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
107 - Simple Phonics Help for Homeschool Moms with Melanie Jeffrey-Teach Your Child to Read Without Tears
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Teaching your child to read can feel overwhelming—even for experienced homeschool moms.
In this encouraging conversation, Maeve sits down with former literacy teacher and phonics expert Melanie Jeffrey, host of Phonics Rules for Kids, to talk about why many children struggle with reading and how simple, clear phonics instruction can change everything.
You’ll learn:
- The best age to begin phonics instruction
- How to help beginning, emerging, and struggling readers
- Simple 15-minute daily activities that actually work
- What to do when your child is stuck—or when you feel discouraged
If you’ve ever wondered, “What if I can’t teach my child to read?”
This episode will replace fear with confidence and practical hope.
Show Notes:
Published Feb. 15, 2026
🔗 Resources & Links
Full episode page + all Melanie’s resources:
👉 https://maevejemison.com/107
Melanie’s website & phonics curriculum:
👉 https://phonicsrulesforkids.com
Listen to the Phonics Rules for Kids podcast:
👉 https://phonicsrulesforkids.com/podcast
⭐ Enjoying the Podcast?
If this episode encouraged you, would you take 30 seconds to:
- Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review
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Your support helps more Catholic families find hope and confidence in their homeschooling journey.
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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
