Simple Farmhouse Life – Episode 303

Raising Kids Who Thrive: Habits and Foundations for the Early Years
Guest: Erin Cox (The Gentle + Classical Press) | Host: Lisa Bass
Released: August 19, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Lisa Bass sits down with Erin Cox, founder of The Gentle + Classical Press and seasoned homeschool mother of four, to discuss raising kids who thrive by focusing on habits and strong foundations in the early years. They explore the gentle and classical approach to early childhood education, the importance of character and habit formation, overcoming mom overwhelm, and practical tips for building a nurturing family culture. The conversation is rich with encouragement and actionable insights for new and experienced homeschoolers alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Evolution of Homeschooling Motivations (03:00–07:30)

• COVID's Impact: Erin describes two broad motivations behind homeschooling: those catalyzed by post-COVID concerns versus early adopters who viewed homeschooling positively as a foundational family choice.
• Personal Story: Erin shares her 15-year homeschooling journey, the transition from mainstream education, and how her faith and family grew more intentional over time.

"Back then, the goal for homeschooling was really just to...get so much more done if we did it at home and we could explore their interests..." — Erin Cox (05:28)

2. Rethinking Early Childhood: Gentle + Classical Defined (09:05–11:32)

• Gentle Approach: Influenced by Charlotte Mason, Erin emphasizes gentle guidance—focusing on habits, narration, and nature rather than early academic rigor.
• Classical Nuance: Many new homeschoolers conflate “classical” with rigor and memory drills; Erin advocates a more balanced, gentle integration.

"People now think about classical education as being the same thing as classical conversations, which is like a super popular curriculum...but there are other ways as well." — Erin Cox (09:44)

3. What Should Preschool Actually Look Like? (11:32–16:48)

• Against Early Academics: No pressure to teach reading/writing before ages 6-7.
• Focus Areas: Erin’s preschool centers on habits, character, and catechism through songs, simple routines, and hands-on activities rather than formal lessons.
• Memory Statement Board: A tool Erin created to keep key habits and virtues visible and top of mind during the busy years with multiple children.

"Our goal has really very little to do with ABCs and one, two, threes. Like, there’s plenty of time for that… Our goal is on habit formation and character development." — Erin Cox (11:40)

4. Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms (17:54–21:23)

• Erin reassures moms that feeling overwhelmed is normal, especially with young children and in the age of social media comparisons.
• She stresses the importance of realistic expectations and avoiding the trap of measuring against curated online portrayals.

"God has like, gifted that child to you. He picked you for that child and that child for you." — Erin Cox (17:58)

5. Social Media and the Comparison Trap (24:07–28:05)

• Curated Reality: Both Lisa and Erin discuss how social media creates unrealistic expectations for homeschooling families.
• Reality Check: Even as content creators, they find themselves unconsciously imagining others’ lives as easier or more perfect.

"We all do that unconsciously to someone...our imaginations fill in the blank." — Erin Cox (27:03)

6. Family Culture, Autonomy, and Shifting Priorities (30:58–35:17)

• From Academics to Character: Erin’s educational philosophy shifted from academic achievement to character, integrity, and family unity as her children and faith journeyed together.
• Sowing Seeds, Not Controlling Outcomes: She likens raising children to setting the GPS for a journey—you guide, but must allow for their autonomy as they mature.

"We’re in charge of sowing seeds; we’re not in charge of outcomes." — Erin Cox (31:45)

7. Husband’s Role & Homeschool Logistics (35:55–37:11)

• Division of labor: Dad handles math and reading fluency; Erin focuses on other subjects. They share both educational and homestead responsibilities, adapting as the family grows.

8. Foundational Habits & Readiness for Formal Learning (43:04–47:14)

• Key Habits: Patience, attention, and obedience in preschool; self-control and kindness in kindergarten.
• Readiness Signs: Girls often ready earlier for formal academics, boys may benefit from a later start (ages 6–7). Lessons should be brief (5–7 minutes) and end on a positive note.

"Whatever the energy is that you end a lesson with—that is how they’re going to start that lesson the next day." — Erin Cox (44:50)

9. The Value of Boredom and Free Time (48:16–53:10)

• Facilitation over Instruction: Parents should provide opportunities and environments for curiosity, not micromanage every learning moment.
• Learning to Use Free Time: Kids accustomed to self-direction handle unstructured periods more creatively and industriously.

"My boys treat school like it’s an interruption to their...stuff they have to do." — Erin Cox (50:35)

10. When and How to Start with Gentle + Classical (53:59–55:50)

• Curriculum Philosophy: Emphasis on free teacher’s guides, literature-rich studies, and whole-family involvement over scripted or digital-heavy options.
• Access: All resources and guides are easily previewed and downloadable at shopgentleclassical.com.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Setting Vision:
  "Having a certain intention for your family... that just means you’ve put something in the GPS. But that doesn’t mean there’s not going to be detours." – Erin Cox (01:08, repeated at 31:45)
• On Parenting:
  "You, like...you’ve gotten them this far and taught them all this stuff. Just recognizing that helps you recognize you can do the next thing as well." – Erin Cox (18:15)
• On Social Media:
  "You’re probably comparing to something that never even was true...We need real life friends that we actually know all the ins and outs." – Lisa Bass (27:03)
• On Habits:
  "It’s the inconsistency that usually costs us the energy, because when we’re not consistent, we’re having to fight that same battle over and over again." – Erin Cox (38:09)
• On Formal Readiness:
  "If your kid is oblivious to [letters and numbers] and doesn’t care and just wants to play all the time, then I think it’s wise to wait." – Erin Cox (46:58)
• On Family:
  "Our family is our family and we’re the first influence and the first attachments that they make." – Erin Cox (39:14)

Key Timestamps

• 03:00–07:30 – Erin’s homeschool journey, post-COVID motivations, and the family business story
• 09:05–11:32 – Defining “gentle + classical” and its roots
• 11:32–16:48 – What preschool looks like: habit and character focus, memory statement board
• 17:54–21:23 – Encouragement for overwhelmed moms and setting realistic expectations
• 24:07–28:05 – How social media distorts homeschooling reality
• 30:58–35:17 – Shifting from academics to intentional family culture and sowing seeds of character
• 35:55–37:11 – Dividing homeschool roles with spouse
• 43:04–47:14 – Key habits for the early years and signs of readiness for formal academics
• 48:16–53:10 – Teaching kids to value and use free time; autonomy vs. instruction
• 53:59–55:50 – About Gentle + Classical curriculum; how to preview and get started

Additional Resources

• Gentle + Classical Press: shopgentleclassical.com
• Erin's Instagram, YouTube, and full teacher’s guide downloads are all accessible via the website.

This episode is an encouraging resource for homeschooling families at any stage, offering both philosophical guidance and practical strategies for cultivating thriving, well-rounded children through intentional, habit-focused parenting in the early years.