
Ep. 60 - Homeschooling Without a Co-Op: 8 Ways to Find Connection
04/09/25 • 22 min
Do You Really Need a Homeschool Co-Op? Let’s Talk About It.
Homeschooling without a co-op? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to join a co-op just to prove your homeschool is “socialized,” this episode is for you.
In this episode, Christy-Faith unpacks the truth about co-ops, socialization, and what real community looks like. You’ll walk away with practical ideas for building meaningful connections (without driving across town for a weekly co-op). Get ready to feel confident, empowered, and encouraged—whether you join a co-op or not!
Ep. 60
🛠️ LINKS & RESOURCES
Free Homeschooling Resources
Find everything you need to simplify and strengthen your homeschool journey:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/links
Thrive Homeschool Community
Join Christy-Faith’s online community and create a homeschool that works for YOUR family—plus access the masterclass on socialization!
👉 https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Christy-Faith’s List
A curated guide to homeschool-friendly service providers, businesses, and colleges:
👉 https://christy-faiths-list.com
Christy-Faith’s Latest Book!
Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System
📖 Get your copy: https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising
Socialization Masterclass (Inside Thrive!)
Get expert tips and deep insights into healthy socialization for homeschoolers:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/thrive
🎙️ SHOW SPONSORS
BJU Press Homeschool
✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family’s needs
✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level
Find the perfect fit for your homeschool:
👉 https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy
CTC Math
✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program
✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
✔ Teaching, grading, and testing—all done for you!
Start your free trial today:
👉 https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF
CLT
The homeschool-friendly standardized test for grades 3–12.
✔ No political agenda—focused on critical thinking and readiness
✔ Online at home, and great for state requirements
✔ Accurate insight into your child’s progress
Learn more:
👉 https://CLTexam.com (use code CHRISTY25 for 25% off!)
Lovevery
The Reading Skill Set by Lovevery follows the science of reading, making learning to read fun and confidence-boosting!
✔ 98% of kids improved their reading scores in 6 weeks!
💰 Visit https://lovevery.com/christyfaith and use code CHRISTY10 for 10% off
🎧 SHOW RECAP
Is a co-op really necessary to homeschool well? Spoiler: No. In this episode, Christy-Faith busts the myths around homeschool socialization and offers you eight simple, creative ways to build community—without needing a formal co-op.
✅ The truth about homeschool socialization—and why school-style socializing isn’t better
✅ 8 Easy, natural ways to build real connections without a co-op
✅ How to grow your child’s emotional intelligence and confidence through everyday life
✅ Tips for introverts and shy parents (you’re not alone!)
✅ Why the depth of relationships matters more than the number
Whether you’re introverted, extroverted, new to homeschooling, or a veteran, this episode is packed with encouragement and action steps to help you find your people and thrive—co-op or not!
Homeschooling is about freedom. Community is possible anywhere, and you’re already on the right path. 💛
📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow homeschoolers!
💬 Are you homeschooling without a co-op? Share your favorite community-building tip in the comments!
Do You Really Need a Homeschool Co-Op? Let’s Talk About It.
Homeschooling without a co-op? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to join a co-op just to prove your homeschool is “socialized,” this episode is for you.
In this episode, Christy-Faith unpacks the truth about co-ops, socialization, and what real community looks like. You’ll walk away with practical ideas for building meaningful connections (without driving across town for a weekly co-op). Get ready to feel confident, empowered, and encouraged—whether you join a co-op or not!
Ep. 60
🛠️ LINKS & RESOURCES
Free Homeschooling Resources
Find everything you need to simplify and strengthen your homeschool journey:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/links
Thrive Homeschool Community
Join Christy-Faith’s online community and create a homeschool that works for YOUR family—plus access the masterclass on socialization!
👉 https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Christy-Faith’s List
A curated guide to homeschool-friendly service providers, businesses, and colleges:
👉 https://christy-faiths-list.com
Christy-Faith’s Latest Book!
Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System
📖 Get your copy: https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising
Socialization Masterclass (Inside Thrive!)
