Home(school) with Steph

Stephany Rios

Hi, I'm Steph. I grew up going to public school and with parents who punched a time clock. I never thought I'd take a different path. Then my high school sweetheart husband dropped out of college and pursued entrepreneurship and a series of circumstances made me reluctant to put my oldest child in public school. Now, I'm a homeschooling mom of 5, a former RN turned jewelry designer & small business owner. I'm sharing everything you need to know when it comes to raising children, homeschooling, motherhood and more.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    78:Homeschool Grammar Made Simple: Patty McGee on Fun Literacy Activities and, Writing Skills

    Welcome back to another episode of Homeschooling with Steph. Today I have Patty McGee in the studio with me. She is a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, and educator with a passion for transforming classrooms into spaces where language and learning come alive. And I know she'll be able to apply that to the homeschooling students that we all have. With decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and advocate for delightful literacy practices, Patty has worked alongside educators across the country partnering to unlock the full potential of their students.  Show Notes:00:00 Intro02:44 The Journey from Teaching to Literacy Consulting05:24 Advice for Teaching Reading to Struggling Learners10:53 Understanding Key Reading Concepts14:25 The Importance of Nonfiction in Reading 18:19 Creating Engaging Learning Environments24:49 The Role of Grammar in Literacy37:18 Nurturing Voice Through Grammar39:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms   Links:  Check out Patty’s  WebsiteFind her on instagram @pmgmcgeePatty’s Linked-in State Laws for homeschool Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!www.ivianaandco.com Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY www.stephriosblog.com Let’s connect! Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co Steph Rios Blog Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco @stephriosblog Leave a review!  Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you! ~Steph *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    43 min
  2. 22 APR

    What AI Teachers Mean for Homeschooling, Family Connection, and the Future of Education

    Hello and welcome to another episode of Home School Steph. Thanks so much for joining me again. I am so glad to be here. It's been a minute since we've done a solo episode. Maybe it doesn't feel that way to you, but I've had some great guests lately, so I hope you've caught those episodes. I just love bringing really good resources to you. Today I'm going to do something a little bit different and we're going to talk about a current event that honestly, it came across my feed on Instagram, but I did a little bit of research on it, and It intrigued me. Show Notes:00:00 Intro02:56 The Impact of Technology on Education05:55 Humanoid Robots in the Classroom08:55 Concerns About Emotional Well-Being11:58 The Future of Education and Technology14:44 Conclusion and Reflection on Homeschooling  Links:  State Laws for homeschool Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!www.ivianaandco.com Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY www.stephriosblog.com Let’s connect! Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co Steph Rios Blog Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco @stephriosblog Leave a review!  Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you! ~Steph *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    20 min
  3. 14 APR

    Raising Safety-Aware Kids Without Raising Fear - former LAPD Jeff Wenninger

    Welcome to another episode of Home School with Steph. Today I have Jeff Wenninger, retired LAPD lieutenant with 33 years of service. He is also the author of the book On Thin Ice, an LAPD veteran's journey to reimagine policing. Today he helps police departments and communities rethink modern policing through training, research and consulting.  Show Notes:00:00 Intro02:42 The Evolution of Policing and Community Relations05:39 Challenges in Law Enforcement: A Personal Perspective08:45 The Importance of Community Engagement in Safety11:38 Reimagining School Safety: The Role of Trusted Adults15:00 The Impact of Parental Involvement on School Violence17:44 Navigating Technology: The Digital Age and Youth20:52 The Consequences of Screen Time on Child Development26:18 Navigating Social Media and Bullying26:59 The Role of Parents in Child Safety28:38 Empowering Children with Technology32:22 Preparing Kids for Real-World Scenarios36:48 Balancing Awareness and Fear42:28 Community Involvement for Safety44:48 Reimagining Policing and Community Relations50:50 Normalizing Safety Conversations   Links:  Find Jeff on  Linked-InCheck out Jeff’s book: On Thin Icehttps://lawenforcementconsultants.com State Laws for homeschool Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!www.ivianaandco.com Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY www.stephriosblog.com Let’s connect! Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co Steph Rios Blog Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco @stephriosblog Leave a review!  Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you! ~Steph *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    56 min
  4. 7 APR

