Then and Now: Homeschooling Over Three Decades | Ep 265

What does homeschooling look like after 30 years—and what has really changed?

In this encouraging and honest conversation, Kaitlin Zara sits down with veteran homeschool mom, author, and mentor Susie Lloyd, who homeschooled seven children over three decades. Together, they reflect on how homeschooling has evolved, what challenges remain timeless, and why perseverance, patience, and prayer matter more than ever.

From building community from scratch to resisting curriculum overload, from navigating skepticism to trusting God’s long game, Susie offers wisdom and reassurance for today’s homeschool parents—especially those feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. This episode is a reminder that homeschooling is not about perfection, but about faithfulness.

Today’s Sponsor

Franciscan University of Steubenville

At Franciscan University of Steubenville, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Did you know that 20% of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background?

High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s Dual Enrollment Program.

🔗 Learn more at Franciscan.edu

Additional resources: • Franciscan High School Advantage Program: https://franciscan.edu/franciscan-high-school-advantage-program-partnerships/ • Homeschool Connections Dual Enrollment with Franciscan: https://homeschoolconnections.com/resources/college-credit/

Meet Our Guest

Susie Lloyd homeschooled seven children over 30 years and is a longtime mentor, speaker, author, and consultant in the Catholic homeschooling world. Her books, articles, and conference talks emphasize that you don’t have to homeschool perfectly to homeschool successfully. Susie has a special heart for mentoring new and struggling homeschoolers.

🌐 Website: https://susielloyd.com/

In This Episode, We Discuss

Homeschooling “Then and Now” • What it was like homeschooling before widespread support and resources • How early homeschoolers built co-ops, field trips, and networks from scratch • Why today’s abundance of options can feel overwhelming

Curriculum Wisdom Across Generations • Why chasing the “next best” curriculum often causes burnout • The value of sticking with what works • Adapting when a child truly needs something different

Community, Perseverance, and Minority Culture • Why homeschoolers are still a cultural minority—even today • The importance of continuing to build and invest in community • How patience and perseverance change hearts over time

Faith at the Center of Homeschooling • Why homeschooling must be rooted in prayer, not pressure • How morning prayer and read-alouds shaped Susie’s family life • Letting go of rigid school models and embracing the human reality of learning

Encouragement for New Homeschool Moms • Why feeling misunderstood is part of the calling • “Wait ten years”—how fruit becomes visible with time • Living the witness instead of arguing for it

Books & Read-Alouds Mentioned

• Little House on the Prairie series – Laura Ingalls Wilder https://amzn.to/4qOnHvd • The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis https://amzn.to/3MXjIxB • With God in Russia – Fr. Walter J. Ciszek https://amzn.to/4qxS60A • All Creatures Great and Small – James Herriot https://amzn.to/4baYBSr

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Hillside Education: https://www.hillsideeducation.com/ • Hillside Education Language Arts: https://www.hillsideeducation.com/index.php/language-arts/

You’ll also find the Homeschool Connections Podcast on 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints

📝 Catholic Homeschool Blog: https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/ 🎧 Catholic Homeschool Podcast: https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/