Hey, homeschoolers! This week I am creating a podcast based on a very popular guest post I wrote for LikeMindedMusings.com. Specifically, how to help your tween daughter handle her emotions. I’m looking forward to sharing some tips with you if you have a tween daughter, who also seems to have emotions, if you know what I mean. But first, I wanted to share two things with you. I am going to be speaking at five Great Homeschool Conventions this year. I am so excited to meet you. I’ll be in Texas, South Carolina, Ohio, California, and Florida. Make sure you get registered at GreatHomeschoolConventions.com so we can chat! The second thing I wanted to share is that I have begun answering reader questions on my YouTube channel. If you have a  question you’d like me to answer, email me at Psychowith6@gmail.com or message me on social media. I won’t share your name or identifying details, but I can share the information with others who have the same question. Sponsor I want to thank the sponsor for this episode, Change in the Air. Change in the Air is a new film releasing Oct 19th that you won’t want to miss! A peaceful community is forever changed when a mysterious young woman moves in. As the quirky locals embrace her, their lives soon improve. But, they can’t help notice that their strange new neighbor has a secret…Change in the Air will release in select theaters, and digitally on Oct 19th. Go to ChangeInTheAirMovie.net to see if the film is playing near you, or purchase or rent it the day it comes out! Change in the Air – in theaters and digitally on Oct 19th. Resources for Managing Tween Girls’ Emotions How You Are Changing by Jane Graver     There are apps like this Period Tracker Listen to Homeschooling Through Hormones Have a happy homeschool week!  Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Change is in the Air Movie  This story embraces the imperfections that make us human, offers a way to set ourselves free and asks us all to take a good, long look at the wild birds in the sky. Watch the trailer here! The post Special Replay: How To Handle Your Tween Daughter’s Emotions appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers! This week I am creating a podcast based on <a href="https://www.likemindedmusings.com/help-for-handling-tween-daughter-emotions-day-11/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a very popular guest post I wrote for LikeMindedMusings.co</a>m. Specifically, how to help your tween daughter handle her emotions. I’m looking forward to sharing some tips with you if you have a tween daughter, who also seems to have emotions, if you know what I mean. But first, I wanted to share two things with you. I am going to be speaking at five Great Homeschool Conventions this year. I am so excited to meet you. I’ll be in Texas, South Carolina, Ohio, California, and Florida. Make sure you get registered at <a href="http://greathomeschoolconventions.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GreatHomeschoolConventions.com</a> so we can chat! The second thing I wanted to share is that I have begun answering reader questions on <a href="http://YouTube.com/psychowith6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my YouTube channel</a>. If you have a  question you’d like me to answer, email me at Psychowith6@gmail.com or message me on social media. I won’t share your name or identifying details, but I can share the information with others who have the same question. <h2>Sponsor</h2> I want to thank the sponsor for this episode, Change in the Air. Change in the Air is a new film releasing Oct 19th that you won’t want to miss! A peaceful community is forever changed when a mysterious young woman moves in. As the quirky locals embrace her, their lives soon improve. But, they can’t help notice that their strange new neighbor has a secret…Change in the Air will release in select theaters, and digitally on Oct 19th. Go to <a href="http://changeintheairmovie.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ChangeInTheAirMovie.net</a> to see if the film is playing near you, or purchase or rent it the day it comes out! Change in the Air – in theaters and digitally on Oct 19th. <h2>Resources for Managing Tween Girls’ Emotions</h2> <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/tweengirls" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How You Are Changing by Jane Graver</a> <a href="https://www.girlscreatedtoshine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> There are apps like this <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/period-tracker-menstrual-calendar/id720796332?mt=8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Period Tracker</a> Listen to <a href="https://www.homeschoolsanity.com/hormones/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschooling Through Hormone</a>s Have a happy homeschool week! <h3>Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Change is in the Air Movie</h3> This story embraces the imperfections that make us human, offers a way to set ourselves free and asks us all to take a good, long look at the wild birds in the sky. <a href="http://bit.ly/changeintheair" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Watch the trailer here!</a> The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/tweengirls/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Special Replay: How To Handle Your Tween Daughter’s Emotions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Special Replay: How To Handle Your Tween Daughter’s Emotions

Hey homeschoolers! I hate to be the bearer of bad news for those of you who don’t homeschool year round. But yes, back to school is right around the corner. I have wise advice for making back to school the best it can be, whether you are a new or veteran homeschooler. This episode we will discuss six mistakes that veteran homeschoolers don’t make when it comes to back-to-school. Sponsor – Truth Seekers Mystery Series But first I would like to thank our sponsor– Truth Seekers Mysteries– for sponsoring the podcast. Let’s face it, Christian kids are leaving their faith in droves despite all our best efforts. Until now! With the Truth Seekers Mystery Series, your children will become engrossed in a wonderful story that teaches about justice and how to defend their beliefs. Now you can spark your child’s interest in God’s wonderful Creation without even trying! Using a “novel” approach your children will race through hundreds of pages of heart-pounding mystery, suspense, and edge-of-your-seat adventure! There are three novels and study guides in the series. Visit the TruthSeekersMysterySeries.com. Back-to-Homeschool Resources Read the blog post I have guides that well help you choose the best science, language arts, and math curriculum for your family.  120 more ideas for Back to Homeschool from ASLRochelle.com. Print Recipe var plantoeatRef='psychowith6'; Six-Can Chicken Tortilla Soup  Source: allrecipes.com Course: Main Course Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 15 min Total Time: 20 min Serves:  6 Scale    Update  Ingredients  1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn  drained 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth 1 (10 ounce) can chunk chicken 1 (15 ounce) can black beans 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers  drained 1 bag tortilla chips 1 bag shredded cheddar cheese 1 container light sour cream  Directions  Open the cans of corn, chicken broth, chunk chicken, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour everything into a large saucepan or stock pot. Simmer over medium heat until chicken is heated through.  Amount Per Serving (6)  Calories: 214 Protein: 17.2g Sugar: 2.7g Carbohydrate: 27.2g Fat: 4.9g Cholesterol: 32mg Sodium: 1482mg Fiber: 6.7g  Powered by   {"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"Recipe","name":"Six-Can Chicken Tortilla Soup","datePublished":"2013-06-09","image":"https://plantoeat.s3.amazonaws.com/recipes/1262274/146fdaa30f21e95cdb86ba83a8dccc1dab39104b-original.jpg?1370833947","prepTime":"PT5M","cookTime":"PT15M","totalTime":"PT20M","recipeIngredient":["1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained","2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth","1 (10 ounce) can chunk chicken","1 (15 ounce) can black beans","1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained","1 bag tortilla chips","1 bag shredded cheddar cheese","1 container light sour cream"],"recipeInstructions":["Open the cans of corn, chicken broth, chunk chicken, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour everything into a large saucepan or stock pot. Simmer over medium heat until chicken is heated through."],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":"214","fatContent":"4.9g","cholesterolcontent":"32mg","carbohydrateContent":"27.2g","sugarcontent":"2.7g","proteinContent":"17.2g","fiberContent":"6.7g","sodiumContent":"1482mg"}}  If you’d like to make cooking a part of your homeschooling this year, consider the excellent Kids Cook Real Foods curriculum.  a previous episode of The Homeschool Sanity Show on organizing, FLYLady gave us wise advice for cleaning up after every subject. Conclusion If you avoid these six back-to-school mistakes, you are well on your way having a peaceful and blessed back to homeschool. Have your curriculum, school space, special back-to-school surprise, meal plan, reasonable goals, and maintenance plans ready. That is my prayer for you. Which of these mistakes have you made?    The post Special Replay: 6 Back-to-Homeschool Mistakes Veteran Homeschoolers Don’t Make appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey homeschoolers! I hate to be the bearer of bad news for those of you who don’t homeschool year round. But yes, back to school is right around the corner. I have wise advice for making back to school the best it can be, whether you are a new or veteran homeschooler. This episode we will discuss six mistakes that veteran homeschoolers don’t make when it comes to back-to-school. <h2>Sponsor – Truth Seekers Mystery Series</h2> But first I would like to thank our sponsor– Truth Seekers Mysteries– for sponsoring the podcast. Let’s face it, Christian kids are leaving their faith in droves despite all our best efforts. Until now! With the Truth Seekers Mystery Series, your children will become engrossed in a wonderful story that teaches about justice and how to defend their beliefs. Now you can spark your child’s interest in God’s wonderful Creation without even trying! Using a “novel” approach your children will race through hundreds of pages of heart-pounding mystery, suspense, and edge-of-your-seat adventure! There are three novels and study guides in the series. Visit the <a href="http://truthseekersmysteryseries.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TruthSeekersMysterySeries.com</a>. <h2>Back-to-Homeschool Resources</h2> <a href="https://psychowith6.com/6-back-homeschool-mistakes-veteran-homeschoolers-dont-make/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the blog post</a> I have guides that well help you choose the <a href="https://psychowith6.com/best-homeschool-science-curriculum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">best science</a>, <a href="https://psychowith6.com/best-language-arts-curriculum-every-grade/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">language arts</a>, and <a href="https://psychowith6.com/?p=11458" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">math curriculum</a> for your family. <a href="http://grammargalaxybooks.com/shop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://aslrochelle.com/rochelle-barlow/120-ideas-for-back-to-homeschool" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">120 more ideas for Back to Homeschool from ASLRochelle.com</a>. <a href="https://plantoeat.com/recipes/1262274/print" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Print Recipe</a> <a href="https://www.plantoeat.com/recipes/planit?ref=psychowith6" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"></a>var plantoeatRef='psychowith6'; <h2><a href="https://plantoeat.com/recipes/1262274" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Six-Can Chicken Tortilla Soup</a></h2> Source: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/six-can-chicken-tortilla-soup/detail.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">allrecipes.com</a> Course: Main Course Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 15 min Total Time: 20 min Serves: 6 Scale Update Ingredients <ul> <li>1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn drained</li> <li>2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth</li> <li>1 (10 ounce) can chunk chicken</li> <li>1 (15 ounce) can black beans</li> <li>1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers drained</li> <li>1 bag tortilla chips</li> <li>1 bag shredded cheddar cheese</li> <li>1 container light sour cream</li> </ul> Directions <ol> <li>Open the cans of corn, chicken broth, chunk chicken, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour everything into a large saucepan or stock pot. Simmer over medium heat until chicken is heated through.</li> </ol> Amount Per Serving (6) <ul> <li>Calories: 214</li> <li>Protein: 17.2g</li> <li>Sugar: 2.7g</li> <li>Carbohydrate: 27.2g</li> <li>Fat: 4.9g</li> <li>Cholesterol: 32mg</li> <li>Sodium: 1482mg</li> <li>Fiber: 6.7g</li> </ul> Powered by <a href="https://plantoeat.com/recipes/1262274/six-can-chicken-tortilla-soup" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> {"@context":"<a href="http://schema.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://schema.org</a>","@type":"Recipe","name":"Six-Can Chicken Tortilla Soup","datePublished":"2013-06-09","image":"<a href="https://plantoeat.s3.amazonaws.com/recipes/1262274/146fdaa30f21e95cdb86ba83a8dccc1dab39104b-original.jpg?1370833947" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://plantoeat.s3.amazonaws.com/recipes/1262274/146fdaa30f21e95cdb86ba83a8dccc1dab39104b-original.jpg?1370833947</a>","prepTime":"PT5M","cookTime":"PT15M","totalTime":"PT20M","recipeIngredient":["1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained","2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth","1 (10 ounce) can chunk chicken","1 (15 ounce) can black beans","1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained","1 bag tortilla chips","1 bag shredded cheddar cheese","1 container light sour cream"],"recipeInstructions":["Open the cans of corn, chicken broth, chunk chicken, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour everything into a large saucepan or stock pot. Simmer over medium heat until chicken is heated through."],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":"214","fatContent":"4.9g","cholesterolcontent":"32mg","carbohydrateContent":"27.2g","sugarcontent":"2.7g","proteinContent":"17.2g","fiberContent":"6.7g","sodiumContent":"1482mg"}} If you’d like to make cooking a part of your homeschooling this year, consider the excellent <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/backtoschool" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kids Cook Real Foods curriculum</a>. <a href="https://psychowith6.com/tohlplanner" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.homeschoolsanity.com/homeschoolflying/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a previous episode of The Homeschool Sanity Show on organizing</a>, FLYLady gave us wise advice for cleaning up after every subject. Conclusion If you avoid these six back-to-school mistakes, you are well on your way having a peaceful and blessed back to homeschool. Have your curriculum, school space, special back-to-school surprise, meal plan, reasonable goals, and maintenance plans ready. That is my prayer for you. Which of these mistakes have you made? The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/backtoschool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Special Replay: 6 Back-to-Homeschool Mistakes Veteran Homeschoolers Don’t Make</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Special Replay: 6 Back-to-Homeschool Mistakes Veteran Homeschoolers Don’t Make

