Raising Lifelong Learners: Recent Episodes

View Details

Do you ever walk away from a family gathering or an online conversation feeling worn out from defending your choice to homeschool—especially if your family is neurodivergent? You're not alone. This week's episode of the podcast dives into how to stay confident and calm when faced with criticism about your educational choices.

Key Takeaways * Trust Your Instincts: You know your child best—filter outside opinions and make decisions that fit your unique family. * Confidence Over Approval: Calm, concise responses to critics protect your peace; you don't need everyone's agreement to be the right parent. * Embrace Flexibility: There's no single "right" way to educate—mix, match, and adapt resources and approaches for your child. * Respond, Don't Defend: Explanations rooted in confidence go further than seeking approval—brief, kind answers are enough. * Protect Your Peace: Know when to disengage from debates and focus on the everyday growth and joy you see in your own child.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling outside-the-box learners!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Responding to Homeschool Critics
• Answering the Critics: Homeschooling Gifted Kids
• Busting the Biggest Myths About Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids
• RLL #83: [Audioblog] Socialization and Your Gifted or Intense Child
• Socialization and Your Gifted or Intense Child

View Details

In this week's episode of the podcast, the conversation focused on the critical role of home environment and systems in supporting executive function—especially for neurodivergent families. It's not about Pinterest-perfect organization, but about designing spaces and routines that work with your brain, not against it.

Key Takeaways * Design Over Discipline: Many executive function challenges are solved through smart environment design, not just motivation or checklists. Moving decisions from the brain into the environment can reduce overwhelm and increase independence. * Zones Make Life Easier: Creating dedicated zones—like reading nooks, creative spaces, launch zones near exits, and recharge corners—helps reduce cognitive load and makes daily transitions smoother. * Visible, Forgiving Systems Win: The discussion explored the power of visual cues (checklists, labels, color coding) over constant verbal reminders. Systems should be simple, obvious, and evolve as your family's needs change.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling outside-the-box learners!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead
• Homeschool Planning For Kids: Helping Your Child Get Organized
• Organizing Your Homeschool in a Tiny House
• Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
• How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
• Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth PerlerThe Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question
• RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions
• Helping Kids Who Resist: Low-Demand Homeschooling for Autonomy and Skill-Building
• Why Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish Line
• Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead

View Details

Feeling exhausted in a way that sleep can't fix? You're not alone. This week on the podcast, the conversation focused on the unique burnout parents face when homeschooling neurodivergent kids—and why compassion fatigue is so real in our community.

Key Takeaways * Burnout Is More Than Tired: The exhaustion from parenting neurodivergent kids goes deeper—rest alone doesn't fix it. * Micro Rest Counts: Slip in short, intentional moments of downtime throughout the day—they add up and make a difference. * Delegate & Let Go: Release some control by assigning tasks, even if they aren't done perfectly. * Set Boundaries for Survival: Protect your time and energy by saying "no" and establishing clear limits with family and commitments. * Release the Guilt: Prioritizing your own care isn't selfish—your kids need a parent who's healthy, not perfect.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling outside-the-box learners!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Finding Wonder and Joy in Everyday Homeschooling and Parenting
• Relationships Matter More Than Anything
• Parenting Gifted Kids with Gail Post Ph.D.
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• Comparison: A Toxic Parenting Trap
• Parenting in the Moment with Your Child
• RLL #105: Parenting ADHD and Autism with Penny Williams
• Parenting and Teaching a Twice Exceptional Child
• Creative Summer Activities to Strengthen Family Connection and Boost Learning
• Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up
• Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team
• Create the Best Homeschool for Your Family

View Details

Have you ever heard the words, "That's not fair!" echoing through your home? If you're raising neurodivergent kids (or any kids at all!), chances are this is a familiar refrain. This week on the podcast, the conversation focused on the messy, ongoing topic of sibling conflict and the real meaning of fairness in our families.

Key Takeaways * Fair Isn't Equal: True fairness means meeting each child's unique needs, not treating everyone the same. * Validate Feelings First: Acknowledge and empathize with your child's sense of injustice—then help them understand differences. * Use Simple Scripts: Keep quick, calm responses ready for "that's not fair" moments—don't default to courtroom battles. * Normalize Accommodations: Talk openly about why siblings might have different supports, tools, or expectations. * Shift to Problem Solving: Encourage kids to express what they need and help brainstorm solutions together instead of focusing on comparison.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling outside-the-box learners!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• The Powerful Relationship Between Confidence And Learning In Our Homeschools
• Relationships Matter More Than Anything
• Social Energy, Recovery Plans, and Connection for Neurodivergent Families
• "I Don't Want Friends": When Your Homeschooler Prefers Solitude
• When Homeschool Co-Ops Don't Work: Friendship Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids
• Creative Summer Activities to Strengthen Family Connection and Boost Learning
• Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up
• Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team
• Create the Best Homeschool for Your Family

View Details

In this week's episode of the podcast, Colleen gets honest about what it's really like to homeschool multiple neurotypes at once—and how you can stop trying to make one-size-fits-all solutions work for wildly different brains. She talks about building flexible rhythms that respect your children's unique needs (and your sanity!), why chasing the "perfect" curriculum isn't the answer, and practical ways you can manage energy instead of just managing lesson plans.

Key Takeaways * Ditch One-Size-Fits-All: Stop trying to teach every child the same way—build flexible rhythms that honor each brain's unique needs. * Focus on Energy, Not Just Curriculum: Prioritize managing everyone's energy and support needs over finding the "perfect" curriculum. * Rotate, Station, Solo: Structure your day with rotating support, creative stations, and independent solo work to keep kids engaged and supported. * Fair Isn't Equal: Remember that fairness means giving each child what they need, not making everything the same for everyone. * Adapt as You Go: Stay flexible—needs change daily and seasonally, so keep mixing, matching, and pulling from your toolbox of strategies

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling outside-the-box learners!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Beating Boredom Without Busy Work: Motivating Neurodivergent Learners at Home
• When Passions Turn Into Pathways | Rethinking Motivation and Learning for Neurodivergent Kids
• Understanding Executive Function vs Motivation in Neurodivergent Learners
• Meltdowns vs. Shutdowns: Understanding and Responding to Big Feelings in Neurodivergent Kids
• Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
• Why Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish Line
• Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead
• Understanding Task Initiation in Neurodivergent Homeschoolers
• Morning Routines That Work: Flexible Approaches for Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids
• Why Decision Making Feels Overwhelming for Neurodivergent Kids and How to Help

View Details

This week's episode dives into one of the most powerful tools for motivating and engaging neurodivergent learners: project-based learning—but not the Pinterest-perfect kind! The conversation focused on how project-based approaches can be tailored specifically for kids with asynchronous development, executive function challenges, creative passions, and unique learning needs.

Key Takeaways * Projects should have visible finish lines and clear scopes—defining what "done" looks like helps neurodivergent learners experience success and confidence. * Flexible timelines and checkpoints—rather than setting large, rigid deadlines, breaking projects into small chunks helps maintain motivation and accommodate fluctuating energy levels. * Documentation can be creative—photos, voice notes, and video walkthroughs can serve as evidence of learning, supporting reflection without interrupting the learning process.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling outside-the-box learners!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Project Based Learning And Your Gifted Child: A Guide For Parents
• RLL #101: Project-Based Learning with Cindy West
• When Passions Turn Into Pathways | Rethinking Motivation and Learning for Neurodivergent Kids
• Interest-Led Homeschooling and Your Gifted Child
• Embracing Interest-Led Homeschooling with Lydia Rosado
• Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning
• Interest-Led Learning In The Early Years: Preschool and Beyond
• Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests
• Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning
• Homeschooling Middle School Using Your Own Interest-Based Curriculum
• What's The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning?
• RLL 12: What About Relaxed and Interest-Led Homeschooling for Gifted Kids? | A Listener Question
• RLL 02 Caitlin Curley: Diving Down Rabbit Holes and Following Kids' Interests
• Creating Your Own Interest-Based Middle School Curriculum
• Why LEGO STEM Challenges Belong in Your Homeschool – Especially If You're Raising Neurodivergent Kids
• Beating Boredom Without Busy Work: Motivating Neurodivergent Learners at Home

View Details

Have you ever watched your child melt down before a project even begins, refuse to try unless they're sure they'll succeed, or abandon something halfway through? If so, you're not alone—and it's not laziness or stubbornness. This week on the podcast, we're unpacking the hidden side of perfectionism in our neurodivergent kids, especially when it shows up as avoidance.

Key Takeaways * Normalize Beginnerhood: Let your child see you start new things and make mistakes—show them it's okay not to be perfect right away. * Shrink the Entry Point: Break projects into tiny, manageable steps so getting started feels less intimidating. * Praise Effort, Not Perfection: Celebrate risk-taking, persistence, and trying—mistakes are experiences, not identity. * Model Emotional Safety: Remind your child that progress matters, mistakes are allowed, and their worth isn't tied to performance. * Collaborate & Scaffold: Offer body-doubling, share in tasks, and provide extra support when needed—support is not failure.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling outside-the-box learners!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Tackling Perfectionism | A Conversation with Lisa Van Gemert
• Managing Perfectionism | Strategies for Parents
• Anxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism: Helping Our Children Cope
• Perfectionism And Gifted Children: What You Need To Know
• Managing Perfectionism: 10 Tips for Helping Your Gifted Child
• RLL #81: [Audioblog] Managing Perfectionism: 10 Tips for Helping Your Child
• RLL #55: Helping Your Child Manage Perfectionism
• RLL #52: Overcoming Perfectionism and Finding Joy in Homeschooling
• Homeschool Testing | Helping Your Perfectionist Do Hard Things

View Details

This week, we're diving into a challenge many homeschooling families face—especially those parenting gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodivergent kids: boredom.

If you've ever heard, "I'm bored!" and wondered how to respond, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you beat boredom without resorting to endless busy work.

Key Takeaways * Novelty doesn't require elaborate setups. Simple tweaks—like changing writing tools, switching locations, or adding a movement element—can wake up the brain. * Choice and autonomy matter. Let your child decide between two options or how they'll demonstrate what they've learned. * Find the "just right" challenge. Work that's too easy leads to boredom; too hard brings overwhelm. Learn how to dial up (or down) the challenge for each unique learner.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling outside-the-box learners!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
• How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
• Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth PerlerThe Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question
• RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions
• Helping Kids Who Resist: Low-Demand Homeschooling for Autonomy and Skill-Building
• Why Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish Line
• Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead

View Details

In this episode, we dive deeper into the topic of motivating our kids, especially when traditional schoolwork leads to resistance or meltdowns. Building on last week's discussion about motivation versus executive dysfunction, this week's episode explores the power of project-based and interest-led learning—especially for neurodivergent kids.

From transforming a love of Minecraft or Pokémon into meaningful educational experiences, to finding the right balance between leveraging special interests and avoiding burnout, we unpack practical strategies to engage children in their education.

Find out why interests are often the doorway to deep learning, discover the four-step project pathway framework, and gain confidence to embrace creative, child-focused educational approaches—while addressing common parental concerns about gaps, screens, and specialization.

Whether you're homeschooling or simply looking to inspire lifelong learning in your child, this episode is packed with encouragement and actionable tips to help every learner thrive.

Key Takeaways * Harness Special Interests: Use your child's passions—like Minecraft, Pokémon, or theater—as the starting point for deeper learning and engagement. * Build Sideways, Not Away: Expand on what excites your child by connecting related skills and subjects, rather than forcing a hard turn to traditional academics. * Project Power: Anchor learning in real-life projects, from creating Minecraft cities to designing bug field guides, making skills and knowledge truly stick. * Honor Depth and Autonomy: Let your child dive deep into what they love and give them a say in how they learn; this fosters motivation, connection, and persistence. * Gaps Are OK: Every learning path has gaps—focus on teaching kids how to find answers, build confidence, and adapt to an ever-changing world.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling outside-the-box learners!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
• How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
• Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth PerlerThe Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question
• RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions
• Helping Kids Who Resist: Low-Demand Homeschooling for Autonomy and Skill-Building
• Why Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish LineWhy Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead

View Details

Do you ever wonder why your child, who can spend hours building or creating something they love, just can't seem to get started on a simple task? Does it seem like they're just not motivated—even though you know they do care?

This week's episode of the podcast dives deep into one of the most misunderstood challenges in homeschooling neurodivergent kids: motivation vs. executive dysfunction.

Key Takeaways * Motivation isn't a character trait—it depends on fragile conditions, especially in neurodivergent kids. * Kids aren't refusing tasks out of laziness; they're often stuck somewhere along the executive function path. * Scaffold your child's success: break tasks down, work alongside them, and focus on small wins. * Motivation grows from success, autonomy, and a regulated nervous system—not from pressure or shame.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
• How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
• Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth PerlerThe Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question
• RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions
• Helping Kids Who Resist: Low-Demand Homeschooling for Autonomy and Skill-Building
• Why Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish LineWhy Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead

View Details

As another homeschool year draws to a close, it's tempting to simply exhale, set the books aside, and let all thoughts of structured learning drift away on the spring breeze. After all, by the time April and May roll around, homeschooling parents everywhere are due for a break. In this episode of the podcast, we explore how this season is also a powerful time to reflect, regroup, and get inspired for the year ahead.

Key Takeaways * Reflect with Confidence: Ditch the "did we do enough?" guilt—focus on what worked, what didn't, and what truly lit your child up. * Curriculum Is a Tool, Not the Boss: The best curriculum is the one you'll actually use, adapts to your family, and fits your child, not the flashiest or priciest option. * Embrace Flexibility: Every year—and every kid—is different. Adjust your plans, pace, and expectations to match where your kids are right now. * Prioritize Connection Over Perfection: Real learning happens through relationship, curiosity, and engagement, not just finishing every page or project. * Trust Your Expertise: You know your child better than any expert or catalog. Tune in to your instincts—you're the right person for this job.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Homeschool Curriculum for Your Asynchronous Gifted Learner
• Our Gifted Homeschool Curriculum For Multiple Grade Levels: 2021-2022
• Homeschooling Middle School Using Your Own Interest-Based Curriculum
• Building Our Own Curriculum – Why it's Easier Than Buying Boxed
• Our Gifted Homeschool | Curriculum for Pre-K, 1st, 4th, and 8th Grades
• Homeschool Curriculum Choices for 2015-2016
• Homeschool Curriculum Choices
• Creating Your Own Interest-Based Middle School Curriculum
• Our Homeschool Curriculum
• Our Curriculum Choices for 2012-2013
• Performance Anxiety, Assessments, and Our Complex Kids

View Details

This week, we wrapped up our five-episode series all about social life and friendship for neurodivergent homeschooled kiddos. Episode 311 digs into a topic many families experience but often don't have a name for: social hangovers—the aftermath of social time when kids (and adults!) crash, resist future invitations, or need days to recover.

Key Takeaways * Social hangovers are the nervous system's delayed response to social effort, especially common in neurodivergent kids who mask, self-monitor, and process a ton during interactions. * Signs include: + Irritability or emotional explosions + Withdrawal/shutdown + Physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches) + Refusal of future plans * Reframe the behavior: This isn't poor behavior—it's delayed processing, not avoidance. * Build recovery plans BEFORE burnout happens! Include: + Predictable ending times and visual cues + Leaving while things are still going well + Immediate decompression time (quiet, silence, snacks, audiobooks) + Regulation through movement or sensory comfort + No reflection or questions until after decompression

Proactive Strategies * Know your child's social energy window—how long they can handle interactions before going into yellow or red zones. * Support with lighter academic loads or more autonomy the day after social events. * Avoid stacking multiple social events together; buffer days matter! * Teach kids to name their feelings and advocate for breaks without shame.

The Learner's Lab & Friendship Pathways If you want more strategies, real-time classes, and a supportive community, check out the Learner's Lab! Plus, grab our Friendship Pathways Handout (linked above!).

The Learner's Lab is open to families using charter/ESA funds—reach out if you'd like us to become an approved vendor for your organization.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids
• RLL #42: What It's Like to be Homeschooled with Best Friends Molly and Ella
• Teaching Kids About Being a Good Friend with Help From Great Books and Netflix
• Teaching Kids to Befriend Others
• 5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• The Not-So Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships
• Social Skills Activities for Kids
• Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
• Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids
• One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different
• Life Skills for Kids: Unlocking a World of Possibilities through Friendship, Decision-Making, Cooking, Achieving a Success Mindset, Time-Management, Budgeting, and More
• Empathy Workbook for Kids: 50 Activities to Learn About Kindness, Compassion, and Other People's Feelings

View Details

This week, we're exploring an important and sometimes misunderstood topic: what to do when our neurodivergent kids are happier alone and genuinely prefer solitude over social interactions.

Key Takeaways: * Solitude Can Be Healthy: Recognize that some children genuinely enjoy being alone, and this can be restorative, not problematic. Honor their need for quiet time without assuming something is wrong. * Distinguish Between Solitude and Isolation: Pay attention to signs. Healthy solitude is chosen, flexible, and doesn't carry shame, while isolation is often rigid, driven by fear, and paired with sadness or avoidance. * Listen More Than You Talk: When your child expresses a preference for being alone, approach with curiosity rather than correction. Ask open-ended questions and avoid jumping into problem-solving. * Don't Force Social Exposure: Avoid pushing frequent social situations or using solitude as a consequence. Let your child take breaks and control their level of social participation. * Offer Invitations Without Pressure: Always keep low-demand connection options available. Respect "not now" and provide different types of social opportunities to let your child decide what feels safest. * Honor Individual Differences: Never compare your child's social preferences to siblings or peers. Each child's needs and approach to friendships are unique and deserving of respect. * Keep Connection Accessible: Even for children who prefer solitude, periodically check in. Offer short, interest-based activities, familiar settings, or intergenerational relationships to keep social muscles warm. * Connection Isn't Linear or Urgent: Reassure your child (and yourself) that social growth happens at their own pace. Deep friendships may come later and are worth waiting for. * Gentle Check-Ins: Periodically ask your child if they feel lonely or peaceful in their solitude, and discuss what helps them recharge and feel connected, without requiring action. * Encourage Self-Discovery: Support your child's exploration of what types of friendships and connections work for them. Provide opportunities but let them drive the process.

Cherish the connections your child finds, offer gentle support, and remember: The world would be boring if we all fit the same mold. Your child's unique wiring deserves celebration, not correction.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids
• RLL #42: What It's Like to be Homeschooled with Best Friends Molly and Ella
• Teaching Kids About Being a Good Friend with Help From Great Books and Netflix
• Teaching Kids to Befriend Others
• 5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• The Not-So Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships
• Social Skills Activities for Kids
• Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
• Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids
• One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different
• Life Skills for Kids: Unlocking a World of Possibilities through Friendship, Decision-Making, Cooking, Achieving a Success Mindset, Time-Management, Budgeting, and More
• Empathy Workbook for Kids: 50 Activities to Learn About Kindness, Compassion, and Other People's Feelings

Grab Your FREE Friendship Guide!

View Details

As parents and educators, we all want to nurture resilience and empathy in our children—especially when it comes to social skills and building friendships. In the latest episode of the podcast, Colleen dives deep into how to help children cope with rejection and social setbacks.

Here are three key takeaways from the episode:

• Validate Their Feelings First When kids experience rejection, don't rush to "fix" things. Instead, acknowledge and validate their emotions. Statements like "That hurt. I get that, and I'm glad you told me," create a safe space for your child to process feelings without shame.
• Separate Facts from Stories Teach children to distinguish between what actually happened and the negative narratives their minds might create. A practical visual exercise: Have them write down the facts ("The child didn't want to play with me") versus what their brain is telling them ("I'm not likable"), and then gently challenge those interpretations.
• Skill Building Over 'Bouncing Back' Rather than pushing for immediate resilience, focus on slowly building the skills your child needs to handle social setbacks. This may include providing emotional support, practicing exit strategies for tough situations, and encouraging safe social interactions for therapeutic "wins."

If you're supporting neurodivergent learners, remember: Just by showing up and validating their emotions, you're doing something truly meaningful. For more resources and strategies, check out the full episode and join the community in the Learner's Lab.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids
• Beyond Be Yourself: Social Scripts That Build Connection for Neurodivergent Kids
• RLL #42: What It's Like to be Homeschooled with Best Friends Molly and Ella
• Teaching Kids About Being a Good Friend with Help From Great Books and Netflix
• Teaching Kids to Befriend Others
• 5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• The Not-So Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships
• Social Skills Activities for Kids
• Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
• Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids
• One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different
• Life Skills for Kids: Unlocking a World of Possibilities through Friendship, Decision-Making, Cooking, Achieving a Success Mindset, Time-Management, Budgeting, and More
• Empathy Workbook for Kids: 50 Activities to Learn About Kindness, Compassion, and Other People's Feelings

View Details

Struggling with social skills practice that actually feels natural? This week on the podcast, we're diving deep into practical, respectful ways to support our neurodivergent kiddos as they navigate friendships and social situations—without the cringe!

From conversation entry points (aka scripts that don't turn our kids into social robots!) to playful, low-stakes role-playing at home, Colleen shares hands-on strategies to boost confidence and make socializing just a little easier for everyone involved.

If "Just be yourself!" doesn't cut it in your house, you're not alone. Listen to this episode and help your kids build real-world connections, one conversation at a time.

Key Takeaways: * Scripts as Scaffolding, Not Life Sentences: Social scripts aren't rigid lines for kids to memorize forever. Instead, they serve as supportive "training wheels" to help neurodivergent kids enter, maintain, and exit conversations more naturally—reducing anxiety and offering footholds toward authentic communication. * Practice Through Playful, Low-Stakes Moments: Avoid pressuring your child with public corrections or high-stakes rehearsal before social events. Instead, incorporate side-by-side role play, movie-pause coaching, and micro-practicing to gently build and reinforce social skills without making kids feel evaluated. * Measure Progress by Initiative, Not Perfection: Success isn't about perfect eye contact or flawless conversation. Celebrate when your child initiates conversations, adapts their scripts into their own words, or asks to socialize again. These signs mean scripts are becoming real-world skills!

Parenting and homeschooling neurodivergent kids is tough—but you're already doing amazing work just by showing up, learning, and supporting your child's unique journey.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids
• RLL #42: What It's Like to be Homeschooled with Best Friends Molly and Ella
• Teaching Kids About Being a Good Friend with Help From Great Books and Netflix
• Teaching Kids to Befriend Others
• 5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• The Not-So Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships
• Social Skills Activities for Kids
• Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
• Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids
• One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different
• Life Skills for Kids: Unlocking a World of Possibilities through Friendship, Decision-Making, Cooking, Achieving a Success Mindset, Time-Management, Budgeting, and More
• Empathy Workbook for Kids: 50 Activities to Learn About Kindness, Compassion, and Other People's Feelings

View Details

Feeling lonely in your homeschool journey because co-ops just don't fit? You are NOT failing—neither are your kiddos. In this episode, Colleen shares why neurodivergent kids often struggle with traditional group settings and how you can help your child build real, interest-led friendships that honor who they are.

Tune in for encouragement, practical steps, and a permission slip to stop chasing "normal" and start creating meaningful connections in your own way.

• Key Takeaways:
• You can re-define social success for YOUR family
• There are easy ways to find connection outside the co-op
• A simple 3-step plan to build interest-led community
• Show yourself compassion for the tough days

You've got this. You're the perfect parent for your perfect child.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids
• RLL #42: What It's Like to be Homeschooled with Best Friends Molly and Ella
• Teaching Kids About Being a Good Friend with Help From Great Books and Netflix
• Teaching Kids to Befriend Others
• 5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• The Not-So Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships
• Social Skills Activities for Kids
• Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
• Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids
• One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different
• Life Skills for Kids: Unlocking a World of Possibilities through Friendship, Decision-Making, Cooking, Achieving a Success Mindset, Time-Management, Budgeting, and More
• Empathy Workbook for Kids: 50 Activities to Learn About Kindness, Compassion, and Other People's Feelings

View Details

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families
• This is Why Your Gifted Child Struggles to Fall Asleep
• Do Gifted Kids Need Less Sleep? {Establishing Better Sleep Habits}
• Colleen's Favorite White Noise Machine

View Details

As parents, educators, and advocates for neurodivergent kids, it's crucial to recognize that traditional tests and assessments don't always paint the full picture of a child's abilities. In the newest episode of the podcast, we dive into why performance anxiety can create barriers—and how we can scaffold authentic, strengths-based ways for children to show what they truly know.

Key Takeaways: * Performance Anxiety ≠ Knowledge Gap If a child can demonstrate understanding in low-pressure settings but "freezes" or melts down when assessed, it's not a lack of knowledge—it's the context and perceived safety that need adjusting. * Accommodations Are Powerful, Not Coddling Thoughtful adaptations—like adjusting the environment, pacing, or method of response—help reveal rather than hide skills. These accommodations build confidence and resilience for future challenges. * Celebrate Wins & Prioritize Safety Progress isn't always linear. Celebrate small victories and focus more on helping children feel safe and seen. Creating a foundation of trust leads to more voluntary engagement and authentic learning.

If you're educating or supporting a neurodivergent or twice-exceptional child, remember: The goal isn't to recreate school, but to foster an environment where kids can thrive in ways that make sense for them.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
• Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner
• What Exactly is Deschooling.. and Do I Need to Do It?
• Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• When School Refusal Turns Into a Healing Journey
• Picky Eating | Sensory Struggles and Real Solutions for Homeschooling Families
• Movement on Bad Weather Days: Meeting Sensory Needs at Home
• Loop Ear Plugs
• Ear Protection
• Disposable Ear Plugs
• Digital Voice Recorder
• Guided Reading Strips
• Colored Overlays for Reading
• Angled Footrest
• Colleen's Favorite White Noise Machine

View Details

If you've ever felt frustrated when your child resists even enjoyable activities, you're not alone. In this week's episode, we dive deep into demand avoidance—why neurodivergent kiddos sometimes just can't do what we ask (even when it's fun!)—and share a toolkit of practical strategies you can start using today.

Whether you're homeschooling a differently wired kiddo or navigating daily learning resistance, this episode is packed with actionable tips, real-life examples, and mindset shifts to help your child build skills in a low-pressure way.

Key Takeaways: * Lowering the Demand Doesn't Mean Lowering Expectations: There are ways to keep skill-building alive by focusing on autonomy, shared activities, and embedding learning into interest-driven projects—think Minecraft math or Pokemon writing prompts! * Frameworks That Work: Use the ABC method—Autonomy, Boundaries, and Co-regulation—along with the REI model (Reduce, Invite, Embed) to create a safer, more engaging learning environment for your demand-avoidant child. * Small Wins & Language Swaps: Celebrate tiny, finishable tasks and swap "You need to…" for invitations or curiosity-based questions, making participation more appealing and less threatening to your child's autonomy.

From stealth learning strategies and flexible routines to troubleshooting meltdowns and perfectionism, these insights are a breath of fresh air for parents and educators alike.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
• Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner
• What Exactly is Deschooling.. and Do I Need to Do It?
• Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• When School Refusal Turns Into a Healing Journey
• Picky Eating | Sensory Struggles and Real Solutions for Homeschooling Families
• Movement on Bad Weather Days: Meeting Sensory Needs at Home

View Details

In this week's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the signs, strategies, and real-life tips for helping your differently wired kids (and yourself!) navigate emotional storms.

Key Takeaways: * Practical tools to spot the early cues of meltdowns vs. shutdowns * Simple, effective co-regulation ideas you can use right now—no fancy equipment needed * How to repair, reflect, and reset after those tough moments, and so much more

Perfect for homeschool families, parents of neurodivergent kiddos, or anyone wanting to better understand and support big feelings at home. Save this episode and share with a friend who might need these strategies, too!

