Teach Them Diligently

In the final episode of our Homeschool Dad Series, David Nunnery sits down for a heart-to-heart with David Mills about a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: the vital role of the father in the home. Let’s be honest—it’s easy for dads to feel like “the principal” or just the “financial provider.” But God has called us to be so much more. David Nunnery and David Mills dive deep into what it actually looks like to lead your family spiritually and educationally without feeling overwhelmed. From practical ways to engage in your kids’ daily learning to the life-changing power of mentorship and finding your “tribe” through the Men’s Alliance, this episode is packed with the encouragement every dad needs. Men’s Challenge: Tonight at dinner, you’re the moderator. Instead of asking “How was school?”, ask these two questions: “How did you see God working in your day?” “What is one thing you learned today that surprised you?” Key Takeaways: Healthy men create healthy families, and healthy families create a healthy country. Men should not outsource their children’s education or spiritual growth. Homeschooling can happen in everyday situations, not just at a desk. Dads should ask their wives how they can support them in homeschooling. Dads should equip their kids with answers to tough questions about faith. Engaging in conversations with kids can happen naturally during daily activities. Resources Mentioned: Men’s Alliance Men’s Alliance Podcast Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO. Connect With Us: Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently Facebook: Teach Them Diligently YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!

Is your family’s sports schedule life-giving or life-draining? In this episode of the Homeschool Dad Series, David Nunnery and Owen Strachan dive into the “theology of the sidelines.” They discuss how coaching and athletics provide a unique “Deuteronomy 6” opportunity for fathers to disciple their children through shared struggle, hard work, and adversity. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, keep Christ at the center of the court, and use sports as a tool to build masculine character in a passive culture. Men’s Challenge: Sit down with your spouse this week and define your family’s “non-negotiables” regarding extracurricular activities. Whether it’s protecting the Sunday Sabbath or ensuring you have dinner together at least four nights a week, establish these boundaries before the next season starts to ensure your schedule reflects your spiritual priorities. Key Takeaways: Theology is Practical: Theology isn’t just for academics; it’s about understanding God as a “self-giving Father” and reflecting that through sacrifice for your own family. The Power of Shared Struggle: Sports (or any craft like woodworking or music) provide a “common goal” that fosters deep relationships and allows for “sideline discipleship” during car rides and practices. Developing Masculine Character: In a culture that often penalizes assertiveness, sports offer young men a healthy outlet for aggression and a training ground for overcoming adversity. Guarding Against Idolatry: Families must set “non-negotiables” (e.g., no games on Sundays or Wednesday nights) to ensure sports remain a tool for growth rather than a master of the home. The “Attacking” Mindset: Teaching kids to “attack life” and expect adversity helps them build a Christ-centered identity that doesn’t cower when things get difficult. Resources Mentioned: One Gospel Owen Strachan Substack Owen Strachan Books Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO. Connect With Us: Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently Facebook: Teach Them Diligently YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!

In this episode of the Homeschool Dads series, David Nunnery talks with Isaac Tolpin, a seasoned parent and speaker, discussing the challenges and opportunities of courageous parenting. They explore the importance of intentionality in raising confident Christian children, overcoming fear in spiritual leadership, and the role of technology in modern parenting. The conversation emphasizes the need for fathers to take an active role in their children’s spiritual education and to prepare them for a rapidly changing world, including the implications of AI. David and Isaac also share practical advice for family devotions and navigating technology responsibly. Men’s Challenge: Together with your wife, create one new family rule or boundary in regards to media. Set clear boundaries after taking inventory for how media is affecting your family dynamic- video games, social media, phone distraction. Key Takeaways: Courageous parenting requires intentionality, commitment, and openly addressing uncomfortable topics (including technology). Spiritual Leadership: Fathers must actively lead the family, simplifying devotions to ensure they are effective and consistent. Navigating Technology & AI: Equip children to use tech and AI, focusing on open communication rather than isolation. Preparation for a tech-driven future is essential. Development Focus: Overcoming fear allows for effective leadership, and nurturing creative writing skills remains crucial for development. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Courageous Parenting Listen to the Courageous Parenting Podcast Learn more about Isaac Toplin Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO. Connect With Us: Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently Facebook: Teach Them Diligently YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!

Are you feeling the pressure to make your homeschool look “perfect”? In this episode, we dive into the all-too-common trap of unrealistic expectations in homeschooling — the pressure parents put on themselves and the expectations driven by social media, comparison, and “ideal” homeschool images. You’ll hear honest, practical insights that confront unrealistic standards, plus encouragement for how to reset your vision, reduce stress, and re-discover the joy and purpose of home education. If you’ve ever felt discouraged or overwhelmed, this episode is a gentle reminder that homeschooling isn’t about perfection — it’s about grace, growth, and family. Let’s reframe success together and reclaim peace in your homeschool. If your homeschool has ever felt heavy, discouraging, or “not good enough,” you’re not alone. In this encouraging episode from the Teach Them Diligently Vault, we’re tackling the unrealistic expectations that often creep into our homeschool days and steal our joy. We explore: The subtle sources of unrealistic expectations (including comparison, social media, and perfectionism) Why the “ideal homeschool” image is often misleading and harmful How to recognize when pressure — not purpose — is driving your decisions Practical ways to reset expectations and create a grace-filled learning environment Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed or behind Whether you’re a brand-new homeschool parent or a seasoned veteran, this episode will help you release unnecessary pressure, rediscover your confidence, and refocus on what truly matters in your homeschool. Listen in and be reminded: Your family doesn’t need perfection — just a faithful, intentional, and joy-filled pursuit of learning together. RESOURCE MENTIONED: Join us in Teach Them Diligently 365 to get encouraged and equipped to do what God has called you to do with excellence all year long! Click here to learn more: https://teachthemdiligently.net/teach-them-diligently-365

In this conversation on the Homeschool Dad Series, Mark Hancock tackles the rising tide of challenges facing boys in modern society, offering a powerful call to action for parents and leaders. He breaks down the alarming statistics—including boys’ growing academic performance gap and their disproportionate representation in special education—and identifies the crisis of absent father figures and the damaging cultural narrative of “toxic masculinity.” Mark emphasizes that boys are desperately seeking a legitimate path to manhood and positive male leadership. This episode is an essential listen for anyone committed to equipping the next generation of men with the courage, character, and mentorship they need to thrive and reverse this dangerous cultural trend. Men’s Challenge: Commit to a simple, intentional activity with your son that models biblical manhood and builds lasting memories. Plan an adventure. This doesn’t have to be a big trip. It could be as simple as an afternoon hike, a fishing trip, building a fire in the backyard, or even learning a practical skill together, like changing a tire or using a power tool. The goal is to get away from the distractions of everyday life and into a different environment. Key Takeaways: The Crisis of Masculinity: Boys today are struggling in an environment that often labels their natural draw toward risk, competition, and activity as “toxic” or disruptive, leading to disengagement and confusion about their identity. Academic and Developmental Lag: Statistics show boys are falling behind girls in nearly every academic category, are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or learning disabilities, and are less likely to enroll in or complete college. The Father Figure Gap: A significant number of boys lack an active father figure in the household, creating a severe need for positive male mentorship to provide essential guidance, values, and character formation. A Call for Intentional Mentorship: Dads and “dad-like figures” are crucial. Boys require Christ-centered, male-centric leadership and mentorship—delivered through real-world examples and adventure—to help them find their identity and embrace the virtues of godly manhood. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Trail Life USA or find a troop in your area You can find more of Mark Hancock’s insights into what it takes to raise boys to become godly men in this video: Raising Boys to Become Godly Men | Mark Hancock, CEO Trail Life. Hear Mark Hancock at Teach Them Diligently 2026 Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO. Connect With Us: Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently Facebook: Teach Them Diligently YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!