Finding engaging books for boys can be a real challenge for parents. But after listening to this episode, you'll have a treasure trove of recommendations to explore! J.J. Seid shares more than 20 book suggestions that captured his imagination as a child and continue to captivate his own sons today. Beyond entertainment, he also discusses his favorite resources on raising boys with Biblical principles of masculinity in mind. J.J. reveals his top four parenting books and offers thoughtful recommendations on navigating topics of gender and sexuality with children.

Whether you choose to read just one book from his list or dive into several, both you and your family will benefit!

RESOURCES

+For a full list of the books mentioned, go to this week’s episode

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

The Sing! Hymnal from Crossway

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One of our core values at Homeschool Made simple is to help families make their children lovers of books. In this episode from the archive, Carole shares about a book called The Enchanted Hour which is written by Wall Street Journal columnist, Megan Cox-Gurdon. Megan writes about the scientific research of the impact of screens versus picture books. Carole discusses how intentional family read-alouds shape children’s brains, foster lasting connections, and give your homeschool a serious academic edge. Join us and be encouraged!

RESOURCES

+The Enchanted Hour https://www.meghancoxgurdon.com/

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

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The Sing! Hymnal from Crossway

We regularly talk about getting our kids outside to play but do you know the benefits of regular strength training for our kids? How can we encourage this without it becoming a chore? Carole and Rachel sit down with Pilates instructor and homeschool mom, Lauren Wilson, to discuss what inspired her to create the OTP Kids Strength Challenge program which offers opportunities for kids to build balance, coordination, and strength beyond just outdoor play or sports. Join us!

RESOURCES

+Kids Strength Challenge Program by Olive Tree Pilates & Wellness

Enter HMS for 20% off of the kids program

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

We Sing From Crossway

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Join us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!

HMS 2025 Seminars

In this episode from the archive, Carole Joy Seid spotlights Patricia St. John, one of the best Christian children's authors of all time. Patricia beautifully incorporates biblical truth into her writing that leaves a lasting impression on children and adults alike. Carol shares a biographical sketch of Patricia St. John and some of her favorite books by the author. Lots of recommendations of standout books like "Treasures of the Snow" and "Star of Light" are included in this episode. We encourage you to add St. John's books to your home libraries to inspire and nurture their children's faith.

For a full list of books included in this episode, see our blog here!

RESOURCES

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn More about CTCMath

We Sing From Crossway

Join us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!

HMS 2025 Seminars

Carole Joy Seid sits down with Kerry Cordy, the founder of Curiosity Untamed, Frontier Girls, and Quest Clubs. Kerry shares how her disappointment with the changing direction of Girl Scouts led her to create a badge-based, interest-led learning programs that encourage hands-on discovery, outdoor activities, and character development for homeschoolers. The clubs are simple, affordable, for all ages and customizable for each club or family. Listen in to learn more!

RESOURCES

+ Curiosity Untamed: https://curiosityuntamed.com/

+Quest Clubs: Co-Ed https://curiosityuntamed.com/clubs/

+Frontier Girls: https://curiosityuntamed.com/frontier-girls/

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Join us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!

HMS 2025 Seminars

Dream Keeper from Crossway

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Need a fresh stack for your family’s read-alouds and personal reading time? In this episode, host Carole Joy Seid shares her current reading stack and other related, trusted favorites. Discover beautiful books for yourself, from novels like "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson and "Cry, the Beloved Country" by Alan Paton, to classic children’s series like "Little Britches." As always, grab our free book list with another 150 recommended books for all ages at http://homeschoolmadesimple.net/booklist. Listen in and get reading!

RESOURCES

+Click HERE for a complete list of books listed in this episode

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Dream Keeper from Crossway

Learn More about CTCMath

Join us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!

HMS 2025 Seminars

Our spiritual development cannot thrive apart from our involvement in the local church. Unfortunately, other commitments often compete for many families time these days. In this episode from the archives, Carole and Pastor Dean Inserra discuss why active participation in a church community is crucial—not only for your children’s godly development but for the health of the entire family.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Ways to encourage your children to be in a youth group
• How we can support and encourage our pastors
• Tips for picking a church that fits your family
• The detriments to “unchurched spirituality”

RESOURCES

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Try CTCMath-Half Price Discount

Unplugged Children Bundle

Give your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!

Unplugged Children Bundle

Join us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!

HMS 2025 Seminars

In this episode from our archive, Carole and J.J. share some of the important questions they’ve been asked in their seminars. These are questions that many parents have as they are learning about Homeschool Made Simple’s method. Some of the questions addressed:

• using HMS method in a single parent household
• the purposes around the our method
• aligning your schedule to fit the method in your family life
• navigating your child’s narrow reading interest

Join us and be encouraged!

RESOURCES

+Click here for a list of the books mentioned in this episode

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

HMS Essentials-Everything you need to jump in!

HMS Essentials Bundle

Try CTCMath-Half Price Discount

Join us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!

HMS 2025 Seminars