Get expert tips and deep insights into healthy socialization for homeschoolers:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/thrive
🎙️ SHOW SPONSORS
BJU Press Homeschool
✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family’s needs
✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in
✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level
Find the perfect fit for your homeschool:
👉 https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy
CTC Math
✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program
✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace
✔ Teaching, grading, and testing—all done for you!
Start your free trial today:
👉 https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF
CLT
The homeschool-friendly standardized test for grades 3–12.
✔ No political agenda—focused on critical thinking and readiness
✔ Online at home, and great for state requirements
✔ Accurate insight into your child’s progress
Learn more:
👉 https://CLTexam.com (use code CHRISTY25 for 25% off!)
Lovevery
The Reading Skill Set by Lovevery follows the science of reading, making learning to read fun and confidence-boosting!
✔ 98% of kids improved their reading scores in 6 weeks!
💰 Visit https://lovevery.com/christyfaith and use code CHRISTY10 for 10% off
🎧 SHOW RECAP
Is a co-op really necessary to homeschool well? Spoiler: No. In this episode, Christy-Faith busts the myths around homeschool socialization and offers you eight simple, creative ways to build community—without needing a formal co-op.
✅ The truth about homeschool socialization—and why school-style socializing isn’t better
✅ 8 Easy, natural ways to build real connections without a co-op
✅ How to grow your child’s emotional intelligence and confidence through everyday life
✅ Tips for introverts and shy parents (you’re not alone!)
✅ Why the depth of relationships matters more than the number
Whether you’re introverted, extroverted, new to homeschooling, or a veteran, this episode is packed with encouragement and action steps to help you find your people and thrive—co-op or not!
Homeschooling is about freedom. Community is possible anywhere, and you’re already on the right path. 💛
📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow homeschoolers!
💬 Are you homeschooling without a co-op? Share your favorite community-building tip in the comments!
Previous Episode

Ep. 59 - Balancing Work and Homeschooling: 3 Life-Saving Strategies
Trying to juggle homeschooling and work? It’s a lot—but you’re not alone. In this episode, Christy-Faith breaks down the chaos and shows you how to create a rhythm that fits your life. Learn how to focus on what matters most, build systems that work, and find peace in the mess. You can homeschool and work without losing your mind. Let’s talk about how.
The Christy-Faith Show | EP. 59
🛠️ LINKS & RESOURCES
Free Homeschooling Resources
Get tools, downloads, and support to help you homeschool with confidence:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/links
Thrive Homeschool Community
Join Christy-Faith’s online community to build a homeschool you love—plus connect with the Working Mom’s Mastermind:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Homeschool Mom's Survival Guide
Get Christy’s practical ebook packed with tools for chaotic days—25% off with code: SURVIVE25
👉 https://christy-faith.com (look for the ebook in the shop)
Sample Homeschool Schedules (Free Download)
See how real homeschool moms structure their day:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/links
Christy-Faith’s Latest Book
Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System
👉 https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising
🎙️ SHOW SPONSORS
BJU Press Homeschool
✔ Choose full curriculum or mix-and-match courses
✔ Perfect for families with different ages and learning needs
✔ Built on a biblical worldview with hands-on learning
👉 https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy
CTC Math
✔ 50% off online math for grades K–12
✔ Lessons adapt to your child’s pace
✔ Teaching, grading, and testing done for you
👉 https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF
LearningRx
✔ Struggles with reading, memory, or focus? This helps
✔ 35+ years of results for ADHD, dyslexia, and more
✔ $50 off with code HOME50
👉 https://LearningRx.com or call 866-272-4601
Lovevery Reading Skill Set
✔ 98% of kids improved reading test scores in 6 weeks
✔ Based on the science of reading, but feels like play
✔ Use code CHRISTY10 for 10% off
👉 https://lovevery.com/christyfaith
🎧 SHOW RECAP
Working and homeschooling at the same time can feel like spinning plates—and dropping all of them. In this episode, Christy-Faith opens up about her own experience juggling four kids, a business, and homeschool life. Learn the three powerful strategies she swears by: prioritizing, smart sourcing, and time blocking.
