Homeschooling For Catholic Parents
You’re wondering if homeschooling is for you. But your inner critic is telling you you’re not enough. How can I teach my kid when we can’t get through homework without tears and yelling? How would the daily routine look? What curriculum will you use? Your house is already a wreck. You don’t want to feel isolated, like you’re on an island where everyone wears long dresses and raises goats. Plus, aren’t homeschoolers weird?
I am so excited you're here! This podcast will give you peace of mind as you raise successful adults who understand their Catholic faith and how to defend it. I’ll help you find the routine that works for you, you’ll still have community, if that’s what you want, and even a clean, organized home is possible (sometimes).
I’m Maeve Jemison, and I host this pod with my handsome husband, Mat. We’re Catholics who prioritize worship and apologetics through our homeschool journey with our five kids.
I’ve made many mistakes along the way. As a young adult, I left the Catholic church because I didn't understand what was going on. I was a government school graduate and high school teacher so I thought homeschooling meant replicating government school at home. (I was wayyyy off!)
When I finally learned the depths and truths of Catholicism, I was adamant that I would teach my little cradle Catholics about the history and beauty of the religion that Jesus started. No way would my kids be as oblivious as I was. Our homeschooling became a delightful adventure, with the Lord guiding us in tailoring our children’s education. I knew I had found my calling!
If you’re ready to thrive as the domestic church through worship, apologetics and homeschooling, then this podcast is for you!
Thanks for stopping by because home is where the truth is!
Homeschooling For Catholic Parents
86 - The Value of Wrinkles: Why Catholic Homeschool Families Need Grandparents in Their Curriculum, with Isabel Tom
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What if the greatest mission field for your kids isn’t across the ocean—but across the street? In this episode, Maeve talks with Isabel Tom, author of The Value of Wrinkles, about helping children discover the gift of older adults in their lives. From grandparents who live down the road to the lonely widow in the front pew, Isabel shares practical (and fun) ways families can build bridges across generations. Spoiler: you don’t need a passport, a degree, or even a driver’s license—just a kid, a smile, and maybe a slice of cake.
Isabel shares her story of growing up in a multi-generational home, how her kids inspired her to create the Grandkid Investigator Kit, and practical, heart-warming ways to connect children with grandparents, parish elders, and lonely seniors who are longing for love. Spoiler: no passport required—just a child willing to say “good morning.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why Catholic homeschool families don’t need to travel far to teach kids service and mission
- The spiritual, emotional, and academic benefits of intergenerational relationships
- How grandparents add an “extra layer of love” (and why it matters in today’s distracted culture)
- The inspiration behind Isabel’s Grandkid Investigator Kit and Summer Challenge
- Practical ideas to help your kids connect with grandparents—even if they live far away
- A Catholic perspective on honoring elders and building family faith across generations
Resources & Mentions
- Guest: Isabel Tom – Author of The Value of Wrinkles
- Website: valueofwrinkles.com
- Free Mission Download: valueofwrinkles.com/freemission
- Instagram: @isabelctom
- Website: valueofwrinkles.com
- Books & Ideas Mentioned:
- The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman
- Jefferson Bethke’s “Grandparent Show & Tell" Idea.
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
