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Dawn Garrett Reflects: Connection in Your Homeschool that Lasts

Homeschool Better Together

Are you craving more connection and less chaos in your homeschool life? This week, I got to sit down with the brilliant Dawn Garrett, Homeschool Better Together’s community manager and an experienced homeschool mom whose kids have all graduated and flown the nest. (Yes, she survived—she’s living proof.) We got candid about what “togetherness” really looked like in her homeschool. Dawn shared the honest ups and downs: the seasons when being together at the table was the perfect fit—and the moments when togetherness just wasn’t working. Hear how she pivoted, created new rhythms, faced those inevitable sibling squabbles, and nurtured the deep family bonds that have lasted well into her kids’ adulthood. We also dug into the importance of community for moms—especially when overwhelm strikes. Dawn dishes on finding mentors, being encouraged by fellow homeschoolers, and how relationships with both your kids and other moms are what really matter, long after the worksheets are graded. This one is jam-packed with real talk, encouragement, and more than a few laugh-out-loud stories—because let’s be honest, if you’ve never measured your day by whether someone’s book crossed “the tape line” at the kitchen table, are you even homeschooling?What you’ll learn: * Dawn’s “origin story”—why she went all-in on homeschooling (spoiler: the desire started long before kids arrived) * The power of morning time as the anchor for their best homeschool days—and what happened when she had to let it go * Why being together is beautiful… until it isn’t (and how to recognize when it’s time to try something new) * The messy, hilarious reality of sibling relationships at home (and the infamous masking tape table trick) * How the atmosphere you create—over years—helps kids remain connected long after graduation (yes, even when you thought they might never stop bickering) * Simple, practical ways to foster relationships, reconciliation, and wonder at your homeschool table—even on days you want to wave the white flag * Why community with other homeschool moms is essential for your sanity, confidence, and growth (plus, Dawn’s tips for finding true connection—even if it’s online) * What to do when you’re in the thick of overwhelm: where to focus, what to drop, and how to “step out of the chaos and into the wonder.” Mentioned in this episode: * Cindy Rollins’ resources * Ambleside Online (for Charlotte Mason inspiration) * The Homeschool Better Together Community Your Next Steps: * Ready to build honest, lasting relationships in your homeschool? Join our free online community for encouragement, resources, and real connection. * Never miss an episode! Be sure to follow, subscribe, and leave a review so you don’t miss what’s next. * Find out more about Homeschool Better Together resources for your best homeschool year.