Speaking Life Into Motherhood ~ Rhythms, Child Development, Homeschool, Special Needs, Speech Delay, Systems, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity, Disabilities

By Elyse Scheeler MS CCC-SLP, Special Needs & Homeschool Strategy Coach, AdvocateReligion & Spirituality Christianity Education Self-Improvement Parenting Kids & Family

Speaking Life Into Motherhood ~ Rhythms, Child Development, Homeschool, Special Needs, Speech Delay, Systems, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity, Disabilities episodes

September 17Stop Waiting Until Everything's Done to Rest: A Devotional for Weary Moms //77
Do you feel like you can't rest until the therapy paperwork is filed, the IEP meeting is survived, and the meltdown is over? Have you convinced yourself that rest is something you earn only after everything on your list is checked off? What if Jesus never put that condition on it in the first place?
In this solo episode, I share a quiet devotional recorded from the hills of Kentucky, reflecting on what it really means to rest as a mom walking the road of advocating for a child with additional needs. Drawing from Matthew 11:28-29, I remind listeners (and myself!) that Jesus doesn't ask us to earn rest — He invites us into it right in the middle of our weariness, unfinished days, and all.
Scripture Referenced:
Matthew 11:28-29 — "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
9 min
August 22Beyond the IEP: A Homeschool Framework for Exhausted Moms of Kids With Additional Needs// 76
Have you ever raised a concern about your child to a doctor or a teacher, only to be told, "It's fine, don't worry about it"? Do you actually know what an IEP provides — or are you making a decision about your child's education based on fear of what you assume you can't replicate at home? And if your child already has a diagnosis, do you know that doesn't automatically guarantee them services in the public schools?
In this solo episode, I'm sharing the talk I gave at the very first Wisconsin Homeschool Expo — "Beyond the IEP." I walk through what an IEP really is (and isn't), the real number of minutes most kids receive in specially designed instruction, and how any parent — homeschooling or not — can build their own simple home education plan using the same four-part framework schools use: present levels, goals, accommodations, and services.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Advocacy Toolkit (scripts and tools for talking to doctors and teachers): speakinglife.co/advocacy
Special Needs Clarity Coaching — a 60-minute clarity call on your child's next steps
Homeschool Strategy Session — help outlining a home education plan for your child
Speaking Life Into Homeschool — my 12-week coaching program, starting back up in September

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
32 min
August 06Don't Skip Prayer, Don't Skip Self-Care: A Homeschool Advocate's Honest Advice //75
Is your child being bullied — and have you actually stopped to ask where it's happening? Are you buying the whole curriculum bundle because it feels safer, only to lose your mind trying to pace it? And when an IEP meeting leaves you feeling dismissed, do you know how to advocate without becoming adversarial?
In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Lasik, co-owner of Learning Tree Christian Education Services and a former teacher and school administrator, to talk about what it really takes to start homeschooling with confidence — especially when your child has additional needs. Jennifer shares her own family's story of walking through a faith crisis with her daughter, how she became an unexpected advocate for her niece's IEP and graduation, and the practical, first-step framework every parent needs before they choose a curriculum.
Connect with Jennifer:
Learning Tree Christian Education Services — LTCES.org
Find Jennifer at the Speaking Life Into Homeschool Expo, where Learning Tree is a gold sponsor.
Resources mentioned:
The PEACE Framework — speakinglife.co/peace
Learning Tree Christian Education Services — LTCES.org
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Expo, August 16, 2026, Waukesha Expo Center — speakinglife.co/homeschool

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
41 min
July 29Is My Child Behind in Reading? Why Phonics Fixes What Sight Words Broke //74
Does your child need to be reading by age five — or is that pressure setting your family up for unnecessary tears? Are sight words secretly working against your child's ability to actually read, instead of just guess? And if your homeschooler is years "behind" grade level, is it too late to fix the gap?
In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Jeffrey — former K-3 classroom teacher and host of the top-ranked Phonics for Homeschool Moms podcast — to break down what real reading instruction looks like at home. We cover developmentally appropriate reading timelines, why phonics-based instruction beats whole-language/sight-word approaches, playful ways to build early reading skills, and how to help older or struggling readers (including kids with suspected dyslexia) close the gap without shame or burnout.
Connect with Melanie:
Website: phonicsrulesforkids.com
Podcast: Phonics for Homeschool Moms
Resources mentioned:
Superhero Sounds Drill (car game for blending/segmenting)
CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant) as first reading words
Melanie's curriculum: Teach K-2 Child to Read: From CVC Words to Confident Reader

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
30 min
July 24"I've Had It Too": Why Needing a Break Doesn't Make You a Bad Mom // 73
Have you ever needed a break from your kids and wondered what that says about you as a mom? What if the thing that's throwing off your whole season isn't a big dramatic crisis, but something small and undramatic that quietly changed everything underneath it? And can wanting rest and loving your kids well actually be the same thing?
In this episode, I respond to the viral comments from a host on the "I've Had It" podcast about homeschooling and needing to "get her kids out of the house" — but instead of arguing the politics of it, she turns the conversation toward the mama who felt a flicker of guilt in the reaction to it. I share about a recent fall that's thrown off our entire summer and left me with ongoing mobility issues, what I'm learning about rest and being equipped through Philippians 1:6, and why respite isn't something to feel guilty about — it's part of the plan.
In this episode:
The viral podcast comments that have homeschool families buzzing, and why the real conversation isn't about her
Elyse's recent fall and what an "undramatic" injury taught her about the extra weight of hard seasons
Philippians 1:6 — being equipped doesn't mean having it all figured out
What planned respite actually looks like for special needs families
One small, doable step to take this week if you're in a season of overwhelm
Resources mentioned:
Homeschool Strategy Session — a 60-minute call to build your homeschool foundation: speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Speaking Life Into Homeschool group coaching — next cohort launching September: speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
14 min
July 08America's 250th: The Untold Sacrifices Behind "We Hold These Truths" // 72
Do you ever feel like you're teaching your kids the same dry, disconnected list of historical events without helping them connect to the real people behind it? Have you wondered how to raise kids who feel genuine pride in their country instead of confusion over conflicting narratives? And if you're anything like me, have you caught yourself thinking "I didn't know that" more times than you'd like to admit when it comes to our own American history?
In today's episode, I sit down with Janie Nitze — co-author with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch of the new children's picture book Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence. We talk about the ordinary men, women, and even children who risked everything for the cause of independence, why the illustrations and storytelling in this book read like a true living book, and how the sacrifices of the founding generation can inspire courage in our own kids today. As we celebrate America's 250th, I think you'll walk away from this conversation with a renewed sense of gratitude and a wonderful resource to share history with your kiddos.
Connect with Janie:
Book: Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Neil Gorsuch and Janie Nitze, illustrated by Chris Ellison
Available at your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon (audio version also available)
Also by Janie Nitze and Justice Neil Gorsuch: Overruled and A Republic, If You Can Keep It

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
27 min
June 09Is Sensory Processing Disorder Causing Your Child's Meltdowns? Sensory Needs, Primitive Reflexes, Emotional Dysregulation in Your Homeschool //71
Are you afraid to pull your child out of school because they're receiving occupational therapy and you don't want them to lose those services?
Do you find yourself wondering if your child's meltdowns and emotional outbursts are a behavior problem—or something deeper going on in their nervous system?
Are you overwhelmed by sensory needs and have no idea where to even start?
In this episode, I'm joined again by Tiffany Parsons, pediatric occupational therapist, homeschool mom of twins, and micro school teacher, for a conversation that is going to change the way you think about your child's behavior AND your homeschool. We're talking about the eight senses (yes, eight!), how primitive reflexes affect emotional regulation, why your child's meltdowns aren't a discipline problem, and what OT actually looks like outside of the school system.
Connect with Tiffany: Facebook: Homeschool OT Tiffany Parsons
Resources Mentioned:
All Different Yet the Same by Tiffany Parsons — available on Amazon
Calm Connection Parenting with Jami Kirkbride (uniquely wired kids coaching)

