Welcome to The BIG Home Ed Conversations!

Episodes

What has inspired us this year?
Dec. 8, 2024

What has inspired us this year?

In this conversation, Ashley Vanerio and Kelly Rigg discuss their experiences for 2024 and how they have inspired them and their kids to learn and grow, focusing on various educational outings and resources. They share insights on the benefits of memberships to educational venues, the importance of experiential learning, and how to engage children in history and culture through travel. The conversation highlights the value of planning ahead for educational trips and utilizing local resources to ...
Our Year On Reflection
Nov. 24, 2024

Our Year On Reflection

In this episode, Kelly and Ashley reflect on their personal growth and experiences throughout the year, discussing the challenges and successes of home education. They share stories of their children's independence, the importance of understanding neurodiversity, and the need for balance in their lives. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating supportive environments for both parents and children, while also exploring ways to reclaim their lives through home education. In this co...
Routine vs Freeflow?
Nov. 17, 2024

Routine vs Freeflow?

In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio explore the complexities of home education, focusing on the role of routines, the challenges of neurodiversity, and the balance between structure and flexibility. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these themes while catering to the diverse needs of their children. The discussion emphasizes the importance of motivation, adaptability, and the need for a tailored approach to home education that respects each family's ...
That's Good Enough!
Nov. 10, 2024

That's Good Enough!

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the challenges and realities of home education amidst life's chaos. They explore the importance of real-life learning experiences, the value of boredom and self-directed play, and the balance between parental involvement and children's independence. The conversation emphasizes that learning happens in various forms, not just through structured education, and highlights the significance of allowing children to engage with everyday life to dev...
Living With Intention
Nov. 3, 2024

Living With Intention

Personal Note: Myself, Kelly, and Ashley have been going through an extremely busy and tough period and it has meant that we have both found that steady guilt creeping in - where you feel like you are missing out on time with your kids, you aren't handling things well, you are losing your patience quicker, you are forgetting things, prioritising the wrong things, feeling like you should be able to do it all, all the time. Our western culture glorifies the hustle. If you aren't driving 25 miles a...
Get advice from those who KNOW
Oct. 13, 2024

Get advice from those who KNOW

This conversation delves into the complexities of home education rights and duties, both as parents and for our children. Kelly and Ashley chat with special guest Wendy Charles-Warner about the role of local authorities, and the importance of mutual respect in these relationships as Education Otherwise work hard to support parents, train local authorities and advise government bodies to address the inconsistencies and trust issues that are at the heart of fearful dealings with LA education depar...
Difficult Conversations
Oct. 6, 2024

Difficult Conversations

In this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the challenges of navigating difficult conversations surrounding home education. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of building conviction, setting boundaries, and understanding family dynamics. The conversation highlights the need for reassurance from the right sources and the significance of community support in the home education journey. They also touch on the societal norms that often challenge home educators and the importa...
Don't just switch sides
Sept. 29, 2024

Don't just switch sides

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the importance of critical thinking in home education. They explore the challenges of fostering critical thinking in a world that often discourages it, share personal experiences, and emphasize the need for autonomy and self-trust in children. The conversation highlights the impact of generational beliefs and the importance of flexibility in educational approaches. Ultimately, they encourage parents to trust their instincts and make informed...
Following Their Lead
Sept. 22, 2024

Following Their Lead

In this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the concept of child-led learning in home education, emphasizing the importance of following children's interests and fostering their curiosity. They share personal experiences of how allowing children to explore their passions leads to deeper learning and engagement. The conversation also touches on the integration of current events into learning, the significance of special interests, and the joy of reclaiming education for both parents and children. C...
Deregistrations On The Rise
Sept. 15, 2024

Deregistrations On The Rise

Get ready for an electrifying welcome back episode! 🎉 Kelly and Ashley dive into the booming trend of home education (or home schooling for our US friends) , revealing why more parents in the UK and US are opting to deregister their children! They explore compelling reasons like mental health concerns, dissatisfaction with traditional schools, and the desire for educational flexibility to protect kids from bullying, peer pressure and in some cases even danger. This episode isn't just about trend...