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The Smiling Homeschooler
This is the best podcast for homeschooling moms who need encouragement! Our goal is to help you smile more! Whether you are a new homeschooler or a veteran, we are positive you will feel encouraged!
Total 326 episodes
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Episode 26 - Valentine's Day Episode With Rissa Wilson

Episode 26 - Valentine's Day Episode With Rissa Wilson

This week Ben and Rissa talk about their new son, valentine's day, and making your spouse a priority. We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for sponsoring the smiling homeschooler podcast. You can email us at todd or ben @thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling! 
23:3114/02/2019
Episode 25 - Love Boat Edition with Heidi St. John

Episode 25 - Love Boat Edition with Heidi St. John

his show is going to be a lot of fun as we talk to Mom Strong author and speaker, Heidi St. John about a REFRESH Cruise we'll be doing together on January 4-12, 2020...AND YOU'RE INVITED!!! Join us now for a high seas adventure! To take advantage of the discounted rate of ONLY $544 per person, you’ll need to make your reservations by March 27th and mention the FPEA block number 6GHW24 . Call Carnival Cruise soon at 1-800-764-7419. If you would like to see more from Heidi you can visit her websites at momstronginternational.com or heidistjohn.com. You can also email us at [email protected].   Thanks for listening, and as always....keep smiling!
38:4106/02/2019
Episode 24 - Interview With Tina Farewell

Episode 24 - Interview With Tina Farewell

This week is a great episode! We interview homeschooling veteran Tina Farewell! We know it will be encouraging. If you would like to get in touch with us you can email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening, and as always...keep smiling! 
49:5930/01/2019
Episode 23 - Life Directed Homeschooling

Episode 23 - Life Directed Homeschooling

Thanks for listening to Episode 23 of the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We talk about finishing the tub renovation, upcoming baby, homeschooling while moving, and what to do if your kids don't want to do school. If you have any questions or comments you can email them to [email protected]. Thanks for listening and as always...keep smiling! 
33:4523/01/2019
Episode 22 - Interview With Jan Smith, Homeschooling Veteran and Leader

Episode 22 - Interview With Jan Smith, Homeschooling Veteran and Leader

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler Podcast. We are super excited for you to listen to this weeks episode! Jan Smith joined us, who is a homeschooling veteran and leader, and what she has to say is incredibly encouraging. This episode is brought to you by Teaching Textbooks an award-winning Math program for Homeschoolers that is sure to make you and your children smile. If you would like to get in touch with any of us you can email us at [email protected]. Thanks for listening! 
39:0316/01/2019
Episode 21 - Back to School - Winter Kickoff...Smiling All the Way!

Episode 21 - Back to School - Winter Kickoff...Smiling All the Way!

Welcome to the smiling homeschooler Podcast! We are back from our two week Christmas, New Year, and sickness break and ready to talk about getting back into school and how to smile while doing it! We also give some encouraging homeschool related New Year resolutions. This first show of 2019 is brought to you by Teaching Textbooks an award-winning Math program for Homeschoolers that is sure to make you and your children smile. So let's get started...here's my dad Todd Wilson.
31:4009/01/2019
Episode 20 - The Christmas Episode with Ben and Rissa

Episode 20 - The Christmas Episode with Ben and Rissa

This week it is just my wife Rissa and I (Ben) holding down the fort! We talk about our favorite Christmas movies, Christmas memories, babies and taking breaks from homeschooling! We hope it is encouraging! If you enjoy the podcast, we would ask that you share it with a friend! Have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! 
24:2419/12/2018
Episode 19 - Books for Your Children, An Interview With Chuck Black & Katherine Wilson

Episode 19 - Books for Your Children, An Interview With Chuck Black & Katherine Wilson

Thanks for listening to this week's podcast! We had an amazing interview with Chuck Black and Katherine Wilson. We talk about how to interest your child in reading, and a bunch of amazing book recommendations. If you would like to check out any of Chuck's books, visit http://kingdomseries.com/. To find information or purchase Katherine's books go to thesmilinghomeschooler.com/store. If you have questions or comments, you can email us at [email protected]. Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling! 
36:0712/12/2018
Episode 18 - The Dark Fears of Homeschooling Moms

Episode 18 - The Dark Fears of Homeschooling Moms

Thanks for listening to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week we are talking about the dark fears that homeschooling moms have. We also talk Christmas and a homeschooler buying guide. If you would like to take advantage of the 9% off coupon that Todd offers, all you have to do is use the code 9off during checkout over on www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com. If you would like to email us you can send an email to [email protected]. Don't forget to like us over on Facebook. Have a great week and as always...keep smiling!
40:4505/12/2018
Episode 17 - Questions and Answers with Debbie Wilson

Episode 17 - Questions and Answers with Debbie Wilson

We finally convinced Debbie Wilson to be on the podcast! She has some amazing answers to the questions we asked her. She has nearly 20 years of homeschooling experience, and we are sure what she has to say will be encouraging to you! If you would like to check out the Christmas products that Todd mentioned, visit www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com and click on the store in the menu bar. If you have a question or need some encouragement, you can email us at [email protected].  Today's show is brought to you by Teaching Textbooks an award-winning Math program for Homeschoolers that is sure to make you and your children smile. Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling!   
35:1128/11/2018
Episode 16 - A Homeschool Thanksgiving

Episode 16 - A Homeschool Thanksgiving

This week we talked about what aspects about homeschooling we are thankful for! Thank you to everyone that commented on our Facebook post! Todd mentioned some Christmas products, which you can find here. Then all you have to do is click take me to the store and choose the Christmas category. He also mentioned his blog post about advent, here is the link to this article. If you have any comments or questions, you can email us at [email protected]. We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for their sponsorship and you check out their amazing math curriculum over at www.teachingtextbooks.com. Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling! Oh and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 
32:3021/11/2018
Episode 15 - Talking about Homeschooling, History, and Education that is Relational

Episode 15 - Talking about Homeschooling, History, and Education that is Relational

This is an amazing episode! We interviewed Author and Speaker, Diana Waring. We are sure that you will find what she had to say, encouraging. If you would like to see more from Diana, you should visit her website at www.Dianawaring.com. If you have a question, or just need some advice, you can email us at [email protected].  We want to thank Teaching textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products, try out some sample lessons, and check out their affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com   Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling! 
34:0014/11/2018
Episode 14 - Does History Matter?

Episode 14 - Does History Matter?

This week we talk about history and whether or not it even matters. What do you do if your child just doesn't like history? We cover this and a bunch more on this episode. The Smiling Homeschooler is powered by Teaching Textbooks, an award-winning math curriculum. If you would like to check out their amazing curriculum and pricing visit teachingtextbooks.com. If you have a question or a topic suggestion you can email us at [email protected]. We hope you enjoy this episode and as always...keep smiling! 
30:3207/11/2018
Episode 13 - Changing Your Plan Mid-Stream

Episode 13 - Changing Your Plan Mid-Stream

Thanks for listening to this weeks' Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We talk about what to do if your kids hate their spelling program halfway through the school year. We hope this is helpful and encouraging! We also want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making today's show possible. You can learn more about all their great math products and affordable pricing at teachingtextbooks.com. Have a great week and as always...keep smiling! 
27:4531/10/2018
Episode 12 - What My Children Have Taught Me - Part 2

Episode 12 - What My Children Have Taught Me - Part 2

This episode is short and sweet, and is the conclusion to our 2 part mini-series! Dad finishes talking about what each of his children has taught him about homeschooling and parenting. If you are encouraged by our podcast then we hope you share it with a friend! If you would like to follow our blog go to our website www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com and if you have any questions or comments you can email us at ben or todd @thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Have a great week, and as always...keep smiling! 
08:0924/10/2018
Episode 11 - What My Children Have Taught Me - Part 1

Episode 11 - What My Children Have Taught Me - Part 1

We are on Vacation this week and next, but we planned ahead and have a great podcast for you! This week Todd talks about what each of his children has taught him about homeschooling and parenting! This is part 1 of this topic. We hope it is encouraging! If you would like to ask a question or have a comment, you can email us at ben or todd @thesmilinghomeschooler.com. Thanks for listening, and as always...keep smiling! 
17:4517/10/2018
Episode 10 - Top 3 Reasons to Homeschool, From a Homeschool Graduates Perspective

Episode 10 - Top 3 Reasons to Homeschool, From a Homeschool Graduates Perspective

This week Todd is on the road, so it is just me and my wife Rissa. During this episode, we talk about our homeschool experiences, and our top 3 reasons we want to homeschool our children. We are both a couple of homeschool graduates, so we hope this encourages you! We also give some Disney vacation tips as a bonus. If you would like some more homeschooling encouragement, you can subscribe to our weekly email over at www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com. You can also email us at [email protected]. Also if you enjoy the podcast, we would encourage you to share it with a friend! Have a great rest of your day, and as always...keep smiling! 
28:5410/10/2018
Episode 9 - Interview With Ashley Wiggers

