How do you homeschool when your family keeps growing?

In this episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Chantal Howard, founder of Catholic Finishing School and mother of seven, to talk about the joys and challenges of homeschooling a large family.

Chantal shares practical wisdom from her own homeschooling journey—raising children from newborn to college age while managing family life, work, and faith. She discusses how to cultivate independence in children, adapt to different learning styles, and maintain peace in a busy household.

From anchoring the day with prayer to embracing the flexibility that homeschooling provides, Chantal encourages parents to see family life itself as a powerful school of virtue and formation.

If you’ve ever wondered how homeschooling works with a big family—or felt overwhelmed by the idea—this episode offers encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that God provides the grace needed for the vocation of parenthood.

Show Notes Thank You to Our Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville.

At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background.

High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program.

Learn more at Franciscan.edu

About Our Guest

Chantal Howard is the founder of Catholic Finishing School, a formation movement devoted to helping young Catholic women and their mothers grow in virtue, beauty, and authentic femininity.

A seasoned life and business coach with more than ten years of experience, Chantal integrates her passion for Catholic culture, natural living, entrepreneurship, and family life to inspire women to flourish body, mind, and soul.

She is also the author of The School of the Family: A Renaissance of Catholic Formation, which explores how families can become centers of virtue and culture in the modern world.

Chantal lives in Sandpoint, Idaho with her husband, Dr. Peter Howard, and their seven children.

Resources Mentioned

Catholic Finishing School (Special discount link for listeners):
https://catholicfinishingschool.com/connections/

Chantal Howard Website:
https://www.chantal-howard.com/

Chantal Howard Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coach.chantal.howard/

Homeschool Connections Course Catalog:
https://caravel.homeschoolconnections.com/catalog

In This Episode, We Discuss Starting the Homeschool Day with Faith

Why the family rosary anchors their homeschool day
Creating a spiritual rhythm in family life
Integrating prayer into everyday routines

Homeschooling Multiple Ages at Once

Managing learning for children from infants to teens
Creating “pods” of learning within the home
Encouraging independent study

Fostering a Love of Learning

Why homeschooling isn’t about recreating school at home
How curiosity and freedom cultivate motivated learners
Encouraging children to pursue their interests

Adapting to Different Learning Styles

Why no single curriculum works for every child
Being flexible with educational approaches
Letting go of perfection and trusting the process

Homeschooling During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Embracing seasons of life
Allowing older children to help with family responsibilities
Letting “life itself” become a teacher

Managing the Chaos of a Large Family

Creating “zones” for focused learning
Using technology wisely when needed
Allowing homeschool schedules to remain flexible

Teaching Responsibility at Home

Why chores are part of a child’s formation
Creating a family team mentality
Raising capable and responsible young adults

Self-Care for Homeschool Moms

Establishing daily routines and rhythms
The importance of prayer and spiritual habits
Finding small moments of peace in a busy day

Encouragement for Parents Homeschooling Large Families

Why parents shouldn’t fear the challenge
The value of family culture and formation
Trusting that God fills the gaps in our efforts