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
30 min
June 01How To Try Out Homeschooling This Summer (Hint: It's not what you think) //70
Are you thinking about homeschooling this fall — but feeling overwhelmed by where to even begin? What if the best thing you could do this summer had nothing to do with curriculum?
Are you ready to stop replicating school at home and start rediscovering the joy of learning together?
Could this summer actually be the foundation your whole homeschool year is built on — if you know how to use it?
In this episode, I'm sharing six practical focuses for families who want to try out homeschooling this summer — and I promise, none of them involve workbooks or lesson plans. From deschooling and interest-led learning to building rhythms, caring for your littles, tending to yourself, and building an emotional regulation foundation, this episode will help you step into fall with confidence and peace instead of panic.
Resources Mentioned:
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program (founding member pricing + bonuses — starts June 15!) → speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Free Preschool & Early Elementary Visual Schedule + Calm Down Area Resource → https://speakinglife.co/visuals/
Simplified Feast Summer Curriculum →
Episode with Janée Daniels on deschooling →
Episode on visuals and how to use them →

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
21 min
May 24Do You Feel Like You're Not Qualified to Homeschool? The Homeschool How To's Cheryl Daley Has News for You //69
**Homeschool Mini Series! I'm taking a few weeks to do a mini series focusing on homeschooling and home educating- perfect for those who are thinking about a change come fall or just need ideas for ways to keep learning fun and engaging this summer break!**
Are you dreaming about homeschooling but convinced you're not qualified—or that your child's additional needs make it impossible? What if everything you think school has to look like is actually holding you back? Could your "unschooling" moments already be the best education your child is getting?
In this episode, I sit down with Cheryl Daly, host of The Homeschool How To podcast, who has interviewed over 200 homeschooling families from all over the world. We talk about what homeschool can actually look like day-to-day, why neurodivergent kids often thrive outside traditional classrooms, and how you can start without quitting your job or buying a $500 curriculum. If you've been on the fence, this conversation might be the push you've been waiting for.
Connect with Cheryl:
🎙️ Podcast: The Homeschool How To
🌐 Website: thehomeschoolhowto.com
📱 Instagram: @thehomeschoolhowtopodcast
Resources Mentioned:
The Homeschool How To e-book (find at thehomeschoolhowto.com)
Work & Homeschool Course by Cheryl Daly
Treehouse Schoolhouse unit studies
Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
Tuttle Twins books
HSLDA.org – state-by-state homeschool requirements

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
37 min
May 19You're Skipping the Step God Intended First — And It's Why Your Homeschool Plan Keeps Falling Apart // 68
**Homeschool Mini Series! I'm taking a few weeks to do a mini series focusing on homeschooling and home educating- perfect for those who are thinking about a change come fall or just need ideas for ways to keep learning fun and engaging this summer break!**
Are you exhausted from researching your child's needs but still feeling completely lost on where to start? Have you spent money on curriculum or programs that just aren't working — and can't figure out why? What if the missing piece has nothing to do with finding the right curriculum at all?
In this solo episode, I'm sharing three foundational steps you need to take before you plan one more week of school, restructure your summer, or buy anything new — whether you're homeschooling, thinking about it, or just trying to keep your traditionally schooled child engaged and supported through the summer months. These steps come directly from Module 1 of my new Speaking Life Into Homeschool group coaching program, and they have the power to completely shift how you see yourself and your child.
Resources Mentioned:
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program (founding member pricing — $200 off + $200 in bonuses): speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Episode 64 with Tina Hollenbeck — You Know Your Child Better Than Anyone: How to Start Homeschooling Without the Overwhelm or the Big Budget
Episode 65 with Janee Daniels — This Former Teacher's Guide to Going From School to Homeschool Even When Your Child Has an IEP
Mission-focused episodes:
EP 55: How Christian Moms Go from Exhausted to Equipped (Hint: They Get in the Boat)
EP 54: Stop the Mom Comparison Trap: Find Your Mission- What To Let Go Of As An Exhausted Christian Mom
EP 34: Why You Need a Mission Statement: Moving from Exhausted to Empowered in Motherhood

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
Email: [email protected]
Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.
14 min

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Speaking Life Into Motherhood ~ Rhythms, Child Development, Homeschool, Special Needs, Speech Delay, Systems, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity, Disabilities

Speaking Life Into Motherhood ~ Rhythms, Child Development, Homeschool, Special Needs, Speech Delay, Systems, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity, Disabilities episodes

About Speaking Life Into Motherhood ~ Rhythms, Child Development, Homeschool, Special Needs, Speech Delay, Systems, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity, Disabilities