Tag Archives: homeschool

Should I Homeschool?



E83 – During this quarantine shutdown time, many parents are faced with educational decisions for their kids including whether or not to homeschool. This is a conversation with Joelle’s childhood friend Ali, a former teacher and homeschooler of five kids here in California since 2004. She has a great perspective on the benefits and what it takes to homeschool, and talks Mouse through the whole process from her point of view. We cover why she chose to homeschool, whether to go with independent, private, or charter school education, her thoughts on ages and behaviors that are a good fit for homeschooling, which curriculum to choose, whether to use old school papers and books versus digital tools and computers, what is HSLDA and why it’s crucial, being under an umbrella school, filing a homeschool affidavit, hiring a teacher to oversee your paperwork and keep you accountable and on track, what a homeschool calendar and schedule looks like with grades, test-taking, field trips, outdoor learning, vacations, and structure, socialization and when it’s time for the kids to join outside classes, co-ops, or go back to public school, how to do science labs, language classes, SATs, taking junior college classes for credits, being on a 4-year college track, and what universities really think of homeschoolers.
Please check our Show Notes on www.MouseAndWeens.com to see a list of recommended curricula from Ali.
This episode is sponsored by www.HomeschoolBuyersCo-op.org
Sign up with referral code WEENS to get up to 90% off handpicked educational materials!
Song Credit: “Things Aren’t As Bad As They Seem” by Dan Mahony and Julianne Eggold
Voice Actor: Matt Thompson as Hank Hill
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Sanity Checklist with Laura Haver



E75 – Meet Laura Haver, a life coach, writer and athlete. As a mom herself, and the creative playful talent behind Chasing Havers, she gives us practical advice on getting through these homebound, tumultuous times. We talk about distractions, mental overwhelm, and meltdowns, and learn how we can get back on the happiness track with some straightforward steps. Find out about her sanity checklist and daily hacks to help organize our chaotic lives. And take part in her fun challenge called #WeWriteTheStory2020 which through games and play, creates connection and mental shifts toward happiness. Whether you’re a parent like Mouse looking for support and structure, or feeling indecisive like Weens with interests or career, you can use what Laura offers to get you centered and onto that path forward. We’re excited for you to hear this episode and to spread positivity. It is contagious!

  • Video version of this episode on YouTube
  • @chasinghavers on Instagram with #WeWriteTheStory2020 to show your daily fun and games during this time!
  • www.chasinghavers.com for articles, games, coaching. Sign up on Laura’s site for a free sanity checklist and discovery call. Special for listeners! Contact Laura and apply to beta-test exclusive games for her upcoming book!
  • Take the personality strengths quiz at www.viacharacter.org
  • Leave reviews for us & your favorite podcasts on Podchaser, the imdb of podcasts! For each review written, they will donate 25 cents to the Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund!

Podcast Promo: Mama Never Told Us!

Song Credit: “Love of My Friends” by Julianne Eggold, available on JulianneEggold.com

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Costa Corona Birthday



E73 – Costa Rica during the coronavirus outbreak? Weens finally safely returned home and talks all about her gorgeous but dicey girls trip. Even though there is a lot of laughing in this episode, we get into our feelings as we talk about how everything is going in our two very different lives. Weens is happy doing a solo quarantine in artistic solitude, while Mouse is juggling a full family household and attempting homeschooling with lots of unknowns. There are fun stories, dumb jokes, some tears, and a few nice takeaways. And being Mouse’s and mom’s birthday, Weens writes a special custom song to celebrate this weird year! Joelle’s pals also add some nice sentiments, so listen until the end! Hope everyone is hanging in there and we hope to bring you some solace and smiles.

Podcast Promo: Book of Lies

Song Credit “What A Day” by Julianne Eggold

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