• From Frustration to Connection: A Better Way to Teach Your Child with Sandra Flees
    May 26 2026

    Welcome back to another episode of Home School with Steph. I love being able to interview different people and provide resources as well as share my own experience on today's episode. So today's episode is going to be for the mom who has ever sat at the table with her child and thought, why is this so hard? The tears, the resistance, the moments of I can't that are being said, what if it's not about the curriculum and what if it's not even about your child's ability to learn? Today, I'm talking with Sandra Flees, a sensory-based learning creator, homeschooling mom, and the heart behind Chasing Fireflies Learning. Sandra helps parents understand how their child learns through what they can see, hear, and feel, and how to support their nervous system so learning can actually stick, talking about emotional regulation, reducing resistance, and creating homeschool days that feel more calm, more connected, and more doable. So if you ever feel discouraged or stuck with homeschooling, stick around. This is the episode you're going to want to listen to.



    • Show Notes:
    • 00:00 Intro
    • 00:00 Introduction to Sensory-Based Learning
    • 02:55 Understanding the Importance of Regulation
    • 05:54 Movement as a Learning Tool
    • 09:04 Implementing Sensory-Based Learning
    • 11:54 The Journey of Homeschooling
    • 14:56 Flexible Structure in Education
    • 17:56 Nurturing Interests and Skills
    • 20:14 The Determination of a Mother
    • 22:32 Creating Effective Learning Tools
    • 23:54 Sharing Resources and Strategies
    • 25:49 The Importance of Regulation in Learning
    • 28:30 Overcoming Homeschooling Challenges
    • 34:06 Socialization Myths in Homeschooling
    • 40:14 Trusting Maternal Intuition


    Links:

    • Find her on instagram @chasingfireflieslearning


    • State Laws for homeschool


    • Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

    www.ivianaandco.com

    • Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

    www.stephriosblog.com




    Let’s connect!

    Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

    Steph Rios Blog

    Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

    @stephriosblog



    Leave a review!

    Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!


    ~Steph


    *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state


    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Homeschooling support through the high school years with Mariam Ghouri
    May 19 2026

    Welcome back to Home School with Steph, the podcast where we remind you that you are capable, qualified, and not alone on your homeschooling journey. Today's conversation is for the mom who has looked at her child and thought, I know they're capable. What more can we do? Today, I'm sitting down with Mariam, the founder of My Tutoring Spot and MTS Collegiate Academy. I love her story. It didn't just start as a business, it started as a personal calling where she saw students who needed more support and help and figured out how to help them. Now she partners with families to help them through tutoring services, homeschool planning, and high school planning, including how to navigate those high school transcripts and college prep and the dual enrollment. Coming alongside parents, not replacing them. If you've ever wondered what it could look like to have someone in your corner as you homeschool, this episode is going to encourage you so much.



    • Show Notes:
    • 00:00 Intro
    • 00:56 The Role of Tutoring in Homeschooling
    • 04:05 Navigating High School Homeschooling
    • 06:56 Understanding Dual Credit Programs
    • 12:59 The Journey to Founding My Tutoring Spot
    • 16:03 Empowering Students Through Flexibility
    • 19:06 The Balance of Homeschooling and Public Schooling
    • 23:56 Rediscovering Fun in Motherhood
    • 25:18 Exploring Homeschooling Options
    • 27:29 Navigating Middle School and High School Homeschooling
    • 31:06 Fostering Open Communication with Teens
    • 33:22 Encouraging Self-Directed Learning
    • 39:14 Preparing for a Changing Job Market
    • 42:18 Finding Balance in Parenting
    • 43:29 Encouragement for Homeschooling Parents
    • 45:39 Exploring Diverse Educational Approaches


    Links:

    • Check out her Website
    • Find her on instagram @mytutoringspot


    • State Laws for homeschool


    • Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

    www.ivianaandco.com

    • Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

    www.stephriosblog.com




    Let’s connect!

    Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

    Steph Rios Blog

    Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

    @stephriosblog



    Leave a review!

    Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!


