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Kids & Family
Cait Curley, MA/CAGS
Homeschooling is easier when you have a sister by your side.
Since 2016, and with over 1.6 million downloads worldwide, The Homeschool Sisters Podcast has been dedicated to supporting sisters across all walks of life. We are here to support you (and cheer you on!) as you raise your wildly unique children and teens.
Episode 74: Poolside Professional Development III
It's here sisters - tons of book ideas for you, plus your permission slip to read outside this summer!
Whether you hit the pool, the campground, or the backyard while your kids jump on the trampoline, Cait + Kara are sharing some books they hope to tackle during "summer break."
This is their third Poolside Professional Development Episode. Make sure you check out the first and second installments!
The sisters are going on break for a bit. They'll be back with new episodes in in the fall. Stay Sweet. See You Next Year and Love Ya Like a Sis!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
59:1128/05/2019
Episode 73: Sibling Stuff (because we're together ALL the time)
The sibling relationship is unique, especially when we're young and all living together in the same home.
Add homeschooling to that, and it's really vital to have some sibling strategies.
Cait + Kara have called in sibling expert Lynna Sutherland of Homeschooling Without Training Wheels for this episode. Lynna is a mom to 8 and host of the new podcast Sibling Relationship Lab. She also offers sibling courses, devotionals and more through her site.
Tune in to learn how to see our kids as people, get to the bottom of sibling strife, and raise our kids to want to see each other again every year at Christmas.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
56:4621/05/2019
Episode 72: Learning with Little Ones, with Erin Loechner
In this episode, the sisters are joined by Erin Loechner, founder of the international online homeschool community for little ones, Other Goose.
Erin and the sisters are breaking down simple homeschooling with kids ages 2-7 - how to make it intentional and fun, without making yourself crazy.
Cait, Kara and Erin discuss common early years questions including what to do when your kids don't like your plans for the day, how much "school" we should expect from little kiddos and Erin even shares her strategy for engaging her toddler while working with her 6-year-old.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
01:07:5514/05/2019
Episode 71: Morning Time (and a new book!), with Pam Barnhill
In this episode, the sisters are celebrating a book birthday with friend Pam Barnhill. Her new book Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning with Purpose and Peace is available for sale TODAY!
Get your copy here.
The sisters are sharing this replay episode from last year - one of their most popular episodes so far.
Tune in to learn all about Morning Time, plus all about Pam’s book, Better Together.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
37:4407/05/2019
Episode 70: Quiet Joy: Introverted parenting (and homeschooling) with Jamie Martin
This sisters are joined this week by long-time friend Jamie Martin of Simple Homeschool!
Jamie has written a new book that is THE guide for introverts and for helping extroverts understand introverts better: Introverted Mom: Your Guide to More Calm, Less Guilt and Quiet Joy.
Learn about why introversion is a super power, how to make homeschooling work when you need frequent recharge time, and why to put on pants every day! ;)
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
01:00:4130/04/2019
Episode 69: Q & A: How to squeeze in one-on-one time
The sisters are chatting one-on-one time this week ... How to get it when you're homeschooling and together ALL THE TIME, why it's valuable and what you can do when this just isn't the season for it.
Cait and Kara share simple ideas for one-on-one time at home or when you just have a few minutes and how to make the most of the time we get together.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
39:1023/04/2019
Episode 68: Meeting Our Kids' Emotional Needs (and beyond)
In this episode, Cait + Kara address a common question they get from parents - how to meet their children's emotional needs, and how to deal with issues like anxiety and more while homeschooling.
With plenty of candor, the sisters are their own experiences with this issue and how they've navigated rough patches (and beyond) with their own children.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
51:3416/04/2019
Episode 67: Methods and Philosophies (and why you don't need them)
Today the sisters are chatting about methods and philosophies and why you don't necessarily need to choose one in order to homeschool.
Cait + Kara share their own experiences, and about learning this lesson the hard way - one of them even got booted from a group! (Wait until you hear the reason).
