The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast

Join Mary Ellen Barrett and Ginny Seuffert, two leading speakers and writers on the topic of Catholic education, as they discuss ways in which Catholic parents can find success in their homeschooling journey.

The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Seton Home Study School, with 112 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Seton Home Study School hosts The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast, a education show with 112 episodes published.

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  The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast

  Homeschooling with Babies

  Aug 20, 202638 minS4

  How do you homeschool when a baby needs your attention all day—or when that baby becomes a very busy toddler? In this episode, Ginny and Mary Ellen share practical ways to adjust your schedule, use nap times, involve older children, get help, and keep homeschooling through the baby years. Show Notes: Annalise contacted us on Facebook with a pressing question: How can Mom homeschool when she has a baby who demands lots and lots of attention? She came to the right place. The first thing to remember is that homeschooling does not have to look like a traditional school day. 1. FORGET SCHOOL HOURS Young children do not need six hours of school. Work during naps K–3 may take only a few hours Use weekends when necessary Finish something after Dad gets home This is key: You do not need to recreate public-school hours at home. 2. ADJUST THE SCHOOL YEAR Homeschoolers do not have to follow a traditional school calendar. Having a baby in early January? - Extend Christmas break. Need more time later? - Take it. Remember: Nothing says you have to finish school by June 1. 3. TRY “BED SCHOOL” The first days and weeks after giving birth can be exhausting. Keep the baby nearby and do school from bed. Read aloud and do more work orally Use a lap desk Let older siblings spend time with the baby You can recover while keeping school moving gently forward. 4. KEEP BABY CLOSE When you’re ready to return to the table, keep the newborn nearby. Babies often enjoy watching family life. When the baby needs you, pick him up, feed him, and continue when you can. Hint: Babies often become accustomed to the normal noise and rhythm of family life. 5. ESTABLISH NAP TIMES Newborns sleep a lot. Try to establish predictable quiet times as early as you reasonably can. Nap schedules will change, but a dependable quiet period can make homeschooling much easier. And you may appreciate that routine even more when the baby becomes a toddler. 6. EXPECT TODDLER TROUBLE Frankly, newborns can be a piece of cake compared with toddlers. Once Junior becomes mobile, everything changes. Save special toys for school time Call the blocks “schoolwork” Move lessons outside when weather allows Use nap time for focused work Remember: This stage won’t last forever. 7. ROTATE THE OLDER CHILDREN Older siblings can help. One child can play with the toddler while you work with another. Then switch. Mom gets focused teaching time The toddler gets attention Older children learn responsibility This doesn’t mean turning older children into substitute parents. It means allowing family members to help one another. 8. GET HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT There is no disgrace in hiring a college student or homeschool teenager for an hour or two to take the toddler outside or to the park. Sometimes a little help can transform the entire day. Finally: And again, there is always nap time! A Final Encouragement Homeschooling with a baby—or a toddler—requires flexibility more than perfection. Adjust your schedule. Use nap times. Let older children help. Take breaks when you need them. Your homeschool may look different during this season, and that is perfectly fine. Homeschooling Resources Seton Catalog - Free Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

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  The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast

  Homeschooling Is NOT Just an Escape

  Aug 5, 202635 minS4

  Did you begin homeschooling to escape a problem with traditional school? That may have brought you home—but it’s only the beginning. In this episode, Ginny and Mary Ellen explore how homeschooling gives families the freedom to travel, learn, and discover opportunities far beyond the traditional classroom. Show Notes: Many families begin homeschooling when a local option isn’t working. The local school is a poor fit. Catholic school is too expensive or too far away. So, they bring their children home and immediately start looking for a co-op or hybrid school to replace what they left behind. But homeschooling is more than a safe alternative. Done well, it opens the world to your children. 1. MAKE TIME YOUR ADVANTAGE Homeschooling often takes less time than a traditional school day. Primary grades may take only an hour or two Middle school can often be finished by lunchtime High school students can increasingly work independently A little planning may even make a four-day school week possible This is key: The goal isn’t to recreate a seven-hour school day at home. 2. USE YOUR COMMUNITY Your community may be full of educational opportunities. Zoos and museums - Planetariums and historic churches Hiking trails and county fairs - Libraries and local history museums 4-H and homeschool programs Go with another homeschool family—or go with your own. Remember: You do not need to join a co-op to have a rich homeschool life. 3. TRAVEL WHEN OTHERS CAN’T Homeschoolers can travel during less crowded and less expensive times. Visit Washington, D.C., and its free museums Explore state capitals and historic sites Camp your way across the country - take advantage of national park programs Education doesn’t have to stop because you left the house. 4. SCHEDULE LESSONS DIFFERENTLY The best piano, dance, art, or skating teacher in town may be booked after school. But what happens when you say, “My child can come at 10:30 on Tuesday morning”? Suddenly, there may be an opening. Hint: Your flexible schedule provides access many other families don’t have. 5. LOOK BEYOND SCHOOL SPORTS Your budding athlete may have more opportunities outside the local high school. Community sports leagues Little League or Pony League Club and travel teams American Legion teams for advanced players A school team has only so many spots. Look around for better opportunities elsewhere. 6. FIND OTHER STAGES The same is true for the arts. Community theatre Dance academies Local music groups and church choirs School programs aren’t the only place for talented young people to perform. 7. MAKE TIME FOR WORK A job can teach lessons no textbook can. Show up and be on time Work hard and put away the phone Build a good reputation Start with babysitting, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, or helping at church. Older teens may find work in restaurants, retail, offices, or local businesses. 8. LET THEM FIND THEIR TRIBE Children make friends in all kinds of places. Sports teams Music and dance lessons Church, work. the neighborhood There is nothing wrong with co-ops or hybrid schools. But don’t worry, your kids can find their tribe on the sports team, at their dance academy, or just in the neighborhood. A Final Encouragement Homeschooling may begin as an escape from something that isn’t working. But it can become much more: an opportunity to give your children a richer education, a more flexible life, and experiences they might never have found inside a traditional classroom. Homeschooling Resources Seton Catalog - Free Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

