The conclusion of the “Start Where You Are” series Dive deep with us into the idea that conventional schools might be contributing to the very struggles many people associate with dyslexia. This bonus episode originally aired as Episode 38, and we’re bringing it back as the perfect conclusion to our 5-part “Start Where You Are” series (Episodes 48–52). After exploring grief, the joy of slow, learning readiness, math, and writing, this conversation invites you to rethink reading and the ways schools impact children’s learning. I’m joined by Je’anna Clements, an advocate for self-directed learning and a dyslexic learner herself, to discuss her eye-opening perspective on DYSlexia (school-created) vs. dyslexia (a neurotype). Je’anna explains how conventional interventions often offer “helpful harm,” leading to poorer outcomes than self-directed educational approaches for dyslexic learners. She shares how shifting our perspective allows all children to thrive in ways that truly honor their unique needs. We also explore the powerful connections between felt-safety, self-determination theory, flow in learning, and consent—and how these elements are key to fostering meaningful, lifelong learning. We dive into the idea of “inherent wisdom”—the concept that children already possess what they need to find their own learning solutions. Je’anna shares how self-directed learning, rooted in trust and understanding, helps children mature in their own ways—especially those who’ve been labeled as “dyslexic.” This conversation challenges conventional educational norms and invites you to rethink learning, reading, and the holistic development and respect of children. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between DYSlexia (school-created) and dyslexia (a neurotype) Why some common reading interventions might actually be harmful How felt-safety, self-determination, and flow impact learning The role of consent in a child’s learning process The importance of connecting learning to a child’s innate interests and curiosity Why trusting your child’s natural learning process can be the key to thriving in home education Connect with Je’Anna: Website and her books Patreon and mini-courses Horizontal Communication Rights-Centric Education LinkedIn Resources mentioned in this episode: What if School Creates Dyslexia? By Je’anna Clements Free to Learn by Peter Gray Successful Illiterate Men study by Roger A. Clark The Art of Receiving and Giving: the Wheel of Consent by Betty Marin Join the Conversation!This episode is a peek inside our Day in the Life community, where parents support one another in self-directed learning and explore homeschooling through play, flow, and nervous system safety. 🎉Doors are open now! (Thru Nov. 4th)🎉 Want to join us for support, connection, and more conversations like this?👉 Learn more at 90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life/. Listen to the other episodes in the “Starting Where You Are” series: Part 1: What Grief Has to Teach Us with Emily Souder Part 2: Falling Behind is a Myth with Leslie Martino Part 3: Body Before Brain: Unlock Learning with Sarah Collins Part 4: What If Math Wasn’t The Problem with Sue Patterson Part 5: Becoming Brave Writers with Julie Bogart Follow along at 90MinuteSchoolDay.com or on Instagram @90MinuteSchoolDay.

Ever wonder why it’s hard to express yourself in writing? Join Julie Bogart, myself, and the DITL community for a down-to-earth conversation about helping the resistant writer in all of us become brave writers. In this episode, Julie shares her own journey from homeschool parent to national voice for authentic education, unpacking what writing really is and why so many of us, parents and kids alike, carry writing wounds. Together, we explore how to help our children find their voices through partnership, play, and trust, and how parents and kids can begin to heal their own relationships with writing along the way. So, if you have a child who hides under the table when the pencil comes out or fills notebooks with stories, this conversation will leave you excited, hopeful, and equipped to support writing as a natural form of expression…not a performance. **This episode is part 5 of a 5-part podcast series, Start Where You Are. (Be sure to catch up with the rest of the series, linked below.)  What We Talk About Why writing begins with speech (and what that means for reluctant writers) The five natural stages of writing development Why freewriting and messy drafts matter more than perfect sentences How parents and students can repair their own writing trauma, it’s never too late What “writing off the page” looks like for kids in burnout or recovery The role of trust and nervous system safety in a child’s creative growth   Connect with Julie Book: Help! My Kid Hates Writing by Julie Bogart More from Julie: juliebogartwriter.com | Brave Writer   Join the Community Did this conversation leave you wanting more? Our Day in the Life members stayed on for a live Q+A with Julie, diving deeper into real-life applications and parent questions. In fact, we studied writing together for an entire month. If you’re raising an out-of-the-box, neurodivergent, or special needs child, you’ll find a warm homecoming inside the Day in the Life community. It’s a space for parents practicing flow over force, learning to trust the process, and supporting each other through the hard and beautiful work of homeschooling differently.   Doors open November 1st by invite only.👉 Join the invite list here.   Stay Connected One-on-one coaching spots are full for the rest of the year, but you can join our newsletter or connect through the community for ongoing support and shared wisdom. Self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method. Guide Training™ is our signature live group deschooling program. Invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™.   Listen to the other episodes in the “Starting Where You Are” series: Part 1: What Grief Has to Teach Us with Emily Souder Part 2: Falling Behind is a Myth with Leslie Martino Part 3: Body Before Brain: Unlock Learning with Sarah Collins Part 4: What If Math Wasn’t The Problem with Sue Patterson Follow along at 90MinuteSchoolDay.com or on Instagram @90MinuteSchoolDay.

What if math wasn’t actually the problem—just the way we’ve been taught to see it? In this episode, we welcome longtime unschooling advocate Sue Patterson, founder of Unschooling Mom2Mom, to explore one of the biggest sources of stress for homeschooling parents: math. Together, we unpack how our own school experiences and fears around math can shape the way we approach learning with our kids—and how shifting that mindset can open the door to curiosity, trust, and genuine growth. You’ll hear about: Why so many parents carry math baggage (and how that affects our kids) What real learning looks like when math happens “in the wild” How unschooling families handle math resistance and anxiety Why your child’s reluctance might actually be a sign of readiness This is part 4 of 5 in our Start Where You Are series, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Whether you love math or dread it, this conversation will help you reimagine what learning math can look like when we let go of control and trust the process. Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about and connect with Sue at UnschoolingMom2Mom.com Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum Check out Day in the Life (DITL) Community. DITL is a community of parents who gather weekly to learn, reflect, and support one another as we homeschool with heart. Each month we welcome a guest expert like Sarah, and every day we build community through shared learning, encouragement, and friendship through our asynchronous video chats on Marco Polo. Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method. There is also Guide Training™, a live group learning environment, for those who prefer community learning. Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™. Listen to the other episodes in the “Starting Where You Are” series: Part 1: What Grief Has to Teach Us with Emily Souder Part 2: Falling Behind is a Myth with Leslie Martino Part 3: Body Before Brain: Unlock Learning with Sarah Collins Part 5 coming soon!

Before academics, worksheets, or curriculum—there’s one foundational question: Is my child ready to learn? Learning starts with the body. In this conversation, we are joined by Sarah Collins, homeschool mom and occupational therapist behind Homeschool OT. Sarah helps us step into an OT’s perspective on learning readiness by unpacking retained primitive reflexes, regulation, and how to observe our kids with new eyes. Together, we explore: What an OT does and how they support learning at home What primitive reflexes are, with a focus on the Moro reflex and ATNR The downstream impacts of unintegrated reflexes—on attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and reading Practical first steps for parents noticing challenges with regulation, readiness, and felt-safety Practical starting points for parents who feel maxed out or burned out Sarah brings both expertise and empathy, reminding parents that you don’t have to do everything—just start where you are, with what you have. Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📌Learn more about Sarah, her classes and consulting at Homeschool OT 📌 Listen to Sarah’s podcast The Homeschool OT Is In Episode 21: Exploring Primitive Reflexes Episode 22: Play-Based Reflex Integration Video for Kids on Retained Reflexes 📌 Check out Day in the Life (DITL) Community. DITL is a community of parents who gather weekly to learn, reflect, and support one another as we homeschool with heart. Each month we welcome a guest expert like Sarah, and every day we build community through shared learning, encouragement, and friendship through our asynchronous video chats on Marco Polo. 📌 Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method. 📌 There is also Guide Training™, a live group learning environment, for those who prefer community learning. 📌Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™.   🎧 Listen to the other episodes in the “Starting Where You Are” series: Part 1: What Grief Has to Teach Us with Emily Souder Part 2: Falling Behind is a Myth with Leslie Martino Part 4 and Part 5 coming soon!

The pressure to “do more” in homeschooling is constant—cover more subjects, check more boxes, keep up with the pace of everyone else. But what if all that rushing is the very thing keeping kids (and parents) from real learning? In this episode, Leslie Martino, author of The Joy of Slow, pushes back on the myths of falling behind and faster is better. She explains why slowing down is not about doing less, but about creating the space where values, curiosity, and connection can actually take root. Highlights include: What “slow” really means—and what it doesn’t How descriptive inquiry shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s working Why reflection is the missing step between information and wisdom How routines, projects, and flexibility create homes where learning flourishes This episode is part 2 in our 5-part Start Where You Are series, following the conversation on grief and meaning-making we began in Episode 48. Both episodes pair together to reveal the same truth: meaning is never found in speed—it’s found in slowing down enough to notice. 📌 Connect with Leslie: lesliemartino.com 📌 Join Leslie’s 30 Days of Connection📌 Join 90-Minute School Day in the Life Community 🎧 Catch Episode 48 here: Grief, Acceptance, and Meaning-Making

This episode is the first in a brand new 5-part series on the podcast: Start Where You Are. This series is designed to meet you wherever you are in your homeschooling journey, offering the resourcing you need to move forward with meaning and acceptance. And to begin, we’re going straight to the foundation—by naming the elephant in the room: grief. Grief isn’t only about death. It’s about the losses, big and small, that come with parenting and homeschooling—especially for families raising neurodivergent kids. It’s the grief of unmet expectations. The invisible grief of constant adaptation. The grief of medical interventions, school refusal, autistic burnout, and family rhythms that look nothing like we imagined. Too often, grief is dismissed, mislabeled, or buried under burnout. Grief is not an enemy to fight—it’s a friend to make room for. It’s a teacher that invites us toward healing, wholeness, and connection. In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend and Day In The Life community member Emily Souder—therapist, author, homeschool mom, and parent of neurodivergent kids. Emily knows this territory intimately, both through her personal story and her work in the world of neonatal loss and grief. Together, we explore what it means to befriend grief and create space for it in our families—because tending to grief is not only vital for our own healing, but for the well-being of our children. In this episode, we talk about: What grief is and how it shows up in our nervous system Why the 5 stages of grief are often misunderstood The Dual Process Model of Grief and how it helps us balance grieving and living What happens when we suppress or avoid grief Supporting our children in their own experiences of grief Practical ways to tend to grief in our family rhythms Resources & Links Learn more about Emily Souder on her website Pre-order Emily’s newest book, Your NICU Story Join us for the next Day In The Life Community Open House 

In this final episode of our four-part series on technology and learning, we're tackling a topic that feels like the "Wild West": artificial intelligence + kids. Is this a threat, a tool, or something else entirely? Join us for a grounded and thoughtful conversation with Andrew Dugan, a former teacher and software engineer who created Aris.chat, a customizable AI designed for kids. He helps us demystify what generative AI and large language models (LLMs) actually are, offering a critical and creative look at how these tools can be used for learning. Andrew shares his unique perspective as a parent, teacher, software engineer, and consumer, exploring the promises and pitfalls of AI, especially for neurodivergent kids. We'll discuss how to use AI for self-directed learning, the importance of maintaining human connection in a digital world, and what red flags to look for in a tech tool. This is a must-listen for any parent trying to make sense of AI. Tune in for an engaging conversation that tackles the tough questions about AI's role in children's lives, offering guidance, hope, and practical tips for navigating this brave new world. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Ready to talk about this and other topics with other parents? Add your name to our DITL community invite list to continue this conversation at our next open house. Looking to catch up on the other episodes in this Tech + Learning Series? Ep. 39 – Screens Aren’t the Enemy: Disconnection is! Ep. 40 – Drop the Shame: The Other Side of Screens with Amanda Diekman Ep. 41 – Documenting Homeschool Learning with AI and Emily Biolsi

We hear it all the time: “But what about socialization?” Socialization for homeschooled kids isn’t just same-aged peer associations and blindly following rules. It’s about nervous system safety, real relationships, and being known and accepted for who you are. Especially for neurodivergent kids, socialization must be safe enough to be meaningful. But that’s not the socialization we’re here to talk about today. This episode is about you—the homeschooling parent. The one navigating the invisible labor of parenting and educating kids with complex needs, while trying to re-parent yourself, manage burnout, and build a life that actually works. And maybe feeling deeply alone in it. If you've ever thought, “Where are the people like me?” or “Why does no one talk about how lonely this is?”—this episode is for you. You’ll hear: Why parent socialization is not optional—it’s vital to your nervous system health, overall wellbeing, and your child’s learning. How isolation shows up in homeschooling—especially when conventional homeschool communities don’t fit. Why the parent is the primary learning environment and what that really means. What kind of community supports deep healing, authentic connection, and sustainable homeschooling. How the Day in the Life (DITL) community is set up to meet you where you are—burnout, busy days, middle-of-the-night Marco Polos and all. Let’s stop pretending we can do this alone. Let’s talk about the kind of socialization you need to thrive. Mentioned in This Episode: Come to our next Day In the Life Open House and see what it looks like to support your homeschool life with a community that gets you. Save your spot for the Open HouseIt’s JULY 29th 1:00-2:30 pm EDT We’ll show you what a real-life, sustainable, child-honoring homeschool actually looks like. Stay connected: Podcast archives: Listen to the rest of this series (ep 42-46) Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method. There is also Guide Training™, a live group learning environment, for those who prefer community learning, offered twice a year.  Join the waitlist here. Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™ here. At the end of the day, trust your instincts and explore alternatives to what isn’t working! I’d love to connect personally, find me on Instagram. Want to help another parent?Share this episode with a friend who’s been feeling isolated or burned out. Let them know there’s a place for them.

Friend, is your homeschool driven by the fear that your child is falling behind?   Do you find yourself itching to double down on academics—despite your neurodivergent child’s resistance—because that’s what society says learning looks like?   In today’s myth-busting episode, we unpack one of the most pervasive homeschooling fears: that more academic work = more learning. We’ll examine why this belief is misleading, what it overlooks about how learning actually works (especially for neurodivergent kids), and what to do instead when your child is in burnout, shutdown, or full-blown resistance.   If you feel like you’re walking a knife’s edge trying to wear both the “parent” and “teacher” hats, this episode is for you.   What You'll Learn: Why "falling behind" is a school concept, not a developmental truth What resistance actually signals—and why pushing harder backfires What relational neuroscience teaches us about co-regulation and trust in learning Why felt-safety matters more than curriculum What to focus on when learning is shut down Ready to break the cycle of doubt and pushing to power through?   Come to our next Day In the Life Open House and see what it looks like to build a homeschool that works with your child’s nervous system—not against it.   🗓️ Save your spot for the Open HouseIt's JULY 29th 1:30-3:00 pm EDT We’ll show you what a real-life, sustainable, child-honoring homeschool actually looks like.   Stay connected: •Website: 90minuteschoolday.com •Instagram: @90minuteschoolday •Podcast archives: Listen to the rest of this series (ep 42-46)   Share This Episode:Know a friend who’s overwhelmed by homeschool planning or stuck in the schedule spiral? Send this their way. It’s a breath of fresh air—and a much-needed mindset shift. Enjoying the Podcast?Take 5 seconds to rate it or leave a review. This is a fast way to support our work and help other parents find this free resource.

Trying to stick to the plan? Maybe that’s the problem. In part 3 of our mini-series answering the most common homeschooling questions, you’ll hear a no-nonsense episode at what’s really underneath the question of “What should our homeschool schedule look like?”   If you’ve ever built a beautiful schedule only to abandon it two weeks later, you’ll want to tune-in.  Don’t worry, you’re definitely NOT failing—you’re just trying to meet too many needs without enough margin. Let’s talk about why rigid plans rarely work (especially for neurodivergent families), how to shift toward rhythm, and how to start noticing what’s already working in your home.   You’ll also hear how the 90-Minute School Day framework helps families create a flexible container for consistent connection, story, and shared learning—without pressure, overwhelm, or performance.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why traditional homeschool schedules often backfire The difference between a rhythm and a schedule—and why it matters How to start with a time audit to identify your family’s needs and constraints What it means to co-create a rhythm that respects both your child’s autonomy and your own needs How the 90-Minute School Day framework offers structure without control   Links & Resources: Join the next Day in the Life Open HouseWant to see how real families are building rhythms that work? Get a behind-the-scenes look at the DITL community. Learn more about the 90-Minute School Day Frameworkhttps://90minuteschoolday.com   Share This Episode: Know a friend who’s overwhelmed by homeschool planning or stuck in the schedule spiral? Send this their way. It’s a breath of fresh air—and a much-needed mindset shift.   Enjoying the Podcast? Take 5 seconds to rate it or leave a review. This is a fast way to support our work and help other parents find this free resource.

You don’t need a better curriculum. You need a better question.   If you’ve been wondering which curriculum is best for your child—this episode is for you.   Homeschooling parents often carry the weight of making the “right” choice when it comes to planning, materials, and structure. But what if that whole line of thinking is leading you away from what your child actually needs?   In this second episode of our mini-series answering the most common homeschooling questions, we reframe the search for the perfect curriculum—and offer something far more valuable than a product recommendation: clarity, confidence, and a new approach to homeschooling that honors your child and your real life.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the curriculum question creates pressure and overwhelm How to ask better questions that align with your child’s nervous system and strengths What curriculum actually is—and isn’t The role of your relationship, rhythm, and real life in creating learning that lasts How we use curriculum in my home What to do instead of searching for the “perfect” plan   Mentioned in this episode: Join our Day In The Life Open House →https://90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life This free event gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how real families create connected, doable, and flexible homeschooling rhythms. You’ll leave with clarity—not a to-do list.   Get helpful tools + support when you RSVP!   Stay connected: Website: 90minuteschoolday.com Instagram: @90minuteschoolday Podcast archives: Listen to more episodes

“What do I legally have to do to homeschool my child?”   In this clarity-packed mini-episode, Kelly answers one of the most common (and anxiety-inducing) questions from homeschooling parents:   Whether you're just getting started or deep into deschooling, this episode delivers no-nonsense insight into what most laws really require—and why the language is often intentionally vague. Kelly shares how to translate everyday life into valid documentation, why curriculum isn’t always the answer (especially for neurodivergent kids), and how deschooling builds your confidence as an educator and parent.   Plus, she introduces the Day in the Life (DITL) community and invites you to the upcoming Open House on July 29.   What You’ll Learn Where to find your local homeschool laws. What most homeschool laws require (and what they don’t) Why vague legal language is actually a good thing The real reason curriculum often fails at home What deschooling is—and why it’s ongoing Simple, doable ways to track learning without stress Where to find like-minded community for support   Mentioned in This Episode Check your homeschool laws by state or country RSVP for the next DITL Open House   Related episodes: Ep 6 – Unlock Your Child’s Super Powers: The Magic of Observation Ep 10 – Why Don’t Kids Like School? Ep 17 – Put Curriculum in its Place! Ep 21 – Curriculum Conundrum: Dispelling Myths, Embracing Freedom Ep 27 – Curriculum Is For The Uninspired Days with Amy Hughes   Join the DITL CommunityAn online space for parents pursuing eclectic, self-directed, or natural learning alongside their kids—especially neurodivergent families. Monthly themes, weekly Zooms, video chat via Marco Polo, and a kind, curious community that gets it. Learn more at 90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life/

This is part 3 of our 4-part series on screens, technology, and learning. In today’s episode, I’m joined by my client-turned-friend and founding Day in the Life (DITL) member, Emily Biolsi.   Emily is a former public school teacher with a master's in curriculum design and instruction who now homeschools her two young children with an unschooling, interest-led approach.   Like many of us, she found herself wondering: How do I keep track of all the rich, real learning we’re doing—especially without a curriculum?   Enter: AI.   Listen-in as Emily walks us through exactly how she’s been experimenting with AI as a tool for documenting learning in her homeschool. She shares with us: How she sets up her prompts to reflect her children’s natural learning Ways she uses AI to organize learning for her homeschool portfolio How she asks AI to prompt her—building her own skills in spotting learning moments How to integrate the 90-Minute School Day framework into this reflection process What’s worked, what she’s still playing with, and why it’s all still grounded in human connection first.   This conversation is an invitation to think creatively about tools that might support your homeschooling.   If you’re craving more real-life stories and strategies like this, join us inside the Day in the Life (DITL) community. We continue these conversations weekly and store them in our growing member library.   Want to see what that feels like? Come to our next Day in the Life Open House. We’d love to have you. Click here to RSVP   Part 1 and 2 in the Tech & Learning Series: • Ep. 39 – Screens Aren’t the Enemy: Disconnection Is! • Ep. 40 – Drop the Shame: The Other Side of Screens with Amanda Diekman The 90-Minute School Day Framework: Self-Paced CourseWork with Kelly: Coaching Be a Guide Not a Teacher, Learn About Guide Training™: Group Coaching

“I did everything they tell you, and I did it perfectly—and it failed me and almost destroyed my child.”— Amanda Diekman, author of Low Demand Parenting   Amanda re-joins the podcast (Ep. 13) for a conversation that challenges everything you’ve been taught to fear about screentime.    This episode was recorded live inside 90-Minute School Day In The Life (DITL) homeschool community, where Amanda dropped in straight from the soccer field and jumped into a vulnerable, grounded discussion about screens, shame, and agency.   Together, we explore: Amanda’s story and why screentime is never just about screentime The hidden cost of control and the harm of “doing it right” What it means to trust your child with their own self-regulation The deep nervous system work involved in loosening limits and dropping demands How unlimited screentime can foster real-life skills, body awareness, and discernment What happens when we stop managing the screen and start supporting the human using it   You’ll also hear anonymized responses from DITL community members about how screentime looks in their homes—showcasing the rich diversity of approaches, and the shared heart of parents trying to lead with love.   This is Part 2 in our 4-part Tech & Learning series, so make sure to check out the other episodes where we explore mindsets, boundaries, using AI in our homeschools, play, and learning in the digital age.   🔗 Links & Resources: Learn more about Amanda Diekman on her website Get Amanda’s book: Low Demand Parenting Listen to Amanda's first conversation with us in Episode 13 of the podcast, "Don't Let Demands Overwhelm You: Less is More" Read Kelly’s story and approach: 90minuteschoolday.com/story Join the DITL interest list: 90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life Get on the waitlist for Guide Training™: 90minuteschoolday.com/guide-training Book 1:1 coaching with Kelly: 90minuteschoolday.com/coaching   💬 Leave a Review Loving the podcast? Share with a friend. Take a moment to rate and review the show—it helps other thoughtful, brave, and curious parents discover this space and feel less alone.  

If the word “screens" or "screen time” makes your shoulders tense up, you’re not alone. 🎧 Hit subscribe—this is the first in a four-part series on tech and learning! In this episode is the invite you need to slow down, tune-in, and reconsider your relationship with technology—especially in the context of homeschooling and neurodivergent learners. From unpacking cultural double standards to exploring how screens can be tools for regulation, creativity, and connection, this episode kicks off a series on screens and learning with nuance, compassion, and curiosity. Together, we explore how deschooling can help us see screens not as a problem to solve—but as a window into our children's worlds. In this episode, you'll learn: The double standard around screen use How deschooling shifts anxiety around screens Screens as tools for regulation and connection What the research also says Screens as a playground for modern kids The shift from limiting to witnessing Self-reflection questions & curiosity prompts Resources Mentioned: Free to Learn by Peter Gray AAP Pediatrics study on media co-engagement Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:Join us inside the Day In The Life community where we’re exploring learning alongside our kids and one another through everyday life. Whether you're raising a teen, a toddler, or a twice-exceptional child, you'll find a thoughtful, supportive space to question, connect, and grow—together. We gather weekly on Zoom and connect daily via asynchronous Marco Polo video chats. If you can't live in a real-life village with fellow homeschoolers … this is the next best thing. Try This at Home:Sit beside your child during screen time this week—not to monitor, but to witness. Ask what they're doing. What lights them up? What are they learning, exploring, or expressing? Then gently reflect: What do you reach for when you need rest, joy, or curiosity?

Dive deep with us–into the idea that conventional schools might be contributing to the very struggles many people associate with dyslexia. I’m joined by Je’anna Clements, an advocate for self-directed learning and a dyslexic learner herself, to discuss her eye-opening perspective on DYSlexia (school-created) vs. dyslexia (a neurotype). Je'anna explains how conventional interventions often offer “helpful harm,” leading to poorer outcomes than self-directed educational approaches for dyslexic learners. She shares how shifting our perspective allows all children to thrive in learning in ways that truly honor their unique needs. We also explore the powerful connections between felt-safety, self-determination theory, flow in learning, and consent—and how these elements are key to fostering meaningful, lifelong learning. We also dive into the idea of “inherent wisdom”—the concept that children already possess what they need to find their own learning solutions. Je’anna shares her perspective on how self-directed learning, rooted in trust and understanding, can help children mature in their own ways—especially those who’ve been labeled as “dyslexic.” This conversation challenges conventional educational norms and invites us to rethink how we approach learning, reading, and the holistic development and respect of children. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between DYSlexia (school-created) and dyslexia (a neurotype) Why some common reading interventions might actually be harmful How felt-safety, self-determination, and flow impact learning The role of consent in a child’s learning process The importance of connecting learning to a child’s innate interests and curiosity Why trusting your child’s natural learning process can be the key to thriving in home education 90-Minute School Day Guide Training™ If this conversation resonated with you, and you’re looking for guidance, structure, and support in creating a self-directed learning environment that truly works for your family, Guide Training™ is here to help. This group coaching program provides personalized mentorship, community, and tools to help you break free from the constraints of traditional schooling and build a thriving homeschool experience. Enrollment is open now through March 18th—learn more and sign up here: https://90minuteschoolday.com/guide-training/ Connect with Je’Anna: Website and her books Patreon and mini-courses Horizontal Communication Rights-Centric Education LinkedIn Resources mentioned in this episode: What if School Creates Dyslexia? By Je’anna Clements Free to Learn by Peter Gray Successful Illiterate Men study by Roger A. Clark The Art of Receiving and Giving: the Wheel of Consent by Betty Marin Join the Conversation!This episode is just a peek inside our Day in the Life community, where parents support one another in self-directed learning and explore homeschooling through the lens of play, flow, and nervous system safety. Want to join us for support, connection, + more conversations like this? 👉 Learn more at 90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life/.

