With so many homeschool philosophies to choose from—Charlotte Mason, classical, unschooling, eclectic—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you choose the right approach, especially when you’re raising multiple children with very different personalities?
In this encouraging and practical episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with veteran homeschooling mom of seven, Bonnie Landry. Bonnie homeschooled for 32 years and shares how she built a peaceful, relationship-first home without rigid rewards, pressure-heavy academics, or fear-based decision-making.
From teaching bookish learners and high-energy boys under one roof to prioritizing connection over conflict, Bonnie offers wisdom for homeschooling moms who want confidence, clarity, and joy—especially in large families.
If you’ve ever worried about falling behind, choosing the “wrong” philosophy, or losing your identity as a nurturing mom while becoming the “teacher,” this conversation will renew your courage.
Show Notes
Sponsor: Franciscan University of Steubenville
At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background!
High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program.
About Our Guest: Bonnie Landry
Bonnie Landry is a Catholic wife and mother of seven, living on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Five of her children are now married, and she is a grandmother to twelve. Bonnie homeschooled for 32 years and now hosts the podcast Make Joy Normal: Cozy Homeschooling, where she shares encouragement on homeschooling, community, babies, and cultivating joy in family life.
Her mission is simple: Make joy normal.
Podcast: https://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/
Recommended Book: The Three R’s by Ruth Beechick
In This Episode, We Discuss:
-
Bonnie’s 32-year homeschooling journey, raising seven children
-
Teaching multiple personalities under one roof
-
Multi-sensory learning in a large family
-
Why relationship comes before academics
-
A peaceful alternative to rewards and consequences
-
How removing pressure can increase academic success
-
Creating independent learners without a rigid curriculum
-
Balancing bookish children with high-energy kids
-
Managing one-on-one time when toddlers are underfoot
-
Why “falling behind” may not be what you think
-
Being fearless in your homeschool decisions
-
The importance of real-life community for homeschooling moms
Key Takeaways from Bonnie
-
Connection fuels cooperation.
Prioritizing relationship over control creates long-term trust and willingness. -
You don’t need pressure to produce strong academics.
Bonnie’s children thrived in college and university without a heavy academic hand. -
Homeschool philosophy should serve relationships, not the other way around.
The real question isn’t “Which curriculum?” but “How can I foster strong relationships in my home?” -
Large family homeschooling can be peaceful.
Short lessons, shared family studies, and intentional breaks make it sustainable. -
Be fearless.
God gave you your children and the grace to educate them.