    ~Steph


    *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state


    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Homeschooling Through Different Seasons: Balancing Motherhood, Business, and Family with Britnee
    May 14 2026

    Hello and welcome back to another episode of homeschool Steph. I am so glad you're here today because I think you're going to love this conversation. It's going to encourage so many of you who are trying to balance motherhood business and homeschooling all at the same time. Today I am joined by Britnee. She is the owner of Papaya Sue boutique. She is also a hairdresser or hairstylist, I just found that out, and she's a mama. She's home with school through different seasons of life, and knows firsthand what it looks like to adapt, pivot and figure things out. As we go along, figure out what's best for our family and our kids as they grow and as life changes.+


    • Show Notes:
    • 00:00 Intro
    • 02:57 Brittany's Journey Through Homeschooling
    • 06:00 Adapting Education to Individual Needs
    • 08:45 The Balance of Homeschooling and Public School
    • 11:52 Finding Identity Beyond Motherhood
    • 14:56 The Importance of Self-Care for Moms
    • 17:48 Navigating Changes in Family Dynamics
    • 22:41 Navigating the Phases of Motherhood
    • 25:21 Balancing Business and Family Life
    • 26:55 Involving Kids in Your Work
    • 29:57 The Importance of Connection and Involvement
    • 32:24 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Children
    • 34:15 Shifting Perspectives on Motherhood and Work
    • 37:19 Embracing Change and Finding Joy
    • 41:42 Final Thoughts on Motherhood and Business


    Links:


    • Check out her Website
    • Find her on instagram @ papayasue


    • State Laws for homeschool


    • Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

    www.ivianaandco.com

    • Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

    www.stephriosblog.com




    Let’s connect!

    Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

    Steph Rios Blog

    Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

    @stephriosblog



    Leave a review!

    Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!


    ~Steph


    *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state


    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Encouragement for Parents Balancing Different Learning Styles, Self-Doubt, and Unexpected Challenges
    May 5 2026

    Hello, welcome to another episode of Homeschool Staff. Thank you so much for joining me. Okay, today we're gonna talk about something new that's happened over at our home. We have a new homeschooling student. Yep, we've picked up another one and we are going to finish out the school year with her.



    • Show Notes:
    • 00:00 Intro
    • 00:33 Welcoming a New Homeschooling Student
    • 02:57 Navigating Changes in Homeschooling Dynamics
    • 05:35 Addressing Comparison and Self-Reflection in Learning
    • 08:32 Encouragement for Homeschooling Parents
    • 11:34 Connecting with the Homeschooling Community


    Links:


    • State Laws for homeschool


    • Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

    www.ivianaandco.com

    • Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

    www.stephriosblog.com




    Let’s connect!

    Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

    Steph Rios Blog

    Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

    @stephriosblog



    Leave a review!

    Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!


    ~Steph


    *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • 78:Homeschool Grammar Made Simple: Patty McGee on Fun Literacy Activities and, Writing Skills
    Apr 28 2026

    Welcome back to another episode of Homeschooling with Steph. Today I have Patty McGee in the studio with me. She is a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, and educator with a passion for transforming classrooms into spaces where language and learning come alive. And I know she'll be able to apply that to the homeschooling students that we all have. With decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and advocate for delightful literacy practices, Patty has worked alongside educators across the country partnering to unlock the full potential of their students.


    • Show Notes:
    • 00:00 Intro
    • 02:44 The Journey from Teaching to Literacy Consulting
    • 05:24 Advice for Teaching Reading to Struggling Learners
    • 10:53 Understanding Key Reading Concepts
    • 14:25 The Importance of Nonfiction in Reading
    • 18:19 Creating Engaging Learning Environments
    • 24:49 The Role of Grammar in Literacy
    • 37:18 Nurturing Voice Through Grammar
    • 39:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms


    Links:

    • Check out Patty’s Website
    • Find her on instagram @pmgmcgee
    • Patty’s Linked-in


    • State Laws for homeschool


    • Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

    www.ivianaandco.com

    • Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

    www.stephriosblog.com




    Let’s connect!

    Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

    Steph Rios Blog

    Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

    @stephriosblog



    Leave a review!

    Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!


    ~Steph


    *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state


    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • What AI Teachers Mean for Homeschooling, Family Connection, and the Future of Education
    Apr 22 2026

    Hello and welcome to another episode of Home School Steph. Thanks so much for joining me again. I am so glad to be here. It's been a minute since we've done a solo episode. Maybe it doesn't feel that way to you, but I've had some great guests lately, so I hope you've caught those episodes. I just love bringing really good resources to you. Today I'm going to do something a little bit different and we're going to talk about a current event that honestly, it came across my feed on Instagram, but I did a little bit of research on it, and It intrigued me.



    • Show Notes:
    • 00:00 Intro
    • 02:56 The Impact of Technology on Education
    • 05:55 Humanoid Robots in the Classroom
    • 08:55 Concerns About Emotional Well-Being
    • 11:58 The Future of Education and Technology
    • 14:44 Conclusion and Reflection on Homeschooling

    Links:


    • State Laws for homeschool


    • Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

    www.ivianaandco.com

    • Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

    www.stephriosblog.com




    Let’s connect!

    Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

    Steph Rios Blog

    Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

    @stephriosblog



    Leave a review!

    Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!


    ~Steph


    *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state


    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Raising Safety-Aware Kids Without Raising Fear - former LAPD Jeff Wenninger
    Apr 14 2026

    Welcome to another episode of Home School with Steph. Today I have Jeff Wenninger, retired LAPD lieutenant with 33 years of service. He is also the author of the book On Thin Ice, an LAPD veteran's journey to reimagine policing. Today he helps police departments and communities rethink modern policing through training, research and consulting.


    • Show Notes:
    • 00:00 Intro
    • 02:42 The Evolution of Policing and Community Relations
    • 05:39 Challenges in Law Enforcement: A Personal Perspective
    • 08:45 The Importance of Community Engagement in Safety
    • 11:38 Reimagining School Safety: The Role of Trusted Adults
    • 15:00 The Impact of Parental Involvement on School Violence
    • 17:44 Navigating Technology: The Digital Age and Youth
    • 20:52 The Consequences of Screen Time on Child Development
    • 26:18 Navigating Social Media and Bullying
    • 26:59 The Role of Parents in Child Safety
    • 28:38 Empowering Children with Technology
    • 32:22 Preparing Kids for Real-World Scenarios
    • 36:48 Balancing Awareness and Fear
    • 42:28 Community Involvement for Safety
    • 44:48 Reimagining Policing and Community Relations
    • 50:50 Normalizing Safety Conversations


    Links:

    • Find Jeff on Linked-In
    • Check out Jeff’s book: On Thin Ice
    • https://lawenforcementconsultants.com


    • State Laws for homeschool


    • Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

    www.ivianaandco.com

    • Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

    www.stephriosblog.com




    Let’s connect!

    Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

    Steph Rios Blog

    Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

    @stephriosblog



    Leave a review!

    Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!


    ~Steph


    *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state


    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Teaching Kids About Money: Raising Financially Confident Adults with Deb Kierstead
    Apr 7 2026

    Hello and welcome to another episode of Homeschool with Deb. Today in the studio, I have Deb. Deb is a homeschooling mom to four kiddos who are now grown. And I always love an opportunity to talk to a seasoned homeschool mama who can share her experience with us. Deb loves teaching children and now teaches financial literacy to children in her community and has also developed homeschooling curriculum to help those that she can't reach in person.


    • Show Notes:
    • 00:00 Intro
    • 01:00Introduction to Homeschooling and Financial Literacy
    • 03:07 The Importance of Early Money Conversations
    • 05:55 Budgeting and Real-Life Financial Skills
    • 08:52 Involving Kids in Everyday Financial Decisions
    • 12:14 Reflections on Homeschooling Experience
    • 17:51 The Value of Personalized Learning Styles
    • 26:06 The Homeschooling Lifestyle: Community and Connection
    • 30:28 The Benefits of Homeschooling: A Family Perspective
    • 33:36 Building Strong Family Bonds Through Homeschooling
    • 39:05 Financial Literacy: Preparing Kids for the Future



    Links:

    Check out Deb’s Website: http://www.liveskillsmoney.com/

    Here you can get the academy, or Home- edition of her course.


    • State Laws for homeschool


    • Check out my jewelry. Fun & feminine designs to help you feel like your most confident self. Use promo code: earrings at checkout for 10% off your first order!

    www.ivianaandco.com

    • Personal blog with family travel tips, homeschooling resources and the occasional DIY

    www.stephriosblog.com




    Let’s connect!

    Join me on Facebook: Iviana & Co

    Steph Rios Blog

    Join me on Instagram: @ivianaandco

    @stephriosblog



    Leave a review!

    Did this podcast episode resonate with you? If you found it helpful and meaningful, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also screenshot the episode and share it to your social network! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you!


    ~Steph


    *I do make a small commission from amazon links as an amazon affiliate. No legal advice is being given in regards to homeschooling. Make sure to check your state laws and remain compliant with homeschool laws in your state

    Show More Show Less
    51 mins