Hey homeschoolers! This week we are discussing habits of the organized homeschool mom. If organization doesn’t come naturally to you as it doesn’t for me, I think you’ll enjoy this episode. First, if you haven’t listened to the last two episodes I did on planning, you’ll want listen to them first. Organizing didn’t come naturally to me. I’ve had to learn it the hard way. But today I feel like I’m organized enough to do everything God has called me to do as a homeschooling mom. If you’d like to take a shorter journey to organization than I took, this article is for you. These are the habits of an organized homeschool mom. Resources for Habits of the Organized Homeschool Mom Read the blog post Why Happy Homeschool Moms Are Planners How to Keep Happy Planning Going Diona Navarro website, Instagram, Etsy shop  using an app for prayer time Where once it was challenging to find curriculum that worked well in a homeschool setting, now we’re tearing our hair out trying to decide what to buy and what to use once we buy it.    I attended a kindergarten graduation with my second son and was wowed by the kindergartners who performed musically for the ceremony. These children seemed so advanced. My son sat at the graduation, clearly not paying attention to the ceremony at all. It’s so ridiculous now, but I thought he and I were lacking something. That son ironically grew up to be an advanced student and a part of our church’s worship band. I didn’t begin pressing him to do more after that kindergarten graduation, but I could have. I could have let fear about not measuring up add to the burden of homeschooling instead of the joy of it. I asked Diona to talk about The Organized Homeschool Life, which is a plan for helping us to be the organized homeschool moms God has called us to be. Listen to what she said on the podcast.  The Organized Homeschool Life book and planner will help you to create the habits of an organized homeschool mom. First, every day your planner will direct you to spend time with the Lord. Rather than having long lined pages to complete that aren’t realistic for busy moms like us, you’ll have a few lines on which to write your gratitude to God, the word you heard from God, and your response to Him in prayer. Even if all you do is just complete that part of your daily plan, you’ll feel connected to the Lord.  The next habit The Organized Homeschool Life helps you develop is routines. Each day you’ll create a basic schedule for your day. You’ll be guided in the process of creating a routine with a helpful printable. Once you’ve created a workable routine, creating a loose schedule of specific tasks for the day will be easy and gratifying. The third habit The Organized Homeschool Life helps us develop is decluttering. You’ll be challenged to declutter after Christmas, to declutter bedrooms, clothing, used curriculum, and the places in your home that tend to collect clutter. In the Organized Homeschool Life Facebook group, you’ll receive prompts to remind you to keep up your decluttering habit.  The Organized Homeschool Life also helps you have realistic expectations. Each challenge is made up of four steps that take just 15 minutes each. You’ll be amazed by how much you can do in such a short period of time. The Organized Homeschool Life Planner includes space for your organizing task of the day, so you’re reminded to stay on track with these missions or other organizing tasks you need to do. In studying my own productivity for a year, I found that on average I completed just six tasks a day, aside from my routine tasks. That’s why there is space for just six tasks on your daily planning page. It feels amazing to complete your task list for the day and not feel like a failure because you haven’t done all 30 of the items on your overly long list.  Finally, The Organized Homeschool Life is a plan. You can develop your own plan for organizing your homeschool life or you can save yourself time and use or tweak mine. The Organized Homeschool Life gives you a starting point. Each week, the four steps of the challenge for the week are outlined for you in a very short read in the book. The weekly planning page in the planner lists the steps for the week, allowing you to plan when to do them. The planner is organized into months and weeks but isn’t dated, so you can start organizing your homeschool life at any time. I want homeschooling moms have the peace and joy that I have in planning an organized homeschool life. That is why from now through November 17th, 2018, you can gift yourself both the book and planner at launch pricing. Whether you prefer digital books and planners or you love having a printed book and beautifully spiral-bound planner to use, you’ll find both here. [button link=”https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Homeschool/” type=”big” color=”orange” newwindow=”yes”] Organize me![/button] Not sure you can keep up the organizing habit? Be sure to check out How to Keep the Happy Planning Going. You can also give The Organized Homeschool Life book and planner a try with the Christmas Planning challenge. You’ll receive sample pages that will tell you if the The Organized Homeschool Life is for you before the sale is over. Click the image at Homeschool Sanity to sign up for it. Which of these habits has been the biggest struggle for you? Comment and let me know. Pin this article to read again later.    The post Special Replay: Habits of the Organized Homeschool Mom appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey homeschoolers! This week we are discussing habits of the organized homeschool mom. If organization doesn’t come naturally to you as it doesn’t for me, I think you’ll enjoy this episode. First, if you haven’t listened to the last two episodes I did on planning, you’ll want listen to them first. Organizing didn’t come naturally to me. I’ve had to learn it the hard way. But today I feel like I’m organized enough to do everything God has called me to do as a homeschooling mom. If you’d like to take a shorter journey to organization than I took, this article is for you. These are the habits of an organized homeschool mom. <h2>Resources for Habits of the Organized Homeschool Mom</h2> <a href="http://psychowith6.com/habits-of-the-organized-homeschool-mom" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the blog post</a> <a href="https://www.homeschoolsanity.com/happyplanners/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why Happy Homeschool Moms Are Planners</a> <a href="https://www.homeschoolsanity.com/happyplanning/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Keep Happy Planning Going</a> Diona Navarro <a href="http://alldayeverydaymom.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/alldayeverydaymom" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AllDayEverydayMom?ref=search_shop_redirect" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> <a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Homeschool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-app-christian-journal/id351404498?mt=8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">using an app</a> for prayer time Where once it was challenging to find curriculum that worked well in a homeschool setting, now we’re tearing our hair out trying to decide <a href="https://psychowith6.com/curriculum-paralysis-deciding-which-curriculum-to-use-this-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">what to buy and what to use once we buy it</a>. I attended a kindergarten graduation with my second son and was wowed by the kindergartners who performed musically for the ceremony. These children seemed so advanced. My son sat at the graduation, clearly not paying attention to the ceremony at all. It’s so ridiculous now, but I thought he and I were lacking something. That son ironically grew up to be an advanced student and a part of our church’s worship band. I didn’t begin pressing him to do more after that kindergarten graduation, but I could have. I could have let fear about not measuring up add to the burden of homeschooling instead of the joy of it. I asked Diona to talk about <a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Homeschool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Organized Homeschool Life</a>, which is a plan for helping us to be the organized homeschool moms God has called us to be. Listen to what she said <a href="http://ultimateradioshow.com/organizinghabits" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the podcast</a>. <a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Homeschool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Homeschool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Organized Homeschool Life book and planner</a> will help you to create the habits of an organized homeschool mom. First, every day your planner will direct you to spend time with the Lord. Rather than having long lined pages to complete that aren’t realistic for busy moms like us, you’ll have a few lines on which to write your gratitude to God, the word you heard from God, and your response to Him in prayer. Even if all you do is just complete that part of your daily plan, you’ll feel connected to the Lord. <a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Homeschool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The next habit The Organized Homeschool Life helps you develop is routines. Each day you’ll create a basic schedule for your day. You’ll be guided in the process of creating a routine with a helpful printable. Once you’ve created a workable routine, creating a loose schedule of specific tasks for the day will be easy and gratifying. The third habit The Organized Homeschool Life helps us develop is decluttering. You’ll be challenged to declutter after Christmas, to declutter bedrooms, clothing, used curriculum, and the places in your home that tend to collect clutter. In <a href="http://facebook.com/groups/organizedhs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Organized Homeschool Life Facebook group</a>, you’ll receive prompts to remind you to keep up your decluttering habit. The Organized Homeschool Life also helps you have realistic expectations. Each challenge is made up of four steps that take just 15 minutes each. You’ll be amazed by how much you can do in such a short period of time. The Organized Homeschool Life Planner includes space for your organizing task of the day, so you’re reminded to stay on track with these missions or other organizing tasks you need to do. In studying my own productivity for a year, I found that on average I completed just six tasks a day, aside from my routine tasks. That’s why there is space for just six tasks on your daily planning page. It feels amazing to complete your task list for the day and not feel like a failure because you haven’t done all 30 of the items on your overly long list. Finally, The Organized Homeschool Life is a plan. You can develop your own plan for organizing your homeschool life or you can save yourself time and use or tweak mine. The Organized Homeschool Life gives you a starting point. Each week, the four steps of the challenge for the week are outlined for you in a very short read in the book. The weekly planning page in the planner lists the steps for the week, allowing you to plan when to do them. The planner is organized into months and weeks but isn’t dated, so you can start organizing your homeschool life at any time. I want homeschooling moms have the peace and joy that I have in planning an organized homeschool life. That is why from now through November 17th, 2018, you can gift yourself both the book and planner at launch pricing. Whether you prefer digital books and planners or you love having a printed book and beautifully spiral-bound planner to use, <a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Homeschool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you’ll find both here</a>. [button link=”<a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Homeschool/”" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Homeschool/”</a> type=”big” color=”orange” newwindow=”yes”] Organize me![/button] Not sure you can keep up the organizing habit? Be sure to check out <a href="https://psychowith6.com/how-to-keep-the-happy-planning-going/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Keep the Happy Planning Going</a>. You can also give The Organized Homeschool Life book and planner a try with the Christmas Planning challenge. You’ll receive sample pages that will tell you if the The Organized Homeschool Life is for you before the sale is over. Click the image <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/organizinghabits" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">at Homeschool Sanity</a> to sign up for it. Which of these habits has been the biggest struggle for you? Comment and let me know. Pin this article to read again later. The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/organizinghabits/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Special Replay: Habits of the Organized Homeschool Mom</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Special Replay: Habits of the Organized Homeschool Mom

Hey homeschoolers! We are already well into July, and if you’re like me, you feel like summer is slipping away. Fortunately, we can still make the most of it. I’ll explain how. Sponsor Before I do, I want to thank my sponsor for this episode CTC math. Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum?  CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way! The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”. Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). CTC Math uses a multi-sensory approach, having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly. Visit ctcmath.com today to start your free trial. Make the Most of Summer Resources Read the blog post  The Organized Homeschool Life Planner So You’re Not Wonder Woman Simple Student Planner Conclusion Thanks again to CTC math for sponsoring this podcast.  Have a happy home school week!The post Special Replay: How To Make The Most Of The Rest Of Summer appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey homeschoolers! We are already well into July, and if you’re like me, you feel like summer is slipping away. Fortunately, we can still make the most of it. I’ll explain how. <h1>Sponsor</h1> Before I do, I want to thank my sponsor for this episode CTC math. Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ctcmath.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR17zkT2K_yLEOgXdk_sCpZ9DQ1v-LfLlEbmG8NRB5X4Y8Aa4XYzy6VM3To&amp;h=AT3xdBZSXlmfWeSkwRBqBfdKb7Hcow5F7CynAc-JemBoFvf7gKm3rqL7WUTE2USfDmR4Ef7fkEOPKktLtTsRARYfA3rPPk4fgDc9d_V5cXmg0_FUGnZ2ah1tf0ke00amrPaJdA" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CTCMath</a> specializes in providing <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ffast.wistia.net%2Fembed%2Fiframe%2Ffvecqxa3ie%3Fpopover%3Dtrue%26fbclid%3DIwAR0hBCKuVxeFSWNDByPyxw9jTl7N15HrFJ-sp3Vj5C3ccypEMwJhrBNqwnQ&amp;h=AT3D1xktQauqIT8qAmJPLnfto0x3I6CgESOn3KswGAg0WMBK2BgPmlSccb6IUlXa8NEB6DYXF-21Z7nsGFrUyefZuYpCh0x-nZI7xfeB3_PTbYq1Ir9t41lBpiWM5qw6uncmJw" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">online video tutorials</a> that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcathyduffyreviews.com%2Fmath%2Fctc-math.htm%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1dxTSLIbHtpkQBtriK11lbQBnjnPvlTwtLZ3ei5wjSw0-xWwW911Qy1SA&amp;h=AT2KGtL83VA1ogqGc39Z8Bm8kOlBD4dkmmqJVx3ZN0fInHCMntUaNaJu60IFg8Bq7AXwxU-XWdv2EuktVU39333GeOKALqdc0kW5uVP_Ymn6_51P4-AgO2AZr-X89qaXQZq2UA" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks</a> and <a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/ctc-math-review/?fbclid=IwAR3fu80fkWdw2OSOAFuAURUKzRm1blmq3Gw2JIWecFj-kx6sHbPZ9x_vsf0" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review,</a> the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way! The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”. Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fctcmath.com%2Fpat-murray%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3kS82k93yI7Z9HRo2l5bhre5FawbnoiSdGxIR1G6fMO8fjfspaZfGCfcQ&amp;h=AT0nl0t1tqLI-auevBWFmB-rHluPRe-fptWcC3Mp22EzDNMljegOfPPgQawhMU3OwhzlaRk6PuEYw0R4izMHc38V6oYNxtjtm8GiJTEqeDJxZdsEUKB2YrMgI2WDPXXLfwIMfg" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pat Murray,</a> who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). CTC Math uses a multi-sensory approach, having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly. Visit <a href="http://ctcmath.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ctcmath.com</a> today to start your free trial. <h2>Make the Most of Summer Resources</h2> <a href="http://psychowith6.com/goodsummer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the blog post</a> <a href="https://psychowith6.com/wp-content/uploads/Summer-Bucket-List.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://funtolearnbooks.com/product/the-organized-homeschool-life-planner-digital/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Organized Homeschool Life Planner</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/So-Youre-Not-Wonder-Woman-ebook/dp/B005HFDCQW/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&amp;keywords=so+you%27re+not+wonder+woman&amp;qid=1626189426&amp;rnid=2941120011&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-3#:~:text=https%3A//amzn.to/36upnCS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">So You’re Not Wonder Woman</a> <a href="https://psychowith6.com/homeschool-record-form/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simple Student Planner</a> <h2>Conclusion</h2> Thanks again to CTC math for sponsoring this podcast.  Have a happy home school week!The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/goodsummer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Special Replay: How To Make The Most Of The Rest Of Summer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Special Replay: How To Make The Most Of The Rest Of Summer

 If your homeschooler is going to be taking a standardized test soon, do you know the best way to prepare? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where my guest shares some lesser known insights and tips to put you and your student at ease. Hey, homeschoolers! I had the chance to interview one of my favorite people for the podcast again–Dennis DiNoia of Mr. D. Math. We first became acquainted when my son enrolled in his ACT Math prep course. My son was so impressed with his teaching style and so was I. I then ended up meeting him at Great Homeschool Conventions, where in one instance he came to my rescue with his audiovisual equipment. He is not only a brilliant math teacher but one of the nicest people on the planet. Here’s a link to a previous podcast episode: How to Teach Kids to Be Responsible for Their Own Learning I think you’ll find our discussion about test preparation practical and encouraging. We discussed:    the link between test preparation and executive functioning skills       the biggest challenges students have in taking achievement tests       mistakes homeschoolers make in preparing for these tests       suggestions for students who will be taking a test this year to enable them o do their best    Be sure to check out all the resources at Mr. D Math! Here’s a video montage of Dennis’s son dancing. So impressive! Have a happy homeschool week! The post Test Prep For Homeschoolers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

If your homeschooler is going to be taking a standardized test soon, do you know the best way to prepare? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where my guest shares some lesser known insights and tips to put you and your student at ease. Hey, homeschoolers! I had the chance to interview one of my favorite people for the podcast again–Dennis DiNoia of <a href="http://mrdmath.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mr. D. Math</a>. We first became acquainted when my son enrolled in his ACT Math prep course. My son was so impressed with his teaching style and so was I. I then ended up meeting him at <a href="http://greathomeschoolconventions.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Homeschool Conventions</a>, where in one instance he came to my rescue with his audiovisual equipment. He is not only a brilliant math teacher but one of the nicest people on the planet. Here’s a link to a previous podcast episode: <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/responsiblelearner/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Teach Kids to Be Responsible for Their Own Learning</a> I think you’ll find our discussion about test preparation practical and encouraging. We discussed: <ul> <li> <ul> <li>the link between test preparation and executive functioning skills</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>the biggest challenges students have in taking achievement tests</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>mistakes homeschoolers make in preparing for these tests</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>suggestions for students who will be taking a test this year to enable them o do their best</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Be sure to check out all the resources at <a href="http://mrdmath.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mr. D Math</a>! Here’s a <a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAFizSPiRNk/Hx4Qq-Ru3K6_aiB_2JxaQw/watch?utm_content=DAFizSPiRNk&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_source=publishsharelink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">video montage of Dennis’s son dancing</a>. So impressive! Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Test-Prep-for-Homeschoolers_png-1.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/testprep/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Test Prep For Homeschoolers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Test Prep For Homeschoolers

