The Home Education with Ease Podcast

Christine Furman
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Let's redefine what it means to educate our kids at home, ditch the stress, embrace the joy of learning, and set your family up for a lifetime of success! Welcome to The Home Education with Ease Podcast, I’m your host, Christine Furman, a certified Elementary and Special Education teacher, homeschool mom, creator of the EduPlay Learning method and curriculum, Best-Selling Co-Author and founder of EduPlay® Learning and Momspiration412® Worldwide. It’s my mission to help you raise lifelong learners and embrace a holistic approach to education at home. I believe learning truly happens all the time. From the moment our children are born, we’re shaping their education through meaningful connections, real-world experiences, and a variety of learning methods. Each week I share practical strategies, hands-on learning activities, and resources to help you meet the unique needs of every learner in your family. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a business owner, or balancing work and homeschool, I would love to help you build a flexible, enriching education for your child and connect you with a community that values education just as much as you do. Subscribe for more resources on all things Parenting, Homeschool, Holistic health & ways to Make Learning FUN! Leave a Review and Share with a Friend to help grow the Home Education with Ease Mission. It's allowed to be easy and we can help!

  1. 4D AGO

    Food Dyes: What They Really Are, How They Affect Our Kids, and Simple Dye-Free Swaps Ep. 111

    In this episode, Christine Furman—your home education expert—dives into a timely topic as Valentine’s Day brings a wave of brightly colored treats: food dyes. Christine shares why her family chooses a mostly dye-free home, how she approaches the topic with a judgment-free, education-first mindset, and why this conversation matters for kids’ learning, behavior, sleep, and overall regulation. You’ll hear a real-life story from church treats that sparked a family conversation, plus a helpful reminder: even dye-free treats are still treats—because sugar and ultra-processed ingredients can impact kids too. Christine breaks down what food dyes actually are (synthetic chemicals made from petroleum/oil/coal tar), why they’re used (marketing and appearance—not nutrition), and how they can affect the body through detox pathways, the gut-brain connection, and neurotransmitters. She closes with encouragement to start small, observe your child’s patterns, and focus on building calm, healthy foundations that support more peaceful learning rhythms at home—without fear or perfection. Join the Conversation:Head over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week’s questions: Have you ever noticed behavior, focus, sleep, or meltdown changes after certain foods or treats? What did you notice? Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine! Takeaways: Food dyes are synthetic chemicals made from petroleum/oil/coal tar, added for appearance—not health.Kids’ developing systems may have a harder time processing these ingredients, which can contribute to focus issues, meltdowns, hyperactivity, and sleep disruption.Even when you choose dye-free options, sugar and ultra-processed treats still affect the body—dye-free doesn’t mean “unlimited.”This is about education and awareness, not fear or perfection—families can make informed choices without judging each other.Watch for dye exposure beyond food: medications/vitamins, toothpaste, soaps, and other products can contain dyes too.A simple 1-week observation (or food diary) can help you notice patterns: sleep, food, movement, and behavior are all connected.Small shifts add up—and calmer bodies can lead to more peaceful learning rhythms at home. Quotes: “This is about giving education and knowledge… this stuff was not taught in schools.”“It’s still sugar… regardless, food coloring or not, sugar is still going to cause these problems… but the food coloring adds another layer.”“It’s a synthetic chemical. It’s made from petroleum, oil, or coal tar. Guys, that should never go into our body.”“It has no nutritional...

    50 min

  2. FEB 2

    What Is EduPlay Learning and How Can It Help Your Family? Ep. 110

    Welcome to a brand new month and a brand new episode of the Home Education with Ease podcast! In this episode, Christine Furman, home education expert, former classroom and special education teacher, and homeschool mom, answers a question she’s asked often: What exactly is EduPlay Learning, and how can it support my family? Christine shares the heart behind EduPlay Learning, how it grew alongside her own children, and why learning doesn’t have to look like school to be effective. From snowy winter updates and real-life family rhythms to play-based learning, life skills, and confidence-building, this episode is a warm invitation to rethink what education can look like in a real home with real kids and real schedules. Whether you’re new to home education, balancing work and family life, supporting a child in school, or simply craving more peace and confidence in your learning journey, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to do this alone. Join the Conversation:Head over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week’s questions: Where are you on your educational journey right now?Where do you need the most support? Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine! Takeaways: Learning doesn’t need to replicate school to be meaningfulPlay-based, hands-on learning supports deeper understanding and confidenceEducation is about skills and life, both matterEvery child (and family) learns differently, and that’s a strengthConsistency over time builds independence and confidenceSupport and community can change everythingYou are allowed to adapt learning to fit your season of life Quotes: “EduPlay Learning is designed for real homes, real schedules, and real kids.”“Play is not extra, it’s essential.”“Home education is about incorporating our kids into our lives, not isolating learning to a table.”“Confidence doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built through real experiences over time.”“I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all education.”“You don’t have to do this alone—I’m here to walk alongside you.” Resources & Links: 🌟 Connect with like-minded families, build community and access recourses in the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group 💞 Looking for support, resources and community? a...

