If your child dreads writing or struggles to express themselves, you're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Julie Bogart—educator, author, and creator of the Brave Writer program—to explore how parents can gently guide their children toward confidence in both writing and communication. Learn practical strategies, encouraging mindsets, and simple tools to help your child find their voice—on paper and in life.

To connect with Julie and her resources, use these links: https://bravewriter.com/

 

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

 

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this timely and compassionate conversation, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by child and adolescent development expert Sarah Boyd (M.Ed. Psych.), founder of Resilient Little Hearts and author of the upcoming book Turn Down the Noise: A Practical Guide to Building an Emotionally Healthy Family in a Chronically Overstimulated World. Together, they explore how modern life’s constant noise—from screens to schedules—can overwhelm both children and parents, especially in homeschooling families.

 

Sarah unpacks the neuroscience behind overstimulation, shares how to recognize and support the trait of high sensitivity in children (and ourselves), and offers practical strategies for simplifying family life to foster connection, resilience, and emotional health.

 

This episode is packed with empathy, insight, and actionable steps for parents raising children in a chronically overstimulated world. Whether you're homeschooling a highly sensitive child or just feeling stretched too thin, this conversation will leave you equipped and encouraged.

 

To connect with Sarah and her resources, use these links: https://sarahboyd.co/

 

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

 

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Teaching life and social skills doesn't come with a tidy checklist—and for homeschool parents of unique learners, it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and even lonely. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, our co-hosting team opens up about their own homeschooling journeys—sharing what worked, what took longer than expected, and how they found peace in the process.

 

Most of our team now has teens or adult children, so we’re looking back to offer perspective and encouragement for those of you still in the trenches. Whether you’re trying to teach daily hygiene, basic chores, social boundaries, or emotional self-regulation, we hope this conversation gives you practical ideas, honest insight, and a whole lot of grace.

 

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

 

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the key to helping your child feel truly supported lies in how they connect with the older generation? In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, Peggy Ployhar talks with Isabel Tom—author, mom of three, and expert in senior care—about how parents can teach their children to value, engage with, and build meaningful relationships with grandparents and other elders. You’ll walk away with practical tips, faith-based encouragement, and creative tools like the Grandkid Investigator Kit to help your child grow in empathy, communication, and support.

 

To connect with Isabel and her resources, use these links: Grandkid Investigator Kit (digital) - Grandkid Investigator Family Kit - NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

 

Prepare to Care Digital Course with Isabel Tom https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare

 

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

 

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Amir Nathoo, CEO and co-founder of Outschool, to explore how online learning is transforming the homeschool experience—especially for unique learners. Amir shares Outschool’s mission to spark curiosity and self-directed learning through innovative, interest-based live classes, and how the platform has become a powerful tool for families seeking flexible, personalized education. Drawing on new research, Amir and Peggy discuss the shift in parental expectations post-pandemic, the rise in homeschooling and microschooling, and why more families are turning to alternative models that prioritize safety, creativity, and real-world readiness. Whether you’re homeschooling a neurodiverse learner or just curious about the future of education, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and possibilities.

 

To connect with Amir and his resources, use this link: https://outschool.com/

 

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

 

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Dawn Jackson sits down with Chad Stewart—award-winning author, creativity advocate, and founder of the prestigious Devonfield creative writing program—to explore how writing and storytelling can equip the next generation to become visionary leaders. Together, they discuss how cultivating imagination, critical thinking, and purpose-driven creativity empowers students to find their voice, chase their dreams, and influence the world around them. Whether you’re raising a budding author or just looking for ways to ignite meaningful learning at home, this conversation will leave you with powerful insights and practical tips to help your child write, dream, and lead boldly in today’s ever-changing world.
To connect with Chad and his resources, use these links: https://www.Britfield.com https://www.Britfieldinstitute.orghttps://Authorvisit.britfield.com

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment! Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Homeschooling can be deeply rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also feel like a lot. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, our co-host team opens up about the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with homeschooling, especially when you're juggling unique learning needs, everyday family life, and your own personal expectations. Join us as we talk candidly about how emotional overwhelm shows up, share the real moments we’ve struggled (and grown), and offer practical, grace-filled strategies for finding peace in the chaos. Whether you're in the thick of a hard season or just looking for encouragement from moms who’ve been there, this conversation is here to remind you: you're not alone, and you can homeschool from a place of hope, not burnout.

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

 

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, we sit down with Chad Stewart, a veteran Disney and Sony animator whose pencil brought characters to life in Tarzan, The Emperor’s New Groove, The Polar Express, and more. But beyond the studio, Chad spent 20 years homeschooling his eight children, blending creativity, character training, and practical skills into a powerful, personalized education model.

 

Chad shares how animation principles—like storyboarding, iteration, and character development—can become dynamic teaching tools. Parents will learn how to unlock their child’s interests, use storytelling to build confidence and comprehension, and foster resilience through creativity. Whether you have a highly visual learner, a child stuck in a learning rut, or you’re simply seeking a new lens for home education, Chad’s journey offers both practical encouragement and innovative ideas. You don’t need to be an artist—just a parent willing to see learning a little differently.

 

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/ 

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Leilani Melendez sits down with Dani Ward, a homeschooling mom of two and creator of a practical family Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit. Dani shares how a single quote—“Comfort should not be our core value”—transformed her perspective on motherhood, homeschooling, and faith. From embracing rhythm over balance to choosing obedience over ease, Dani opens up about the discomfort that often precedes growth and how stepping outside her comfort zone led her to create resources for meaningful family discipleship.

 

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or unsure about what God is asking of you in your homeschooling journey, this episode will encourage you to lean into faith and trust that God equips those He calls.

 

To connect with Dani and her resources, visit: https://stan.store/raisinghomemakers

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/ 

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this insightful episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Dawn Jackson chats with Pam Kafer, host of the Lead Your Homeschool Co-op podcast and a seasoned co-op leader with a heart for inclusion. In "Choosing the Best Homeschool Co-op for Your Child’s Needs," Pam shares practical guidance for families navigating the often-overwhelming world of homeschool co-ops—especially those with children who have special needs.

 

Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Pam offers encouraging stories, helpful strategies for collaboration between parents and teachers, and tips for helping children with IEPs or special education needs successfully integrate into co-op settings. Whether you're new to homeschooling or looking for a better fit for your unique learner, this episode will help you feel confident and equipped to find a co-op that supports both academic growth and belonging.

To connect with Pam and her resources, visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/lead-your-homeschool-co-op-community-building-servant/id1689867945

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

NEW to SPED Homeschool and the Homeschool Heroes platform:

Consultations and Cognitive Testing. Here is Now What's Available for Your Family through SPED Homeschool:

One-on-One Consultations – Get expert guidance in homeschooling a struggling student, curriculum choices, accommodations, behavior strategies, executive function support, high school planning, and more. Our consultants provide personalized recommendations to help you move forward with confidence. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/consultants

MindPrint Cognitive Assessment – Finally, a strengths-based approach to education. This easy, at-home cognitive assessment provides unbiased insights into how your child learns best. It helps you understand where they’ll naturally excel and where they may need extra support—allowing you to tailor your teaching effectively with data that tells you exactly how your student learns best! https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4344/mindprint-student-assessment

MindPrint + Consultation Bundle - When you bundle the MindPrint test with a consultation, you unlock a database of MindPrint teaching resources only accessible to our consults, which gives you even more in-depth and personalized homeschooling help to help your student learn successfully. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4345/mindprint-student-assessment-plus-consultation

You don’t have to struggle through this journey alone. We’re here to give you the tools and confidence you need to create a home learning environment where your child flourishes. To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.