Episode 9 - Interview With Ashley Wiggers

You are in store for some great encouragement this week! We were able to interview Ashely Wiggers of the Homeschooling Today Magazine and the Trail Guide to Learning Curriculum. She has a long history in the homeschooling world and offers some great insight and encouragement. If you would like to follow more that Ashley Wiggers does go to www.homeschoolingtoday.com and www.home-school-curriculum.com. As always if you would like to send us an email you can at ben or todd @thesmilinghomeschooler.com, or you can message us over on Facebook. Thanks for listening this week and as always...keep smiling! 
26:3003/10/2018
Episode 8 - When Your Family is Against Homeschooling

Episode 8 - When Your Family is Against Homeschooling

We had a great episode this week talking about what to do when your family is against homeschooling. This includes parents, spouse, and kids! We also talk about that age-old myth of "Socialization". Make sure to join us next week for an amazing interview with Ashley Wiggers. If you have a question or are in need of some support, you can email Todd at [email protected]. Enjoy the rest of your week and as always...keep smiling! 
36:5626/09/2018
Episode 7 - Interview With Rachael Carman

Episode 7 - Interview With Rachael Carman

We got the opportunity to have Rachael Carman on the show and ask her a variety of questions about homeschooling. She is a speaker, author, and co-owner of Apologia, and had some amazing answers! If you would like to get in touch with Rachael, visit rachaelcarman.com. You can also signup for the Smiling Homeschooler weekly email at thesmilinghomeschooler.com. We hope you enjoy this episode and as always...keep smiling! 
31:3119/09/2018
Episode 6 - Homeschool Co-op Groups

Episode 6 - Homeschool Co-op Groups

This week we talked about Homeschool Co-op groups! We hope it was encouraging! You can visit the Smiling Homeschooler website to check out the blog visit our website at www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com. If you have questions or comments, you can email us at [email protected] or [email protected]. We hope you enjoyed this episode. 
28:5112/09/2018
Episode 5 - The Relationship With Your Child Is Most Important

Episode 5 - The Relationship With Your Child Is Most Important

This is the final episode in our 4 part series! This week we are talking about how the relationship with your child is most important. During the episode, Todd offered to speak for free at your group if it with 100 miles of Milford Indiana, during the month of September. If you are interested in this, you can email him at [email protected]. As always you can email questions or comments to [email protected]. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a quick review on iTunes! 
32:3705/09/2018
Episode 4 - Grades Don't Matter!

Episode 4 - Grades Don't Matter!

On this week's episode is part 3 of our 4 part series! We talk about how letter grades don't matter, and that you're doing a great job even if your kids aren't great at fractions! We hope this encourages you during your homeschool week! Share this episode with a homeschooling mom if you know someone that could use encouragement. If you have any questions or comments you can email them to us at [email protected]. You can also sign up for our weekly encouragement email at www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave us a quick review! 
29:2829/08/2018
Episode 3 - Parents Are The Best Teachers For Their Children

Episode 3 - Parents Are The Best Teachers For Their Children

On this week's podcast, we talk about how parents are the best teachers for their children. This is part 2 of our 4 part series. We also answer some listener questions! During the show we talked about some of our favorite books from school, if you are interested in the reading program we talked about then you can visit their website https://www.sonlight.com/. If you have a question and would like it answered on the podcast, you can email us at [email protected]
29:0122/08/2018
Episode 2 - Home Is The Best Place For Your Children

Episode 2 - Home Is The Best Place For Your Children

Thanks for listening to Episode 2 of The Smiling Homeschooler. We answered some listener questions and started the first part of a 4-week series about the "Why" of homeschooling.  The listener questions we answer are;  What are some tips for transitioning into college? - Cheryl Wise  How do you encourage friends who want to quit homeschooling? - Jeanine Feldkamp  How do you integrate different aged kids?   I am one of those uptight moms who is trying to reform. haha, Your devotional helps. I also have a child that has trouble in math - big trouble like can't remember how to read a clock and still does math facts on her fingers. The concept of money he can get but if we don't review is every day, he forgets and we start from square one. He can not do fractions or decimals and in 8th grade can't conquer 5th-grade math. My question is how do you graduate a child like that? They can't meet the state requirements for a diploma. GED? Help, please. Thanks a mom   If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email us at [email protected]. You can also signup for our weekly encouragement email at www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com.       
28:2415/08/2018
Episode 1 - Easing Back Into School

Episode 1 - Easing Back Into School

This is the first ever episode of The Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! We have been looking forward to this day for a long time. In this first episode, we are talking about easing back into homeschooling. We interview Todd's wife, Debbie, to hear how she gets back into the swing of school. We hope you enjoy the podcast, and if you have any questions or comments, feel free to email [email protected]. Also "Like" our Facebook page to get more daily encouragement! 
25:0608/08/2018