How Are You Able To Work And Homeschool? With Erika Brown

“How are you able to work AND homeschool your boys?”

Erika Brown is asked this question at least once a week as they are out and about meeting people. Unfortunately, society pushes the idea that women must either work outside of the home or stay at home. The idea of doing both seems to be a foreign concept. Erika chooses to reject that ideology while being a part of a generation that blazes new trails and refuses to settle.

Erika Brown leveraged her lucrative career in Real Estate to create the financial opportunity to unschool her boys. This journey has come with its share of difficulties, yet those times are trumped by the experiences and knowledge her boys are gaining. Erika invites you to follow her family as they use their businesses to assist in the unschooling process and educational journeys of their boys.

In This Episode

If you want to hear both practical tips and deep reflections on how we choose to live and learn, then you will love this interview. In this episode Erika and I talked about the Joys and Challenges of unschooling and being a full time working parent and entrepreneur. 

We talked about:
Teens and Social Needs
The Continual Deschooling Process
The Values that overlap in Unschooling and Entrepreneurship~ Questioning the standard and wanting to solve it. 
How she uses 3 month rotating routines to help balance work days and having 3 kids at home unschooling
Mindset and Communicating Needs
Erika breaks down what a week looks like in a 3 month season for their family 
The power of intentional conversations and teamwork
Unschooling With Teens
Self Directed Learning, Connection and Confidence

Erika leaves us with wonderful advice to the parents that want to homeschool and work or build a business. Her experience and knowledge in this life is worth learning from. 

Resources

Connect with Erika through Instagram @erikabinvestor

Erika’s Blog~ https://www.erikab.co/blog

Follow Erika’s sons bakery on Instagram~Brown Brothers Bakery 

Want to hear more about Unschooling and Entrepreneurship? Check out my episode with Stacey Piercey~Unschooling And Entrepreneurship or my episode with Unschooled Entrepreneur Isabelle Robledo~Homeschooling and Mindfulness

Listen to Honey! I’m Homeschooling Club Replays on Challenges~ Unschooling Challenges & Connection Over Academics

Join our Patreon Community. This month our special Q&A guest is Cindy Gaddis 

How Are You Able To Work And Homeschool? With Erika Brown
“How are you able to work AND homeschool your boys?”
Erika Brown is asked this question at least once a week as they are out and about meeting people. Unfortunately, society pushes the idea that women must either work outside of the home or stay at home. The idea of doing both seems to be a foreign concept. Erika chooses to reject that ideology while being a part of a generation that blazes new trails and refuses to settle.
Erika Brown leveraged her lucrative career in Real Estate to create the financial opportunity to unschool her boys. This journey has come with its share of difficulties, yet those times are trumped by the experiences and knowledge her boys are gaining. Erika invites you to follow her family as they use their businesses to assist in the unschooling process and educational journeys of their boys.
In This Episode
If you want to hear both practical tips and deep reflections on how we choose to live and learn, then you will love this interview. In this episode Erika and I talked about the Joys and Challenges of unschooling and being a full time working parent and entrepreneur. 
We talked about:
<ul>
<li>Teens and Social Needs</li>
<li>The Continual Deschooling Process</li>
<li>The Values that overlap in Unschooling and Entrepreneurship~ Questioning the standard and wanting to solve it. </li>
<li>How she uses 3 month rotating routines to help balance work days and having 3 kids at home unschooling</li>
<li>Mindset and Communicating Needs</li>
<li>Erika breaks down what a week looks like in a 3 month season for their family </li>
<li>The power of intentional conversations and teamwork</li>
<li>Unschooling With Teens</li>
<li>Self Directed Learning, Connection and Confidence</li>
</ul>
Erika leaves us with wonderful advice to the parents that want to homeschool and work or build a business. Her experience and knowledge in this life is worth learning from. 
Resources
Connect with Erika through Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/erikabinvestor/">@erikabinvestor</a>
Erika’s Blog~ <a href="https://www.erikab.co/blog">https://www.erikab.co/blog</a>
Follow Erika’s sons bakery on Instagram~<a href="https://www.instagram.com/brownbrothersbakery/">Brown Brothers Bakery </a>
Want to hear more about Unschooling and Entrepreneurship? Check out my episode with Stacey Piercey~<a href="https://imhomeschooling.com/unschooling-and-entrepreneurship/">Unschooling And Entrepreneurship</a> or my episode with Unschooled Entrepreneur Isabelle Robledo~<a href="https://imhomeschooling.com/homeschooling-and-mindfulness-with-isabelle-robledo/">Homeschooling and Mindfulness</a>
Listen to Honey! I’m Homeschooling Club Replays on Challenges~ <a href="https://www.clubhouse.com/room/M6GLkzpE?utm_medium=ch_room_xerc&amp;utm_campaign=OpqYHfBFSfvDPFL___InRg-458427">Unschooling Challenges</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.clubhouse.com/room/xBlAEG51?utm_medium=ch_room_xerc&amp;utm_campaign=OpqYHfBFSfvDPFL___InRg-458427">Connection Over Academics</a>
Join our <a href="https://imhomeschooling.com/join-our-community/">Patreon Community</a>. This month our special Q&amp;A guest is <a href="https://imhomeschooling.com/the-right-side-of-normal-and-honouring-our-individual-learners-with-cindy-gaddis/">Cindy Gaddis </a>

Honey I'm Homeschooling The Kids! - A podcast that steps into alternative education, parenting, and living a fun, fuller family life.

Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids

Honey I'm Homeschooling The Kids! - A podcast that steps into homeschooling, alternative education, parenting, and living a fun, fuller family life.

Honey I'm Homeschooling The Kids! - A podcast that steps into homeschooling, alternative education, parenting, and living a fun, fuller family life.

How Are You Able To Work And Homeschool? With Erika Brown

In this insightful episode I am joined by the hosts of Homeschool Unrefined, Angela and Maren. We dive deep into their personal journeys transitioning from homeschooling to public schooling with their children. As seasoned homeschoolers with a combined experience of over a decade, they share the challenges, surprises, and rewards that have come with this significant shift.

Episode Highlights:


Introduction to Homeschool Unrefined:
Meet Angela and Maren, the voices behind Homeschool Unrefined.
A brief history of their homeschooling journey and how they transitioned into podcasting.


Angela's Journey:
Life in Minnesota with three teens: 19, 17, and 15.
Reflecting on 10 years of homeschooling and the decision to move her children into public high school.


Maren's Journey:
From teaching in a classroom to homeschooling her four children: 17, 15, 15, and 13.
Navigating the complexities of homeschooling with neurodiverse children and how that influenced their learning styles.


Homeschooling to Public School Transition:
The decision-making process behind the shift from homeschool to public school.
The importance of empowering children to take ownership of their education and advocate for their needs.


Challenges and Lessons Learned:
The mental shift required for parents when moving from a structured classroom environment to a more flexible homeschooling approach.
How their children adapted academically and socially in the public school system.


Reflections on Teaching and Education:
Insights from their experiences as former classroom teachers and how that influenced their homeschooling approach.
Discussing the balance between academic rigor and fostering a love of learning.


Maintaining Core Values:
How their family values and educational philosophies have remained intact despite the shift to public schooling.
The ongoing role of homeschooling principles in their children's education and personal growth.


Practical Advice for Families:
Tips for parents considering a similar transition from homeschooling to traditional schooling.
The importance of flexibility, understanding your child's unique learning needs, and maintaining a focus on holistic development.
Reassuring advice on the long-term benefits of homeschooling and how it sets children up for success.


Final Thoughts:
Embrace Variety: It's okay to have multiple interests and hobbies. Trying new things adds richness to life and helps you discover more about yourself.
Learning is Personal: Everyone learns differently, and that's something to be celebrated. Finding what works best for you is key to feeling good in your own skin, mind, and body.
Modeling Curiosity: As lifelong learners, we set an example for our children. Curiosity and self-care are powerful tools for personal growth.
Confidence in Your Path: Trust in your unique journey. The system might not always fit you, and that's okay. It's not about you—it's about the system. Continue to explore and adapt learning methods that


Resources Mentioned:
Book: Think Differently About Learning: A Homeschool Where Children and Parents Thrive
Homeschool Unrefined Website
Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify and share your thoughts on homeschooling and education transitions with us on our social media channels!

In this insightful episode I am joined by the hosts of Homeschool Unrefined, Angela and Maren. We dive deep into their personal journeys transitioning from homeschooling to public schooling with their children. As seasoned homeschoolers with a combined experience of over a decade, they share the challenges, surprises, and rewards that have come with this significant shift.
Episode Highlights:
<ol>
<li>
Introduction to Homeschool Unrefined:
<ul>
<li>Meet Angela and Maren, the voices behind Homeschool Unrefined.</li>
<li>A brief history of their homeschooling journey and how they transitioned into podcasting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Angela's Journey:
<ul>
<li>Life in Minnesota with three teens: 19, 17, and 15.</li>
<li>Reflecting on 10 years of homeschooling and the decision to move her children into public high school.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Maren's Journey:
<ul>
<li>From teaching in a classroom to homeschooling her four children: 17, 15, 15, and 13.</li>
<li>Navigating the complexities of homeschooling with neurodiverse children and how that influenced their learning styles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Homeschooling to Public School Transition:
<ul>
<li>The decision-making process behind the shift from homeschool to public school.</li>
<li>The importance of empowering children to take ownership of their education and advocate for their needs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Challenges and Lessons Learned:
<ul>
<li>The mental shift required for parents when moving from a structured classroom environment to a more flexible homeschooling approach.</li>
<li>How their children adapted academically and socially in the public school system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Reflections on Teaching and Education:
<ul>
<li>Insights from their experiences as former classroom teachers and how that influenced their homeschooling approach.</li>
<li>Discussing the balance between academic rigor and fostering a love of learning.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Maintaining Core Values:
<ul>
<li>How their family values and educational philosophies have remained intact despite the shift to public schooling.</li>
<li>The ongoing role of homeschooling principles in their children's education and personal growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Practical Advice for Families:
<ul>
<li>Tips for parents considering a similar transition from homeschooling to traditional schooling.</li>
<li>The importance of flexibility, understanding your child's unique learning needs, and maintaining a focus on holistic development.</li>
<li>Reassuring advice on the long-term benefits of homeschooling and how it sets children up for success.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Final Thoughts:
<ul>
<li>Embrace Variety: It's okay to have multiple interests and hobbies. Trying new things adds richness to life and helps you discover more about yourself.</li>
<li>Learning is Personal: Everyone learns differently, and that's something to be celebrated. Finding what works best for you is key to feeling good in your own skin, mind, and body.</li>
<li>Modeling Curiosity: As lifelong learners, we set an example for our children. Curiosity and self-care are powerful tools for personal growth.</li>
<li>Confidence in Your Path: Trust in your unique journey. The system might not always fit you, and that's okay. It's not about you—it's about the system. Continue to explore and adapt learning methods that</li>
<li> </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li>Book: <a href="https://www.homeschoolunrefined.com/book">Think Differently About Learning: A Homeschool Where Children and Parents Thrive</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.homeschoolunrefined.com/">Homeschool Unrefined Website</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolunrefined/">Instagram</a> </li>
</ul>
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify and share your thoughts on homeschooling and education transitions with us on our social media channels!

The Transition from Homeschooling to Public School: Reflections and Realities with Homeschool Unrefined

Chapter

Am I Doing Enough? 

This is a question that plagues all homeschoolers from time to time.  In this episode, Robyn Robertson of Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids and Kelly Edwards of 90-Minute School Day conclude their 4-part “How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler” summer conversation series.  

What is ‘enough’?  How do we define it?  How do we know if we are falling behind?  What is ‘behind’?

Listen-in as this topic is broken down into three steps to debunk the fears or to notice an area that needs change.  Then we share the 4 ingredients to include in your homeschool to enact that move.  

This conversation guides you in shifting from wondering if you’re doing enough to feeling contentment and peace, knowing “I am enough” in my homeschooling.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

“Escape” (Pina Colada Song)



Dino Spiral Reel - Am I Doing Enough?



Assault Bike



Get your Certified Awesome Homeschool Parent Card Freebie!



Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast



Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon



90-Minute School Day podcast



90-Minute School Day in the Life community - Open House + Workshop Tuesday, July 23rd at 11 AM.  Join the waitlist for the workshop link.



Will you take a moment and rate the podcast?  Go to the show in your feed and scroll down to leave a 5 star review with one-click.  If you have a minute longer to support the podcast, would you write a review?  That is such a great way to say “thank you” if you enjoy the content we prepare and publish!  Thank you for your support and listening.



Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:52 Beach Days and Pina Coladas

00:08:37 Shifting Perspectives on Standards

00:10:38 Learning from Life's Lessons

00:14:46 Model Positive Behaviors

00:17:07 Finding Abundance in Homeschooling

00:20:23 Learning Even When Plans Fail

00:24:29 Speaking to Ourselves with Compassion

00:27:32 Aligning Actions with Why and Values

00:28:32 Acknowledging Common Challenges

00:28:48 Fear of Letting Go in Academics

00:30:21 Importance of Rest and Rhythms

00:31:02 Assessing and Recognizing Seasonality

00:32:23 Embracing Community for Support

00:33:41 Changes in Children Through Ages

00:38:26 Finding White Space in Life

00:40:43 Redefining What "Enough" Means

00:41:19 Finding Joy in Homeschooling

00:54:44 Building a Supportive Community

00:56:25 Upcoming Podcast Guests

00:58:01 Embracing the Process of Learning

01:01:18 Creating Inspiring Homeschool Environments

Am I Doing Enough? 
This is a question that plagues all homeschoolers from time to time.  In this episode, Robyn Robertson of Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids and Kelly Edwards of 90-Minute School Day conclude their 4-part “How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler” summer conversation series.  
What is ‘enough’?  How do we define it?  How do we know if we are falling behind?  What is ‘behind’?
Listen-in as this topic is broken down into three steps to debunk the fears or to notice an area that needs change.  Then we share the 4 ingredients to include in your homeschool to enact that move.  
This conversation guides you in shifting from wondering if you’re doing enough to feeling contentment and peace, knowing “I am enough” in my homeschooling.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-x7GcwT-Tk">“Escape” (Pina Colada Song)</a> 
 
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9a357hyTMB/">Dino Spiral Reel - Am I Doing Enough?</a>
 
<a href="https://www.assaultfitness.com/products/airbike-classic">Assault Bike</a>
 
Get your <a href="https://mailchi.mp/howtobeanawesomehomeschooler.com/july24">Certified Awesome Homeschool Parent Card</a> Freebie!
 
<a href="https://imhomeschooling.com/">Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast</a>
 
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/honeyimhomeschoolingthekids">Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon</a>
 
<a href="https://90minuteschoolday.com/podcast/">90-Minute School Day podcast</a>
 
<a href="https://90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life/">90-Minute School Day in the Life community</a> - Open House + Workshop Tuesday, July 23rd at 11 AM.  Join the waitlist for the workshop link.
 
Will you take a moment and rate the podcast?  Go to the show in your feed and scroll down to leave a 5 star review with one-click.  If you have a minute longer to support the podcast, would you write a review?  That is such a great way to say “thank you” if you enjoy the content we prepare and publish!  Thank you for your support and listening.
 
