Mills

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's day! This week we are replaying an episode from a couple of years ago. We were joined by Pat Mills, a homeschooling veteran, and part of Apologia! She shares how each child is unique, which is a good thing!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today Magazine, for their support. They are an excellent source for regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already, you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 234 - Playing Outside is School! - 1000 Hours Outside - Genny Yurich

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we have an awesome episode for you! We were joined by Genny Yurich from 1000 Hours Outside! She is passionate about her message of spending more time outside with your kids, and it is infections! She has an anti-cultural message, and we are big fans of the encouragement she had to share! Check out more from Genny over at 1000hoursoutside.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 233 - Every Child is Smart! - With Dr. Kathy Koch

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we have an amazing episode for you. We were joined by Author, and speaker Dr. Kathy Koch to talk about the 8 Smarts. Her message is encouraging and important, and we hope you enjoy hearing from her as much as we did! You can purchase her books at https://celebratekids.com/

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 232 - Dealing With Attitudes!

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:10:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are talking about something that every parent and homeschooling mom has had to deal with, and that is attitudes. We discuss how to deal with them in your homeschooling, and some of the causes! We hope you find it encouraging!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. You can check out a free trial over at their website teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 231 - Audio Drama For the Entire Family - With Brinkman Adventures

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This we were joined by Ian Bulton of Brinkman Adventures. They create absolutely incredible audio dramas that are inspiring, educational, uplifting, and fun for your entire family. The Wilson family loves what they do, and we think you will too. Ian was kind enough to share a link to an episode you can enjoy for free! https://www.dropbox.com/s/63gta24lsvns8tg/1-01%20086_%20%20Peppy%20the%20Christmas%20Cat.mp3?dl=0

Lastly thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. They are a wonderful source for regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already, you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 230 - Starting the Second Half of the School Year - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by Debbie Wilson, to talk about how to beat the dreaded winter doldrums. She also shares what curriculum she is using for this semester, and what she does to get started back up for the second half of the school year! As always, what she has to share is super encouraging!

Here is a list of some of the curriculums, and tools she is using currently.

World Watch

Training Hearts Teaching Minds/Nancy Ganz Commentary for Children

Paper Blanks app (to have them practice writing an answer to a question)

Essentials in Writing (or IEW)

Compass Classroom:
History-Dave Raymond’s American History
Creation Science (we’ve only watched the videos)

YouTube:
Smarter Every Day
The Action Lab
Stuff Made Here

Teaching Textbooks
Spelling You See

Read Alouds

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. They are a wonderful resource for regular homeschooling encouragement, and if you aren't already subscribed, you should be! Head on over to homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 229 - Encouraging Homeschool Goals and Hopes for 2023

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with a new episode this week! It is 2023, and in honor of this, we go over our listeners' hopes, plans, and goals for the second half of the homeschooling year. But don't worry, these new year goals will be encouraging, not discouraging!

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. They are an awesome resource for regular encouragement. So go subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 228 - How to Squash Doubt in Your Homeschooling - With Jamie Erickson

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 07:12:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We hope you and your family had an amazing Christmas! We are going to take one more week off without a live show, however, we will be back next week with a new episode! But we still think you'll want to listen to this week's show! This is an interview we did with Author and Homeschooling mom of 5 Jamie Erickson. She talks about Homeschooling bravely, squashing doubt, and homeschooling with confidence! It is a great episode!

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. They are an amazing resource for regular homeschooling encouragement, and you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com. \

Have a great week, a happy new year, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 227 - The Stranger - A Christmas Story

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! To celebrate Christmas we decided to replay an episode from last Christmas, Todd reads one of his Christmas stories. This is something your entire family can enjoy. So gather the family together, maybe turn down the lights, get a fun Christmasy snack, and enjoy an amazing story called The Stranger.

Lastly thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need regular homeschooling encouragement, then you should subscribe to their magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a Merry Christmas and don't forget to smile!

Episode 226 - Slowing Down for Christmas

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:25:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We love Christmas here at the Smiling Homeschooler! It is an amazing time of year to make memories with your children that will last a lifetime. So this week we talk about our Favorite Christmas things, and slowing down during this Christmas season!

Don't forget you only have a few more days to order on our website to get your husband the You Da Dad daily calendar before Christmas. We also have our amazing Christmas stories that your entire family will enjoy, over on our website. You can get these and more over at thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine at thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Have a great week, a Merry Christmas and keep smiling!

Episode 225 - A Fun Show Your Entire Family Can Watch - With Sam Wilson

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by Todd's son, Sam, to talk about a new Christian-based animated show he is working on, called the Wingfeather Saga. This is from the same studio that created the Chosen, and is something your whole family will want to watch. We talk about how it made and go over some suggestions to encourage your child if they are interested in animation.

If you would like to watch the show go to https://www.angel.com/watch/wingfeather-saga

Also just a reminder, there are only have 2 weeks left until Christmas, and you only have a small window left to pick up a calendar for your husband or the To Bethlehem Christmas game!

Lastly thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more regular homeschooling encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 224 - Is It Even Possible to Have a Stress Free Christmas?

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:30:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are officially in the Christmas season! This is one of our favorite times of the year, but it can also be one of the most stressful! There are gifts to buy, traditions to uphold and family to visit. In fact, there is so much to do that many people forget to smile! So this week we talk about if it is even possible to have a stress-free Christmas!

We have a few more weeks before Christmas, so don't forget to buy your husband a You da Dad daily calendar, and pick up the To Bethlem Christmas game, which your entire family will enjoy. Get both of these and more over on our website, thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

We would also like to thank Teaching Textbooks for their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They help more homeschoolers smile, and it is never too late to switch. You can check out a free trial of their math curriculum on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. They are an amazing source of encouragement and you should subscribe to their amazing magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 223 - The Homeschooling Things Our Listeners are Thankful For

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Thanksgiving is in just a couple of days, so we asked our followers what homeschooling things they were thankful for, and we had hundreds of amazing responses that we are excited to share some of them with you.

Also just a reminder, we only have four weekends left until Christmas, so if you need a gift for your husband make sure to pick up the You Da Dad daily calendar, or if you want to make some great memories with your family, grab our Christmas Game, To Bethlehem, over on our website thesmlinghomeschooler.com

Lastly thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more regular homeschooling encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and keep smiling!

Episode 222 - How to Help Your Child Feel Smart

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about how every child is smart but in different ways. The world puts a lot of pressure on our children to be specific kinds of smart, and we think it is important to push back on that!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their amazing magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 221 - How to Avoid a Bad Homeschooling Experience

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 07:10:00 -0500

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about how to avoid a bad homeschooling experience. It is always sad when we talk to a mom, child, or graduate that has had a bad experience with homeschooling! There are many things that can cause this, and today we discuss some of the most common culprits of bad homeschooling experiences.

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, which we think everyone needs, then make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 220 - Big Books and Facts Don’t Equal School!

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are back with a new episode after taking a couple of weeks off for vacation! So this week we are talking about family, vacation, and why big books and lots of facts don't equal school!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more, regular, homeschooling encouragement, then subscribe to their fantastic magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and don't forget to smile!

Episode 219 - Tips for Teaching Writing - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We are out for one more week on vacation and are currently making our way back to Indiana, but we should be back next week for our live show! However, we have another great podcast for you this week! This episode was from a couple of years ago, and we were joined by Debbie Wilson, to talk about how she teaches Writing, and the tips and tricks she has learned from decades of homeschooling. This was a great episode and we hope you enjoy!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, we would ask you to subscribe to their fantastic magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 218 - Keeping the School Day Short - With Durenda Wilson

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 08:20:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week our family is on vacation! So we are revisiting an episode from over a year ago, where we interviewed the author of The Four-hour School Day, Durenda Wilson. She had some great tips and encouragement to share, and we hope you enjoy this episode!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need regular homeschooling encouragement, you need to subscribe to their amazing magazine over at homeschooltoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 217 - World News From a Biblical Perspective - With Brian Basham from World Watch

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are joined by, Brian Basham, Also known as the big bash, from World Watch, to talk about how to help your children stay informed on world news but from a Christian worldview. This is a great interview and a fantastic homeschooling tool! If you would like to Try World Watch for free, for an entire month and a week, visit www.worldwatch.news/friends/todd-wilson

Before we start We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 216 - You Aren’t Homeschooling Alone - With Tara Bentley

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we were joined by Tara Bentley, from the Indiana Association of Home Educators, to talk about state homeschooling organizations, and why they are important to be a part of. This is relevant and helpful no matter what state you live in!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine over homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 215 - What To Do When You Are Brought to Tears

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 08:17:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are talking about what to do when you are brought to tears. This is something every homeschooling mom has experienced at some point, and we hope this episode is encouraging.

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 214 - Keep Your Eye on the Prize!

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 08:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Ben was joined by my wife Rissa, to talk about keeping your eye on the prize, and the transition from homeschooling to adulthood and marriage. It was a fun episode, and we hope you enjoy it!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more regular homeschooling encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 213 - Are Homeschooling and Parenting the Same Thing?

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 08:18:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we talk about whether or not homeschooling and parenting are the same thing! This is an important topic and we think it will be encouraging!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you are looking for regular homeschooling encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 212 - The importance of Encouraging One Another

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 08:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we talk about the things that cause the most discouragement for most homeschooling moms, and how to encourage yourself, and those around you. We hope you enjoy!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more regular homeschooling encouragement, subscribe to their amazing magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Here are some discussion questions for this topic.

How to be a Homeschool Encourager
Discussion questions:

What discourages you most about your homeschool day?

What are some of the best ways to encourage yourself?

What truths shore up your heart when you’re discouraged?

What do other homeschooling moms say or do that encourages you most? Got an example?

What kind of social media post discourage you most? Why?

What could I post on social that might encourage another homeschooling mom?

Purposeful homeschooling: What could I do this week to encourage myself? And encourage another mom?

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 211 - Starting the School Year Strong - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 08:31:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! On this episode we are joined by Debbie Wilson, to talk about the start of the school year. She explains her approach to starting the year, which curriculums she is uses, and what her plans are for this year.

