In today’s world, it feels like everything is just a little bit crazy—literacy rates are falling, the economy is struggling, and the future seems uncertain. But what if I told you that education, or rather the way we educate our children, is at the root of many of these issues? What if I told you that homeschooling, which has seen a significant rise in the past few years, might just be the key to a brighter, more independent future for our children?

🎓 The Fall of Traditional Education

My name is Jeremy Ryan Slate, and today, I’m thrilled to share an enlightening conversation I had with Cheryl Daley, a former government employee turned passionate homeschooling advocate. Cheryl’s story is one of transformation—a journey from being a traditional working mom to embracing homeschooling as a way to take control of her children’s education and, in turn, their future.

Like many parents, Cheryl started with the conventional route, sending her son to daycare, thinking that was just the way things were done. But when the pandemic hit, everything changed. She and her husband, skeptical of the mainstream narrative, began questioning the measures being imposed on children, like mandatory masking, and the lack of attention to alternative treatments. Their doubts were reinforced when Cheryl experienced censorship on social media for sharing information that didn’t align with the mainstream.

This eye-opening experience led them to pull their son out of daycare and start exploring homeschooling. What began as a necessity quickly became a passion as Cheryl discovered a community of like-minded parents who were also seeking a more personalized, values-based education for their children.

📚 The Homeschool Revolution

Homeschooling, once perceived as the domain of religious or “weird” families, has become a movement that’s gaining momentum across the country. Cheryl herself admits that she once viewed homeschooling with skepticism, associating it with outdated stereotypes. But as she delved deeper into the homeschooling world, her perspective shifted. She realized that homeschooling is not about isolation or backward thinking—it’s about reclaiming the education of our children from an institution that often serves an agenda rather than the best interests of the students.

Cheryl’s journey led her to start a podcast, “The Homeschool How-To,” where she shares insights and advice for parents who are curious about homeschooling but unsure where to start. Her podcast is a treasure trove of information, covering everything from choosing the right curriculum to balancing homeschooling with the rest of life.

🌟 Overcoming the Fear of Homeschooling

One of the biggest hurdles Cheryl faced was overcoming the fear of not being “qualified” to teach her children. Society has conditioned us to believe that education should be left to the “experts,” but Cheryl’s experience has shown her that parents are more than capable of providing a quality education. In fact, homeschooling allows for a level of customization and attention that is impossible in a traditional classroom setting.

She talks about the importance of starting slow, not feeling pressured to replicate the school system at home. Homeschooling doesn’t have to be a six-hour grind—it can be as simple as reading a few good books together, exploring nature, and learning through everyday experiences.

🛠️ Practical Tips for New Homeschooling Parents

For parents considering homeschooling, Cheryl offers some practical advice:

1. Start Slow: Don’t rush into buying expensive curriculums. Begin with simple goals like reading a few books each week.
2. Incorporate Life Skills: Use everyday activities to teach essential skills. Cooking, for instance, is a great way to teach math and science.
3. Leverage Community Resources: There are numerous online groups, co-ops, and local resources available. Cheryl’s podcast guests often share their experiences and favorite tools, offering a wealth of knowledge.
4. Embrace Flexibility: Homeschooling allows you to tailor the education to your child’s interests and pace. If something isn’t working, it’s okay to change course.
5. Engage in Open Conversations: Include your children in the decision-making process about their education. This empowers them and makes learning more meaningful.

🚀 The Future of Homeschooling

As more parents like Cheryl take the leap into homeschooling, it’s clear that this movement is about more than just education—it’s about taking back control from a system that often prioritizes conformity over creativity, and bureaucracy over the well-being of our children. Homeschooling is a journey, and while it may not be easy, it offers a unique opportunity to raise children who are not only well-educated but also independent thinkers, capable of navigating an increasingly complex world.

So, if you’re on the fence about homeschooling, take a page out of Cheryl’s book (or better yet, listen to her podcast!). You might just find that the best way to secure your child’s future is to take their education into your own hands.

🌱 Connect with Cheryl Daley

For those interested in learning more about Cheryl’s journey, check out her podcast, “The Homeschool How-To,” at The Homeschool How-To. And if you’re looking for a great resource on how to prepare your kids for emergencies, Cheryl’s children’s book is available on Amazon!

Let’s build a better future for our kids—one where they are educated to think critically, live freely, and thrive in a world that values their unique potential. 🎉