What does “critical thinking” actually look like in a Catholic homeschool? In this episode, Maeve and Matt unpack why critical thinking breaks down when we stop slowing down, questioning ourselves, and seeking truth with humility—and why Catholic families have a unique advantage when truth is the goal.

Using a real-life conversation sparked by a “Friendly Defender Friday” question (“Do Catholics believe they alone possess the truth?”), they walk through how to help kids research, analyze Church history, and synthesize what they learn—without getting swept up in half-truths, internet hot takes, or AI doing the thinking for them.

You’ll also hear:

• A simple, practical definition of critical thinking (and common blocks to it)
• Why debate and charitable conversation sharpen discernment
• A clear “AI rule” for homeschool parents: don’t let AI learn for them
• How Church history (heresy, councils, and hard questions) can become a training ground for truth-seeking

Anchored in John 16:13, this episode is both a mindset shift and a hands-on guide for raising kids who can think clearly, love truth, and speak it with charity.

Link to Last week's episode: 104 Do Not Despise the Day of Small Things.

Keywords:

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Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

What if the most important parts of homeschooling aren’t the lessons you finish—but the moments you almost miss?

In this episode, Maeve reflects on a simple prayer—“Lord, show me what’s important today”—and how God answered it through ordinary homeschool moments: a rare nap, a family heirloom quilt, a child’s honest question, and the quiet joy of watching children thrive. Drawing from Scripture, Catholic tradition, the wisdom of the saints, and Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, this episode reassures parents that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in everyday homeschool life.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the small, repetitive moments of homeschooling really matter, this episode is an invitation to slow down, notice, and trust that God is forming something eternal in your home.

SHOW NOTES Published January 25, 2026

• Asking God to reveal what truly matters in homeschooling
• Finding holiness in ordinary homeschool moments
• The spiritual meaning of heirlooms and generational faith
• Why learning is sacred work inspired by the Holy Spirit
• Saints who remind us that God moves in daily life
• Trusting that God is at work even when no one sees

Scripture for Reflection

Quotes Referenced

• “Do not despise the day of small things.” (Zechariah 4:10)
• St. Teresa of Avila on God moving amid the pots and pans
• Charlotte Mason on the Holy Spirit as the true instructor of knowledge

Encouragement for Parents

Homeschooling may feel ordinary, unfinished, or unseen—but God is forming heirlooms of faith in your home. The small moments matter more than you think.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

Even the most beautiful homeschool days have a behind-the-scenes mess. In this episode, Maeve shares 20 practical, doable ways to reset the moment and turn around hard homeschool days—with faith, humor, and a healthy dose of realism (and maybe a little wine at the end).

You’ll hear:

• Why praying in front of your kids matters
• The power of Holy Spirit hugs (yes, they’re a thing)
• Simple resets that work for preschoolers through high school
• Why struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re doing it right

✨ 20 Ways to Reset the Moment

1. Pray in front of your children
2. Holy Spirit hugs (6+ seconds!)
3. Take a nature walk
4. Go outside and sit on a blanket
5. Quit the thing that’s causing the meltdown
6. Deep breathing (5-7-8)
7. Play a favorite song or praise music
8. Read a picture book aloud
9. Quiet time (for kids and mom)
10. Lock yourself away and cry it out
11. Hands-on tasks (Play-Doh, Legos, baking, organizing)
12. Quiet reading time
13. Refreshments or ritual tea time
14. Puzzle time or creative work
15. Draw or color
16. Tell a joke or read a joke book
17. Read a poem aloud
18. Call your spouse and vent
19. “Send them to the principal” (aka Dad)
20. Plan a field trip
    Bonus: Simple reward systems work wonders

🔗 Links & Resources

• Episode page + printable list: maevejemison.com/103
• Photographer mentioned: Shey Marin
  (Perfect for DC cherry blossom sessions — tell her Maeve & Matt sent you)
• Join the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook group (to see the legendary Christmas card!)

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1