S18: E5: Why I Stopped Homeschooling

S18: E5: Why I Stopped Homeschooling

Author: Jill Winger February 9, 2026 Duration: 44:10

As some of you know by now, I am no longer homeschooling my kids. In this podcast episode, I'm talking all about our homeschool experiences, our journey from homeschool to public school, how I'm handling the change, and some of my deep thoughts and concerns that I have about school and about raising kids. 

Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Podcast Episode Highlights:

  • Homeschooling background
  • Our homeschooling routine
  • Why we went from homeschool to public school
  • Homeschooling older kids vs. younger kids
  • Reflecting on our education decisions for our kids
  • My grief process and thoughts 
  • How it's working for my kids
  • My shifting thoughts on public school
  • My concerns about homeschooling today
  • Final thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

My old podcast episodes on school:

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!


There’s a quiet but persistent pull many of us are feeling-a sense that our modern comforts have come at a cost, leaving us disconnected from the rhythms that used to define a fulfilling life. Old Fashioned On Purpose, hosted by Jill Winger, meets that longing head-on. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of conversations and practical guidance for anyone who suspects there’s more to be gained from getting their hands in the soil, cooking from scratch, or simply slowing down. Jill explores the skills and mindsets that help us reclaim a sense of capability and vitality, drawing from her own experiences on the homestead. Each episode feels like a thoughtful chat with a knowledgeable friend, covering everything from gardening and traditional food preparation to cultivating a home that feels genuinely nourishing. You’ll hear tangible advice for integrating old-fashioned wisdom into a contemporary routine, making self-reliance feel accessible rather than archaic. Tune into this podcast for a grounded perspective on building a life that’s intentionally connected to nature, heritage, and your own two hands. It’s an invitation to remember what we’ve always known, and to apply those truths right where you are.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Old Fashioned On Purpose
Podcast Episodes
S12 E12: How to Feed Your Soil a Whole Food Diet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:07
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S12 E11: Behind the Scenes at the Monsanto Cancer Trials [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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S12 E10: How to Fall in love with your Soil [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:25
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We’ve talked about chickens a lot. By now, most of you have your coops and flocks, so it's time to take it to the next level. I'm joined by Dalia Monterroso, President of Chickenlandia, for this enlightening episode wher…
S12 E8: The Un-Formula for a Sustainable Homestead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:30
One of the most common questions I get is "how do I design the perfect homestead layout?" The bad news? There isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. The good news? Once you understand a handful of concepts, you'll have the t…
S12 E7: A Year of No Garbage... (Really!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:26
What does trash have to do with homesteading? Well, everything. As we progress on our old-fashioned journeys, it quickly becomes apparent that everything is connected-- our food, our health, and our environments. And tra…
S12 E6: Forging a Connection with Wild Waters with Conor Sullivan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:58
We talk a lot about connecting to nature here on the podcast, but it's usually through the lens of agriculture, cultivating, and farming.But that's just the beginning. Wildcrafting, hunting, and fishing connect us to the…
S12 E5: Creativity, Magical Ideas, and THE NEW BOOK! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:26
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