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
• Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner
• What Exactly is Deschooling.. and Do I Need to Do It?
• Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• When School Refusal Turns Into a Healing Journey
• Picky Eating | Sensory Struggles and Real Solutions for Homeschooling Families
• Movement on Bad Weather Days: Meeting Sensory Needs at Home

View Details

In this week's episode of the podcast, we talk candidly about what school refusal really means for children and their families, and how homeschooling can offer a path toward healing, connection, and growth. Whether you're considering pulling your child out of school or you're already homeschooling but feeling stuck after a tough season, this conversation is for you.

Here are three key takeaways for parents facing this challenge:

• School refusal is communication, not a character flaw. When a child can't attend school, it's their nervous system asking for safety, not a sign of failure.
• Healing comes before academics. Focus on rebuilding connection, trust, and emotional safety—academics can (and will) follow once these foundations are strong.
• Small, intentional changes add up. Shifting your daily routine, setting gentle non-negotiables, and celebrating even the smallest progress can move families from burnout to breakthrough.

You are the best teacher and advocate for your child. If you need more support, resources, or simply community, know you're not alone on this path.

Let's keep learning and growing—together.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Real mail; Real life!

The Learner's Lab – Online community for families homeschooling gifted/2e & neurodivergent kiddos!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
• Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner
• What Exactly is Deschooling.. and Do I Need to Do It?
• Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child

View Details

As the holidays approach, many families experience a swirl of excitement, chaos, and sometimes overwhelm. On the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the realities of parenting and homeschooling neurodivergent kids during this season—and share practical strategies to help everyone thrive (not just survive).

Here are 3 key takeaways for parents and educators supporting neurodiverse learners over the holidays:

• Proactive Planning is Essential: From bringing favorite snacks and engaging activities to prepping for early exits from gatherings, thinking ahead can make all the difference for kids who struggle with disrupted schedules and sensory overload.
• Let Go of Others' Expectations: Remember that it's okay if our holiday experience looks different than others'. Prioritizing your child's needs over others' opinions is a powerful way to support both your child and your own well-being.
• Teamwork Makes the Season Brighter: Getting on the same page with your spouse, older siblings, and even relatives about plans, support, and backup strategies can help everyone feel included and respected during festivities.

If you need more resources, ideas, or just reassurance that you're not alone on this journey, check out the links below for valuable tips, printable activities, and additional support!

Let's embrace the season—intensity and all—and build meaningful, positive memories together.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Coming in 2026!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Holiday Light Scavenger Hunt: A Sensory-Friendly Family Tradition for Homeschoolers
• A Calm, Fun Holiday Activity for Neurodivergent Kids: Free Christmas Charades Printable
• Holiday Homeschooling Made Easier: Santa & Reindeer Emotions Spinner Free Printable
• Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins
• Gratitude For The Holidays: Why It Is So Helpful For Neurodiverse Kids
• Intense Children and The Holidays: A Parent's Guide
• RLL 33: The Holidays and Your Differently-Wired Child
• Autism and the Holidays | Julie's School Performance Story
• The Holidays and Your Intense Child
• Christmas Learning Through Play: Free Scattergories Game for Kids
• Family Favorite Christmas Books
• Hands-On Christmas Fun: Free Chatterbox Printable for Homeschoolers
• Fun and Easy Christmas Tic Tac Toe Printable for Your Homeschool
• Christmas Slime Science Activity
• Easy Little Girl Christmas Hairstyles

View Details

If mealtimes sometimes feel more like hostage negotiations than family gatherings – you're not alone! In our latest episode of the podcast, we explore the sensory reasons behind picky eating, especially for neurodivergent kids, and share practical strategies to make the table a calmer, more positive space.

Highlights from this episode:

• Understanding the Why: Picky eating isn't just stubbornness. It often stems from sensory sensitivities, past negative experiences, or a need for predictability. Kids aren't being difficult—their bodies are protecting them.
• Red Flags to Watch For: If your child shows signs of weight loss, growth issues, drops food categories, or frequently gags or chokes, it's time to seek professional help. Remember: asking for support is a win, not a failure!
• No Pressure Plate System: You choose what, when, and where food is served; your child chooses if and how much to eat. Offer two to three safe foods and one or two "learning foods" for gentle exposure, plus a "no thank you bowl" for stress-free refusals.
• Calm Bodies First: Try a 2–3 minute pre-meal routine—wall push-ups, sipping water through a straw, sitting with good posture—to help kids feel regulated and ready to eat.
• Food Chaining & Texture Ladders: Move from safe favorites to new foods in baby steps, adjusting one property (size, shape, temperature) at a time. Celebrate curiosity and every little try!
• Making Meals Manageable: Deconstruct dishes, keep sensory overload low (dim lights, reduce kitchen noise), and offer dips or fun utensils to encourage engagement.
• Handling Family Gatherings: Stand your ground! Share your approach if you're questioned, and remember—you know your child best.

You're doing great—trust yourself, take baby steps, and remember our podcast is here to support you every week. If you found this episode helpful, please share with friends or leave a review on your favorite podcast app!

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Curiosity Post – A Snail Mail Club for kids – Coming in 2026!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
• Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner
• Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• Respecting Your Child's Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say "No"
• Sensory Science Activity: Perfect For Your Homeschool
• Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues
• Yard Work for Sensory Input
• Pumpkin Play Dough | Sensory Fun for Kids
• Sensory Play with Spice Painting
• Sensory Play for Kids
• Games and Conversation Tools for the Dinner Table

View Details

Icky Weather can throw off routines, especially for differently wired kiddos with sensory needs. When outdoor time isn't an option, you might notice more fidgeting, zoning out, or struggles with focus. But don't worry—in this episode of the podcast, you'll find simple, creative ideas to feed those movement needs, helping kids regulate and transition smoothly to academics or other activities.

Here's a peek at what you'll find:

• Quick Home Sensory Zone: Learn how to set up a safe, 5x5 space using cushions, painter's tape, and a crash pad—no fancy equipment necessary!
• Heavy Work Menu: Wall push-ups, laundry basket hauls, chair pushbacks, and animal walks—no gear needed. These activities organize and calm kids for improved focus.
• Vestibular Activities: (Use with care!) Rocking chairs, log rolls, balance lines, and jump zones—all for short bursts to get brains and bodies alert.
• Movement Circuits: Build easy three-station circuits for calm, wake-up, or after-lunch resets. Each circuit is two minutes of activity + one minute of water break. Rotate and customize as needed!
• Fun & Games: Turn movement into play with "heavy work floor is lava," hallway sled races, sock match dashes, and fitness card flips.

Bonus Toolkit Alert! Check out the brand new Sensory Strategy Toolkit in our shop—a printable deck of activity cards sorted by sensory need. Perfect for quick reference, planning, and keeping kids engaged!

Why Movement Matters Kids who get enough heavy work are more likely to be calm, organized, and ready to learn. Sensory-informed movement routines aren't just for rainy days—they help anytime you need a transition or reset. Let kids choose activities, set visual timers, and check their "green, yellow, red" body readiness zones to build self-awareness.

Support the Show Subscribe, leave a rating, and share this episode with anyone who could use a little sensory inspiration.

Enjoy your week, love on your kids, and let movement work its magic—even if the rain won't stop!

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Curiosity Post - A Snail Mail Club for kids - Coming in 2026!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sensory Strategy Toolkit | Quick Regulation Activities for Home
• Affirmation Cards for Anxious Kids
• Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
• Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner
• Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• Respecting Your Child's Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say "No"
• Sensory Science Activity: Perfect For Your Homeschool
• Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues
• Yard Work for Sensory Input
• Pumpkin Play Dough | Sensory Fun for Kids
• Sensory Play with Spice Painting
• Sensory Play for Kids

View Details

We know mornings can feel like a battlefield when sensory issues and clothing collide, leaving kids (and parents!) frustrated before the day even begins. That's why this week's podcast episode dives into the heart of sensory struggles with clothes. Colleen has packed this episode with real-life advice for families navigating tactile sensitivities.

If getting dressed feels like wrestling a porcupine, you're not alone—and you're not failing! Sensory struggles are REAL signals from your child's nervous system. Sometimes clothes feel prickly, itchy, or unexpectedly uncomfortable and it can lead to meltdowns. The triggers are diverse: tactile defensiveness, unpredictability (new tags or seams), anxiety, or simply needing more control over their experiences.

Comfort First: Building a Supportive Wardrobe Colleen encourages a "comfort audit" this week: set aside 10–15 minutes with your child and sort clothing into keeps, maybes, and no ways. Let your child lead—by touch, feel, or trying on—and honor their decisions. Once you have your "green light" pieces, build a 3–5 piece comfort capsule wardrobe: fewer choices mean less morning stress.

You've got this!

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsor:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
• Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
• Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner
• Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• Respecting Your Child's Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say "No"
• Sensory Science Activity: Perfect For Your Homeschool
• Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues
• Yard Work for Sensory Input
• Pumpkin Play Dough | Sensory Fun for Kids
• Sensory Play with Spice Painting
• Sensory Play for Kids

View Details

This episode continues our sensory series, diving deep into the world of Sensory Sound, with actionable strategies for supporting sensitive kids wherever you go.

Why Are Loud Spaces So Overwhelming? Colleen unpacks how unpredictable peaks in sound, bustling crowds, harsh lighting, and layered sensory inputs can overload sensitive nervous systems. Whether it's a mic popping at announcements, the hum of the HVAC, or the swirl of cafeteria chatter—these environments can quickly become "too much."

