In this episode, Meg shares the third pillar of effective parenting: setting clear boundaries and having clear consequences.
When kids know exactly what the rules are—and what happens when those rules are broken—the power struggles begin to fade. Boundaries remove the guessing game from parenting and allow you to respond with confidence instead of reacting emotionally.
You don’t need to lecture, threaten, or yell. The boundary does the teaching for you. Using simple, consistent follow-through (and your Happy Habits as a guide), you can create a home that feels peaceful, predictable, and steady for both you and your children.
This final pillar brings structure, clarity, and calm to your parenting—so everyone in the home can thrive.
In this episode, Meg teaches the second pillar of effective parenting: Noticing the Good. Most parents unintentionally overlook about 95% of their children’s positive behaviors—not because they don’t care, but because they’re busy, distracted, or focused on what needs fixing.When you intentionally call out the good, you’re not just praising a moment—you’re reinforcing the behavior and character you want to see grow. Meg shares simple phrases like “I notice…” and “I see…” that help you highlight kindness, effort, patience, and all the strengths your children are developing.This pillar works quietly but powerfully to build confidence, connection, and cooperation in your home.
In this episode, Meg shares why staying calm and not reacting to negativity is one of the most powerful parenting tools you can use. You’ll learn how attention fuels behavior, why most misbehaviors disappear when ignored with purpose, and how to hold your peace instead of getting pulled into the drama.
What if raising hard-working, responsible kids had nothing to do with money — and everything to do with habits, purpose, and family culture?
In this coaching conversation with a homeschool mom, we dive into how to teach children to be good humans, contribute to the home, and build real-life skills without paying them for every task. Instead of rewards and bribes, I introduce the power of Happy Habits — simple, consistent practices that shift responsibility, ownership, and self-motivation from the outside in.
If you’ve ever wondered how to motivate without micromanaging — this one is for you.
This week I’m chatting with a mama who’s wrestling with a tough decision—whether to pull her 9th and 7th graders back out of public school. After a couple of years away from homeschooling, she’s noticing big changes: attitude problems, a lack of motivation, and tension at home. But she’s also feeling the weight of fear—What if they’re mad at me? What if it’s too late to bring them home?
In this honest and heartfelt conversation, we talk through what’s really going on beneath the surface, how to rebuild connection with your teens, and how to lead with love and confidence instead of fear.
If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late to bring your kids home, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to restore peace and purpose to your family.
Do your homeschool lessons take forever? In this episode, I talk with a mom whose 8-year-old gets distracted by everything. We chat about staying calm, keeping lessons short, and letting go of the pressure to “get it all done.” You’ll hear what my homeschool days looked like with little ones and how to find peace in the slow moments.
Are you not enjoying your homeschool right now?You love your kids and you’re grateful for this lifestyle — but lately, it feels heavy. The lessons drag, your energy is low, and joy feels far away.In this episode, Meg shares gentle encouragement for the mom who’s showing up but not feeling it. You’ll learn why you don’t have to feel joy all the time to be faithful, how to reconnect with your “why,” and simple ways to bring beauty, peace, and delight back into your homeschool days.Listen in for honest encouragement, a mindset reset, and a reminder that you were called to this — and joy is still available, even here. 🌿🎧 Plus: Grab your free Joy Thoughts Printable to help you create calm and connection in your homeschool every day in our weekly newsletter.
The holidays are almost here — and so is the chaos! Between sugar highs, Christmas concerts, and twinkling distractions, December can make even the calmest homeschool mom feel like she’s losing her mind.
In this episode, Meg reminds you that you’re not behind — and that homeschooling in December can actually be peaceful and fun. She’ll share how to simplify your days, release the pressure, and embrace meaningful learning through stories, service, and connection.
Public schools aren’t doing much “serious” learning this month — so take a breath, grab some cocoa, and let this be the season your family learns through joy, not stress.
Being with your kids 24/7 can be beautiful… and overwhelming. In this episode of Called to Homeschool, we’re talking honestly about what it takes to protect your peace, recharge your energy, and stay grounded when you’re never off the clock.
You’ll hear simple, practical ways to build breathing room into your days, support your nervous system, and give yourself permission to be human—so you can show up as the mom you want to be.
Because you can love your kids deeply and still need space to be you.
You already know yelling isn’t the mom you want to be… but when the kids are fighting, chores aren’t done, and no one is listening, it feels like the only option in the moment. So what can you do instead?
In this episode, I’m sharing practical, real-life strategies you can use when the pressure builds and you’re tempted to raise your voice.
Because the truth is, you don’t have to be a perfect mom—you just need better tools. And every small change in how you respond makes a big difference in your home.
👉 If you’re ready for extra accountability and encouragement, join me for No Yell November—a 30-day challenge to reset your home, calm the chaos, and build deeper connections with your kids.
www.coachmegthomas.com
#NoYellNovember #HomeschoolMom #ParentingWithPurpose #GentleParenting #HomeschoolEncouragement
You love your kids deeply, but somehow the yelling keeps slipping out… and every time, you promise yourself it won’t happen again. So why is it so hard to stop?
In this episode, I’m unpacking the real reasons moms yell—not because you’re a “bad mom,” but because you’re human, overwhelmed, and often running on empty. We’ll talk about why yelling feels like the quick fix in the moment, the hidden cost it has on your kids and your family culture, and the hope that things really can change.
If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of yelling, guilt, and regret, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and show you the first steps toward breaking free.
