HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast

In this episode, I share which math manipulatives are truly worth using, how they help children understand math concepts more deeply, and how to avoid overbuying tools you don't need. 

If your child is struggling with math (or you're feeling overwhelmed by options), this episode will help you simplify and choose confidently.

Click here to discover math manipulatives.

© 2018–2026 H...

Feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home and life? In this episode, I share my personal journey with decluttering—from tackling sentimental items to overcoming the fear of letting go.

As a homeschooling parent, I know how hard it can be to balance everything, and simplifying your space can make a world of difference.

Tune in for practical tips, relatable stories, and motivation to help you lighten your load and create a calm...

Do your kids thrive when they're outside? In this episode, I'll introduce you to the concept of nature-based education. This episode will inspire you to turn the natural world into your best classroom.

Want to go deeper? Check out the full article on nature schooling—it's packed with practical ideas, book suggestions, and curriculum resources to help you bring even more outdoor learning into your h...

Are you worried you might be letting your child fall behind—especially when they seem to be learning in their own way?

In this episode, you'll hear a real coaching session with a homeschool mom who's questioning whether she should step in more or trust the process with her eight-year-old. What starts as a concern about spellin...

In this episode, Jackie invites you to step back and look at how you're showing up in the many roles you hold—as a parent, teacher, partner, and manager of your home.

Rather than judging yourself, you'll learn how curiosity can reveal the thoughts behind your actions and the results you're getting.

This simple question can help ...

Have you ever wondered what unschooling really is? We're unpacking what unschooling is, what it isn't, and how it works in real life.

You'll also hear a bit about the history of unschooling, including key figures like John Holt and the ideas that shaped this unique approach to education.

If you're curious about giving your kids ...

Have you ever wondered why mindset comes up so often on HomeSchool ThinkTank—right alongside curriculum, schedules, and homeschool logistics?

In this episode, I'm sharing why mindset became the foundation of how I support homeschooling parents—and why it's often the missing piece between feeling overwhelmed and feeling confident.

Most teens head to college without real clarity—and that lack of direction often leads to changes of major, extra years of school, and unnecessary stress for families.

In this episode, Jackie talks with Beth and Greg Langston about how parents can help teens identify their strengths, va...

In a world where kids learn to swipe before they can write, is handwriting still worth teaching?

In this episode, we explore why teaching your children to write by hand—both print and cursive—is still essential.

You'll discover the hidden benefits of handwriting, how it impacts brain development, memory, and learning, and why it...

In this episode, I share why your connection with your child matters more than any curriculum.

As a homeschooling mom, I share my homeschooling journey and the hard lessons I learned when I let curriculum take priority over my relationship with my children.

I'll show you how focusing on connection can help prevent challenges, strengthen your bond with your children, and create a more rewarding homeschooling experience. 

Join me as ...

What does a real homeschool day look like—especially when it doesn't go as planned?

In this episode, I share one ordinary (and very flexible) day in our homeschool life where learning happened outside the box.

From dentist appointments to obstacle courses and impromptu learning moments, you'll...

In this episode, marriage counselor Ron Price shares practical insights for improving relationships and navigating conflict in a healthier, more productive way.

Ron is the author of the Play Nice in Your Sandbox series, and his approach is simple, relatable, and surprisingly powerful. T...

Have you ever wondered if you could homeschool your kids while your family travels?

In this episode, we take a realistic look at roadschooling—a form of homeschooling that blends education with travel and real-world experiences. You'll learn what roadschooling actually is, why families ...

Even when you love your kids and believe in homeschooling, it can still feel like too much.

Too many decisions.
Too much responsibility.
Too much pressure to get it right.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in your head trying to figure ev...

There's no shortage of homeschool curriculum… but that doesn't mean you need more choices. You need a better way to choose.

In my second interview with Cathy Duffy, we talk through the decisions that matter most—what to figure out before you buy anything, the biggest mistake new homeschoolers...

Want to explore museums without spending a fortune?

In this episode, I'm sharing how you can save big on museum visits with a little-known membership perk that offers access to hundreds of museums—science museums, art museums, history museums, and even botanical gardens—at a fraction of the cost.

Whether planning local outings or traveling with your family, this simple strategy can open the doors to amazing educational experiences ...

In this episode, Jackie shares a preview of her book, Think Homeschool, written for parents considering whether homeschooling might be right for their family.

This book isn't about convincing you to homeschool. It's an invitation to slow down, ask better questions, and rethink how learning and family life can work together.

Have you ever wondered how nutrition might affect learning, focus, and regulation for a child with autism?

In this episode, Jackie sits down with Karen Thomas, a craniosacral therapist and holistic health practitioner with more than 30 years of experience—and a mother of an adult son who was diagnosed with autism.