Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous

Kami Wanous - The Freedom Scholar
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous, The Freedom Scholar, utilizes more than a decade of homeschool experience, along with her public school teaching experience and relatable and practical mentoring of families all over the US and periodic guests, to take you on a journey toward creating the homeschool experience you always wanted and your family deserves in each episode. Whether you’re an experienced homeschooler or a new one, making decisions about curriculum, setting up routines and keeping love of learning high can be challenging. This podcast will help you gain the confidence you need to help your kids reach their goals and become life-long learners. To learn more about Kami and how The Freedom Scholar can help you create your family's best homeschool experience, visit www.thefreedomscholar.com Follow @TheFreedomScholar on Instagram and Facebook For free live trainings every week, join “The Freedom Scholar Homeschooling Community” Facebook group! Subscribe on YouTube - The Freedom Scholar Copyright 2023 © The Freedom Scholar. All rights reserved worldwide. Disclaimer: This is an informational podcast. The information presented in each episode is the most recent and honest to the best of the presenter's ability. Results are not guaranteed. This podcast aims to educate, and there are no guarantees of results implied. Listeners are encouraged to seek out and meet their local homeschool requirements. Any products, websites and company names mentioned in this podcast are their respective owners' trademarks or copyright properties. The presenter is not associated or affiliated with them in any way unless otherwise stated. Nor does the referred product, website, or company necessarily sponsor, endorse, or approve this podcast. We hope you enjoy and find value in each episode. This content is copyrighted and not authorized for reproduction.

  1. 1d ago

    Your Homeschool Morning Routine Isn’t the Problem | 166

    The 10:30 math fight often starts at 8:00. Sometimes it starts the night before. If your homeschool mornings feel like calling everyone three times, rushing through breakfast, and watching someone melt down before you even start, this episode is for you. I walk through what’s really happening in those first few minutes, and why the pressure you feel to get more done can make the whole day harder. In this episode: The pressure moms feel before the kids even sit down A quick “Is this you?” check for your homeschool mornings The Domino Day, and how one tense start shapes the whole day Why rushing to be productive usually gets less done Why a new curriculum or stricter schedule rarely fixes the morning How to find your “first domino” this week Quick Q&A from this episode: Why is it so hard to get my kids to start homeschool in the morning? Often the tension starts before school does. Kids can feel a rushed, pressured morning, and they resist it before the first lesson even begins. Why does my homeschool day fall apart by mid-morning? A tense start leads to resistance, more pushing, and shutdown. The 10:30 math fight often starts at 8:00. Will a new curriculum fix my child’s resistance to school? Usually not. When the struggle starts with how the morning begins, a new curriculum or stricter schedule rarely changes it. Why do I feel stressed before homeschool even starts? Many moms carry yesterday’s unfinished list into the morning and rush everything to start sooner. That pressure sets the tone for the whole day. What’s one thing I can do this week to make homeschool mornings easier? Notice your “first domino,” the very first moment of tension each morning, and what happened right before it. Your mornings can feel different. It starts with seeing where the day really begins. CONNECT WITH KAMI: Schedule a free Homeschool Confidence Call with Kami: https://link.thefreedomscholar.com/widget/bookings/fn “Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous” Podcast: https://thefreedomscholar.com/podcast Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216184786279733 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous/

  2. Oct 8

    Thinking About Quitting Homeschool? Why One More Try Is Worth It | 165

    She felt like she had tried everything. Really, she had stopped believing anything else could help her son love learning again. I recently talked with a mom who was ready to send her son back to school, even though she knew he'd probably just play games on his Chromebook. In this solo episode, I share what I told her, and what has turned things around for families who were right where she was. In this episode: Why every new curriculum and schedule gets harder to believe in The homeschool breakdown trap: more pressure, less love of learning, more guilt Why giving up from exhaustion isn't a plan What "fruit on the tree" means when you choose a mentor The bookshelf move that got a 12-year-old out of her room in a week Why it's not too late, even with older kids Quick Q&A from this episode: What should I do before I give up homeschooling? Ask whether you're deciding from exhaustion or because school truly makes sense for your child. Then find individualized support and take one small next step. Why does it feel like I've tried everything in my homeschool? Most families have tried many versions of the same methods. There are usually options you haven't seen yet. What is the homeschool breakdown trap? Stress and guilt lead to stricter schedules and new curriculum. That adds pressure, love of learning drops even more, and the cycle repeats. How do I rebuild love of learning with an older child? Start with a small step that fits your family, like moving books into shared spaces or following your child's interests. Turnarounds can happen with tweens and teens too. How do I choose the right homeschool mentor? Look for fruit on the tree: someone who has helped other families get results, and who builds a plan for your family instead of handing you a one-size-fits-all program. Before you decide it's over, give it one more try. Join the Inspire Lifelong Learners Masterclass: https://illlive.thefreedomscholar.org/illliverp0 CONNECT WITH KAMI: Schedule a free Homeschool Confidence Call with Kami: https://link.thefreedomscholar.com/widget/bookings/fn "Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous" Podcast: https://thefreedomscholar.com/podcast Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216184786279733 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous/

  3. Oct 1

    Your Kids Learn Resilience From How You Handle Hard Things | 164

    Your kids are learning how to handle hard feelings every day, mostly by watching how you handle yours. Julie Lavender Le Doux homeschooled her kids, and now she's a homeschooling grandma. She joins Kami to talk about emotional healing, leading your family by example, and raising resilient kids who know a big feeling isn't always the whole truth. Inside this episode: How people-pleasing and avoiding conflict get passed down, and how to break the cycle Why emotional patterns are learned, so kids (and moms) can learn new ones What it looks like to name a hard feeling in front of your kids and show them the truth underneath it How Wounds to Wonder helps families walk through emotional healing at the kitchen table Why not taking yourself so seriously is real advice for new homeschool moms Quick Q&A from this episode: How do I help my child learn to handle big emotions? Name your own feelings out loud and then show the deeper truth, like "Mommy's worried about this, but here's what I know is true." Kids learn that a strong feeling isn't always the full story. How do I raise resilient kids when I'm still working through my own stuff? You don't have to be finished healing to lead well. Julie shares that we often teach our kids the most through our weak moments, when they see us face something hard instead of avoiding it. Why does avoiding conflict make anxiety worse? Skipping the hard conversation feels better in the moment, but it keeps the anxiety cycle going. Learning to say no and to face hard things calmly breaks that cycle for you and your kids. How can I help my kids through emotional healing at home? Story time is a gentle place to start. Wounds to Wonder uses short story vignettes and conversation prompts so kids can share their own experiences, then walks families through steps for healing together. What should a new homeschool mom focus on for her own emotional health? Try not to take yourself so seriously. Perfectionism and guilt can be clues to where you need healing, and a mom who keeps learning and growing has every reason to expect good things for her family. Want to see what mentoring looks like in everyday homeschool life? Book a free Homeschool Confidence Call: https://link.thefreedomscholar.com/widget/bookings/fn CONNECT WITH JULIE: Find Julie's books and Wounds to Wonder: https://thequestforwonder.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/julielavenderledoux/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julielavenderledoux CONNECT WITH KAMI: Schedule a free Homeschool Confidence Call with Kami: https://link.thefreedomscholar.com/widget/bookings/fn "Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous" Podcast: https://thefreedomscholar.com/podcast Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216184786279733 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous/

  4. Sep 25

    I Told My Son to Go Talk to Strangers Alone | 163

    What happens when your kid is the only one in a room of 55 entrepreneurs? My son Kenyon found out at Sell From Stage Academy Live with Colin Boyd, a three day event I attended alongside him. In this episode: The idea Kenyon had about AI alignment, and the nudge to go tell someone who could actually help him build it What happened when I told him to go find a stranger and walked away What mentoring looks like in a room built for adults, not kids What it means to surround a lifelong learner with people and momentum that pull them forward instead of holding them back This is a picture of what happens when the environment does the teaching, not the lesson plan. Quick Q&A from this episode: How do I help my homeschooled teen build confidence talking to adults? Put them in rooms with inspiring adults and let them participate, not just observe. Confidence grows fastest when a teen gets to try it on their own and finds out they can do it. How do I push my homeschooler out of their comfort zone without forcing it? Give a small nudge when they're ready, then step back. Pointing them toward the right person or conversation and walking away lets them own the experience. What does mentoring over managing look like with teens? It means guiding and encouraging instead of controlling every interaction. You set up the opportunity, trust your teen, and let them make the connection themselves. How can homeschooled teens learn networking and social skills? Treat networking as a life skill: looking people in the eye, asking good questions, and being curious about what others are doing. Practice at home, then give them real opportunities to use it with new people. How do I create an inspiring homeschool environment? Start by building a love of learning and a culture of confidence at home, then reinforce it with outside resources like mentors, classes, and events. The home foundation comes first, and outside experiences build on it. Find out how to build this kind of environment for your own kids at the Inspiring Lifelong Learning Academy: https://thefreedomscholar.com/inspiring-lifelong-learning  CONNECT WITH KAMI: Schedule a free Homeschool Confidence Call with Kami: https://link.thefreedomscholar.com/widget/bookings/fn "Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous" Podcast: https://thefreedomscholar.com/podcast Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216184786279733 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous/

  5. Sep 16

    Why Your Homeschool Needs a Lifestyle, Not Just a Curriculum | 162

    If you've ever thought your homeschool days were "fine" but wanted something more, this conversation is going to feel very familiar. I'm talking with Alex and Cassidy Nicholas about building an actual homeschool learning lifestyle, the kind built on ownership, entrepreneurship, and real community, not just checking academic boxes. Inside this episode: Why "fine" stopped being enough for their family What ownership actually looks like for kids The three pillars behind The Vault Academy, their homeschool hybrid club Why homeschool isolation is solvable How a little courage changes what's possible Quick Q&A from this episode: What is The Vault Academy? A homeschool hybrid and family wellness club Alex and Cassidy Nicholas are building in Naples, Florida, combining core academics with entrepreneurship, fitness, and hands-on skills for the whole family. What are the three pillars The Vault Academy is built on? Leadership and business acumen, self-defense and fitness, and agriculture and craftsmanship. How can homeschool families avoid feeling isolated? By being intentional about reaching out and building community, even when it feels uncomfortable, rather than waiting for community to come to them. Why do Alex and Cassidy think kids should learn entrepreneurship, even if they never start a business? Because the thinking behind it, ownership, initiative, and perseverance, transfers to every area of life. What does it mean to be a "guide" instead of just a parent? Walking alongside your kids through their choices and interests rather than controlling every decision, while still being there when they need you. CONNECT WITH ALEX & CASSIDY:  Website: https://thevaultnaples.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsliterallycassidy/ , https://www.instagram.com/alexander1nicholas/  CONNECT WITH KAMI: Schedule a free Homeschool Confidence Call with Kami: https://link.thefreedomscholar.com/widget/bookings/fn "Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous" Podcast: https://thefreedomscholar.com/podcast Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216184786279733 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous/

  6. Sep 10

    Why "Just Find the Right Curriculum" Doesn't Fix Motivation | 161

    If you've ever gone looking for the curriculum that would finally get your kids excited about learning, I'm going to save you some time: you're not going to find it. This week, I'm explaining where motivation actually comes from, using two stories from my own classroom that I think about all the time. One is about a kid named Sam, wicked smart, totally unmotivated, whose mom once told me it was my job to make him want to do the work. The other is about a quiet ninth grader who found his own motivation through poetry, not because of anything I assigned, but because of his brother. Inside this episode: Why no curriculum can motivate a kid who isn't already motivated The real difference between compliance and motivation What mentoring toward motivation actually looks like at home Why culture, not curriculum, protects love of learning Quick Q&A from this episode: Q: Can curriculum motivate an unmotivated kid? A: No. As Kami puts it, "I don't care how well it's designed, to be inspired to love learning again and get curious and be motivated. That's just not gonna happen." Q: What's the difference between compliance and motivation? A: A kid can find something easier and still not want to do it. That's compliance, not motivation. Real motivation comes from curiosity and interest, not ease. Q: Where does motivation actually come from? A: It comes from inside the child. Kami focuses on four things: interest, confidence, an environment that protects love of learning and a mentor example. Q: What does mentoring toward motivation look like in real life? A: Getting curious alongside your kid. Kami shares an example of her own son explaining AI to her, and a mom whose son turned a diner breakfast bill into an impromptu math lesson, down to asking the waitress how many cups of coffee she serves in a day. Q: What's the key message of this episode? A: "Motivation isn't something that you buy. It's something that you build." Save your seat for the upcoming FREE Inspire Lifelong Learners Masterclass!  https://illlive.thefreedomscholar.org/illliverp0 CONNECT WITH KAMI: Schedule a free Homeschool Confidence Call with Kami: https://link.thefreedomscholar.com/widget/bookings/fn "Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous" Podcast: https://thefreedomscholar.com/podcast Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216184786279733 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous/