    43 min

  3. JAN 26

    Teaching Kids to Read with Confidence: Phonics Made Simple with Special Guest, Melanie Jeffrey Ep. 109

    In today’s episode of Home Education with Ease, Christine sits down with Melanie Jeffrey, a self-described phonics fanatic, former K–2 core literacy teacher, and host of the Phonics Rules for Kids podcast. Melanie brings clarity and confidence to one of the most common concerns families face: How do I teach my child to read—even if I’m not a teacher? Together, Christine and Melanie break down why phonics is the key to strong, confident readers, how the Science of Reading has shifted literacy instruction, and how families can teach reading skills naturally at home using simple, engaging strategies. This episode is especially encouraging for parents of beginning readers and those supporting struggling readers in grades 3–5. You’ll walk away with practical tools, mindset shifts, and reassurance that learning to read doesn’t have to be overwhelming—for you or your child. Join the Conversation:Head over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week’s questions: What is your biggest challenge when it comes to teaching reading at home? Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine! Takeaways: Phonics is foundational—and it works for all learners, including struggling readers.Children do not need to guess words; they need consistent, systematic phonics instruction.Phonemic awareness (playing with sounds orally) is a powerful precursor to reading and spelling.Simple tools like whiteboards, magnetic letters, and car-ride games can make a big impact.Older struggling readers benefit from big-kid words broken into manageable syllables.Sight words don’t have to be memorized blindly—many parts are decodable.Confidence grows when children experience success, one skill at a time. Quotes: “Phonics skills, from simple to more complex, are the key to unlocking your child’s success as a reader.” – Melanie Jeffrey“We don’t want children guessing—we want them reading with confidence.” – Melanie Jeffrey“Learning is all around us. Those little moments add up.” – Christine Furman“You are your child’s first and best teacher—but even teachers receive training.” – Melanie Jeffrey“Sometimes it’s just one missing skill holding everything back.” – Christine Furman“Big kids want big words—and they can do them when we break them down.” – Melanie Jeffrey Resources & Links: 🎉 Upcoming Live Class: Setting Your Family Up for Success in 2026, a href="https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/fISFeAWuoxSRoQHQ59Ve" rel="noopener...

    33 min

  4. JAN 19

    Setting Learning Goals Without Overwhelm (A Simple Framework for Homeschool Families) Ep. 108

    Setting learning goals doesn’t have to feel heavy, stressful, or impossible to keep up with. In this episode, Christine shares how to approach learning goals with clarity, peace, and flexibility—without pressure or comparison. Drawing from real-life experiences as a homeschool mom, educator, and business owner, Christine walks listeners through how seasons of life, energy levels, family schedules, and children’s interests all play a role in how learning unfolds at home. From toddlers learning alongside daily life to older children navigating new commitments like theater and independent passions, this episode reminds families that learning is not one-size-fits-all. Christine introduces a gentle framework for setting learning goals that fit your family rhythm—focusing on alignment, confidence, and joy rather than rigid expectations. She also shares how interest-led, hands-on, multi-sensory learning can deepen understanding and engagement, and why fewer, well-aligned goals often lead to greater success. Throughout the episode, Christine invites listeners to reflect on their current season and offers an invitation to join her upcoming live class, Set Your Family Up for Success in 2026, where families can map out learning and life goals together with support and intention. Join the Conversation:Head over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week’s questions: What are your learning goals for this season? Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine! Takeaways: Learning goals should fit your family’s season, not an idealized schedule.Overwhelm often comes from setting goals that don’t align with real life.Fewer, intentional goals lead to more confidence and follow-through.Daily life—chores, conversations, interests, and activities—is learning.Children thrive when their interests are honored and woven into learning.Flexibility allows families to adjust as schedules, energy, and needs change.Peace, presence, and alignment matter more than perfection. Quotes: “It’s not about setting more goals—it’s about clarity, alignment, and peace.”“We can set goals for the season of life we’re in and make them fit the flow of our family.”“Learning doesn’t stop because life gets busy—learning happens within life.”“Your kids want to know what’s expected, and they want to know what’s next.”“When goals are aligned, learning feels lighter for everyone.”“Interest-led learning creates deeper understanding and confidence.”“You don’t need more...

    33 min

  5. JAN 12

    Holistic Cold & Flu Season Support: Home Remedies, Homeopathic Brands, and Prevention Tips for Families Ep. 107

    In this episode, Christine Furman shares what her family experienced after getting sick the week of Christmas—and the holistic, homeopathic, and simple preventative practices she leans on during cold and flu season. You’ll hear practical reminders (rest + hydration are huge!), prevention strategies you can start now, and a roundup of brands and remedies Christine keeps on hand when symptoms hit. She also connects this conversation back to her “pillars” of Home Education with Ease—because supporting the whole family includes wellness, routines, and real-life teaching moments. Join the Conversation:Head over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week’s questions: What are your go-to holistic supports when someone in your home starts feeling sick?Have you tried homeopathic remedies before? What worked well for your family?What’s one “healthy swap” you’ve made (or want to make) when it comes to immune support? Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine! Takeaways: Rest and handwashing are two of the simplest (and most powerful) supports when sickness starts.Being proactive matters: elderberry, zinc, vitamin C, hydration, and reducing sugar can help support the immune system before symptoms even hit.Check labels—even “vitamin C” options can include food dye, sugar, and unnecessary ingredients.When appetite drops, it may be your body conserving energy—consider easy-to-digest options like bone broth and applesauce while focusing on hydration.For hydration, Christine recommends coconut water over sugary sports drinks.For fevers: lukewarm baths and gentle comfort measures can support the body as it does its job.Christine shares several homeopathic brands/products she keeps on hand and how she uses them as “better than the usual” options. Quotes: “My goal today is to share holistic remedies with you to help you combat the cold season.”“Holistic health is very important to me.”“We need to rest. That is the biggest thing.”“It is a very simple thing to do… wash your hands.”“Pay attention to what you are buying.” Resources & Links: 🎉 Upcoming Live Class: Setting Your Family Up for Success in 2026, complete this form for more info! 💞 Join the Home Education with Ease...

    51 min

  6. JAN 5

    The Mom Reset for 2026: Intentional Goals Without the Pressure Ep. 106

    A new year brings fresh energy—but it doesn’t have to come with pressure, perfection, or rushing into unrealistic goals. In this encouraging start-to-2026 episode, Christine shares a heartfelt reflection on the holidays, lessons learned through unexpected challenges, and how families can set intentional, realistic goals that truly support their season of life. From health and home rhythms to marriage, faith, finances, and home education, this episode invites you to slow down, reflect, and move forward with clarity and peace. Christine introduces a simple but powerful framework for looking at 10 key areas of life, asking reflective questions, and turning big dreams into attainable action steps—without guilt if January doesn’t start “perfectly.” Whether you’re educating your kids at home, balancing business and family, or simply craving more peace and alignment this year, this episode will remind you: you’re not behind, and you’re not alone. Join the Conversation:Head over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week’s questions: What is one area of your life you want to approach more intentionally in 2026?Which area feels most out of alignment right now—and why?What is one small, realistic habit you can start this month? Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine! Takeaways: You don’t have to have everything figured out on January 1st—progress happens all year long.Goals should be realistic, attainable, and aligned with your current season.Breaking goals into quarters helps prevent burnout and overwhelm.Small action steps create sustainable routines over time.Home education is about life as a whole—not just academics.Open communication and accountability help families stay aligned.Peace, structure, and joy can coexist in your home. Quotes: “If January didn’t start the way you planned, you haven’t failed—the year is just beginning.”“Your goals should fit your season, not fight against it.”“Structure doesn’t take away peace—it actually creates space for it.”“What works for your family doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s plan.”“We can reset at any moment—not just at the start of a new year.”“You are not just a mom—you are so much more, and all of it matters.”“Ease, peace, and joy are possible when we choose intention over perfection.” Resources & Links:...

