Shows
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsNavigating Home Ed SlumpsIn this episode of the Big Home Ed Conversations, hosts Kelly Rigg and Ashley Venario discuss the challenges of home education, particularly during life events that can lead to slumps that can make you feel like nothing is going right, or that you may never get your flow again. They emphasize the importance of self-compassion for parents and children, recognizing where you are still moving forward, and the need for huge flexibility in educational approaches when times get hard. The conversation highlights that learning continues in various forms, even when traditional structures are disrupted, and offers strategies for gradually...2025-07-271h 01
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsGet your head straight to Home Ed! Summer Series - Episode 1 - Deschooling & DeregisteringIn this bonus solo episode, Kelly Rigg discusses the mindset shifts necessary for families considering home education. She shares her personal journey into home education, emphasizing the importance of de-schooling and understanding the practical steps involved in deregistering a child from school. The conversation highlights the empowerment of families to make educational choices that suit their unique needs and the importance of questioning traditional educational norms.
This is part of a series 'Get your head straight to home ed!' that will be posted throughout the summer, look out for the accompanying workbook at www.offroadingmotherhood.co...2025-07-2043 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsBreaking free from the 'sit down' cultureIn this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the importance of breaking from from the 'sit down' culture' in education and the need for movement in learning, the role of play, and the significance of mental well-being in the educational process. The conversation emphasizes breaking free from traditional education methods and the importance of routines, sensory engagement, and fostering curiosity in children. They also highlight the impact of environment on learning and the need for a more holistic approach to education that values individual needs and interests.
Follow us @bighomeedpodcast on Tiktok and Instagram
D...2025-07-1353 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsDoes AI have a place in home education?In this episode of the Big Home Ed podcast, hosts Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio end up having a light debate about the evolving role of AI in home education. They explore how AI can streamline educational processes, enhance creativity, and provide support for parents but also addresses concerns about the impact of AI on critical thinking and the importance of balancing technology use with traditional learning methods. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical applications of AI in their daily lives, emphasizing the need for intentional use of technology to enrich the home education experience.
Keywords: ho...2025-07-0646 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsThe Truth About Worldschooling - Guest Episode with Luna FlowerdayIn this episode Kelly Rigg & Ashley Vanerio chat to Luna Flowerday, radical unschooler and worldschooler who is currently travelling the world with her husband and three children.
Starting bus life during covid, pregnant with a toddler was a bold choice and one that has lead to years of joy, challenges for sure, but a whole other outlook on life and how it can be lived.
In this episode we cover the truths about worldschooling, how little stuff you really need, how much less it costs to travel full time than to run a home and h...2025-06-291h 04
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsThat end of term feeling...In this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the feelings and reflections that arise as the 'school year' comes to a close, as home educators we don't always adhere to the concepts of school years/grade levels and otherwise - but we do still have some hang ups that like to rear their ugly heads this time of year. In this episode, Kelly and Ashley reflect on how this time of year has made them feel, what it inspires us to do over the summer and how this can be turned into a positive, reflective and joyful time of year...2025-06-2242 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsHow far we've come!In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss their journey in home education, reflecting on their podcast's evolution and the importance of individual learning paths. They share personal anecdotes about family dynamics, gratitude, and the challenges of parenting. The conversation emphasizes the significance of values in education and different learning styles, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique approaches to home education. In this conversation, they discuss the evolution of their educational methods, whether its a more school-like approach to unschooling to a more structured yet flexible approach that prioritizes child-led learning. The conversation also touches on the significance...2025-06-1547 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsOur thoughts on the last episode: Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill - May UpdateIn this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss their reactions and lasting feelings after the interview last week with Wendy Charles-Warner, Co-Chair of Education Otherwise. They emphasize the importance of community support, the need for a unified approach to advocacy, and the ongoing fight for home education rights. The hosts address stereotypes, government agendas, and the necessity for compassionate dialogue while highlighting the value of home education in promoting diversity and creativity in society. In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the implications of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill affecting home education, focusing on the b...2025-06-0846 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsChildren's Wellbeing and Schools Bill - May UpdateIn this episode, May 2025, Kelly Rigg and Wendy Charles-Warner discuss the ongoing Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, its implications for home education, and the community's response. They explore the current status of the bill in Parliament, concerns regarding registration and data requirements, and the potential impact on families, particularly those under scrutiny from social services. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community activism, the role of media in advocacy, and the need for parents to overcome fear and take action to protect their rights. In this conversation, Wendy Charles-Warner and Kelly Rigg discuss the complexities and challenges surrounding home...2025-06-0152 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsWorldschooling - Home Education on the RoadIn this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the joys of home education, particularly focusing on the insane benefits of world schooling, learning through travel and experiences. They reflect on their own experiences with travel, how it serves as a powerful teacher for children, and the importance of contextual learning. The conversation emphasizes the value of creating relevant and engaging learning opportunities for children through real-world experiences, allowing children time to delve into their own child-led interests, and the benefits of embracing tangents in learning. The discussion emphasizes the joy of learning for its own sake and the...2025-05-2543 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsEvolving Home EdIn this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the evolution of home education, particularly in the UK, highlighting the significant growth of the community post-COVID. They explore the challenges and opportunities that arise from this expansion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the core values of home education while adapting to new realities. The conversation also touches on the need for sustainability in community activities and the value of gratitude in parenting. In this conversation, Ashley Vanerio and Kelly Rigg discuss the importance of community engagement in home education, the need for support and resources for local educators, and...2025-05-1144 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsOverstimulated...and understimulated.In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio explore the complexities of sensory sensitivities and not just through the eyes of neurodivergence, but the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for self-care in parenting as we work so hard to meet the needs of our children. They discuss how sensory overload affects family dynamics and the significance of engaging and understanding our sensory experience of the world. They discuss how overstimulation and under-stimulation - be it too much noise or being stuck at home for days, can affect focus, drive, satisfaction and emotional well-being, and emphasize the significance of...2025-05-0445 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsBeing WeirdIn this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio explore the challenges and joys of home education, the societal pressures to conform, and the importance of embracing individuality. They discuss the concept of being 'weird' as adults, the journey of stepping outside societal expectations, and the empowerment of children to embrace their uniqueness. The conversation highlights the value of play in childhood and the significance of self-care and personal growth in the context of parenting. In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio explore the complexities of modern parenting, particularly in relation to neurodiversity, the importance of outdoor play, and...2025-04-2739 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsAre they missing out?In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the theme of missing out in the context of home education. They reflect on their own school experiences, the importance of social interactions, and how home education can provide a supportive environment for children to grow and learn. The conversation emphasizes the value of relationships, boundaries, and the unique opportunities that home education offers, while also addressing common concerns parents have about their children missing out on traditional school experiences.
Keywords: home education, parenting, social interactions, missing out, education experiences, boundaries, childhood memories, homeschooling, family dynamics, personal growth2025-04-2046 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsCovid Homeschool vs Home EducationAnyone who has been home educating a while will have had a conversation with someone that goes 'oh we home educate....' 'oh gosh, we did that during covid - never again!!'
In this episode, Kelly Rigg & Ashley Vanerio discuss the stark differences between 2020 - a year of global fear, anxiety, trying to complete a full time job from home and suddenly schooling house bound, bored, under-stimulated kids...and what home education looks like when you get the lifestyle right.
Check out Defensive to Determined series on the www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk website if yo...2025-04-061h 00
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsTrust the processWelcome back for Season 3 of The Big Home Ed Conversations. Kelly Rigg, Founder of Offroading Motherhood and Ashley Vanerio, fellow home educator and mum of 3 discuss the struggle that is trusting the process, believing all will come right in the end when we have spent our lives being told what success looks like and how many different ways we can 'fail'. Home education is an opportunity to love learning as a process, but we need to know when to tend to that learning and when to let it go wild.
Keywords: Homeschooling, Home Education, Education Otherwise, Learning...2025-03-3049 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsSpecial Episode - Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill - Don't Panic!In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Wendy Charles-Warner are aiming to reassure you that whilst it is important not to panic about the implications of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, it is important to take on an advocating role.
They address the anxiety surrounding the bill, the misconceptions about home education, and the statistics that highlight the quality of education and safeguarding in both home-educated and school settings. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to engage with their MPs and advocate for their rights and the well-being of their children. The discussion emphasizes the role...2025-01-261h 01
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsWhat 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 enhance learning experiences. In this conversation, Ashley Vanerio and Kelly Rigg discuss various engaging resources and innovative approaches to homeschooling. They explore platforms like...2024-12-0839 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsOur Year On ReflectionIn 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 conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the importance of establishing boundaries for self-care, encouraging independence in children, and the growth that comes from facing adversity. They reflect...2024-11-2446 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsRoutine 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 unique dynamics. In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio explore the themes of mindfulness in parenting, the importance of structure in learning, and the...2024-11-1738 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsThat'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 develop essential life skills. In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the challenges and strategies of parenting, particularly focusing on managing household responsibilities, screen time, and fostering...2024-11-1040 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsLiving With IntentionPersonal 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 day minimum, cooking your kids a perfectly well rounded d...2024-11-0342 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsGet advice from those who KNOWThis 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 departments - especially when parents are already disillusioned. Wendy Charles-Warner shares her extensive experience in home education, highlighting historical changes in laws and...2024-10-131h 16
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsDifficult ConversationsIn 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 importance of compassion in conversations with others.
Join the conversation by reaching out on Instagram @bighomeedpodcast and TikTok - @banish.home.ed.burnout.
Are you becoming a fan...2024-10-0646 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsDon't just switch sidesIn 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 decisions that align with their family's values.
Join the conversation by reaching out on Instagram @bighomeedpodcast and TikTok - @banish.home.ed.burnout.
Are...2024-09-2950 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsFollowing Their LeadIn 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.
Chapters
00:00 Embracing Child-Led Learning06:12 The Power of Interests in Education12:40 Incorporating Current Events18:27 The Importance of Curiosity25:30 Observing and...2024-09-2240 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsDeregistrations On The RiseGet 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 trends; it's a call for change! Kelly and Ashley discuss the limitations of conventional schooling, emphasizing the need for customization and...2024-09-1547 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsBanish Home Ed Burnout WorkshopThis is a BONUS episode, Hi, this is Kelly here - co-host of The Big Home Ed Conversations. I run this workshop live regularly on my TikTok account @Banish.Home.Ed.Burnout but if you want to listen on the go, you can listen now to this clean recording made just for you!
Home Education is an incredible opportunity and one that can create so much freedom and easefulness for your family, but I know as well as anyone, that it can also be a recipe for burn out!
Burn out tends to look like...2024-06-1858 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsLearning is ExperienceIn this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the benefits of traveling with kids and the value of hands-on experiences in education. They share personal stories of their recent travels and how it has enhanced their children's learning. They also express their frustration with schools cracking down on attendance and the lack of freedom for families to make their own choices. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, play, and learning alongside children. The conversation explores the idea of incorporating different subjects into homeschooling through real-world experiences and hands-on learning. It emphasizes the importance of taking learning outside of the...2024-06-0245 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsCollaboration is PowerIn this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the US school system for a compare and contrast on the UK system discussed last time. The conversation explores the flaws and limitations of the traditional school system, highlighting issues such as poor teaching, lack of support and resources, inflexibility, and missed opportunities for learning. It discusses the pressures and stress that students face, the negative messaging and social dynamics within schools, and the constant need to compare and compete. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of allowing children to be themselves, to form their own opinions and values, and to pursue...2024-05-1944 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsOne Size Fits AllIn this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the UK school system and the issues they have with it. They talk about the compulsory schooling age, the emphasis on standardized testing, the lack of play-based learning, the long hours children spend in school, and the elitism associated with academia. They also touch on the challenges faced by teachers, including large class sizes, lack of support for children with special needs, and the disillusionment and frustration many teachers experience. Overall, they highlight the need for a more flexible and inclusive education system. It discusses the pressure on students to choose their...2024-05-1244 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsDetermined to DeschoolIn this episode, Kelly and Ashley explore the concept of de-schooling and how traditional schooling has affected individuals as adults. They discuss the origins of schooling and the ideologies behind it, highlighting the influence of wealthy white men in history and now the affluence of the elite industrialists in how we are educated. The conversation delves into the arbitrary nature of educational standards and the need to question the current school system. The hosts recommend books that provide insights into de-schooling and the flaws of traditional education. Overall, it encourages parents to take back power and trust themselves in...2024-05-0544 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsWestern CultureIn this conversation, Kelly and Ashley discuss the impact of Western culture on parenting and home education. They explore the importance of slowing down, being present, and meeting our own needs as parents, the role of technology and the challenges of balancing screen time with other activities and the need to observe and appreciate our children's natural behaviours and to create a home education / homeschooling environment that allows for flexibility and individuality. Overall, they encourage parents to prioritize pleasure, connection, and self-care in their homeschooling journey.
Join the conversation by reaching out on Instagram @bighomeedpodcast and TikTok @ban...2024-04-2835 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsShelteredIn this conversation, Kelly and Ashley discuss the myth that home-educated kids are sheltered. They explore what people mean by sheltered and why it's important not to shelter children too much. They also discuss the possible limitations of home education and how to overcome them, including the importance of street-wiseness and resilience.
Join the conversation by reaching out on Instagram @bighomeedpodcast and TikTok - @banish.home.ed.burnout.
Are you becoming a fan?? Register for 'The Big Home Ed Conversations: Continued' to get extra resources, insights from us as your hosts and to find out first wh...2024-04-1449 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsImagining the FutureThis is such an interesting conversation, your hosts, Kelly and Ashley, are discussing what has changed for human existence in the last 30 years - and how much of it as schooled children was it beyond our wildest dreams. Therefore, how important it is to have access to time and intrinsic curiosity to be able to explore the current day and imagine what it could be in the future. If we constantly have someone - an adult - present us with what is important to spend our time learning about, will we actually develop an ability to learn what is...2024-04-0738 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsBeliefs Vs FactsIn this conversation, we, Kelly and Ashley, discuss the impact of limiting beliefs on home education. We explore the conflicting beliefs that parents often face and the challenges of balancing individuality with societal expectations. Overall, this conversation highlights the importance of questioning and dismantling beliefs that do not serve our home education journey. We delve into the concept of unschooling and personalized learning and talk about how we recognize and challenge our own beliefs, practice conscious parenting, and apologise when necessary. We acknowledge wholeheartedly that no parent or child is perfect and encourage self-reflection and self-compassion in the parenting journe...2024-03-3137 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsHow we seek our own version of successThis podcast is intended to be thought provoking, to give you pause and allow you to develop your own ideas, but if you could do with a bit more of a helping hand, this bonus content is how we have developed our beliefs and conviction around success and failure as home educators and gives ideas on how to do that for yourself.
Join the conversation by reaching out on Instagram @bighomeedpodcast and TikTok - @banish.home.ed.burnout.
Are you becoming a fan?? Register for 'The Big Home Ed Conversations: Continued' to get extra resources, insights...2024-03-2626 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsSuccess & FailureAre you aware of how the messages we receive around what success and failure are in our western culture are poisoning your home education journey? Even if you spend your time objecting to them? In this episode we dive into what we believe success looks like if you can free yourself from the reigns of what others feel life 'should' be.
As usual, join the conversation by reaching out on Instagram @bighomeedpodcast and TikTok - @banish.home.ed.burnout.
Want to join the conversation? Register for 'The Big Home Ed Conversations: Continued' to get extra re...2024-03-2434 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsExpectations Vs RealityWhat did you believe your home education experience would look like? What were you fearful of? What did you think would be hard? What did you think would be easy? And what has the reality been? These are some of the questions we ask ourselves in this episode, getting into the real talk of what our home education experience has been and what can happen if we hold too much stock on outcomes both for ourselves and our children.
Join the conversation by reaching out on Instagram @bighomeedpodcast and TikTok - @banish.home.ed.burnout.
Are y...2024-03-1735 min
The BIG Home Ed ConversationsThe Who & The WhyWelcome to The Big Home Ed Conversations with your hosts Kelly Rigg, Home Education Consultant & Coach, founder of Offroading Motherhood and her good friend, Ashley Vanerio, Home Educating mother of 3 and ex-primary school teacher.
Sick of hearing about the same old home education myths, we wanted to go deeper - diving into the real and varied challenges that we experience as home educating parents.
This episode will tell you a bit about us, our stories as home educating mothers and why this podcast exists, what you can expect and why you should keep on listening. T...2024-03-1026 min