What stories are shaping your child’s self-concept? In this episode, I sit down with Amber O’Neal Johnston, homeschooling mother, speaker, and author of A Place to Belong: Raising Kids to Celebrate Their Heritage, Community, and the World and Soul School: A Literary Journey into the Soul of Black American Culture. Amber shares her passion for using books, culture, and intentional experiences to help children develop a strong sense of identity and belonging. We explore: How Amber began homeschooling, what was missing and how she gutted her homeschool to save it The powerful influence of literature and storytelling in shaping our children’s self-concept and worldview Ways to create a culturally rich and inclusive home learning environment and community The importance of representation in the books we read and the experiences we provide How to move beyond fear and into a place of connection, belonging, and growth Amber’s insights will challenge and inspire you to think more deeply about the role of stories and community in shaping our children’s lives. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to enrich your approach, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas and encouragement. Connect with Amber: Website: HeritageMom.com Instagram: @HeritageMomBlog Facebook: HeritageMomBlog Resources Mentioned: A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyondby Amber O'Neal Johnston Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Cultureby Amber O'Neal Johnston Wonderby R. J. Palaccio The Danger of a Single Story Tedx Talk by Chimamanda Adichie Christmas in The Big House, Christmas in the Quartersby Patricia McKissak Join the Conversation!This episode is just a peek inside our Day in the Life community, where we explore homeschooling through the lens of play, flow, and nervous system safety. Want to join us for more conversations like this? 👉 Learn more at 90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life/.

Listen-in as we challenge conventional thinking about reading and literacy, inviting you to reimagine what learning to read can look like. If you’ve ever worried about whether your child is “on track” or felt pressure to meet school-based milestones, this conversation is for you. We deschool our mindsets around traditional literacy approaches and explore a more natural, expansive perspective on learning to read. What We Cover in This Episode: The pressure homeschooling parents feel around reading milestones Why traditional phonics drills and early benchmarks may not serve every learner Insights from 90-Minute School Day in the Life Community on reading readiness and neurodivergent learners Socrates’ paradoxical thoughts on literacy and memory How the schooling model of reading falls short for many children Personal reflection prompts on your own childhood reading experiences The non-linear nature of reading development and the true average age of reading fluency Expanding our definition of reading beyond just decoding letters and words The broader scope of literacy—reading, writing, speaking, listening, and making sense of the world How ableism affects perceptions of literacy and learning Deschooling our fears around reading and trusting our children's natural development   Key Takeaways: Reading readiness varies widely, typically developing between ages 4 and 12. The societal view of literacy needs to expand beyond traditional reading and writing. Alternative literacy pathways, assistive technology, and multimodal learning are valid and important. Our fears around reading often stem from outdated school-based expectations.   Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: Want to explore this topic in community? The Day in the Life Community is hosting live discussions all month on rethinking reading through Zoom and asynchronous Marco Polo video chats. Share your thoughts and experiences—join us today! Listen in now, and don’t forget to share this episode with other homeschooling parents who may need this perspective shift.   Resources Mentioned: Join the conversation inside Day in the Life Community this month on rethinking reading On Feb. 12, Amber O’Neal Johnston will be joining us live on Zoom to discuss her new book, Soul School, and the importance of identity and representation in children’s literature.   Additional Resources for You: Need guidance through deschooling and natural learning?  Learn about Guide Training™, our signature step-by-step program to launch you into confident self-directed learning with your kids (not against them). 90-Minute School Day offers a self-paced course and 1:1 coaching services to meet you where you are, schedule a free consult today. Don’t Homeschool Alone!  Join DITL community with 90-Minute School Day and implement self-directed learning with supportive new friends. Invite Kelly to speak at your next in-person or virtual gathering or event.   Support the Podcast:Love this episode? Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be the first to know when new episodes drop. Also, a quick rating or review helps more families like yours find support on their journey.

