Homeschool Talks: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Homeschool

What does the future hold as we face a new wave of opposition to homeschooling? In this episode, Jim Mason highlights how homeschooling can provide real solutions for society, and how homeschooling has evolved from a movement into a mature and enduring institution. This transformation is largely due to the crucial role families and state organizations have played in advocating for homeschool freedom alongside HSLDA.

"Healthy institutions play a vital role in positively shaping the character of those they serve by encouraging and modeling virtue, which in turn encourages and models virtue to their communities. Could it be that we have already built a new institution, an institution built up around a community voluntarily associating together for a healthy purpose?"—Jim Mason

HSLDA is committed to continually improving homeschool laws in every state—like HSLDA's attorney for Ohio, Amy Buchmeyer, just assisted with! Ohio's archaic homeschool law, dating back to the 1980s, was finally updated thanks to the tireless work of homeschool families alongside HSLDA. Join Amy and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) in a conversation about the evolving legal landscape across the states, as well as the increased media attention on homeschooling. Amy, a homeschool graduate turned attorney, will share her unique perspective on defending homeschooling rights and the significant improvements she helped achieve.

"There's something about being homeschooled, about getting to have the space to learn at your pace, to learn with your family, to get out and have hands-on learning. You don't always get that when you're sitting at a desk from 8 to 3. When I was homeschooled, I could read in a tree. I could do all kinds of things to keep myself engaged in the learning process. And it worked. My mom instilled in all five of us (children) a love of learning, a love for the Lord, and a good relationship with my parents. We've turned out pretty well."—Amy Buchmeyer

Whether you homeschool or not, it's crucial for freedom-loving people to be aware of the recent legislative offensive against homeschooling in West Virginia and other states. Tune in to the first part of our series where Kevin Boden, HSLDA Attorney for West Virginia, and Jim Mason, HSLDA President, examine why there has been recent opposition to homeschooling that is making headlines. Kevin and Jim will focus on why West Virginia is pushing for more homeschool regulation and highlight how HSLDA is standing with the homeschool community. Don't miss this essential discussion on safeguarding our rights and freedoms, not just in West Virginia, but across the United States.

Entrepreneurship is a fundamental aspect of homeschooling: figuring out what works best for your child's education and finding resources to support that. Join Dr. Brian Baugus (Associate Professor at Regent University and Author of An Economic Theory of Homeschooling) and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) in a discussion on how homeschooling springs from entrepreneurship, fostering individualized education as parents invest in new ways to teach their children. "One of the sure signs that a homeschool was bound to have problems, and maybe even fail, is that they were trying to recreate public school. . .The most successful homeschoolers are the ones who jettison that entire model for a different kind of model. Those are the ones who are investing their time to figure out what works for their child. In the most efficient way possible, [they are] frequently going out and finding [or] building new networks. I think network school is a more accurate description of what a successful homeschool does. The parent is a general contractor who finds the local artist, the local scientist, the local librarian or online, even people who aren't so local, and acquires a quantity and quality of expertise for their child" —Dr. Brian Baugus

Explore the connection that strong family relationships and church community have on the next generation. Dr. Terry Linhart, founder and CEO of Arbor Research Group and Executive Director of Bethel University's Extension Studies joins Jim Mason (HSLDA President) in a discussion on his various research projects. Together, they delve into an insightful discussion on the influence of familial relationships, the next generations societal well-being, and how our upbringing can shape virtues through institutional frameworks. "I think the child centered approach to education and individuality is very important. And that's the richness of why we love homeschooling, isn't it? It's the thing that we get to focus on the child and help. One of the loud cries from our research of parents in a local community is that about 20% of them just really would love to see a healthy mentor for their kid. . . That's what I see with homeschooling and my grandkids and the kids in our community [who] are involved in homeschooling. [Homeschool grads] who come to Bethel have this sense of enthusiasm for the future. I think that's contagious."—Dr. Terry Linhart

Sue Manning's homeschool journey began while her family was stationed in Japan with the military. Embracing the freedom and flexibility that homeschooling offers, she wants other families to experience the same! Join Sue (Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators) and your host, Jim Mason (HSLDA President) in a discussion on finding and fostering connection in the homeschooling community.

"Comparing yourself to other families is tough, [especially] in this day and age of social media. If you're a homeschool mom and you have made this choice because God directed you to do it, just keep swimming. . .find a friend that you can talk to. My biggest encouragement is: Stop comparing yourself [to others] and find a friend." –Sue Manning

When faced with difficult life situations, it is critical to be resilient. As a homeschooling parent navigating through numerous life changes, Shari McMinn understands the challenges of adapting your life to fit your homeschool and family priorities! Join Shari and Darren Jones, HSLDA Group Services Attorney, in a conversation about the journey of single parenthood, adoption, and balancing work and homeschooling.

"This is a season of your life that will pass, and God will see you through it. Your children will be forever grateful that you said, you know, 'I'm going to give up [or] I'm going to cut back on things. I'm going to prioritize so that I can support my family [and] homeschool my children.'"—Shari McMinn

Parenting isn't always a peaceful journey, but in Marisol Rodero's household, home education fosters a lifestyle of learning and discovery. Join Marisol and HSLDA Senior Counsel, Will Estrada, to discuss the joys of homeschooling and how a unique journey can be tailored for each student. Marisol's wisdom springs from her own experience as she went from attorney to full-time homeschool mom and founder of Nobis Pacem, a bilingual homeschool curriculum!

"You can do [all the same things with each of your students]: talk about books, talk about learning, make it fun for them. In the end, you can't really expect all your kids to love learning the same way, but they all will [love learning] in their own unique way. That's freeing."—Marisol Rodero

Phylicia Masonheimer, homeschool mom, graduate, and founder of Every Woman A Theologian, joins your host Jim Mason, President of HSLDA, in an encouraging conversation about embracing the calling of homeschooling. In this episode, they discuss Phylicia's ministry, how she has learned the importance of patience on her homeschool journey, and her advocacy work for homeschool freedom.

"One of the things that people often say to homeschool parents is, well, I could never do that. I'm not patient enough. And it's a frustrating thing for homeschool parents to hear because it's actually quite dismissive. It says that patience is something inherent, that you're born with it. That is really dismissive of how much work it is for homeschool parents to show up every day. Patience is a discipline. It's a fruit of the spirit. It's something that we have worked in us by doing hard work over and over, by being willing to sacrifice and lay ourselves down. Patience is a muscle. It grows as it is used."—Phylicia Masonheimer

How do we embrace change? Sometimes, it's hardest to do at home. Howard Schmidt joins your host, Jim Mason, to discuss Howard's homeschool journey as a parent, his career as Vice President & General Manager at Lennox International, and his newest adventure working in the academic setting at Patrick Henry College as Executive Vice President. Gain insight into how he is equipping leaders to view challenges as opportunities in an ever-changing environment.

"Maybe you're going through a time of flux [in your home education journey], maybe it's a difficult time. Just hit the slow down [button] (but never [the] stop button) and pray about it! Find some people to sit down and have the discussion. Why are we here? Why do we do this? And I can tell you, the purpose of homeschooling is so immense"—Howard Schmidt