    Teaching Kids About Money: Raising Financially Confident Adults with Deb Kierstead

    Hello and welcome to another episode of Homeschool with Deb. Today in the studio, I have Deb. Deb is a homeschooling mom to four kiddos who are now grown. And I always love an opportunity to talk to a seasoned homeschool mama who can share her experience with us. Deb loves teaching children and now teaches financial literacy to children in her community and has also developed homeschooling curriculum to help those that she can't reach in person. Show Notes:00:00 Intro01:00Introduction to Homeschooling and Financial Literacy03:07 The Importance of Early Money Conversations05:55 Budgeting and Real-Life Financial Skills08:52 Involving Kids in Everyday Financial Decisions12:14 Reflections on Homeschooling Experience17:51 The Value of Personalized Learning Styles26:06 The Homeschooling Lifestyle: Community and Connection30:28 The Benefits of Homeschooling: A Family Perspective33:36 Building Strong Family Bonds Through Homeschooling39:05 Financial Literacy: Preparing Kids for the Future   Links:  Check out Deb’s Website: http://www.liveskillsmoney.com/  Here you can get the  academy, or  Home- edition of her course.  State Laws for homeschool Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!www.ivianaandco.com Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY www.stephriosblog.com Let’s connect! Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co Steph Rios Blog Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco @stephriosblog Leave a review!  Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you! ~Steph *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    51 min
  5. 31 MAR

    The Journey Back to Joy in Motherhood with Dr. Rosenna Bakari

    Hello and welcome back to another episode. Thanks for joining me today. In the studio I have Dr. Rosenna Bakari. She is the author of Seven Exits, Leave Behind What No Longer Serves You. You heard her on the podcast with me last week and we just ran out of time and had too much to talk about. You're getting episode two of this conversation because we had more to chat about Rosina.  Show Notes:00:00 Intro02:49 The Inspiration Behind 'Seven Exits'05:39 Empowerment vs. Feeling Better08:49 The Importance of Self-Care for Mothers11:38 Understanding Self-Centeredness vs. Selfishness14:47 The Seven Exits Explained17:47 Unconditional Love and Conditions26:49 Embracing Discomfort32:44 Understanding Silence and Secrecy33:47 The Impact of Indoctrination39:46 Finding Joy in Motherhood  Links:  Find Rosena on: Instagram,Facebook,Linkedin,YoutubeandTicTok You can find her book Seven Exits on Amazon Dr. Bakari is offering our listeners a special gift. To receive it, simply email the word “homeschool” to offer@sevenexits.com. You’ll receive an introduction to the Seven Exits homeschooling framework. The resource includes 52 essential affirmations for Eduparents, offering weekly grounding and encouragement rooted in empowerment. State Laws for homeschoolCheck out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!www.ivianaandco.com Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY www.stephriosblog.com Let’s connect! Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co Steph Rios Blog Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco @stephriosblog Leave a review!  Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you! ~Steph *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    58 min
  6. 24 MAR

    Unschooling, Curiosity, and the Long View of Homeschooling with Dr. Rosenna Bakari