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:52 Beach Days and Pina Coladas
00:08:37 Shifting Perspectives on Standards
00:10:38 Learning from Life's Lessons
00:14:46 Model Positive Behaviors
00:17:07 Finding Abundance in Homeschooling
00:20:23 Learning Even When Plans Fail
00:24:29 Speaking to Ourselves with Compassion
00:27:32 Aligning Actions with Why and Values
00:28:32 Acknowledging Common Challenges
00:28:48 Fear of Letting Go in Academics
00:30:21 Importance of Rest and Rhythms
00:31:02 Assessing and Recognizing Seasonality
00:32:23 Embracing Community for Support
00:33:41 Changes in Children Through Ages
00:38:26 Finding White Space in Life
00:40:43 Redefining What "Enough" Means
00:41:19 Finding Joy in Homeschooling
00:54:44 Building a Supportive Community
00:56:25 Upcoming Podcast Guests
00:58:01 Embracing the Process of Learning
01:01:18 Creating Inspiring Homeschool Environments

Am I Doing Enough?

This episode is part 2 of 3 of our LIVE summer conversation series on "How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler." 

Kelly Edwards from “90-Minute School Day” and Robyn Robertson of “Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids” dive into the complexities of choosing and using curriculum in homeschooling or not using curriculum at all! They discuss the myths and expectations surrounding curriculum, the importance of understanding your family's unique needs, and how to balance structure with the freedom of learning. They also explore ways to make curriculum work for you, rather than feeling controlled by it.

Tune-in to hear insights for both new and seasoned homeschoolers, emphasizing the importance of connection, communication, and flexibility in education.

Would you like to join the next conversation LIVE?

Sign-up here to join our Summer Conversation Series!

Save the date for our upcoming final conversation, hosted LIVE at 11 AM EDT:

July 16th - How Do I Know If I'm Doing Enough?

Other Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Wild + Free conference in Sept.



Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast



Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon



90-Minute School Day podcast



90-Minute School Day in the Life community



Wild Math



Will you take a moment and rate the podcast?  Go to the show in your feed and scroll down to leave a 5 star review with one-click.  If you have a minute longer to support the podcast, would you write a review?  That is such a great way to say “thank you” if you enjoy the content we prepare and publish!  Thank you for your support and listening.



Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:43 Live Convo

38:45 Conclusion

40:10 Join Us Next Week

41:00 Outro

This episode is part 2 of 3 of our LIVE summer conversation series on "How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler." 
Kelly Edwards from “90-Minute School Day” and Robyn Robertson of “Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids” dive into the complexities of choosing and using curriculum in homeschooling or not using curriculum at all! They discuss the myths and expectations surrounding curriculum, the importance of understanding your family's unique needs, and how to balance structure with the freedom of learning. They also explore ways to make curriculum work for you, rather than feeling controlled by it.
Tune-in to hear insights for both new and seasoned homeschoolers, emphasizing the importance of connection, communication, and flexibility in education.
Would you like to join the next conversation LIVE?
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/howtobeanawesomehomeschooler.com/july24">Sign-up here to join our Summer Conversation Series!</a>
Save the date for our upcoming final conversation, hosted LIVE at 11 AM EDT:
July 16th - How Do I Know If I'm Doing Enough?
Other Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
<a href="https://www.bewildandfree.org/conference">Wild + Free conference in Sept.</a>
 
<a href="https://imhomeschooling.com/">Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids podcast</a>
 
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/honeyimhomeschoolingthekids">Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids patreon</a>
 
<a href="https://90minuteschoolday.com/podcast/">90-Minute School Day podcast</a>
 
<a href="https://90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life/">90-Minute School Day in the Life community</a>
 
<a href="https://discoverwildlearning.com/wild-math/">Wild Math</a>
 
Will you take a moment and rate the podcast?  Go to the show in your feed and scroll down to leave a 5 star review with one-click.  If you have a minute longer to support the podcast, would you write a review?  That is such a great way to say “thank you” if you enjoy the content we prepare and publish!  Thank you for your support and listening.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
04:43 Live Convo
38:45 Conclusion
40:10 Join Us Next Week
41:00 Outro

How Are You Able To Work And Homeschool? With Erika Brown

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