Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

• Christmas School for the Soul

  Are you overwhelmed by the pressure to create Pinterest-perfect holiday memories in your homeschool? (Spoiler: so was I, and I’ve got some epic fails to share as proof!) If you’re feeling weighed down by Christmas school plans, elaborate crafts, and a to-do list longer than Santa’s, this episode is your permission slip to do less and experience more peace.This week, I’m sharing why “Christmas School for the Soul” is a better plan than another jam-packed checklist. We’re reframing holiday homeschooling: less pressure, more joy. I’ll tell you about my own holiday mishaps (candy kiss countdown disaster, anyone?), what I’ve learned about letting go of perfection, and exactly how a simple morning time routine can offer both you and your kids the holiday anchor you actually need.Let’s trade “doing more” for making meaning and let beauty do the heavy lifting. Whether you’re on top of things or not, this is your invitation to step off the treadmill and just be together. (Bonus: Don’t miss your FREE Advent Morning Time plans, made for your heart, not your checklist.)What you’ll learn:Why you might need Advent Morning Time as much as your kids doHow “Christmas School for the Soul” can be your stress antidoteThe danger of the holiday homeschool perfection trap (plus, my own hilarious fails)Three steps to a simpler, soul-filling holiday homeschoolWhy choosing a single “anchor” tradition is enoughHow to replace “more” with “meaningful” (and cut the guilt)How music, art, and poetry can do the hard work for you (so you don’t have to!)The real reason behind doing school during the holidays—and how to reclaim peaceMentioned resources:FREE Advent Morning Time PlansJoin our free homeschool community

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• Trade Overwhelm for Joy

  Ready to trade overwhelm for joy this homeschool year?If you’ve ever wished for a homeschooling break that actually refills your cup without the speaker overload of a massive conference or the pressure to “do it all,” this episode is your permission slip. I’m sitting down with Barbara Cozens to talk about what really happens at a We Gather Together Beach Retreat.Barbara traveled to the 2023 retreat from snowy Nevada for some well-deserved rest, good company, and inspiration. She’s sharing her honest take on what surprised her, what she brought home for her own kids, and why she believes every mom needs time away before she reaches burnout.If you’re debating whether to join us at the retreat, have big “what ifs” about coming alone, or don’t even own a pair of flip-flops, this is the episode to press play. It’s about connection, permission to rest, and finding YOUR people—even if it feels a little nerve-wracking at first.What you’ll learn:The difference between homeschool conferences vs. our soulful beach retreat (no decision fatigue—promise)Why you don’t have to “do Morning Basket perfectly” to get big benefits (Barbara’s light bulb moment)How to build authentic connections even if you’re an introvert flying soloThe surprising things you can get out of a 3-day retreat (hint: it’s not just about new teaching tips)Simple ways to bring retreat wisdom and peace back into your daily homeschoolTips for first-time attendees: travel, what to expect, and how we make it easy and welcomingResources & Mentions:Homeschool Mom Beach Retreat Info PageAsk us anything about the retreat: [email protected] Homeschool Better Together CommunityReady to fill your own cup so you can pour into your homeschool? Come relax, reset, and find your people. Barbara, I, and a beach chair with your name are waiting.For the full show notes visit: https://pambarnhill.com/hsbt50Mentioned in this episode:Advent Plans

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• When Handwriting Isn’t Clicking (And What Really Matters)

  What’s the real story behind “bad” handwriting? Is it just a phase, or a red flag? And what should you actually do when your kid melts down every time you pull out a pencil?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Collins, a homeschool mom, licensed occupational therapist, and founder of Homeschool OT, to debunk some common OT myths and offer practical, encouraging advice for homeschool parents concerned about handwriting, motor skills, and when to seek extra help.You’ll hear:How Sarah pivoted from OT homeschool skeptic to trailblazer serving families worldwideThe #1 question every parent should ask if their child struggles with handwriting (hint: function > form)Simple ways to support reluctant writers (think: core strength before cursive!)What really matters for writing readiness, warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to seek professional support (without guilt or shame)Lots of fun, judgment-free encouragement for new and veteran homeschoolersResources Mentioned:Sarah’s site, resources & podcastInstagram: @homeschoolotImproving Handwriting Without Actually WritingA Chameleon Tale (Sarah’s sensory-regulation picture book)Free Homeschool CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt49Mentioned in this episode:Advent Plans

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• Adaptability Is Your Homeschool Superpower

  How many times have you set out to have a “consistent” homeschool, only to get derailed by spilled cereal, a surprise dentist appointment, or, let’s be real, your own epic meltdown? (Just me? Didn’t think so.)Let’s bust this myth right up front: Consistency in homeschool is NOT about never missing a day, nailing every lesson, and marching through the schedule like a robot from a Tesla demo reel.So what IS the secret? It’s adaptability. True, sustainable consistency, the kind that survives germs, grief, “one of those days,” and whatever else life throws at you, is built on having a plan that bends without breaking.In this episode, I break down how you can actually plan for adaptability and why it’s not a cop-out, but instead, it’s the key.What you’ll learn:How adaptability is the true backbone of homeschool consistencyPractical ways to scale schoolwork when time or energy are shortSimple “last resort” activities that count as connection, not failureThe value of planning your Plan B ahead (not during the drama)Why “good enough” still builds a powerful homeschool habit—more than you thinkResources Mentioned:Atomic Habits by James ClearHomeschool Consistency BootcampFree Homeschool CommunityWant to make your Plan B list and finally ditch the guilt on messy days? Now’s the time: join our Homeschool Consistency Bootcamp! Doors close October 17th—let’s build real-life consistency together.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/hsbt48Mentioned in this episode:Advent Plans

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• One Small Habit That Transforms Your Homeschool

  Are you drowning in interruptions, curveballs, or the chaos of real-life homeschooling—and wondering if you’ll ever get back to consistent days? You’re not alone, friend! This week on the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, I’m joined by DaLynn DeWitt—a South Texas homeschool mom of three, rodeo wife, and self-confessed “all or nothing” personality—who opens up about what it really looks like to homeschool when life goes sideways.DaLynn shares how her school year started with ceilings leaking, family camping out in one bedroom, a kitchen-turned-homeschool zone, and zero hope of a “normal” routine. And yet—she found this was actually one of her most consistent, joyful years ever. (Spoiler: You do NOT need a perfect plan or a Pinterest-ready schoolroom to make homeschool work—you just need a launch point and a whole lot of grace).We talk about the power of starting with just one thing (even if it’s just reading the Bible or a good book), using tools like the Minimum Viable Day, and how to climb out of a rut after illness, loss, and every possible interruption. DaLynn shares her brutally honest take on mindset, figuring out your “good enough” day, and learning when to keep pushing—and when to step outside and catch your breath.If you’re stuck in a season of hard, or just want practical ideas (and a good laugh) on building better routines, you do not want to miss this episode.What you’ll learn:What to do when your “perfect” plan is torpedoed by life (construction, illness, travel… you name it)How starting with just ONE anchor habit can launch the rest of your homeschool dayThe magic of the Minimum Viable Day (when it really is “good enough”)Moving forward after a school slump, setbacks, or ‘failing’ weeksGiving yourself grace—and permission to do less, not more—when everything falls apartWhy consistency doesn’t require perfection (and actually thrives on the opposite)The real secret sauce to building homeschool momentum—and keeping it when you’re tired, grumpy, or overwhelmedResources mentioned in this episode:Put Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotHomeschool Consistency BootcampWonder StudiesHomeschool Better Together Free CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt47Mentioned in this episode:Advent Plans

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