She wanted the perfect first day of homeschool. But she burnt out before Labor Day.

In this practical and encouraging episode, Christy-Faith shares her three-step “survival guide” for starting the homeschool year with confidence, connection, and calm. If you’ve ever sprinted into the school year with high expectations and ended up exhausted, overwhelmed, and second-guessing yourself, this is your reset.

From setting realistic expectations, to slowly layering in subjects, to making the first week memorable (and yes, fun!), Christy offers simple strategies to help you build a year that’s sustainable and joyful for you and your kids.

Because your homeschool shouldn’t fizzle out by October. It should last and thrive all year long.

The Christy-Faith Show | Ep. 78

🛠️ LINKS & RESOURCES
Free Homeschooling Resources
Find everything you need to simplify and strengthen your homeschool journey:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/links

Thrive Homeschool Community
Join Christy-Faith’s online community for mentorship, encouragement, and real friendships that last:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/thrive

Christy-Faith’s List
A curated directory of homeschool-friendly service providers, businesses, and colleges:
👉 https://christy-faiths-list.com

Christy-Faith’s Book: Homeschool Rising
📖 Encouragement and strategy for starting strong or starting over:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising

References Mentioned in Episode
🔗 Thrive Member’s Episode
🔗 Five Books Will Change Your Parenting and Homeschool Game Episode
🔗 Self Driven Child
🔗 Article: Effect of emotions on learning, memory, and disorders associated with the changes in expression levels: A narrative review

🎙️ SHOW SPONSORS

BJU Press Homeschool
✔ Flexible structure with a biblical worldview
✔ Built-in critical thinking and hands-on learning
👉 https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy

CTC Math
✔ Online, self-paced K–12 math curriculum
✔ 50% off plus a free trial for Christy-Faith listeners
👉 https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF

Lovevery – The Reading Skill Set
✔ Game-based, science-backed reading program
✔ 98% of kids improved in just 6 weeks
💰 https://lovevery.com/christyfaith (code CHRISTY10)

True North Academy

✔ Flexible Learning Options for Grades 6-12: Live, online classes or self-paced courses

✔ Future-Ready Programs: Dual Degree and Tech & Trades Diplomas 

✔ Faith-Friendly Excellence: Small class sizes, real-world skills, and teachers who share your values.

📅 Classes are starting soon!

👉 Visit https://truenorthhomeschool.academy to explore courses and enroll today!

🎧 SHOW RECAP

The start of a new homeschool year is full of possibility—but without the right approach, it can also lead straight to burnout. In this episode, Christy-Faith unpacks three powerful steps to help you start strong and stay the course:

✅ How to set “limbo-low” expectations that prevent frustration and foster success
✅ Why scaffolding your subjects leads to a stronger, more sustainable rhythm
✅ Ways to make the first week special so your kids (and you!) start the year with joy
✅ How fun and connection actually boost learning and memory retention
✅ Why pacing yourself now means still loving homeschool in week six and beyond

If you want your homeschool to feel less like a sprint and more like a joyful, steady marathon, this episode is your guide.

📌 Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a homeschool friend who’s gearing up for the new year.

💬 What’s your favorite first-day-of-homeschool tradition? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear your ideas.