Ready to actually use a foreign language in your homeschool—and give your high schooler credit for it? This episode is a breath of fresh air for every parent who’s ever tried to check the “foreign language” box…and wondered if anything was actually sticking.

Today, I’m joined again by Adelaide Olguin, founder of Talkbox Mom, whose innovative program teaches families to use a second language in real life (think: snack time, errands, or even brushing teeth). She and her husband, Hector, have raised their three boys across five continents, speaking multiple languages wherever they go.

Recently, Adelaide expanded Talkbox Mom to serve high schoolers too. If the idea of high school “credit” makes your palms sweat, don’t worry: she’s sharing exactly how to make real-world fluency count for both your transcript and your family connection.

We chat about what it takes to homeschool high school foreign language with confidence and joy—even if you’re learning right alongside your teen, juggling multiple ages, or terrified of testing.

Wondering if you can keep things hands-on and still get a transcript-ready result? This episode will have you saying “da,” “sí,” or just plain “yes, please!”

• The common pressure (and myth) around “doing high school foreign language right”—and how to actually serve your student
• Why most traditional programs leave kids unable to actually speak another language (even after years of study)
• How Talkbox Mom’s high school program works (yes, including record keeping, grading, and what “counts” as a credit)
• Practical ideas to integrate language learning with real family life—no need to become a grammar drill sergeant
• Easy ways to adapt if you have teens and little ones (or a teen who surprises you with a “random” language they want to study)
• Why fluency opens up opportunities for college, career, travel, and community
• How to handle grading, cultural projects, and “testing”—especially if you’re learning right along with your teen
• Real-life encouragement for the “type A” mom who needs a system (but wants actual results)

• Talkbox Mom + Free Starter Pack and all other resources Adelaide mentioned
• YMB #54 Natural Foreign Language Learning: A Conversation with Adelaide Olguin (Podcast)
• Language Learning Made Fun With a Fluency Approach (Podcast)

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt45

Are you homeschooling a neurodivergent child, or just feeling like the “typical” homeschool advice doesn’t fit your real life? This episode is for all the mamas who secretly (or not-so-secretly) wish for a blueprint, but end up building a rollercoaster every single day.

Today, I’m joined by Amie, a veteran mom of one, homeschooling her neurodivergent son, and living proof that “just one kid” does NOT mean it’s always a walk in the park! (Try keeping up with a high-speed Wikipedia page who only wants to talk about trains and Japanese sailing. It’s an Olympic sport.)

Amie opens up about her journey: from the failed attempt at “Best School in the System” to finding a unique family rhythm at home, letting go of expectations, and embracing a blend of Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and good old, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants adaptability. We dive into what school looks like for a wildly curious, deeply-focused teen and how Wonder Studies (yes, still with her high schooler!) has become a lifeline for jumpstarting curiosity and keeping herself sane.

Wonder how to juggle rabbit trails, box-checking, and your own perfectionist guilt? Amie and I get real about dropping the Pinterest boards and finding peace in the “messy middle.” If your homeschool feels all over the place. Spoiler: you’re in good company.

• Why letting go of “school should look like school” is the first step to real joy
• Exactly how Amie balances deep-dive interests with actually “doing the school things”
• Why unit studies + living books + rabbit holes are magic for neurodivergent and neurotypical kids alike
• Tips for Morning Time with a single, high-intensity learner (and why baskets save everyone’s sanity!)
• How Wonder Studies gives teens independence and mamas instant relief
• Letting go of perfectionism, surviving “no core subjects this week,” and still raising an amazing kid
• Why curiosity and joy matter just as much, if not more, than checking the boxes

• Wonder Studies Annual Access
• Teens on Track resources:
• Morning Time Plans

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt44

Are you craving more joy, flexibility, and real connection in your homeschool? Today’s episode is a deep-dive with Angela Huber, one of our own Homeschool Better Together community moms. Angela’s homeschool journey began like so many: She swore she’d never do it, then got thrown into elearning during 2020 (which, spoiler, did NOT spark joy). Fast-forward, she’s now navigating homeschooling three daughters (with learning differences and a toddler in the mix) and has made some major changes to reclaim that family-learning magic.

Angela shares exactly why her family pivoted away from a rigorous co-op (goodbye, hours of homework and family separation!), and leaned all-in with Wonder Studies, family-style learning, and a focus on togetherness. We get honest about the big switch: her fears around consistency and accountability, how she supports her girls with dyslexia, and why it sometimes feels like the toddler is actually the one in charge.

We laugh about the morning basket snuggles, get nerdy about “connected learning moments,” and get really real about what matters most: kids who want to be with you (even if the science experiment flops and the baby steals everyone’s pencils).

If you’ve ever wondered whether multi-age, family-style learning can actually work (or you need encouragement to step out of the “schooly” grind), this one’s for you.

• The surprising reason Angela ditched an intense co-op (and how it changed her homeschool culture)
• How she supports TWO kids with dyslexia, builds in “together time,” and keeps learning joyful… even with a toddler underfoot
• Exactly what a relaxed, real-life Wonder Studies day looks like (spoiler: it’s not color-coded or Pinterest perfect)
• The power of “connected learning moments” and why family learning is deeper (and way more fun!)
• How to overcome fears around “gaps,” consistency, and accountability when you leave a co-op
• The simple routines and tools Angela uses to keep learning happening year-round
• Why her kids say their favorite part isn’t a resource or experiment—but simply “being together”

• Wonder Studies
• Morning Time resources from Pam
• History Plus Online
• Spelling Plus
• Logic of English
• Homeschool Better Together Free Community

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt43