Why are more Christian families choosing to homeschool their children? And what should parents know before making the decision?
On this episode of *Conversations That Matter*, Jon Harris speaks with Brad Stafford, father of eight and founder of Anyone Can Homeschool, about the growing interest in homeschooling, the shortcomings of conventional education, and the importance of parents taking responsibility for their children’s education.
Brad explains how the COVID era prompted many families to reconsider their educational choices and why first-time homeschoolers often struggle to navigate the overwhelming number of curricula, programs, and opinions available online. He also discusses the benefits of homeschooling for family relationships, the concerns surrounding college, and the importance of cultivating independent thinking rather than simply reproducing the structure of public school at home.
The conversation also examines the role of the local church in supporting homeschooling families without losing sight of its primary responsibilities, the dangers of homeschooling influencers and unrealistic social media portrayals, and how experienced homeschoolers can help younger families develop confidence and practical wisdom.
Brad shares how Anyone Can Homeschool seeks to provide parents with practical guidance, mentoring, and a clearer starting point for educating their children.
Topics covered:
– Why homeschooling grew after COVID
– Christian parents and the responsibility to educate their children
– How to choose homeschooling curricula without becoming overwhelmed
– The role of churches and pastors in supporting homeschool families
– Homeschooling, family relationships, and generational continuity
– College, career preparation, and alternative educational paths
– How to avoid replicating public school at home
– The problems with homeschooling influencers and social media comparison
– Practical guidance for families beginning their homeschooling journey
Learn more about Brad Stafford’s work:
Anyone Can Homeschool: https://anyonecanhomeschool.com/
Learn more about Jon Harris’s work:
Jon’s Music: jonharristunes.com
To Support the Podcast:
Support
Become a Patron
https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast
Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris
Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989
Follow Jon on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/
00:00 Introduction: Why Homeschooling Is Growing
01:12 Why COVID Changed Parents’ Minds About School
06:22 Choosing Curricula Without Getting Overwhelmed
09:38 Should Churches Support Homeschooling?
15:42 The Benefits of Homeschooling for Families
20:16 College, Careers, and Alternative Paths
30:04 How Anyone Can Homeschool Helps Parents
34:05 Avoiding the Mistakes of Public School at Home
36:17 Homeschool Influencers and the Social Media Trap
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Mars Men and use my code Mengotomars.com for a great deal: https://mengotomars.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy