Are you accidentally teaching your children that performance matters more than their hearts? In this eye-opening episode, host Lisa Bailey sits down with homeschool veteran Alicia Clark to explore a counter-cultural truth: the families who put relationships before academics often end up excelling at both. With 11 years of Classical Conversations experience and three children ranging from 9 to 15, Alicia reveals why heart-first homeschooling creates stronger students AND stronger families.

You'll discover:

- - Why the "little years" might actually be the hardest to homeschool (and it's not what you think)

- - The surprising truth about what creates teachable children

- - How to recognize when heart issues are masquerading as academic struggles

- - Why math often becomes the great "heart revealer" in homeschool families

- - The "cat years" phenomenon and how to stay connected with middle schoolers

- - Simple rhythms that build relationship while maintaining academic progress

The bottom line: Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. When we shepherd our children's hearts first, we create an atmosphere where learning flourishes naturally—and we raise adults who know how to love their world well.

Whether you're drowning in curriculum choices or wondering if you're "academic enough," this conversation will remind you that the most important lessons happen in the heart, not the textbook.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling?

Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life.

https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

"Am I really ready for this?" If you've ever wrestled with doubts about starting your homeschool journey, you're definitely not alone.

In this encouraging episode of Everyday Educator, host Kelly Wilt sits down with two seasoned homeschool moms, Lynne and Dede, who share their honest stories about taking the leap into homeschooling—even when they didn't feel completely prepared. From overcoming fears about what others would think to discovering that homeschooling doesn't mean recreating a classroom at home, this conversation offers practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for parents standing on the edge of this big decision. Learn why "readiness" isn't about having everything figured out, how God's grace fills the gaps we feel so deeply, and why community is essential for the journey. Whether you're a parent considering homeschooling or already walking this path, this episode reminds us that God doesn't always call the equipped—He equips those He has called.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling?

Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life.

https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

What if the biggest challenge to homeschooling a child with special needs isn't the child—but getting yourself out of the way? Join host Lisa Bailey as she sits down with two homeschooling moms, Ginny Tran and Jody Priest, who share their real-world experiences raising children with Down syndrome, Tourette's, and OCD. From discovering diagnoses to navigating daily learning challenges, these mothers offer honest insights about slowing down, riding the waves of changing needs, and finding strength in community. Whether you're homeschooling a neurodivergent child or simply wondering how to better serve each child's unique learning style, this conversation will challenge you to see every child's "special needs" as simply different ways of experiencing the world.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.

Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

Have you heard? National Memory Master and National Commencement are moving to the Classical Conversations family cruise in 2026. This cruise isn’t just to celebrate CC graduates and memory masters, it’s for all CC families! You can connect with CC leaders and families at all stages of their journey and turn education into a memorable family adventure as you explore the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Check out our landing page at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026.