Raising Kids Who Thrive: Habits and Foundations for the Early Years | Erin Cox of The Gentle + Classical Press (Episode 303)
Homeschooling isn’t just about academics. It’s about shaping character, habits, and family culture in the everyday moments. In this conversation with Erin from Gentle + Classical Press, we talk about what the early years can look like without the pressure of early academics, how to raise children who know how to use their free time well, and why consistency matters more than perfection. You’ll hear encouragement for the overwhelmed mom, perspective on kids’ different personalities, and practical ways to build a gentle and classical foundation in your home. If you’re looking for fresh vision and tangible ideas for your homeschool days, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
In this episode, we cover:
- Erin’s family life with four children, 15 years of homeschooling, and a business run alongside homesteading
- A shift from academic goals to discipleship, character development, and strong family habits
- The meaning of a “gentle and classical” approach, blending Charlotte Mason influence with classical education in a soft, approachable way
- Preschool years centered on scripture memory, virtues through song, habit training, and life skills, with limited academics before age six
- Encouragement for overwhelmed moms: God equips you for the children He gave you, one hard day won’t undo everything, and comparison online is misleading
- The role of children’s personalities in shaping both family dynamics and parental growth
- Homeschooling with a deeper purpose of individualized learning, supporting specific needs, and cultivating family culture
- Lessons learned from the early years, including the importance of consistency in habits and the danger of overemphasizing grades or peer influence
- Recognizing readiness for formal learning by watching attention spans, keeping lessons short, and letting children progress in their own time
- Homeschooled kids often learn to use free time creatively, developing projects and play rather than becoming bored or dependent on screens
About Erin
Erin Cox is the founder of Gentle + Classical Press, a homeschool curriculum company dedicated to equipping parents with beautiful, thoughtfully crafted resources rooted in Classical and Charlotte Mason philosophies. A homeschooling mom of four, Erin created the materials she wished existed—gentle, meaningful, and accessible tools that simplify home education without sacrificing depth. What began as a personal blog and newsletter has grown into a trusted brand serving over 75,000 families around the world.
Erin believes that homeschooling should feel joyful, not overwhelming, and she’s passionate about helping parents teach with confidence and peace. When she’s not writing curriculum or running her business, Erin enjoys slow days at home with her family, reading, and the simple rhythms of their homestead life.
Resources Mentioned
Listen to Erin’s recent podcast episode about why homeschooling is a foundational choice for her family
Check out Erin’s preschool homeschool offerings
Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
Connect
Erin Cox of The Gentle + Classical Press | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
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