Episodes

  • Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Homeschooling: A Conversation with Amy Bodkin

    Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Homeschooling: A Conversation with Amy Bodkin
    Jul 26 2024

    Enjoy this episode of the podcast – a great conversation with Amy Bodkin, an autistic former school psychologist currently dedicated to supporting homeschooling families raising neurodivergent children.

    Amy shares her expertise in creating tailored, budget-friendly strategies to enhance learning experiences for children with special needs. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice and personal anecdotes, backed by thorough research and a deep understanding of individual needs.

    Key Takeaways:

    Tailored Approaches Over One-Size-Fits-All: Both Colleen and Amy underline the importance of personalized curriculum choices to cater to each child’s unique interests and needs. Amy's data-driven and developmental approach ensures children are viewed and supported as whole individuals.

    Silver Bullet Solutions vs. Research: Amy emphasizes the value of thorough research and experimenting with alternatives like vision therapy and tailored educational resources. The "right" solution might not be readily available, but finding it can make a world of difference.

    Holistic Parenting: Amy's philosophy revolves around balance in daily life, whether it's diet, activity, or learning. She advocates for seeing children as individuals and recognizing the significance of their developmental stages in shaping their educational journey.

    Links and Resources from Today’s Episode

    Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

    • Pre-Order – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
    • Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
    • Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
    • Special Needs Kids Are People Too by Amy Bodkin
    • Amy Bodkin Consulting
    • Fixing My Gaze: A Scientist's Journey Into Seeing in Three Dimensions by Susan R. Barry
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    42 mins
  • Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals

    Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
    Jul 17 2024

    Check out the latest episode of the podcast! This episode dives into the idea of family routines and rituals and how they play a crucial role in building stronger family bonds and supporting our children's growth.

    There is a difference between routines and rituals. This episode highlights how each plays a unique role in fostering a sense of identity, stability, and emotional security within the family. Family rituals and routines are not just mundane daily tasks; they are powerful tools to nurture deep emotional bonds, encourage inclusivity, and ensure open communication, empathy, and understanding among family members. Consistent routines are particularly beneficial for neurodivergent kids, providing the structure needed to manage anxiety and promote emotional regulation and well-being.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Structured Comfort: Routines provide security and predictability, improving overall health, mood, and learning environments, especially for homeschooling families.

    • Emotional Bonding: Family rituals create lasting emotional ties and cherished memories, fostering a deep sense of belonging and love.

    • Life Skills Development: Consistent routines aid in building essential life skills, resilience, and independence, preparing kids for future challenges and successes.

    Links and Resources from Today’s Episode

    Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

    • Pre-Order – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
    • Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
    • Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.

    • Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections

    • Sparkschooling | Engaging Children in Music, Art, and STEM

    • Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience

    • Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons

    • How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich

    • Why Create a Schedule Command Center?

    • Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration

    • The Power of Connecting with Your Kids in Homeschooling

    • A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids

    • RLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna Wingert

    • RLL 10 Sarah MacKenzie: Building Connections Through Books

    • The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents
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    49 mins
  • Homeschooling Hack | Using Online Book Clubs for Literature with Mary Wilson

    Homeschooling Hack | Using Online Book Clubs for Literature with Mary Wilson
    Jul 10 2024

    We are thrilled to bring you the latest episode of the podcast, where Mary Hanna Wilson shares all about using book clubs to teach literature.

    This episode is packed with golden nuggets for parents who want to foster a deep love for reading and literature in their children while making learning an engaging, enjoyable experience.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Flexible Learning: Online formats allow your kids to learn on the go, participating in classes from virtually any location.
    • Deep Dives: Learn how to focus on specific literary elements and themes, ensuring in-depth understanding.
    • Interactive Experience: Get tips on creating a non-pressured, enjoyable learning atmosphere, both at home and in online classes.

    Tune into this enlightening episode to transform your approach to teaching literature and instill a lifelong love of reading in your children.

    Happy Learning!

    Links and Resources from Today’s Episode

    Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

    • Pre-Order – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
    • Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
    • Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
    • Celebrate a Book with Mary Hanna Wilson
    • Mary's Online Book Clubs
    • Mary's Booklists
    • Episode 82: Celebrate a Book with Mary Hanna Wilson
    • Why I Still Read Aloud to My Tweens and Teens
    • Helping Your Differently-Wired Kids Fall in Love with Reading
    • The Power of Reading for Gifted Children: Advanced Readers and Social Emotional Learning

    Connect with Mary
    Learn more on her website: https://www.maryhannawilson.com/
    Connect with Mary on Instagram , on Facebook , or TikTok

    Connect with Colleen
    You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler
    How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/
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    42 mins
  • The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents

    The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents
    Jul 3 2024
    In today’s episode, we dive into the importance of happiness and how fostering joy and long-term contentment in children can shape their development for the better. We explore positive psychology, resilience, and the PERMA model, highlighting how joy, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment are key to fostering long-term contentment. Colleen shares personal experiences and practical tips on creating joyful, supportive home environments, celebrating successes, and encouraging autonomy. Key Takeaways: Nurturing Resilience and Long-term Contentment: Discover how positive psychology and Seligman’s PERMA model can help cultivate joy and happiness in both parenting and homeschooling, promoting children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth.Celebrating Small Pleasures and Long-term Happiness: Understand the distinction between temporary pleasures like ordering takeout and long-term, internally driven happiness. Learn how these concepts impact children’s well-being and cognitive advantages.Fostering Growth and Supportive Relationships: Explore the importance of building strong, meaningful connections, supporting children’s interests and autonomy in learning, and engaging in activities aligned with family values to nurture a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Don’t miss this episode filled with strategies to enhance your child’s social, emotional, and cognitive well-being through happiness. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise Pre-Order – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Masterclass | Cultivating a Healthy Mindset The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse ChildrenHomeschooling Our Gifted Children: The Power Of Artful Questions Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience Benefits of Keeping it Playful with Teens Unleashing Childhood Creativity in the Homeschool EnvironmentBooks to Help Your Kids Learn Mindfulness at Home The Power of Connecting with Your Kids in HomeschoolingGuide Your Kids on a Path to Self-Discovery Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/
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    57 mins
  • Tackling Perfectionism | A Conversation with Lisa Van Gemert

    Tackling Perfectionism | A Conversation with Lisa Van Gemert
    Jun 19 2024
    Today we have a truly insightful episode featuring Lisa Van Gemert, an expert in gifted education and the mind behind Gifted Guru. Join us as we explore the intricacies of perfectionism in gifted children, how it intertwines with their cognitive abilities, and its impact on their mental and emotional health. Lisa shares invaluable strategies for parents, including a unique "one to five" task evaluation approach that can help children better understand and navigate their perfectionistic tendencies. We'll also discuss the importance of connection and mindfulness, teaching kids empathy and critical thinking, and offering grace in the homeschooling journey. Key Takeaways: Evaluating Perfectionism: Lisa introduced a practical "one to five" strategy for helping children—and parents—navigate the pressures of perfectionism by rating the importance of various tasks. This helps them discern between crucial and non-critical issues, thus reducing unnecessary stress.Emphasizing Self-Reflection: We discussed the importance of normalizing self-reflection for children, helping them understand and accept their unique traits. This practice not only fosters self-awareness but also nurtures a healthy, growth-oriented mindset.Connection Over Academics: Lisa's advice for homeschooling parents is invaluable—prioritize moments of connection and love over sheer academic achievements. Your dedication and sacrifice are more than enough for your children. Tune in to hear more about how we can support our neurodivergent learners and help them thrive, both academically and emotionally. Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math Links and Resources from Today’s Show Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Lisa Van Gemert's site: https://giftedguru.com Living Gifted: 52 Tips to Survive and Thrive in Giftedland by Lisa Van Gemert Managing Perfectionism | Strategies for Parents Perfectionism And Gifted Children: What You Need To Know RLL #55: Helping Your Child Manage Perfectionism Managing Perfectionism: 10 Tips for Helping Your Gifted Child Building Strong Writers at Home | Insights from Occupational Therapist Sarah Collins Learning Strategies for Reluctant Gifted Children Knowing If Your Child is Gifted The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse Children Homeschooling Our Gifted Children: The Power Of Artful Questions Anxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism: Helping Our Children Cope Homeschool Testing | Helping Your Perfectionist Do Hard Things Connect with Lisa Van Gemert Learn more on her website: https://giftedguru.com Connect with Lisa on Instragram @TheGiftedGuru,on Facebook @GiftedGuru, or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/lisavangemert Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/
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    51 mins
  • Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration

    Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
    Jun 13 2024

    In today’s episode, Colleen dives into the art of building a family team. Discover the importance of setting boundaries, taking personal time, and forming deep, meaningful connections with your loved ones. Colleen shares her personal experiences and offers practical tips on how to balance family and personal time, foster open communication, and create an empathetic, supportive home environment.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Personal Time & Boundaries: Importance of balancing personal time and family time to model self-care for children. Flexible and adaptable coping strategies are crucial, especially during busy times.
    • Shared Responsibilities: Creating a team dynamic through defined roles, shared activities, and collaborative decision-making helps in fostering mutual support and accountability within the family.
    • Building Connections: Engaging in activities that build strong bonds—such as family meals, open conversations, and expressing love and affirmation—contributes to a compassionate and empathetic home environment.

    Tune in to gain insights and actions you can take to strengthen your family bonds and support system. Let's create a loving, united family team together!

    Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

    Links and Resources from Today's Show
    • Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
    • Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
    • Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
    • Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team
    • Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
    • Masterclass | Building Family Connections
    • A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids
    • Rock Your Family Life and Raise Awesome Gifted Kids
    • Family Night Game Guide
    • Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
    • Masterclass | Raising Resilient Families
    • Self-Compassion for a Healthier Mindset | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell
    • How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich

    Connect with Colleen
    You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler

    How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/
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    57 mins
  • Navigating Intensity and Giftedness | Insights from Christine Fonseca

    Navigating Intensity and Giftedness | Insights from Christine Fonseca
    May 29 2024
    In this week’s episode of the podcast, we’re talking with Christine Fonseca, licensed educational psychologist, critically acclaimed author, and nationally recognized speaker on topics related to educational psychology, mental health, giftedness, and using storytelling to heal past wounds. Understanding the complex world of giftedness is crucial for providing the best support for your child. In this episode, we delve into key understandings that can make a significant difference in your homeschooling journey. Key Takeaways: Recognize Intensity: Gifted kids often exhibit intense emotions and behaviors due to their high sensitivity and cognitive abilities. Understanding this can prevent mislabeling their intensity as behavioral issues.Identify Needs: Differentiating between gifted traits and actual behavioral problems is crucial. Providing the right accommodations can help them thrive without pathologizing their uniqueness.Embrace Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Teaching EQ can have a profound effect on a child's success. Use everyday moments to instill skills like empathy, adaptability, and social awareness.Navigate Social Dynamics: Gifted children may find it hard to fit in due to their exceptional intellect. Helping them value and appreciate different perspectives can bridge social gaps.Knowledge & Resources: Books and websites can be transformative. Utilize practical resources to better understand and support your gifted child.Parental Reflection: Understanding and managing your own emotional triggers can help you respond more effectively to your child. Trust that they will be fine, and lead with patience and empathy.Community and Support: Engaging with communities offers valuable insights and shared experiences. Connecting with other parents can provide additional support and strategies. Links and Resources to Today's Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.Christine Fonseca: https://www.christinefonseca.comNew Edition! Emotional Intensity in Gifted ChildrenThe Caring Child: Raising Empathetic and Emotionally Intelligent ChildrenRLL 24: Asynchrony, Intensity, and Motivation | A Listener QuestionGiftedness & IntensityCalm the Chaos with Dayna Abraham The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse ChildrenThe Unique Challenges of Homeschooling Gifted KidsWhen Giftedness is Misdiagnosed as a Behavior Problem Knowledge is Power: Helping Our Gifted Children CopePerfectionism And Gifted Children: What You Need To KnowHomeschooling Our Gifted Children: The Power Of Artful QuestionsAnxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism: Helping Our Children Cope Connect with Christine FonsecaYou can find Christine on: Instagram @ChristineFonsecaAuthor, Facebook @AuthorChristineFonseca, or LinkedIn @Christine Fonseca Christine's group: The Intense Life Tribe on Facebook Christine’s website: https://www.christinefonseca.com Connect with ColleenYou can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/
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    46 mins
  • Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections

    Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
    May 22 2024
    In today's episode of the podcast, we dive into the power of building strong family connections, especially in homeschooling families. We'll chat practical tips like setting family goals, managing time with multiple calendars, and encouraging sibling collaboration. Then, I'll touch on how mindfulness, open communication, and family rituals can foster deep bonds and support your kids' emotional and academic growth. Tune in to embrace family time and create unforgettable memories together! Key Takeaways: Encourage Collaboration and Communication: Foster emotional connections and model respectful communication and empathy during conflicts. Simple actions like admitting mistakes and apologizing can nurture trust and respect.Promote Independence and Responsibility: Assign age-appropriate responsibilities and allow children to make their own choices. This builds accountability and helps them learn from consequences.Prioritize Quality Family Time: Focus on quality over quantity by engaging in one-on-one time and screen-free family outings. This can be achieved through creative solutions like car ride conversations or including kids in errands. We also discuss the resources available through The Learner's Lab community -- Join us if you haven't yet! Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math Links and Resources from Today's Episode Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Activities to Strengthen Your Family TeamThe Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family Creating a Family Mission StatementRLL #76: Creating the Adventurous Family with Rachel RainboltStick Figuring Through the Bible - NEED AMAZON LINKHost an Epic Family Movie Night Rock Your Family Life and Raise Awesome Gifted Kids Growing a Family of CharacterFind a Place of Belonging for Your Neurodiverse KidsRLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna WingertRLL 10 Sarah MacKenzie: Building Connections Through BooksA Thriving Homeschool | Strategies for Setting Boundaries Sibling Unifier: Peanut Butter Play doughResiliency Resources Everything You Need To Homeschool A Child With ADHD Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/
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    45 mins