    49 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    The Mom Reset for 2026: Boundaries, Vision, and a Life That Fits Your Family - Exclusive Interview with Dr. Shellie Hipsky Ep. 105

    In this inspiring conversation, Christine Furman sits down with longtime mentor and “global sister,” Dr. Shellie Hipsky, to talk about dreaming bigger, aligning your life with your mission, and creating change, one intentional step at a time. Christine shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she went from classroom teacher to building a home education-centered business and lifestyle that supports her family, starting with one powerful question: “Is there more?” Together, Christine and Dr. Shellie walk through practical mindset shifts like writing “I am” statements, protecting your peace with boundaries, and surrounding yourself with the right people (your dream team). They also highlight the heart behind Dr. Shellie’s work through The Global Sisterhood (501c3) helping women and children internationally through education, empowerment, and tangible support. This episode is a reminder that whether you’re in the messy middle or ready for your next big leap, you can choose peace, clarity, and purpose as you step into 2026. Join the Conversation:Head over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week’s questions: What are your “four options” right now—and what might the “more” be that you haven’t considered yet?What is one “I am” statement you’re choosing to believe and live into this year (example: “I am a patient and loving mother”)?Who is part of your dream team—or who do you want to invite into that role in 2026?Where do you feel energized… and where do you feel drained? What boundary might you need to set?What is one small “peace habit” you’re committing to weekly as a mom and educator at home? Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine! Takeaways: Ask the question that changes everything: “Is there more?”—and give yourself permission to explore it.Your identity isn’t a job title. Transitions can feel shaky because you’re redefining who you are—“I am” statements help you rebuild with confidence.Reframe “weakness” into “needs.” Needs can be supported and strengthened with tools, rhythms, and help.Protect your garden. Pay attention to people or commitments that drain you—what you allow to remain can quietly take over your peace.Your season matters. What worked when your kids were little may shift as they grow—and that’s not failure, it’s wisdom.Find your dream team. One trusted person can make the difference between staying stuck and moving forward with support.Dreaming is for everyone. No matter your age or current circumstances, you can create meaningful change and a legacy. Quotes: li...

    55 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    You Are Seen: A Christmas Week Reminder for Moms Who Do It All Ep. 104

    This heartfelt episode is a loving reminder for moms during the week of Christmas, a season that can feel beautiful, overwhelming, peaceful, chaotic, or all of the above. Christine speaks directly to the unseen work of motherhood, acknowledging the daily responsibilities that never pause for holidays and offering encouragement to moms who are carrying so much. Through personal reflections, faith-filled reminders, and real-life examples, this episode reassures moms that they are doing enough, they are enough, and they are not alone. Christine also gently reminds listeners that children are always watching - learning kindness, gratitude, and priorities not just through lessons, but through how we live, love, and care for ourselves and others. This episode invites moms to slow down, focus on what truly matters, release comparison, and embrace connection, community, and grace - especially during the holiday season. Join the Conversation:Head over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week’s question: What feels heaviest for you during the holiday season?Where can you intentionally slow down this week?What simple moments bring your family the most joy? Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine! Takeaways: Motherhood doesn’t pause for the holidays — and that unseen work matters.You are doing enough, and you are enough for your family.Letting go of perfection creates space for peace and connection.Children learn through what we model, not just what we teach.Experiences and time together often matter more than gifts.Self-care isn’t selfish — it helps you show up as your best self.Community is essential; you don’t have to do this alone. Quotes: “You are seen, you are heard, and you are loved.”“The work you do every single day does not go unnoticed.”“You are not messing your kids up — I promise you.”“Focus on what truly matters and be that example for your kids.”“It doesn’t have to be about more stuff — it can be about more connection.”“Even when it feels lonely, you are not alone.”“Give yourself permission to slow down this season.” Resources & Links: 💞 Join the Home Education with Ease Collective for support, encouragement and community! Enrollment opens in January! Learn more and join the waitlist, a...

    21 min
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About

Let's redefine what it means to educate our kids at home, ditch the stress, embrace the joy of learning, and set your family up for a lifetime of success! Welcome to The Home Education with Ease Podcast, I’m your host, Christine Furman, a certified Elementary and Special Education teacher, homeschool mom, creator of the EduPlay Learning method and curriculum, Best-Selling Co-Author and founder of EduPlay® Learning and Momspiration412® Worldwide. It’s my mission to help you raise lifelong learners and embrace a holistic approach to education at home. I believe learning truly happens all the time. From the moment our children are born, we’re shaping their education through meaningful connections, real-world experiences, and a variety of learning methods. Each week I share practical strategies, hands-on learning activities, and resources to help you meet the unique needs of every learner in your family. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a business owner, or balancing work and homeschool, I would love to help you build a flexible, enriching education for your child and connect you with a community that values education just as much as you do. Subscribe for more resources on all things Parenting, Homeschool, Holistic health & ways to Make Learning FUN! Leave a Review and Share with a Friend to help grow the Home Education with Ease Mission. It's allowed to be easy and we can help!

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