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

    129 - The Little Way of Motherhood | Tina Mayeux on Carmelite Wisdom for Catholic Moms

    What can busy Catholic mothers learn from Carmelite nuns? More than you might think. We continue our second in the Holy Spirit-led series on Carmelite Spirituality as Maeve sits down with Catholic writer Tina Mayeux to explore how the wisdom of St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and the Carmelite tradition can transform ordinary family life. Tina shares her remarkable vocation story—from discerning religious life with the Missionaries of Charity and the Discalced Carmelites to embracing her true calling as a wife and mother—and explains how contemplative prayer, simplicity, humility, and the "Little Way" can bring greater peace into even the busiest Catholic homes. Whether you're juggling homeschooling, toddlers, teenagers, or simply longing for a deeper spiritual life, this conversation offers practical encouragement for living your vocation with greater joy and intentionality. Show Notes, Published July 27, 2026In this episode  Tina's journey through religious discernment to marriage and motherhood  What "Discalced" actually means  What contemplative prayer is (and isn't)  Why busy moms are called to prayer too  Lessons from St. Teresa of Ávila  The Little Way of St. Thérèse in everyday motherhood  Why motherhood is a "hidden life"  Living the liturgical year without making it overwhelming  Building a family rule of life  The importance of Catholic friendships  Finding silence in a noisy world  Encouragement for aspiring Catholic writers Books Mentioned Story of a Soul — St. Thérèse of Lisieux The Interior Castle — St. Teresa of Ávila The Way of Perfection — St. Teresa of Ávila Learn More  Tina's Substack: The Way of the Wildflowers CatholicMom.com  Tina's upcoming book The Little Way of MotherhoodGrab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here. 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

  2. Jul 19

    128 - The Interior Life Every Catholic Parent Needs First with Perry Smith

    Wait...you mean my kids bicker incessantly because my interior life is lacking? Well...not exactly. 😅 But in this fascinating conversation, philosopher and educator Perry Smith explains why the virtues (and vices) we cultivate as parents quietly shape the atmosphere of our homes. Long before our children can define the "interior life," they're absorbing it. Together we explore what Catholics mean by the interior life, why virtue is simply a good habit, practical ways to introduce meditation into family life, how to choose saints over celebrities as our children's heroes, and why the liturgical calendar provides the rhythms every Catholic family longs for. If you've ever wondered how to raise children who become lifelong friends of God, Perry offers timeless wisdom that begins with an unexpected place: Mom and Dad. Show Notes:  Published July 19, 2026 In this episode we discuss: • Why Perry wrote Spiritual Parenting—even though he isn't a parent • What Catholics really mean by "the interior life" • Why children imitate the virtues (and vices) of their parents • The simple definition of virtue that every child can understand • How to begin family meditation—even if you've never tried it before • Practical ways to cultivate peace in your home • Saints vs. celebrities: choosing better heroes for our children • Technology, leisure, and creating healthy family habits • Building daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms around the liturgical calendar • Perry's favorite saints and the spiritual writers who shaped his life Resources Mentioned Spiritual Parenting by Perry SmithInstitute for Catholic Family FormationDivine IntimacySt. Teresa of ÁvilaSt. Alphonsus LiguoriSt. Thomas AquinasLaudate AppiMissal AppGrab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here. 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

  3. Jul 12

    127 - How to Write a Family Mission Statement (A Catholic Homeschool Guide) Because, If You Don't Build Your Family's Culture, Someone Else Will

    Every family is building a culture—whether intentionally or not. In this episode, Maeve and Mat share the surprising story of how an unexpected weekend in downtown St. Pete became a powerful reminder that every worldview is trying to shape what we love and value. That experience led them back to an important question: What culture are we intentionally creating in our own home? They'll walk you through a simple five-step process for creating a family mission statement that helps guide your homeschool, strengthen your family culture, and keep your priorities rooted in Christ. You'll also hear practical questions to ask your children, examples of mission statements, and encouragement to build a home that points your family toward its ultimate goal: sainthood. Whether you're just beginning your homeschool journey or have been homeschooling for years, this episode will help you define what matters most—and build your family around it. Show Notes, Published July 12, 2026 In this episode, we discuss:  Why every family has a culture—even if it's never been written down  The surprising lesson we learned from an unexpected weekend getaway  Why intentional family culture matters more than ever  Stephen Covey's wisdom on family mission statements  The five simple steps to writing your own family mission statement  Questions to help identify your family's core values  Examples of Catholic family mission statements  How to use your mission statement to guide calendar decisions, activities, and priorities  Why your children will remember your family's culture long after they forget their worksheets  The connection between intentional family life and raising future saints Links: 📝 Read the companion article: How to Write a Catholic Family Mission Statement https://maevejemison.com/127 📒 Catholic Homeschool Planner https://catholichomeschoolplanner.com 🎤 See Maeve speak live at the TBHC Homeschool Convention (July 18, 2026) Use code MAEVE26 for a discount. 📧 Join our newsletter:  https://maevejemison.com 🎙 Subscribe to Homeschooling for Catholics wherever you listen to podcasts. Resources Mentioned Stephen Covey — The 7 Habits of Highly Effective FamiliesStephen Covey — The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Dr. Kent Keith — The Anyway Poem Mother Teresa's adapted "Anyway" quote  The four Cardinal Virtues:  Prudence  Justice  Fortitude  Temperance Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here. 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

  4. Jul 5

    126 - STOP Spending All Day Homeschooling! How to Raise Life-Long Learners in 2 Hours a Day. **Greatest Hits Replay**

    🇺🇸 Happy 250th America! (And Happy Birthday Mat!) The Jemisons have been at the beach celebrating for the week so please enjoy this Greatest Hits replay that originally aired on February 23, 2025.  Do you want to raise self-starters who are eager for knowledge and actively seek out ideal sources to satisfy their curiosity? Let's think of home education as the petri dish for that! In contrast to the traditional education system which places your child on the conveyor belt to college, where students are inundated with irrelevant facts and become accustomed to being spoon-fed information, home education fosters a love for discovery and nurtures intrinsic motivation.  This episode offers tips on how to cultivate life-long learners in a fraction of the time that traditional schools have access to your children. So, let’s throw those disruptive school bells out the window and focus on providing children with a deeply enriching life at home. Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here. 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

  5. Jun 21

    124 - Alex Newman on Faith, Fathers, and the Future of Education

    What is the ultimate goal of homeschooling? In this Father's Day episode, Maeve sits down with journalist, author, and homeschool father Alex Newman to discuss faith, discipleship, education, and the responsibility parents have in shaping the next generation. Alex shares his own journey from a nominal Catholic upbringing to becoming one of America's most outspoken advocates for Christian education. Together, Maeve and Alex explore the historical roots of government schooling, the importance of cultivating curiosity in children, and why fathers play a uniquely influential role in the spiritual formation of their families. Most importantly, Alex offers encouragement to weary homeschool parents who may feel behind, reminding us that discipleship—not perfection—is the true mission. Whether you're a veteran homeschooler or just beginning your journey, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to keep the main thing the main thing. Show Notes Published June 21, 2026 Links Mentioned: You'll likely want links for: Alex NewmanThe Liberty SentinelPublic School ExitIndoctrinating Our Children to DeathClassical ConversationsGrab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here. 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

  6. Jun 14

    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. Show Notes, Published June 14, 2026 Resources mentioned in this episode: • Alpha Youth • Parenting Children Course • Parenting Teens Course • Rick Grinstead on Instagram Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here. 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

  7. 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 Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here. 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

5
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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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