In this episode, we welcome the always inspiring, Robyn Robertson, host of Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids. In this conversation, we dive deep into what schools simply can’t teach—and how homeschooling and unschooling unlock opportunities for lifelong learning that traditional education just can’t provide. Robyn shares her family’s incredible journey, from worldschooling adventures in Jamaica and Korea to helping her children transition into high school as confident, self-directed learners. We talk about the mindset shifts required to let go of schooling norms and embrace the true meaning of learning. Here’s what we explore: Why learning and schooling are not the same—and why this matters for your family. How comparison steals joy and limits your child’s potential. The skills schools can’t teach, like self-advocacy, confidence, and intrinsic motivation. Practical tips to stop replicating school at home and instead create a flexible, meaningful approach to education. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “doing enough” or wondered how to truly support your child’s growth, this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned: Robyn Robertson’s Podcast: Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids Book: Project-Based Homeschooling by Lori Pickert Join the Day in the Life Community Call to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world to me if you’d take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your support helps me connect with more families like yours who are ready to embrace natural learning. Additional Resources for You: Need guidance through deschooling and natural learning?  Learn about Guide Training™, our signature step-by-step program to launch you into confident self-directed learning with your kids (not against them). 90-Minute School Day offers a self-paced course and 1:1 coaching services to meet you where you are, schedule a free consult today. Don’t Homeschool Alone!  Join DITL community with 90-Minute School Day and implement self-directed learning with supportive new friends. Invite Kelly to speak at your next in-person or virtual gathering or event. Follow Kelly on Instagram @90minuteschoolday

What Winter Teaches Us About Homeschooling Well Is your homeschool feeling hectic as winter settles in? Wondering how to find a balance between rest and productivity this season? In this episode, we dive into the power of embracing winter’s slower pace and the Danish concept of hygge to create a homeschool environment full of warmth, connection, and joy. We talk about how winter isn’t just a time to "do less"—it’s an invitation to listen, reflect, and lean into your family’s natural rhythms. Imagine a homeschool that isn’t rigid but flows with your child’s interests, while also prioritizing the cozy comfort of hygge. What’s Inside: How wintering can transform your homeschool mindset Simple ways to incorporate hygge into your learning environment The surprising connection between slowing down and thriving in homeschooling Reflection prompts to help you honor what’s working and what needs healing this season Why honoring rest might just be the key to a thriving homeschool Reflection Questions from the Episode: What has this past season in homeschooling taught me about my family and our needs? How can I use this time to prepare for renewal when spring arrives? How can I bring more hygge into our daily lives to foster connection and comfort? What do I need to grieve, and how can I honor that grief with tenderness? What can I let go of right now? What is going well in this season? What brings joy, right now? What excites me? What excites my kids What is comforting right now? Additional Resource:Curious to dive deeper into the concept of hygge? Check out The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking. It’s a treasure trove of ideas for creating a cozy, joyful atmosphere in your home. If you’ve been feeling the pressure of doing “more” and trying to keep up with the latest trends, this episode is a breath of fresh air. Let’s explore how leaning into winter’s slower rhythm can help your homeschool—and your family—thrive. Call for Resistance:Listen now for practical, simple ways to bring hygge and wintering into your homeschooling journey. Take 5 minutes and work through some of the reflection questions. You’ll leave this episode and that session with self feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to embrace the cozy season ahead. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow homeschoolers who could use a reminder to slow down and savor the season. And subscribe to stay connected for more thoughtful tips on homeschooling through the natural rhythms of life. Stay Connected: Follow on Instagram @90minuteschoolday or send an email to share how you’re bringing hygge into your homeschool this winter. Don’t Homeschool Alone!  Join DITL community with 90-Minute School Day Need guidance through deschooling and natural learning?  Learn about Guide Training™, our signature step-by-step program to launch you into confident self-directed learning with your kids (not against them). 90-Minute School Day offers 1:1 coaching services to meet you where you are, schedule a free consult today. Invite Kelly to speak at your next in-person or virtual gathering or event.