Episode 105, Published February 1, 2026

Show Notes:

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.

Keywords:

Catholic homeschooling

critical thinking skills

Catholic education

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faith and reason

Catholic apologetics for kids

AI and education

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critical thinking skills

Catholic education

teaching kids critical thinking

faith and reason

Catholic apologetics for kids

AI and education

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Isn’t it hard to find Catholic friends?! I’ve got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1