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

Homeschooling high school feels like a big shift. Suddenly, you’re looking at advanced subjects, keeping transcripts, and preparing your teen for what comes next. In this episode, I sit down with Meg Angelino, our operations manager and curriculum editor, to talk about what happens when you start outsourcing classes while still juggling motherhood. We discuss our journeys toward more organized homeschools, and the vital role our online community plays in offering encouragement and fresh ideas. Listen in to gain practical insights on the changing roles as a parent, keeping students motivated, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with transitioning to high school.

Key Takeaways:

• Outsourcing reduces stress while ensuring a solid education.
• Feeling overwhelmed? Consider online courses, co-ops, or dual enrollment.
• Stay involved—check assignments, discuss lessons, and help with deadlines.
• Options include live/self-paced online courses, hybrid programs, co-ops, and community college classes.
• Teens need independence but still require guidance.
• Keep core traditions like Morning Time, read-alouds, and discussions to maintain your homeschool’s values.

Links and Resources:

• Homeschool Better Together Podcast
• Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot
• Mere Motherhood by Cindy Rollins
• Navigating High School
• Andrew Pudewa's Institute for Excellence in Writing
• Colleen Kessler Raising Lifelong Learners
• Kristin Moons Science
• Mr. D Math
• Homeschool Better Together Free Community

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt34

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

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.

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Homeschooling high school can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, our community manager, Dawn Garrett, steps in as host to chat with homeschool mom Elizabeth Overcash about her experience navigating these crucial years. Elizabeth, a retired military wife, shares her unique perspective—having one child who graduated from a traditional school while homeschooling her younger two.

She talks about shifting from a hands-on teaching style to more of a coaching role, balancing structure with flexibility, and helping her teens take ownership of their education. She also discusses how she integrates out-of-the-box learning, like film studies and Scouting, while ensuring her kids meet high school requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• The transition to homeschooling high school doesn’t have to be scary—it’s about adjusting your role from teacher to guide.
• Structure matters, but so does allowing flexibility for real-life learning.
• Giving teens ownership over their curriculum choices boosts motivation and engagement.
• Planning tools like Navigating High School and Plan Your Year can make the process smoother.
• Homeschooling high school is about preparing kids for life, not just checking academic boxes.

Links and Resources:

• Homeschool Better Together Podcast
• Navigating High School
• Put Your Year Autopilot
• Homeschool Better Together Community
• Cure the Fear of Homeschooling High School by Anne Karako
• Andrew Pudewa's Structure and Style program
• College Prep Genius
• Sarah MacKenzie Read-Aloud Revival Podcast

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt(33)

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

In this episode, I sit down with Denise Gaskins, math educator and author, to talk about how we can transform math from a dreaded subject into something joyful and engaging. Denise shares why so many homeschoolers struggle with math and how shifting our approach can make a huge difference.

She encourages parents to make math playful through games, storytelling, and real-life problem-solving. Whether you have a math-loving child or one who resists every lesson, Denise’s insights will help you bring curiosity and creativity into your homeschool math routine.

Tune in for practical strategies to build math confidence and make learning more enjoyable for the whole family!

Key Takeaways:

• Math Should Be Playful – Learning math through games, puzzles, and real-life applications makes it more engaging and less intimidating for kids.
• Ditch the Memorization-Only Approach – Understanding why math works is more valuable than rote memorization. Encourage exploration instead of just drilling facts.
• Use Stories to Teach Math – Turning math problems into narratives or real-world situations makes them more meaningful and relatable for kids.
• Encourage Mathematical Thinking – Instead of giving answers right away, ask your kids questions like “What do you think?” or “How else could we solve this?”
• It’s Okay to Change Your Approach – If a curriculum isn’t working, try something new! Hands-on learning, different resources, or adjusting your teaching style can make a big difference.Focus on Confidence, Not Just Correct Answers – Helping kids feel comfortable making mistakes and thinking through problems builds long-term math success.
• Math Doesn’t Have to Be a Daily Battle – Shift the focus from completing worksheets to fostering curiosity and discovery.

Links and Resources:

• Homeschool Better Together Free Community
• Denise Gaskins Website
• Denise Gaskins' Blog
• Denise Gaskins Playful Math Store
• The "If Not Methods" blog Series
• My Math Journaling Adventures Kickstarter

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt32

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

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

Consistency in homeschooling can be a game-changer, and today I’m joined by Krystal Joslin, a military homeschooling mom and graduate of the Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp. Krystal shares how she went from a go-with-the-flow approach to building a structured, consistent homeschool routine that works—despite frequent moves and unpredictable schedules.

She opens up about the challenges she faced, the small changes that made the biggest difference, and how consistency has transformed her homeschool (and her confidence as a mom!). If you're struggling to find a rhythm, Krystal’s story will encourage you that small changes lead to big results.

Key Takeaways:

• Small, consistent habits build a strong homeschool foundation.
• Clear expectations reduce resistance from kids.
• A simple daily routine can keep learning on track.
• Self-reflection and small tweaks lead to long-term success.
• Homeschooling confidence grows with consistency.

Links and Resources:

• Homeschool Better Together Community
• Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp
• Read-Aloud Revival with Sarah McKenzie
• The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt31

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

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.

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Are you ready to tackle consistency in your homeschool? In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Garrett to talk about one of my favorite tools: the Minimum Viable Day (MVD). We share how this simple concept helped us overcome perfectionism and establish daily momentum in our homeschools. Learn how to identify what truly matters for your family, create a flexible fallback plan, and build trust with your kids—all while simplifying your homeschool days.

Key Takeaways:

• What a Minimum Viable Day is and why it’s a game-changer for consistency.
• How MVD evolves with your homeschool season and supports your unique needs.
• Practical tips for creating your own MVD and sticking to it.

Key Resources:

Homeschool Better Together Podcast

Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayiri

How the States Got Their Shapes

Magic School Bus

Zoboomafoo

Liberty's Kids

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? by Rebecca Tinker

Atomic Habits by James Clear

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt30

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

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