    Hello, and welcome to another episode of Home School with Steph. Today in the studio, I have Dr. Rosina Bakari. She is an educational psychologist, author, and empowerment expert. She built her career teaching pre-service teachers, but her journey took a powerful turn when she began to home school her two children while pursuing her PhD at the University of Northern Colorado. Show Notes:02:02 The Decision to Homeschool05:22 Understanding Unschooling12:43 Socialization Myths15:05 The Importance of Relationships18:04 Balancing Education and Family Life27:22 Pursuing a PhD While Homeschooling33:01 Reflections on the Homeschooling Experience Links:  Find Rosena on:  Instagram,  Facebook,Linkedin,  Youtube and  TicTok You can find her book Seven Exits on Amazon Special Offers:  Dr. Bakari is offering our listeners a special gift. To receive it, simply email the word “homeschool” to offer@sevenexits.com. You’ll receive an introduction to the Seven Exits homeschooling framework, designed to help parents trust themselves as educators for the remainder of the school year. The resource includes 52 essential affirmations for Eduparents, offering weekly grounding and encouragement rooted in empowerment—not pressure. State Laws for homeschoolCheck out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!www.ivianaandco.com Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIYwww.stephriosblog.com Let’s connect! Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co Steph Rios Blog Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco @stephriosblog Leave a review!  Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you! ~Steph *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    40 min
  7. 17 MAR

    My journey of co-sleeping and closing that chapter

    Hello and welcome back to another episode of Home School Stuff. Are you one of those moms who might get a little curious about other families and if they co-sleep or don't co-sleep, how that's worked for them and how do we get out of co-sleeping if we've started? If that topic is of curiosity to you or maybe you are going through a similar situation because you have young kiddos, this episode is for you. Show Notes:00:00 Intro02:59 The Co-Sleeping Journey Begins05:48 Transitioning to Independent Sleep08:44 Navigating Sleep Challenges11:39 Closing the Co-Sleeping Chapter14:26 Reflections on Motherhood and Sleep   Links:  State Laws for homeschool Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!www.ivianaandco.com Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY www.stephriosblog.com Let’s connect! Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co Steph Rios Blog Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco @stephriosblog Leave a review!  Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you! ~Steph *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    20 min
  8. 10 MAR

    Raising College-Ready Teens Without Debt, Overwhelm, or Losing Your Mind-with Shellee

    Today's guest is someone every mom who's ever worried about college cost or am I doing enough is going to love. If you're that mom who's worried about those college conversations, this episode is for you. Shelly is the founder of College Ready and a bestselling author of How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money. Two good things. She's helped hundreds of families navigate admissions, scholarships, and planning in a practical, encouraging way, starting as early as middle school so their kids can find the right path without drowning in debt. This conversation is packed with hope, clarity, and real strategy for parents who want to set their kids up well without the overwhelm. And yes, they are experts in helping homeschool kiddos navigate college admissions as well.  Show Notes:00:00 Intro01:19 Navigating College Admissions for Homeschool Families07:49 Empowering Students to Explore Their Future18:22 Understanding the College Path and Financial Considerations25:52 Understanding Hybrid Homeschooling26:25 Navigating College Requirements28:05 The Importance of College Preparation33:21 Navigating College Admissions for Homeschool Families34:36 The Perception of Homeschooling in College Admissions35:24 What Colleges Really Want from Applicants36:47 Exploring Tuition-Free College Options37:53 The Changing Landscape of College Admissions42:18 The Importance of Community and Resources44:32 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in College Applications 46:52 Planning for College Success49:59 Navigating College: A Resourceful Guide Consider reading Shellee books:  The College Admissions Plan Simplified - A Busy Parents P.L.A.N to a Debt-Free Degree.  How to Send Your Student to College without Losing Your Mind, or Your Money.Try out her free digital  WorkbookLinks:  State Laws for homeschool Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!www.ivianaandco.com Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY www.stephriosblog.com Let’s connect! Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co Steph Rios Blog Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco @stephriosblog Leave a review!  Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you! ~Steph *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    51 min

About

Hi, I'm Steph. I grew up going to public school and with parents who punched a time clock. I never thought I'd take a different path. Then my high school sweetheart husband dropped out of college and pursued entrepreneurship and a series of circumstances made me reluctant to put my oldest child in public school. Now, I'm a homeschooling mom of 5, a former RN turned jewelry designer & small business owner. I'm sharing everything you need to know when it comes to raising children, homeschooling, motherhood and more.