“I’m not reading, but everyone else is.”
If you’ve ever heard your child say this, or felt the quiet panic of wondering whether something is wrong, this conversation is for you.
In this episode, we talk openly about late reading and dyslexia in homeschooling, and what it looks like to support children when learning timelines don’t match school expectations.
I’m joined by Carrie DeFrancisco for a live conversation inside Day in the Life community. Carrie is a former classroom teacher, longtime homeschool parent, homeschool coach, and podcaster — and she’s also an accidental homeschooler and the mother of a neurodivergent, dyslexic learner.
Together, we explore:
how children learn to read without pressure or comparison
what’s actually happening when a child notices they’re “behind”
how to support dyslexic learners without pathologizing them
why many children read later and still thrive academically and personally
what literacy looks like beyond decoding words on a page
how parents can protect confidence, identity, and relationship when reading timelines look different
This is a conversation about homeschooling dyslexic learners, yes — but it’s also about trust, development, and letting learning unfold without a stopwatch.
If you have a late reader, a dyslexic learner, or a child whose learning doesn’t fit school benchmarks, you’ll hear reassurance, perspective, and practical insight grounded in lived experience.
And even if reading isn’t your child’s struggle, this episode applies anywhere your child’s timeline looks different.
Meet Carrie
Carrie DeFrancisco is an author, podcaster, coach, and veteran homeschooling parent. She’s a relaxed homeschooler who has raised and educated two very different kids (including a dyslexic learner) through childhood and into adulthood.
Carrie is known for helping families simplify homeschooling and step outside school-shaped expectations with more confidence, clarity, and joy. She’s the host of the Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Help podcast, a speaker and coach, and the author of A Home Education Handbook, Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee) and Homeschool High School.
Originally from New Orleans, Carrie now lives and enjoys doing life in Southern California with her husband, two adult kids, daughter-in-law, and a very introverted dog.
Resources and Support
- Connect with Carrie DeFrancisco and explore her work here
- Listen to Carrie’s podcast featuring her son Joe
- Learn more about Day in the Life (DITL) and be notified when doors open again
- Explore coaching with Kelly 1:1 if you want support meeting your neurodivergent child where they are and navigating self-directed education with confidence
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.
