Homeschooling For Catholic Parents

Maeve and Mat Jemison

You’re wondering if homeschooling is for you. But your inner critic is telling you you’re not enough. How can I teach my kid when we can’t get through homework without tears and yelling?  How would the daily routine look? What curriculum will you use? Your house is already a wreck. You don’t want to feel isolated, like you’re on an island where everyone wears long dresses and raises goats. Plus, aren’t homeschoolers weird? I am so excited you're here! This podcast will give you peace of mind as you raise successful adults who understand their Catholic faith and how to defend it. I’ll help you find the routine that works for you, you’ll still have community, if that’s what you want, and even a clean, organized home is possible (sometimes).  I’m Maeve Jemison, and I host this pod with my handsome husband, Mat. We’re Catholics who prioritize worship and apologetics through our homeschool journey with our five kids.   I’ve made many mistakes along the way. As a young adult, I left the Catholic church because I didn't understand what was going on. I was a government school graduate and high school teacher so I thought homeschooling meant replicating government school at home. (I was wayyyy off!) When I finally learned the depths and truths of Catholicism, I was adamant that I would teach my little cradle Catholics about the history and beauty of the religion that Jesus started. No way would my kids be as oblivious as I was. Our homeschooling became a delightful adventure, with the Lord guiding us in tailoring our children’s education. I knew I had found my calling!  If you’re ready to thrive as the domestic church through worship, apologetics and homeschooling, then this podcast is for you! Thanks for stopping by because home is where the truth is!

  1. 1d ago

    123 - Helping Your Teen Encounter Jesus for Themselves, with Rick Grinstead

    What if one of the biggest mistakes we make with teenagers is trying to teach before we've truly connected? In this encouraging conversation, Maeve sits down with youth ministry veteran Rick Grinstead to discuss what today's teens are really looking for—and how parents can help them develop a faith that is genuinely their own. Drawing from more than thirty years in ministry and his experience as a father of eight, Rick explains why invitation often works better than enforcement, why belonging frequently precedes belief, and why authenticity matters more to this generation than ever before. Together, they explore how parents can create safe spaces for difficult conversations, why trusted adults are essential in a teen's life, how hospitality becomes a powerful form of evangelization, and what it means to raise young people who become missionaries rather than merely survivors of the culture. Rick also shares insights into Alpha Youth and the upcoming Parenting Teens resources designed to equip families to accompany young people through today's unique challenges. Whether you're currently parenting teenagers, preparing for those years ahead, or simply hoping to pass on a vibrant Catholic faith to your children, this conversation offers practical wisdom, hope, and encouragement. Resources mentioned in this episode: • Alpha Youth • Parenting Children Course • Parenting Teens Course • Rick Grinstead on Instagram Find all links and resources at maevejemison.com/[EPISODE NUMBER] Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

    46 min
  2. Jun 7

    122 - Raising Thinkers, Not Subjects: A Conversation with Author and Homeschool Dad, Scott Clifton

    Former public school teacher and veteran homeschool educator Scott Clifton joins us to discuss why he and his wife chose homeschooling long before it was popular, what he witnessed inside the public school system, and why Christian parents should feel confident homeschooling through high school. In this conversation, Scott shares stories of students who flourished after leaving traditional schools, explains how homeschool parents can raise independent thinkers instead of passive learners, and offers practical advice for creating engaging learning environments at home and in co-ops. We also discuss Christian literature, choosing books with discernment, the importance of teaching from a biblical worldview, and why one-on-one attention from a loving parent often outperforms even the most credentialed educational systems. Whether you're considering homeschooling, currently teaching high school at home, or simply looking for encouragement on the journey, this episode is packed with wisdom from a teacher who has spent decades helping families succeed. In This Episode  Why Scott and his wife chose homeschooling before they had children  What he witnessed as a public school teacher  How homeschool students often flourish after leaving traditional schools  Teaching children to think rather than simply repeat answers  Creating engaging and memorable learning experiences  Why homeschooling high school is more achievable than parents think  Choosing literature through a Christian worldview  Raising self-directed learners  The long-term fruit of homeschooling into adulthood and grandparenthoodShow Notes: Published on June 7, 2026 Scott's Website https://www.homeschoolpartners.net/ National Home Education Research Institute  NHERI.orgCommonsensemedia.org Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

    39 min
  3. May 31

    121 - What We Learned at the Biggest Homeschool Convention in America (And the Catholic Story We Didn't Expect)

    Fresh back from the FPEA Homeschool Convention, Maeve and Mat share some of their favorite moments from a weekend full of encouragement, unexpected conversations, and memorable encounters. From celebrating a homeschool graduation to connecting with Catholic families from across the country, this year's convention revealed a growing hunger for faith, community, and truth. Along the way, a chance conversation led Maeve to discover a Marian apparition (or bi-location, if you really want to be "Catholic-nerd" specific) story that she can't stop thinking about—one that offers a powerful reminder for any parent who has ever wondered if their efforts are making a difference. If you've ever felt discouraged in your homeschooling, this episode is for you. Show Notes Published May 31, 2026In this episode:  Highlights from the FPEA Homeschool Convention  Celebrating homeschool graduation  Debuting the Catholic Homeschool Planner  Why Catholic families were seeking each other out  The surprising rise in Catholic conversions  What recent converts told us about discovering the Church  The role of the Early Church Fathers in conversion stories  Catholic Schoolhouse and growing Catholic homeschool communities  The story of Carlo Acutis and an unexpected convention reunion  The fascinating history of Our Lady of Pilar How Mary encouraged St. James during a season of discouragement  What homeschool parents can learn from that story  Encouragement for families wondering if their efforts are making a difference Links Mentioned Catholic Homeschool Planner  catholichomeschoolplanner.com  Raising Saints TV  Raising Saints TV (YouTube)  TBHC Homeschool Convention  Use code MAEVE26 for registration savingsIsn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

    24 min
  4. May 17

    119 - Homeschooling High School Without Fear | Catholic College, Transcripts & Confidence with Jenni Cassidy and Helen Harrold

    Homeschooling high school can feel intimidating — transcripts, SATs, AP classes, college admissions… suddenly the stakes feel higher and many homeschool moms begin to doubt themselves. In this deeply encouraging episode, Maeve sits down with Dumb Ox Learning founders Jenni Cassidy and Helen Harrold, two Catholic homeschool mothers who, between them, have homeschooled 14 children across the U.S. and Europe and successfully guided them into college, scholarships, and faithful adulthood. Together they discuss:  how to homeschool high school without fear  why homeschoolers actually have a huge advantage  formation vs. information  transcripts, AP classes, and scholarships  preparing teens for college  balancing academics with family life  homeschooling multiple ages  creating a strong Catholic family culture  helping children become lifelong learners Most importantly, this episode reminds overwhelmed homeschool parents that the goal is not perfection — it’s raising well-formed children who know, love, and serve God. Whether you’re approaching high school or still deep in the little years, this conversation will leave you encouraged, peaceful, and newly confident in your homeschool calling.  Where to find Jenni and Helen Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1EXtuxM1eS/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumb.oxlearning?igsh=MWtjZ2xoaWZ3enYwNA== Website:  https://dumboxlearning.com/ Email:  dumboxlearning@gmail.com  Mother of Divine Grace: https://modg.org/ Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

    37 min
  5. May 10

    118 Catholic Truth, Civil War Reenactments & the Road to Emmaus | Homeschooling for Catholic Parents

    In this episode of Homeschooling for Catholic Parents, Maeve and Mat share the exciting countdown to the launch of the new Catholic Homeschool Planner on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day — along with hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from the planner photo shoot, homeschooling life, and camping adventures in rural Florida. The conversation takes a deeper turn as they reflect on truth, integrity, and what it means to raise children who can stand firm in their faith and convictions. From Civil War reenactments at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park to ga-ga ball controversies at campgrounds, Maeve and Mat discuss how character is formed in the small moments of everyday family life. They also unpack a fascinating Catholic insight from the Road to Emmaus account in the Gospel of Luke, exploring church tradition surrounding St. Cleopas, Mary of Clopas, and Jesus’ extended family — a rich piece of Catholic history many Christians have never encountered. In this episode:  The launch of the Catholic Homeschool Planner  Liturgical living and Catholic homeschooling rhythms  Camping and Civil War reenactment stories  Teaching integrity and truth to children  Raising kids who can stand firm in college and culture  The Road to Emmaus and Catholic church tradition  St. Cleopas, Mary of Clopas, and Jesus’ family  Why “the intellect was made for truth as the eye was made for light” Learn more about the planner at Catholic Homeschool Planner.com Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