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more regular homeschooling encouragement, then subscribe to their fantastic magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 210 - Encouraging Advice for New Homeschoolers - With Rissa Wilson

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we posted on Facebook asking for your best advice for new homeschoolers. We had well over 200 homeschooling moms respond, so Ben was joined by his wife Rissa to talk about the most encouraging comments!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 209 - It’s Not About What They Do, But Who They Are

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 08:26:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are talking about how to help encourage your child who is thinking about the future, and what true success means!

Also thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 208 - Why We Do What We Do - Our 4 Year Anniversary!

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 08:16:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week marks the four-year anniversary of the Smiling homeschooler! We want to thank all of you for listening every week, we couldn't do this without you! So today we are talking about why we do this, some of our favorite episodes and topics, and the future of the Smiling Homeschooler!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums out there, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement going into this school year, head on over to their website homeschoolingtoday.com to subscribe to their incredible magazine.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 207 - Equipping Your Child Who Learns Differently - With Abe Wilson

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 08:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Ben was joined by his brother Abe to talk about encouraging and equipping a child who learns differently or might be interested in doing woodworking or construction. He is a ton of fun, and we think what he has to share will be encouraging!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 206 - Be Happy Homeschooling! - Charlene Notgrass

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 08:30:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are joined by Charlene Notgrass from Notgrass history. She is a homeschooling veteran, and author, and she joined us to share some of her wisdom and encouragement. Her goal is to help more homeschool moms Be Happy! This is an amazing episode, and we are excited to have her join us.

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, subscribe to their fantastic magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 205 - Enjoying The Time You have With Your Kids

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:32:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Our family is enjoying summer and we hope yours is too! We decided to reply an episode from a couple of years ago, where we were joined by Author and Homeschooling Mom, Jamie Erickson. We really like her perspective and the encouragement she has to share on how to enjoy the days that you have with your children. We hope you enjoy, and we will be back next week with a normal episode!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.org.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 204 - Listener Questions with Todd and Debbie

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 08:44:00 -0400

This week Todd is on his own, and answered a bunch of listener questions, and was even joined by his wife Debbie for one question! This is a great episode and full of a lot of encouragement!

Also thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! Teaching Textbooks is a fantastic math curriculum and we could encourage everyone to go check out the free trial over on their website teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly, we want to thank Homeschooling Today Magazine for supporting the Smiling Homeschooler! If you need more encouragement from like-minded homeschoolers, make sure to subscribe to their incredible magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 203 - Homeschooling Freedoms We are Thankful For!

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 08:05:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week was the 4th of July here in the United States. So we give a list of the homeschooling freedoms we are thankful for!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their incredible magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 202 - Homeschooling Tips for the 4 Homeschool Personality Types

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we have some homeschooling tips for the four different homeschool personality types. This is a practical and encouraging episode!

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschooling encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine over at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 201 - The Swan and The Piper - Homeschool Personality Test

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:10:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are continuing our deep dive into the homeschool personality test. We are going to be talking about the Swan and the Sandpiper in this episode! Again if you haven't taken the test yet, head on over to thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Also thank you to homeschooling today magazine, for their support. If you need more homeschool encouragement, make sure to subscribe to their amazing magazine.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 200 - Discover Your Homeschool Personality Part 2 - The Falcon and The Owl

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to episode 200 of the Smiling Homeschooler We can't believe we have made it to this many episodes! We appreciate all of our listeners and thank you for being a part of the Smiling Homeschooler.
This week we are going to go over some of the weaknesses of the falcon and owl homeschool personality types. If you haven't taken the test yet, visit our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler over the last four years. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, check out homeschoolingtoday.com for an incredibly good and encouraging homeschooling magazine. We appreciate them partnering with the Smiling Homeschooler.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 199 - Discover Your Homeschool Personality

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 08:36:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. Tonight we're going to begin the conversation about our new Homeschool Personality Test. We'll talk about the characteristics of the OWL, FALCON, SWAN, and PIPER. Our hope is that it will help you smile more as you homeschool according to the strengths of your homeschool personality. You can take the test over on our website, thesmilinghomeschooler.com
Before we start I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, we want to thank Homeschooling Today Magazine for their support. Every Homeschooling mom should be subscribed to their incredible and encouraging magazine. To do this head on over to homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 198 - The Fear That Your Children Are Behind

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 08:05:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are talking about some observations from the many homeschool moms that Todd talked to over the last couple of weeks. So many moms are worried their kids are behind, and Todd has some encouragement to share.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. Please go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, we are excited to tell you more about our latest supporter Homeschool Today Magazine. Subscribe at homeschoolingtoday.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 197 - Encouraging Your Child’s Interests - With Ike Wilson

Wed, 25 May 2022 08:06:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we were joined by Ike Wilson to talk about encouraging your child's interests, and where to begin if they are interested in making things. Ike is super smart and has a ton of practical advice to share.

Before we start I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, thank you to Homeschooling today for partnering with us. They have an amazing and encouraging magazine, and you can check it out at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling

Episode 196 - Fighting the Fear of Failure and Book Recommendations with Katherine Petgen

Wed, 18 May 2022 08:14:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today, we were joined by Katherine Petgen (Wilson) to talk about fighting the fear of failure and to give some of her favorite book recommendations for kids.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums available and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, thank you to Homeschooling Today magazine for supporting what we do! Subscribe to their incredible magazine at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 195 - A Paradigm Shift in Writing - With Kay Chance

Wed, 11 May 2022 08:10:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we're joined by the co-executive editor of Homeschooling Today magazine, Kay Chance, to talk about changing the paradigm with writing. She wrote an amazing article in the spring issue of the magazine, talking about how we need to change some of our assumptions when it comes to writing. What she had to share on the podcast is sure to encourage you!

Also, we are excited to have Homeschooling Today Magazine as a supporter of the Smiling Homeschooler and would encourage you to subscribe at homeschoolingtoday.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 194 - You Decide What Your Child Has Completed and More Listener Questions

Wed, 04 May 2022 08:05:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we answer some more listener questions. These include what to do for college transcripts, how to make sure a middle child doesn't feel neglected, and more! This is another encouraging episode!

Also, we are excited to be supported by the Homeschool Today Magazine. Make sure to subscribe to their amazing and encouraging magazine!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 193 - Tips for Teaching Spelling - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 08:12:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we are replaying an episode from a couple of years ago, where we talked to Debbie Wilson about her thoughts on teaching spelling. She shares her tips, recommendations, and philosophy on this subject, and it was extremely encouraging and helpful. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Also, we are excited to tell you more about our latest partner Homeschool Today Magazine later in the show and we thank them for their support!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 192 - How Much Should You Push Your Kids? - Listener Questions

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! In this episode, we answer some listener questions. These include how to defeat the lie that you should stop homeschooling because it is hard, and how much should you push your child to overcome weakness?

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 191 - Interviewing Four Future Homeschooling Moms

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by four guests, Rissa Wilson (Ben's Wife), Ali Osborn, Lexi Vida, and Rebekah Franklin. All four of these moms are planning on homeschooling, so we asked them why they want to homeschool, what some of their fears are, and a whole lot more. It was a ton of fun, and what they had to share will be encouraging!

Also thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an amazing math curriculum, and they help more homeschoolers smile. Go try out their free demo at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 190 - Preventing Burnout and Fighting Frustration - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 08:05:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are joined by Debbie Wilson! She has some incredible encouragement and wisdom to share today. We talked about what to do when you feel burned out, and how to prevent frustration when your child just isn't getting "it".

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 189 - Preparing Your Children for Work

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we cover a bunch of different topics including, summer jobs, helping your children find their passion, preparing for different types of jobs, Michigan Homeschool laws, and more!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 188 - Springtime Homeschooling!

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 22:33:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Spring is upon us, or at least close, so this week were are talking about homeschooling in spring and what that can look like.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 187 - Not Every Child Will be a Writer, and that’s Okay!

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week Todd is gone, so Ben is joined by his sister Katherine, to talk about writing. Kat has some encouragement and suggestions to share. Writing is many kids' least favorite subject and can cause a lot of discouragement, so hopefully, this episode helps!

Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. The entire Wilson family has used their curriculum and loved it. If you would like to try their free demo, head on over to teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 186 - Homeschool Conventions are Good for the Soul!

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 07:08:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! In this episode, we talk about why homeschooling conventions are amazing and you should go to one. We also go over the reasons some of our audience gave, and we share some tips that should help you have an amazing experience at a homeschooling convention this year!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums around, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. You can checkout a free trial over on their website teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 185 - How to Help Your Children to Love Homeschooling - With Ashley Wiggers

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 22:26:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we have a returning guest, Ashley Wiggers, with homeschooling Today Magazine. Our topic this week is how to get our kids to love homeschooling and multi-generational homeschooling. What she has to share is going to be encouraging and we hope you enjoy this week's episode!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 184 - The Different Stages of Homeschooling - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 07:15:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week Todd is in South Carolina, so we are going to play an episode from a couple of years ago. But it is one that is definitely worth listening to! In this episode, we were joined by Debbie Wilson to talk about the different stages of homeschooling, which change depending on the age of your children.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 183 - Where to Start With History?

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 07:36:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week Todd is out of town, so Ben is holding down the fort. Since he is a history lover, he gives his suggestions on where to start with history and how to make it fun and engaging.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 182 - Parenting With God’s Grace

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 07:34:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we have a conversation about God's grace and parenting, how to balance rules/responsibility, with the grace of God.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 181 - Common Mistakes That Homeschooler’s Make

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 07:14:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we talk about some of the most common mistakes that every homeschooler makes, and this includes us! We think this is a great episode!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 180 - Sometimes You Have a Rough School Year - Listener Question

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 07:27:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! The day we normally record is Ben's Son's 3rd birthday, and Todd, is leaving for a speaking engagement in Alaska tomorrow, so this week we thought we would replay an episode from a while back. The topic of the show was answering listener questions and specifically one about what to do when you have just had a rough homeschooling year. We hope you find the answer encouraging!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 179 - Helping Orphans In Need

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 07:03:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we have a guest joining us, Cameron Talbot, with Oak Life, whose purpose is equipping orphanages to better care for children in need. He is part of an awesome ministry and gives some ways that you can help out as well.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 178 - Mid-Year Check-in With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 07:04:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are doing a mid-year check-in with Debbie Wilson. As always she has a ton of encouragement, and wisdom to share, and we know you'll be encouraged by this episode.

Episode 177 - Finding the Joy in Homeschooling

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 07:02:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we are talking about joy. Homeschool, parenting, and life are hard! and sometimes it can be really difficult to find joy in the day-to-day. So in this episode, we talk about how to find joy in homeschooling.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 176 - Homeschooling in the Midst of Exhaustion

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 07:04:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we have an episode that we are replaying from a year or so ago. In this episode, we took a couple of listener questions. One was a question on how to have a family on limited finances, and the second question is from a mom who is exhausted, which we are guessing almost every mom can relate to. This is a great episode and we hope you enjoy it.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 175 - A Christmas Story for the Entire Family

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:03:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we have something your whole family can enjoy together. Todd is going to share one of his Christmas stories from The Familyman Christmas Treasury, The Stranger. We hope your family enjoys this story as much as the Wilson family.

Before we start I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are one of the best math curriculums available, and we believe they help more homeschoolers smile. So go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Merry Christmas, and keep smiling!

Episode 174 - Homeschool Families Need Your Help

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 07:02:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we need your help! As you probably know, Kentucky experienced devastating tornados a few days ago, affecting thousands of people, including over 100 homeschool families. Because of this, our guest John Hannigan, created homeschoolrelief.org to help homeschool families in need. He joins us this week to tell you how you can help these families.

Also, don't forget to order the You Da' Dad daily calendar for your husband for Christmas, we still have some left, and also our Game, To Bethlehem, which is a fun way to spend some time with your family. Also, this supports the Smiling Homeschooler!

Episode 173 - Good Grades Don‘t Equal Good Learning

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 07:03:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we talk about the topic of grades. This is something we have talked about before, but we think it is important to continue to remind everyone that grades aren't the sign of true learning.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 172 - Christmas Movies and Homeschooling Go Together!

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 07:02:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! It is that time of year again, so we are talking about how homeschooling and Christmas go together and giving our recommendations for the best Christmas movies.

Also, don't forget to order the You Da' Dad daily calendar for your husband for Christmas, we still have some left, and also pick up our game, To Bethlehem, which is a fun way to spend some time with your family. Also, this supports the smiling homeschooler!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 171 - Why We Are Thankful For Homeschooling

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 07:03:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! We are back with a new episode for you this week! And we are talking about Thanksgiving and all of the things that we, as homeschoolers, are thankful for.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 170 - Helping Your Child Follow Their Dreams - With Sam Wilson

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 07:04:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Todd and Ben are currently on vacation! So we are replaying an older episode, but it is definitely still worth listening to! a couple of years ago we had Todd's son, Sam, on the podcast. He is a 3D animator and has been able to follow his passion as a career. Homeschooling was a big part of how he was able to do that and he shares some of the ways his parents helped fan his dreams.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 169 - Interview With Dr. Gary Chapman - Author of 5 Love Languages

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 07:07:00 -0500

Hey everyone! Todd and Ben are currently on vacation, so this week's episode is a recent interview that Todd did with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of 5 Love Languages. Dr. Chapman joined Todd on the Familyman Show to talk about his most recent book and share some of his wisdom on parenting. This is a really awesome episode that you won't want to miss!

Also, thank you to Teaching Textbooks for their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are the math curriculum that helps homeschoolers smile! Check out a demo over at their website teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 168 - Team Homeschool Mom!

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 08:01:00 -0400

This week's show was a bit shorter than normal due to a birthday celebration for Ben's wife, so Todd brings some solo encouragement on this episode! We hope you enjoy it!

Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler! They are a math curriculum that helps homeschoolers smile.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 167 - Parenting Advice With Ginger Hubbard

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 08:30:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week were are joined by the author of Don't Make Me Count to Three, Wise Words For Moms, and I Can't Believe You Just Said That!, Ginger Hubbard. She has some practical and encouraging parenting advice to share.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler! In our opinion, they are one of the best math curriculums around and you should check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 166 - Balancing Life and Homeschooling

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 08:02:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are talking about the delicate balance between the busyness of life, sports, friends, and homeschooling!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are the math curriculum that helps homeschoolers smile, and you can check out a free trial over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, if you or your spouse enjoy movies or tv shows, check out one of our other podcasts, The Wonderful World of Disney +. In our latest episode, we review the timeless and family-friendly movie, Pete's Dragon.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 165 - How To Homeschool the ”Hard” Child

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week's episode is a really good one! We talk about how to homeschool the hard child, and to be clear we don't mean a bad child, just a one that is...hard!
Also, don't forget We are going to be releasing the You Da' Dad daily calendar soon. This is a great Christmas present for your husband, and we only have a limited quantity, so keep an eye on our Facebook page, and website for when those become available.

Before we start I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! Check out a free trial over on their website teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 164 - When to Make a Curriculum Change

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we talk about how to know when to make a change in your homeschool curriculum. It can be tough to let go, so hopefully, this episode is helpful!

We are going to be releasing the You Da' Dad daily calendar soon! This is a great Christmas present for your husband, and we only have a limited quantity, so make sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page, and website for when those become available.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are the math curriculum that helps homeschoolers smile!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 163 - Unboxing a New Homeschool Bible Curriculum

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 08:04:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are joined by Suzanne Nunn, With FPEA, to talk about an upcoming conference for parents of special needs children. We also unbox and talk about Apologia's new product, the Word in Motion.

Before we start I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! If you want a math program that helps your family smile, then visit Teachingtextbooks.com for a free trial!

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 162 - Fall Fun for the Family

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 08:03:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! On this week's episode, we are talking about our favorite fall fun you can do as a family and how you can count these as school! Also again, if you haven't already, make sure to sign up for our short and encouraging weekly email, over on our website thesmilinghomeshcooler.com.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! It's summer, so we hope you aren't even thinking about school, but when you do, think about using Teaching Textbooks!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 161 - What to Look for in a Homeschool Co-op

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we are talking about what makes a good homeschool co-op and what to look for. We would also encourage you to go over to our website, thesmilinghomeschooler.com, and sign up for a weekly email. This is just a short and encouraging email, that will help you smile!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler! They are our math curriculum of choice, and we would encourage you to go check them out at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 160 - Staying Organized - With Homeschool Manager

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are joined by Chris Olsen, who is a homeschooling veteran, and a creator of Homeschool Manager, a software that helps homeschoolers stay organized, and stay relaxed.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! When you thinking about math time, think of Teaching Textbooks!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 159 - The Best Homeschool Advice Ever!

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:33:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we are talking about the best homeschool advice that our listeners have ever received. There are some amazing answers, and we are sure you're going to be encouraged this week.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! You can test out a free demo over on their website teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 158 - Don't Settle for Pretend Learning

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are talking about not settling for pretend learning. Don't worry, if you aren't sure what that means, we will explain it in the show. But we think this is a super important aspect of homeschooling!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler! They are the math curriculum that helps homeschoolers smile and that is why we love working with them. Check them out at teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 157 - You Are Smart Enough to Homeschool Your Kids

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 08:03:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week were are going back into the archives to re-play an episode from a few years ago, but we think this topic is still extremely important! One of the most common things we hear from moms is that they don't think they are smart enough to homeschool their children. So that is what this week's topic is about and hopefully, we will be putting that myth to rest.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! It's summer, so we hope you aren't even thinking about school, but when you do, think about using Teaching Textbooks!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 156 - How to Start the School Year Even When You Don't Want to - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 08:02:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! The podcast to help encourage homeschooling moms. This week we were joined by Debbie Wilson. She shares her advice on how to get started with the school year, even when you don't feel like it. What she has to say is as encouraging as always!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! It's summer, so we hope you aren't even thinking about school, but when you do, think about using Teaching Textbooks!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 155 - The 4-Hour School Day - With Durenda Wilson

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are joined by a very special guest, Durenda Wilson, who is the author of the 4-hour school day. She has a ton of encouragement and practical advice to share!

Have a great week and keep smiling

Episode 154 - Tips for Getting Started with Homeschooling - Debbie Wilson

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 08:01:00 -0400

This week we are playing an episode from over a year ago. Debbie Wilson joined us to share her simple tips for getting started with homeschooling. Whether you are brand new to homeschooling or a veteran, what Debbie has to share is encouraging.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler.

Have a great week and keep smiling.

Episode 153 - Family Friendly Movie Ideas

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 08:02:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we are sticking with our theme of not talking about homeschooling specifically! So in this episode, we are giving you some recommendations of movies you can watch with the entire family.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! It's summer, so we hope you aren't even thinking about school, but when you do, think about using Teaching Textbooks!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 152 - Ben's Birthday Podcast - Without Ben

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. If you would like more weekly encouragement, make sure to sign up for our short weekly email over on our website, thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Also we would like to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. For a free trial, head on over to their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 151 - Date Night Ideas

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we have some date night ideas for you! This is from a listener question, and we think it is a great topic!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 150 - How Homeschooling Equipped Us - With Sam Wilson

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week homeschool graduate, Sam Wilson, joins us to talk about how homeschooling equipped him to pursue his passion. This is a great episode and we are sure you will be encouraged.

Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! For a free trial visit teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 149 - Chores, Allowances, and Summer Jobs

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! In this week's episode we are talking about a couple of listener suggested topics. which were all about summer chores, allowances, and summer jobs. This is a great topic, and it was a fun episode.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler! It's summer, so we hope you aren't even thinking about school, but when you do, think about using Teaching Textbooks!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 148 - The 50 Mile Challenge

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we have a fun challenge for you. We are calling it the 50-mile challenge. The purpose of it is to find a few fun things to do with your family within 50 miles of your house.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an amazing math curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out at teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 147 - Fun Ways to Make Memories With Your Family

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we are replaying an episode where we give some ideas and suggestions of places you can visit with your family this summer. It was a fun episode, and we hope you enjoy!