Charlotte Mason

Do you love Charlotte Mason’s approach to education? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I explain why I think Charlotte Mason would approve of my unique approach to teaching language arts and why you might want to consider adding it to your studies this year. If you love a Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling, I’m not surprised. Charlotte thought education should be a lifestyle that should engage the whole person. She wanted children to appreciate nature and fine arts. And she wanted them to have a love of learning. I wasn’t acquainted with Charlotte Mason’s approach when I created Grammar Galaxy, but I believe she would approve. I was motivated to create a new approach to teaching language arts, and grammar in particular, because my kids hated it. They begged me not to teach it. I didn’t understand this because I’ve always loved English. I started paying closer attention to the curriculum I’d used over the years and discovered the main reason my kids were so bored with it: it was taken out of the context of story. Grammar Galaxy uses story to teach The first reason I believe Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is because it uses story to teach. Rather than a dry, textbook approach of stating that a noun is a person, place, or thing, the nouns in Grammar Galaxy begin disappearing. The king is able to get the nouns returned to planet Sentence, but they need help getting back to their homes. Students are guardians of the galaxy who help return the nouns to Person, Place or Thing Street where they live. The stories in Grammar Galaxy hold students’ attention and are far more memorable than textbook material. It is what Charlotte called a living book written by someone who is passionate about the topic. That’s me! Grammar Galaxy encourages fiction reading The second reason I think Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is related. Charlotte wanted students to read fiction. Grammar Galaxy encourages daily reading in multiple genres and does not dictate which books are read. The emphasis is on developing a love of reading through print and audiobooks that appeal to students. We now know that reading fiction for enjoyment is the key to expanding students’ vocabulary—the best predictor of school and life success. Grammar Galaxy can be used with narration The third reason I believe Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is how well it lends itself to narration. At the end of each story are some questions to check for comprehension. A great follow-up for Charlotte Mason homeschoolers is for students to retell the story orally. This rehearsal will allow you to check for thorough understanding and will allow your student to better retain the information. Grammar Galaxy includes copywork, dictation, and journaling The fourth reason I think Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is its inclusion of  copywork, dictation, and journaling lessons. These practices are known to improve students’ handwriting, grammar, spelling, and even enjoyment of writing. Free, monthly language arts calendars sent to subscribers frequently include additional copywork and writing exercises.  Grammar Galaxy uses short lessons The fifth reason I believe Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is its short lessons. Charlotte wanted children to have time to play and learn outside. She didn’t want them spending the day at a desk. Each step in a mission of Grammar Galaxy takes just 10-15 minutes to complete on average, allowing students time to read a book in a hammock, sketch what they think the Gremlin looks like, or write their own funny stories. I’ve also included active mission steps whenever possible like going on an adjective hunt. Grammar Galaxy encourages a love of learning The sixth reason I think Charlotte would approve of Grammar Galaxy is her desire for children to love learning. That was my top goal for the curriculum because I know if students enjoy reading, writing, and even grammar, they’ll do more of it. As they do more of it, they’ll improve their skills and grow in confidence. My favorite comment to get from Grammar Galaxy families is that their child’s new favorite subject is language arts and they beg to do it! Conclusion Of course, Charlotte can’t weigh in on Grammar Galaxy, but you as a Charlotte Mason homeschooler can. You can download a complete lesson of any volume to try with your student for free at FunToLearnBooks.com/samples. If you’re attending Great Homeschool Conventions this summer, stop by the Grammar Galaxy books booth to see the books in person. I’d love to chat with you. Have a happy homeschool week!   The post Why Charlotte Mason Would Love Grammar Galaxy appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Do you love Charlotte Mason’s approach to education? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I explain why I think Charlotte Mason would approve of my unique approach to teaching language arts and why you might want to consider adding it to your studies this year. If you love a <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/charlotte/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling</a>, I’m not surprised. Charlotte thought education should be a lifestyle that should engage the whole person. She wanted children to appreciate nature and fine arts. And she wanted them to have a love of learning. I wasn’t acquainted with <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/cmcurriculum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charlotte Mason’s approach</a> when I created Grammar Galaxy, but I believe she would approve. I was motivated to create a new approach to teaching language arts, and grammar in particular, because my kids hated it. They begged me not to teach it. I didn’t understand this because I’ve always loved English. I started paying closer attention to the curriculum I’d used over the years and discovered the main reason my kids were so bored with it: it was taken out of the context of story. <h2>Grammar Galaxy uses story to teach</h2> The first reason I believe Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is because it uses story to teach. Rather than a dry, textbook approach of stating that a noun is a person, place, or thing, the nouns in Grammar Galaxy begin disappearing. The king is able to get the nouns returned to planet Sentence, but they need help getting back to their homes. Students are guardians of the galaxy who help return the nouns to Person, Place or Thing Street where they live. The stories in Grammar Galaxy hold students’ attention and are far more memorable than textbook material. It is what Charlotte called a living book written by someone who is passionate about the topic. That’s me! <h2>Grammar Galaxy encourages fiction reading</h2> The second reason I think Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is related. Charlotte wanted students to read fiction. Grammar Galaxy encourages daily reading in multiple genres and does not dictate which books are read. The emphasis is on developing a love of reading through print and audiobooks that appeal to students. We now know that reading fiction for enjoyment is the key to expanding students’ <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/vocabulary/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">vocabulary—the best predictor of school and life success</a>. <h2>Grammar Galaxy can be used with narration</h2> The third reason I believe Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is how well it lends itself to narration. At the end of each story are some questions to check for comprehension. A great follow-up for Charlotte Mason homeschoolers is for students to retell the story orally. This rehearsal will allow you to check for thorough understanding and will allow your student to better retain the information. <h2>Grammar Galaxy includes copywork, dictation, and journaling</h2> The fourth reason I think Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is its inclusion of  copywork, dictation, and journaling lessons. These practices are known to improve students’ handwriting, grammar, spelling, and even enjoyment of writing. Free, monthly language arts calendars sent to subscribers frequently include additional copywork and writing exercises. <a href="http://funtolearnbooks.com/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <h2>Grammar Galaxy uses short lessons</h2> The fifth reason I believe Charlotte Mason would approve of Grammar Galaxy is its short lessons. Charlotte wanted children to have time to play and learn outside. She didn’t want them spending the day at a desk. Each step in a mission of Grammar Galaxy takes just 10-15 minutes to complete on average, allowing students time to read a book in a hammock, sketch what they think the Gremlin looks like, or write their own funny stories. I’ve also included active mission steps whenever possible like going on an adjective hunt. <h2>Grammar Galaxy encourages a love of learning</h2> The sixth reason I think Charlotte would approve of Grammar Galaxy is her desire for children to love learning. That was my top goal for the curriculum because I know if students enjoy reading, writing, and even grammar, they’ll do more of it. As they do more of it, they’ll improve their skills and grow in confidence. My favorite comment to get from Grammar Galaxy families is that their child’s new favorite subject is language arts and they beg to do it! <h2>Conclusion</h2> Of course, Charlotte can’t weigh in on Grammar Galaxy, but you as a Charlotte Mason homeschooler can. You can download a complete lesson of any volume to try with your student for free at <a href="http://funtolearnbooks.com/samples" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FunToLearnBooks.com/samples</a>. If you’re attending <a href="http://greathomeschoolconventions.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Homeschool Conventions</a> this summer, stop by the Grammar Galaxy books booth to see the books in person. I’d love to chat with you. Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cmgg-pin.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/cmgrammargalaxy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why Charlotte Mason Would Love Grammar Galaxy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Why Charlotte Mason Would Love Grammar Galaxy

 Do you wish you could ask a Christian homeschooling psychologist a parenting question? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I answer the most common parenting questions I receive. Hey, homeschoolers! Most of the questions I’ve received in my personal and professional life center around parenting. As a parent myself, I understand that. We live in an age that has parents terrified of making mistakes and being blamed for any and everything that can go wrong in their children’s lives. Apart from that fear, we have the earnest desire to love and teach our children well. While I didn’t begin this podcast or my time as a speaker thinking I would focus on parenting, I have found that I enjoy answering these questions. My prayer is that you’ll have some of your questions answered in this episode. If you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to send them my way via email (melaniephd@gmail.com) or on social media messages (@homeschoolsanity). I am happy to respond individually. So, let’s jump in to six of the most popular questions I’ve answered over the years. #1 Am I disciplining the right way? This question comes after an explanation of a child’s problem behavior and a description of what the parent has done to address it that has improved the behavior. The short answer to this question is YES. If you are responding to a child’s behavior problem in a way that is working, albeit imperfectly, then yes, you are disciplining the right way. I haven’t had to say no to this because no parent has ever described an abusive response with this question and no parent has said, “And I just ignore the problem behavior.” The other reason my answer is yes is because you’re the authority on whether or not a disciplinary approach is working and appropriate for your family. I once fell for the lie that I couldn’t be trusted to know the best approach for each of my kids, just as I thought I couldn’t be trusted to know the best way to homeschool my kids. I thought I needed an expert to tell me. I didn’t and you don’t. If what you’re doing is working and it feels right to you, continue on. If it’s making things worse or you feel guilty about it, try something new. #2 How can I discipline when my spouse isn’t on board? The truth is most parents don’t phrase this in the form of a question. They say, “I CAN’T discipline because my spouse isn’t on board.” My answer is that it’s ideal to have you and your spouse on the same page with discipline. But it isn’t necessary for you to discipline in a way that works and feels good to you. Any time our kids aren’t with us and under our authority, they will likely be dealing with a different disciplinary approach. Outside teachers, coaches, grandparents, babysitters, and divorced or separated parents are probably not going to be on the same page with discipline. Of course, that doesn’t mean we throw up are hands in despair and drop discipline entirely. It is always worthwhile to discuss discipline with your spouse when you have different ideas about how to approach it. But in these discussions our number one focus has to be humility. That is true even when your spouse is making what you think are obvious mistakes. Let’s consider a common scenario. You want to calmly use specific consequences for misbehavior, but when the kids act out, your husband yells instead. Instead of lecturing your husband about the negative effects of yelling and his need for self-control, dig deeper during a quiet discussion. Find out what is driving his frustration. It’s possible it has little to do with the kids’ behavior. Is it a desire for quiet when he gets home from work? Is it being met with a mess or dinner being delayed on a regular basis? It could be problems at work, with extended family, with finances, or with his health driving his frustration. But it could also be as simple as his feeling out of control when the kids misbehave. Many disciplinary problems come from lack of options. If your husband doesn’t know exactly what to do or say, he will go for what has worked in the past–yelling. If your spouse doesn’t have a disciplinary plan, you can humbly describe what you’re trying to do and the results you’ve seen with it. You can ask your spouse how you can support him in disciplining so you can be a team. I’ve heard from more than one father that they are frustrated when their disciplinary efforts are undermined by mom with excuses for the child or telling the child that the consequences Dad gave won’t stand. If you have a problem with Dad’s discipline in a specific instance, go to him privately and humbly ask him to reconsider. When he calms down, he may change his mind about consequences. I’m going to offer a disclaimer here that I am not talking about abuse. If your spouse is abusing your children, get legal and professional help to protect them. That is a parent’s responsibility. But apart from that, if your spouse still doesn’t agree on discipline, carry on. You will do more to influence him by modeling your approach to discipline than debating him. And your children will benefit far more than if you give up on discipline completely. #3 My child has special needs. How can I discipline? This is the hardest question I get because I don’t know. I have given options that will work for most neurotypical children but could backfire with some children on the spectrum. But even if I had an approach for kids on the spectrum, kids with ADHD, kids with sensory processing disorders, and more, your child would likely be unique. As much as I’d like this to be easy, it’s not. You’re going to have to be a student of your child. Experiment. What works? What doesn’t? What are the circumstances when things go well and when they don’t? I have every confidence that you are the perfect person to find a discipinary approach that’s a good fit for your child. But there’s a variation of this question that I want to address too. I get the “My child has OCD, ADD, and ODD and I’ve taken them to all these specialists and nothing works. I can’t discipline this child.” I’m going to be straight with you on this question. I don’t think that particular parent wants me to offer up a magic strategy because when I do give suggestions, I immediately hear why they won’t work. I think this question comes from a place of frustration, exhaustion, and fear of being blamed. There is no doubt that there are children who are very difficult to discipline. They have iron wills and don’t seem to care about punishments. The run-of-the-mill strategies will not work. I have compassion for these parents. But I also know that it can get worse–much, much worse. If there is no discipline, this child (who likely already feels out of control) will believe that not even his parents can get him under control. Children see discipline as love and all of them need it. When we withhold it, they feel unloved and will act out. My advice is to keep loving, keep disciplining, and keep studying your child. The book The Defiant Child is an excellent help as well. Consider professional help as an adjunct to what you’re doing. #4 My child doesn’t understand or agree with my plan or discipline. What do I do? My answer to this question is to imagine an adult authority asking this. Would a police officer complain that people don’t understand the law or agree that they should be ticketed, so there’s nothing they can do? Would an IRS agent complain that people just don’t understand or agree with the tax law and can’t be audited and fined? No. We don’t have to understand and agree to be under authority and neither do our children. They just have to respect and obey. That doesn’t mean that we don’t explain our rules, particularly to older children, and it doesn’t mean that we don’t hear them out if they offer their opinion respectfully. But ultimately, we decide. We are the ones accountable to God for their upbringing. If we allow our kids’ obstinance to dissuade us, we lose our kids’ respect. Stay strong and you will reap a harvest of righteousness. #5 I keep having to take things away from my misbehaving child. There’s almost nothing left! This is a common problem with strong-willed children. We get into a cycle of punishing misbehavior. The strong-willed child wants to prove that she won’t be broken, so she misbehaves again. The trouble is this cycle can convince a child that she is a problem child and she will begin to live out of that identity. A deep-seated fear of being unloved and rejected adds fuel to the fire. We want to interrupt that cycle. We will not change a child’s strong will. But we can help our child see that strong will as a blessing. We can love and affirm our child in that strong will. If we are caught up in the punishment cycle, we want to develop a praise and reward cycle instead. Affirm your child’s positive behaviors, no matter how small. Give this child responsibility and tell her you know she will do a great job with it. Give this child physical affection if they are open to it. Make goals easily achievable at first. Instead of asking your child to exhibit positive behavior for a day or a week, ask for 15 minutes. Give a desired reward and be excited about this positive step. When you do have to give consequences for misbehavior, make it clear that you know your child will learn from it and will get back on track. There is a lot more to say about parenting strong-willed children, but I’ll leave it with this short answer for now. #6 Why is my child behaving this way? It could be misbehavior, a strong will, reluctance to learn, anxiety, depression, or sibling conflict that drives the question. Unfortunately, once again I don’t have an answer for you. You’ll have to study your child, and it will take time. But I can give you some of the most common reasons for childhood behavior problems for you to explore. First, deal with the marriage. If there is a problem in the marriage, children’s behavior will often be a reaction to it. Children are understandably afraid of their parents getting divorced. They feel anger at one or both parents whom they perceive to be the source of the problem. And they will mirror any disrespect they see on display between mom and dad. If you’re having problems, be honest about it and tell your kids what you’re going to do about it. Denial of difficulties does more harm to a child’s mental health than divorce, in my experience. As far as it depends on you, honor your spouse in your communication. Get help with or without your spouse. Second, deal with your own mental health. An anxious or depressed parent can prompt anxiety or hopelessness for their kids. Once again, what’s most important is to be honest about what’s happening. Don’t deny it and tell your kids what you’re doing about it. Get professional help if self-help approaches haven’t worked. Third, be open to feedback about your parenting from others. Ask another homeschool mom or another trusted friend or family member who loves you what they notice about your parenting and your kids. This is incredibly challenging to do, but it may be the most valuable thing you can do if you’re struggling. If you’re brave enough to do it and what they say hits hard, take time to pray about it before deciding if it’s legitimate or not. If you don’t want to do this, consider parents you know who are struggling and what you see as the obvious problem and solution. They don’t ask you and you don’t tell them, or you dance around the issue. Alternatively, see a professional for family therapy. Fourth, consider a professional evaluation for your child. Undiagnosed physical or learning challenges can contribute to behavior problems. Children often choose to seem defiant rather than unintelligent. Getting a diagnosis may seem limiting for your child, but it can actually be liberating. You’ll then have tools and support to help your kids maximize their potential. Even without a professional’s help, you can seek to understand your child’s beliefs. We all act in accordance with our beliefs. For example, if your child believes that an older sibling is the smart one and there is no point in trying to achieve, you can address that. If your child believes a sibling prefers playing with another sibling over her, she will cause conflict in the relationship. The kinds of discussions that can uncover these limiting beliefs require time and patience and prayer, but you can build a healing bond with your child in the process. Conclusion I hope this Q&amp;A has been helpful to you. If it has, I’d love to have you share it with a homeschooling friend. I have great confidence in you to overcome any challenges in your parenting with God’s help. I still rely on His help as I seek to coach six young adult kids. Have a happy homeschool week! The post Your Top Parenting Questions Answered appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Do you wish you could ask a Christian homeschooling psychologist a parenting question? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I answer the most common parenting questions I receive. Hey, homeschoolers! Most of the questions I’ve received in my personal and professional life center around parenting. As a parent myself, I understand that. We live in an age that has parents terrified of making mistakes and being blamed for any and everything that can go wrong in their children’s lives. Apart from that fear, we have the earnest desire to love and teach our children well. While I didn’t begin this podcast or my time as a speaker thinking I would focus on parenting, I have found that I enjoy answering these questions. My prayer is that you’ll have some of your questions answered in this episode. If you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to send them my way via email (melaniephd@gmail.com) or on social media messages (@homeschoolsanity). I am happy to respond individually. So, let’s jump in to six of the most popular questions I’ve answered over the years. <h2>#1 Am I disciplining the right way?</h2> This question comes after an explanation of a child’s problem behavior and a description of what the parent has done to address it that has improved the behavior. The short answer to this question is YES. If you are responding to a child’s behavior problem in a way that is working, albeit imperfectly, then yes, you are disciplining the right way. I haven’t had to say no to this because no parent has ever described an abusive response with this question and no parent has said, “And I just ignore the problem behavior.” The other reason my answer is yes is because you’re the authority on whether or not a disciplinary approach is working and appropriate for your family. I once fell for the lie that I couldn’t be trusted to know the best approach for each of my kids, just as I thought I couldn’t be trusted to know the best way to homeschool my kids. I thought I needed an expert to tell me. I didn’t and you don’t. If what you’re doing is working and it feels right to you, continue on. If it’s making things worse or you feel guilty about it, try something new. <h2>#2 How can I discipline when my spouse isn’t on board?</h2> The truth is most parents don’t phrase this in the form of a question. They say, “I CAN’T discipline because my spouse isn’t on board.” My answer is that it’s ideal to have you and your spouse on the same page with discipline. But it isn’t necessary for you to discipline in a way that works and feels good to you. Any time our kids aren’t with us and under our authority, they will likely be dealing with a different disciplinary approach. Outside teachers, coaches, grandparents, babysitters, and divorced or separated parents are probably not going to be on the same page with discipline. Of course, that doesn’t mean we throw up are hands in despair and drop discipline entirely. It is always worthwhile to discuss discipline with your spouse when you have different ideas about how to approach it. But in these discussions our number one focus has to be humility. That is true even when your spouse is making what you think are obvious mistakes. Let’s consider a common scenario. You want to calmly use specific consequences for misbehavior, but when the kids act out, your husband yells instead. Instead of lecturing your husband about the negative effects of yelling and his need for self-control, dig deeper during a quiet discussion. Find out what is driving his frustration. It’s possible it has little to do with the kids’ behavior. Is it a desire for quiet when he gets home from work? Is it being met with a mess or dinner being delayed on a regular basis? It could be problems at work, with extended family, with finances, or with his health driving his frustration. But it could also be as simple as his feeling out of control when the kids misbehave. Many disciplinary problems come from lack of options. If your husband doesn’t know exactly what to do or say, he will go for what has worked in the past–yelling. If your spouse doesn’t have a disciplinary plan, you can humbly describe what you’re trying to do and the results you’ve seen with it. You can ask your spouse how you can support him in disciplining so you can be a team. I’ve heard from more than one father that they are frustrated when their disciplinary efforts are undermined by mom with excuses for the child or telling the child that the consequences Dad gave won’t stand. If you have a problem with Dad’s discipline in a specific instance, go to him privately and humbly ask him to reconsider. When he calms down, he may change his mind about consequences. I’m going to offer a disclaimer here that I am not talking about abuse. If your spouse is abusing your children, get legal and professional help to protect them. That is a parent’s responsibility. But apart from that, if your spouse still doesn’t agree on discipline, carry on. You will do more to influence him by modeling your approach to discipline than debating him. And your children will benefit far more than if you give up on discipline completely. <h2>#3 My child has special needs. How can I discipline?</h2> This is the hardest question I get because I don’t know. I have given options that will work for most neurotypical children but could backfire with some children on the spectrum. But even if I had an approach for kids on the spectrum, kids with ADHD, kids with <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/spd/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sensory processing disorders</a>, and more, your child would likely be unique. As much as I’d like this to be easy, it’s not. You’re going to have to be a student of your child. Experiment. What works? What doesn’t? What are the circumstances when things go well and when they don’t? I have every confidence that you are the perfect person to find a discipinary approach that’s a good fit for your child. But there’s a variation of this question that I want to address too. I get the “My child has OCD, ADD, and ODD and I’ve taken them to all these specialists and nothing works. I can’t discipline this child.” I’m going to be straight with you on this question. I don’t think that particular parent wants me to offer up a magic strategy because when I do give suggestions, I immediately hear why they won’t work. I think this question comes from a place of frustration, exhaustion, and fear of being blamed. There is no doubt that there are children who are very difficult to discipline. They have iron wills and don’t seem to care about punishments. The run-of-the-mill strategies will not work. I have compassion for these parents. But I also know that it can get worse–much, much worse. If there is no discipline, this child (who likely already feels out of control) will believe that not even his parents can get him under control. Children see discipline as love and all of them need it. When we withhold it, they feel unloved and will act out. My advice is to keep loving, keep disciplining, and keep studying your child. The book <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/parentingqanda" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Defiant Child</a> is an excellent help as well. Consider <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/professionals/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">professional help</a> as an adjunct to what you’re doing. <h2>#4 My child doesn’t understand or agree with my plan or discipline. What do I do?</h2> My answer to this question is to imagine an adult authority asking this. Would a police officer complain that people don’t understand the law or agree that they should be ticketed, so there’s nothing they can do? Would an IRS agent complain that people just don’t understand or agree with the tax law and can’t be audited and fined? No. We don’t have to understand and agree to be under authority and neither do our children. They just have to respect and obey. That doesn’t mean that we don’t explain our rules, particularly to older children, and it doesn’t mean that we don’t hear them out if they offer their opinion respectfully. But ultimately, we decide. We are the ones accountable to God for their upbringing. If we allow our kids’ obstinance to dissuade us, we lose our kids’ respect. Stay strong and you will reap a harvest of righteousness. <h2>#5 I keep having to take things away from my misbehaving child. There’s almost nothing left!</h2> This is a common problem with strong-willed children. We get into a cycle of punishing misbehavior. The strong-willed child wants to prove that she won’t be broken, so she misbehaves again. The trouble is this cycle can convince a child that she is a problem child and she will begin to live out of that identity. A deep-seated fear of being unloved and rejected adds fuel to the fire. We want to interrupt that cycle. We will not change a child’s strong will. But we can help our child see that strong will as a blessing. We can love and affirm our child in that strong will. If we are caught up in the punishment cycle, we want to develop a praise and reward cycle instead. Affirm your child’s positive behaviors, no matter how small. Give this child responsibility and tell her you know she will do a great job with it. Give this child physical affection if they are open to it. Make goals easily achievable at first. Instead of asking your child to exhibit positive behavior for a day or a week, ask for 15 minutes. Give a desired reward and be excited about this positive step. When you do have to give consequences for misbehavior, make it clear that you know your child will learn from it and will get back on track. There is a lot more to say about parenting strong-willed children, but I’ll leave it with this short answer for now. <h2>#6 Why is my child behaving this way?</h2> It could be misbehavior, a strong will, reluctance to learn, anxiety, depression, or sibling conflict that drives the question. Unfortunately, once again I don’t have an answer for you. You’ll have to study your child, and it will take time. But I can give you some of the most common reasons for childhood behavior problems for you to explore. First, deal with the marriage. If there is a problem in the marriage, children’s behavior will often be a reaction to it. Children are understandably afraid of their parents getting divorced. They feel anger at one or both parents whom they perceive to be the source of the problem. And they will mirror any disrespect they see on display between mom and dad. If you’re having problems, be honest about it and tell your kids what you’re going to do about it. Denial of difficulties does more harm to a child’s mental health than divorce, in my experience. As far as it depends on you, honor your spouse in your communication. Get help with or without your spouse. Second, deal with your own mental health. An anxious or <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/depression/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">depressed parent</a> can prompt anxiety or hopelessness for their kids. Once again, what’s most important is to be honest about what’s happening. Don’t deny it and tell your kids what you’re doing about it. Get professional help if self-help approaches haven’t worked. Third, be open to feedback about your parenting from others. Ask another homeschool mom or another trusted friend or family member who loves you what they notice about your parenting and your kids. This is incredibly challenging to do, but it may be the most valuable thing you can do if you’re struggling. If you’re brave enough to do it and what they say hits hard, take time to pray about it before deciding if it’s legitimate or not. If you don’t want to do this, consider parents you know who are struggling and what you see as the obvious problem and solution. They don’t ask you and you don’t tell them, or you dance around the issue. Alternatively, see a professional for family therapy. Fourth, consider a professional evaluation for your child. Undiagnosed physical or learning challenges can contribute to behavior problems. Children often choose to seem defiant rather than unintelligent. Getting a diagnosis may seem limiting for your child, but it can actually be liberating. You’ll then have tools and support to help your kids maximize their potential. Even without a professional’s help, you can seek to understand your child’s beliefs. We all act in accordance with our beliefs. For example, if your child believes that an older sibling is the smart one and there is no point in trying to achieve, you can address that. If your child believes a sibling prefers playing with another sibling over her, she will cause conflict in the relationship. The kinds of discussions that can uncover these limiting beliefs require time and patience and prayer, but you can build a healing bond with your child in the process. <h2>Conclusion</h2> I hope this Q&amp;A has been helpful to you. If it has, I’d love to have you share it with a homeschooling friend. I have great confidence in you to overcome any challenges in your parenting with God’s help. I still rely on His help as I seek to coach six young adult kids. Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Top-Parenting-PIN.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/parentingqanda/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Your Top Parenting Questions Answered</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Your Top Parenting Questions Answered

 Have you ever wondered if it’s possible (or legal) for your high school student to homeschool themselves? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show — the episode where guest Karla Marie Williams answers our questions about self-directed homeschooling. Karla Marie Williams has been a guest on this podcast before. She’s the author of multiple books, an international speaker, and a global advocate for children and families. She is also the President of BeBold Publishing, a publishing company that launches inspirational books, journals, and courses to impact moms around the world. I was curious about one of her recent titles Unschool Urself 4 Teens, so invited her back to chat about it. I was newly inspired and I know you will be too.  Unschooling for Lifelong Learning   Unschooling is a type of homeschooling that emphasizes student-led learning and learning through everyday life experiences. In this podcast episode, Melanie Wilson interviews Karla Marie Williams, an experienced unschooling parent and author of several books on homeschooling and unschooling.   Williams emphasizes the importance of setting annual goals for unschooling children and building a deep, layered understanding of topics through a variety of resources such as books, online classes, mentors, and real-life experiences. She also recommends keeping a journal to record a child’s learning journey and using pictures as evidence of their learning. This journal can be an excellent resource for creating transcripts when it comes time for college applications.   Williams encourages parents to be confident in their child’s learning, reminding listeners that learning does not have to look one way and that unschooling does not look the same way for each child. She also emphasizes the value of unschooling education for post-secondary education, as colleges and universities are recognizing the value of an unschooling education, especially for students passionate about specific areas.   Overall, unschooling is a lifestyle of lifelong learning that allows children to pursue their passions and interests while building a broad, deep understanding of various topics. With the right resources and mindset, unschooling can lead to success in post-secondary education and beyond.  Resources for Teen Unschooling Evernote  Instagram Unschooling episode Unschooling Teens episode Find links for more of Karla’s book here. Have a happy homeschool week! The post Can Your High Schooler Homeschool Themselves? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible (or legal) for your high school student to homeschool themselves? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show — the episode where guest Karla Marie Williams answers our questions about self-directed homeschooling. <a href="http://karlamariewilliams.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Karla Marie Williams</a> has been a guest on this podcast before. She’s the author of multiple books, an international speaker, and a global advocate for children and families. She is also the President of BeBold Publishing, a publishing company that launches inspirational books, journals, and courses to impact moms around the world. I was curious about one of her recent titles Unschool Urself 4 Teens, so invited her back to chat about it. I was newly inspired and I know you will be too. <h2>Unschooling for Lifelong Learning</h2> Unschooling is a type of homeschooling that emphasizes student-led learning and learning through everyday life experiences. In this podcast episode, Melanie Wilson interviews Karla Marie Williams, an experienced unschooling parent and author of several books on homeschooling and unschooling. Williams emphasizes the importance of setting annual goals for unschooling children and building a deep, layered understanding of topics through a variety of resources such as books, online classes, mentors, and real-life experiences. She also recommends keeping a journal to record a child’s learning journey and using pictures as evidence of their learning. This journal can be an excellent resource for creating transcripts when it comes time for college applications. Williams encourages parents to be confident in their child’s learning, reminding listeners that learning does not have to look one way and that unschooling does not look the same way for each child. She also emphasizes the value of unschooling education for post-secondary education, as colleges and universities are recognizing the value of an unschooling education, especially for students passionate about specific areas. Overall, unschooling is a lifestyle of lifelong learning that allows children to pursue their passions and interests while building a broad, deep understanding of various topics. With the right resources and mindset, unschooling can lead to success in post-secondary education and beyond. <h2>Resources for Teen Unschooling</h2> <a href="http://evernote.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evernote</a> <h2><code></code><code></code></h2> <a href="http://instagram.com/karlatheunschoolingmama" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/unschooling/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unschooling episode</a> <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/teenlife/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unschooling Teens episode</a> Find links for more of Karla’s book <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/homeschoolyourself" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Teens-Unschool-Themselves-Pin_png.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/unschoolyourself/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Can Your High Schooler Homeschool Themselves?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Can Your High Schooler Homeschool Themselves?

 Have you spent a lot of time trying to determine the best way to homeschool like I have? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show–the episode where I will argue that trying to homeschool the best way may not give you homeschool sanity. Listen to the podcast Hey, homeschoolers! Last episode, I talked about why you don’t have to get caught up. This episode I’ll share why you don’t have to homeschool the best way. Trying to homeschool the best way may not give you the homeschool sanity you crave. Instead, assess the options in light of:    your personality       your kids’ needs       your circumstances    You Don’t Have to Dress Your Best podcast episode How to Be Happy &amp; Homeschool Too Have a happy homeschool week! The post Why You Don’t Have To Homeschool The Best Way appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Have you spent a lot of time trying to determine the best way to homeschool like I have? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show–the episode where I will argue that trying to homeschool the best way may not give you homeschool sanity. <a href="http://ultimateradioshow.com/bestway" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Listen to the podcast</a> Hey, homeschoolers! Last episode, I talked about <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/caughtup" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">why you don’t have to get caught up</a>. This episode I’ll share why you don’t have to homeschool the best way. Trying to homeschool the best way may not give you the homeschool sanity you crave. Instead, assess the options in light of: <ul> <li> <ul> <li>your personality</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>your kids’ needs</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>your circumstances</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <a href="https://youreverydaystyle.com/episode102/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Don’t Have to Dress Your Best podcast episode</a> <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/happy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Be Happy &amp; Homeschool Too</a> Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dont-Homeschool-The-Best-Way-Pin_png.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/bestway/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why You Don’t Have To Homeschool The Best Way</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Why You Don’t Have To Homeschool The Best Way

 It’s the end of the traditional school year here and you may be trying to get caught up before summer. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show–the episode where I’ll give you permission to stop trying. I cover three key steps to abandoning the quest to get caught up:    Ask yourself how behind you really are       Ask yourself how important it really is to get caught up       Start fresh    5 Ways to End the Endless Game of Catching Up Checklist for completing this quarter (a fresh start) Have a happy homeschool week! The post Why You May Not Need To Get Caught Up appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

It’s the end of the traditional school year here and you may be trying to get caught up before summer. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show–the episode where I’ll give you permission to stop trying. <h2>I cover three key steps to abandoning the quest to get caught up:</h2> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>Ask yourself how behind you really are</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>Ask yourself how important it really is to get caught up</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>Start fresh</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <a href="https://bemorewithless.com/catch/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">5 Ways to End the Endless Game of Catching Up</a> <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/7o24u4biy0jkhp4/New%20Quarter%20Checklist%20PDF.pdf?dl=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Checklist for completing this quarter</a> (a fresh start) Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Caught-Up-PIN.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/caughtup/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why You May Not Need To Get Caught Up</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Why You May Not Need To Get Caught Up

 Have you intentionally taught leadership skills in your homeschool? Have you wondered how to do that as a homeschool parent? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where my guest shares practical tips for training young leaders. This Week’s Homeschool Sanity Guest Hey, homeschoolers! My guest for this episode is Clara Stacko. Clara is a homeschool mom and bilingual native Spanish speaker who has taught Spanish to homeschoolers for more than a decade. She offers Spanish classes on her website SimplyTeachingSpanish.com. Clara and I discussed the importance of teaching leadership skills, how we should think about teaching these skills to kids who aren’t natural leaders, and some practical ideas for learning leadership as homeschoolers. I hope you come away with new inspiration. Leadership Skills at Home Resources TEENPACT LEADERSHIP SCHOOLS – teenpact.com 4-H – https://4-h.org/ CHICK-FIL-A LEADER ACADEMY – https://chickfilaleaderacademy.com TOASTMASTER YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM – https://www.toastmasters.org/education/youth-leadership-program Have a happy homeschool week! ​  The post How To Teach Leadership Skills At Home appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Have you intentionally taught leadership skills in your homeschool? Have you wondered how to do that as a homeschool parent? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where my guest shares practical tips for training young leaders. <h2>This Week’s Homeschool Sanity Guest</h2> Hey, homeschoolers! My guest for this episode is Clara Stacko. Clara is a homeschool mom and bilingual native Spanish speaker who has taught Spanish to homeschoolers for more than a decade. She offers Spanish classes on her website <a href="http://simplyteachingspanish.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SimplyTeachingSpanish.com</a>. Clara and I discussed the importance of teaching leadership skills, how we should think about teaching these skills to kids who aren’t natural leaders, and some practical ideas for learning leadership as homeschoolers. I hope you come away with new inspiration. <h2>Leadership Skills at Home Resources</h2> TEENPACT LEADERSHIP SCHOOLS – <a href="http://teenpact.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">teenpact.com</a> 4-H – <a href="https://4-h.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://4-h.org/</a> CHICK-FIL-A LEADER ACADEMY – <a href="https://chickfilaleaderacademy.com" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://chickfilaleaderacademy.com</a> TOASTMASTER YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM – <a href="https://www.toastmasters.org/education/youth-leadership-program" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.toastmasters.org/education/youth-leadership-program</a> Have a happy homeschool week! ​ <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Leadership-PIN.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/leadership/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How To Teach Leadership Skills At Home</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

How To Teach Leadership Skills At Home

Hey, homeschoolers! I’ve done a lot of reading on unschooling and I’ve experimented with it in the afternoons with my kids over the years. But I was forced to take a fresh look at unschooling when I read the book, Homeschool Gone Wild. I invited the author, Karla Marie Williams, to be a guest on the podcast and I posed some challenging questions to her. Whether you’re all about unschooling or think it’s not for you, I know you’ll enjoy my interview with this fascinating homeschool mama. But first, I’d love to invite you to join our Homeschool Sanity Facebook group. I am enjoying your answers to the daily discussion questions. I am happy to give my answers to your burning questions along with allowing the rest of the group to respond, and I consider it a privilege to pray for your requests. I’d like to thank our sponsor, the Christian Standard Bible. Listen for more about this fresh version of God’s Word. Homeschool Gone Wild: A Fresh Look at Unschooling Karla Marie Williams is a speaker, writer, and global child advocate. As the founder of iSpeak4KidsGlobal, her work has touched multple countries and cultures. She is a homeschool conference speaker and a mentor to parents through social media – Unschooling the Senational Six. Karla is a wife of 21 years and a mom of si inspired learners. She and her family reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Karla responded brilliantly to several criticisms of unschooling, including that it’s:  not parenting not for college-bound students allowing kids to play video games  all day for do-nothing homeschoolers  You may be interested in my episode on alternatives to video games here.  Find the episode on interest-led learning here. Karla’s book Homeschool Gone Wild is excellent. Follow her on Instagram. How were you inspired by this episode? Comment below. Have a happy homeschool week!  The post Special Replay: Homeschool Gone Wild: A Fresh Look at Unschooling appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers! I’ve done a lot of reading on unschooling and I’ve experimented with it in the afternoons with my kids over the years. But I was forced to take a fresh look at unschooling when I read the book, <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/unschooling" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschool Gone Wild</a>. I invited the author, Karla Marie Williams, to be a guest on the podcast and I posed some challenging questions to her. Whether you’re all about unschooling or think it’s not for you, I know you’ll enjoy my interview with this fascinating homeschool mama. But first, I’d love to invite you to join our <a href="http://facebook.com/groups/homeschoolsanitygroup" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschool Sanity Facebook group</a>. I am enjoying your answers to the daily discussion questions. I am happy to give my answers to your burning questions along with allowing the rest of the group to respond, and I consider it a privilege to pray for your requests. I’d like to thank our sponsor, the <a href="http://csbible.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christian Standard Bible</a>. Listen for more about this fresh version of God’s Word. <h2>Homeschool Gone Wild: A Fresh Look at Unschooling</h2> Karla Marie Williams is a speaker, writer, and global child advocate. As the founder of <a href="https://www.ispeak4kidsglobal.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iSpeak4KidsGlobal</a>, her work has touched multple countries and cultures. She is a homeschool conference speaker and a mentor to parents through social media – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UNschoolingtheSensationalSix/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unschooling the Senational Si</a>x. Karla is a wife of 21 years and a mom of si inspired learners. She and her family reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Karla responded brilliantly to several criticisms of unschooling, including that it’s: <ul> <li>not parenting</li> <li>not for college-bound students</li> <li>allowing kids to play video games  all day</li> <li>for do-nothing homeschoolers</li> </ul> You may be interested in my episode on <a href="https://www.homeschoolsanity.com/videogames/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">alternatives to video games here. </a> Find the episode on <a href="https://www.homeschoolsanity.com/newinterest/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interest-led learning here</a>. Karla’s book <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/unschooling" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschool Gone Wild</a> is excellent. Follow her on <a href="http://instagram.com/unschoolingthesensationalsix" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. How were you inspired by this episode? Comment below. Have a happy homeschool week! The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/unschooling/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Special Replay: Homeschool Gone Wild: A Fresh Look at Unschooling</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Special Replay: Homeschool Gone Wild: A Fresh Look at Unschooling

 Do you have a high school student who struggles with grammar? Or do you have a soon-to-be high school student and no idea how to approach grammar at this stage? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I share a sane approach to teaching grammar in high school. Hey, homeschoolers! If you’ve struggled to help your high schooler use correct grammar in writing or if the thought of teaching it in the high school years gives you the heebie geebies, I have good news. The high school years are the perfect time to learn grammar. First, high school students have the abstract reasoning ability required to truly understand and implement grammar. As I’ve explained to parents of elementary students many times, these younger students simply aren’t developmentally prepared to master the abstraction of grammar. It’s similar to the abstract reasoning ability required to master algebra. Sure, some students develop this reasoning ability earlier, but most don’t. Up until this point in their development, they were working hard to decode and pronounce words and determine the meaning of words given the context of the sentence. Asking them to determine the role of the word in a sentence as well is extra challenging. That’s why I made Grammar Galaxy a fun, confidence-building introduction to grammar and other language arts in the elementary years. I didn’t want them avoiding grammar once the were developmentally ready to use it in their writing. The second reason high school is the perfect time to learn grammar is because they have begun to care about it. When students are in classes with other students and sharing in speech or writing, they will want to avoid the embarrassment of poor grammar. I capitalized on this peer pressure with my own kids with great results. In the English classes I taught, students read their writing aloud and passed it to a friend to read aloud. This performance pressure rapidly improved my students’ grammar and spelling. High school students also begin to use messaging and email and do not want to have poor grammar and spelling for their friends to see. Some of them will be interested in learning grammar for the first time as a result. Finally, high school is a great time to teach grammar because these students can learn independently. With the developmental ability and new motivation, students can use grammar curriculum to learn more quickly than they could have in elementary school. With instruction, they will learn to make better use of automatic editors like Grammarly. Like all writers, they will still require another human editor–whether that’s you, an outside instructor, or a friend with good grammar. I have found high school students learn from this editing feedback very quickly. I hope I’ve convinced you that your teen isn’t behind or incapable of growing as a writer if they still need to master grammar. But now the question becomes how to teach it. The first step is to encourage your student to continue reading for pleasure. Studies indicate that high school students tend to spend more time with friends than reading as much as they did in their earlier years. They also tend to use reading time for study instead of leisure. But reading for enjoyment is the key to developing your student’s vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Invest time helping your student find enjoyable books and making time to read them in their schedule. The next step in teaching high school grammar is to reinforce the purpose of it. Reluctant students want to know why they should care. Using prescreened, funny grammar memes and examples is a great way to do this. Because I write grammar curriculum, my high school student loves pointing out grammar errors he finds. You can have fun with this, too. Consider having a competition to find grammar errors. Many of the principles of teaching high school grammar are the same as teaching younger students.    First, keep grammar instruction short. I think of grammar like a tennis drill. When I take a tennis lesson, I enjoy doing a short drill on volleys. But doing an hour of it without playing the game would be a buzz kill.       Make grammar memorable. When grammar concepts are taught using relevant humor, multimedia, games, and with adequate repetition, students will remember it. (Grammar teaching podcast).       Limit the corrections to a student’s writing. Correcting all the grammar and spelling mistakes at once can be demoralizing for a budding writer. Tell your student ahead of time which grammar issues you’ll be looking for. Consider limiting your first review to the content. Give as much positive feedback as possible. Then go over the specific grammar skills you’re working on. If your student asks for more feedback, then give it. But otherwise limit your editing to those skills.    How to Choose a Grammar Curriculum for High School When choosing a grammar curriculum for high school, you haven’t had many options. There are worksheet drills indistinguishable from elementary and middle school curriculum. There are the thoroughly dry English curricula that have sentences unrelated to story or to teens’ lives. And then there are brief reviews that are optional. My students didn’t learn anything from these. The number one request I get from Grammar Galaxy booth visitors at Great Homeschool Conventions is a curriculum for high school. I knew that the Grammar Galaxy story line wasn’t well suited to older teens, so I created a new fictional curriculum. Kirk English, the programming whiz kid in Grammar Galaxy, has developed a program to deal the failure of autocorrect. His Fast Grammar training is for human autocorrectors. These trainees will get to know clients’ intentions so they can correct their grammar in real time through the power of science fiction. The client in the training is a high school student who has typical teen troubles as well as high school writing assignments. Students who use Fast Grammar correct the client’s grammar while learning it themselves. Trainees will look forward to getting the client’s updates in each lesson. Fast Grammar is a supplemental, secular curriculum that can be used with any high school literature or writing program. The brief lessons can be completed in one sitting or preferentially, spread out over the week. Like Grammar Galaxy, much of the lesson can be completed with a highlighter. Homophone graphics are included each week because choosing the wrong homophone is a common and embarrassing problem for writers. The curriculum is completely independent, with the solutions at the back of the student book. At the end of each unit, teachers can administer a test that is available in a separate PDF download. The solutions will help you score the test and give a grade that can contribute to the English grade for the year.  Click here to download a complete lesson. If you’ll be joining me at the Great Homeschool Conventions this year, you can see it in person. The week of this broadcast, the curriculum is 20% off in print or digital. Whether you try Fast Grammar or not, I hope I’ve given you hope that high school can be the time that your student grasps grammar. Give some of these strategies a try, and I feel confident that you’ll see your high schooler’s writing improve. Have a happy homeschool week! The post How To Teach Grammar In High School appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Do you have a high school student who struggles with grammar? Or do you have a soon-to-be high school student and no idea how to approach grammar at this stage? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I share a sane approach to teaching grammar in high school. Hey, homeschoolers! If you’ve struggled to help your high schooler use correct grammar in writing or if the thought of teaching it in the high school years gives you the heebie geebies, I have good news. <h2>The high school years are the perfect time to learn grammar.</h2> First, high school students have the abstract reasoning ability required to truly understand and implement grammar. As I’ve explained to parents of elementary students many times, these younger students simply aren’t developmentally prepared to master the abstraction of grammar. It’s similar to the abstract reasoning ability required to master algebra. Sure, some students develop this reasoning ability earlier, but most don’t. Up until this point in their development, they were working hard to decode and pronounce words and determine the meaning of words given the context of the sentence. Asking them to determine the role of the word in a sentence as well is extra challenging. That’s why I made <a href="http://grammargalaxybooks.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grammar Galaxy</a> a fun, confidence-building introduction to grammar and other language arts in the elementary years. I didn’t want them avoiding grammar once the were developmentally ready to use it in their writing. The second reason high school is the perfect time to learn grammar is because they have begun to care about it. When students are in classes with other students and sharing in speech or writing, they will want to avoid the embarrassment of poor grammar. I capitalized on this peer pressure with my own kids with great results. In the English classes I taught, students read their writing aloud and passed it to a friend to read aloud. This performance pressure rapidly improved my students’ grammar and spelling. High school students also begin to use messaging and email and do not want to have poor grammar and spelling for their friends to see. Some of them will be interested in learning grammar for the first time as a result. Finally, high school is a great time to teach grammar because these students can learn independently. With the developmental ability and new motivation, students can use grammar curriculum to learn more quickly than they could have in elementary school. With instruction, they will learn to make better use of automatic editors like Grammarly. Like all writers, they will still require another human editor–whether that’s you, an outside instructor, or a friend with good grammar. I have found high school students learn from this editing feedback very quickly. I hope I’ve convinced you that your teen isn’t behind or incapable of growing as a writer if they still need to master grammar. <h2>But now the question becomes how to teach it.</h2> The first step is to encourage your student to continue reading for pleasure. Studies indicate that high school students tend to spend more time with friends than reading as much as they did in their earlier years. They also tend to use reading time for study instead of leisure. But reading for enjoyment is the key to developing your student’s vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Invest time helping your student find enjoyable books and making time to read them in their schedule. The next step in teaching high school grammar is to reinforce the purpose of it. Reluctant students want to know why they should care. <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=clean+grammar+memes&amp;oq=clean+grammar+&amp;aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i22i30l8j0i15i22i30.4908j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Using prescreened, funny grammar memes and examples</a> is a great way to do this. Because I write grammar curriculum, my high school student loves pointing out grammar errors he finds. You can have fun with this, too. Consider having a competition to find grammar errors. Many of the principles of teaching high school grammar are the same as teaching younger students. <ul> <li> <ul> <li>First, keep grammar instruction short. I think of grammar like a tennis drill. When I take a tennis lesson, I enjoy doing a short drill on volleys. But doing an hour of it without playing the game would be a buzz kill.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>Make grammar memorable. When grammar concepts are taught using relevant humor, multimedia, games, and with adequate repetition, students will remember it. (<a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/grammarfun/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grammar teaching podcast</a>).</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>Limit the corrections to a student’s writing. Correcting all the grammar and spelling mistakes at once can be demoralizing for a budding writer. Tell your student ahead of time which grammar issues you’ll be looking for. Consider limiting your first review to the content. Give as much positive feedback as possible. Then go over the specific grammar skills you’re working on. If your student asks for more feedback, then give it. But otherwise limit your editing to those skills.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2>How to Choose a Grammar Curriculum for High School</h2> When choosing a grammar curriculum for high school, you haven’t had many options. There are worksheet drills indistinguishable from elementary and middle school curriculum. There are the thoroughly dry English curricula that have sentences unrelated to story or to teens’ lives. And then there are brief reviews that are optional. My students didn’t learn anything from these. The number one request I get from Grammar Galaxy booth visitors at <a href="http://greathomeschoolconventions.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Homeschool Conventions</a> is a curriculum for high school. I knew that the Grammar Galaxy story line wasn’t well suited to older teens, so I created a new fictional curriculum. Kirk English, the programming whiz kid in Grammar Galaxy, has developed a program to deal the failure of autocorrect. His Fast Grammar training is for human autocorrectors. These trainees will get to know clients’ intentions so they can correct their grammar in real time through the power of science fiction. The client in the training is a high school student who has typical teen troubles as well as high school writing assignments. Students who use <a href="https://funtolearnbooks.com/product/fast-grammar-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fast Grammar </a>correct the client’s grammar while learning it themselves. Trainees will look forward to getting the client’s updates in each lesson. <a href="https://funtolearnbooks.com/product/fast-grammar-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fast Grammar</a> is a supplemental, secular curriculum that can be used with any high school literature or writing program. The brief lessons can be completed in one sitting or preferentially, spread out over the week. Like <a href="http://funtolearnbooks.com/shop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grammar Galaxy</a>, much of the lesson can be completed with a highlighter. Homophone graphics are included each week because choosing the wrong homophone is a common and embarrassing problem for writers. The curriculum is completely independent, with the solutions at the back of the student book. At the end of each unit, teachers can administer a test that is available in a separate PDF download. The solutions will help you score the test and give a grade that can contribute to the English grade for the year. <a href="https://funtolearnbooks.activehosted.com/f/47" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to download a complete lesson</a>. If you’ll be joining me at the Great Homeschool Conventions this year, you can see it in person. The week of this broadcast, the curriculum is 20% off in print or digital. Whether you try <a href="https://funtolearnbooks.com/product/fast-grammar-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fast Grammar</a> or not, I hope I’ve given you hope that high school can be the time that your student grasps grammar. Give some of these strategies a try, and I feel confident that you’ll see your high schooler’s writing improve. Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fast-Grammar-POD-PIN.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/fastgrammar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How To Teach Grammar In High School</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

How To Teach Grammar In High School

Hey homeschoolers! This week I had a reader question about curriculum that I just had to respond to with a podcast episode. It was essentially this. I have so many curriculum options. How do I choose which to use this year? We’re going to chat about that in just a bit!   Read the blog post  If you are interested in a fun language arts curriculum for your elementary students, I would love to have you follow me on Facebook in the grammar guardians group or on Instagram at Grammar Galaxy Books. I occasionally share language arts helps on both platforms and guardians share their mission progress. It’s so much fun and can be motivating to your kids. I choose a guardian of the month from those who share in the group, who tag Grammar Galaxy Books, or who use the hashtag #grammargalaxy. I send them exclusive motivational stickers, writing instruments, and bookmarks. Teaching Tip of the Week Watch a video review to make decisions on curriculum. When I started using Periscope two years ago, I found the video reviews on the platform so helpful. If I watched live, I could not only see inside the books or online program, but I could ask questions of experienced users. Since then, I have been doing my own curriculum reviews on Facebook Live at my Psychowith6: Homeschool Sanity Facebook page. I would love to have you join me each week for these reviews and other tips you can use regardless of the curriculum you’re using. You can also search for video reviews on YouTube. If you have a question that hasn’t been asked, comment and you’ll get the information you need to make a decision. This week (August 15th at 4 E/3C/2M/1P) I will be reviewing Grammar Galaxy live on the Free Homeschooling 101 Facebook page. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and to win a copy for free! The review will be added to YouTube and I am happy to answer your questions after the live video is over. Links About Curriculum Paralysis If your main struggle is curriculum addiction, you’ll want to listen to the podcast I did on the topic I also did an episode on the questions you should ask when choosing curriculum. Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher Classical Conversations Grammar Galaxy  Loop Scheduling workshop Wall Schedule link Kids Cook Real Food course music appreciation course Have a happy homeschool week! The post SPECIAL REPLAY: Curriculum Paralysis: How to Decide Which Curriculum to Teach This Year appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey homeschoolers! This week I had a reader question about curriculum that I just had to respond to with a podcast episode. It was essentially this. I have so many curriculum options. How do I choose which to use this year? We’re going to chat about that in just a bit!<a href="http://ultimateradioshow.com/paralysis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a> <h2><a href="https://psychowith6.com/curriculum-paralysis-deciding-which-curriculum-to-use-this-year/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the blog post </a></h2> If you are interested in a fun language arts curriculum for your elementary students, I would love to have you follow me on <a href="http://facebook.com/groups/grammarguardians" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook in the grammar guardians group</a> or on <a href="http://instagram.com/grammargalaxybooks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> at Grammar Galaxy Books. I occasionally share language arts helps on both platforms and guardians share their mission progress. It’s so much fun and can be motivating to your kids. I choose a guardian of the month from those who share in the group, who tag Grammar Galaxy Books, or who use the hashtag #grammargalaxy. I send them exclusive motivational stickers, writing instruments, and bookmarks. <h2>Teaching Tip of the Week</h2> Watch a video review to make decisions on curriculum. When I started using <a href="http://periscope.tv/psychowith6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Periscope</a> two years ago, I found the video reviews on the platform so helpful. If I watched live, I could not only see inside the books or online program, but I could ask questions of experienced users. Since then, I have been doing my own curriculum reviews on Facebook Live at my <a href="http://facebook.com/psychowith6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psychowith6: Homeschool Sanity Facebook page</a>. I would love to have you join me each week for these reviews and other tips you can use regardless of the curriculum you’re using. You can also search for video reviews on YouTube. If you have a question that hasn’t been asked, comment and you’ll get the information you need to make a decision. This week (August 15th at 4 E/3C/2M/1P) I will be reviewing <a href="http://grammargalaxybooks.com/get-started" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grammar Galaxy</a> live on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreeHomeschooling101/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Free Homeschooling 101 Facebook pag</a>e. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and to win a copy for free! The review will be added to YouTube and I am happy to answer your questions after the live video is over. <h2>Links About Curriculum Paralysis</h2> If your main struggle is curriculum addiction, you’ll want to listen to <a href="http://ultimateradioshow.com/addiction/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the podcast I did on the topic</a> I also did an <a href="http://ultimateradioshow.com/questions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode on the questions you should ask when choosing curriculum</a>. <a href="http://amzn.to/2fG8X2V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher</a> <a href="https://psychowith6.com/why-classical-conversations-should-be-a-part-of-your-curriculum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Classical Conversations</a> <a href="http://grammargalaxybooks.com/get-started" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grammar Galaxy</a> <a href="http://www.proverbialhomemaker.com/idevaffiliate//idevaffiliate.php?id=melphd_18_1_89" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://psychowith6.com/loop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loop Scheduling workshop</a> <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/paralysis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wall Schedule link</a> <a href="https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/kcrf/psychowith6/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kids Cook Real Food course</a> <a href="http://psychowith6.com/music" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">music appreciation course</a> Have a happy homeschool week! The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/paralysis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SPECIAL REPLAY: Curriculum Paralysis: How to Decide Which Curriculum to Teach This Year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

SPECIAL REPLAY: Curriculum Paralysis: How to Decide Which Curriculum to Teach This Year

 I developed a serious shopping habit. I’d like to pretend it didn’t happen now that I’ve found freedom. But this is The Homeschool Sanity Show — the episode where I explain how I stopped shopping too much and how you can too. Hey, homeschoolers! I took a golf class one evening and drove myself to the store to shop for clothing immediately afterward. I didn’t need anything. I didn’t even really want anything. But there I was, clearly looking for a dopamine hit. I thought I just needed a less expensive way of getting a hit, but then my perspective changed. I learned I was shopping to meet a deeper unmet need. Once I uncovered and met that need, I found freedom from a shopping compulsion. You can enjoy that same freedom, whatever you shop for, by changing your self-talk, not looking for a new drug, and communicating authentically.To Buy or Not to Buy by Dr. April Lane Benson – link on Homeschool Sanity When Shopping Becomes a Problem Have a happy homeschool week! The post How To Stop Overshopping appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

I developed a serious shopping habit. I’d like to pretend it didn’t happen now that I’ve found freedom. But this is The Homeschool Sanity Show — the episode where I explain how I stopped shopping too much and how you can too. <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/How-to-Stop-Overshopping-Pin_png.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Hey, homeschoolers! I took a golf class one evening and drove myself to the store to shop for clothing immediately afterward. I didn’t need anything. I didn’t even really want anything. But there I was, clearly looking for a dopamine hit. I thought I just needed a less expensive way of getting a hit, but then my perspective changed. I learned I was shopping to meet a deeper unmet need. Once I uncovered and met that need, I found freedom from a shopping compulsion. You can enjoy that same freedom, whatever you shop for, by changing your self-talk, not looking for a new drug, and communicating authentically. <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/overshopping" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">To Buy or Not to Buy by Dr. April Lane Benson – link on Homeschool Sanity</a> <a href="https://youreverydaystyle.com/carrie-rattle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When Shopping Becomes a Problem</a> Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/How-to-Stop-Overshopping-Pin_png.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/overshopping/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How To Stop Overshopping</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

How To Stop Overshopping

There is a debate in our culture when it comes to using shame in parenting. The first camp says that we are reaping the immorality of having no shame in our culture. That view is described in Philippians 3:19: Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. The second camp says that shaming itself is inappropriate for believers. Romans 10:11 reads As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show — the episode where we will consider shame in parenting. Hey, homeschoolers! My desire with this episode is not to tell you what to do as a parent, but to give you principles to consider with respect to shame in parenting. Prayerful consideration will help you avoid pitfalls and point kids to a merciful Savior who doesn’t want them to bear the shame of unrepentant sin. Parenting Resources 2 Samuel 12 This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’  11 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”  13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”  Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for[a] the Lord, the son born to you will die.”  Anger in Parenting Discipline 1 Discipline 2 Discipline 3 Have a happy homeschool week! The post Shame In Parenting appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

There is a debate in our culture when it comes to using shame in parenting. The first camp says that we are reaping the immorality of having no shame in our culture. That view is described in Philippians 3:19: Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. The second camp says that shaming itself is inappropriate for believers. Romans 10:11 reads As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show — the episode where we will consider shame in parenting. Hey, homeschoolers! My desire with this episode is not to tell you what to do as a parent, but to give you principles to consider with respect to shame in parenting. Prayerful consideration will help you avoid pitfalls and point kids to a merciful Savior who doesn’t want them to bear the shame of unrepentant sin. <h2>Parenting Resources</h2> 2 Samuel 12 This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ 11 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” 13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2012&amp;version=NIV#fen-NIV-8301a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a</a>] the Lord, the son born to you will die.” <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/angerlies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anger in Parenting</a> <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/disciplinelies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discipline</a> 1 <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/moredisciplinelies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discipline</a> 2 <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/donotagree/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discipline</a> 3 Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Shame-Based-Parenting-Pin_png.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/shame/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shame In Parenting</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Shame In Parenting

The best chance we have of having a good homeschool day is to plan it. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show–the episode where I’ll explain how to plan the day using the 3 R’s. The number #1 complaint I hear about planning is that it’s impossible with so many interruptions–husbands, pets, kids. But my experience is that planning is essential BECAUSE of the interruptions. The benefits of planning the day include having peace of mind and getting more done than you would without a plan. The 3 R’s of daily planning are:    research       restrict       and reward.    Resources for Planning Your Day Winning the Week by Demir Bentley The Organized Homeschool Life Planner Routines Have a happy homeschool week! Join me at the Great Homeschool Convention next month!  The post How To Plan Your Homeschool Day appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

The best chance we have of having a good homeschool day is to plan it. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show–the episode where I’ll explain how to plan the day using the 3 R’s. The number #1 complaint I hear about planning is that it’s impossible with so many interruptions–husbands, pets, kids. But my experience is that planning is essential BECAUSE of the interruptions. The benefits of planning the day include having peace of mind and getting more done than you would without a plan. The 3 R’s of daily planning are: <ul> <li> <ul> <li>research</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>restrict</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>and reward.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Resources for Planning Your Day <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/planday" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Winning the Week by Demir Bentley</a> <a href="https://funtolearnbooks.com/product/the-organized-homeschool-life-planner-digital/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Organized Homeschool Life Planner</a> <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/routinesfirst/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Routines</a> Have a happy homeschool week! Join me at the <a href="http://greathomeschoolconventions.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Homeschool Convention</a> next month! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/How-to-Plan-Your-Homeschool-Day-Pin_png.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/planday/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How To Plan Your Homeschool Day</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

How To Plan Your Homeschool Day

I can’t wait to share my interview with my husband of 25 years in which we share secrets for a successful homeschool marriage.       Watch on YouTube Read the blog post Links Apologia: Show sponsor Psychowith6: Homeschool Sanity Facebook page – join me Thursday 6/8/17 at 4E/3C/2M/1P for my interview with Debra Bell Ultimate Homeschool Planner by Debra Bell – use code SANITY to save 25% on any planner for a limited time Communication: Key to Your Marriage by H. Norman Wright. Personality Plus by Florence Littauer The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Sheet Music by Kevin Leman. What other suggestions do you have for keeping a homeschooling marriage strong? Comment and let me know. The post Special Replay: Marriage Secrets for Successful Homeschool Marriages appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

I can’t wait to share my interview with my husband of 25 years in which we share secrets for a successful homeschool marriage. <a href="http://ultimateradioshow.com/marriagesecrets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://youtu.be/q3E4JfoNPZI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Watch on YouTube </a><a href="https://psychowith6.com/6-secrets-to-a-successful-homeschool-marriage/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the blog post</a> <h2>Links</h2> <a href="http://apologia.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apologia</a>: Show sponsor <a href="http://facebook.com/psychowith6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psychowith6: Homeschool Sanity Facebook page</a> – join me Thursday 6/8/17 at 4E/3C/2M/1P for my interview with Debra Bell <a href="http://www.apologia.com/search?controller=search&amp;orderby=position&amp;orderway=desc&amp;search_query=ultimate+homeschool+planner&amp;submit_search=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Planner by Debra Bell</a> – use code SANITY to save 25% on any planner for a limited time <a href="http://amzn.to/2sKhJhx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Communication: Key to Your Marriage by H. Norman Wright</a>. <a href="http://amzn.to/2sa7Ay2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Personality Plus by Florence Littauer</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/2rMoEJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/2sKhJhx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sheet Music by Kevin Lema</a>n. What other suggestions do you have for keeping a homeschooling marriage strong? Comment and let me know. The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/marriagesecrets/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Special Replay: Marriage Secrets for Successful Homeschool Marriages</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Special Replay: Marriage Secrets for Successful Homeschool Marriages

One of the greatest challenges we face as Christian homeschoolers is teaching our kids a philosophy based on the Bible. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz gives us easy-to-implement ideas for imparting a biblical worldview.Hey, homeschoolers! One of the things that surprised me about homeschooling was how challenging it can be to teach a biblical philosophy. There are no other subjects that have so many competing teachers. When I teach my child that 7 times 8 is 56, I can be confident that she won’t read a book or see a show that denies it. Yet when I teach my child that people are born into sin because of the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden, I know that he will encounter numerous voices that say not only is that not true, but it’s child abuse for me to teach it.I have addressed this topic on the podcast before. But I found Elizabeth to be equally delightful and practical. She is the founder of Foundation Worldview–a wealth of information for Christian adults as they equip kids to live out their lives for Jesus.We discussed:    What defines truth       Discussing other worldviews with our kids       The importance of kids studying the Bible for themselves    Have a happy homeschool week! The post How To Develop Your Child’s Biblical Worldview appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

One of the greatest challenges we face as Christian homeschoolers is teaching our kids a philosophy based on the Bible. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz gives us easy-to-implement ideas for imparting a biblical worldview. Hey, homeschoolers! One of the things that surprised me about homeschooling was how challenging it can be to teach a biblical philosophy. There are no other subjects that have so many competing teachers. When I teach my child that 7 times 8 is 56, I can be confident that she won’t read a book or see a show that denies it. Yet when I teach my child that people are born into sin because of the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden, I know that he will encounter numerous voices that say not only is that not true, but it’s child abuse for me to teach it. I have addressed <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/apologetics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this topic on the podcast befor</a>e. But I found Elizabeth to be equally delightful and practical. She is the founder of <a href="http://foundationworldview.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Foundation Worldview</a>–a wealth of information for Christian adults as they equip kids to live out their lives for Jesus. We discussed: <ul> <li> <ul> <li>What defines truth</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>Discussing other worldviews with our kids</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>The importance of kids studying the Bible for themselves</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Child-Worldview-PIN.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/childworldview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How To Develop Your Child’s Biblical Worldview</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

How To Develop Your Child’s Biblical Worldview

 Does organizing or staying organized seem hard? It did for me. This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I share the easy way to get and stay organized. Hey, homeschoolers! If you’ve heard any of my organizing episodes before, you know that I was so disorganized that I felt I couldn’t homeschool without having division of family services come in. Not only was my house a mess but I wasn’t actually teaching my preschooler. He was my proving ground and I proved to myself that I could not do it! That was when I found FLYLady online and discovered the power of routines. Routines changed my life and gave me the confidence I needed to keep homeschooling and even have three more children. Routines–a string of habits regularly done in the same order–provide the structure that we need to keep up our homes, care for our kids, and homeschool. They also make organizing possible. But organizing, even with routines in place, can seem hard. Perhaps you have a part of your routine dedicated to organizing. But instead of decluttering and making access to things easier, you choose to do something else. You might decide to fold the laundry, clean a window covered with fingerprints, or scan Pinterest for organizing hacks instead of actually organizing. Why do we do this and how can we fix it? Before I share the easy way to get organized, I want to admit that I can easily fall into the hard way of getting organized, too. When I do, I don’t want to organize. At all. Allow me to describe the hard way that has me wanting to do anything but get organized. Organizing the Hard Way The hard way requires a decision on every item in the space. Have you ever had to complete one of these long, legal documents for an expensive product or service you’re purchasing? It has a dozen options that you haven’t researched. So you have to look to the sales rep for an explanation and a recommendation for each. The worst is when the sales rep shrugs and says it’s up to you. This is how we can feel when we’re faced with a space full of items. Should you get rid of it? Move it? Buy an alternative to it? Ask someone if they want it? Sell it? Take a picture of it or record yourself explaining the significance of the item before you let it go? What kind of organizing system should you use for storing it? What options are available for that? Will you use it again? When? How often will you use it and does that frequency justify keeping it? That decision fatigue plus any emotion the item brings up can be exhausting with just one item. I feel stupid for buying it. I feel guilty for buying it. I remember the person who gave it me and I feel sad or angry. I wonder if that person will ask about it if I let it go. No wonder we want to avoid this process! Therapy would be easier. The hard way also means perfectly following the plan. I love the decluttering missions from Home Storage Solutions 101. So many times I’ve started the new year telling myself that I’m going to do the missions on the day they’re planned. Then I get to “create tax organizer for current tax info.” I see the word tax and I’m more interested in cleaning the toilet. I tell myself I can do tax stuff later. What I really mean by that is when my husband says our accountant needs all our tax stuff this week or else. So I skip it for now. Then when I’m supposed to take decluttered food to the food pantry according to the plan, I think, “I don’t even know where to take it! Is this a big enough donation to drop off? Shouldn’t it be better food than the lima beans I didn’t eat? Should I buy some food to add to this? And it’s raining. Hard. I don’t know where my umbrella is. I’ll do it another day.” Then I’ve already failed. I didn’t do the tax system or the food donation, so now I can’t win in the game of “do everything in my decluttering plan when scheduled this year.” I quit using the plan because it’s simply a reminder that I’ve failed. Again. The third way to make organizing hard is by doing it alone. If I’m alone when I make the decisions, I don’t know if my husband needs something in the space. I’m stuck. If I ask him to join me, he will likely just say “keep!” without considering the 25 options I described earlier that are clearly required before making a decision. When you have young kids, you can declutter their toys and clothes without them, while fretting that they will describe this trauma to their therapist one day. “My mom threw out my prized possession, the object I would take with me in case of fire, without even thinking to ask me. And this is why I can’t take care of myself today.” We compare this nightmare scenario to the certainty of asking your child about an object and knowing the answer will be “keep!” when it should be tossed or “Get rid of it” when it should be kept. We default to doing it alone in response and feel frozen, so we don’t do it at all. We also default to doing it alone because we are too embarrassed to ask for help. We won’t let anyone see how much stuff we have or how much a mess it’s left us in. We don’t want to see the shock on a friend’s face or to be gossiped about. Better to just handle it ourselves. Doing it ourselves is also a punishment. “You’ve made your bed, now lie in it.” We’ll have to do it all ourselves, though we have likely had help from others in creating the clutter. But when it comes time to do it, we’d rather delay that punishment. Of course! Asking for professional help in terms of an organizer or therapist is out of the question. We don’t think we’re bad enough to need a professional; we can’t afford it or don’t want to spend the money on our own failure; or we want to do the work ourselves first. Then the professional won’t think we’re so bad. The hard way is deciding on every item perfectly and alone. Have you tried organizing the hard way? I have. So what’s this easy way I speak of? Organizing the Easy Way Only make the easy decisions now. I love that Dana White advises us to eliminate the trash first. If you have difficulty parting with trash, you must consult an expert on hoarding. This advice won’t help you. But apart from that, make decisions on the obvious items. If you have some principles to guide you, you’ll have more easy decisions. For example, my guideline is that clothing that needs repair goes. Why? Because my history is that I don’t repair clothes. I just buy new. What if I have an exception? I do have one right now. The sleeve of a favorite top has come loose and can be easily stitched up. I’m not deciding on it now. It’s not an easy decision. I intend to stitch it. But when I am decluttering in the future, I will see if I’ve stitched it and if I am still wanting to wear it. If no is the answer to both, the shirt will go. If I gave the shirt away now, I would have some angst about it. So it stays. Easy decisions on decluttering or locations or organizing schemes shouldn’t give you anxiety or have you waffling. The decision should be quick and unemotional. Again, if every decision is lengthy and emotional, you’ll need help from a professional. But most people can make quick decisions on some items. When making easy decisions, you can either leave the questionable items where they are (as I did with my shirt in my closet), or you can put them in a maybe box. The option you choose should not make you anxious. If putting something in a box stresses you out, keep it where it is. The next easy way to organize is to see the plan as a buffet. Take from it what you want, without even considering that you’ll take it all. You’d be hospitalized trying to eat every item on a buffet. Instead, you’d likely choose some things from the salad bar, a main dish option or two, a side or two, and a dessert or two. If it’s a really good buffet, you’ll go back for seconds. But you don’t consider yourself a failure for not eating every item. Let’s apply this analogy to an organizing plan. I have an organizing plan in The Organized Homeschool Life. There is an area of your life to organize each week. Within that area, there are four 15-minute missions. If you tell yourself that you will do every mission every week, that’s the hard way, and you will fail. The easy way is to choose the areas that would make the biggest difference to your life. The easy way is to choose one area a month to focus on. The easy way is to choose one mission in that area to complete a week. The easy way is to do just 5 minutes instead of 15. But won’t that be pointless, you may ask? No. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in just 5 minutes that would improve your life. I have cleaned out many a drawer that was giving me fits in just 5 minutes. Even if you do no more than 5 minutes of organizing a week, you’ll have more sanity. But the odds are good that you’ll see the benefits of decluttering and organizing and want to do more–more than you’d want to do if you told yourself that you have to follow the plan perfectly. When you are making the easy decisions and treating your organizing plan like a buffet that offers small samples to enjoy, you are organizing the easy way. But you can also do it the easy way by organizing with others. Before you object and say that you have no one who would want to come over to help you, let me tell you about how I decluttered a huge stash of books. I know, letting go of books is heresy. But I’m married to a book salesman and I was keeping a mental health library for eternity. It needed to be trimmed. While I was decluttering, I was on the phone with a friend who lived out of town. I have no idea if she was even listening to me, but as I told her why I was keeping a particular book, the answer became obvious to me. “A friend gave this to me…and I haven’t read it and don’t want to, so why am I keeping it?” It was so much easier to trim my book collection this way. It was almost fun! I can guarantee that you also know people locally who love organizing. They not only love it but would be energized by helping you and would not judge you or gossip about you. Pray about this and talk about one of your organizing dilemmas. See who says they would love to help you. If you would feel better about it, offer one of your gifts in return. You could teach her child a skill, babysit, make her a meal, etc. You can also ask someone to be your accountability partner. My friend and I are doing one thing a week to get organized and are reporting it to each other when we get together. There are also professional organizers who are worth paying. They are really no different than hiring a carpenter to work in your home. These people have seen it all and will likely tell you that you’re not as much of a disaster as you think. Consider the value of having an objective, experienced person help you simplify your life. Ask your friends for a referral. Then realize that there is tremendous value in working through the family issues that keep you working alone. Things got very testy when I organized the garage with my husband.  But we needed to resolve the conflict instead of ignoring it. One of the best ways to do that is to be clear about what you need instead of attacking the other person’s character. Kids also have to be taught to declutter their belongings. If we don’t teach them, it can become a lifelong struggle with marital conflict of their own. The container concept is an easy way of teaching kids. They can keep as many toys as comfortable fit in a box or a closet and no more. Instead of starting with the trash with this kind of organizing, have them choose their favorite belongings. Whatever space is left is available for second-tier belongings. I had the biggest challenge decluttering toys with kids of different ages. I solved it by putting blankets on the floor–one for giveaway, one for trash, and one for keep. As an older child put a toy he enjoyed when he was younger on the giveaway blanket, a younger child could rescue it for the keep blanket. As we continued going through toys, I was amazed to see my kids move things from keep to giveaway. They needed time to let go and they had the modeling of the kids who weren’t as attached to toys. If you have just one child, you can do this with them. Put the items on the giveaway blanket that you think should go and let your child put it on keep. Once it’s on keep, let it be your child’s decision to let it go. Another time it may be an easy choice but it isn’t now. Yet another option is to have your child sort items to a maybe blanket. Those items can be boxed up and kept. If your child asks for an item within a certain time frame, retrieve it. Otherwise, let them go without mentioning it to your child. Conclusion If you make the simple decisions about what to declutter, use an organizing plan your way, and you get help from friends, family, or a professional, you’ll be organizing the easy way. I hope you’ll let me know how it goes. Have a happy homeschool week! The post Get Organized The Easy Way appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Does organizing or staying organized seem hard? It did for me. This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I share the easy way to get and stay organized. Hey, homeschoolers! If you’ve heard any of my organizing episodes before, you know that I was so disorganized that I felt I couldn’t homeschool without having division of family services come in. Not only was my house a mess but I wasn’t actually teaching my preschooler. He was my proving ground and I proved to myself that I could not do it! That was when I found <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/the-power-of-homeschool-routines-with-flylady/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FLYLady online and discovered the power of routines</a>. Routines changed my life and gave me the confidence I needed to keep homeschooling and even have three more children. Routines–a string of habits regularly done in the same order–provide the structure that we need to keep up our homes, care for our kids, and homeschool. They also make organizing possible. But organizing, even with routines in place, can seem hard. Perhaps you have a part of your routine dedicated to organizing. But instead of decluttering and making access to things easier, you choose to do something else. You might decide to fold the laundry, clean a window covered with fingerprints, or scan Pinterest for organizing hacks instead of actually organizing. Why do we do this and how can we fix it? Before I share the easy way to get organized, I want to admit that I can easily fall into the hard way of getting organized, too. When I do, I don’t want to organize. At all. Allow me to describe the hard way that has me wanting to do anything but get organized. <h2>Organizing the Hard Way</h2> The hard way requires a decision on every item in the space. Have you ever had to complete one of these long, legal documents for an expensive product or service you’re purchasing? It has a dozen options that you haven’t researched. So you have to look to the sales rep for an explanation and a recommendation for each. The worst is when the sales rep shrugs and says it’s up to you. This is how we can feel when we’re faced with a space full of items. Should you get rid of it? Move it? Buy an alternative to it? Ask someone if they want it? Sell it? Take a picture of it or record yourself explaining the significance of the item before you let it go? What kind of organizing system should you use for storing it? What options are available for that? Will you use it again? When? How often will you use it and does that frequency justify keeping it? That decision fatigue plus any emotion the item brings up can be exhausting with just one item. I feel stupid for buying it. I feel guilty for buying it. I remember the person who gave it me and I feel sad or angry. I wonder if that person will ask about it if I let it go. No wonder we want to avoid this process! Therapy would be easier. The hard way also means perfectly following the plan. I love the decluttering missions from <a href="https://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home Storage Solutions 101</a>. So many times I’ve started the new year telling myself that I’m going to do the missions on the day they’re planned. Then I get to “create tax organizer for current tax info.” I see the word tax and I’m more interested in cleaning the toilet. I tell myself I can do tax stuff later. What I really mean by that is when my husband says our accountant needs all our tax stuff this week or else. So I skip it for now. Then when I’m supposed to take decluttered food to the food pantry according to the plan, I think, “I don’t even know where to take it! Is this a big enough donation to drop off? Shouldn’t it be better food than the lima beans I didn’t eat? Should I buy some food to add to this? And it’s raining. Hard. I don’t know where my umbrella is. I’ll do it another day.” Then I’ve already failed. I didn’t do the tax system or the food donation, so now I can’t win in the game of “do everything in my decluttering plan when scheduled this year.” I quit using the plan because it’s simply a reminder that I’ve failed. Again. The third way to make organizing hard is by doing it alone. If I’m alone when I make the decisions, I don’t know if my husband needs something in the space. I’m stuck. If I ask him to join me, he will likely just say “keep!” without considering the 25 options I described earlier that are clearly required before making a decision. When you have young kids, you can declutter their toys and clothes without them, while fretting that they will describe this trauma to their therapist one day. “My mom threw out my prized possession, the object I would take with me in case of fire, without even thinking to ask me. And this is why I can’t take care of myself today.” We compare this nightmare scenario to the certainty of asking your child about an object and knowing the answer will be “keep!” when it should be tossed or “Get rid of it” when it should be kept. We default to doing it alone in response and feel frozen, so we don’t do it at all. We also default to doing it alone because we are too embarrassed to ask for help. We won’t let anyone see how much stuff we have or how much a mess it’s left us in. We don’t want to see the shock on a friend’s face or to be gossiped about. Better to just handle it ourselves. Doing it ourselves is also a punishment. “You’ve made your bed, now lie in it.” We’ll have to do it all ourselves, though we have likely had help from others in creating the clutter. But when it comes time to do it, we’d rather delay that punishment. Of course! Asking for professional help in terms of an organizer or therapist is out of the question. We don’t think we’re bad enough to need a professional; we can’t afford it or don’t want to spend the money on our own failure; or we want to do the work ourselves first. Then the professional won’t think we’re so bad. The hard way is deciding on every item perfectly and alone. Have you tried organizing the hard way? I have. So what’s this easy way I speak of? <h2>Organizing the Easy Way</h2> Only make the easy decisions now. I love that <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/decluttering/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dana White advises us to eliminate the trash first</a>. If you have difficulty parting with trash, you must consult an expert on hoarding. This advice won’t help you. But apart from that, make decisions on the obvious items. If you have some principles to guide you, you’ll have more easy decisions. For example, my guideline is that clothing that needs repair goes. Why? Because my history is that I don’t repair clothes. I just buy new. What if I have an exception? I do have one right now. The sleeve of a favorite top has come loose and can be easily stitched up. I’m not deciding on it now. It’s not an easy decision. I intend to stitch it. But when I am decluttering in the future, I will see if I’ve stitched it and if I am still wanting to wear it. If no is the answer to both, the shirt will go. If I gave the shirt away now, I would have some angst about it. So it stays. Easy decisions on decluttering or locations or organizing schemes shouldn’t give you anxiety or have you waffling. The decision should be quick and unemotional. Again, if every decision is lengthy and emotional, you’ll need help from a professional. But most people can make quick decisions on some items. When making easy decisions, you can either leave the questionable items where they are (as I did with my shirt in my closet), or you can put them in a maybe box. The option you choose should not make you anxious. If putting something in a box stresses you out, keep it where it is. The next easy way to organize is to see the plan as a buffet. Take from it what you want, without even considering that you’ll take it all. You’d be hospitalized trying to eat every item on a buffet. Instead, you’d likely choose some things from the salad bar, a main dish option or two, a side or two, and a dessert or two. If it’s a really good buffet, you’ll go back for seconds. But you don’t consider yourself a failure for not eating every item. Let’s apply this analogy to an organizing plan. I have an organizing plan in <a href="https://funtolearnbooks.com/product/a-year-of-living-productively-organized-homeschool-life-book-planner-digital-bundle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Organized Homeschool Life</a>. There is an area of your life to organize each week. Within that area, there are four 15-minute missions. If you tell yourself that you will do every mission every week, that’s the hard way, and you will fail. The easy way is to choose the areas that would make the biggest difference to your life. The easy way is to choose one area a month to focus on. The easy way is to choose one mission in that area to complete a week. The easy way is to do just 5 minutes instead of 15. But won’t that be pointless, you may ask? No. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in just 5 minutes that would improve your life. I have cleaned out many a drawer that was giving me fits in just 5 minutes. Even if you do no more than 5 minutes of organizing a week, you’ll have more sanity. But the odds are good that you’ll see the benefits of decluttering and organizing and want to do more–more than you’d want to do if you told yourself that you have to follow the plan perfectly. When you are making the easy decisions and treating your organizing plan like a buffet that offers small samples to enjoy, you are organizing the easy way. But you can also do it the easy way by organizing with others. Before you object and say that you have no one who would want to come over to help you, let me tell you about how I decluttered a huge stash of books. I know, letting go of books is heresy. But I’m married to a book salesman and I was keeping a mental health library for eternity. It needed to be trimmed. While I was decluttering, I was on the phone with a friend who lived out of town. I have no idea if she was even listening to me, but as I told her why I was keeping a particular book, the answer became obvious to me. “A friend gave this to me…and I haven’t read it and don’t want to, so why am I keeping it?” It was so much easier to trim my book collection this way. It was almost fun! I can guarantee that you also know people locally who love organizing. They not only love it but would be energized by helping you and would not judge you or gossip about you. Pray about this and talk about one of your organizing dilemmas. See who says they would love to help you. If you would feel better about it, offer one of your gifts in return. You could teach her child a skill, babysit, make her a meal, etc. You can also ask someone to be your accountability partner. My friend and I are doing one thing a week to get organized and are reporting it to each other when we get together. There are also professional organizers who are worth paying. They are really no different than hiring a carpenter to work in your home. These people have seen it all and will likely tell you that you’re not as much of a disaster as you think. Consider the value of having an objective, experienced person help you simplify your life. Ask your friends for a referral. Then realize that there is tremendous value in working through the family issues that keep you working alone. Things got very testy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWf2SOqQXQU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">when I organized the garage with my husband</a>.  But we needed to resolve the conflict instead of ignoring it. One of the best ways to do that is to be clear about what you need instead of attacking the other person’s character. <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/kidsclutter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kids also have to be taught to declutter their belongings</a>. If we don’t teach them, it can become a lifelong struggle with marital conflict of their own. The container concept is an easy way of teaching kids. They can keep as many toys as comfortable fit in a box or a closet and no more. Instead of starting with the trash with this kind of organizing, have them choose their favorite belongings. Whatever space is left is available for second-tier belongings. I had the biggest challenge decluttering toys with kids of different ages. I solved it by putting blankets on the floor–one for giveaway, one for trash, and one for keep. As an older child put a toy he enjoyed when he was younger on the giveaway blanket, a younger child could rescue it for the keep blanket. As we continued going through toys, I was amazed to see my kids move things from keep to giveaway. They needed time to let go and they had the modeling of the kids who weren’t as attached to toys. If you have just one child, you can do this with them. Put the items on the giveaway blanket that you think should go and let your child put it on keep. Once it’s on keep, let it be your child’s decision to let it go. Another time it may be an easy choice but it isn’t now. Yet another option is to have your child sort items to a maybe blanket. Those items can be boxed up and kept. If your child asks for an item within a certain time frame, retrieve it. Otherwise, let them go without mentioning it to your child. <h2>Conclusion</h2> If you make the simple decisions about what to declutter, use an organizing plan your way, and you get help from friends, family, or a professional, you’ll be organizing the easy way. I hope you’ll let me know how it goes. Have a happy homeschool week! <a href="https://homeschoolsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Get-Organized-the-Easy-Way-Pin_png.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/organizedeasy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get Organized The Easy Way</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Get Organized The Easy Way

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Hey homeschoolers! If your students doesn’t enjoy some aspects of language arts, whether that is reading, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, or writing, there is a good chance you have succumbed to the age old approach of drill. Drilling means that we repeat the same exercises over and over in an effort to help our students master a subject. Unfortunately drilling is responsible for killing many students’ enthusiasm for language arts. I will explain how we can help our kids learn language arts without dangerous drilling in the podcast. But first I would love to invite you to join my Grammar Galaxy email list. Every month I will send your student a calendar of fun and quick language arts exercises to complete. Your student will do short reading, short vocabulary exercises, will play fun grammar games, and will use some fun writing prompts. Much of the calendar is seasonal and is it is a great thing to add to your morning basket time. I want to thank my sponsor for this episode: the Overcomer movie.  Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth… until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey. Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendrick Brothers return to theaters with OVERCOMER, their newest feature following FACING THE GIANTS, FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, and the #1 box-office hit, WAR ROOM. The inspiring family film stars Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and introduces Aryn Wright-Thompson. OVERCOMER dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you? View the trailer at OvercomerMovie.com.  Teaching Language Arts Resources Read the blog post Mastery Teaching Captain Underpants Calvin &amp; Hobbes Help your child choose books Grammar Galaxy Nebula Cartoon vocabulary books Vocabulary games Spelling games Grammar Galaxy Flashcards and Fun packs Easy ways to improve your child’s vocabulary All About Spelling Free grammar games Language arts board games Handwriting speed form Funny seasonal writing prompts Subscribe for monthly language arts calendars Free samples of Grammar Galaxy Thanks again to the Overcomer movie for sponsoring this podcast. Join me next week when we will discuss how homeschooling can be a fulfilling career. Have a happy homeschool week!   The post Special Replay: How To Avoid Drill &amp; Kill In Teaching Language Arts appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey homeschoolers! If your students doesn’t enjoy some aspects of language arts, whether that is reading, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, or writing, there is a good chance you have succumbed to the age old approach of drill. Drilling means that we repeat the same exercises over and over in an effort to help our students master a subject. Unfortunately drilling is responsible for killing many students’ enthusiasm for language arts. I will explain how we can help our kids learn language arts without dangerous drilling in the podcast. But first I would love to invite you to <a href="http://grammargalaxybooks.com/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">join my Grammar Galaxy email list</a>. Every month I will send your student a calendar of fun and quick language arts exercises to complete. Your student will do short reading, short vocabulary exercises, will play fun grammar games, and will use some fun writing prompts. Much of the calendar is seasonal and is it is a great thing to add to your morning basket time. I want to thank my sponsor for this episode: <a href="http://overcomermovie.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Overcomer movie</a>. <blockquote> Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth… until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey. Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendrick Brothers return to theaters with OVERCOMER, their newest feature following FACING THE GIANTS, FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, and the #1 box-office hit, WAR ROOM. The inspiring family film stars Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and introduces Aryn Wright-Thompson. OVERCOMER dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you? View the trailer at <a href="http://www.overcomermovie.com/videos-photos?vid=ya2Hev-VkVw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OvercomerMovie.com</a>. <h2>Teaching Language Arts Resources</h2> <a href="http://grammargalaxybooks.com/how-to-avoid-drill-&amp;-kill-in-teaching-language-arts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the blog post</a> <a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/why-mastery-curriculum-should-be-a-part-of-your-homeschool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mastery Teaching</a> <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/drill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Captain Underpants</a> <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/drill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calvin &amp; Hobbes</a> <a href="https://psychowith6.com/how-to-find-books-your-child-will-enjoy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Help your child choose books</a> <a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/Nebula/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grammar Galaxy Nebula</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2YRlghO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cartoon vocabulary books</a> <a href="https://psychowith6.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-free-vocabulary-games/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vocabulary games</a> <a href="https://www.homespellingwords.com/spelling-games" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spelling games</a> <a href="http://grammargalaxybooks.com/product-category/flashcard-fun-pack" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grammar Galaxy Flashcards and Fun packs</a> <a href="https://grammargalaxybooks.com/why-vocabulary-matters-and-how-to-teach-it/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easy ways to improve your child’s vocabulary</a> <a href="http://homeschoolsanity.com/drill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All About Spelling</a> <a href="https://psychowith6.com/ultimate-list-free-grammar-games/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Free grammar games</a> <a href="https://psychowith6.com/ultimate-guide-to-language-arts-board-games/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Language arts board games</a> <a href="https://www.homeschoolsanity.com/hatestowrite/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Handwriting speed form</a> <a href="https://psychowith6.com/free-funny-fall-writing-prompts-to-get-kids-writing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Funny seasonal writing prompts</a> <a href="http://grammargalaxybooks.com/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscribe for monthly language arts calendars</a> <a href="http://funtolearnbooks.com/samples" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Free samples of Grammar Galaxy</a> Thanks again to <a href="http://overcomermovie.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Overcomer movie</a> for sponsoring this podcast. Join me next week when we will discuss how homeschooling can be a fulfilling career. Have a happy homeschool week! </blockquote> The post <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com/drill/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Special Replay: How To Avoid Drill &amp; Kill In Teaching Language Arts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.

Special Replay: How To Avoid Drill & Kill In Teaching Language Arts

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