✅ Why “having it all” is a myth—and what to focus on instead
✅ How to stop doing everything and start doing what matters
✅ Tools and ideas for sourcing help, building independence, and saving your sanity
✅ How time blocking keeps your day calm and your goals on track
✅ What to do when chaos hits and everything falls apart
You don’t have to do it all. You just need a rhythm that works for your life. 💛
📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow working homeschool moms!
💬 Are you working while homeschooling? Share your best sanity-saving tips in the comments!
#homeschooling #workingmomlife #homeschooltips #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #intentionalparenting #worklifebalance #educationathome #homeschoolschedule #homeschoolresources #familyfirst #momlife #timeblocking #smartparenting #parentingtips #homeschoolsupport #homeschoolcommunity #homeschoolcurriculum #educationfreedom #thrivehomeschool #christy-faith #christyfaith
Next Episode

Ep. 61 - Are Schools Killing a Love of Learning?
Is your homeschool starting to feel a lot like the system you wanted to leave behind? You’re not alone—and there’s a reason for that. In this episode, Christy-Faith pulls back the curtain on how the traditional school model—from public to private to charter—was never built to spark a love of learning.
We’ll talk about why school choice often means choosing between versions of the same outdated model, how the factory-style system crushes curiosity, and why testing culture and busywork drain the joy out of childhood. More importantly, we’ll explore how to avoid falling into those same traps in your homeschool—even if you were raised in the system yourself.
The Christy-Faith Show | EP. 61
🛠️ LINKS & RESOURCES
Free Homeschooling Resources
Tools, downloads, and support to help you homeschool with confidence:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/links
Thrive Homeschool Community
Build a homeschool you love—plus connect with the Working Mom’s Mastermind:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Christy-Faith’s Book: Homeschool Rising
Shattering myths. Finding courage. Opting out of the system.
👉 https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising
Sample Homeschool Schedules (Free Download)
See how real homeschool moms structure their days:
👉 https://christy-faith.com/links
🎙️ SHOW SPONSORS
BJU Press Homeschool
✔ Full curriculum or mix-and-match
✔ Perfect for different ages and learning needs
✔ Built on a biblical worldview
👉 https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy
CTC Math
✔ Online math for grades K–12
✔ 50% off for homeschool families
✔ Self-paced with full grading support
👉 https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF
LearningRx
✔ Cognitive skills training for kids with ADHD, dyslexia & more
✔ $50 off with code HOME50
👉 https://LearningRx.com or call 866-272-4601
Lovevery Reading Skill Set
✔ 98% of kids improved scores in 6 weeks
✔ Based on the science of reading, but feels like play
✔ Use code CHRISTY10 for 10% off
👉 https://lovevery.com/christyfaith
🎧 SHOW RECAP
In this episode, we ask the hard questions about education and uncover how the school system—public, private, or charter—still clings to an industrial-era model built for obedience, not creativity.
✅ Why traditional schooling was never meant to nurture curiosity
✅ The harmful ripple effects of standardized testing and test score anxiety
✅ How rigid curriculum, grade obsession, and busywork kill motivation
✅ What “school choice” often really means—and what it doesn’t
✅ The difference between homeschooling and simply recreating school at home
✅ Tools to design a homeschool that honors your child’s individuality
✅ Encouragement for parents stuck between doubt and duty
This episode is especially for mamas who worry they’re “not doing it right.” Truth is—you’re doing more right than you know. Homeschooling isn’t about replicating the system. It’s about rebuilding something better.
📌 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow homeschool parent who's questioning if the system ever really worked in the first place.
💬 Have you broken free from the testing trap or the school-style grind? Drop your story in the comments and help another mama breathe easier.
The Christy-Faith Show - Ep. 60 - Homeschooling Without a Co-Op: 8 Ways to Find Connection
Transcript
Homeschooling is an incredibly rewarding journey, but let's be real. It can also feel pretty lonely. If you've ever found yourself wondering if you're the only one navigating this path without a co op, please know that you're definitely not alone. Do you need a co op? Maybe you've looked for a co op, but none of them seemed to fit your family's needs, or maybe the closest one is just too far away. When navigating the homeschool world without
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