What if math wasn’t actually the problem—just the way we’ve been taught to see it?
In this episode, we welcome longtime unschooling advocate Sue Patterson, founder of Unschooling Mom2Mom, to explore one of the biggest sources of stress for homeschooling parents: math.
Together, we unpack how our own school experiences and fears around math can shape the way we approach learning with our kids—and how shifting that mindset can open the door to curiosity, trust, and genuine growth.
You’ll hear about:
- Why so many parents carry math baggage (and how that affects our kids)
- What real learning looks like when math happens “in the wild”
- How unschooling families handle math resistance and anxiety
- Why your child’s reluctance might actually be a sign of readiness
This is part 4 of 5 in our Start Where You Are series, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Whether you love math or dread it, this conversation will help you reimagine what learning math can look like when we let go of control and trust the process.
Listen to the other episodes in the “Starting Where You Are” series:
Meet Sue
Sue Patterson is a seasoned unschooling coach, author, and founder of Unschooling Mom2Mom, with nearly 30 years of experience supporting families transitioning from traditional education to self- directed learning. After beginning her homeschooling journey in 1996, Sue shifted to unschooling, raising three children who have since embarked on their own successful paths. Through her coaching, courses, and resources, she empowers parents to trust their instincts, overcome educational fears, and create joyful, connected family lives centered around curiosity and autonomy. Sue’s work emphasizes that learning can thrive outside conventional structures, offering practical guidance to families worldwide.
Connect with Sue
Resources and Support
Learn more about and connect with Sue at UnschoolingMom2Mom.com
- Sue’s course: Learning Math WITHOUT Curriculum
Check out Day in the Life (DITL) Community.
- DITL is a community of parents who gather weekly to learn, reflect, and support one another as we homeschool with heart. Each month we welcome a guest expert like Sarah, and every day we build community through shared learning, encouragement, and friendship through our asynchronous video chats on Marco Polo.
Kelly offers one-on-one coaching and a self-paced course on the 90-Minute School Day method.
- There is also Guide Training™, a live group learning environment, for those who prefer community learning.
- Listen to or invite Kelly to speak about the 90-Minute School Day™.
At the end of the day, trust your instincts and explore alternatives to what isn’t working!
I’d love to connect personally, find me on Instagram.
You’re doing a great job, let’s make it easier!
Kelly
Be Featured on the Podcast!
The 90-Minute School Day™ podcast aims to support all homeschooling families with a focus on neurodiverse families, with learning differences and unique learning styles. Be featured on the podcast by sharing your story, struggle or asking your question here. Or leave your recording by clicking the mic below.