The sisters also talk about finding support if you don't choose a strict method to follow.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
48:2309/04/2019
Ep. 66: Q & A: New Rhythms and Spring (Fever)
The sisters have a tiny case of spring fever in this episode which covers rhythms, new routines, seasonal changes in the their homeschools and more. (Specifically Bob Ross and The Tiny Chef.)
Join them for a candid chat about how rhythm isn't like a crockpot, and why quarterly reviews are the routine sweet spot.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
42:1402/04/2019
Episode 65: Q & A: When you aren't good at playing
Sisters, if you just aren't good at playing, or don't especially love playing, this is the episode for you!
Cait + Kara are talking about what you can do if you can't help but think about laundry and dishes when you wish you could just focus on tiny plastic animals.
And if you just really don't want to play, what you can do instead? The sisters have lots of ideas!
Cait + Kara have your back, friends. Tune in and know you are not alone when it comes to this struggle!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
28:5026/03/2019
Episode 64: Different By Design with Shawna Wingert
Shawna Wingert joins this sisters in this episode to talk about when your homeschool doesn't look like the one next door, and why just because it's different, doesn't mean it's less.
Shawna is a special education teacher turned business consultant, and mom of two brilliant boys with differences and special needs. She's just launched a new venture - Different by Design Learning - which creates customized, strength-based learning plans for nontraditional learners.
Learn more at https://nottheformerthings.com/different-by-design-learning-educational-support-for-nontraditional-learners
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
01:02:4819/03/2019
Episode 63: Q & A: Strewing 101
The sisters are chatting strewing. What is it? How do you do it?
What if your kids hate what you strew? And do you need to start with a book?
Cait + Kara are tackling your strewing questions and queries, and sharing lots of examples of how they use strewing in their homeschools.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
56:0212/03/2019
Episode 62: Foreign Language in Your Homeschool with Anne Guarnera
Sisters - so many of you have asked for this one, and Cait + Kara are thrilled to finally be able to share it with you.
In this episode, Anne Guarnera of Language Learning at Home is addressing all your foreign language learning questions - from whether we need to start when our kids are tiny, to whether computer-based programs are a viable option.
Anne is a whiz - not only does she have a PhD in Spanish, she's also homeschooling her boys bilingually.
You're going to love hearing what she has to say. And the sisters want Anne to come back, so make sure you add YOUR questions in the comments at thehomeschoolsisters.com so the sisters can ask her in a future episode.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
52:0405/03/2019
Episode 61: Q & A: What Led Us to Homeschooling
Cait + Kara are both unexpected homeschoolers. In fact, it's one of the (many) things that bonded them.
Listen in as they share how they ended up homeschooling their kiddos AFTER sending their kids to preschool programs. In fact, one of them even quit homeschooling for a short time and sent a child back to school before giving homeschooling another shot.
Also, hear a bit about the upcoming virtual Kindred Co. Homeschool Conference on March 8 - a full-day of inspiration and encouragement from the sisters and their pals Alicia Hutchinson and Mary Wilson.
There is still time to sign up here: https://www.kindredhomeschool.com
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
42:4826/02/2019
Episode 60: Q&A: Best Books for the Early Years
The sisters are sharing their favorite books that inspired them in the early years of parenting and homeschooling.
They each tried to pick 5 without too much overlap ... and ended up with books that helped them gain confidence and learn about topics like nature, play, child development and more.
Make sure you head over to the show notes to share your favorite early years books!
Cait + Kara are also sharing about the upcoming Kindred Collective Homeschool Conference - an online event where every mama is welcome. Learn more here: https://www.kindredhomeschool.com
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
33:4519/02/2019
Episode 58: Hyggeschooling 2: Electric Light Boogaloo
The sisters are back with Season 6, and they're talking one of their very favorite topics - Hyggeschooling!
Listen as the sisters talk cozy homeschooling, building atmosphere, and adding twinkle lights everywhere! This episode will inspire you to put on your warmest socks, pour everyone some hot chocolate and actually enjoy February.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
01:06:1605/02/2019
Episode 57: Exploring Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes are so much fun! And they make great holiday gifts. So in this week's episode Cait + Kara are exploring tons of boxes.
From science, to art, to cooking and beyond, the sisters are giving the details on each box, and many of the companies even offered special codes for listeners - just go to the show notes at thehomeschoolsisters.com and look for Episode 57.
Cait + Kara are also taking a little break - they'll be back in January with Season 6! Have a wonderful holiday season, sisters!!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
01:17:0804/12/2018
Episode 56: You Don't Have to Do All the Things, A Special Holiday Episode with Melissa Camara Wilkins
The holidays are here, sisters, and if like us, you're feeling just a *tiny* bit overwhelmed, join us for this replay episode with the fantastic Melissa Camara Wilkins.
Melissa is a mama of 6, a writer, homeschooler and Cait + Kara's very favorite resource for living simply and authentically.
Listen as Melissa shares two questions she asks her family each season to bring joy instead of busyness, and as Melissa, Cait and Kara each share their favorite simple holiday traditions.
Don't freak out, sisters - you've got this holiday season.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
48:2827/11/2018
Episode: 54 Gameschooling by Subject
In this episode, the sisters dive into game schooling by subject. This is Cait's forté, so Kara does the interviewing, while Cait fills us in on her favorite games for each subject.
The sisters also chat about a few popular games, and how games can make all the difference during the holiday season and leading into the winter. (Games are so hygge!)
So grab your coffee or tea and listen in - but don't fret, you don't have to write these all down!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
56:0513/11/2018
Q & A: Deep Dives and Harry Potter Resources
This week this sisters chat deep dives - how do we know how much to "push," and when to let kids just explore interests? Plus, they share all their favorite Harry Potter resources.
We're not saying that Cait and Kara nerd out for a half-hour, but one of them does actually say that's exactly what they do. ;) Listen in as they suggest books, games, activities and more for your favorite little Potter People!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
31:5006/11/2018
Episode 52: How to be a Homeschool Team, with S.D. and Gina Smith
In this week's episode, the sisters are joined by S.D. and Gina Smith - a homeschooling couple that shares their experience balancing life with homeschooling and working from home.
Sam is the author of the hugely popular Green Ember series of books, but he's quick to point out that the characters he's created wouldn't be widely known if it wasn't for Gina, his wife of 18 years who homeschools their 4 kids.
The Smiths talk candidly about avoiding interruptions when Dad works from home, respecting homeschooling as a vocation and even ideas for getting Dad on board if he's resistant to the idea of homeschooling.
Plus, Sam shares a little about his newest book, The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner, available Dec. 3.
You won't want to miss this episode, and the sisters think it's a perfect one to share with all the non-primary homeschool parents out there.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
58:4730/10/2018
Episode 51: Q & A: Favorite Non-Fiction
The sisters are chatting non-fiction today! From their favorite go-to authors, to the books that have stood the test of time in their homes, they are coming to you with tons of recommendations.
Listen in as Cait + Kara chat biographies to encyclopedias, and how to find non-fiction books your kids will adore.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
34:5923/10/2018
Episode 50: Homeschooling During Tricky Times
Challenging seasons are just part of life, but when we homeschool, those seasons can feel extra ... tricky.
This is the episode for you if you've navigating something new, and trying to still keep things on track.
Join Cait and Kara as they chat survival strategies and share simple tips - you've got this, sister!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
49:1616/10/2018
Episode 49: Q & A: When kids are wondering about public school
In this week's episode, Cait and Kara chat about what we can do when our kids are curious about public school or maybe even feeling like they are missing out.
From making time for friends, to helping your kids take ownership of their homeschool experience, the sisters address the question: What do I do when my child keeps asking about public school?
