Homeschool with Steph

By Stephany Rios

Hi, I'm Steph. I grew up going to public school and with parents who punched a time clock. I never thought I'd take a different path. Then my high school sweetheart husband dropped out of college and ... more

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FAQs about Homeschool with Steph:

How many episodes does Homeschool with Steph have?

The podcast currently has 67 episodes available.

Homeschool with Steph episodes:

January 27, 2026I never thought I could change, but I’m learning that change is good.
Hello. Welcome back. Thanks for joining me again. Okay. Today's episode is going to be quick. No fluff, no intro, we're just going to get to the point.

Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
5:37 The Impact of Digital Tools on Family Dynamics
05:38 Introduction to Personal Passion and Jewelry Design
06:51 Embracing Change in Planning
11:30 The Impact of Digital Tools on Family Dynamics
12:44 Building Confidence in Everyday Style
13:13 Rediscovering Your Personal Style

Links:
State Laws for homeschool

Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!
www.ivianaandco.com
Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY
www.stephriosblog.com

Let’s connect!
Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co
Steph Rios Blog
Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco
@stephriosblog

Leave a review!
Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!

~Steph

*I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state
...more
14min
January 20, 2026Homeschooling Through Anxiety: Showing up on the Hard Days.
Today's episode is a quiet, honest conversation about homeschooling through overwhelm and anxiety. Not the kind that shows up on his schedules or lesson plans, but the kind that you carry inside while still showing up for your kids. I am sharing a few reflections from my own journey and some encouragement for the mom who's doing her best on days that feel heavier than she expected.

Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
03:12 The Impact of Anxiety on Homeschooling
05:42 Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems
08:51 Navigating Motherhood and Mental Health
11:46 Adjusting Expectations in Homeschooling
14:42 Self-Care and Its Importance
17:34 Finding Strength in Vulnerability
18:29 Encouragement for Struggling Moms
18:29 Introduction to Personal Passion and Jewelry Design
19:43 Introduction to the Anxiety Journey
19:59 Finding Strength in Vulnerability
21:20 Encouragement for Struggling Moms
25:06 The Power of Morning Rituals
25:34 Embracing Presence in Difficult Times
25:45 Building Confidence in Everyday Style
26:13 Rediscovering Your Personal Style

Links:
State Laws for homeschool

Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!
www.ivianaandco.com
Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY
www.stephriosblog.com

Let’s connect!
Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co
Steph Rios Blog
Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco
@stephriosblog

Leave a review!
Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!

~Steph

*I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state
...more
27min
January 13, 2026When Reading Comes Later—and Why That’s Okay
Today's episode is a solo conversation that's been sitting on my heart since the experience happened. I'm sharing about my older two kids and their reading journey, what it's looked like to homeschool children who would be considered behind by traditional standards. The feelings I have had recently ordering their curriculum and why I chose not to push reading when they were younger. If you've ever questioned your timing, your choices, or wondered if you're doing enough, this episode is for you.

Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
00:38 New Year Reflections and Family Health Challenges
03:01 Homeschooling Journey: Curriculum Choices and Family Dynamics
08:08 Introduction to Personal Passion and Jewelry Design
09:22 New Year Reflections and Family Health Challenges
09:24 Homeschooling Journey: Curriculum Choices and Family Dynamics
12:41 Navigating Learning Differences and Reading Progress
19:52 Trusting the Process: Embracing Individual Learning Paths
25:28 Embracing Individual Learning Journeys
25:59 The Importance of Mindful Parenting in Education
26:07 Building Confidence in Everyday Style
26:36 Rediscovering Your Personal Style

Links:
State Laws for homeschool

Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!
www.ivianaandco.com
Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY
www.stephriosblog.com

Let’s connect!
Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co
Steph Rios Blog
Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco
@stephriosblog

Leave a review!
Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!

~Steph

*I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state
...more
27min
January 06, 2026Starting the Year with Strength: What 2025 Taught me as a homeschooling Mom of 5
We are going to do a little recap in 2025 as we kick off 2026. 2025 stretched me, refined me, and surprised me in both motherhood, homeschooling, and business. This episode is both reflective and encouraging, and I am sharing five key lessons I learned from 2025 that are definitely gonna affect how I live life in 2026.

Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
02:09 Embracing a New Homeschooling Rhythm
07:05 Emotional Regulation in Parenting
13:13 Balancing Business and Homeschooling
18:20 Tailoring Education to Fit Your Family
22:01 The Importance of Connection Over Perfection

Links:
State Laws for homeschool
Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!
www.ivianaandco.com
Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY
www.stephriosblog.com

Let’s connect!
Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co
Steph Rios Blog
Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco
@stephriosblog

Leave a review!
Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!

~Steph

*I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state
...more
30min
December 30, 2025Emotional Regulation for Kids: Tools Every Homeschool Parents Need with Dr. Ashleigh Rankin
Today, I am joined by Dr. Ashley Rankin, a psychologist, coach and author of Tilly’s Toolbox for Big Emotions. Dr. Rankin brings a wealth of clinical and real life experience to families, helping parents teach emotional literacy in simple, accessible ways; no psychology degree required. We’re talking about why emotional skills matter just as much as reading and math, how parents can help their kids name negative feelings, and how Dr. Rankin’s new book places practical tools directly in our hands as educators and moms.

Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
01:01 The Importance of Emotional Skills in Education
01:06 Introduction to Homeschooling and Emotional Development
05:50 The Importance of Emotional Regulation in Education
10:10 Cultural Shifts in Emotional Awareness
13:37 The Connection Between Parent and Child Emotions
19:26 The Role of Connection in Effective Education
24:41 Challenges in the Public Education System
25:24 Diverse Educational Experiences
25:39 Introduction to Holiday Sparkle
26:05 Exclusive December Surprises
26:24 Introduction to Homeschooling and Emotional Development
26:25 Cultural Shifts in Emotional Awareness
26:25 Diverse Educational Experiences
28:58 Understanding Children's Emotions
32:28 The Importance of Emotional Regulation
36:27 Building Emotional Connections
40:19 Advice for Parents on Emotional Development
45:21 Navigating Big Emotions with Children
45:44 Building Confidence and Resilience in Kids

Links:
Find her book Tilly's Toolbox for Big Emotions
You can also find it on Amazon and Barns and Noble

State Laws for homeschool

Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!
www.ivianaandco.com
Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY
www.stephriosblog.com

Let’s connect!
Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co
Steph Rios Blog
Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco
@stephriosblog

Leave a review!
Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!

~Steph

*I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state
...more
47min
December 26, 2025 Turning Math Anxiety into Confidence: Math Strategies for Homeschool Moms with Dr. Geillan Aly
Today's guest is someone who brings so much compassion and clarity to a subject many homeschool families wrestle with, math. Dr. Jillian Alley is the founder of Compassionate Math and she believes something incredibly important. Math isn't just a cognitive process, it is an emotional one. Kids need to feel safe, supported, and confident in order to truly thrive.
She has over 15 years of teaching experience and has been an award-winning college professor and holds both a master's in mathematics and a PhD in teaching and teacher education. Dr. Ali has spoken across the country and internationally, helping schools and teachers transform the way they approach math instruction. Her mission is rooted in equity, encouragement, and the belief that math helps us understand the world that God has created.
passionate about helping families move from math anxiety to math confidence. And today she's here to share practical strategies and so much hope. I know this is a conversation that you will love.
www.compassionatemath.com
...more
46min
December 16, 202561| Raising Joyful, Confident Kids Through Storytelling: Children's Books and Life Lessons with Bracha Goetz
Today's guest is someone whose writing has quietly shaped the hearts and minds of children all over the world. Barcha Getz is a Harvard educated author who has written 45 children's books filled with purpose, warmth and meaningful lessons. She also wrote a deeply candid memoir for adults titled Nourish the Soul Filling the Emptiness Within, which shares her journey towards lasting joy. Bracha's picture books simplify big truths in a way children can genuinely understand, covering themes like gratitude, self-control, faith, and finding real happiness. Her newest titles include: The Happiness Box, What God Can Do, and The Mother Who Always Said Yes. Through her writing, Bracha helps families have conversations that matter and encourage parents to nurture their children's souls in gentle, joyful ways. I'm Honored to have her on the show today.

Show Notes:

00:00 Intro

01:03 Introduction to Gratitude and Happiness

03:23 Bracha's Journey to Joy

06:54 The Struggles of Motherhood

12:28 Finding Value in Homemaking

16:49 The Impact of Parenting on Children

23:22 Bracha's Journey as an Author

26:09 Rediscovering a Classic: The Happiness Box

26:41 The Power of Gratitude: Building Neural Pathways

28:43 Teaching Gratitude: Role Modeling for Children

30:45 Finding Joy in Motherhood: The Unseen Value

32:37 The Importance of Boundaries: Lessons from 'The Mother Who Always Said Yes'

38:24 Books with Purpose: Guiding Children Through Life

42:18 Family Collaboration: Spreading Positive Messages

44:03 Introduction to Braca's Wisdom

44:32 The Impact of Braca's Books on Families

Links:

Find her Books:

Nourish the Soul: Filling the Emptiness Within.

The Happiness Box, Oh, What God Can Do!

The Mother Who Always Said Yes.

And more: www.growingimpactpublications.com.

New customers get 10% off their website purchases.

You can also download a free Pleasure Ladder chart from the website here: https://www.growingimpactpublications.com/pages/the-pleasure-ladder

State Laws for homeschool

Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

www.ivianaandco.com

Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

www.stephriosblog.com

Let's connect!

Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

Steph Rios Blog

Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

@stephriosblog

Leave a review!

Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!

~Steph

*I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state
...more
46min
December 09, 202560 | Helping Struggling Readers Thrive: Evidence Based Reading Tips for Homeschool Moms with Daniela of Kids Up Reading Tutors
Welcome back to Home School with Steph. Today's guest is someone whose work brings so much relief and confidence to families, especially homeschooling parents who carry the responsibility of teaching their kids to read. Daniala spent 25 years as an attorney in Washington, DC, before realizing that her real passion was helping children become successful, competent readers. She founded Kids Up Reading Tutors, a nationwide team of herself and 16 specialists who help students overcome reading and spelling challenges, including dyslexia and dysgraphia. Their approach is grounded in the science of reading, Combined structured literacy, and phonological awareness, Morton Gillingham-based multisensory instruction and individualised lessons. What sets Kids Up apart is their ability to help students make rapid progress, often catching up in months instead of years, in a supportive, judgement-free environment where struggling readers can thrive. Daniela's mission is not just to teach reading, but to transform how kids feel about it. And as a mama who has a struggling reader, this episode was especially helpful to me and I am looking forward to being able to share this conversation with you.

Show Notes:

00:00 Intro

03:23 Transforming Frustration into Joy: Teaching Reading

07:06 Building Phonological Skills: The Foundation of Reading

11:00 The Benefits of Reading Aloud: Beyond Decoding

13:19 Utilizing Technology: Tools for Modern Reading

18:05 Understanding Dyslexia: Strategies for Success

21:28 Tutoring Model: Personalized Learning for Reading Success

23:49 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Temporary Nature

24:46 The Power of Virtual Learning

25:50 Embracing Technology in Education

26:44 Multi-Sensory Learning Approaches

28:53 Homeschooling Dynamics and Support

30:42 Navigating Dyslexia in Bilingual Children

33:52 Early Intervention and Its Importance

37:58 Lifelong Learning and Support for Reading Challenges

Links:

- Homeschool page of our website: https://www.kidsupreadingtutors.com/homeschool-reading-tutor

- Home page of our website (if you're only going to use one link to our website, please link to the homeschool page, not this page): https://www.kidsupreadingtutors.com/

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-feldhausen-kidsupreadingtutors/

- https://www.facebook.com/KidsUpReadingTutors

- https://www.instagram.com/kidsupreadingtutors/

Link to Schedule Your Free Call and Demo with Daniela: https://www.kidsupreadingtutors.com/schedule

State Laws for homeschool

Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

www.ivianaandco.com

Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

www.stephriosblog.com

Let's connect!

Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

Steph Rios Blog

Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

@stephriosblog

Leave a review!

Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!

~Steph

*I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state
...more
44min
December 02, 202559 | How Tragedy in My 20's has Shaped Motherhood
Hello, on today's SoloSode, I am diving deep into a personal experience I had in my early 20s that has forever shaped my life and my personality. And not necessarily all for the better. I'm sharing with you some challenges that I've had in homeschooling because of the situation I had in my early 20s. It gets really personal really quick. But I think this story and this experience that I've had is going to resonate with you and that you're going to want to stick around for the whole thing. I also feel like it's going to encourage you to keep going and give yourself some grace even on the really hard days.

Show Notes:

00:00 Intro

02:33 Navigating Personal Challenges and Family Health Crisis

11:14 The Impact of Loss on Planning and Control

14:34 Daily Struggles of a Homeschooling Mom

24:50 Embracing Imperfection in Homeschooling

27:32 The Beauty of Homeschooling and Family Connections

29:22 Embracing Personal Stories

29:53 Finding Joy in Imperfection

Links:

State Laws for homeschool

Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

www.ivianaandco.com

Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

www.stephriosblog.com

Let's connect!

Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

Steph Rios Blog

Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

@stephriosblog

Leave a review!

Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!

~Steph

*I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state
...more
31min
November 25, 202558 | Having the faith to make the shifts in your life that will be transformative with Michelle Rose
If you are a mama who knows that the routine in your home needs to change, but you have been afraid to figure out what those changes need to be or to pull the trigger on changes that you know need to happen, this episode is for you. Today I'm talking with my friend Michelle. She is a functional health coach for women and she shares her personal experience on how she made a really big shift in her life. During the years of COVID that has impacted her family in a big way, and for the better. So if you've been scared to take the leap on a new change in your life that's gonna affect you and your family, but you know it's gonna be good for you in the long run, listen to this episode for some inspiration and you are gonna love the conversation.

Show Notes:

00:00 Intro

03:48 The Shift in Homeschooling Roles

06:45 Overcoming Mom Guilt and Embracing Self-Care

09:46 Teaching Kids Self-Motivation and Work Ethic

12:43 The Dynamics of a Homeschooling Family

15:35 Creating a Flexible Homeschool Schedule

22:06 A Day in the Life of Homeschooling

23:24 The Importance of Self-Care for Moms

28:05 Supporting Women Through Health and Wellness

29:41 The Role of Gut Health in Overall Wellbeing

31:00 Breaking the Cycle of Survival Mode

34:56 Embracing Change and Family Dynamics

39:28 Embracing Change in Family Life

40:17 Connecting Through Social Media and Personal Growth

Links:

Follow on Michelle Rose on instagram @ thebuddingroses

State Laws for homeschool

Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

www.ivianaandco.com

Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

www.stephriosblog.com

Let's connect!

Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

Steph Rios Blog

Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

@stephriosblog

Leave a review!

Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!

~Steph

*I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state
...more
42min

FAQs about Homeschool with Steph:

How many episodes does Homeschool with Steph have?

The podcast currently has 67 episodes available.