Episode 193: When Family Questions Homeschooling, Abuse Claims and Homeschool Regulation

Homeschool Interviews
NCHE Executive Director Matthew McDill addresses misconceptions connecting homeschooling and abuse. He explains why research does not support claims that homeschool children are at greater risk and why increased government oversight of homeschooling does not lead to greater child safety. He also outlines NCHE’s commitment to protecting children while preserving parental authority and freedom.

Homeschool Helps with Amanda
Amanda shares practical guidance for handling family members who question homeschooling, including when to offer explanations, how to step in when children are put on the spot, and how to disengage confidently when conversations are unproductive.

Noticias de educación en el hogar

• Midwinter Torneo de ajedrez – February 7
• Faith & Family Day with the Charlotte Hornets – January 24
• Sullenberger Aviation Museum Viaje de estudios – February 18
• NCHE Scholarship Solicitud Season (membership required)

192  New Year Homeschool Reset • ESA Plus Application Tips • When Outsiders Don’t Understand

In the first episode of 2026, Amanda Wares and Melanie Willis encourage homeschool families to use the new year as a time to reflect, reset, and make adjustments where needed. They discuss preparing now for the upcoming ESA Plus application, offer encouragement for parents facing homeschool challenges, and answer real questions from the homeschool community. The episode also highlights upcoming NCHE events, workshops, field trips, and scholarship opportunities.

Happy New Year from NCHE—keep homeschooling with confidence and joy!

• ♟️ Free Online Taller de ajedrez – January 8 
• 🏀 NCHE Day at the Charlotte Hornets (Faith & Family Day) – Tickets on sale now  
• ♟️ Mid-Winter Torneo de ajedrez – February 7 in Kernersville  
• ✈️ Sullenberger Aviation Museum Field Trip – Registration open  
• 🎓 NCHE Scholarships – Apply now (deadline March 31)  

191  Christmas Traditions, Easy Snowman Painting, How You Can Help NCHE

• Special Christmas Episode: Matthew and Melanie share heartwarming videos from homeschool families showing their favorite holiday traditions, and discuss their families Christmas traditions.
• Easy Art: Melanie shows you an easy snowman painting that kids of all ages can do.  
• Helping NCHE:  Rick Madl asks Matthew questions about our end of year giving campaign.  Learn how you can help us support homeschoolers across our state.
• Noticias de educación en el hogar: 
  • NCHE end of year giving campaign has begun nche.com/give/    
  • NCHE Scholarship applications are now open.  nche.com/helps/high-school/scholarship/ 
  • January 8th – online chess workshop  nche.com/chess-network/ 
  • February 7th – Midwinter Chess Tournament  nche.com/chess-network/ 

190  Meet Nikki Cooper NCHE’s Special Needs Support Coordinator, Applying for ESA+ Scholarship

• Homeschool Interviews: Amanda talks with Nikki Cooper NCHE’s special needs support coordinator, and they answer questions about homeschooling for special needs.
• Applying for ESA+ Scholarship: Melanie talks with Kathryn Marker from the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.  Kathryn gives information on how parents of students with disabilities can apply for the ESA+ scholarship.   https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/  https://k12.ncseaa.edu/the-education-student-accounts   https://k12.ncseaa.edu/the-education-student-accounts/documentation-of-a-disability/ 
• Noticias de educación en el hogar:  NCHE end of year giving campaign has begun nche.com/give/ please consider giving as we strive to help homeschoolers across the state to do so with confidence and joy.

Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events: 

• December 1st – NCHE Scholarship applications are now open.  nche.com/helps/high-school/scholarship/ 
• January 8th – online chess workshop  nche.com/chess-network/ 
• January 24th – Faith & Family Day at the Charlotte Hornets   nche.com/hornets-2026/  
• February 7th – Midwinter Chess Tournament  nche.com/chess-network/ 

189 Homeschool & Sports Part 2, Testing for Disabilities, NCHE Scholarship Applications

• Homeschool Interviews: Amanda talks with Paul Bunke who operates Surry Runnin Patriots.  They have basketball and cross country teams for homeschoolers. She also talks with Killian Wares who gives us a student perspective on sports in homeschooling. www.runninpatriots.com 
• What We’ve Seen on the Internet: We answer a question about having children tested for disabilities, and look at questions about high school credits and diploma requirements.
• Noticias de educación en el hogar:   NCHE membership benefits offer reduced rates on Cabin Rentals at Haven at Greenwood Glen.  Be sure to check out this and other benefits at nche.com/join/     Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events: 
  • December 1st – NCHE Scholarship applications are now open.  nche.com/helps/high-school/scholarship/ 
  • January 24th – Faith & Family Day at the Charlotte Hornets  nche.com/hornets-2026/ 

188 Homeschool & Sports, Snowman Art, Happy Thanksgiving

• Homeschool Interviews: Amanda talks with David Morris, retired educator, coach and author of “Student Athletes: Control Your Own Destiny”.  She also speaks with Holly Edwards, former student athlete. 
• Easy Art with Melanie: Melanie shows us an easy snowman ornament to make with your kids.  Supplies: Jute, glue, popsicle sticks, black paint, ribbon, optional greenery or beads.
• Noticias de educación en el hogar:  Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events: 
  • January 24th – Faith & Family Day at the Charlotte Hornets   nche.com/hornets-2026/ 

187 Homeschool & Chronic Illness & Trauma Part 3, Homeschooling Through the Holidays

• Homeschool Interviews: For week three of our series on homeschooling with chronic illness or trauma Amanda sits down with Jessica Frierson, NCHE’s Media Director, to discuss her experience homeschooling with chronic Illness.  Then the show’s very own Melanie Willis tells her family’s story of homeschooling through illness and trauma. 
• La educación en el hogar ayuda con Amanda: Amanda gives us some helpful tips on homeschooling through the holidays.

• Noticias de educación en el hogar: Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events:
  • January 24th – Faith & Family Day at the Charlotte Hornets
  • May 23rd, 2026 – NCHE High School Graduation Ceremony

186 Homeschool & Chronic Illness or TraumaPart 2, National Homeschool Day of Prayer

• Homeschool Interviews: Do you have a chronic illness, or does one of your children? Have you dealt with trauma? For week 2 of our series on Homeschooling and chronic illness or trauma Amanda sits down with Diane Helfrich (NCHE’s Development Director) and Jennifer Smith (NCHE’s Marketing Director) to discuss their experiences homeschooling with chronic Illness.

• Noticias de educación en el hogar: Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events:
  • November 7 – National Homeschool Day of Prayer
  • December 17th – The Nutcracker Ballet in Charlotte    
  • January 24th – Faith & Family Day at the Charlotte Hornets
  • May 21st – 23rd, 2026 – ¡Prosperar! Conferencia de educación en el hogar

185 Homeschool & Chronic Illness or Trauma, Easy Art, Faith & Family Day at The Hornets

• Homeschool Interviews: Do you have a chronic illness, or does one of your children?  Amanda sits down with Kim Boysworth and Casey Townsend, liaisons with NCHE, to discuss homeschooling with chronic Illness.
• Easy Art with Melanie: Melanie shows us a few more easy art lessons to get your children’s imagination started.
• Upcoming Special Episode: We would love to feature your special holiday traditions on our special Christmas episode, you can send in a short 30-45 second video, or you or your kids describing your favorite traditions. Send those to thehomeschoolshow@nche.com 
• Noticias de educación en el hogar: Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events:
  • December 10th – A Christmas Carol in High Point 
  • December 17th – El ballet del cascanueces in Charlotte    
  • January 24th – Faith & Family Day at the Charlotte Hornets
  • May 23rd, 2026 – ¡Prosperar! Homeschool Conference

184 Uncommon Homeschool Resources Part 2, De-schooling for a Fresh Start, Nutcracker Ballet 

• Homeschool Interviews: Amanda talks with Cindy Dye, a librarian from Greensboro, giving more information about how to use library resources. She also speaks with Shayna Wesselink, the membership director at the YMCA in Jamestown.
• La educación en el hogar ayuda con Amanda: Amanda discusses deschooling as a fresh start to homeschooling.
• Upcoming Special Episode: We would love to feature your special holiday traditions on our special Christmas episode, you can send in a short 30-45 second video, or you or your kids describing your favorite traditions. Send those to thehomeschoolshow@nche.com 
• Noticias de educación en el hogar: Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events:
  • December 10th – A Christmas Carol in High Point 
  • December 17th – The Nutcracker Ballet in Charlotte    
  • January 24th – Faith & Family Day at the Charlotte Hornets
  • May 23rd, 2026 – NCHE Graduation Ceremony
    • nche.com/christmas-carol-2025/
    • nche.com/activities/field-trips/
    • nche.com/hornets-2026/
    • https://nche.com/graduate-central/