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The Defining Decade: How to Set Your Teen Up for a Thriving 20s

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

Release Date: 05/21/2025

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It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

Overview: This workshop outlines how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)—defined by rapid advancements in AI, robotics, biotech, and digital technologies—is disrupting every aspect of life, including education and work. As homeschooling parents, we have a powerful opportunity to prepare our children not just for a diploma, but for an adaptable, resilient, and purpose-driven life. 🏭 The Four Industrial Revolutions 1st IR (1760–1840): Steam and mechanization revolutionized travel and work. 2nd IR (1870–1914): Mass production and electricity; origins of the factory-model...

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It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

We’re living in disruptive times—and our kids need to understand the world to understand what’s going on. In this powerful episode, Lisa Nehring dives into why world geography isn’t just a school subject—it’s essential for critical thinking, global citizenship, and navigating today’s news. From the headlines in the Middle East to global gig economies and biblical prophecy, we unpack how understanding place and culture helps our students build discernment and purpose. Plus, Lisa shares favorite geography resources, how to talk to your kids about current events, and why True North...

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It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers Podcast: It's Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring  Sponsored by: 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Lisa Nehring encourages homeschool parents to rethink the college experience and consider smarter, more affordable alternatives that align with their students' values, goals, and future career prospects. Lisa shares why the traditional 4-year college pathway is no longer the default and how families can save thousands by combining dual enrollment, CLEP, and strategic degree planning—all while preparing...

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Sponsor Shout-Out: Homeschooling math doesn’t have to end in tears—yours or your kids'. Our favorite math solution? CTC Math. With short, clear video lessons and a self-paced, no-prep format, it’s the curriculum we wish we’d started with sooner. Try it free at – and breathe easier. Episode Summary: In this lively episode, Lisa and Gina—your trusty admin team from It's Not That Hard to Homeschool—tackle a big question that’s come up often in our community: How do you teach your kids how to learn? The answer? The Five Common Topics—a powerful, flexible tool you can use across...

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📋 Show Notes: Teens today are facing a full-blown identity crisis. As parents, we’re watching our kids grow up in a world where anxiety, confusion, and cultural chaos are becoming the norm. But there is a solution—and it may be simpler than you think. In this episode, Lisa Nehring breaks down how solid academic foundations and intentional education can restore a teen’s sense of identity, purpose, and direction. She explains why our tweens and teens are feeling so lost—and how classical tools like reading, writing, critical thinking, and worldview exploration can ground them in truth...

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📝 Show Notes: What if you had a simple, flexible, powerful tool that could teach your kids to think deeply about anything? In this episode, Lisa Nehring and Gina Glenn dive into the Five Common Topics—an ancient method (thank you, Aristotle!) that works beautifully in modern homeschooling. Whether you’re classically inclined or just want a stronger framework for conversation and learning, this method is your go-to for developing thinking, reasoning, and relational skills in your kids. It’s not a curriculum. It’s a mindset shift—and one that works across ages, subjects, and...

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📝 Show Notes: The college world has changed. Costs are skyrocketing, transfer credits are a gamble, and many campuses no longer align with your family’s values. So what do you do when you want your teen to thrive in today’s economy—without drowning in debt? In this episode, Lisa Nehring introduces a game-changing alternative: the Dual Degree Program from True North Academy. It’s a revolutionary opportunity for homeschool students to earn a fully accredited 4-year bachelor’s degree while still in high school—from real colleges with real credentials. This might sound too good to...

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📝 Show Notes: If you’ve ever wondered, “How many hours = one high school credit?” or “Am I giving my teen credit for all they’re doing?” — this episode is for you. Lisa Nehring breaks down what a high school credit really is, how to track them properly, and why credits matter more than ever in a world where college admissions, scholarships, and transcripts all speak the same language: credit hours. You’ll also hear how to build a standout factor, what’s changing in how credits are awarded, and what you might be overlooking in your student’s education that’s already...

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📝 Show Notes: We’ve all heard it: this is the Anxious Generation. Teen mental health is at an all-time low—and many parents feel powerless to help. But what if there were a simple, research-backed practice that reduces anxiety, improves decision-making, and even strengthens identity? In this episode, Lisa Nehring shares the surprising impact of regular Bible reading on mental health and emotional development—and how you can harness this powerful tool in your homeschool. Whether you're looking to build resiliency, restore purpose, or just help your teen calm their nervous system and...

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Are you unintentionally holding your teen back from independence? Discover how to build grit, resilience, and self-advocacy—three skills every teen needs to thrive in their defining decade. Foster Independence, Build Grit, and Raise Self-Advocating Teens Does your teen struggle with responsibility or constantly lean on you to solve their problems? This episode is your call to action. In today’s installment of the Defining Decade series, Lisa Nehring tackles the powerful trio every teen needs to master before they hit adulthood: independence, resilience, and self-advocacy. Get ready for an...

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🎙️ Episode Title:
The Defining Decade: How to Set Your Teen Up for a Thriving 20s

📝 Show Notes:
Your teen years aren’t just for “figuring it out”—they’re for setting the trajectory of your entire adult life.

Inspired by Dr. Meg Jay’s powerful book The Defining Decade, Lisa Nehring shares why your 20s matter more than you think—and how intentional parenting during the teen years can launch your kids into a decade of success instead of struggle.

In this jam-packed episode, Lisa gives you 7 actionable strategies to help your middle and high schoolers prepare for a thriving future—academically, vocationally, and personally.

💡 You’ll learn how to help your teen:

  • Explore interests that build real-life skills

  • Develop networking savvy beyond the screen

  • Set and reach meaningful goals

  • Build a solid foundation of financial literacy

  • Cultivate independence and resilience

  • Navigate relationships with wisdom and boundaries

  • Make academic and career decisions with purpose

Whether your child is heading toward college, entrepreneurship, trades, or something in between—these insights will help you coach them well through the crucial teen years and beyond.

🛠️ Bonus Resources Mentioned:

  • Free 15-minute academic advising at True North Academy (truenorthhomeschool.academy)

  • 2-Year Academic Planning Tool

  • Core 4 High School Bundle (Math, Science, English, History + Test + Advising)

  • Self-paced electives like Baking, Project Management, and Positive Psychology

  • Dual Degree Program—graduate high school and earn a full college degree at the same time

📘 Book Recommendation:
The Defining Decade by Dr. Meg Jay — Required reading for every homeschool parent!

🎧 Listen in for practical tools, encouragement, and next steps to help your teen own their future—with intention.