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School to Homeschool

School to Homeschool

By: Janae Daniels
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 In July 2020, I did something I vowed as a once-public middle school teacher, that I would NEVER do. I withdrew my remaining four children of six and began homeschooling. My oldest two sons had graduated from public/charter schools and my remaining four had been in public school since Pre-K. I had two children about to finish middle school and head into high school. To say I was terrified was an understatement–even with my experience teaching hundreds of kids a year prior to getting married. This was different. What if I made them stupid? What if they became “weird” homeschooled kids? What if they couldn’t get into college? What if I messed up? What if I ruined them forever? I wasn’t a math teacher. I wasn’t a science teacher. I wasn’t an English teacher. I had been a theater teacher! I was an ELECTIVE teacher. Most kids came to my class because they WANTED to, not because they HAD to. My own kids would be DOOMED! Yet, I felt compelled…and the upcoming 2020-2021 school year was so uncertain and scary. Would they be in school or out of school? Would they be online or hybrid? Would they have to social distance? What kind of an experience would that be for them? No one knew what to expect…not administrators, not teachers, not parents…no one. They needed stability. Amidst the uncertainty, and at the very least, I could give them stability. Plus, it couldn’t be any worse than the remainder of the school year at the onset of Covid, could it? So I took the plunge. On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, with hands shaking, I handed in my Notice of Intent to Homeschool to my school district and thus began the journey. I was terrified. I didn’t know anyone who withdrew their children BEFORE high school to homeschool. The few homeschoolers that I knew had ALWAYS homeschooled or withdrawn them in elementary and then often put them IN school to complete high school. I felt afraid and alone. I don’t anymore. Over the past few years, along with homeschooling my kids, I have spent hundreds of hours studying the history of the school system in the United States coupled with a better understanding of how children learn and how they do not. I have studied dozens of educational philosophies–philosophies NEVER discussed in my education work to become a certified teacher. Yet, the philosophies are brilliant and effective. I have met with like-minded parents–all over the country–whose kids are thriving and happy being educated at home! Our family has gone through a masterful journey. My children are thriving more than they ever did while in public school despite all my deficiencies as a mother and as a teacher. By sharing our journey, experiences, and lessons learned, I hope to calm some of your fears, welcome you to this magical world, answer the hard questions and give you the confidence to start this journey with your children… I want you to come away with confidence knowing: -where to find resources and the legalities in your state to leave public school -how to deschool them and you -what to do about socialization and friendships -what the different forms of homeschooling look like to determine what is best for your family -what to do with your elementary and middle schoolers -what to do with your high schoolers -determine how to help them discover their passions -how to prepare them for college, trade school, or other paths -what curriculums to choose or not to choose -what to do about personal time for yourself -what to do if you don’t feel qualified or know every subject -what to do about technology -what to do about Math, Science, Reading, and Writing -and much more… I had those fears too! You don’t need to be afraid! You just need a guide. I want to share with you our journey so you can have the confidence to start yours. You can do this! It doesn’t have to be scary. It doesn’t have to be lonely. You won’t ruin your kids and you just might come to love them even more than you thought was possible. Join me as I take you through the journey from School to Homeschool.2023
Episodes
  • 109. Reclaiming the Hearts of Your Children

    109. Reclaiming the Hearts of Your Children
    Jul 28 2025

    Are your kids drifting more toward their peers than toward you? In this episode, we dive into how to build lasting emotional connection with your children by prioritizing parental attachment over peer orientation—a concept championed by experts like Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Dr. Gabor Maté.

    We share real-life stories from our homeschool journey, raising stepchildren, and overcoming attachment challenges that so many modern families face. Learn how peer pressure quietly steals influence from parents—and what you can do to reclaim your role as the secure base your child needs.

    🔎 In this episode:

    • How peer orientation affects child development

    • Signs your child may be disconnecting emotionally

    • How to foster deeper connection through everyday moments

    • Real-life examples of healing family bonds through intentional parenting

    Whether you're homeschooling, navigating blended family dynamics, or simply trying to reconnect, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and encouragement. You are doing better than you think. ❤️

    👉 Don’t miss this powerful conversation on parenting with purpose, attachment, and faith-led connection.

    RESOURCES:

    Hold on to Your Kids by Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate

    Dr. Gabor Mate

    SIGN UP FOR Free 3rd WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP: CLICK HERE

    SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES:

    Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter

    Private Mentoring with Janae: Schedule a Free Discovery Call

    School to Homeschool YouTube Channel

    Etsy Store: Shop for Homeschooling Swag

    *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

    CONNECT with US

    Join the Private Facebook Group

    Learn more about School to Homeschool

    Contact Janae: schooltohomeschool1@gmail.com

    🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more!

    If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education!

    HomeschoolParenting #PeerOrientation #DrGordonNeufeld #GaborMaté #AttachmentParenting #IntentionalParenting #ChristianParenting #ReconnectWithYourKids #HomeschoolFamily #ParentingTeens #MomLife #FaithBasedParenting
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • 108. Living in the Moment: The Gift of Presence

    108. Living in the Moment: The Gift of Presence
    Jul 21 2025

    Ever found yourself scrolling on your phone while your child eagerly shares their day with you? I've been there, and the realization hit hard. Drawing from personal experiences and the wisdom of Carl Honoré and Dr. Hannah Yang, I share moments when distractions took center stage over being truly present with my family. We explore how liberating ourselves from the anxieties of the future and past regrets can transform our connections.

    🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more!

    If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education!

    SIGN UP FOR JULY'S WEDENSDAY WORKSHOP: CLICK HERE

    SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES:

    Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter

    Private Mentoring with Janae: Schedule a Free Discovery Call

    School to Homeschool YouTube Channel

    Etsy Store: Shop for Homeschooling Swag

    *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

    CONNECT with US

    Join the Private Facebook Group

    Learn more about School to Homeschool

    Contact Janae: schooltohomeschool1@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • 107. Why School Fails — And What Families Can Do Now...With Matt Bowman, Founder of OpenEd

    107. Why School Fails — And What Families Can Do Now...With Matt Bowman, Founder of OpenEd
    Jul 14 2025

    Is traditional school no longer working for your child? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Matt Bowman, former teacher and co-founder of OpenEd (formerly MyTechHigh), to explore how personalized, project-based education can give families real freedom.

    We dive into how Matt and his wife Amy built a learning model that honors kids' creativity, family values, and faith — all while breaking free from the one-size-fits-all system. Whether you’re exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or just need a better option, this episode will inspire you to take the lead.

    👉 Discover how elementary, middle, and high schoolers can thrive, how tech empowers learning, and how parents can guide with love, limits, and latitude.

    🎯 What You’ll Learn:

    • Why traditional school often fails kids

    • How OpenEd empowers student-led learning

    • Real stories of homeschool success

    • Faith-based approaches to education

    • Tools for starting your own journey

    🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more!

    If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education!

    SIGN UP FOR JULY'S WEDENSDAY WORKSHOP: CLICK HERE

    References from today's episode:

    Learn more about OpenEd HERE

    Open Education: How to Reimagine Learning, Ignite Curiosity, and Prepare Your Kids for Success by Matt Bowman & Isaac Morehouse

    SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES:

    Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter

    Private Mentoring with Janae: Schedule a Free Discovery Call

    School to Homeschool YouTube Channel

    Etsy Store: Shop for Homeschooling Swag

    *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

    CONNECT with US

    Join the Private Facebook Group

    Learn more about School to Homeschool

    Contact Janae: schooltohomeschool1@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
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