Homeschool Hug

Homeschool Hug

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Homeschool Hug episodes

  • 42. Why We Don't Do School in December (and neither should you)

    If you've been feeling guilty because your homeschool has slowed to a crawl this month - or completely fallen apart now… this episode is for you.

    I'm breaking down the truth no one tells new homeschool parents: no one is doing "real school" in December - not public school, not private school, and certainly not homeschoolers who've been doing this for a while.

    In this episode, you'll hear:

    • What actually happens inside public school classrooms in December
    • The surprising (and powerful) academic + life skills your kids learn without a textbook
    • What to do instead of forcing worksheets and structure during the busiest month of the year
    • Why December is one of the richest learning months if you stop trying to make it "schoolish"

    And make sure you stay till the end - I share our family's newest obsession that blindsided us… and somehow turned into the coziest December hobby ever.

    If you want a cozy, peaceful, connected December - instead of another month of pressure - join the 7-Day Cozy Homeschool Challenge:

    Make your homeschool feel like a Hallmark movie

    Want more support?

    Join Homeschool Hug LIVE

    Book a 1:1 Consultation

    @sarahwehkamp on Instagram

    12 min
  • 41. What My Kids Miss by By Not Being in Public School

    When people ask what my kids are missing by not being in public school, I usually say-a lot.

    In this episode, I'm sharing what our family misses by not being in the system. You'll hear how homeschooling has given our kids space to think clearly, build confidence, and grow without the noise, comparison, and pressure that so many families are quietly drowning in.

    If you've ever wondered whether your kids are missing out, this episode will remind you: maybe missing out is exactly what they need.

    ✨ Learn more or book a consultation 🌿 Join Homeschool Hug LIVE 📸 @sarahwehkamp

    11 min
  • 40. The Secret to a Cozy Homeschool Holiday (without doing MORE)

    If you're feeling the holiday chaos creeping in-Amazon boxes everywhere, math lessons half-finished, and flour all over the kitchen floor-this one's for you.

    In this episode, I'm sharing the honest story of how our first "cozy homeschool Christmas" turned into total burnout-and what finally brought the peace (and joy) back.

    We'll talk about why cozy matters, what's secretly stealing it, and how to protect your peace this season so you can actually enjoy the moments you're working so hard to create.

    Then, come join the 7-Day Cozy Homeschool Challenge-a free way to refill your reserves with calm, meaning, and a little bit of magic. ✨ Make Your Homeschool Feel Like a Hallmark Movie

    And if you're ready for deeper support, this month inside Homeschool Hug LIVE we're walking through The Snowman Will Steal My Peace badge-helping moms build lasting calm all year long.

    🌿 Join Homeschool Hug LIVE 📸 @sarahwehkamp

    10 min
  • 39. Why Your Homeschool Feels Harder Than It Should (Hint: It's Not the Curriculum)

    If homeschooling still feels harder than it should-this episode might be why.

    When I first started homeschooling, I thought I was doing something radical - leaving the system to give my kids a better way to learn. But what I didn't realize was that I'd carried the system home with me. The schedules, the checklists, the guilt when we didn't "start on time." I left school… but school hadn't left me. Breaking up with public-school thinking changed everything - and if you're feeling exhausted or constantly second-guessing yourself, it might be the shift you need too. That old mindset-the one that says success = grades, tight schedules, and constant proof-may be running your homeschool and keeping you exhausted and doubting yourself.

    In this episode, I break down what "public-school thinking" looks like at home, how to spot it, and what to do instead so you can finally feel calm, confident, and free. You'll walk away with a fresh mindset, simple next steps, and a new definition of success that actually fits your family.

    ✨ Book a 1:1 Consultation 🌿 Join Homeschool Hug LIVE 📸 Follow me on Instagram

    13 min
  • 38. From Stop Motion to 3D Modeling: How to Help Your Kids Find Their Interests

    Ever worried your kid will never find that "thing" they love? In this episode, I'm sharing some of the stories and lessons from our home - from a Skillshare stop-motion class that turned into 3D modeling in Blender, to bass lessons inspired by a favorite song, to baking that started because, well… someone liked dessert.

    We'll talk about how to help your kids explore without pressure - and how to know when to step in, step back, or just let time do its work. The key isn't finding one magic interest - it's creating the kind of home where curiosity has room to grow.

    In this episode:

    • Trying things (and letting them quit)
    • Patience when progress feels slow
    • Trusting your child's timing
    • How to guide without pushing
    • Simple ways to expose kids to new ideas, skills, and hobbies

    Links mentioned:

    • Join Homeschool Hug LIVE - community support, monthly themes, and heart-level encouragement for homeschool moms.
    • Book a 1:1 homeschool consult - personalized help for building rhythms, choosing curriculum, and supporting your unique kids.
    • Follow me on Instagram: @sarahwehkamp
    13 min
  • 37. 4 Strategies That Save Me on Hard Homeschool Days

    What do you do when homeschooling starts feeling hard? Ever have one of those days where you wonder if you're cut out for homeschooling at all? I've been there. The messy (often late start) mornings, the tears over math, the sinking thought: "Maybe I'm failing my kids."

