“Hey, welcome back to the podcast! I’m your host, and today, we’re jumping into another part in our series on finding the best homeschool curriculum from a Christian perspective. Last time, we discussed homeschooling rock stars, raising kingdom builders, and why homeschooling works. If you missed it, go check it out! (LINK HERE) The next podcast will be about learning styles, teaching styles, and how to tailor things to your family. Today, we’re discussing how you can integrate your faith into learning, balancing structure and freedom, fostering independence, building community, and tackling those inevitable challenges.

My husband and I mentor engaged couples at our church, and one lady asked me an excellent question: How were we able to encourage our children in their faith without being pushy? It made me think, and I found that the answer is built into parts of this podcast. We lived our faith, and it was by example that our children realized this was what they wanted for their lives: love for the Lord and a life-balance.

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Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out I’m so happy you joined me today.

So, living our faith and learning. How do the two work together? How do we integrate faith into learning? As Christian homeschoolers, our faith isn’t parked. It isn’t on a shelf, it is who we are, Christ lives within us. Every subject can point back to the miracles of our Creator God. God is truth. Take science—studying creation can spark awe for the Creator, like Psalm 19 says: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God.’ History? It’s His story unfolding. Even math shows His order and consistency.

Methods like the Classical approach love this—it’s all about connecting ideas to big truths, often through a biblical lens. Or the Charlotte Mason method, with its focus on living books—reading stories that reflect virtue and God’s design. The key is weaving faith naturally into the day, not just tacking on a Bible study. True confessions—we did this from time to time, but we also had a Bible timeline we pinned on the wall and added to it as we studied different periods of Bible history. Deuteronomy 6 reminds us to talk about God’s ways all the time. So whether it’s a nature walk or a multiplication table, we can gently show our kids how it all ties back to Him.

The amazing thing about children is they catch on quickly. Soon, you will have the children pointing out aspects of their studies that show God’s glory. It is beautiful to see. Homeschooling gives us that freedom.

It also gives us the freedom to structure our classwork in the best way that works for our family. This can be a daunting task for some parents and children. If there is too much structure, your children may become easily bored or feel boxed in—too little, and there is no sense of organization or direction. Some of us thrive on a structured approach, a traditional method that uses textbooks and workbooks, and others consider a precise schedule to be a blessing.

Most kids thrive when there is a routine. A routine is different than a structured and timed schedule. Having a routine such as one before school starts helps your day begin in the same way. What will you do? Eat breakfast, brush your teeth, and maybe have a short Bible session before you begin the school day, which helps set the tone. We always prayed before starting school and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, with children taking turns holding the flag. Routines are easy to remember and help our body rhythms.

Here’s where faith guides us: Proverbs 16:9 says we plan our way, but the Lord directs our steps. So set a framework—maybe daily Bible reading or math drills—but leave room for God to nudge you. One day, my plan got derailed by a deep discussion about forgiveness after a sibling squabble. That flexibility? It’s wonderful. Finding the rhythm that keeps you sane and your kids growing is so important.

But what about learning? Some parents have other things they must accomplish each day, and I was one of them. I helped my husband with his construction business, often with invoicing and payroll. My goal was to do more than teach facts; it was to foster independent learning. I wanted to raise kids who love learning and seek God independently. I wanted kids who started out with my faith but made it their own choice. I began small. I allowed my kids time to think. This meant that after they were done with the requirements, they could explore things of interest to them. I often asked open-ended questions for them to research and explore. This doesn’t mean we leave them totally to their own devices. Checking up on them often is helpful.

Ephesians 4:11-12 talks about equipping the saints for works of service—that’s our kids too! At one point, my daughter was interested in getting a theology degree and audited a college-level class while in high school. This came about because of an intense class we studied and because I gave her space. It’s not about handing them a curriculum and walking away—it’s guiding them to own their learning. That’s discipleship in action, preparing them for a lifetime of following Christ.

What about building a supportive community? Finding others who want the same things for their children and also homeschooling. Homeschooling is growing, but finding like-minded friends can be a challenge. I was frustrated at one point of my homeschooling journey, and I prayed to the Lord. I asked Him to send me friends! And He did! They are life-long friends and I cherish them long after our homeschool journey was over. Homeschooling can feel isolating, but God designed us for fellowship. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to spur one another on. Co-ops are huge in homeschooling—whether it’s a Classical group doing Socratic discussions or an Eclectic mix of families swapping skills. Even a park day with other homeschoolers counts!

I know of people who swap babysitting time for piano lessons with another mom—one teaches, and the other gets a break. It’s a win-win. Community also keeps us accountable—someone to pray with when you’re doubting yourself. Look for families who share your faith and values. It’s not just about the kids; it’s about us parents staying encouraged too. God uses others to lift us, don’t skip this important aspect. Many of us have found community online. Our Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network has a private Facebook group here. You can join that as well! I’d love to chat with you, just be sure to tag my name for a response.

Homeschooling has so many benefits, but there are challenges as well if we are honest. Managing homeschool challenges is one way that not only helps us grow but shows our children that we stand by our faith in God even when things get hard. Each one of us has days when kids won’t focus, the math book is lost for the ten-thousandth time, the house is a mess, and you’re questioning everything. That’s normal! Burnout does happen, and it’s important to give yourself and your kids some space. (Peaceful Homeschool.)

But why does burnout happen? Often, it is because you are stuck in a method that does not work. For me, it was a traditional method and schedule when I was more the unit study method. As I shared in a previous podcast, I didn’t want my kids to fall behind, so it took me a few years of homeschooling to plunge into unit studies. Step back, pray, and ask the Lord for help. James 1:5 promises wisdom if we ask.

Doubts creep in too—the evil one isn’t happy you are homeschooling. Thoughts like, “Am I enough?” plague even the most capable. Spoiler alert: you’re not, but God is. Lean on Him. Keep a Praise Journal handy and write only your praise reports. All those things that work well in your day – and be on the lookout they do happen. Like when your kid finally gets fractions or prays on their own. When your husband comes home early and offers to take the kids out to play while you finish dinner—or offers to finish it for you, it’s a lifeline for tough days. Challenges don’t mean failure—they’re chances to trust God more.

After many years of homeschooling, I have to say, please cherish these days. Homeschooling is a wild, beautiful ride, and God’s right there with us. Thanks for hanging out today—drop me a note if this resonates with you! Next time, we’ll explore another angle of this journey. Until then, keep pointing your family to Christ, and I’ll talk to you soon.

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