Building a Predictable Noise Plan—Step by Step This episode is all about taking back control and creating a kind, doable plan so your kids can participate and feel safe:

• Recon the Space: Visit venues early, spot the quiet zones, locate exits, and identify problem areas.
• Create a Noise Map: Colleen shares practical tips for sketching out "green" (safe/quiet), "yellow" (watchful), and "red" (overwhelming) areas in any environment.
• Try the Gear: Explore sound-dampening solutions, from free options (hoodies, signals) to noise-canceling headphones and musicians' earplugs—covering several budgets.
• Practice Exit & Reentry: Teach simple signals, rehearse calming routines, and have a regrouping spot so kids know when and how to retreat and return.
• End With a Win: Celebrate every step your child takes in self-advocacy—even if it means sitting out for the day. Praise their use of the plan!

Real-Life Stories & Church Success Inspired by a learner's lab member's ongoing journey, Colleen offers scripts for requesting accommodations and creative ways to normalize sensory gear. You'll also hear practical solutions for church, co op, cafeterias, and gym settings.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsor:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
• Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner
• Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• Respecting Your Child's Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say "No"
• Sensory Science Activity: Perfect For Your Homeschool
• Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues
• Yard Work for Sensory Input
• Pumpkin Play Dough | Sensory Fun for Kids
• Sensory Play with Spice Painting
• Sensory Play for Kids

View Details

In today's episode, Colleen breaks down what a sensory diet is (and isn't!), why it matters, and how to get started with simple, safe, and low-prep strategies that work in any space—even if your house is bursting at the seams.

Here's what you'll find inside:

• A breakdown of the five key sensory systems: proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, oral motor, and auditory/visual.
• Ideas for easy, everyday sensory activities: From "squeezy hugs" and wall pushups to crashing into beanbags, squishing play doh, sipping yogurt through a straw, and more—no fancy equipment required!
• How to spot your child's "pressure points" throughout the day (transition trouble spots, meltdown times, etc.)
• Ways to tailor your sensory menu: For movement-seeking kids, those who prefer sameness, and kiddos with anxiety or academic challenges.
• Troubleshooting tips: Small spaces, tight budgets, sibling drama, and even messy play.

Most importantly, you'll learn how to help kids notice and communicate what works for their bodies. We're all about empowering them with choice and self-awareness!

Free Download: Home Sensory Diet Planner

Grab Your Sensory Diet Planner!

Ready to build your own sensory toolbox? Head over to the show notes and grab your free planner! It's packed with suggestions and space to track your kids' pressure points, sensory wins, and more.

Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsor:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner
• Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• Respecting Your Child's Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say "No"
• Sensory Science Activity: Perfect For Your Homeschool
• Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues
• Yard Work for Sensory Input
• Pumpkin Play Dough | Sensory Fun for Kids
• Sensory Play with Spice Painting
• Sensory Play for Kids

View Details

Let’s be honest: if your kiddos leave a trail of half-finished projects, open browser tabs, and idea explosions in their wake, you are SO not alone. Neurodivergent kids (and their amazing, multitasking moms!) can struggle with seeing things through—not because they’re lazy or unmotivated, but because the finish line often feels fuzzy, overwhelming, or just plain boring.

In this week’s episode, we're unpacking:

• Why finishing is tough for neurodivergent kiddos, whether it’s next-step anxiety, perfectionism, time blindness, or working memory hurdles.
• The power of “done statements”—specific, clear criteria for what finished actually looks like. (Think: “This is done when you’ve done 10 math problems with all steps shown” or “Laundry is done when it’s in the drawer and the basket is empty.”)
• Works-in-progress (WIP) limits – One “now” and one “next,” with everything else safely parked and waiting. (Idea overload, be gone!)
• Quick wins and tiny products: Get something DONE in a day with a postcard summary, a 3-slide deck, or a 60-second voice memo.
• Saving progress rituals: So nothing gets lost, and future-you can jump right back in—next steps, photos, and all.
• Keeping motivation up: Dopamine logs, gallery walls, and flexible closure routines—because DONE is more important than PERFECT.

Lots of love for all our creative, innovative kids (gifted, 2e, ADHD, autistic, and more). Remember—these strategies are for real families, with real kids, and I promise you, they WORK.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsor:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom’s Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
• How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
• Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler
• The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead
• When Working Memory Looks Like Defiance
• Finding Your People | Why Community Matters for Homeschoolers of Neurodivergent Kids
• Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child
• Why Decision Making Feels Overwhelming for Neurodivergent Kids and How to Help

View Details

This episode is packed with real, practical strategies for getting (and staying) organized, especially for families homeschooling neurodivergent kids or anyone who simply bristles at traditional organization systems.

We all know the struggle: out of sight = out of mind. Those neat folders and tucked-away systems might work for some, but for kids (and parents!) with ADHD, executive dysfunction, or asynchronous learning styles, they often fizzle by October. Instead, we’re embracing OPEN, VISIBLE, and EASY-TO-ACCESS systems that truly work for the way our brains (and our kids’ brains) are wired.

Key Takeaways: * Out of Sight = Out of Mind: Traditional closed binders and folders often fail neurodivergent kids. Use open, visible storage—clear bins, open baskets, or carts—so materials stay in sight and top-of-mind. * Keep Systems Simple: Limit organizational systems to a maximum two-step process (touch and use). Reduce friction by making materials immediately accessible—no complex filing or multiple steps required. * Celebrate Progress Visibly: Provide immediate, tangible feedback through “done” bins, photo portfolios, or visible finished work. Watching their progress accumulate gives neurodivergent learners needed motivation and dopamine hits.

If staying organized feels impossible, let yourself off the hook—this episode is full of practical, compassionate advice and encouragement. Grab a coffee, listen in, and let’s get ready for a smoother homeschool year together.

Looking for More Support? If you want ongoing resources, coaching, or community, check out the Learner’s Lab or subscribe to our email list for info on upcoming small group cohorts for middle/high schoolers and executive function workshops.

You’re the perfect parent for your child—just as you are. Give yourself grace, celebrate the small wins, and remember: structure and flexibility are both just tools.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• The Lab: An Online Community for Families Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kiddos
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
• How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
• Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler
• The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question
• RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions
• When Working Memory Looks Like Defiance

View Details

As part of the ongoing Executive Function series on the podcast, this week's episode dives into the essential (and often misunderstood) skill of working memory—how it impacts neurodivergent learners and what we can do to help.

If your child loses track of multi-step instructions, forgets a task mid-way, or gets overwhelmed by routines, you’re not alone—and it’s not simply forgetfulness. It’s about the way their brain processes and stores information moment-to-moment.

Key Takeaways:

• Make Instructions Visible & Bite-Sized: Use a Working Memory Command Center (think: whiteboards, sticky notes, rhythm cards) to externalize each step of a routine. Break down big tasks into 3-5 micro-steps and post them where your child needs to see them.
• Create a Personalized Micro Prompt Library: Build a set of actionable cue cards (“Write the date,” “Circle the operation,” “Put away 10 things”) specific to your child’s daily routines. This makes starting and completing tasks less overwhelming and more achievable.
• Teach Back & Retrieval Practice: Use playful strategies like the 30-second teach-back and “look away retrieval” games to help kids practice recalling information, building both confidence and working memory muscle—without stress.

If you want hands-on ideas you can implement today (including one-week action steps!), this episode and the free Executive Function Quick Start Guide are for you. Let’s reframe the narrative: your child isn’t lazy or forgetful—they just need tools that meet their neurodivergent brains where they are.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• 101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids
• Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do…)
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• RLL #271: Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Why Movement Matters (Especially for Our Neurodivergent Kids)
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families
• Beating Homeschool Overwhelm with Heart and Flexibility
• Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child
• Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons

View Details

If you tuned into this week’s episode, you know we’re in the thick of our executive function series—and this time, we took a deep dive into a challenge so many neurodivergent kiddos (and their parents!) know all too well: getting started.

Task initiation can feel impossible for kids who are gifted, twice-exceptional, ADHD, autistic, anxious, or just generally outside-the-box thinkers. They might be able to talk your ear off about their passions, but ask them to start a five-minute worksheet, and it’s like hitting a brick wall. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: your child isn’t broken, and neither are you. Their brain just needs some extra scaffolding and gentle strategies—and that’s exactly what we covered in this week’s episode.

Key Takeaways: * Start small for big wins: Break tasks into "micro steps" or “bricks.” Even something as simple as writing the date can be the first win that propels kids forward. * Audit and reduce friction: Quick 5-minute “friction audits” help you and your child identify what's holding them back—be it sensory needs, unclear instructions, or missing tools—and address it before frustration builds. * Model and scaffold for independence: By using techniques like body doubling (working in parallel), giving clear “done statements,” or offering guided choices, you’re not just helping them now—you’re equipping them with lifelong executive function skills.

If you’re a parent, educator, or homeschooler supporting bright, quirky kids, this episode is a toolkit of actionable insights. Grab the Executive Function Quick Start Guide for even more resources!

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• 101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids
• Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do…)
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• RLL #271: Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Why Movement Matters (Especially for Our Neurodivergent Kids)
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families
• Beating Homeschool Overwhelm with Heart and Flexibility
• Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child
• Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons

View Details

Struggling with chaotic mornings—especially with neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional kiddos? You’re not alone! This week's episode of the podcast dives deep into practical strategies for establishing morning routines that truly work for your unique family.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: * Ditch the “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach: Neurodivergent kids break the mold! Traditional checklists and rigid schedules can actually increase stress. Instead, focus on finding rhythms and anchors that guide your morning rather than the clock. * Externalize Time & Reduce Decision Fatigue: Many kids (and adults!) experience “time blindness.” Support them by using visual timers, playlists, or analog clocks, and prepping choices the night before to streamline mornings and cut down on stress. * Prioritize Movement, Regulation, and Connection: Mornings run smoother when you weave in brief movement breaks, sensory supports, and moments of connection before tackling big tasks. These micro-habits help everyone launch into the day feeling regulated and ready.

