"What better contribution to the world than a kid who is raised well and grounded in biblical truth?" ~ Monica Swanson

Watch this full interview on our YouTube Channel.

Yvette Hampton sits down with Monica Swanson, author of *Becoming Homeschoolers*, dive into the joys and challenges of homeschooling in this inspiring episode of the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast. Author of "Becoming Homeschoolers," Monica shares her experience with gap years, sports, and family dynamics while homeschooling her four boys. Whether you're a homeschooling veteran or just considering this journey, you'll find valuable insights and encouragement here!

📚 **Topics Covered**:

- Benefits of taking a gap year

- Combining homeschool with sports success

- Balancing joy and challenges in homeschooling

- Creating a family-focused education environment

- Practical tips for a successful homeschooling journey

Come back tomorrow for the rest of this conversation.

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Recommended Resources:

Podcast Note-Taking Guide

monicaswanson.com (blog, podcast, courses)

Master "Boy Mom" - Monica Swanson on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast

Books:

Becoming Homeschoolers: Give Your Kids a Great Education, a Strong Family, and a Life They'll Thank You for Later, by Monica Swanson

Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most from You, by Monica Swanson

Raising Amazing: Bringing Up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes without Being Asked, by Monica Swanson

Join us for the Brave 2024 Online Homeschool Conference, hosted by our friends at Made2Homeschool, August 1-3. Enjoy three days of amazing speakers, live hangouts, live Q&A sessions and panels, a digital grab bag and virtual exhibit hall, and most importantly, godly homeschooling encouragement and support. EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!

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Discussion Questions:

1. **Gap Year Decision-Making**:

- Monica Swanson discussed the advantages of her sons taking a gap year. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of taking a gap year before college or career?

2. **Parental Insecurities in Homeschooling**:

- Yvette Hampton mentioned that seeing other seemingly perfect homeschool families can make parents feel insecure. How can homeschool parents manage these feelings of inadequacy and maintain confidence in their own methods?

3. **Joyful and Challenging Moments**:

- Monica shared both the joys and challenges of homeschooling. What are some of the most rewarding and difficult aspects of homeschooling you've experienced or observed?

4. **Homeschooling and Sports**:

- The episode touched on the difficulty of homeschooling athletes gaining access to higher-level programs. What are some potential solutions for homeschool families who want their children to participate in and excel at sports? Should this be a deciding factor in whether a family chooses to homeschool?

5. **Different Readiness Levels**:

- Monica emphasized that every child is ready for adult life at different stages. How can parents assess and support their child's individual readiness for college or other post-secondary paths?

6. **Community Resources**:

- Monica spoke about varying access to community sports depending on where one lives. How can communities and churches better support homeschool families in providing athletic and extracurricular opportunities? Whose respon