👉 And if you’re ready to practice this in a safe, supportive way, join me in No Yell November—a 30-day challenge to reset your home, calm the chaos, and rebuild connection with your kids
www.coachmegthomas.com
Feeling stretched by the little years, wondering how to support a gifted child, or trying to homeschool while solo and on a budget? This conversation is for you. In this episode, Coach Meg shares a gentle, doable roadmap for three big topics moms are asking about—under-7 homeschooling, "gifted" learners, and single-mom strategies—so you can lead your home with calm, clarity, and confidence.
If you’re homeschooling a strong-willed child, you know how draining the daily battles can feel. One mom writes in:
"This is my second year homeschooling. I have three girls ages 7, 4, and 2. My oldest is very strong willed, opinionated, loves to debate or negotiate anything I say that involves doing school or other responsibilities she doesn’t like, and takes up a lot of the energetic space of our home. It is like pulling teeth to get her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. I do my best not to yell and use positive requests as well as state and keep boundaries. But they don’t seem to work… I’m feeling so nervous for our school year because our connection feels lacking and I just feel helpless with how to get that connection back so we can have a successful school year.”
In this episode, I share how shifting from power struggles to partnership can transform your homeschool. We’ll talk about why parents often unknowingly step into the tug-of-war, how to refocus on the positive, what it looks like to ignore unhelpful behaviors without giving up authority, and how to intentionally teach good habits that make your days smoother.
If you’ve ever wondered how to really connect with your strong-willed child while still leading your homeschool with confidence, this episode will give you practical encouragement and fresh hope.
You’ll learn:
How to step out of the tug-of-war and build true partnership with your strong-willed child
Simple ways to shift attention toward the positive and let go of constant correction
Practical strategies for teaching habits that create smoother homeschool days
Homeschooling with little ones underfoot isn’t easy — and if you’ve ever felt like your days are chaotic, noisy, and full of interruptions, you’re not alone.
In this episode of Called to Homeschool, I’m answering a listener’s question about how to teach a 7-year-old while also caring for a 4-year-old and an 8-month-old baby.
You’ll learn:
✨ How to keep lessons short, simple, and effective
🧸 Creative ways to include (and occupy) younger siblings
💛 How to protect your peace and find joy in this season
It doesn’t have to be calm to count.
Homeschooling with littles isn’t quiet — but it’s still beautiful. 🌼
Burnout happens—even when you love homeschooling and positive parenting. In this candid conversation, my guest shares how she’s navigating the exhaustion of planning lessons, managing kids’ boredom, and preparing to welcome baby #5. We talk about practical ways to regain motivation by lowering expectations, simplifying your days, and focusing on small, consistent habits. You’ll hear encouraging ideas for shifting your mindset, doing less but better, and finding joy in the season you’re in—without running yourself into the ground.
Do homeschool lessons in your house ever drag on…and on…and on? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive into one of Charlotte Mason’s most practical principles: keeping lessons short and focused.
You’ll learn:
Why short lessons train a child’s full attention
How brevity prevents burnout and keeps learning fresh
The surprising way short lessons create variety, confidence, and peace at home
Practical tips for setting lesson times by age
Encouragement for when it feels like “we’re not doing enough”
Whether you’re new to Charlotte Mason or looking to bring more joy into your homeschool, this episode will help you simplify lessons, protect relationships, and spark a love of learning in your children.
Do you love the idea of adding fun, whimsy, and faith into your homeschool day—but get stuck when it comes to actually planning it?In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s question about balancing structure and creativity, especially when homeschooling kids under 6. If you thrive on schedules but feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities, this one’s for you.We’ll talk about:✨ Why rhythms work better than strict schedules✨ Simple ways to bring in games without overthinking it✨ How to naturally integrate Christianity into your dayYou don’t have to be naturally creative to make homeschooling fun. With a gentle framework, you can build days that feel peaceful, faith-filled, and full of delight.🎧 Tune in and discover how to make your homeschool both structured and joy-filled.
In this episode, I sit down with a thoughtful homeschool mom who opens up about a common challenge: What do you do when your child doesn’t want to come back to homeschooling? Her daughter was homeschooled in kindergarten, went to public school for first grade, and now Mom is wrestling with whether to bring her home again. We talk through her honest concerns—like taking her daughter away from beloved teachers and friends, and how her child seems to respond better to other adults.
We also explore the idea that it’s okay if your child isn’t thrilled about homeschooling—and why your homeschool doesn’t have to look or feel like school to be meaningful. If you’ve ever second-guessed your decision or felt torn between what’s good for your child socially and what feels right for your family long-term, this conversation will speak to you.
In this episode, I answer a heartfelt question from a listener who’s working hard to parent with love and connection—but struggles when it comes to setting and holding boundaries. If you’ve ever felt squeamish or anxious when your kids are upset by limits (especially when your spouse handles it differently!), you’re not alone.
We dive into why boundaries are not about control, but about love—and how holding them actually creates more peace and safety in your home. I also share why discomfort isn’t something to fear in our kids, and how growing your confidence in this area can transform your homeschool experience.
You’ll also hear how to get started with my free Happy Habits guide—designed to help your family practice simple, doable boundaries in everyday life.
In this episode, I sit down with a homeschool mom who’s feeling the weight of overwhelm as she looks ahead to the school year. We talk about the common pressure to "do it all," how to simplify your approach, and how to know what to teach your kids.If you’ve ever wondered:When should I really start teaching formal writing?How do I know if I’m doing enough?What matters most during the early years of homeschooling?…then this conversation will feel like a deep breath. You’ll hear practical, grace-filled guidance and walk away with permission to slow down and focus on what truly matters.Tune in and get grounded before the homeschool year begins!