    34 min
  6. May 3

    117 - You Don’t Have to Homeschool Alone: Finding (or Building) Your Community- with Kim Hannon of TBHC Homeschool Convention

    Homeschooling can feel isolating—but it was never meant to be done alone. In today’s episode, Maeve sits down with Kim Hannon, one of the founders of TBHC Group and the Tampa Bay Homeschool Conference, to talk about what it really looks like to build meaningful community as a homeschool family. From her early days as a “recovering public school teacher” to leading a thriving homeschool network serving hundreds of families, Kim shares how God grew something small into something powerful. If you’ve ever felt alone, unsure, or like you’re doing this all by yourself—this episode is for you. Show Notes Page 👉 www.maevejemison.com/117 TBHC Conference 👉 https://tbhcgroup.com                 (Use code: MAEVE26) SALT Homeschool Community 👉 https://saltoftrinity.org ✨ In This Episode:  What early homeschool really looks like (and why it often feels like school at first)  The moment everything shifted: “This math lesson doesn’t matter…”  Why homeschooling is “parenting at a different level” The truth about socialization (it’s not who you think)  How community transforms both moms and kids  The story behind SALT and TBHC  What to do if you can’t find a group near you  How to start something small (without burnout)  Why homeschool conferences are a game-changerIsn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

    38 min
  7. Apr 26

    116 - Homeschooling Teens Is Hard (If You Hit the Flask Before Co-op… We Need to Talk)

    Ever feel like you’re doing things right… and still feel like the worst homeschool mom in the world? In this honest episode, Maeve and Mat share a very real parenting moment—from three basketball practices and a questionable haircut… to trying to pull their kids away from friends to watch a once-in-a-lifetime rocket launch. Spoiler: it did not go well. But what unfolds is something every parent needs to hear. From the now-infamous “flask before co-op” litmus test to a deeper conversation about discipline, social media, and the pressures facing today’s teens, this episode is both a reality check and a source of deep encouragement. You’ll walk away reminded that parenting is high stakes—but you’re not doing it alone. And even when it feels like it’s not working… it is. ✨ In This Episode, We Cover:  A chaotic day in the life of a homeschool mom (and why it still counts as success)  The Artemis launch story—and what it revealed about teens, embarrassment, and perspective  The “flask before co-op” test (you’ll know exactly where you land 😂)  Why parenting and homeschooling feel so high stakes right now  Real-life rules families are using around phones, dating, and social media  The difference between “helicopter” and “lawnmower” parenting  Why taking phones away might be your most effective (and necessary) tool  What happens when kids are bored… and why it’s actually a gift  The power of consistency over time (even when it doesn’t feel like it’s working)  A reminder that transformation doesn’t come from our effort alone—but from God Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

    25 min
5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

You’re wondering if homeschooling is for you. But your inner critic is telling you you’re not enough. How can I teach my kid when we can’t get through homework without tears and yelling?  How would the daily routine look? What curriculum will you use? Your house is already a wreck. You don’t want to feel isolated, like you’re on an island where everyone wears long dresses and raises goats. Plus, aren’t homeschoolers weird? I am so excited you're here! This podcast will give you peace of mind as you raise successful adults who understand their Catholic faith and how to defend it. I’ll help you find the routine that works for you, you’ll still have community, if that’s what you want, and even a clean, organized home is possible (sometimes).  I’m Maeve Jemison, and I host this pod with my handsome husband, Mat. We’re Catholics who prioritize worship and apologetics through our homeschool journey with our five kids.   I’ve made many mistakes along the way. As a young adult, I left the Catholic church because I didn't understand what was going on. I was a government school graduate and high school teacher so I thought homeschooling meant replicating government school at home. (I was wayyyy off!) When I finally learned the depths and truths of Catholicism, I was adamant that I would teach my little cradle Catholics about the history and beauty of the religion that Jesus started. No way would my kids be as oblivious as I was. Our homeschooling became a delightful adventure, with the Lord guiding us in tailoring our children’s education. I knew I had found my calling!  If you’re ready to thrive as the domestic church through worship, apologetics and homeschooling, then this podcast is for you! Thanks for stopping by because home is where the truth is!

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