Episode Details

Is your teenager shutting the bedroom door, sleeping until ten, and tuning out every reminder — while you quietly wonder if you’re losing them? In Part 3 of the Smooth Homeschool Days series, homeschool expert Christy-Faith explains what’s really happening in the teen brain and how teen homeschooling can build real independence without losing connection.

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In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep — and why it’s okay to start school at 9 or 10
• Attention span by age: what to expect from 12–14 vs. 15–18 year olds
• Executive function in teens: why knowing and doing run on different hardware
• Scaffolding that isn’t you: checklists, timers, and outside deadlines
• What the research says about teen moods, conflict, and family time
• How much independent work to expect in 7th–8th, 9th–10th, and 11th–12th grade
• The ladder of ownership: handing over the school day one rung at a time
• What to do when your teen says “I want to go to real school” — and how to repair a strained relationship

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Resources mentioned:

• Smooth Homeschool Days Part 1 (Ep. 137) — The early years: pre-K to 2nd grade
• Smooth Homeschool Days Part 2 (Ep. 138) — The elementary years: 3rd to 6th grade
• The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly businesses and providers
• Thrive Homeschool Community — Christy-Faith’s membership community for homeschool moms
• ⭐ New to homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 — the New Homeschooler Series

Connect with Christy-Faith:

• Instagram: @christy_faith_
• TikTok: @christy_faith
• Website: christy-faith.com
• Book: Homeschool Rising

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