  7. Sep 3

    It's Not Talent, It's How You Feed It | 160

    You've seen the videos. A 10 year old producing tracks that sound professional. A 32 year old turning entire audiences into a choir with his hands. If you're like me, you thought to yourself: what the heck have I been doing all these years? This week we unpack what really raised these two, and it's not talent. It's a formula, one that works whether your kid's passion is music, code, or a language nobody in your house speaks yet. Inside this episode: Why neither kid "just happened" The three ingredients behind every mentored passion Why this isn't a music-only story What it means that neither kid was homeschooled A simple way to start this week Quick Q&A from this episode: What actually made these kids so advanced for their age? Not raw talent. A family culture that fed their passion, mentored them inside it, and sustained a real love of learning around it. Does this only apply to music or naturally gifted kids? No. The same formula shows up in kids who teach themselves to code or pick up a new language on their own, any real passion responds to the same three ingredients. How do you know if a passion was fed instead of forced? The clearest sign is that the child is still doing it, willingly, without needing to be pushed. Were these kids homeschooled? No, which makes the point even stronger, homeschool families have more time and freedom to build this kind of culture on purpose. Save your seat for the upcoming FREE Inspire Lifelong Learners Masterclass!  https://illlive.thefreedomscholar.org/illliverp0 CONNECT WITH KAMI: Schedule a free Homeschool Confidence Call with Kami: https://link.thefreedomscholar.com/widget/bookings/fn "Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous" Podcast: https://thefreedomscholar.com/podcast Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216184786279733 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous/

  8. Aug 27

    Do You Love the Curriculum, or Just the Certainty It Promises? | 159

    If you've ever bought a curriculum hoping it would finally be the thing that made this year click, this episode is going to feel very familiar. This week I'm sharing something that happened while reading Fahrenheit 451 with my son Kenyon, and how one line turned into a much bigger conversation about what we're really hoping curriculum will do for us. Inside this episode: Why we reach for curriculum the way Montag reached for books A question from a mom at my last Summit that I haven't stopped thinking about Why no curriculum, no matter how good, can guarantee the outcome we want How this connects to the educational should and the homeschool breakdown trap Why this question matters more at the start of a new year, not less Quick Q&A from this episode: Why do homeschool moms lean so heavily on curriculum? Curriculum can feel like the thing that shores up the insecurity of wondering if you're doing enough, especially at the start of a new school year. Can curriculum guarantee my child turns out okay? No. Looking to any one thing, book, or program to guarantee that outcome puts pressure on it that it was never meant to carry. What's the real question behind choosing curriculum? Whether you love the curriculum itself, or whether you're really hoping it gives you a sense of certainty. What does it mean to "do your own bit of saving"? Having your own foundation and end goal in place instead of relying on curriculum to guide every step, the same way you'd want a destination before turning on the GPS. Follow or subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next. If you want to talk this through, you can grab a free Homeschool Confidence Call: https://link.thefreedomscholar.com/widget/bookings/fn

See All (167)

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous, The Freedom Scholar, utilizes more than a decade of homeschool experience, along with her public school teaching experience and relatable and practical mentoring of families all over the US and periodic guests, to take you on a journey toward creating the homeschool experience you always wanted and your family deserves in each episode. Whether you’re an experienced homeschooler or a new one, making decisions about curriculum, setting up routines and keeping love of learning high can be challenging. This podcast will help you gain the confidence you need to help your kids reach their goals and become life-long learners. To learn more about Kami and how The Freedom Scholar can help you create your family's best homeschool experience, visit www.thefreedomscholar.com Follow @TheFreedomScholar on Instagram and Facebook For free live trainings every week, join “The Freedom Scholar Homeschooling Community” Facebook group! Subscribe on YouTube - The Freedom Scholar Copyright 2023 © The Freedom Scholar. All rights reserved worldwide. Disclaimer: This is an informational podcast. The information presented in each episode is the most recent and honest to the best of the presenter's ability. Results are not guaranteed. This podcast aims to educate, and there are no guarantees of results implied. Listeners are encouraged to seek out and meet their local homeschool requirements. Any products, websites and company names mentioned in this podcast are their respective owners' trademarks or copyright properties. The presenter is not associated or affiliated with them in any way unless otherwise stated. Nor does the referred product, website, or company necessarily sponsor, endorse, or approve this podcast. We hope you enjoy and find value in each episode. This content is copyrighted and not authorized for reproduction.

Information

  • Creator
    Kami Wanous - The Freedom Scholar
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kami Wanous - The Freedom Scholar
  • Show Website
    Homeschool Success with Kami Wanous

You Might Also Like