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"What if homeschooling didn't have to look like anyone else's version but your own?" This question frames our enlightening conversation with Linsey Knerl, veteran homeschooling mother of six and author of "Homeschool Hacks." With children ranging from 11 to 26 years old, Linsey shares how her family's "one year at a time" approach evolved into a two-decade educational journey that prioritizes flexibility, observation, and meeting each child where they are.

Linsey reveals her pragmatic "education curation" philosophy—connecting children with passionate subject experts through online courses, co-ops, and carefully selected curricula rather than attempting to personally teach every subject. This approach fosters independence while developing research skills children will need throughout life. "I'm not providing all the information," she explains. "My job is equipping them to find that information themselves."

The discussion explores how technology has transformed homeschooling, making learning more accessible for diverse learning styles. Linsey shares candid insights about supporting her son with dyslexia, finding the unexpected combination of audiobooks with physical text tracking worked best for him—not because it followed expert recommendations, but because they observed and listened to what actually helped him learn effectively. This theme of careful observation runs throughout our conversation, challenging parents to truly know their children rather than following prescriptive educational methods.

Whether you're considering homeschooling, already deep in the journey, or simply curious about educational alternatives, Linsey's practical wisdom offers a refreshing counterbalance to perfectionism. "Take the time to get to know your child," she advises. "Let them be more of the compass than the group of families on Facebook who have this specific curriculum they love." Connect with Linsey at homeschoolhacksbook.com and discover how to create a homeschooling approach uniquely suited to your family's needs.

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