SS#151: Death of the Scrappy Homeschooler
Homeschooling used to be scrappy—figuring things out, using what you had, and trusting the process. Now, it’s polished, packaged, and pressured. More curriculum, more programs, more comparison. What happened?
In this episode, we dig into the shift from DIY homeschooling to consumer-driven schooling and how to reclaim the freedom to educate with confidence—without all the extras.
DIY Homeschool Nostalgia
Today’s Hosts and Source
Brandy Vencel
was homeschooling in California, so she had to be scrappy to have a Christian family, much less homeschool.
Mystie Winckler
was homeschooled before homeschooling got fancy and respectable (in fact, it was barely legal).
Abby Wahl
started scrappy because she had more small children than dollars and NO INTERNET!
Scholé Everyday: What We’re Reading
Animal Farm, George Orwell
The Communist Manifesto makes you mad, Animal Farm breaks your heart—and together, they show exactly why ideas have consequences.
Modern Times, Paul Johnson
Modern Times is unsettling because it reveals how totalitarian strategies repeat. It’s depressing—but necessary—to recognize history playing out again.
For the Sake of the Faith: An Inductive Study of Titus, Sophron Studies
An inductive study of Titus means reading it again, digging deeper, and letting Scripture shape you—not the other way around.
Reclaiming the DIY Homeschooler mentality
Once upon a time, homeschooling was countercultural. It was scrappy. It was driven by resourcefulness, a deep commitment to family, and a willingness to figure things out without waiting for someone else to hand over a step-by-step guide. But today, the landscape has changed.
Walk into a homeschooling Facebook group, and the first instinct when facing a challenge isn’t, How can I make this work with what I have? but What’s the best curriculum for this? The shift from DIY ingenuity to consumer-driven homeschooling is undeniable. More curriculum choices than ever, government funding for homeschooling programs, and the rise of social media have all contributed to a culture where homeschoolers rely more on products and less on their own ability to teach.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need all the bells and whistles to give your kids an excellent education.
Benefits of being scrappy
The scrappy homeschoolers of the past weren’t better homeschoolers because they lacked resources—they were better homeschoolers because they learned how to think through problems and adapt. They didn’t feel the pressure to have a polished homeschool room or a curriculum for every subject. Instead, they asked, What do my kids need to learn? and How can I make that happen with what I already have?
That mindset created confidence. It built problem-solving skills in both moms and children. It prioritized relationships and home life over polished lesson plans.
The strength of old-school homeschooling was standing firm, not needing everyone’s approval to do what your family needed to do.
Mystie Winckler, episode 151
What changed?
The Internet & Social Media – Once, homeschoolers turned to books for wisdom. Now, they scroll through Instagram. The emphasis on picture-perfect homeschool setups and endless curriculum recommendations can create the illusion that without the “right” materials, we’re failing our children.
The Rise of Government Funding – Many families now homeschool with state-provided funds. While it’s a financial help for some, it’s also shifted the mindset. When the government pays for curriculum, there’s no need to be frugal or resourceful. The scrappy homeschooler isn’t gone—she’s just no longer the majority.
The Consumer Culture of Education – The homeschool movement used to thrive on sharing and making do. Now, everything is packaged, marketed, and monetized. Even something as simple as learning manners now comes with a curriculum price tag.
Marketing is often trying to create a need. So if you didn’t feel insecure before, you do by the time you’re done listening to them.
Abby Wahl, episode 151
Better scrappy than perfect
The heart of homeschooling isn’t found in a perfect curriculum or a flawless homeschool room. It’s found in the daily work of showing up, reading, learning, and growing together. You don’t need to do it all, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make homeschooling work.
Go back to the basics. Trust the process. And most of all—homeschool in freedom, not in fear.
How to be scrappy
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in a cycle of buying curriculum, or just longing for the simplicity of earlier homeschooling days, here’s how to reset:
✅ Start with philosophy – Instead of asking What curriculum should I use? start with What do I believe about education? Read Charlotte Mason, John Taylor Gatto, or Raymond & Dorothy Moore. A clear philosophy simplifies everything.
✅ Embrace books over busywork – Instead of worksheets, fill your home with real books. Read aloud, discuss, and let learning happen naturally.
✅ Resist the pressure to keep up – Social media can make you feel like your homeschool needs to look a certain way. Unfollow accounts that make you anxious. Focus on what actually works for your family.
✅ Trust yourself – You don’t need to be an expert to teach your children. The best way to teach is to learn alongside them. You don’t need a curriculum for everything—sometimes, all you need is a library card and a willingness to figure it out.
You don’t need a guide for everything. The most classical thing you can do is read it yourself.
–Abby Wahl, episode 151
Mentioned in the Episode
Listen to related episodes:
SS #144: De-stress with Natural Consequences
SS#141: Raising Children Who Love to Learn
SS #135 – Unit Studies Are Overrated
SS #132 – Intellectual Habit Training
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