    I want to share with you the four strategies that save me on hard homeschool days or when things feel tough. These things keep me grounded when I want to give up. You don't have to white-knuckle through this-there are simple ways to reset and find joy again.

    Hope these help you to feel more confident, relaxed and give you some comfort.

    ✨ Grab my Homeschool Why Workbook to uncover your unique mission. 🌿 Join Homeschool Hug LIVE for real-life community and encouragement. 📸 Follow me on Instagram for daily support.

    19 min
  • 36. How to Reset When Your "Perfect" Plan Falls Apart

    If your beautiful plan already fell apart… you're not alone. In this episode of The Homeschool Hug, I share the day my schedule "betrayed" me-and the simple rhythm shifts that finally made our days feel human again.

    What you'll learn:

    • The mindset shift from rigid routine to responsive rhythm
    • How to stack & block your day so it actually flows
    • Three small, doable habits that buy back margin
    • Why I tired unschooling for awhile and how it went

    Quick ideas we use now: • Sleep in • One subject outside daily • Individual learning block to reset the house (no guilt)

    More support:

    Join Homeschool Hug LIVE - this month's theme: Trailblazer Badge (rhythm & real life)

    Book a 1:1 Consultation - get a custom daily flow that fits your family

    Follow on Instagram: @sarahwehkamp

    9 min
  • 35. How to Homeschool With Littles Underfoot (Without Losing Your Mind)

    Homeschooling multiple ages at once can feel impossible-fractions for one child, a spilled sensory bin for another, and someone melting down over a "weird" pencil. You don't need to clone yourself-you need a different way of thinking. In this episode of The Homeschool Hug, I share simple rhythms and tools that make teaching older kids possible while littles are in the mix.

    What you'll learn:

    • The "sliding scale of attention" to decide who needs you most each day
    • How to stack and block your day (family time, independent work, 1:1 focus, flex)
    • Tools that let you "clone yourself" (audiobooks, short videos, checklists, sibling helpers)
    • Why consistency beats a one-size-fits-all schedule
    • How to keep your sanity by prioritizing relationship over rigor

    Quick recap: Use the sliding scale, stack and block time, build independence with simple tools, and let your rhythm fit this season-not a classroom bell schedule.

    More support:

    Join Homeschool Hug LIVE - community, practical tools, and encouragement for homeschool moms.

    Book a 1:1 Consultation - get a custom plan for multiple ages.

    Follow on Instagram: @sarahwehkamp

    8 min
  • 34. The Truth About Homeschooling: You're Not the Only One Struggling

    The Truth About Homeschooling: You're Not the Only One Struggling

    If you've ever ended a homeschool day thinking, "I'm messing this up," you're not alone. This episode of The Homeschool Hug is your reminder that guilt and struggle aren't signs of failure-they're signs that you care deeply.

    Here's what you'll hear in this episode:

    • A raw personal story from my own journey with homeschool overwhelm
    • The hidden reality behind why so many moms feel isolated
    • The truth about what other homeschool moms really experience (but rarely post online)
    • How to shift from feeling like you're failing to realizing you're braver than you think
    • Encouragement to keep going, even on the hardest days

    You don't have to do this alone. You're part of a growing community of moms choosing connection over perfection.

    💛 Want more support?

    Join Homeschool Hug LIVE - my brand-new in-person and online community for homeschool moms.

    Book a 1:1 Consultation for personalized help.

    And let's connect daily on Instagram: @sarahwehkamp

    8 min
  • 33. Do You Have to Follow the School Calendar?

    Ever wondered if you're "supposed" to start homeschool when public school starts? In this episode of The Homeschool Hug, I share what we did that first year, what I wish I'd done, and how to set a start date (and pace) that actually fits your family-not the school district.

    What you'll learn:

    • Why starting in August isn't a requirement (and what to do instead)
    • How to pick a start date that fits your real life and energy
    • The best way to ease in without burning out (start with 1–2 subjects)
    • The mindset shift that stops the "I'm already behind" spiral

    Quick story: Our calendar said "start August 15." Reality? We began three weeks later. Nothing broke. No one fell behind. We just needed time to transition, breathe, and find a rhythm that worked for us.

    Permission, granted: You have permission to begin slowly, joyfully, and in your own way. Your direction matters more than your start date.

    Links & Support

    • Join Homeschool Hug LIVE (monthly support, in-person & online)
    • Book a 1:1 Consultation (get a custom plan for your family)
    • Follow @sarahwehkamp on Instagram (daily encouragement & behind-the-scenes)
    9 min

About Homeschool Hug

From the publisher's feed

Thinking about homeschooling? Already in it but feeling overwhelmed or burnt out and wondering if you've made a huge mistake? I'm Sarah Wehkamp, former teacher turned homeschool mom. This is the…