Want more practical tools? There’s a free download in the episode with sample morning routines and rhythm cards—perfect for building routines that are realistic and sustainable!

Let’s make mornings kinder for everyone—especially YOU, the parent.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do…)
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• RLL #271: Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Why Movement Matters (Especially for Our Neurodivergent Kids)
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families
• Beating Homeschool Overwhelm with Heart and Flexibility
• Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child
• Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons
• 101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids

View Details

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the tricky tightrope walk of balancing structure and flexibility at home—because let’s be honest, parenting (and homeschooling) neurodivergent kids isn’t for the faint of heart!

This episode is your breathe-and-hit-reset permission slip. Here’s a peek at what we covered:

Structure is Comforting… Until It Isn’t Structure helps our kids (and us!) feel safe. Predictable routines can seriously reduce anxiety, especially for those with executive functioning challenges, ADHD, autism, or sensory processing issues. But too much rigidity? It can spark rebellion, burnout, and meltdowns—especially with creative, passionate, gifted kids.

What Does Flexibility Really Mean? Flexibility doesn’t mean winging it! It means responsive teaching—letting your child’s needs, interests, and even energy levels guide your day. I share my own family's rhythm, from color-coded calendars to built-in time for unexpected appointments and sibling support.

Practical Strategies to Try Now Here are some actionable takeaways to help you find your family’s sweet spot:

• Start with Your “Must Do’s”: Define your “minimum viable day”—the simplest version of what needs to happen (e.g., a little reading, writing, and math). Ease into your routine and build up slowly.
• Anchors, Not Timetables: Instead of strict schedules, anchor your day around meals, read-alouds, or physical routines.
• Visual Tools & Ownership: Use checklists, whiteboards, or color-coded calendars so your kids know what’s on deck.
• Support Executive Function: Scaffold routines gently and model breaking big tasks into small steps.
• Embrace Interest-Led Learning: Let your child’s passions drive parts of the curriculum for greater engagement.
• Built-in Downtime: Everyone—including you!—needs breaks to recharge.

You’re Not Alone (Even When It Feels Like It) If your Instagram doesn’t look like those homeschool highlight reels, that’s normal. Messy days aren’t failures—they’re feedback.

Looking for More Support? If you want ongoing resources, coaching, or community, check out the Learner’s Lab or subscribe to our email list for info on upcoming small group cohorts for middle/high schoolers and executive function workshops.

You’re the perfect parent for your child—just as you are. Give yourself grace, celebrate the small wins, and remember: structure and flexibility are both just tools.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• Why Create a Schedule Command Center?
• Setting Up a Homeschool Schedule
• Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)
• Beating Homeschool Overwhelm With Heart and Flexibility
• Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons
• A Thriving Homeschool | Strategies for Setting Boundaries

View Details

This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to so many of us: friendships for neurodivergent kids (and yes, for us as parents too). With a new school year kicking into gear, worries about social connection and "finding your people" can rise to the surface—especially for families navigating neurodiversity.

What We’re Unpacking This Episode:

• Why friendships can be challenging for neurodivergent kids (think asynchronous development, sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, or intense interests that aren’t always shared by peers).
• Supporting your child: From validating their feelings and practicing social skills together, to seeking out interest-based clubs and even professional help when needed, we’re covering loads of strategies.
• Managing our own expectations: Sometimes it's our hearts that ache more than our kids’—especially if they’re totally content solo-building Lego metropolises while we scroll by endless social media playdate posts. (You’re not alone if this sounds all too familiar.)

Key Takeaway: There’s no single “right” way for kids to socialize—and not all loneliness means your child is suffering. We talk about the difference between the child who longs for connection (and how to support them) and the content solo flyer (who’s truly happy alone, even if that’s hard for us to accept as parents).

Quick Tips From the Episode:

• Normalize neurodiversity at home. Celebrate differences. Your child isn’t broken—they’re beautifully wired.
• Prioritize shared interests over age. Sometimes the best friendships are across generations or centered around passions rather than peer groups.
• Practice and role-play social skills in low-pressure environments (think: one-on-one meetups, online clubs like our Learner’s Lab, or even just chatting with a cool neighbor with a unique hobby).
• Know that seeking therapy or coaching is a strength, not a weakness—for both kids and parents.

A Gentle Reminder: If your child is thriving emotionally, feels seen and supported, and is building their life at their own pace—even if it doesn’t look the way you expected—you’re doing a great job. Sometimes the most meaningful friendships (and personal growth) take the scenic route.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• 5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends
• Finding Your People | Why Community Matters for Homeschoolers of Neurodivergent Kids
• Why LEGO STEM Challenges Belong in Your Homeschool – Especially If You’re Raising Neurodivergent Kids
• Teaching Kids to Befriend Others
• Teaching Kids About Being a Good Friend with Help From Great Books and Netflix
• RLL #42: What It’s Like to be Homeschooled with Best Friends Molly and Ella

View Details

This week’s episode of the podcast is all about executive function—what it is, how struggles in these skills show up in homeschoolers, and, most importantly, what you can do at home to support your child as they grow. Whether your child is gifted, twice-exceptional, or has a neurodivergence like ADHD or autism, these ideas are for you.

Here are some highlights and key takeaways:

• Executive function is more than organization. It encompasses a whole set of skills: from planning and prioritizing to task initiation, working memory, emotional regulation, and more. Many neurodivergent kids’ intellectual abilities often outpace these essential life skills.
• Scaffolding and modeling are key. Building executive function doesn’t mean doing it all for them. Instead, break down tasks, provide step-by-step support, externalize plans (think: whiteboards and visual checklists), and consistently model your own planning and problem-solving out loud.
• Progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins and keep the focus on growth and effort. Building these life skills is a marathon, not a sprint. Our job isn’t to micromanage, but to guide, equip, and be a safe base as our kids grow into independent problem-solvers.

Whether you’re a parent or educator, this episode is a great reminder: little steps matter—and you’re not alone on the journey!

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler
• The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question
• RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions

View Details

This week on the podcast, Colleen revisited one of the most common, sometimes thorny, and always essential homeschool topics: finding your people and creating a support system, especially when you’re parenting and homeschooling neurodivergent, gifted, or otherwise outside-the-box kiddos.

After 17 years on this journey, she can assure you: you’re not alone if building community feels overwhelming at times—whether you’re coming back from a pandemic pause, have tricky past experiences, or your kids just don’t “fit in” with typical local groups.

Here are some highlights and key takeaways:

Community Matters: Having people around who understand the joys and challenges of homeschooling differently-wired kids is more than a luxury—it’s essential fuel for thriving, not just surviving. Our kids (and we as parents) need spaces where it’s okay to be quirky, creative, or intense—where someone else says “me too!” and everyone feels genuinely seen.

It Can Be Hard: Maybe the co-ops near you are too rigid, you’ve faced past exclusion or judgment, or (like me) you’re just plain exhausted trying to do it all. Sometimes your kids resist group activities, or you don’t have “joiner” personalities in the house. These are all normal feelings and totally valid struggles.

You May Need to Rethink What Community Looks Like: Community doesn’t have to be a massive co-op or weekly field trip group! It could be a micro-community, supportive online spaces, interest-based activities, or supportive adults who “get” your kids, from librarians to mentors to hobby group leaders.

Take Some Action This WeekGrab a notebook (or the free printable) and reflect on:

1. What kind of community are you craving most right now—support, social time, academic help?
2. List three possible places or people you might reach out to this week for connection (library, therapist, other homeschool families, online groups, etc.)
3. Is there a family you could invite to connect more regularly and start your own small community?

You don’t have to do this alone. Even if you’re the “burned out mom who’s always holding it together” or you’ve tried and been hurt, please know: I see you. The right people are out there, and sometimes you simply need to widen your lens and try again when the time feels right.

If you need a soft place to land, join us inside the Learner’s Lab—where our quirky, creative, and wonderful community is always waiting for you.

And if you’re already in a good spot? Reach out to someone else who might need your invitation.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Finding Your Community as a Neurodivergent Family
• Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids
• Finding Homeschool Community (for our children and ourselves)
• Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person
• Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child
• Why Decision Making Feels Overwhelming for Neurodivergent Kids and How to Help
• Creative Summer Activities to Strengthen Family Connection and Boost Learning

View Details

This week on the podcast, we dive into a topic close to the hearts of many parents and educators: helping neurodivergent kids build flexible thinking skills.

Whether you’re parenting or teaching gifted, 2e, ADHD, autistic, or otherwise wonderfully-wired kiddos, you know that rigid thinking can turn even minor changes into big challenges. You’ll hear real-life stories, practical strategies, and compassionate guidance to help you nurture adaptability—without forcing your kids to just “go with the flow.”

Key takeaways from this episode: * Validate Their Experience: Begin by acknowledging your child’s feelings when plans or expectations shift. Empathy and validation open the door to problem-solving. * Model Flexibility: Your kids are always watching! Talk through your own changes in plans, letting them see that adjustment is a skill, not a failure. * Use Playful & Structured Opportunities: Incorporate “Plan B” days, offer limited choices, and use stories or role-playing to gently stretch their thinking in a safe, fun way.