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
25:0408/10/2018
Episode 48: The Big, Bad Math Episode with Kate Snow
Sisters - it's here! The big, bad math episode!
Cait and Kara have been wanting to do a math episode for so long, but they wanted to be sure to talk to an expert who would bring the knowledge, but also put your heart at ease.
So this week, they are interviewing Kate Snow of Kate's Homeschool Math. Kate is a Harvard grad, a teacher, a curriculum creator, the author of 5 books, and she's also a mom who has taught math in her own home, so she knows the unique challenges of homeschool families.
Pour yourself a nice, hot cup of coffee or tea for this one - and keep your ears open at the end - there's an opportunity to ask YOUR biggest math questions!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
49:3402/10/2018
Episode 47: Q & A: Our Top 5 Homeschool Essentials
What do you REALLY need to homeschool? In this week's episode, Cait and Kara break it down. They each share 5-ish absolute favorite things that have made a huge difference in their homeschools.
Let the sisters know your top 5! Got to homeschoolsisters.com and fill them in in the comments!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
55:2824/09/2018
Episode 46: Q & A: Scheduling and Pacing
How do we know how to schedule out our days and months with our kids? And when we have kids of different ages, how much can we teach them together?
This week Cait and Kara talk scheduling, pacing, morning time and more!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
16:3617/09/2018
Episode 45: What We Don't Do
One of the questions the sisters get it a lot is "How do you get it all done?" You know - parenting, homeschooling, work, fancy meals, decorating, house projects, and on and on ...
So in this episode, Cait and Kara are pulling back the curtain and sharing all that they don't do. There's a lot! And they want to hear from you too. Head over to the show notes at thehomeschoolsisters.com to share what you don't do in this season of life.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
01:00:5010/09/2018
Episode 44: Q & A: Is it OK to Follow Your Child's Lead?
In this week's episode, the sisters talk precocious kids, following (and ignoring) parts of a particular methodology, and what to do when our kids dive deep into a subject. Should we follow them down the rabbit hole? Listen in to hear what Cait and Kara have to say.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
19:0504/09/2018
Episode 43: Fall Haul 3: Here We Haul Again
The sisters are back for Season 5 of the podcast!
Cait and Kara are talking transitioning to fall, and sharing their 3rd annual Fall Haul, where they chat about what resources and supplies they are loving for the school year ahead.
This episode is sponsored by KiwiCo and Epic! Head to the show notes to learn more: the homeschoolsisters.com
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
56:0728/08/2018
Buy Another Watermelon: A Late-Summer Minisode
The sisters are popping into your earbuds for just a couple of minutes to talk about planning, back-to-school and fall. Head to the round-up post over at thehomeschoolsisters.com to read about everything from overcoming overwhelm, to Morning Time, to the sisters' favorite school resources. And while you're there, please take just a few seconds to fill out the sisters' blog survey. Thank you so much! The sisters will see you in a just a few weeks!
06:2215/08/2018
It's a Special Summer Mini-Sode!
The sisters are popping into your earbuds today with a mini-episode full of fun updates!! Post :: Our Top 10 Episodes Survey Sign up for the new newsletter! Cait on Instagram Kara on Instagram
06:2717/07/2018
Episode 42: Poolside Professional Development: Summer 2018
Are you ready to pack your pool bags full of books that will keep you reading all summer long?
The sisters are back with their book recommendations for the summer!
Cait and Kara share their "Poolside Professional Development" picks - including homeschooling and parenting books - plus their choices for fiction and non-fiction.
If you'd like to try listening to books via Audible this summer, you can get for first book free by going to audible.trial.com/sisters. The sisters love Audible - it's the perfect way to get in a little learning in the car, or listen to your own books while folding laundry, walking the dog, or doing dishes!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
41:4405/06/2018
Episode 41: Q&A: Self-Care Routines
The sisters are chatting self-care in this Q and A episode.
