The BIG Home Ed Conversations

• BIG Home Ed Book Club: Introducing Our First Pick: The Four-Hour School Day

  This week, Ashley pops in solo to launch something new and fun for our community—the BIG Home Ed Book Club! Think bite-sized, practical reflections you can listen to on a walk, while folding laundry, or between activities. In this intro, Ashley: Shares why we’re starting a book club now (hello accountability and actually finishing the gems on our shelves) Walks through the books on her current list and why they matter for home-educating families Explains how the series will work: short recaps, key takeaways, surprises, and who each book is best for—even if you don’t read along! Books mentioned The Four-Hour School Day by Durenda Wilson — Next week’s pick! The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Untangled by Lisa Damour The Case for Make-Believe by Susan Linn Between by Sarah Ockwell-Smith Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings by Dr. Laura Markham The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie Let Them Be Kids by Jessica Smartt Raising Critical Thinkers by Julie Bogart What’s next Read along: The Four-Hour School Day by Durenda Wilson Ashley will share a practical, no-fluff recap next week: big ideas, what surprised her, and how to apply it in real life Why this series will help Quick refreshers so the good stuff actually sticks Support for parents at different stages—from little years to tweens and teens Curated, relevant reads for UK home ed families (and beyond) Links Read-Aloud Revival: readaloudrevival.com (book lists, podcast, family book club) Follow us on TikTok and Instagram: @bighomeedpodcast Podcast page: www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/podcast If you’re new here This is a bonus mini-episode. For our usual conversations, start with earlier episodes to get a feel for our style and mission! In the mean time don't forget to: Subscribe so you don’t miss the first book club review! Share this episode with a home ed friend who loves a good book stack! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us!! Keywords: home education, homeschooling, book club, home ed resources, Durenda Wilson, The Four-Hour School Day, parenting books, tween parenting, read-alouds, Julie Bogart, UK home education

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• Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed – Ep 4: Regulate, Reconnect, and Read the Room

  Newly deregistered or just beginning your home ed journey this September? You’re in the right place. In the final episode of the “Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed” series, Kelly Rigg (home education mindset coach and co-host of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast) shares a calm, practical 90‑day plan to help you find your feet without recreating school at home. Kelly’s simple three-Rs framework: Regulate: Lower stress by meeting basic needs first—breath, water, food, sleep, movement, and sensory decompression. Expect dysregulation after leaving school; make space for it. Reconnect: Rebuild trust and joy with 10 minutes of undivided attention, low-pressure outings, and child-led choices. Get their buy-in before booking clubs to avoid resentment. Read the room (Observe): Light-touch notes on what lights them up, what frustrates them, and where you connect. Spot patterns and gently follow their rabbit holes—without overengineering and killing the spark. You’ll learn: Why the early 'mess' is normal—and how to reduce overwhelm fast! How to balance your needs with theirs (boundaries and compromises that work.) What to do if your kids ask to go back to school (and why that feeling is common.) How much “education time” you actually need (hint: far less than a school day!) Permission slips: it’s okay to pause, scrap a plan, or write off a day (or longer!) Focus on meeting those needs, reconnecting and noticing and you will lay the best foundations for your home ed journey. Helpful resources: Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed Workbook and the First 30 Days of Home Ed calendar (daily prompts to regulate, reconnect, and observe): www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/work-with-me What’s up next: Ashley’s Book Club mini-series kicks off next week! Your chance to find out what we have been loving reading lately! Season 4 (Fresh Perspectives) starts early October with inspiring guests and conversations that stretch curiosity and empathy towards individuals in our diverse communities who are seriously under-represented in education. Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss it! Join the conversation:Are you just starting out or still have questions? Share with us on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast. Keywords: home education UK, starting home education, first 90 days home ed, deschooling, home education mindset, deregistration UK, home ed routine, neurodivergent home education, gentle parenting, unschooling principles

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• Rituals, Traditions & Social Conditioning: Letting Go of Back-to-School Pressure in Home Ed

  Feeling the urge to buy new pens or lunchboxes—even though your kids aren’t going “back to school”? You’re not alone! In this heartfelt episode, Kelly and Ashley dive deep into the rituals and traditions that sneak into home education, and how social conditioning around “back-to-school” can trigger anxiety, guilt, or FOMO—even for seasoned home ed families. We unpack: Why back-to-school shopping and new routines tug at our emotions (even when we know we don’t need them) The difference between meaningful family traditions and habits that are just social pressure in disguise How to create authentic, empowering rituals that suit your unique home ed lifestyle Letting go of external judgment, performance anxiety, and the need to “keep up” Practical ways to build core memories and intentional family traditions—without the overwhelm Plus, we share real-life stories, gentle mindset shifts, and plenty of laughs about muddy camping clothes, first impressions, and the power of saying “no” to unnecessary expectations. This summer, Outschool have offered us a sponsored opportunity to use—and honestly review—their learning platform right here on the podcast. Go listen to what we have to say! If you’d like to take advantage of the offer we mention, head to www.outschool.com/HOMEED and use code HOMEED35 to get $35 off your family’s first month! Perfect for home educating parents in the UK (and beyond!) who want to break free from school-based conditioning, trust their instincts, and build a home ed life that feels good all year round. Let us know: What rituals or pressures are you letting go of this year? Drop us a message on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast!

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• Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed – Ep 3: How to Build a Home Ed Routine That Works for Your Whole Family

  Are you about to start home education and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, routines, and expectations? You’re not alone! In this episode of the Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed series, Kelly Rigg (home educating mum, mindset coach, and podcast co-founder) talks honestly about the realities of transitioning into home ed life—especially how to create a routine that actually works for your whole family, not just your kids. We explore: Why home education is a lifestyle shift, not just an education decision How to factor in YOUR needs, ambitions, and well-being (not just your child’s) The truth about time, structure, and finding balance as a home ed parent Why “busy” isn’t always better—and how to avoid hustle culture and burnout The power of intrinsic learning, curiosity, and letting go of school-based routines Practical tips for building a rhythm that feels good for everyone, including you You’ll also hear about Kelly’s own journey (and mistakes!), why it’s okay to use the national curriculum as a starting point, and how to gently question what really matters most for your family. Plus, get reassurance that it’s normal to feel unsteady—and that you’re allowed to slow down, say no, and make space for your own growth and happiness. Mentioned in this episode: The “Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed” workbook (journaling prompts & self-reflection tools) The “First 30 Days of Home Ed” calendar (gentle daily prompts for a soft landing—grab it from the Offroading Motherhood website) Free 30-minute coaching chat with Kelly for parents who want extra support You can grab all of these from www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/work-with-me If you’re struggling to balance everyone’s needs or worried you’ll lose yourself in the process, this episode will help you breathe, reset, and step into home ed with more confidence and clarity. Ready to build a home ed life that works for all of you? Share your thoughts, questions, or routines with us on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast—or book a free chat with Kelly today!

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• Roadblocks to Home Education: Overcoming Doubts, Fears & Practical Barriers

  Thinking about home education but feeling overwhelmed by doubts, legal questions, or worries about what others will think? You’re not alone! In this episode, Kelly and Ashley get real about the most common roadblocks families face when starting (or even just considering) their home ed journey—from legalities and partner hesitations to social pressure, money worries, and the myth that you need to replicate school at home. We discuss: Is home education really legal in the UK (and beyond)? How to get confident about the rules Navigating partner, family, and friend scepticism—especially when no one around you “gets it” The fear of “ruining” your child’s education, missing out on socialisation, or not being “qualified” Why you don’t need to replicate school at home (and how much time home ed actually takes) The realities of working, budgeting, and fitting in self-care as a home educating parent How to handle awkward questions from strangers and the pressure to justify your choices The importance of building a supportive community and trusting your instincts Plus, we share our own stories—honest moments of doubt, funny run-ins with “concerned” strangers, and what finally helped us move past the biggest mental and practical barriers. This summer, Outschool have offered us a sponsored opportunity to use—and honestly review—their learning platform right here on the podcast. Go listen to what we have to say! If you’d like to take advantage of the offer we mention, head to www.outschool.com/HOMEED and use code HOMEED35 to get $35 off your family’s first month! Whether you’re just researching, feeling stuck, or already on your home ed journey but hitting new hurdles, this episode will help you breathe, reframe your worries, and find practical ways forward. Remember: most “roadblocks” are just questions waiting for honest answers—and you’re allowed to do things differently. Resources mentioned: Mindset coaching and support (with Kelly) - go to www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/work-with-me Real-life examples and encouragement from the home ed community What’s the biggest roadblock on your mind right now? DM us on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast and let’s talk about it!

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