Have you ever wondered why a classroom teacher who loved her job would leave it all behind to homeschool? That’s the story of Meredith Reyes, known as @TheStringyMama.
In this Brave Writer podcast episode, Meredith shares what she learned teaching in California and Texas, why an unannounced active-shooter drill became the tipping point for her family, and how she’s navigated the shift from rigid classroom structures to a more flexible, tidal rhythm at home.
We talk about:
- nature as a powerful teacher,
- the role of interest-driven writing (yes, Minecraft counts!),
- and the challenges—and opportunities—of raising kids in an age of AI.
Meredith’s story is candid, moving, and deeply relatable for anyone weighing the value of school versus the joy of learning. Listen in to hear her journey and take away fresh confidence for your own path.
Show Notes
From schooling goals to learning goals
Meredith’s journey illustrates the gap between institutional schooling and true learning. In classrooms, “success” is often measured by pacing guides, test prep, and compliance. At home, the focus shifts: curiosity, connection, and wonder become the driving forces. Meredith shared the story of a second-grader who resisted formulaic writing prompts but poured himself into a detailed story about Minecraft. That spark—the motivation to write because it mattered to him—showed her what authentic learning looks like.
When safety becomes the tipping point
For Meredith, the move to homeschool began as an emergency response to safety concerns. That active-shooter drill revealed the toll such practices take on children and teachers alike. While fear was the catalyst, reflection showed her that homeschooling offered more than safety—it provided space for joy, flexibility, and genuine engagement with her children.
Unlearning the micromanaged day
As a teacher, Meredith was trained to plan every minute. As a homeschool parent, she had to unlearn that rigidity. Instead, she discovered what we call “tidal schooling”—a rhythm that ebbs and flows with the seasons. Fall might feel structured and classical, winter lends itself to cozy Charlotte Mason-style projects, and spring calls for free exploration outdoors. Meredith has learned to embrace rhythm over rigidity, a shift many of us recognize in our own homeschool journeys.
The power of nature
Some of Meredith’s most moving stories come from days outdoors with her children: discovering fossils in a creek, meeting snapping turtles, and watching curiosity bloom in real time. These experiences remind us that children don’t need to memorize species names to become naturalists—they need a reason to care. Nature provides that point of contact where questions naturally arise and knowledge sticks.
AI in the living room
Meredith also sounded a warning for parents about artificial intelligence. When her son’s Alexa device evolved into a conversational partner—complete with giggles and questions—he began confusing machine responses for relationship. Her story highlights the need to teach children how to use AI as a tool without outsourcing the human connection that fuels real learning.
What parents really need
Meredith is clear: you don’t need a teaching credential to homeschool. Classroom training equips teachers to manage 30 students to a standard. Home education is different—it’s about knowing your own children deeply and creating an environment where those learners can thrive. Her story is a reminder that attentiveness, flexibility, and curiosity matter more than credentials.
Meredith’s voice adds depth and honesty to the broader homeschooling conversation. She reminds us that protecting curiosity, nurturing safety, and choosing rhythms that fit our families are what make learning come alive.
Resources
- Follow Meredith on Instagram: @thestringymama
- Find Skunk and Badger in the Brave Writer Book Shop—and don’t miss our Skunk and Badger Dart!
- Fall class registration is open!
- Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)
- Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing
- Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-home
- Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
- Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
- Give your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/brave
- Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of Enthusiasms
- Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
- Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684
Connect with Julie
- Instagram: @juliebravewriter
- Threads: @juliebravewriter
- Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Connect with Melissa
- Website: melissawiley.com
- Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
- Instagram: @melissawileybooks
- Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social
Produced by NOVA