Self-care is SUCH a big topic, so in this episode Cait and Kara hit on what they try to do each day to keep themselves feeling tip-top. Surprise: they both look forward to books!!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
26:0525/05/2018
Episode 41: Q and A Self-Care Routines
The sisters are chatting self-care in this Q and A episode.
Self-care is SUCH a big topic, so in this episode Cait and Kara hit on what they try to do each day to keep themselves feeling tip-top. Surprise: they both look forward to books!!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
26:0425/05/2018
Episode 40: Parenting Explosive Kids: A Conversation with Shawna Wingert
The sisters are joined by Shawna Wingert, author of Parenting Chaos, a new book about explosive kids.
The trio chat explosive behavior - what causes it, the judgment surrounding it, and how we as parents can best respond to it.
If you have ever felt hopeless or helpless about your child's behavior, this episode is a must-listen.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
55:2814/05/2018
Episode 39: Get to Know the Sisters- Part 2- Kara!
This week, Cait is interviewing Kara! Listen in as we learn a little about Kara's approach to homeschooling, her favorite books, why she isn't a music person (whaaaaat?) and more!
Also, how is Kara fighting zombies? Tune in and find out!
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
44:0508/05/2018
Episode 38: Get to Know the Sisters Part 1: Cait!
Kara is interviewing Cait today!
The sisters often get questions about which sister is which - so starting today, they are clearing that up! ;)
Hear Cait's favorites, all about her take on homeschooling and more.
Also, zombies. ;)
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
35:1101/05/2018
Episode 37: Creating a Morning Time Routine
The sisters are chatting with Morning Time expert Pam Barnhill in this episode!
Have you heard about Morning Time? Have you tried it? Or are you wondering how to start a Morning Time Routine in your homeschool?
Tune in to learn all about Morning Time, plus all about Pam's new book, "Better Together."
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
32:1405/03/2018
Episode 36: Q and A: Reading Aloud Through Interruptions
This week the sisters are talking about reading aloud, and what to do when you have a kiddo with a lot of questions! ;)
From audiobooks to note-taking to snacks, Cait and Kara shares some ideas for keeping everyone on track, and enjoying read-aloud time together.
And to get a FREE audiobook, go to audibletrial.com/sisters
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
22:2627/02/2018
Episode 35: Q&A: The Search for the Perfect Homeschool Planner
Is there one perfect homeschool planner? Or do different people need different planners depending on their personality?
And what about having multiple planners, or when your kids need access to your plans?
Today, Cait and Kara are talking planners, bullet journals, daily dockets, using your phone and the many ways to plan.
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
14:3519/02/2018
Episode 34: Homeschool Conventions 101, with Dawn Garrett
It's homeschool convention season!! Are you heading to a convention this year? Or have you always had questions about them?
Are they worth the money? How do you avoid overwhelm? And if you're an introvert, can you attend a convention without crying in the bathroom?
The sisters have invited Dawn Garrett, who has gone to every Cincinnati Great Homeschool Convention since it started to answer your questions and help you navigate the world of "conventioning."
To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.
36:2113/02/2018
Episode 33: Q&A Homeschool Organization and Olympic Fever
Today the sisters are chatting organization! Books and games and art supplies - oh my! How do we keep track of all the things, and what do we do when people keep giving us stuff? (It's so nice, but we can also drown in great materials!)
PLUS, the sisters have the tiniest case of Olympic Fever! If you do too, and you want to share it with your kids, Cait and Kara have lots of fun resource recommendations!
To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.
31:0005/02/2018
Episode 32: Homeschooling Gifted and Quirky Kids with Colleen Kessler
The sisters are joined in this episode by Colleen Kessler - a gifted specialist, educational consultant, author, speaker and homeschool mom to talk homeschooling gifted and quirky kids.
Do you have a quirky kiddo? A worrier? Or is your child asynchronous? This episode is for you!
To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.
49:3929/01/2018
Episode 31: Q&A: Money and Kids
Join the sisters for their first mini-episode! Cait + Kara talk kids, allowance, chores and jobs!
To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.
14:4222/01/2018
Episode 30: Questions and Quandaries: Deep-Dives, Busy Toddlers and the S-Word
Wahoo! The sisters are back for Season 4!
In this episode they're talking deep-dives - how do you support them - how do you encourage kids to follow interests and passions?
Plus, Cait and Kara chat how to homeschool when you have toddlers in the mix, and just how much should we worry about the "s-word" - socialization?
This episode is sponsored by Big Life Journal - www.biglifejournal.com. Use code HSsisters to get 10 percent off.
To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.
01:00:5815/01/2018
Episode 29: Hyggeschooling: The Sisters Get Cozy
Hygge is everywhere right now - you know why?
It's awesome!
Hygge doesn't have a direct translation into English, but the closest word is probably coziness. So in this episode, the sisters are talking twinkle lights, cocoa, books, games, recipes and other ways to slow down your homeschool and embrace the most hyggeligt time of year.
This episode is sponsored by Raddish Kids! Get kids of all ages cooking with a Raddish Kids subscription. The kitchen is definitely the tastiest place to learn, and Raddish helps kids explore math, science, culture, and more. Use the code PODCAST for $15 off a 6- or 12-month membership. Head to Raddish Kids to download a free lesson.
To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.
01:00:0321/11/2017
Episode 28: Why Personality Matters with Kortney Garrison
The sisters are joined by Kortney Garrison from One Deep Drawer, and the trio is chatting personality!
They talk Myers-Briggs, the Enneagram, Love Languages, and lots of Gretchen Rubin. But they also break-down WHY learning about personality can be valuable, and how personality, and knowing ourselves better, impacts our homeschools.
There's so much goodness in this episode!
This episode is sponsored by Raddish Kids.
Get kids of all ages cooking with a Raddish Kids subscription. The kitchen is definitely the tastiest place to learn, and Raddish helps kids explore math, science, culture, and more. Use the code PODCAST for $15 off a 6- or 12-month membership. Head to Raddish Kids to download a free lesson.
To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.
44:4807/11/2017
Episode 27: Hungry, hungry homeschoolers: Feeding the family, with Samantha Barnes
In this episode, the sisters are talking meal planning, shopping, and how to keep our homeschoolers fed with their pal Samantha Barnes!
Samantha is the founder of Raddish Kids, a homeschool mom of two, and a culinary instructor who knows what it's really like to try to get dinner on the table when there's already a volcano on said table.
The trio chat dinnertime stress, why homeschoolers seem to be hungry ALL THE TIME, picky selective eaters and time saving hacks.
Listen to this one as you load your crockpot!
This episode is sponsored by:
- Streamable Learning: Streamable Learning brings amazing field trips right to your kitchen table or wherever you learn. Oct. 24 - Nov. 1 is FREE Homeschool Week. Head to http://www.streamablelearning.com/mm/homeschoolers.html to check out all Streamable Learning has to offer. And, if you sign up during homeschool week, your annual membership fee will be just $39.99 - 20 percent off.
- Raddish Kids: Get kids of all ages cooking and learning with a Raddish Kids subscription. The kitchen is definitely the tastiest place to learn, and Raddish helps kids explore math, science, culture and more. Use the code PODCAST for $15 off a 6- or 12-month membership. And head to RaddishKids.com/Homeschool to learn more and download a free lesson.
To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.
01:07:2224/10/2017
Episode 26: Looking Back: What we've learned
The sisters are hopping in their homeschool time machine today and looking back on what they've learned.
Listen in as Cait and Kara talk about how they got started homeschooling, what they would have done less of and what they would have done more of, and hear how they're applying what they've learned to their homeschools now.
Come reminisce with the girls!
This episode is brought to you by Audible. Get a free book when you go to www.audibletrial.com/sisters
To view content and links, visit the show notes for this episode.
01:01:0310/10/2017