What does “critical thinking” actually look like in a Catholic homeschool? In this episode, Maeve and Matt unpack why critical thinking breaks down when we stop slowing down, questioning ourselves, and seeking truth with humility—and why Catholic families have a unique advantage when truth is the goal.

Using a real-life conversation sparked by a “Friendly Defender Friday” question (“Do Catholics believe they alone possess the truth?”), they walk through how to help kids research, analyze Church history, and synthesize what they learn—without getting swept up in half-truths, internet hot takes, or AI doing the thinking for them.

You’ll also hear:

• A simple, practical definition of critical thinking (and common blocks to it)
• Why debate and charitable conversation sharpen discernment
• A clear “AI rule” for homeschool parents: don’t let AI learn for them
• How Church history (heresy, councils, and hard questions) can become a training ground for truth-seeking

Anchored in John 16:13, this episode is both a mindset shift and a hands-on guide for raising kids who can think clearly, love truth, and speak it with charity.

Link to Last week's episode: 104 Do Not Despise the Day of Small Things.

Keywords:

Catholic homeschooling

critical thinking skills

Catholic education

teaching kids critical thinking

faith and reason

Catholic apologetics for kids

AI and education

homeschool critical thinkingCatholic homeschooling

critical thinking skills

Catholic education

teaching kids critical thinking

faith and reason

Catholic apologetics for kids

AI and education

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Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

What if the most important parts of homeschooling aren’t the lessons you finish—but the moments you almost miss?

In this episode, Maeve reflects on a simple prayer—“Lord, show me what’s important today”—and how God answered it through ordinary homeschool moments: a rare nap, a family heirloom quilt, a child’s honest question, and the quiet joy of watching children thrive. Drawing from Scripture, Catholic tradition, the wisdom of the saints, and Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, this episode reassures parents that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in everyday homeschool life.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the small, repetitive moments of homeschooling really matter, this episode is an invitation to slow down, notice, and trust that God is forming something eternal in your home.

SHOW NOTES Published January 25, 2026

• Asking God to reveal what truly matters in homeschooling
• Finding holiness in ordinary homeschool moments
• The spiritual meaning of heirlooms and generational faith
• Why learning is sacred work inspired by the Holy Spirit
• Saints who remind us that God moves in daily life
• Trusting that God is at work even when no one sees

Scripture for Reflection

Quotes Referenced

• “Do not despise the day of small things.” (Zechariah 4:10)
• St. Teresa of Avila on God moving amid the pots and pans
• Charlotte Mason on the Holy Spirit as the true instructor of knowledge

Encouragement for Parents

Homeschooling may feel ordinary, unfinished, or unseen—but God is forming heirlooms of faith in your home. The small moments matter more than you think.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

Even the most beautiful homeschool days have a behind-the-scenes mess. In this episode, Maeve shares 20 practical, doable ways to reset the moment and turn around hard homeschool days—with faith, humor, and a healthy dose of realism (and maybe a little wine at the end).

You’ll hear:

• Why praying in front of your kids matters
• The power of Holy Spirit hugs (yes, they’re a thing)
• Simple resets that work for preschoolers through high school
• Why struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re doing it right

✨ 20 Ways to Reset the Moment

1. Pray in front of your children
2. Holy Spirit hugs (6+ seconds!)
3. Take a nature walk
4. Go outside and sit on a blanket
5. Quit the thing that’s causing the meltdown
6. Deep breathing (5-7-8)
7. Play a favorite song or praise music
8. Read a picture book aloud
9. Quiet time (for kids and mom)
10. Lock yourself away and cry it out
11. Hands-on tasks (Play-Doh, Legos, baking, organizing)
12. Quiet reading time
13. Refreshments or ritual tea time
14. Puzzle time or creative work
15. Draw or color
16. Tell a joke or read a joke book
17. Read a poem aloud
18. Call your spouse and vent
19. “Send them to the principal” (aka Dad)
20. Plan a field trip
    Bonus: Simple reward systems work wonders

🔗 Links & Resources

• Episode page + printable list: maevejemison.com/103
• Photographer mentioned: Shey Marin
  (Perfect for DC cherry blossom sessions — tell her Maeve & Matt sent you)
• Join the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook group (to see the legendary Christmas card!)

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

In this episode, Maeve and Mat share ten practical tools that have strengthened their Catholic homeschooling over the years — from faith-filled apps and saint resources to apologetics cards, family-friendly podcasts, and tech choices that support virtue.

You’ll hear real-life stories from their home, how these tools have shaped their kids’ faith and confidence, and why small daily practices — like saint-of-the-day readings, friendly apologetics conversations, and intentional tech — can make a big difference in family life and discipleship.

This one is equal parts helpful, encouraging, and a little bit hilarious (yes, including the sprinting Amazon driver and the middle-school group text thread).

Episode notes, Published January 11, 2026

Catholic Apps & Digital Tools

• iMissal — Saint of the Day & Daily Readings
  https://imissal.com
  
  
• Laudate — Catholic Prayers, Rosary, Catechism & More
  https://www.ayckasoft.com/laudate
  
  
• Truthfully — Catholic AI Study & Reference Tool
  https://truthly.ai
  
  

Books, Audio & Kids Resources

• 57 Saints — Catholic Biography Collection
  https://ignatius.com/57-saints-p2905/
  
  
• Friendly Defender Flashcards (Catholic Apologetics for Kids & Teens)
  https://friendlydefenders.com
  
  
• Holy Heroes — Advent, Lent, Glory Stories & Faith Resources
  https://holyheroes.com
  
  

Catechism & Faith Formation

• Catechism of the Catholic Church (Online Reference)
  https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
  
  
• Catholic Answers — Apologetics Articles & Podcasts
  https://www.catholic.com
  
  

Catholic Podcasts Mentioned

• Catechism in a Year — Fr. Mike Schmitz
  https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechisminayear
  
  
• American Catholic History Podcast
  https://americancatholichistory.org
  
  
• Road to Emmaus — Dr. Scott Hahn
  https://stpaulcenter.com/audio/road-to-emmaus
  
  
• Lila Rose Podcast
  https://www.liveaction.org/lilarosepodcast/
  
  

Intentional Tech for Families

• Wise Phone — Minimal, Distraction-Free Phone Option
  https://techless.com/wisephone

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

As we ring in 2026, this homeschool family is learning in nature while camping in Georgia. Please enjoy a replay of Homeschooling for Catholic Parents' most popular episode of all time.

Thank you so much for tuning in each week. We appreciate you being here!

Episode Notes (Replayed January 4, 2026)

Originally published March 30, 2025

Are you worried about staying consistent in your homeschool? Dying to find the perfect routine that you'll stick to forever? It's a struggle for me too! Let me let you in on my secrets. I promise they're fun, and your children will not only thrive, but also love doing them.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

What does it actually mean to raise “successful” kids—and does success have anything to do with money?

In this milestone 100th episode, Maeve and Matt walk through a popular Rich Habits Test for Parents, answering 40 questions with total transparency (no pretending, no parenting flexing). From screen time and food habits to gratitude, grit, and goal-setting, they score themselves honestly—and invite you to do the same.

But here’s the twist: at the end of the test, they ask the question that matters most to Catholic homeschool families:
What actually helps children remain Catholic into adulthood?

Drawing on research, lived experience, and faith, they share 7 key practices—from sacramental life and family rituals to role-modeling integrity and serving others—that form the foundation of a lasting Catholic identity.

This episode is funny, convicting, practical, and deeply encouraging—perfect for Advent reflection and anyone who wants to raise not just successful kids, but saints

Show Notes:

Published Dec. 21, 2025

Ginny Yurich Part 1

Ginny Yurich Part 2

Rich Habits Test for Parents.

Grit by Angela Duckworth

The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud & Ned Johnson

The Forgotten Way, which I referred to as: The St. James Way by Matthew Kelly

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

Many new or discerning homeschool parents share the same fear: “What if we butt heads all day?” In this episode, Maeve and Matt unpack real listener concerns and offer practical, Catholic-rooted solutions for cooperation, motivation, and peaceful homeschooling.

They revisit the timeless wisdom of Charlotte Mason, explore what “first-time obedience” looks like (and why counting to three doesn’t work), and talk honestly about discipline—from biblical authority to gentle consequences to understanding each child’s “currency” of motivation. You’ll also hear a powerful story of how quickly even very young children can form beautiful habits through Mass and catechesis.

Expect humor, honesty, and encouragement as they show you how good habits + biblical character + thoughtful motivation can transform your homeschool days.

Show Notes, Published December 14, 2025

Character Concepts Curriculum

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

In Part 2 of Maeve’s rich and energizing conversation with 1000 Hours Outside founder Ginny Yurich, the wisdom keeps flowing. Ginny unpacks what it truly means to honor a child’s individual timeline, including her story of the daughter who became a certified personal trainer at 15—after years of slower reading and spelling progress that would’ve been labeled in a traditional system. They discuss why homeschooling lets you trust God’s design for each child, why biographies build resilience and perspective, and why nature restores the mind even when we don’t feel like going outside.
Ginny also tackles the big modern question: What do we do about AI? Her insights on technology, boundaries, writing, and critical thinking will equip every parent raising kids in a digital world. This episode is a breath of fresh air for any homeschooler who’s ever wondered, “Is this even working?”

In This Episode (Published, Sunday Dec. 7, 2025) We Cover:

• ✨ Part 2 of Maeve’s conversation with Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside
• 📘 The empowering idea that “there are as many ways to become educated as fingerprints”
• 🧠 Why homeschooling means trusting the long game—not quick benchmarks
• 👧 The story of Ginny’s daughter who struggled with reading/spelling and became a NASM-certified trainer at 15
• 📚 The Rich Habits Test for Parents and what success really looks like
• 👀 Why reading biographies changes how kids see their own timeline (and why moms should read them too!)
• 🌲 How time in nature restores cognition even when we don’t feel like going outside
• 🤖 The promise & peril of AI—wise boundaries for modern parents
• ✍️ Why writing is about the process, not the product—and what kids lose when AI writes their papers
• 🌊 Encouragement for late bloomers, worried moms, and anyone swimming upstream

Books Mentioned:

Rich Habits Test for Parents

Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling – John Taylor Gatto
https://www.amazon.com/Dumbing-Down-Curriculum-Compulsory-Anniversary/dp/0865714487

Amazon

Learning All the Time – John Holt
(John Holt GWS – publisher shop)
https://www.johnholtgws.com/shop/p/learning-all-the-time

John Holt GWS

Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life – Peter Gray
(Overview + links to purchase)

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1