It’s curriculum season, and you know what that means: a flood of shiny programs, glowing reviews, and unboxing videos that make everything look like the answer to your homeschool stress. But here’s my honest take—it only counts if it actually works for your own real-life family, not just the influencer on YouTube.

Today, I’m flying solo to give you my six best questions to ask yourself BEFORE you hit “add to cart” on that next curriculum (plus a bonus one at the end). This is all about helping you dodge curriculum regret, stop chasing endless FOMO, and make smart, confident choices—even when everything looks “perfect” out there.

Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned vet with a closet full of half-used programs, you’ll find practical strategies, real talk, and permission to pivot without guilt. I’ll share my own wins (hello, DIY Shakespeare lessons) and fails (science experiments we never actually did) so you can learn from my messy middle.

• The Lively Art of Writing (classic writing instruction)
• All About Reading / All About Spelling (for phonics and hand-holding)
• Language Arts Together plans
• Mr. D Math
• Teens on Track
• Our free homeschool community (join and ask your questions!)

• Are you making your curriculum choice based on your season of life—or wishful thinking?
• How to ditch the comparison spiral and stop second-guessing yourself
• The ONE thing every curriculum that “works” has in common (spoiler: it isn’t expensive flashcards or pretty boxes)
• Concrete examples to help you decide if you need hand-holding—or can wing it like a pro
• Why you don’t NEED to die on every homeschool hill (goodbye, busywork battles!)
• Sneaky ways life seasons—from new babies to job changes—should guide your curriculum decisions

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt37.

Mentioned in this episode:

Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!

Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.

Let’s get brutally honest: no single curriculum is ever going to save your homeschool, fix your child’s attitude, or turn your kitchen into one of those magical, Instagram-perfect learning havens. If you’re looking for the “unicorn curriculum,” keep dreaming (or better yet, listen up—because we’re about to set you free).

In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, I sat down with the queen of curriculum experimentation, Laney Homan—our Community Success Manager, veteran homeschool mom of eight, and half-marathon runner (yes, we’re still impressed!).

Together, we pull back the curtain on what really makes curriculum work in a real-life homeschool, how to shop smarter (hello, shelves full of unused programs), and the hard truth about independence and motivation—for kids and parents alike.

• What happens when you stop endlessly chasing “the perfect” and start shopping for curriculum that fits your real goals (and real kids)
• How shifting your curriculum approach can lead to better results, fewer tears, and way less guilt-shopping
• Why independence can’t be bought (no matter how “open-and-go” something claims to be)
• The exact way Laney pivots when a program stops working (hint: it’s not about “fancy” or new, it’s about needs)
• How curriculum is really a TOOL, not a magic wand, and how to think like a confident homeschool parent who’s in the driver’s seat
• The value of togetherness and why our “Together” curriculum line is saving the sanity of big families and moms with laundry piles as tall as their teens

• All About Reading
• Phonics Museum (Veritas Press)
• Homeschool Consistency Bootcamp
• Wonder Studies and Together Curriculum Line
• Teens on Track
• Teen Task Card MasterClass
• Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot
• Homeschool Better Together Community

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt36

Mentioned in this episode:

Spring...

Are you hesitant to homeschool? You're not alone! In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, host Pam Barnhill chats with Mandy McArthur and Jessica Solis Carpinelli, authors of "Hesitant to Homeschool: Answers to 20 Common Questions." Mandy and Jessica share practical insights and encouragement for parents considering homeschooling but feeling apprehensive. Discover how a strong support system and the right resources make all the difference. They tackle common fears like socialization concerns and not knowing enough to teach, revealing that homeschooling is more about teaching children how to learn than being an expert in every subject. Jessica explains, “We aren’t expected to be experts in everything... we’re trying to teach our kids how to learn.” Meanwhile, Mandy emphasizes the importance of community, advising parents to connect and say “yes” to building relationships with other homeschoolers. Listen in for inspirational stories that might just help you take the leap with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Homeschooling is about teaching kids how to learn, not teaching every subject.
• Build a supportive community by saying yes to opportunities and events.
• Socialization through homeschooling is different but equally impactful.
• Adjusting to homeschooling involves embracing flexibility and redefining structure.
• Many colleges welcome homeschooled students, often appreciating their unique educational perspectives.

Links and Resources:

• Hesitant to Homeschool: Answers to 20 Common Questions by Mandi McArthur and Jessica Solis Carpinelli
• The Coop Homeschool
• Homeschool Better Together Website
• Homeschool Better Together Podcast
• Homeschool Better Together Community

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt35

Mentioned in this episode:

Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!

Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.

Shop