481: How Do You Keep Going When Homeschooling Gets Hard?

No matter where your kids are in school this year, every mom will take away encouragement and wisdom from this conversation about homeschooling. In this episode, Karen and Emily sit down with Wire Talk producer (and homeschool mom of four) Katie Leipprandt, who shares the truths she’s learned over 15 years of parenting and schooling at home. From choosing relationship over results, to leaning on community, to remembering your “why” when days get hard, Katie’s wisdom applies to every mom—no matter how your kids are educated.

Episode Recap:

• How did you get started homeschooling? (4:00)
• I wish someone had told me to prioritize relationship first (7:33)
• How has your ‘why’ changed for your homeschool? (11:30)
• What does a typical day look like homeschooling four kids? (14:30)
• How do you differentiate between your “mom hat” and your “teacher hat”? (18:00)
• What would you say to the homeschool mom who is already overwhelmed? (21:43)
• How do you teach a child who doesn’t want to do the work? (26:32)
• How do you juggle multiple ages and teach with toddlers? (32:24)
• What fruit have you seen because of homeschooling? (37:40)
• What’s your encouragement for the homeschool mom this year? (42:40)

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV)
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your “why” for the educational path you’ve chosen for your children? How can you remind yourself of it on hard days?
2. Katie talked about prioritizing relationships over results. How does that idea challenge or encourage you in your current season?
3. In the early years, expectations for homeschooling (and parenting in general!) can be sky-high. What expectations might you need to lay down to create more peace in your home?
4. What role has community played in your parenting journey? How can you pursue encouragement and support if you’re feeling isolated?
5. Katie shared that one of the sweetest fruits of homeschooling has been the bond between her children. What “fruit” do you see or hope to see in your family through the choices you’re making now?

Resources:

• Connect with Katie online: www.instagram.com/leipprandt 
• Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto: https://amzn.to/4fONcrK
• Purchase Birds on a Wire curricula in the store: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/available-for-purchase-1
• Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!
• Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms