What is Deschooling? Tips from a Veteran Homeschool Mom of 21 Years

Are you feeling overwhelmed by hours of homework or wondering if you can really handle the homeschooling journey long-term? Join Jae and veteran homeschool mom Karen Love Mitchell as they dive into twenty-one years of wisdom, covering everything from deschooling in New York City to navigating college prep for her four graduates. In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, Karen shares her transition from private school stress to a life of individualized learning. She provides practical advice on how to handle a ten-year age gap between children, the importance of finding local community through libraries and co-ops, and why socialization is actually a homeschooler’s greatest strength. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned pro, Karen’s insights on building a family-centered education will inspire you to keep going. Key topics include the benefits of enrichment co-ops, teaching through movies and unit studies, and how to involve extended family in the educational process. Karen also discusses her consulting work with Homeschool Informational Services, where she helps parents find the right curriculum and prepare their students for life after graduation. You will learn about the importance of having an overarching theme for your school year and how to encourage your children to advocate for themselves and use their voices in the real world. Chapters0:00 Intro and Meeting Karen Love Mitchell3:15 Moving from Private School to Homeschooling7:40 The Importance of Deschooling and Slowing Down12:10 Using Field Trips to Make History Come Alive15:50 Managing the Gap: Teens and Toddlers Together19:30 Finding Community and Library Resources23:45 The Structure of an Enrichment Co-op28:20 Creative Teaching: Movies as Literature32:15 Professional Consulting for Homeschool Families37:00 Choosing Curriculum Based on Learning Styles41:30 Tackling the College and Socialization Questions46:15 Turning Naysayers into Supporters51:00 Encouraging Kids to Use Their Voices54:45 Essential Self-Care for Homeschool Parents57:15 Final Wisdom and Where to Find Karen Don't forget to check out the links in the description to connect with Karen and learn more about her consulting services and YouTube channel. Subscribe for more stories and support for your homeschooling journey, and we hope to see you at the next expo! #homeschooling #education #parenting #homeschooltips #community