If you’re navigating homeschooling with neurodivergent kids—or simply looking to foster resilience—this episode is rich with actionable ideas.

Let’s raise lifelong learners who are ready to adapt, shift, and grow through all of life’s twists and turns!

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

👉CTC Math - Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

👉Night Zookeeper - Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Beating Homeschool Overwhelm With Heart and Flexibility
• Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child
• Homeschooling a Profoundly Gifted Child
• Sparking Curiosity | Nurturing a Love of Learning in Your Child
• Embracing Interest-Led Homeschooling with Lydia Rosado
• Sparkschooling | Engaging Children in Music, Art, and STEM
• Gifted and Distractible with Julie Skolnick
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• 101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids

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

View Details

This week on the podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic that comes up all the time in our community: helping our neurodivergent kids make decisions.

If you’ve ever watched your creative, outside-the-box thinker freeze up over choosing a research topic or panic trying to pick a co-op class, you’re not alone. Decision-making—something that seems so simple—can sometimes send our brilliant kids into full-on meltdown mode. Why is that? And more importantly, what can we do to support them?

Why Decisions Are So Hard for Neurodivergent Kids As I shared in this week’s podcast episode, decision-making isn’t just about picking A or B. It relies on executive function skills: planning, working memory, emotional regulation, and flexible thinking. And for gifted and twice-exceptional kids—those who are often used to being good at things without trying—the pressure to “get it right” can be paralyzing.

Sometimes just choosing a topic to study or which extracurricular to try feels like a mountain. The fear of making the “wrong” choice, letting someone down, or not liking the outcome can turn a simple decision into a source of overwhelm.

Key Takeaways: * Scaffold Decisions: Break big choices into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of asking your child to choose a year-long project, offer two or three options, or start with smaller daily decisions to build confidence.

• Use Visual Supports: Choice boards, flowcharts, and checklists can make decisions less overwhelming. Visual aids reduce mental load and help children organize their thoughts.

• Limit Choices, Make Them Meaningful: Too many options can lead to paralysis. Offer two or three choices you’re comfortable with to support autonomy while minimizing overwhelm.

• Practice Micro-Decisions: Encourage your child to make small choices throughout the day—like which book to read or what snack to have. These low-pressure decisions build “decision-making muscles.”

• Normalize and Validate Struggle: Acknowledge that decision-making is hard, especially for neurodivergent kids. Let your child know their feelings are valid and that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

• Reflect and Debrief Together: After decisions are made, circle back and discuss what worked and what didn’t. Share what you might do differently next time to help your child see that mistakes are opportunities to learn.

• Co-Regulate Emotions: Model calmness and support when your child feels stuck. Your steady presence can help soothe anxiety and create a safe space for making choices.

• Use Collaborative Language: Approach decisions as a team with phrases like, “Let’s figure this out together.” This relieves pressure and shifts the dynamic from struggle to partnership.

• Balance Support and Independence: Walk alongside your child as they build these skills. Scaffolding isn't coddling—it’s a loving way to help children become confident decision-makers over time.

• Be Patient—It’s a Process: Remember, every small practice and positive experience with decision-making builds lifelong confidence and resilience. Celebrate progress and keep encouraging effort, even when things don’t go perfectly..

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Thank you to our sponsors:

👉CTC Math - Flexible, affordable math for the whole family!

👉Night Zookeeper - Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
• Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler
• The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question
• RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions

View Details

Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect chance to hit pause on the box-checking frenzy and really connect with our kids. In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive into one of my favorite topics: creating joyful, low-pressure family memories (without overloading your plate—or your calendar).

Why Fun Matters (Even for Year-Round Homeschoolers!) Remember, while academics are important, authentic connection is the real foundation for lifelong learning. When we prioritize laughter, conversation, and shared experiences, our kids build trust, emotional safety, and a love for learning. Fun isn’t an interruption—it’s the heart of education, especially for neurodivergent kids who thrive when joy is woven into their days.

Here are some highlights and takeaways: * Release the Guilt—Fun is Productive It’s easy to feel guilty when we haven’t checked enough boxes or finished the curriculum. But as Colleen says: “Fun is productive, especially for 2e, ADHD, anxious, or autistic learners. It helps them regulate and sparks creative thinking.” And it’s the simple, everyday moments—late-night talks, silly dance parties, or sharing a new hobby—that kids remember most.

• Let’s Model Joyful Adulthood Our kids look to us as their prime example of what adulthood—and parenthood—should feel like. Let’s show them that happiness, connection, and fulfillment are as valuable as diligence. Prioritizing fun and togetherness, especially during these summer months, sets a positive tone for the school year ahead—and for life.

• Want More Support & Ideas? If you need inspiration—or a community of other outside-the-box families—the Learner’s Lab is full of monthly themes, connection challenges, live clubs (hello, Doodle + Lego Club!), and coaching calls. There’s a whole archive of fun waiting for you whenever you want to jump in.

How will you make FUN part of your family’s summer?

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family
• A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids
• RLL #76: Creating the Adventurous Family with Rachel Rainbolt
• A Week of Epic Backyard Nature Science Fun | Summer Camp at Home
• Family Night Game Guide
• Summer Activities for Kids
• Outdoor Sun Prints: Summer Science for Kids
• Sneaking In Summer Learning
• Navigating Summer Learning With Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids
• A Week of Epic Backyard Nature Science Fun | Summer Camp at Home

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

View Details

This week on the podcast, we get real about something we ALL feel at some point (or every day): OVERWHELM. If you’re juggling year-round homeschooling, multiple ages, neurodivergent needs, big summer transitions, and the regular chaos of life, this episode is for you.

Here are some highlights and takeaways:

• Overwhelm is Normal—You’re Not Alone! Whether it’s decision fatigue, comparing your journey to others, or executive function struggles (for you AND the kids), it’s okay to feel like you can’t do it all. Colleen reminds us: “Homeschooling parents of neurodivergent kids—overwhelm is expected. This is normal.”
• Reframe Success Success is NOT getting every single lesson checked off or enforcing perfect handwriting by sixth grade. It’s about making progress, fostering curiosity, connecting with your kids, and staying flexible. Celebrate the little wins and focus on connection over perfection.
• Embrace Flexibility (and Ice Cream for Dinner!) Sometimes you have to toss the plan and go for ice cream, or ditch the math lesson in favor of a walk or a snuggle with a documentary. Homeschooling gives us permission to prioritize what matters most in that moment—connection, not just curriculum.
• Community Matters You’re not meant to do this alone. Colleen invites you to join the free space in The Learner’s Lab for support, conversation, and a judgment-free zone to connect with other parents who get it.
• Remember Your Why Homeschooling is a loving, intentional choice, especially for neurodivergent kiddos who need something different. On hard days, revisit your original “why”—it can help ground you and remind you of the long-term wins.

Raising your kids at home is messy and beautiful. So take a deep breath, let go of the guilt, and remember: You are the perfect parent for your kids, and they are the perfect kids for you.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• When the World Overwhelms Your Anxious Child | How You Can Help
• Homeschooling During Overwhelming Times
• Easy Ways to Boost Emotional Intelligence During Your Homeschool Day
• Busting the Biggest Myths About Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids
• Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up
• How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
• Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child

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

View Details

Today's episode dives deep into the heart of something that’s foundational for our kids (and us too)—emotional intelligence, or EQ. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent kiddo, a gifted learner, or just want smoother sailing at home, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can use right away.

Why EQ Matters Emotional intelligence is all about recognizing, understanding, and managing our own feelings—and responding thoughtfully to others’. As Colleen shares, EQ helps our kids become effective learners, thinkers, and friends. It’s the foundation for resilience, healthy relationships, strong communication, and even critical thinking.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Start with Daily Emotional Check-Ins: A simple “How are you feeling today?” at breakfast, paired with a feelings chart or a color-coded stoplight, helps everyone build language around emotions.
• “Name it to Tame it”: When emotions run high, help your child put words to what they’re feeling. “Wow, you seem frustrated…” This acknowledgment can actually help reduce the intensity!
• Pause Academics for Connection: Remember Colleen’s mantra: Connection before correction. It’s always easier to fix a missed math lesson than a strained relationship.
• Normalize Feelings with Stories: Pause during read-alouds to discuss what characters might be experiencing. It’s a natural way to build empathy and open up conversation.
• Create (and Use!) Calm Down Spaces: Every family member can benefit from a cozy spot designed to reset and self-regulate. Even Colleen has her own calm corner with twinkle lights!
• Model Apologies and Self-Regulation: When we mess up (we all do!), own it: “I’m sorry. I was feeling overwhelmed and reacted poorly.” Our kids learn emotional intelligence by watching us handle our own mistakes.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Games to Help Improve Your Kid’s Emotional Intelligence
• What is Emotional Intelligence?
• Building Social-Emotional Skills While Helping Others
• Emotional Overexcitability And Gifted Kids (what you need to know)
• RLL #93: 7 Tips and Strategies for Boosting Emotional Resilience in Your Kids
• RLL #89: Helping Our Gifted Kids With Social and Emotional Struggles
• Add Emotional Education to Your Homeschool
• Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Big Emotions in the Homeschool

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

View Details

Today's episode is an extra special pep talk for anyone homeschooling—or considering homeschooling—neurodivergent kids. If you’ve ever felt doubtful, heard wild myths, or just wanted some validation, this one is for you!

