This week, I sit down with Charlie Monroe, a licensed therapist and former youth pastor, to explore the complexities of growing up homeschooled in a large, religious family. Charlie shares his K-12 rural homeschool experience, the emotional toll of isolation, and the transition into college and career. We discuss the impact of evangelicalism, rigorous religious curricula, and emotional enmeshment in homeschool families. As a therapist, Charlie now works with modern homeschool families, offering insight into both the successes and systemic challenges they face. This is a powerful conversation about deconstruction, emotional maturity, and how we can better support future generations of homeschoolers.
Key Topics & Takeaways:
Life in a rural homeschool family of nine with a rigorous religious focus
The emotional and social cost of isolation during middle and high school years
Transitioning from homeschool to a Christian university and later to youth ministry
Leaving evangelicalism and navigating spiritual deconstruction
How emotional enmeshment affects homeschool families
What Charlie sees today as a family therapist working with homeschooling clients
A call for humility and emotional health in educational choices
Connect with Charlie:
Charlie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charles_irving/
Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:52 Charlie's Homeschooling Background01:40 Daily Life on the Farm03:39 Social Dynamics and Isolation10:27 Religious Influence in Homeschooling13:47 Transition to College21:20 Questioning Faith and Career in Ministry26:56 Reflecting on Youth Ministry and Transition to Therapy27:56 Dealing with Anger and Writing as a Coping Mechanism31:39 Experiences in Family Therapy and Homeschooling34:42 Challenges and Dynamics in Homeschooling40:13 Emotional Health and Homeschooling49:42 Final Thoughts and Advice for Homeschooling Parents55:25 Conclusion and Contact Information
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