This guest post on the reasons homeschool moms should listen to podcasts is by homeschool mom and podcast fanatic, Sarah Miller-Snyder. If this post convinces you to try out podcasts, be sure to check out our podcast, “Homeschooling with Technology” (available at all the usual places you find podcasts) or online. AND check out Sarah’s website, Podcast Living, for many more ideas on podcasts for you to listen to. Share your favorites in the comments!
1. You will get amazing, unique, and helpful information for free!
Podcasts are totally FREE!
I mean, do you really need to keep reading? Why not try them- just head to the podcast app on your smartphone it will take you less than 60 seconds to get started. Podcasts are free….absolutely free, as in no trial subscription, no sign-up for an email list, no obligation, nothing- just free.
You literally have nothing to lose. If you aren’t sold (even though you didn’t have to buy anything), here are 9 more reasons to persuade you.
2. You will finally do something just for YOU!
Podcasts are for you, and only you (unless you choose to share them).
Yes, I said it- YOU. The person who takes care of everyone and everything- now here’s something for you. Just you (well, you can include your family if you wish!). No fighting over which channel to watch or getting kicked off Netflix because your family has met the maximum users- you can tailor your own podcast subscription list right on your own smartphone.
3. You will keep up with YOUR interests (and find new one(s))!
Interests? You are probably laughing to yourself-who has time for interests and hobbies?
Maybe you want to keep up with an old hobby OR discover a new interest. Instead of coming up with an excuse for why you don’t have time, you can turn to podcasts on that particular topic. It’s incredibly easy and convenient. Want to start running, organizing, gardening, decorating, traveling, budgeting in a new way? The sky’s the limit. Use www.listennotes.com to search podcasts by keyword and find a few to get your adventure started.
4. You will discover a sense of community.
Being a homeschooling mom can be lonely.
Most likely, you are spending most of your time with your family and any spare minutes you have are spent prepping the week’s schedule, cooking dinner, or grading homework. Truly, sometimes you just want to connect with people who have similar interests BUT you lack time for attending Mom’s Night Out or in-person events. The answer? You guessed it! Podcasts provide a conversational like form of entertainment and a place to connect with like-minded people. Often, podcast shows have Facebook groups associated with them that you can choose to join and further connect with others. Find compatible people today – a virtual friend is a real friend and true find!
5. You will evolve into a better you.
Homeschool moms are awesome moms- no doubt about that, but most love the opportunity to improve even that 1%.
As a busy parent, you probably have a stack of parenting books and self-help books on your nightstand. The problem is finding the time to read them and they start being dust-collectors instead of pick-me-uppers. Podcasts provide a simple and easy way to obtain self-help about any topic- whether it’s parenting teens or figuring out how to best communicate with your spouse- often in 10-15 minute short episodes. The personal development help and motivational stuff out there will seriously change your life. Don’t we all just need some extra inspiration to get us moving each morning?
6. You will truly exemplify a life-long learning lifestyle
Most homeschool moms want their kids to have a love for learning.
Podcasts are one way for you to keep learning, and thus provide a solid model for your kids. Reason number 5 requires no further explanation.
7. You will gain valuable insight and ideas about homeschooling.
As a homeschool mom, you are always trying to figure out the best way to educate your kids.
Maybe you are looking for real-world opinions on curriculum or help with homeschooling a certain age. Maybe you could use some help with technology. Believe me, there’s a podcast for whatever you may need. Prepare to enrich your daily schedule and learn from other homeschool moms who have stood in your shoes- you will be surprised by how much your family will benefit from the content in podcasts.
8. You will find unique educational content from podcasts for your kids.
Yep, this one is about your kids- BUT, you are a homeschooling mom for a reason.
The rest of this list is really about why homeschooling moms should listen to podcasts- but the list wouldn’t be complete without including the educational component that podcasts for kids offer. That benefits you as a mom too. You won’t mind listening along as your children glean new insights into science, history, current events, and more- all from podcast episodes. The number of shows geared to kids continues to grow and is an ideal source of help for homeschooling moms.
9. You will break up the monotony of chores!
Podcasts are so easy to listen to!
You can play them anytime- while unloading the dishwasher, cleaning the bathroom, or folding laundry. It’s a simple and easy way to multitask and keep yourself from going crazy over scrubbing the kitchen yet again. No doubt- chores are part of motherhood, so make them a little more fun.
10. You will erase the boredom of driving.
Ever feel like Mama Uber?
If you are like most homeschooling moms, you also play the role of a taxi driver shuttling your kids around. Podcasts provide surprising entertainment for your time behind the wheel. All you have to do is hit play before you head out of the driveway and the time will pass much more quickly and enjoyably.
11. You will impress your kids.
Yep, saved the best for last!
As you continually learn new things and play podcasts, you are going to blow your kids away with your tech-savvy self! Oh, what a role model you will be. Podcasts provide such an optimal way to use technology WITHOUT true screen time- something that is really hard to find nowadays.
If you aren’t convinced by these reasons homeschool moms should listen to podcasts, return to reason number 1. Remember, podcasts are completely free- no catch. Try an episode (or several) and I’m sure you will become yet another podcast-obsessed homeschooling mom!
Follow Sarah on Facebook and join her Facebook group. Also take a look at all our podcast episodes of the Homeschooling with Technology podcast here. Be sure to listen to my interview with Sarah where she shares her favorite podcasts for kids of all ages.
Got more reasons homeschool moms should listen to podcasts? Share in the comments, please!
Sarah Miller-Snyder