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an amazing curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out.

Have a great week and keep smiling

Episode 146 - After Graduation Expectations

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 08:03:00 -0400

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler podcast! On this episode we are talking about the time after graduation and what to expect. This is a big change for you and your child, but your role is still just as important as before graduation. This is going a super encouraging episode!

Also thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are the math curriculum that makes people smile, and we would encourage you to check them out!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 145 - A Different Way to Homeschool - With Dr. Roger Smith

Wed, 26 May 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Thank you for listening to our Podcast! This episode is a rerun from over a year ago. We interviewed Dr. Roger Smith, who is a homeschooling veteran, and speaker. He shares a different way to homeschool, and we are sure this will be encouraging.

Also, if you or a family member enjoy Disney movies and shows, then check out our new Podcast The Wonderful World of Disney+. This is a family-friendly podcast that will explore everything that Disney+ has to offer.

Lastly, Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. They are our favorite math curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out over at Teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 144 - The Transition Into Summer

Wed, 19 May 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Summer break is just around the corner! So on this week's episode, we talk about limiting video games, making a summer bucket list, and enjoying the time with your kids.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an amazing curriculum, and we would encourage you to check out a free demo over at teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 143 - Wrapping Up the School Year - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 12 May 2021 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! On this episode, we are joined again by Debbie Wilson! She shares her thoughts on wrapping up the end of the school year. As always, what she has to say will be encouraging and we know you'll love it.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an amazing curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out.
But let's get going, here is my dad, Todd Wilson

Episode 142 - Appreciating Homeschool Moms

Wed, 05 May 2021 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! It is teacher appreciation week, so we are celebrating you this week! What you are doing for your children is an amazing thing, and they are so blessed to have you.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an amazing curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 141 - Don't Let the Pressure Change You

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 08:03:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we have a short episode for you. We do a quick check-in on what we have been up to, and talk about the pressure that moms face when it comes to homeschooling.
Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an amazing curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 140 - Parenting Teenagers - With Connie Albers

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 08:02:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! In this episode, we have another awesome interview for you! We get to talk to Author and homeschooling mom, Connie Albers. She has written an amazing book about parent teens called Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens With Confidence and Joy. Even if your children aren't teenagers yet, this is an episode you need to listen to!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an incredible math curriculum and you should check them out at teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 139 - Every Child Needs Encouragement - With Coach Rick

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! On today's episode, we are joined by the founder of the Saints, Coach Rick. He has a passion for Christ and kids, and we are sure this will be encouraging. PE can be a great way to connect with your child and make some amazing memories. Plus is it is a wonderful way to encourage your child.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an amazing curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 138 - Are Extracurricular Activities Necessary?

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 08:02:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Thanks for listening to another episode of our podcast! Today we are talking all about extracurricular activities, and whether or not they are even necessary.

Before we start we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! They are an amazing curriculum, and we would encourage you to check them out.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 137 - Homeschooling Is Hard

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 08:02:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week were are answering customer questions and they seem to all have a theme, homeschooling is hard! We hope you are encouraged this week.

Also, thank you to Teaching Textbooks for their support of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 136 - Writing is Tough! - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! On this episode we are joined by Debbie Wilson, to talk about her recommendations for teaching writing. This can be a tough subject, but don't worry, what she has to share will be encouraging.
Before we begin we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 135 - What We've Learned From Homeschooling

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 08:04:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! In this episode, we are talking about the many things we have learned from homeschooling. This includes many listener suggestions and we think is a fun and encouraging episode.

Before we begin we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 134 - How to Involve Your Husband in Homeschooling

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are talking about how to involve your husband in homeschooling, especially during the hard times.

Before we begin we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling.

Episode 133 - Is College Always the Best Option? With Cindy LaJoy

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we are going to replay one of our early episodes. This was an interview we had with Cindy LaJoy, with Blue Collar homeschooling. We talked about how each child is different and how college isn't always the best option. We hope you find it encouraging!

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 132 - 7 Ways to Simplify Your Homeschool - With Christy Rucker

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 07:02:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! On this episode, we are joined by Christy Rucker to talk about 7 ways you can simplify your homeschool. What she has to share is encouraging and helpful!

If you would like more on this topic, head over to Amazon and pick up Christy's book!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 131 - Every Child is Different - With Pat Mills

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 07:01:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we were joined by another homeschooling veteran, Pat Mills, who is also the social media manager for Apologia. She has years of experience and we are sure you are going to be encouraged by what she has to share.

Before we begin I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 130 - Following Your Heart

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! In this week's episode we are talking about Birthdays, Valentine's days, and following your heart!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 129 - The Importance of Community - With David and Leslie Nunnery

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 07:01:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! On this episode, we are join by two special guests, David and Leslie Nunnery. They are the founders of the Teach Them Diligently homeschool conventions. We talk all about the importance of homeschooling conventions and community!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 128 - Showing Grace to Others

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 07:02:00 -0500

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler podcast! Tonight we are talking about giving other homeschooling moms grace. This is a tough topic and can be against our nature, but it is true! Hopefully, you feel encouraged by the end of the episode.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 127 - Multi-Generation Homeschooling - With Becky Clark

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 07:01:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! We have another awesome episode for you this week! We were joined by Homeschooling pioneer Becky Clark. She not only homeschooled her children but is now homeschooling her grandchildren. She has a ton of wisdom and encouragement to share. We hope you enjoy hearing from her.

Before we begin I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 126 - What Do You Actually Need to Teach?

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 07:01:00 -0500

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler podcast! On this week's episode we are talking about what you actually need to teach in your homeschool. Many homeschooling moms feel tons of pressure because they think the law has a ton of requirements, and this actually might not be true! This topic idea came from a listener question, if you have ever have something you would like us to cover, feel free to message us on Facebook!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 125 - The Best Curriculum for 2021

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 07:01:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! In this episode, we talk about the curriculum suggestions from the homeschool moms of the smiling homeschooler community. We cover a ton of great options, and maybe there is one that will help you smile more during your homeschooling this year!
We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to keep smiling!

Episode 124 - Homeschool Year-end Review

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 07:01:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! On this episode, Todd and Ben recap the homeschool year of 2020. This was a unique year in so many ways, including homeschooling!

Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Check out version 4.0 of their curriculum over at teachingtextbooks.com

Happy New Year, and keep smiling!

Episode 123 - A Christmas Story

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 07:01:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Tonight we have a special Christmas episode for you! We have a Christmas story to share with your whole family that we think you'll enjoy.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. They are that math curriculum that helps homeschoolers smile.
Before we begin I want to thank teaching textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler. You can out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Merry Christmas, and don't forget to smile!

Episode 122 - Countdown to Christmas

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 07:01:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Today we are talking about the highlights of this year, and about Christmas. We have some simple suggestions for making Christmas memories with your family.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 121 - Enjoying Today - With Jamie Erickson

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 22:49:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We have an awesome episode for you this week. We were joined by the Author of Homeschool Bravely, and homeschooling mom of five, Jamie Erickson. She has a ton of encouragement to share that will help you enjoy the days you have with your kids. We also interviewed Jamie back on Episode 30, so if you would like to hear more from her, go listen to that episode.

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Lastly, we also have some of the Daily calendars left for both men and women, over on our website. These are both awesome ways to help encourage friends and family and make Great Christmas Gifts.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 120 - The Freedom To Take Breaks

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast episode 120. Today we are answering a couple of listener questions, and talking about taking a break!

We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Also if you are looking for Christmas ideas for your Husband, pick up the You Da' Dad daily calendar over on our website! It makes for the perfect Christmas present, and will also be encouraging!

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 119 - Why Debbie Hates Teaching English

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! We have a great episode for you this week. We were joined by Debbie Wilson, to talk about the Subject of English. As always she has a ton of wisdom and encouragement to share.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler. You can checkout out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of their curriculum on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Also don't forget that the You da' dad daily calendar is available over our website. It will not only encourage your husband but also makes for a great Christmas gift! We have limited numbers, so head on over to thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 118 - The Goal of Education

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 07:05:00 -0500

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler podcast! This is episode 118 and today we are talking about the true purpose of education, which is sometimes easy to forget.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Also, don't forget that the You D' Dad daily calendar is available over our website. It will not only encourage your husband but also makes for a great Christmas gift! We have limited numbers, so head on over to thesmilinghomeschooler.com to pick one up.

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 117 - Technology and Toddlers

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about technology and toddlers this week!

Here is the link for the You Da' Dad Daily Calendar that Todd talked about. https://store.familymanweb.com/2021-you-da-dad-daily-calendar/

Also thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! Check out their free demo over at their website teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 116 - Motivating Kids and Homeschooling the Out-of-the-box Thinker

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 07:02:00 -0500

Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we answer two listener questions that cover how to motivate your kids to do their school, and how to teach the out-of-the-box learners. They are great questions, and the answers should encourage you!

If you have a question for us you are always welcome to message us over on Facebook!

Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler! Go check out their new demo for version 4.0 over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 115 - Homeschooling With Special Needs - Dianne Craft

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 08:01:00 -0400

Hey Everyone, welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! As this episode is airing we are driving back from our Florida Vacation. So we will be back next week with a normal show. However this week, we wanted to play another incredible interview from almost two years ago. You will be hearing from Dianne Craft who is an expert in teaching children that have Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, or other special needs. We hope you are encouraged!

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 114 - Geography Matters and the Trail Guide to Learning - With Ashley Wiggers

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are on Vacation, so we are replaying one of our first episodes! This is an awesome interview with Ashley Wiggers, who is the owner of Geography Matters and The Trail Guide to Learning!

Also thank you to Teaching Textbooks for Sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 113 - Encouraging Your Child's Dreams - With Kat Petgen

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 08:01:00 -0400

Hey Everyone, welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we are joined this week by Kat Petgen, Todd's Daughter! She has some encouragement to share about fanning your children's dreams and passions.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 112 - Thinking Outside the Curriculum Box

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Hey Everyone, welcome to episode 112! This week we are talking about thinking outside of the curriculum box. Many homeschoolers feel stuck to the traditional curriculums, and this episode is to encourage you that you can choose what to do for any subject! We think it will be encouraging.
Before we begin I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 111- Devotions in Homeschooling - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 08:03:00 -0400

Today we are talking about devotions in homeschooling, and to do so we are joined by Debbie Wilson. She had a ton of great suggestions, that we hope this helps and encourages you!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 110 - Homeschooling: Where to Start

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:01:00 -0400

Hi Everyone! We are glad you can join us for another awesome episode. This week we were joined by Janelle Smith, who is a homeschooling mom, that has been working to reach out and help new homeschoolers. She has a ton of encouragement and advice to share!

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to smile.

Episode 109 - The Ages and Stages of Homeschooling

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Hey Everyone, Thanks for joining us for episode 109! This week we are joined by Debbie Wilson, and she is here to share some of her wisdom and advice from decades of homeschooling. As your children get older, homeschooling changes, and that is what we are going to be talking about tonight!

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 108 - The First Day of School and Co-op

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 08:02:00 -0400

Hey Everyone, Thank you for being here for another episode! This week we are talking about the first day of school and homeschool co-ops. We know that the first day and week can be tough, so we hope this episode will encourage you! Also, we are selling a special T-shirt over on our website, and we have a very limited quantity! So if you would like a shirt that celebrates you as a homeschooling mom, and would like to support us, go pick one up!

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 107 - "Odd" But Happy Kids

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 08:01:00 -0400

This week Ben is out Sick, so Todd recorded an episode on his own that is sure to make you smile!

Episode 106 - Learning Breakthroughs!

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 08:02:00 -0400

Hey Everyone, Thanks for joining us for episode 106! This week Ben is joined by his wife Rissa. They both were homeschooled all the way through high school, so we thought they would share some of the parts of homeschool that stood out to them and some of their learning breakthroughs! We think it will be encouraging.

Before we begin we also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 105 - How to Foster the Hate of Learning

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Thank you for joining us for episode 105 of the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. This week we are giving you some ways that will ruin your children's love of learning, which will lead to a ruined homeschool year. But don't worry, you will be encouraged! Also if you would like to get your own Box-of-Smiles go to thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to keep smiling!

Episode 104 - What Matters Most - With Rachael Carman and Jan Smith

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 08:03:00 -0400

Hey Everyone, Thanks for listening to another episode of the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. Today we are going to playback two interviews that we did back near the beginning of the Smiling Homeschooler. The first is with Rachael Carman, who is a homeschooling mom and part-owner of Apologia, and the second is with Jan Smith, a homeschooling veteran, and homeschooling leader. They both are extremely encouraging and will remind you of what matters most.

We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to keep smiling!

Episode 103 - What To Do When You've Had a Rough School Year.

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to another episode of our podcast! This week we answer the question what do you do when your homeschool year is just rough? We know every homeschooler has been there at some point, so we think this will be an encouraging episode. Also if you haven't already, please leave us a review on whatever Podcast platform you are listening on! This is a great way to help spread the word about the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast
Before we begin I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can out a free demo of the new 4.0 version of the curriculum over on their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and as always keep smiling!

Episode 102 - Simple Advice For New Homeschoolers

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to episode 102 of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This is a great episode! We were joined by Debbie Wilson, and she shared her advice for new homeschoolers. This is the episode is a must-listen for anyone who is just getting started homeschool, or just needs a good reminder of what is important! We hope you share this with a friend! Also if you would like to email Debbie you can send it to rvmomof8@gmail.com.

Before we begin We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a new demo of their 4.0 version of their curriculum over at teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week, and keep smiling

Episode 101 - Homeschool Confessions

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to episode 101 of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. This week we are sharing some homeschool confessions. The point of this is to be real and encourage you not to stress too much.

If you're interested in watching the FPEA event Todd mentions in the show, go to this website https://www.steadfast2020.com/?fbclid=IwAR0R2iEOZuDhTePP5Gg1VZEM0SQAm4pSxn3q6A_xyBEAP6uFI7htTPm0wIs

Before we begin I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can try out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 100 - 100th Episode Q&A With the Wilson Family

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the 100th episode of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we had Todd, and Debbie, plus three of their kids and their spouses, and one of their daughters. We had a lot of fun recording this episode, and think you will enjoy it. We also want to thank everyone for allowing us to get to 100 episodes, and we are looking forward to the next 100! Again, please share this podcast with anyone who is just getting started homeschooling!

Before we begin we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 99 - What To Do When You're Feeling Defeated

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 08:01:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This episode ended up being awesome! We answered a couple listener questions, and we think you will find the answers encouraging. The first was about having a family on limited finances, and the second question was from a mom who is just exhausted.

Before we begin I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can try out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 98 - Fun With Your Family

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 08:02:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we cover some more of our suggestions for fun places you can visit with your family! The point of this is to give you ideas for ways to make memories as a family.

Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They are the math curriculum we choose and recommend.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 97 - Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 08:15:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about some of our favorite places that we would recommend you visit with your family. This was a fun episode to record and we hope you enjoy it! If you ever have a question or comment you can message us over on Facebook!

Before we begin I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can try out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 96 - Who Cares About History - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:03:00 -0400

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler podcast! This week we are joined by my mom, Debbie Wilson, to talk about history! It is also my parent's 30th wedding anniversary, so we talk about that as well. It is a fun episode! If you have any questions or comments you can message us over on our Facebook page. Also, sign up for our short weekly email over at our website!

Before we begin I want to thank teaching textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. You can try out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 95 - A Great Way to Make Family Memories

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about a great opportunity for your family to make some incredible memories! We are Joined by Brian Stackett from Harvey Cedars Bible Conference, to share about this fun event. If you are interested in attending, visit hcbible.org. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. Also, we have released a T-shirt for fathers day over at our website familymanweb.com. If you need a gift for your husband, then go pick one up before they are all gone. Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 94 - Who Cares About Spelling? With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This is an awesome episode since we were able to convince my mom, Debbie to join us! This is the first part of a mini-series we will be doing, that will cover a variety of different subjects and topics. But this week is all about spelling.

Before we begin I want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler. Also, my dad is releasing t-shirt for fathers day over at his website familymanweb.com. If you need a gift for your husband, then go pick one up before they are all gone!

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 93 - Should You Finish the Book?

Wed, 27 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to this episode! We appreciate each and every listener, you help make this podcast possible. We hope we encouraged you not to sweat finishing the book, and to be willing to think outside of the box! I also want to say thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachingtextbooks.com. Also if you would be interested in finding out more about Harvey Cedars visit this website https://www.hcbible.org/ Have a great week, and as always, keep smiling!

Episode 92 - Let the Real Learning Begin

Wed, 20 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! This week we are talking about what real learning is and why it should be a priority! This is important to know since it can help you get rid of a lot of stress!

But Before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

We also have a new Smiling Homeschooler t-shirt available on our website. It is currently $20 and we are doing free shipping on it.
This is a great way to support us, and look great at the same time!

Have a great week and keep smiling!

Episode 91 - Non-traditional Homeschooling With Dr. Roger Smith

Wed, 13 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Today we are joined by another amazing guest, Dr. Roger Smith. He homeschooling veteran and speaker and has a ton of wisdom and encouragement to share with you this week.

But Before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

Also, head on over to our website to purchase our new t-shirt, If you appreciate what we do, this would be a great way to help us out.

Episode 90 - Teacher Appreciation Week With Listener Call-ins!

Wed, 06 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This was a ton of fun to record, because we had three different listeners call into the show, and we got to ask them a few questions! They are all homeschool moms who have followed the Smiling Homeschooler and had some great advice, and encouragement to share! We think you will love what they had to say!

We also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.
Also head on over to our website to purchase our new tshirt, this is a great way to support us and what we do! thesmilinghomeschooler.com

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 89 - Homeschool Perspective With Gena Suarez

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are joined by co-founder of the Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Gena Suarez. She is a homeschooling veteran, who has a ton of experience and encouragement to share. This is an awesome episode. If you would like to see more from Gena, visit theoldschoolhouse.com.

Also, pick up a t-shirt before they are no longer available! http://store.familymanweb.com/smiling-homeschooler-t-shirt/ This is a great way to support what we do!

But Before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

Thank you for listening, and don't forget to keep smiling!

Episode 88 - How to Have a Graduation at Home

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We thought this week we would talk about how to do a graduation from home! Many people are having to change their plans, and we think we have some ideas that could help! But even if you don't have children ready to graduate, this will still be an encouraging episode.

We also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

Feel free to message us on Facebook if you have any questions or comments!

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 87 - The Homeschool Experiment - Author Interview

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler podcast! This week we are joined by, Taresa Niele, Author of the Homeschool Experiment. It was a great interview and an encouraging look at the real side of homeschooling! If you would like to read her book, visit thesimilinghomeschooler.com/store.

We also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out a free trial over at their website www.teachtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and as always, keep smiling!

Episode 86 - How To Be A Great Wife

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week is a little bit different and this episode is based on one of my Dad, Todd's, books, How to be a great wife even though you homeschool. Since he is married to homeschooling mom, he has some thoughts to share from the point of view of a husband. We hope you find this encouraging, and helpful in your marriage!

But Before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at Teachtextbooks.com.

Stay healthy, have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 85 - Homeschooling Conventions Are Important

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about homeschooling conventions. We recorded this a few weeks ago before everything with the Cornovirus became widespread. While many conventions have been canceled or postponed, we think that this topic is still important. Especially since the conventions later in the year will need your support, as well as the state organizations. So we hope this episode encourages you to make going to your state's homeschooling convention a priority in the future!

But Before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and don't forget to keep smiling!

Episode 84 - Helping New Homeschoolers

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler podcast! This week we thought we would talk about how you can help those around you that are just getting started homeschooling! We think this is a good topic since many people are having to try some form of homeschooling for the first time in their life, and who better to help than you?

If you would like to support the Smiling Homeschooler, check out our store over at thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 83 - Smiling During The Coronavirus

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about the thing that is on everyone's mind, Coronavirus. But we are focusing on encouraging and helping you smile during this time! We hope you finish this episode feeling happier, and that it will help you smile more during this whole ordeal!

But before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com for a free trial.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 82 - All About The Refresh Cruise 2021!

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking all about an upcoming cruise that Todd Wilson will is be speaking on! This is an awesome opportunity to get some rest and relaxation with your spouse! We are joined by Suzanna Nunn, who has all of the details you need to know about. But Before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 81 - The Personalities of Homeschooling

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about how different personality types affect homeschooling! This is a really important topic since your personality will affect every aspect of family and homeschool! But Before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and as always....keep smiling!

Episode 80 - Don't Be Afraid of the Requirements

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! My name is Ben Wilson, and this week we are talking about not fearing the requirements! This is a topic that drives thousands of homeschoolers crazy and takes the smiles out of their homeschooling. This should hopefully help you relax and not fear the requirements! But before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and as always....keep smiling!

Episode 79 - Homeschooling is More Than Books

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about the importance of non-book homeschooling! This includes things like teaching your children obedience, respect, and more. We also talk about some more of the lies that almost every homeschooling mom believes. But before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

Episode 78 - Be Brave, Be Real!

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we discuss something that is extremely important to us, and that is being real. This is something that nearly everyone struggles with, and it is something we all need to do more of! We hope you find this episode encouraging! But before we begin we also want to thank our sponsor, Teaching Textbooks. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and keep smiling!

Episode 77 - Homeschooling is a Daily Choice!

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Thank you for joining us for another episode of the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. If you have made the decision to homeschool, keep at it, don't give up, and remove your exit strategy if possible. You are doing an amazing job homeschooling your kids! Also, take a little time to think of your husband this week leading up to Valentine's day.
I also want to say thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling homeschooler podcast. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachingtextbooks.com.

have a great week, as always keep smiling!

Episode 76 - Freedom In Homeschooling

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Thanks for listening to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We hope you are encouraged to believe you are the best teacher your kids can have, and that you are the one that should be controlling your homeschooling, and not the government. If you would like more weekly encouragement, head on over to our website thesmilinghomeschooler.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter! It is short, and encouraging!

We also thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachingtextbooks.com.

have a great week, as always keep smiling!

Episode 75 - Who Should Control Your Homeschooling?

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Thank you for being part of another awesome episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast. As we mentioned earlier, if you would leave us a good review on whichever podcast platform you listen on, we would really appreciate it. Also if you would like to check out the NPR spot we talk about or read more from Brian Ray, then click the links below.

https://www.nheri.org/

https://www.npr.org/2020/01/02/793135323/how-should-we-regulate-homeschooling

We Also thank our Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at Teachingtextbooks.com.

have a great week, as always keep smiling!

Episode 74 - Taking Time For Your Spouse

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Thank you for joining us for another episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast! We hope we encouraged you to prioritize time with your spouse, and maybe even got you to consider booking a cruise for next year! If you have any questions, feel free to message us on Facebook, or you can email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com.
We also thank you to Teachingtextbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler podcast. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Episode 73 - Preparing Your Children For Adulthood - With Ike, Carolyn, and Rissa

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Thanks for listening to episode 73 of the smiling homeschooler podcast! We covered a lot of ground and even rambled a bit, but we hope you enjoyed hearing from Ike, Carolyn, and Rissa. If you ever have a question or comment, you message us on Facebook or send us an email to todd@thesmilinghomescooler. com.
Also thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachingtextbooks.com.

have a great week, as always keep smiling!

Episode 72 - My New Year Resolutions For You!

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Thank you for listening to another episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast. Try to follow these resolutions, and make them part of your homeschool for 2020. If you have any questions or need encouragement, feel free to message us on our facebook page, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Also thank you to teaching textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler podcast. They make math fun and you can check out their website over at teachingtextbooks.com.

have a great week, as always keep smiling! Happy New Year!

Episode 71 - The Christmas Special

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 23:25:17 -0500

Welcome to the Christmas Special of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are doing something that we haven't done before! This episode is something your whole family can enjoy. While my siblings and I were growing up, my dad wrote many different Christmas themed stories for us. One of them is Gladys remembers Christmas. We love the story and thought we would share it with you! W It is read by the talented Jim Hodges and is a great reminder about what Christmas is all about. So gather your kids and husband together in the family room, gets some snacks, and enjoy this wonderful, short, Christmas story.

Episode 70 - Take a Break!

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 07:00:00 -0500

Thank you for listening to The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We hope you enjoy your Christmas break and enjoy this special time and use it to make memories that will last a lifetime. Also if you have a topic you would like us to talk about message us on Facebook, or you can email us at Todd@thesmiling homeschooler.com. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 69 - Mid-Year Homeschooling Review

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 07:00:00 -0500

We are glad you joined us for another episode of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Enjoy the Christmas season, and again we encourage you to take it a bit easier during the season and enjoy being with your kids. Also if you want a great gift for your husband, go to the smiling homeschooler website and look for the daily calendar. It will encourage your husband in many ways during the coming year. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week of homeschooling and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 68 - Working and Homeschooling - Interview with Anjuli Watanabe

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:00:00 -0500

Thank you for listening to Episode 68 of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! If you were encouraged by Anujuli had to say or would like to connect with other Califonia homeschoolers, we would encourage you to check out their working homeschool mom's facebook group, and visit www.cheaofca.org. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week of homeschooling and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 67 - Encouraging Your Child's Dreams - Interview With Sam Wilson

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 07:01:00 -0500

Thanks for listening to Episode 67 of the smiling homeschooler podcast! We hope you liked hearing from Sam! Again if you have a question for him or would like to see his work go to https://samwilsonanimator.com/ We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.
Have a great week of homeschooling and as always...keep smiling!

It's Beginning to Feel a lot like Thanksgiving!

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 07:00:00 -0500

Thanks, everyone for joining us for another episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast. We hope this episode was a great reminder to enjoy the time you have with your kids and to enjoy this Thanksgiving! We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.
Have a great week of homeschooling and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 65 - The More the Merrier - Interview With a Dad Who Has 13 Kids

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 07:00:00 -0500

We hope you enjoyed this unique episode of the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. We will be back to normal next week. We hope what Pat had to say was encouraging to you! Also if you are interested in any of the products that my dad mentioned, go to thesmilinghomeschooler.com to check them out. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week of homeschooling and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 64 - Don't Be in Such a Hurry

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 07:00:00 -0500

Thank's for joining us for this week's episode, hopefully, it was encouraging and helped take some of the pressure you may feel, off your shoulders and will help you better enjoy the time you have with your kids. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week of homeschooling and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 63 - No Guilt Homeschooling

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast! We hope this topic was encouraging and helped take the guilt away from you if you struggle with any of the types we talked about today. If you have a question or comment you would like to ask us or have us talk about on the show you can email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com or message us on Facebook. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week of homeschooling and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 62 - How to Have the Perfect Family Vacation

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of the Smiling Homeschooler podcast! We hope some of these tips help and embrace the hard since that often leads to the best memories. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week of homeschooling and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 61 - Dealing With The Difficult Teen

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast! Hopefully, this encouraged you that your kids will value what you are doing even if you don't feel it now! We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week of homeschooling and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 60 - When To Take a Break From School

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast! Hopefully, you were encouraged to take time off of school and not feel guilty about it! Don't believe the lie that you aren't doing a good enough job, and focus on the relationship! We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 59 - Interview With Zan Tyler - Homeschooling Advocate and Pioneer

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thank's for joining us for this week's episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast! If you would like to contact Zan or would like to hear more from her, you should visit her website over at zanetyler.com. Homeschooling can be tough, but it is good, and you can do it and are best for your kids. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Episode 58 - Why I Pulled My Kids Out of Public School

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thank's for joining us for this week's episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast! We hope that what Alisa had to say will encourage you to believe that you are the best teacher for your kids and that homeschooling is a great decision. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 57 - When Getting Stuff Done Becomes an Excuse

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thank's for joining us for this week's episode of the smiling homeschooler podcast! If you have a question or a word of encouragement, we would love if you would send us a Facebook message! We can either answer your question on the show or privately. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 56 - How to Be Pro-Homeschooling Without Offending All of Your Non-Homeschooling Friends

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks, everyone for joining us for the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. We hope the topic for today's show helped and if you have a suggestion or comment, I would encourage you to message us on Facebook or email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. If you enjoy the podcast, we love if you would share it with a friend! We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.
Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 55 - Are You Smart Enough to Homeschool?

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks, everyone for joining us for the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. We want to thank everyone who leaves awesome comments and sends us great messages, they are encouraging to us, and we love hearing from you! We hope you found what we talked about today, encouraging! We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Here is the link to the website of Doctor Brian Ray, if you would like to see the research on homeschooling!

This is the link for the song that Ike and Carolyn had commissioned for their wedding! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BecTZFwlA5E

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 54 - Four Day Until the Wedding

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 08:10:00 -0400

Thanks, everyone for joining us for the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. If you are have started school already or are starting soon, we would love if you would send us a message letting us know how your first week goes! We love hearing from you, and we like seeing real homeschooling moments! We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 53 - The Dos and Don'ts of the First Week of School

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 08:00:00 -0400

extr0 Thanks everyone for joining us for the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. Hopefully these dos and don'ts will encourage you and help make this year the best school year yet! If you have a comment or question feel free to message us on Facebook! Also, I've said this before, but if you could leave us a review on whichever podcast platform you listen on, we would greatly appreciate it. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. They make math fun, and you can check out a free trial over at their website, teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 52 - 1 Year Anniversary with Debbie Wilson

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 10:33:18 -0400

Thanks, everyone for joining us for the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! I know you enjoyed hearing from my mom since she always has some great answers. If you have a question for her you can always message us on Facebook and we will make sure she sees your message. We would encourage you to go check out our sponsor teaching textbooks over at their website teachingtextbooks.com. They have affordable pricing, and you can check out their free trial over at their website.
Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 51 - What Age You Should You Start Homeschooling Your Kids?

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks, everyone for joining us for the Smiling Homeschooler Podcat! This episode was a lot of fun, and we had some great questions, from you all! If you have a question or comment you would like us to address, you can message us on Facebook or email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com We would encourage you to go check out our sponsor teaching textbooks over at their website teachingtextbooks.com. They have affordable pricing, and you can check out their free trial over at their website.

Have a wonderful week, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 50 - The Pitfalls of to Much Control

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening! Enjoy your summer, and stick at it even if it is hard! Because kids, homeschooling, and family are hard! if you have a question or comment you would like answered on the show you can either email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com or message us on Facebook! We would encourage you to go check out teaching textbooks over at their website teachingtextbooks.com. They have affordable pricing, and you can view a sample lesson and try their free trial on their website.

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 49 - Impractical Things You Should Do This Summer

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening! Hopefully, you are enjoying the summer, and taking the time to relax, and do fun things with your kids! Try not to even think about school yet, if at all possible! Also, try to stop the ice cream truck this week if you have one around you. If you need some more summer bucket list ideas, go to the smilinghomeschooler.com for a great list of suggestions. We would encourage you to go check out teaching textbooks over at their website teachingtextbooks.com. They have affordable pricing, and you can view a sample lesson and try a free trial.

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 48 - Fun at the Fair

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening! We hope we got you craving a day at the fair! Enjoy your summer, and try not to think about school for a while! Spend time with your kids and keep doing that summer bucket list. We would also appreciate if you would leave a quick review on iTunes if you enjoy the show! We encourage you to go check out teaching textbooks over at their website teachingtextbooks.com. They have affordable pricing, and see a sample lesson and try the free trial.

Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 47 - Interview With the Founder of Teaching Textbooks, Greg Sabouri

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening! I hope what Greg had to say was encouraging to you, and helped take some of the stress of teaching high school, away! We really do encourage you to go check out teaching textbooks over at their website teachingtextbooks.com. They have affordable pricing, and you can check out their free trial. If you would like more weekly encouragement, signup for our weekly email over at thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 46 - Big Kid Problems

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to this week's show! We are talking about big kid problems this week, which includes finding a spouse! If you would like more weekly encouragement, subscribe to our weekly email over at thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! You can check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 45 - Why We Homeschool & Kids Day

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening! Continue enjoying your summer, and again we challenge you to make that summer bucket list and make those memories. If you have a comment or question you can email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com We also want to Thank our good friends at Teaching textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products, view a sample lesson, and check out their affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com

Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 44 - Books With Ben

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Thanks for listening to this week's episode. Ben has a bunch of book recommendations, and talks about helping your child to learn to love reading! Remember let your kids be bored! Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring this week's show. You can check out a sample lesson or their free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 43 - Dealing With High Achievers

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to this weeks episode! We talk about dealing with the "high achievers" in your life, and about being real on social media. We hope this episode is encouraging to you! If you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate if you would leave us a quick review on iTunes! We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring this weeks episode. You can check out a sample lesson, or a try a free trial at www.teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great weekend, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 41 - The Smiling Homeschooler's Guide to Summer Fun

Wed, 29 May 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to this week's show! Here is our guide to summer fun! If you would like to view the checklist that Todd talked about, click Here. We would also encourage you to signup for our weekly email over at thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring this week's podcast! Check out a free trial and sample lesson over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Have a great week, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 40 - Listener Questions and Comments with Rissa and Ben

Wed, 22 May 2019 08:00:00 -0400

This week Rissa and Ben Wilson answer listener questions. We talk about the transition from school to life, and about when to finish for the year. If you would like to send us a comment or a question you can email us at Todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring this week's show! You can try out a free trial over at Teachingtextbooks.com.

Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 39 - The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Wed, 15 May 2019 08:02:00 -0400

Thanks for listening! We hope we encouraged you not to worry too much about finishing every page in the curriculum, and to take a summer break, beginning soon! If you want to get your husband an awesome fathers day gift keep an eye on the familymanweb.com store for some awesome t-shirts. We also want to Thank our good friends at Teaching textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products, view a sample lesson, and check out their affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com
Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 38 - Homeschool Teacher Appreciation Week

Wed, 08 May 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening! This is homeschool Teacher Appreciation Week, so thank you, moms, for all that you do! We hope you find this podcast encouraging. If you ever have a question or comment for either of us, you can email us at ben or todd @thesmilinghomeschooler.com. We also want to thank our good friends at Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the podcast! You can check out their free trial over at www.teachingtextbooks.com

Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 37- Video Games From a Father and Son perspective - Part 2

Wed, 01 May 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening! We hope you enjoy part 2 of our mini-series about Video games and technology! If you have any follow up questions or comments you can email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Or you can message us on Facebook. We would appreciate if you would leave us a quick review on the podcast platform that you use! Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring this week's show!

Thanks for listening, and as always....keep smiling!

Episode 36 - Video Games, From a Father and Son Perspective

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 07:57:07 -0400

Welcome to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! Thanks for listening to Part 1 of our 2 part series talking about video games! We hope this is helpful and informative. If you have a question you would like us to answer on next week's show, you can either message us on Facebook or email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! You can check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com.

Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 35 - A Smorgasbord of Smiles!

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening! Although it was a bit less focused them some of our episodes, we hope you found it encouraging. If you have a question or you have a topic you would like us to cover, feel free to message us on Facebook. We also want to Thank our good friends at Teaching textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products, view a sample lesson, and check out their affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com

For more encouragement, visit our website www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Have a great week, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 34 - Interview With Cindy LaJoy - Blue Collar Homeschool

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to this awesome episode of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We interview Cindy LaJoy with Blue Collar Homeschool. What she has to say is freeing, and encouraging. We hope you enjoy this episode and check out more from Cindy over in her Blue Collar Homeschool Facebook group. If you would ever like to reach out to Todd or Ben you can message us through Facebook, or email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. Check out a free trial over at www.teachingtextbooks.com.

Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 33 - Fears Homeschooling Moms Face

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to Episode 33 of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! If you would like to check out more of what we do you can visit our website www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thanks to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring this week's episode. If you would like to check out their free trial you can visit their website at www.teachingtextbooks.com. Have a great week, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 32 - Travel and Homeschooling

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to this week's show! We talk about traveling and homeschooling while doing it! If you are attending the Nashville homeschooling convention coming up you could win a free audio CD of your choice! Just come up to the Familyman Ministries booth and say "I'm a smiling homeschooler" if you are the first you'll win that CD! If you enjoy our show we would appreciate if you would leave us a quick review as well!

Thanks to Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast.

Episode 31 - Preparing Kids for Marriage - With Debbie Wilson

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 16:06:24 -0400

Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoyed hearing from Debbie Wilson this week, as we talk about preparing kids for marriage. If ever have questions or comments you can email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. We also want to Thank our good friends at Teaching textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products, view a sample lesson, and check out their affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com. Keep enjoying the opportunities homeschooling allows you to have with your children, time moves fast!

And as always...keep smiling!

Episode 30 - Homeschooling With Young Children - With Jamie Erickson

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 08:10:00 -0400

Thanks for joining us this week for the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. Jamie Erickson has a ton of encouragement and tips for homeschooling with younger kids. We are sure it will help you smile more while homeschooling. If you would like to check out more from her you can visit her website at www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com. Plus visit our website to sign up for our weekly email and check out our blog! You can find these at www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Episode 29 - Homeschool Convention Edition

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 07:10:00 -0500

Thanks for listening! Hopefully, all of our talking about homeschooling conventions will encourage you to attend one this year! We also want to thank Teach Them Diligently for giving us a free family pass to give away during the live show. Thanks to our good friends at Teaching textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products, view a sample lesson, and check out their affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com If you would like to see Todd's speaking schedule you can visit www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Episode 28 - Interview With Homeschooling Mom of 12, Cheryl Plourde

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 07:10:00 -0500

Thanks for listening! Our goal as always was for this show to be encouraging to you. We think Cheryl had a lot of encouragement to share. If you would like to reach out to her you can email her Cplourde@calvaryjupiter.com. We would also encourage you to share this episode with your fellow homeschooling friend.Thanks to our good friends at Teaching textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products, view a sample lesson, and check out their affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com
Have a wonderful week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 27 - Interview with special needs expert, Dianne Craft

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 07:10:00 -0500

This week we are super excited to have Dianne Craft with us on the show! her goal is to take the stress away from teaching "Special-needs" Children. Thank you to teaching textbooks for sponsoring this week's podcast! You can find more from Dianne at www.diannecraft.org

Episode 26 - Valentine's Day Episode With Rissa Wilson

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 07:00:00 -0500

This week Ben and Rissa talk about their new son, valentine's day, and making your spouse a priority. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler podcast. You can email us at todd or ben @thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 25 - Love Boat Edition with Heidi St. John

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 07:00:00 -0500

his show is going to be a lot of fun as we talk to Mom Strong author and speaker, Heidi St. John about a REFRESH Cruise we'll be doing together on January 4-12, 2020...AND YOU'RE INVITED!!! Join us now for a high seas adventure! To take advantage of the discounted rate of ONLY $544 per person, you’ll need to make your reservations by March 27th and mention the FPEA block number 6GHW24 . Call Carnival Cruise soon at 1-800-764-7419.

If you would like to see more from Heidi you can visit her websites at momstronginternational.com or heidistjohn.com. You can also email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Thanks for listening, and as always....keep smiling!

Episode 24 - Interview With Tina Farewell

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 07:10:00 -0500

This week is a great episode! We interview homeschooling veteran Tina Farewell! We know it will be encouraging. If you would like to get in touch with us you can email us at Todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thank you for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 23 - Life Directed Homeschooling

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 07:00:00 -0500

Thanks for listening to Episode 23 of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We talk about finishing the tub renovation, upcoming baby, homeschooling while moving, and what to do if your kids don't want to do school. If you have any questions or comments you can email them to todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thanks for listening and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 22 - Interview With Jan Smith, Homeschooling Veteran and Leader

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler Podcast. We are super excited for you to listen to this weeks episode! Jan Smith joined us, who is a homeschooling veteran and leader, and what she has to say is incredibly encouraging. This episode is brought to you by Teaching Textbooks an award-winning Math program for Homeschoolers that is sure to make you and your children smile. If you would like to get in touch with any of us you can email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thanks for listening!

Episode 21 - Back to School - Winter Kickoff...Smiling All the Way!

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler Podcast! We are back from our two week Christmas, New Year, and sickness break and ready to talk about getting back into school and how to smile while doing it! We also give some encouraging homeschool related New Year resolutions. This first show of 2019 is brought to you by Teaching Textbooks an award-winning Math program for Homeschoolers that is sure to make you and your children smile. So let's get started...here's my dad Todd Wilson.

Episode 20 - The Christmas Episode with Ben and Rissa

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 07:00:00 -0500

This week it is just my wife Rissa and I (Ben) holding down the fort! We talk about our favorite Christmas movies, Christmas memories, babies and taking breaks from homeschooling! We hope it is encouraging! If you enjoy the podcast, we would ask that you share it with a friend! Have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Episode 19 - Books for Your Children, An Interview With Chuck Black & Katherine Wilson

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 07:00:00 -0500

Thanks for listening to this week's podcast! We had an amazing interview with Chuck Black and Katherine Wilson. We talk about how to interest your child in reading, and a bunch of amazing book recommendations. If you would like to check out any of Chuck's books, visit http://kingdomseries.com/. To find information or purchase Katherine's books go to thesmilinghomeschooler.com/store. If you have questions or comments, you can email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 18 - The Dark Fears of Homeschooling Moms

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 07:10:00 -0500

Thanks for listening to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about the dark fears that homeschooling moms have. We also talk Christmas and a homeschooler buying guide. If you would like to take advantage of the 9% off coupon that Todd offers, all you have to do is use the code 9off during checkout over on www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com. If you would like to email us you can send an email to todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Don't forget to like us over on Facebook. Have a great week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 17 - Questions and Answers with Debbie Wilson

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 07:15:00 -0500

We finally convinced Debbie Wilson to be on the podcast! She has some amazing answers to the questions we asked her. She has nearly 20 years of homeschooling experience, and we are sure what she has to say will be encouraging to you! If you would like to check out the Christmas products that Todd mentioned, visit www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com and click on the store in the menu bar. If you have a question or need some encouragement, you can email us at Todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Today's show is brought to you by Teaching Textbooks an award-winning Math program for Homeschoolers that is sure to make you and your children smile.

Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 16 - A Homeschool Thanksgiving

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 07:15:00 -0500

This week we talked about what aspects about homeschooling we are thankful for! Thank you to everyone that commented on our Facebook post! Todd mentioned some Christmas products, which you can find here. Then all you have to do is click take me to the store and choose the Christmas category. He also mentioned his blog post about advent, here is the link to this article. If you have any comments or questions, you can email us at Todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for their sponsorship and you check out their amazing math curriculum over at www.teachingtextbooks.com. Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling! Oh and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Episode 15 - Talking about Homeschooling, History, and Education that is Relational

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 07:00:00 -0500

This is an amazing episode! We interviewed Author and Speaker, Diana Waring. We are sure that you will find what she had to say, encouraging. If you would like to see more from Diana, you should visit her website at www.Dianawaring.com. If you have a question, or just need some advice, you can email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

We want to thank Teaching textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products, try out some sample lessons, and check out their affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com

Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 14 - Does History Matter?

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 07:30:00 -0500

This week we talk about history and whether or not it even matters. What do you do if your child just doesn't like history? We cover this and a bunch more on this episode. The Smiling Homeschooler is powered by Teaching Textbooks, an award-winning math curriculum. If you would like to check out their amazing curriculum and pricing visit teachingtextbooks.com. If you have a question or a topic suggestion you can email us at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. We hope you enjoy this episode and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 13 - Changing Your Plan Mid-Stream

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 08:15:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to this weeks' Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We talk about what to do if your kids hate their spelling program halfway through the school year. We hope this is helpful and encouraging! We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products and affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com. Have a great week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 12 - What My Children Have Taught Me - Part 2

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:00:00 -0400

This episode is short and sweet, and is the conclusion to our 2 part mini-series! Dad finishes talking about what each of his children has taught him about homeschooling and parenting. If you are encouraged by our podcast then we hope you share it with a friend! If you would like to follow our blog go to our website www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com and if you have any questions or comments you can email us at ben or todd @thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Have a great week, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 11 - What My Children Have Taught Me - Part 1

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 08:30:00 -0400

We are on Vacation this week and next, but we planned ahead and have a great podcast for you! This week Todd talks about what each of his children has taught him about homeschooling and parenting! This is part 1 of this topic. We hope it is encouraging! If you would like to ask a question or have a comment, you can email us at ben or todd @thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 10 - Top 3 Reasons to Homeschool, From a Homeschool Graduates Perspective

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 08:30:00 -0400

This week Todd is on the road, so it is just me and my wife Rissa. During this episode, we talk about our homeschool experiences, and our top 3 reasons we want to homeschool our children. We are both a couple of homeschool graduates, so we hope this encourages you! We also give some Disney vacation tips as a bonus. If you would like some more homeschooling encouragement, you can subscribe to our weekly email over at www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com. You can also email us at Todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Also if you enjoy the podcast, we would encourage you to share it with a friend! Have a great rest of your day, and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 9 - Interview With Ashley Wiggers

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:30:00 -0400

You are in store for some great encouragement this week! We were able to interview Ashely Wiggers of the Homeschooling Today Magazine and the Trail Guide to Learning Curriculum. She has a long history in the homeschooling world and offers some great insight and encouragement. If you would like to follow more that Ashley Wiggers does go to www.homeschoolingtoday.com and www.home-school-curriculum.com.

As always if you would like to send us an email you can at ben or todd @thesmilinghomeschooler.com, or you can message us over on Facebook. Thanks for listening this week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 8 - When Your Family is Against Homeschooling

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 08:00:00 -0400

We had a great episode this week talking about what to do when your family is against homeschooling. This includes parents, spouse, and kids! We also talk about that age-old myth of "Socialization". Make sure to join us next week for an amazing interview with Ashley Wiggers. If you have a question or are in need of some support, you can email Todd at todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Enjoy the rest of your week and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 7 - Interview With Rachael Carman

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 08:30:00 -0400

We got the opportunity to have Rachael Carman on the show and ask her a variety of questions about homeschooling. She is a speaker, author, and co-owner of Apologia, and had some amazing answers! If you would like to get in touch with Rachael, visit rachaelcarman.com. You can also signup for the Smiling Homeschooler weekly email at thesmilinghomeschooler.com. We hope you enjoy this episode and as always...keep smiling!

Episode 6 - Homeschool Co-op Groups

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 09:00:00 -0400

This week we talked about Homeschool Co-op groups! We hope it was encouraging! You can visit the Smiling Homeschooler website to check out the blog visit our website at www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com. If you have questions or comments, you can email us at ben@thesmilinghomeschooler.com or Todd@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. We hope you enjoyed this episode.

Episode 5 - The Relationship With Your Child Is Most Important

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 08:00:00 -0400

This is the final episode in our 4 part series! This week we are talking about how the relationship with your child is most important. During the episode, Todd offered to speak for free at your group if it with 100 miles of Milford Indiana, during the month of September. If you are interested in this, you can email him at familyman@familymanweb.com. As always you can email questions or comments to ben@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a quick review on iTunes!

Episode 4 - Grades Don't Matter!

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 09:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode is part 3 of our 4 part series! We talk about how letter grades don't matter, and that you're doing a great job even if your kids aren't great at fractions! We hope this encourages you during your homeschool week! Share this episode with a homeschooling mom if you know someone that could use encouragement. If you have any questions or comments you can email them to us at ben@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. You can also sign up for our weekly encouragement email at www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave us a quick review!

Episode 3 - Parents Are The Best Teachers For Their Children

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 22:02:45 -0400

On this week's podcast, we talk about how parents are the best teachers for their children. This is part 2 of our 4 part series. We also answer some listener questions! During the show we talked about some of our favorite books from school, if you are interested in the reading program we talked about then you can visit their website https://www.sonlight.com/. If you have a question and would like it answered on the podcast, you can email us at ben@thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Episode 2 - Home Is The Best Place For Your Children

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:01:00 -0400

Thanks for listening to Episode 2 of The Smiling Homeschooler. We answered some listener questions and started the first part of a 4-week series about the "Why" of homeschooling.

The listener questions we answer are;

What are some tips for transitioning into college? - Cheryl Wise

How do you encourage friends who want to quit homeschooling? - Jeanine Feldkamp

How do you integrate different aged kids?

I am one of those uptight moms who is trying to reform. haha, Your devotional helps. I also have a child that has trouble in math - big trouble like can't remember how to read a clock and still does math facts on her fingers. The concept of money he can get but if we don't review is every day, he forgets and we start from square one. He can not do fractions or decimals and in 8th grade can't conquer 5th-grade math. My question is how do you graduate a child like that? They can't meet the state requirements for a diploma. GED? Help, please. Thanks a mom

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email us at ben@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. You can also signup for our weekly encouragement email at www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com.

Episode 1 - Easing Back Into School

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 22:22:52 -0400

This is the first ever episode of The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We have been looking forward to this day for a long time. In this first episode, we are talking about easing back into homeschooling. We interview Todd's wife, Debbie, to hear how she gets back into the swing of school. We hope you enjoy the podcast, and if you have any questions or comments, feel free to email ben@thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Also "Like" our Facebook page to get more daily encouragement!