When school becomes a source of anxiety, exhaustion, and lost love of learning, something has to give. In this deeply honest episode, Justin & Kylie share why they made the controversial leap into homeschooling - what pushed them to act, what surprised them, and what the research actually says about outcomes. If you’ve ever worried your child is struggling in the system, this episode may change the way you see education.

KEY POINTS
The real drivers behind Australia’s homeschooling surge (hint: it’s not ideology)
Why kids who struggle at school often thrive at home
What the data actually shows about NAPLAN, university outcomes & social skills
The surprising benefits Kylie sees day-to-day with flexibility, autonomy & mental wellbeing
Why homeschooling isn’t “all or nothing”—and how parents can test without regret
The single parenting factor that matters more than the schooling model

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Motivated, engaged parents produce good outcomes for their kids—regardless of the schooling method.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Australian homeschooling growth statistics
US research on long-term academic & social outcomes

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Observe — Notice learning behaviours: anxiety, disengagement, excitement, curiosity.
Experiment — Try small schooling variations (flex days, distance options, tutoring, hybrid).
Connect — Talk to homeschooling communities to understand real-world rhythms.
Review — Ask your child how they feel about learning—not just school.
Decide lightly — Treat schooling as a season, not a life sentence; you can always change course.

When school becomes a source of anxiety, exhaustion, and lost love of learning, something has to give. In this deeply honest episode, Justin &amp; Kylie share why they made the controversial leap into homeschooling - what pushed them to act, what surprised them, and what the research actually says about outcomes. If you&rsquo;ve ever worried your child is struggling in the system, this episode may change the way you see education.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The real drivers behind Australia&rsquo;s homeschooling surge (hint: it&rsquo;s not ideology)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why kids who struggle at school often thrive at home</li>
<li aria-level="1">What the data actually shows about NAPLAN, university outcomes &amp; social skills</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising benefits Kylie sees day-to-day with flexibility, autonomy &amp; mental wellbeing</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why homeschooling isn&rsquo;t &ldquo;all or nothing&rdquo;&mdash;and how parents can test without regret</li>
<li aria-level="1">The single parenting factor that matters more than the schooling model</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Motivated, engaged parents produce good outcomes for their kids&mdash;regardless of the schooling method.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Australian homeschooling <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/p/390082/54/steme4k3nisyu2081lp5konidnyuou4wtxbbo95guc1rp">growth statistics</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">US <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/entries/10.4324/9781138609877-REE72-1/homeschooling-curriculum-rob-kunzman?context=rroe">research</a> on long-term academic &amp; social outcomes</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Observe &mdash; Notice learning behaviours: anxiety, disengagement, excitement, curiosity.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Experiment &mdash; Try small schooling variations (flex days, distance options, tutoring, hybrid).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Connect &mdash; Talk to homeschooling communities to understand real-world rhythms.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Review &mdash; Ask your child how they feel about learning&mdash;not just school.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Decide lightly &mdash; Treat schooling as a season, not a life sentence; you can always change course.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Why We Chose to Homeschool and What Happened Next

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/74c1095a-a0d3-4ffd-af9f-b3d200b8f8d3/transcript