Called To Homeschool

Called To Homeschool

By Meg Thomas

Are you feeling the call to homeschool and you're not sure what to do? Or maybe you are already homeschooling and it doesn't look like what you hoped it would. My name is MegThomas and I'm a certified Life Coach, a mother of seven and a homeschool pro with more than a decade of experience. I can show anyone how to create success in their homeschool, and I'd love to show you how. Are you ready?
Learn more at www.coachmegthomas.com.
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#288 Keep it simple - Christmas Lesson Plans

Called To HomeschoolNov 20, 2024
00:00
07:20
#314 My 5th Homeschool graduate: an interview with my daughter Tess

#314 My 5th Homeschool graduate: an interview with my daughter Tess

In this special episode, I sit down with my daughter Tess—my fifth homeschool graduate—to reflect on her journey through homeschooling from kindergarten to graduation.

Tess shares what she loved, what challenged her, how homeschooling shaped her identity, and what she’s planning next.

Whether you’re a veteran homeschool mom or just starting out, this candid mother-daughter chat offers encouragement, perspective, and a glimpse into what it’s all about when the homeschool years come full circle.


May 28, 202533:34
#313 Pushing through when things get hard

#313 Pushing through when things get hard

This quote is adapted from the famous saying from Nietzsche.


Some homeschool days are going to feel hard.


Some days you are going to wonder if you are doing everything wrong.


And some days you are going to want to give up.


But when you have a strong enough why, you can bear almost any how.


In today's podcast episode, I am going over this to help you push through when things don't feel like they are going right.

May 21, 202515:37
#312 Connection Over Curriculum — The 80/20 Rule for Homeschool Success

#312 Connection Over Curriculum — The 80/20 Rule for Homeschool Success

What if the secret to a thriving homeschool isn’t in the perfect curriculum — but in the strength of your connection with your child?

In this episode, we unpack the powerful truth that homeschooling is 80% connection and only 20% curriculum. You’ll learn why building trust and emotional safety is the true foundation of learning, what “connection first” looks like in everyday homeschool life, and how to stop stressing over unfinished lessons.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough?” — this episode will breathe fresh encouragement into your heart and remind you that you are the greatest gift your homeschool has.

✨ You’ll hear:

  • Why relationship is your most powerful teaching tool

  • What to let go of in your curriculum

  • How to create connection moments that shift your homeschool atmosphere

  • The one mindset shift that can change everything

Let’s trade burnout for peace, checkboxes for connection — and rediscover the joy of learning together.

May 14, 202517:09
When Love Becomes a Cage: How Good Intentions Can Suffocate Our Kids

When Love Becomes a Cage: How Good Intentions Can Suffocate Our Kids

Homeschool moms—we mean well. We love deeply. But sometimes… our love turns into control. 😣

This week on the podcast, we’re digging into the hard truth: our good intentions can actually suffocate our kids.

🧠 Why over-correcting damages confidence
🧡 How to shift from fear-based parenting to connection
🛠️ Practical ways to step back so your child can step up

Let’s trade control for trust. Your child doesn’t need you to be perfect—they need you to be present. 💬✨

May 07, 202525:25
#311 A simple parenting guide- Happy Habits

#311 A simple parenting guide- Happy Habits

If you want your homeschool to be amazing, you have to start with the family. 


Restoring the family — building strong marriages, raising loved and secure children, and teaching children to be hard workers— is how we lay the foundation for real, lasting change. 


In today's podcast, I am giving away a simple guide to help you on the road to restore your family. It's called, Happy Habits, and it's an easy step by step guide to help your children learn appropriate behavior.  You can download it for free HERE


Inside the guide, you’ll find simple, proven strategies to teach your child positive behavior without yelling, nagging, or constant reminders.


The next step? Start small. Pick one habit to focus on this week and use the tips to build consistency and confidence. 


If you're looking for more support in restoring your family, then please come and join us in Mama's Members. The course starts this Tuesday, May 6th, and I can't wait to see you there. 


P.S.- The membership has a free 7 day trial! Come and check it out with no risk.

Apr 30, 202520:09
#310 Being willing to adapt and change/May's Lesson Plans

#310 Being willing to adapt and change/May's Lesson Plans

Did you try something last year in your homeschool and it worked really well, but now it's not serving you?


Do you hold onto it because it used to work?


In today's podcast, I am talking about being willing to change and adapt and I am also going over the lesson plans for May.

Apr 23, 202517:29
#309 Why does parenting feel so hard?

#309 Why does parenting feel so hard?

Have you ever wondered why parenting is so hard?


It's not the amount of kids you have, or even your child's behavior that makes it feel so hard.


In this episode, I am going through the real reason why parenting feels so hard, and what you can do to help it feel easy. You are not going to want to miss this one.

Apr 16, 202517:37
#308 Get your family back on track

#308 Get your family back on track

If you are ready to:


* Eliminate family conflicts

* Learn to communicate in your home without yelling

* Strengthen bonds between siblings

* Create a positive home environment

* Learn how to have your kids help around the house

* Promote personal growth for you and your kids

* Learn to teach your kids without yelling

* Build unity as a family


and to actually enjoy being together as a family, then it is time for you to join me this year in my Restore the Family course.


This is going to be a part of Mama's Members and we are starting in May. Get weekly group coaching calls with downloads to help teach you the skills you need and also you can get weekly private coaching calls (at no additional cost) to help you maximize everything that you are learning!


I am going over what the course is in this week's podcast episode, so make sure to check it out, and if you're ready to get your family from surviving to thriving, please come and join us in Mama's Members.

Apr 09, 202514:38
#307 Finding balance between strict and passive parenting

#307 Finding balance between strict and passive parenting

I work with a lot of parents who understand that strict parenting doesn't work.


The yelling, fighting, and coercion starts to negatively effect relationships, and they want to stop being so strict.


But then they swing to the other side into passive parenting, and they quickly realize that that doesn't work either.


In today's podcast episode, I want to give you a simple tip of how to start finding balance between being a strict and passive parent.


Click the link in my bio to listen.

Apr 02, 202524:41
#306 Looking at all the sides of history & April Lesson Plans

#306 Looking at all the sides of history & April Lesson Plans

History is interesting because it is usually written from the point of view from the victor.


Have you ever looked at the other side?


It really helps you to see the full story when you can do that. It also teaches your kids critical thinking skills because now they can look at both sides and form their own opinions.


In today's podcast episode, I talk about looking at both sides of history and I go over the lesson plans for next month.

Mar 26, 202518:52
#305 Living my Dream

#305 Living my Dream

Do you ever feel like you are living in a never ending loop of diapers, messes, and homeschool? It's easy to get frustrated, overwhelmed, and worn out when that is all you have going on. In today's podcast episode, I am talking about why it's important to keep dreaming big even while you have little kids at home. I have some questions for you to ask yourself to find your dreams, and I also cover why it is important for you to dream big.

Mar 19, 202513:23
#304 Parenting Tips- What to do when your kid breaks something

#304 Parenting Tips- What to do when your kid breaks something

If you have kids, chances are they are going to break something.


Plates, cups, crayons, and holes in the wall.


What do you do when that happens?


How should you respond and help them to be more careful?


Make sure to check out this latest episode where I help you to know what to do when your kid breaks something.

Mar 12, 202517:03
#303 How do I?...An episode dedicated to answering all the frequently asked homeschool questions

#303 How do I?...An episode dedicated to answering all the frequently asked homeschool questions

How do you legally homeschool?


Do you need a teaching degree to homeschool?


What is the best curriculum to use?


How do I help my kids make friends?


How long should I homeschool each day?


I am answering these, and so many more, of your frequently asked homeschool questions. Make sure to listen to this episode to get all your questions answered!

Mar 05, 202540:31
#302 Exciting News!!

#302 Exciting News!!

This podcast episode is titled Exciting News!!


Why?


Because I have some exciting news to share with you. You are going to want to make sure you click the link in my bio and go and listen to this week's episode.

Feb 26, 202515:45
#301 How has homeschooling changed since I started 17 years ago

#301 How has homeschooling changed since I started 17 years ago

A while back I had someone ask me how has homeschool changed since I started.


I am in my 17th year of homeschooling, and a lot has changed since then.


For one thing, homeschooling has more than doubled since 2008. Isn't that amazing!


Today is a fun episode to highlight some of the changes of homeschooling through the years.

Feb 19, 202511:60
#300 World Schooling with Ariane Cameron

#300 World Schooling with Ariane Cameron

Ariane is an awesome of three girls and had the chance to live in Europe for a full year. They really wanted to take advantage of their time their and were able to visit 36 countries!I am interviewing her today, to show you what her homeschool looked like while they were traveling.Even if worldschooling doesn't speak to you, this episode will inspire you to create whatever homeschool you want to create.

Feb 12, 202548:14
#299 Your homeschool mindset matters

#299 Your homeschool mindset matters

Your homeschool mindset shapes everything—from your daily rhythm to your child’s love for learning.   


In this week's episode, we dive into why your perspective matters, how to overcome common mental blocks, and ways to build confidence in your homeschooling journey. 

Feb 05, 202518:26
#298 Focus on what matters and stop getting distracted

#298 Focus on what matters and stop getting distracted

With internet and social media, it is easy to get distracted with all the possible homeschool options out there.


In today's podcast episode, I want to talk about focusing on what matters and say no to the things that don't.

Jan 29, 202506:49
#297 All things reading: From how to teach a kid to read to what to do with a reluctant reader

#297 All things reading: From how to teach a kid to read to what to do with a reluctant reader

Whether you are helping a little one unlock the magic of reading their first words to trying to figure out what to do with a reluctant reader, I've got you covered.


In today's podcast episode, I go over the step by step instructions of how to teach a kid to read.


I also cover what to do with a reluctant reader, and how you can help them love reading!

Jan 22, 202528:16
#296 Unlocking a Year of Growth

#296 Unlocking a Year of Growth

Who is ready for a better marriage?


A deeper connection with your kids?


Skills to get your kids to listen without yelling?


Tools to create an amazing family?


If you answered yes to any of these, you need to check out today's podcast, Unlocking a Year of Growth.


I am sharing with you how to create success in all these areas, and I cannot wait to share it with you!

Jan 15, 202510:43
#295 Homeschooling one child: tips, obstacles, and strategies

#295 Homeschooling one child: tips, obstacles, and strategies

When I was in the middle of homeschooling with seven kids at home, I never imagined that I would eventually be homeschooling only one kid.


But somehow, my babies grew up on me, and I am finding myself homeschooling only one child.


It can be tricky to navigate how to homeschool only one child, so in today's podcast episode I am covering some tips, obstacles, and strategies on how to do it.

Jan 08, 202517:56
#294 Keep your homeschool simple & January Lesson Plans

#294 Keep your homeschool simple & January Lesson Plans

Feeling overwhelmed by lesson plans, resources, and activities?


You’re not alone! In this week’s podcast episode, we’re diving into why simplicity is the secret to homeschool long term.


I will also be covering the lesson plans for January. You are not going to want to miss this!

Jan 01, 202511:35
#293 It Will All Work Out

#293 It Will All Work Out

🎙 New Episode Alert: "It Will All Work Out" ✨


In this episode, we’re diving deep into the moments when life feels uncertain—and how to trust the process. 🌿 From unexpected detours to finding clarity in chaos, this conversation will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. 💡


💬 Listen now for practical tips, real talk, and a reminder that, yes, it will all work out. 🎧

Dec 25, 202407:02
#292 Unlocking the Superpower of an Intentional Mama

#292 Unlocking the Superpower of an Intentional Mama

Ever feel like you're running on autopilot as a mom?

It’s time to hit pause and embrace the power of an intentional mama!


Discover how being an intentional mama isn’t just a gift for your family—it’s a transformative superpower for you, too.


Check out today's episode, Unlocking the Superpower of an Intentional Mama, and celebrate how amazing you are!

Dec 18, 202421:09
#291 Holistic Homeschooling

#291 Holistic Homeschooling

Are you ready to transform your homeschool?


Discover why a holistic approach could be the game-changer your family needs! In this episode, I dive into:


👉 What holistic homeschooling means

👉 How it nurtures the whole—mind, body, and soul for you and your children

👉 The four pieces of a holistic homeschool


Homeschooling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right mindset and tools, it can be an enriching journey for the entire family! 💕


🎙️ Tune in now and get inspired to embrace homeschooling with heart.

Dec 04, 202412:15
#290 Creating an Intentional Family with Karen Bates

#290 Creating an Intentional Family with Karen Bates

I had the opportunity to interview the wonderful Karen Bates on the podcast this week.


She is an intentional Mama who helps families create homes of learning and leadership, and she does it all in a very natural way!


She has recently followed her path of helping orphans in Mexico, and you are not going to want to miss all the amazing things she is doing with her family.


Make sure to go to www.findyourpathmission.org to learn more.

Dec 04, 202427:05
#289 What to do when people quiz your kids

#289 What to do when people quiz your kids

Anyone find it a bit odd or weird when adults start quizzing homeschool children of what they know?


Do you feel lost at how to handle this, or what to do to help your kids handle it?


In today's episode, I am going to be covering why adults do that, how to prepare your children of what to if it happens, and tips for you on how to handle it in a positive way.


You are not going to want to miss this one!!

Nov 27, 202415:45
#288 Keep it simple - Christmas Lesson Plans

#288 Keep it simple - Christmas Lesson Plans

One of the things I love to do is help make life easy for you which is why I have created some pretty amazing Christmas lesson plans!!


These lessons are designed to keep your life simple while still giving your child a great education.

 

Lesson plans include- read aloud, memorization, arts, book of poems, science, history, and writing.


Make sure to check out today's episode about keeping it simple and to hear more about my Christmas lesson plans.

Nov 20, 202407:20
#287 Why focusing on relationships first matter

#287 Why focusing on relationships first matter

Do you want an amazing home life?


Focus on relationships first.

Do you want an amazing homeschool?


Focus on relationships first.


Relationships are everything, and in this episode I share some wins from a client and her experience from No Yell November of how focusing on relationships is completely changing her home.

Nov 13, 202412:20
#286 Learning Vs Memorizing

#286 Learning Vs Memorizing

What is the difference between memorizing information and learning information?


That is what I want to explore in today's podcast episode.


I also give you some steps to help your kids to become lifelong learners.

Nov 06, 202414:15
#285 Homeschool 2.0 and November Lesson Plans

#285 Homeschool 2.0 and November Lesson Plans

What do you do when your children are getting their chores done regularly?


What do you do with homeschool as your kids get closer to their teen years?


You take your homeschool to the next level.


Check out this episode to hear how to do that and what it looks like.


Also, I am going over November's lesson plans, so make sure to check those out.

Oct 30, 202417:26
#284 Tools of what to do instead of yelling

#284 Tools of what to do instead of yelling

I've shared this month of what the negative effects of yelling are, and I have shared what are the positive benefits of stay calm.


In this episode, I am sharing tools of what to do instead of yelling.


It's not count to 10, or deep breathing, but actionable steps of what to do when your kid is behaving in a way where you normally yell.


This is a game changer, and I hope you enjoy it as we get ready to kick off No Yell November.

Oct 23, 202419:38
#283 The Best Homeschool Curriculum

#283 The Best Homeschool Curriculum

I'm on a mission to find the absolute best homeschool curriculum out there!


After homeschooling for 17 years, I've sure learned a lot, and I want to share it with you in today's episode.

Oct 16, 202409:45
#282 Finding Joy in Your Homeschool

#282 Finding Joy in Your Homeschool

Who here wants more joy in their homeschool??


In this week's episode, I go over some simple things you can do to find and create joy in your homeschool.


I am also sharing what benefits come from being calm with your kids.


You are not going to want to miss this!

Oct 09, 202411:07
#281 No Yell November Challenge

#281 No Yell November Challenge

It's almost November, and time to get ready for another No Yell November challenge. In today's episode, I share three long term effects of yelling and what it does to your kids. I am also sharing ideas of how to stop the desire to even yell.


Go and check out the challenge here: https://www.coachmegthomas.com/product-page/no-yell-november-challenge

Oct 02, 202430:26
#280 October's Lesson Plans

#280 October's Lesson Plans

Next month's lesson plans are ready to go! 


In today's podcast episode, I not only cover what your kids will be learning, but I also give you some homeschool tips to help you to create success without feeling completely overwhelmed.


https://www.coachmegthomas.com/category/lesson-plans

Sep 25, 202419:44
#279 Utilizing your strengths in your homeschool

#279 Utilizing your strengths in your homeschool

You've often heard that comparison is the thief of joy, and I couldn't agree more.


Comparing your weaknesses to someone else's strength is a quick way to beat yourself up, and think that homeschool isn't for you.


But what if instead you focused on your strengths?


In today's podcast episode, I want to dive into this topic and help you see how awesome you really are.

Sep 18, 202416:33
#278 How to have longterm homeschool success

#278 How to have longterm homeschool success

I get the opportunity to talk to thousands of homeschoolers all over the world.


I get to hear their concerns and their worries for their homeschool.


One of the things I hear is that they have no idea how they can homeschool longterm.


In today's podcast episode, I want to share with you two simple things you can start doing to get on the road of longterm success.


If you are feeling like you can't do one more thing, don't worry, one of the things you can start doing is less.


Go and check out the episode.

Sep 11, 202410:57
#277 Should you use AI in your homeschool?

#277 Should you use AI in your homeschool?

With homeschool on the rise, more and more resources are starting to become available.


One of those resources is AI.


In today's episode, I am going over the pros and cons of AI, and if I am planning on using it in my homeschool.

Sep 04, 202409:49
#276 Your Curriculum Doesn't Matter

#276 Your Curriculum Doesn't Matter

Do you remember how you learned to read?


What method was used, or what books you read?


Maybe bits and pieces, but chances of you remembering all of it is pretty slim.


I know as homeschoolers we can spend so much time worrying about if we are using the right or the best curriculum out there.


I want to address that in today's podcast episode, as well as how to keep your homeschool consistent.

Aug 28, 202407:49
#275 Confidence & Resilience for Teens with Joey Mascio

#275 Confidence & Resilience for Teens with Joey Mascio

Today is a very special episode with my friend, Joey Mascio.


Joey was a former public school middle school teacher and got the opportunity to work with a lot of teens. He got to see a lot of the common issues and concerns that they had.


Since then, he has become a life coach and specializes in helping teens build confidence and help them to be resilient to all of lives ups and downs.


If you have a teen, or kids who will eventually be teens, you need to listen to it!!

Aug 21, 202436:04
#274 Our 2024-2025 Homeschool Plan

#274 Our 2024-2025 Homeschool Plan

In this week's podcast episode, I am going over our homeschool plans for 2024-2025.


I am also sharing with you September's lesson plans.


This is our 17th year of homeschooling, and I am excited to share what we do with you!

Aug 14, 202416:59
#273 Homeschooling on a Budget with Leigh Nguyen
Aug 07, 202424:14
#272 Teaching Children Boundaries

#272 Teaching Children Boundaries

I often see parents swing between being too passive with their children, or being too strict.


There is a happy space in the middle that I call being an intentional parent.


In this space, we work on connection, AND we also have loving boundaries.


In today's podcast episode, I want to show you why we want to give our children boundaries and how to do it.


Click the link in my bio to listen.

#homeschoolpodcast

Jul 31, 202425:08
#271 Homeschool Help
Jul 24, 202413:51
#270 5 Arguments Against Homeschooling

#270 5 Arguments Against Homeschooling

I recently read an article that was 5 arguments against homeschooling.


I thought the arguments were concerns that I have heard frequently, so I decided to go through each of the arguments and give my thoughts on them.


You are going to want to check out this episode.

Jul 17, 202426:05
#269 Marriage Tips

#269 Marriage Tips

Today is a very special day at our house. My son is getting married!!


Also, next week my husband and I will be celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary.


Because babies grow up and homeschooling doesn't last forever, I thought it would be great to share some ideas with you on how to make sure you are building a strong relationship with your spouse.

Jul 10, 202420:44
#268 Reflections from when I first started homeschooling

#268 Reflections from when I first started homeschooling

I started homeschooling 17 years ago.


I have graduated four kids, and have three kids still home with me.


I recently found an old blog I had started in 2010, and it was interesting to see how our homeschool looked back then versus now.


In today's podcast episode I want to share some of my reflections.


Jul 03, 202410:47
#267 The Biggest Obstacle

#267 The Biggest Obstacle

I have often said that you cannot ruin your child's life. You are not that powerful.


However, you may be their biggest obstacle.


After speaking to several clients about how their childhood has impacted them as an adult, I wanted to talk about what you can do, so your child won't have to go down that same path.


You are not going to want to miss this one.

Jun 26, 202412:32
#266 Nobody Else's Business

#266 Nobody Else's Business

I tried to share a parenting tip a few weeks ago in a reel, and it was met with so much hate.


But interestingly enough, it was also met with a whole lot of love.


I want to talk to you in today's podcast episode, Nobody Else's Business, about how letting other peoples' judgements needs to stay out of your home and your homeschool.


Click the link in my bio to listen.

Jun 19, 202412:33