105 Critical Thinking, Catholic Truth, and the One Rule for AI in Your Homeschool Artwork

Homeschooling For Catholic Parents

You’re wondering if homeschooling is for you. But your inner critic is telling you you’re not enough. How can I teach my kid when we can’t get through homework without tears and yelling? How would the daily routine look? What curriculum will you use? Your house is already a wreck. You don’t want to feel isolated, like you’re on an island where everyone wears long dresses and raises goats. Plus, aren’t homeschoolers weird?

I am so excited you're here! This podcast will give you peace of mind as you raise successful adults who understand their Catholic faith and how to defend it. I’ll help you find the routine that works for you, you’ll still have community, if that’s what you want, and even a clean, organized home is possible (sometimes).

I’m Maeve Jemison, and I host this pod with my handsome husband, Mat. We’re Catholics who prioritize worship and apologetics through our homeschool journey with our five kids.

I’ve made many mistakes along the way. As a young adult, I left the Catholic church because I didn't understand what was going on. I was a government school graduate and high school teacher so I thought homeschooling meant replicating government school at home. (I was wayyyy off!)

When I finally learned the depths and truths of Catholicism, I was adamant that I would teach my little cradle Catholics about the history and beauty of the religion that Jesus started. No way would my kids be as oblivious as I was. Our homeschooling became a delightful adventure, with the Lord guiding us in tailoring our children’s education. I knew I had found my calling!

If you’re ready to thrive as the domestic church through worship, apologetics and homeschooling, then this podcast is for you!

Thanks for stopping by because home is where the truth is!

All Episodes

Homeschooling For Catholic Parents

105 Critical Thinking, Catholic Truth, and the One Rule for AI in Your Homeschool

February 01, 2026

What does “critical thinking” actually look like in a Catholic homeschool? In this episode, Maeve and Matt unpack why critical thinking breaks down when we stop slowing down, questioning ourselves, and seeking truth with humility—and why Catholic families have a unique advantage when truth is the goal.

Using a real-life conversation sparked by a “Friendly Defender Friday” question (“Do Catholics believe they alone possess the truth?”), they walk through how to help kids research, analyze Church history, and synthesize what they learn—without getting swept up in half-truths, internet hot takes, or AI doing the thinking for them.

You’ll also hear:

A simple, practical definition of critical thinking (and common blocks to it)
Why debate and charitable conversation sharpen discernment
A clear “AI rule” for homeschool parents: don’t let AI learn for them
How Church history (heresy, councils, and hard questions) can become a training ground for truth-seeking

Anchored in John 16:13, this episode is both a mindset shift and a hands-on guide for raising kids who can think clearly, love truth, and speak it with charity.

Link to Last week's episode: 104 Do Not Despise the Day of Small Things.

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