The BIG Home Ed Conversations

Author: Kelly Rigg & Ashley Vanerio

The BIG Home Ed Conversations is the No.1 active home education podcast for parents who want more than just homeschooling tips. Join Kelly (home ed mum of 2 and home education coach & mentor) and Ashley (ex-primary teacher & home ed mum of 3) as they debunk myths, tackle real challenges, and share honest, empowering conversations for families choosing alternative education. Whether youre new to home educating or looking for fresh perspectives to support your childs learning journey, this podcast offers practical advice, mindset shifts, and heartfelt stories from UK-based parents and experts. We go beyond the basicshelping you handle the ups and downs of home education, break free from generational patterns, and build confidence in your own path. Tune in for weekly episodes packed with reassurance, motivation and community for mums, dads, and anyone passionate about holistic, alternative, project-led, or eclectic education. Find out why were the top-rated home ed podcast, and feel less alone on your journey.
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Language: en

Genres: Education, Education for Kids, Kids & Family, Self-Improvement

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

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Rituals, Traditions & Social Conditioning: Letting Go of Back-to-School Pressure in Home Ed
Sunday, 31 August, 2025

Feeling the urge to buy new pens or lunchboxes—even though your kids aren’t going “back to school”? You’re not alone! In this heartfelt episode, Kelly and Ashley dive deep into the rituals and traditions that sneak into home education, and how social conditioning around “back-to-school” can trigger anxiety, guilt, or FOMO—even for seasoned home ed families. We unpack: Why back-to-school shopping and new routines tug at our emotions (even when we know we don’t need them) The difference between meaningful family traditions and habits that are just social pressure in disguise How to create authentic, empowering rituals that suit your unique home ed lifestyle Letting go of external judgment, performance anxiety, and the need to “keep up” Practical ways to build core memories and intentional family traditions—without the overwhelm Plus, we share real-life stories, gentle mindset shifts, and plenty of laughs about muddy camping clothes, first impressions, and the power of saying “no” to unnecessary expectations. This summer, Outschool have offered us a sponsored opportunity to use—and honestly review—their learning platform right here on the podcast. Go listen to what we have to say! If you’d like to take advantage of the offer we mention, head to www.outschool.com/HOMEED and use code HOMEED35 to get $35 off your family’s first month! Perfect for home educating parents in the UK (and beyond!) who want to break free from school-based conditioning, trust their instincts, and build a home ed life that feels good all year round. Let us know: What rituals or pressures are you letting go of this year? Drop us a message on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast!