Teaching your child to read can feel overwhelming—even for experienced homeschool moms.
In this encouraging conversation, Maeve sits down with former literacy teacher and phonics expert Melanie Jeffrey, host of Phonics Rules for Kids, to talk about why many children struggle with reading and how simple, clear phonics instruction can change everything.

You’ll learn:

• The best age to begin phonics instruction
• How to help beginning, emerging, and struggling readers
• Simple 15-minute daily activities that actually work
• What to do when your child is stuck—or when you feel discouraged

If you’ve ever wondered, “What if I can’t teach my child to read?”
This episode will replace fear with confidence and practical hope.

Show Notes:

Published Feb. 15, 2026

🔗 Resources & Links

Full episode page + all Melanie’s resources:
👉 https://maevejemison.com/107

Melanie’s website & phonics curriculum:
👉 https://phonicsrulesforkids.com

Listen to the Phonics Rules for Kids podcast:
👉 https://phonicsrulesforkids.com/podcast

⭐ Enjoying the Podcast?

If this episode encouraged you, would you take 30 seconds to:

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review
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• Subscribe so you never miss an episode

Your support helps more Catholic families find hope and confidence in their homeschooling journey.

Key Words:

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Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

What does wise parenting look like in a modern world?

In this episode, we talk about staying attentive without hovering, protecting your child’s sense of control, and why waiting for problems to appear is often too late. We share real-life stories, research-backed insights, and practical ways to stay engaged with your kids as they grow — without shaming, spying, or stepping on their independence.

📚 Recommended reading:

• The Self‑Driven Child – for understanding autonomy, stress, and motivation
• The Anxious Generation – essential reading for parents navigating phones and social media
• Another great parenting episode: 43 -How We Talk To Our Kids About Abortion.

This episode is especially helpful for parents of preteens and teens, but this wisdom's worth storing now — before you need it.

🔎 KEYWORDS

• helicopter parenting
• parenting teens
• Catholic parenting
• parenting in the digital age
• kids and anxiety
• phones and kids
• homeschool parenting
• protective parenting
• raising teens today
• self-driven child

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

What does “critical thinking” actually look like in a Catholic homeschool? In this episode, Maeve and Matt unpack why critical thinking breaks down when we stop slowing down, questioning ourselves, and seeking truth with humility—and why Catholic families have a unique advantage when truth is the goal.

Using a real-life conversation sparked by a “Friendly Defender Friday” question (“Do Catholics believe they alone possess the truth?”), they walk through how to help kids research, analyze Church history, and synthesize what they learn—without getting swept up in half-truths, internet hot takes, or AI doing the thinking for them.

You’ll also hear:

• A simple, practical definition of critical thinking (and common blocks to it)
• Why debate and charitable conversation sharpen discernment
• A clear “AI rule” for homeschool parents: don’t let AI learn for them
• How Church history (heresy, councils, and hard questions) can become a training ground for truth-seeking

Anchored in John 16:13, this episode is both a mindset shift and a hands-on guide for raising kids who can think clearly, love truth, and speak it with charity.

Link to Last week's episode: 104 Do Not Despise the Day of Small Things.

Keywords:

Catholic homeschooling

critical thinking skills

Catholic education

teaching kids critical thinking

faith and reason

Catholic apologetics for kids

AI and education

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Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

What if the most important parts of homeschooling aren’t the lessons you finish—but the moments you almost miss?

In this episode, Maeve reflects on a simple prayer—“Lord, show me what’s important today”—and how God answered it through ordinary homeschool moments: a rare nap, a family heirloom quilt, a child’s honest question, and the quiet joy of watching children thrive. Drawing from Scripture, Catholic tradition, the wisdom of the saints, and Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, this episode reassures parents that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in everyday homeschool life.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the small, repetitive moments of homeschooling really matter, this episode is an invitation to slow down, notice, and trust that God is forming something eternal in your home.

SHOW NOTES Published January 25, 2026

• Asking God to reveal what truly matters in homeschooling
• Finding holiness in ordinary homeschool moments
• The spiritual meaning of heirlooms and generational faith
• Why learning is sacred work inspired by the Holy Spirit
• Saints who remind us that God moves in daily life
• Trusting that God is at work even when no one sees

Scripture for Reflection

Quotes Referenced

• “Do not despise the day of small things.” (Zechariah 4:10)
• St. Teresa of Avila on God moving amid the pots and pans
• Charlotte Mason on the Holy Spirit as the true instructor of knowledge

Encouragement for Parents

Homeschooling may feel ordinary, unfinished, or unseen—but God is forming heirlooms of faith in your home. The small moments matter more than you think.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

Even the most beautiful homeschool days have a behind-the-scenes mess. In this episode, Maeve shares 20 practical, doable ways to reset the moment and turn around hard homeschool days—with faith, humor, and a healthy dose of realism (and maybe a little wine at the end).

You’ll hear:

• Why praying in front of your kids matters
• The power of Holy Spirit hugs (yes, they’re a thing)
• Simple resets that work for preschoolers through high school
• Why struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re doing it right

✨ 20 Ways to Reset the Moment

1. Pray in front of your children
2. Holy Spirit hugs (6+ seconds!)
3. Take a nature walk
4. Go outside and sit on a blanket
5. Quit the thing that’s causing the meltdown
6. Deep breathing (5-7-8)
7. Play a favorite song or praise music
8. Read a picture book aloud
9. Quiet time (for kids and mom)
10. Lock yourself away and cry it out
11. Hands-on tasks (Play-Doh, Legos, baking, organizing)
12. Quiet reading time
13. Refreshments or ritual tea time
14. Puzzle time or creative work
15. Draw or color
16. Tell a joke or read a joke book
17. Read a poem aloud
18. Call your spouse and vent
19. “Send them to the principal” (aka Dad)
20. Plan a field trip
    Bonus: Simple reward systems work wonders

🔗 Links & Resources

• Episode page + printable list: maevejemison.com/103
• Photographer mentioned: Shey Marin
  (Perfect for DC cherry blossom sessions — tell her Maeve & Matt sent you)
• Join the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook group (to see the legendary Christmas card!)

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

In this episode, Maeve and Mat share ten practical tools that have strengthened their Catholic homeschooling over the years — from faith-filled apps and saint resources to apologetics cards, family-friendly podcasts, and tech choices that support virtue.

You’ll hear real-life stories from their home, how these tools have shaped their kids’ faith and confidence, and why small daily practices — like saint-of-the-day readings, friendly apologetics conversations, and intentional tech — can make a big difference in family life and discipleship.

This one is equal parts helpful, encouraging, and a little bit hilarious (yes, including the sprinting Amazon driver and the middle-school group text thread).

Episode notes, Published January 11, 2026

Catholic Apps & Digital Tools

• iMissal — Saint of the Day & Daily Readings
  https://imissal.com
  
  
• Laudate — Catholic Prayers, Rosary, Catechism & More
  https://www.ayckasoft.com/laudate
  
  
• Truthfully — Catholic AI Study & Reference Tool
  https://truthly.ai
  
  

Books, Audio & Kids Resources

• 57 Saints — Catholic Biography Collection
  https://ignatius.com/57-saints-p2905/
  
  
• Friendly Defender Flashcards (Catholic Apologetics for Kids & Teens)
  https://friendlydefenders.com
  
  
• Holy Heroes — Advent, Lent, Glory Stories & Faith Resources
  https://holyheroes.com
  
  

Catechism & Faith Formation

• Catechism of the Catholic Church (Online Reference)
  https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
  
  
• Catholic Answers — Apologetics Articles & Podcasts
  https://www.catholic.com
  
  

Catholic Podcasts Mentioned

• Catechism in a Year — Fr. Mike Schmitz
  https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechisminayear
  
  
• American Catholic History Podcast
  https://americancatholichistory.org
  
  
• Road to Emmaus — Dr. Scott Hahn
  https://stpaulcenter.com/audio/road-to-emmaus
  
  
• Lila Rose Podcast
  https://www.liveaction.org/lilarosepodcast/
  
  

Intentional Tech for Families

• Wise Phone — Minimal, Distraction-Free Phone Option
  https://techless.com/wisephone

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

As we ring in 2026, this homeschool family is learning in nature while camping in Georgia. Please enjoy a replay of Homeschooling for Catholic Parents' most popular episode of all time.

Thank you so much for tuning in each week. We appreciate you being here!

Episode Notes (Replayed January 4, 2026)

Originally published March 30, 2025

Are you worried about staying consistent in your homeschool? Dying to find the perfect routine that you'll stick to forever? It's a struggle for me too! Let me let you in on my secrets. I promise they're fun, and your children will not only thrive, but also love doing them.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

What does it actually mean to raise “successful” kids—and does success have anything to do with money?

In this milestone 100th episode, Maeve and Matt walk through a popular Rich Habits Test for Parents, answering 40 questions with total transparency (no pretending, no parenting flexing). From screen time and food habits to gratitude, grit, and goal-setting, they score themselves honestly—and invite you to do the same.

But here’s the twist: at the end of the test, they ask the question that matters most to Catholic homeschool families:
What actually helps children remain Catholic into adulthood?

Drawing on research, lived experience, and faith, they share 7 key practices—from sacramental life and family rituals to role-modeling integrity and serving others—that form the foundation of a lasting Catholic identity.

This episode is funny, convicting, practical, and deeply encouraging—perfect for Advent reflection and anyone who wants to raise not just successful kids, but saints

Show Notes:

Published Dec. 21, 2025

Ginny Yurich Part 1

Ginny Yurich Part 2

Rich Habits Test for Parents.

Grit by Angela Duckworth

The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud & Ned Johnson

The Forgotten Way, which I referred to as: The St. James Way by Matthew Kelly

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1