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  The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast

  Healthy Homeschool Moms

  Jul 22, 202640 minS4

  Homeschool moms spend years caring for everyone else—but staying healthy matters, too. In this episode, Ginny and Mary Ellen share practical ways to eat better, move more, reduce stress, stay connected, make time for prayer, and ask for help so Mom can stay strong for the long race ahead. Show Notes: 1. EAT REAL FOOD People have plenty of opinions about the perfect diet, but nearly everyone agrees on one thing: cut back on processed junk food. Drink water instead of soda Cut back on boxed cakes, pies, and chips Serve simple fruits and vegetables This is key: Healthy food doesn’t have to be organic or expensive. A conventionally grown carrot is still healthier than candy—and water is practically free. 2. SERVE ONE FAMILY MEAL You don’t need to become a short-order cook because your children don’t like what’s for dinner. Serve one meal for the family Don’t force children to eat everything Keep fruit or vegetables available on the table Children in many parts of the world grow up eating the same foods as their parents. Our children can learn to do the same. Hint: Picky children are often more willing to eat foods they helped prepare. 3. MAKE LEFTOVERS YOUR FRIEND Yes, cooking takes time. But you don’t have to start from scratch every night. Cook enough for more than one meal Turn leftover meat into casseroles and bones and leftovers for soup Let older children help with food preparation One turkey can become turkey with gravy, a fricassee, and turkey soup. A ham can provide dinner, a casserole, and pea soup. Remember: Leftovers are your friend. 4. MOVE EVERY DAY You don’t need a Peloton or a gym membership to stay active. Put the baby in a stroller and walk Let the older kids ride their bikes Walk the dog - Mow the lawn Play badminton with the children Getting outside also lifts your spirits. Hearing the birds, seeing flowers bloom, and enjoying fresh air are good for both body and mind. This is key: Move. 5. MAKE MOVEMENT FAMILY TIME Exercise doesn’t have to be another item on Mom’s to-do list. Work in the yard - Take family walks Play outdoor games together Give children age-appropriate chores You’ll get some exercise, the children will learn useful skills, and everyone gets outside. Hint: Life skills can be part of your homeschool curriculum, too. 6. LOWER THE STRESS Homeschool life can feel overwhelming. You’re running a household, teaching children, driving to activities, and trying to keep up with everything else. Try simple ways to reset. Practice gratitude - Count your blessings Play a game - Take a ride Do something just for fun The work will still be there when you get back. Remember: A little recreation can help you return to your responsibilities refreshed. 7. STAY CONNECTED AND PRAY Too many of us can spend days inside our homes, order everything online, and have very little real human contact. Make time for friends and family - Chat with a neighbor - Talk with someone while waiting in line Learn the names of people you regularly see And make time for God. Pray the Rosary - Make a visit to church Try to attend daily Mass sometimes Bring your worries to prayer Small conversations matter. So do quiet moments with God. 8. ASK FOR HELP You do not have to do everything yourself. Ask someone to pick up groceries Accept help when it is offered Give willing helpers a specific task If your mother-in-law asks what you want for Christmas or your birthday, maybe the answer is a few hours of paid cleaning help. Finally: When someone offers to help, let them. A Final Encouragement A healthy homeschool mom doesn’t need a perfect diet, an expensive gym membership, or a stress-free life. Start with simple habits: eat real food, move every day, get outside, stay connected, pray, and accept help when you need it. You’re running a long race. Taking care of yourself will help you stay strong and joyful for the family God has entrusted to you. Homeschooling Resources Seton Catalog - Free Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

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  The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast

  Tweens and Bickering

  Jul 8, 202632 minS4

  Are your tweens suddenly moody, argumentative, or constantly bickering with siblings? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In this episode, Ginny and Mary Ellen walk you through what’s really happening during these middle school years and give you practical, faith-centered tools to restore peace in your home. Show Notes: The tween years can feel like a sudden storm in your home—what once felt peaceful now feels tense and unpredictable. But this stage has meaning and purpose. In this episode, you’ll find practical ways to guide your children through these changes while maintaining order, respect, and even joy in your family life. 1. UNDERSTAND THE STORM Your child is changing rapidly—physically, emotionally, and mentally—and it’s overwhelming for them. * Bodies change before maturity catches up * New emotions feel confusing and isolating * Awkwardness and embarrassment are common This is key: much of the behavior you see is not defiance—it’s disorientation. 2. CHANNEL ENERGY PRODUCTIVELY Tween energy needs an outlet—or it will come out as conflict. * Sports, swimming, yard work, walking the dog * Physical activity helps regulate mood * Keeps their minds off internal struggles Hint: tired kids argue less. 3. GIVE REAL RESPONSIBILITY Tweens want to feel capable and grown-up—even if they don’t say it. * Cook meals, mow the lawn, do laundry * Learn practical skills like painting or car care * Take ownership of meaningful tasks When they feel useful, they feel confident—and confidence reduces conflict. 4. LIMIT DIGITAL INFLUENCE Unmonitored technology can quietly fuel discontent and comparison. * Keep devices out of bedrooms * Use a central “charging station” at night * Consider monitoring apps Even strong kids can be pulled into unhealthy online habits. 5. STOP BICKERING EARLY AND FIRMLY Peace in the teen years begins in early childhood. * Don’t entertain “he said/she said” * Remove the source of conflict immediately * Stay consistent and calm * Fighting over TV? Turn it off * Arguing over treats? No one gets it * Bickering in public? Leave This is key: when you mean business, they learn quickly. 6. BUILD A HOUSEHOLD OF PRAYER A peaceful home is not just managed—it is rooted in grace. * Say grace before meals * Begin the day with a morning offering * Pray the Rosary (even a decade counts) * Encourage Confession and, when possible, Mass Finally, prayer softens hearts—including yours and theirs. 7. MODEL THE BEHAVIOR YOU EXPECT Your tone sets the tone for your home. * Speak calmly, even when correcting * Give clear, respectful directives * Avoid responding emotionally “Jane, please go set the table.” “Billy, take time to calm down.” Your children are always watching how you handle conflict. A Final Encouragement These years can be messy—but they are also formative and full of opportunity. With patience, consistency, and grace, you can guide your children through this stage and even strengthen your family in the process. God has entrusted these souls to you—and He will give you what you need. Homeschooling Resources Seton Catalog - Free Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

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  The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast

  Teaching Tough Subjects

  Jun 24, 202633 minS4

  Have you ever wondered how you’ll teach subjects you don’t fully understand—especially as your children reach high school? You’re not alone, and you’re not expected to know everything. In this episode, Ginny and the team walk you through practical, realistic ways to handle “tough subjects” with confidence and peace. ---------------------------------------- Show Notes: At some point, every homeschooling parent faces this question: What happens when I can’t teach the material? The good news is—you don’t have to panic. This episode will help you take a calm, step-by-step approach, using the many resources available today to support both you and your child. 1. TAKE IT ONE YEAR AT A TIME It’s easy to worry about subjects your child hasn’t even reached yet. - Focus on the year in front of you - Trust that solutions will be available when needed (This is key: today’s challenges are enough—don’t borrow tomorrow’s.) 2. START WITH TRUSTED SOURCES Before looking elsewhere, check the curriculum you already use. - Many programs include detailed instructions and support - Publishers often provide videos, guides, and lesson plans - Don’t hesitate to call a counselor (You already trust these sources—let them help you.) 3. BE WARY OF SOCIAL MEDIA When you feel stuck, it’s tempting to ask online—but this can overwhelm you. - Too many conflicting opinions - Advice from people you don’t know or trust - Can lead to confusion instead of clarity (Hint: ask one trusted, experienced homeschool mom instead.) 4. USE FREE ONLINE TOOLS WISELY You don’t need to be an expert to introduce a subject well. - Geography videos bring the world to life - Science visuals make concepts engaging - Music, art, and even drawing can be learned online (These resources are often free—and surprisingly effective.) 5. EXPLORE STRUCTURED SUPPORT FOR HIGH SCHOOL As subjects become more advanced, it’s okay to bring in help. - Affordable or free online courses - Use them alongside your main curriculum or independently - Great for math, science, and foreign languages (This is key: you are still guiding the education—even when others help teach it.) 6. CONSIDER COMMUNITY OPTIONS You don’t have to do this alone. - Homeschool co-ops with skilled parents - “Pod” learning groups with shared teaching - Parents pooling resources for tutors - Look for strengths in your community - Be thoughtful about content and alignment (Working together can lighten the load for everyone.) 7. LOOK AHEAD TO DUAL ENROLLMENT Older students may be ready for college-level work. - Take classes that count for both high school and college - Available locally or online - Can build confidence and momentum (Finally, always check with your homeschool program before enrolling to ensure credits are accepted.) Final Encouragement You don’t need to have all the answers to be a good homeschooling parent. Your role is not to know everything—but to guide, support, and seek out what your child needs. With today’s resources and a steady, faithful approach, you truly can do this. Homeschooling Resources: Seton Catalog - Free Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

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