Episode Spotlight: Myth Busting Neurodivergent Homeschooling

Have you heard these before?

• “Neurodivergent kids need experts, not parents.”
• “Homeschooled kids won’t be socialized.”
• “They’ll have too many gaps or fall behind.”
• “Homeschooling will make anxiety or emotional struggles worse.”
• “You have to do it alone.”

We'll tackle these five myths through research, stories, and straight-from-the-heart encouragement. Here’s what you need to know:

You Are Your Child’s Best Teacher No one knows your child like you do. Yes, experts are great support, but YOU are the one who can tailor learning to their specific needs every day.

Socialization? More Like Social Flourishing Forget the outdated worries. Homeschoolers are out in the world—community, classes, clubs, and new friends, both in-person and online. Social learning happens in real, meaningful ways.

No More Fear of Gaps Every graduate (homeschooled or not) leaves school with gaps. Homeschooling lets your kids shine where they excel and grow where they need help, all at their own pace. Individualized learning = thriving.

A Gentler Path for Emotional Well-Being Home can be a healing, safe space where neurodivergent kids feel seen and supported. Emotional safety comes first—academic growth comes naturally from there.

You Are Not Alone This journey comes with challenges. But you’re not meant to do it solo. Communities exist (like The Learner’s Lab!) where you’ll find understanding, friendship, and real support.

Free Resource: Family Connection Challenge Ready to deepen your family connections this summer? Join Colleen’s detective-themed Family Connection Challenge, kicking off June 16. It’s FREE, fun, and open to everyone—no Learner’s Lab membership required!

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience
• Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• The Power of Connection in Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids
• Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• Finding Your Community as a Neurodivergent Family
• Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team
• A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids

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

View Details

Today's episode of the podcast, is all about building meaningful connections with your preteens and teens—especially as they start finding their independence. Colleen gets real about the challenges of staying connected as kids grow older and shares practical, heartfelt tips on how to keep those important bonds strong (even when everyone’s schedule is packed and the house is chaos!).

Whether you’re navigating parenting differences with your partner, homeschooling neurodivergent kiddos, or just trying to carve out some quality time with your teen, this episode is filled with encouragement and actionable ideas—from quick car chats to planned outings (hello, amusement parks, even if you’re not riding the rollercoasters 👍).

Plus, don’t miss the special Family Connection Challenge in June—there’s something for everyone in the family!

Key Takeaways: * Prioritize Connection in the Teen Years: As children become preteens and teens, intentional connection becomes more challenging but remains crucial. Make connection an ongoing priority, not just something you do when they're young. * Connection Is Foundational: A strong parent-child bond is the foundation for emotional, social, and academic growth—especially for neurodivergent kids. It’s the “safety net” that helps families weather challenges. * Small Moments Count: Casual, everyday interactions—like giving your full attention, listening without judgment, or acknowledging your child’s feelings—build trust and closeness over time. * Planned Time Matters Too: Schedule intentional one-on-one time doing things you both enjoy. Let your teen or young adult take the lead in choosing activities, showing genuine interest in their interests. * Be Present and Available: When your child seeks you out, pause what you’re doing. Putting aside distractions and giving your full attention communicates that they are a priority. * Support Without Solving: As teens and young adults set out on their own, focus on being a support system rather than trying to solve their problems. Help them see options and let them make their own choices. * Respect Their Growing Independence: Understand that pulling away is natural for adolescents and young adults. Stay positive, keep inviting them to connect, and be flexible about how and when you spend time together. * Connection Over Correction: Resist the urge to coach, correct, or offer advice unless asked. Concentrate on enjoying your child’s company and celebrating who they are, not just what they do. * Use Technology Mindfully: Texts, memes, and short messages can help maintain connection—especially when your kids are away. Keep it light and avoid overwhelming them with too many questions or expectations. * Model Kindness and Inclusion: Simple gestures—like small acts of kindness or including everyone—demonstrate the type of connection you hope your children will seek and offer in return. * Stay Persistent: Even if it feels one-sided at times, keep showing up. Consistent, kind efforts to connect make a lasting impact, even as your children grow more independent.

The underlying message? Connection is not about being perfect—it’s about showing up, looking your kid in the eye, and letting them know they matter. By being responsive, by offering both presence and independence, we help our kids grow into confident, resilient adults who know, no matter where they go, there’s always a safe place to return.

Whether you try a weeklong challenge or simply make eye contact at the dinner table tonight, every effort counts toward raising lifelong learners—and lifelong bonds.

Ready for More?

• Join our June Family Connection Challenge in The Lab! Everyone’s invited—members and non-members alike—and there are prizes and loads of fun planned.

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience
• Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• The Power of Connection in Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids
• Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• Finding Your Community as a Neurodivergent Family
• Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team
• A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids

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

View Details

On today's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the power of adventure—not the mountain-climbing kind, but the small, everyday moments that shape our children into confident, resilient learners.

As homeschooling parents, especially with neurodivergent kiddos, it’s easy to get caught up in structure and routine. Remember that adventure is everywhere: in our backyards, kitchens, and local parks.

Key Takeaways: * Adventure Builds Resilience & Confidence: Trying new things (even small ones!) helps kids learn to fail, adjust, try again, and discover real-world bravery. * Stronger Social & Emotional Bonds: Shared adventures—big or small—create lasting memories and connections, especially important for neurodivergent kids who might find peer relationships challenging. * Academic & Life Skills in Action: Everyday adventures offer hands-on opportunities for kids to practice executive function skills like planning, flexibility, and problem-solving, making learning “sticky” and relevant.

Adventure doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. What matters most is showing up for your kids, following their interests, and saying “yes” to making memories—whether you build a pillow fort, try a new food, or plan a mystery dinner together.

Ready for More?

• Don't forget to grab your free download: 100 Simple Adventures for Your Homeschool
• Join our June Family Connection Challenge in The Lab! Everyone’s invited—members and non-members alike—and there are prizes and loads of fun planned.

Adventure is all around—let’s make it a part of our everyday!

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play
• Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience
• Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens
• How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich
• Play-Based Learning In Your Homeschool: It’s More Than Just Board Games
• The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family
• Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally
• Fabulous Outdoor Play Spaces

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

View Details

This week on the podcast, we’re diving into something that might seem small at first glance but can create a massive ripple effect in your child’s life—celebrating wins! Whether your kiddo is neurodivergent, gifted, twice-exceptional, or simply working hard on any kind of challenge, recognizing their progress is a simple and powerful tool to build confidence, resilience, and deeper connection.

Key Takeaways: * Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Focus on your child’s effort and growth—academically, emotionally, or socially—rather than on flawless outcomes or test scores. Recognize that every step forward matters. * Make Celebration Part of Your Family Culture: Normalize celebrating both big and small wins. Everyday achievements, like staying calm during frustration or trying something new, are worth acknowledging. * Be Specific with Praise: Offer detailed, genuine feedback instead of generic compliments. Let your child know exactly what they did well, so they feel truly seen and understand what actions led to their success. * Support Emotional Wellbeing: Regularly celebrating wins helps rewire your child’s thinking toward positivity, reduces anxiety and shame, and boosts confidence—especially for neurodivergent kids who may be prone to self-criticism. * Reinforce Intrinsic Motivation: Frequent, meaningful celebration fosters your child’s internal desire to keep trying and learning, rather than only aiming for external rewards. * Track and Display Success: Use visual tools like “win walls,” progress jars, or journals to make accomplishments visible and motivating, especially for children who need tangible reminders of their progress. * Include the Whole Family: Encourage siblings to cheer each other on, and celebrate everyone’s growth together to foster a positive, team-spirited home environment. * Keep Celebrations Simple and Meaningful: Low-pressure gestures—like a high-five, dance party, extra story at bedtime, or picking from a treasure box—can turn accomplishments into lasting, positive memories. * Model Growth Mindset: Show your child that learning is about the journey, including the mistakes and messy parts. Reflect together on successes and struggles to help everyone learn and grow. * Recognize Everyday Wins: Remember that wins can be as simple as trying again after failing, using a calming strategy, or showing kindness to others. Celebrate these, too, and help your child value personal growth.

Celebration doesn’t mean constant applause—it means noticing. By being specific and genuine, you help your kids develop self-awareness, resilience, and a true sense of accomplishment. For more practical tips and encouragement, check out Chapter 7 of The Homeschool Advantage or revisit past podcast episodes on building confidence and emotional strength.

Need more resources and encouragement?

There are so many tools, from printable feeling charts to recommended books and calming activities, available online. Check out booklists for emotional intensity, anxiety, and anger in kids; explore the “zones of regulation”; and, most importantly, find a like-minded community for support. Your family isn’t alone, and together, we can raise lifelong learners—and emotionally healthy humans—one regulated breath at a time.

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Embracing Creativity in Homeschooling
• Nurturing Communication Skills in Your Homeschool
• Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families
• Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play
• Sparking Curiosity | Nurturing a Love of Learning in Your Child
• Finding Wonder and Joy in Everyday Homeschooling and Parenting
• When Homeschool Looks Different: Embracing the Chaos and Finding Joy
• Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children

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

View Details

As parents—especially when raising neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional learners—we are on the frontlines of navigating intense emotions every day. In the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into practical strategies for supporting kids’ emotional health and building regulation skills that last a lifetime.

Key Takeaways: * Connection Over Correction: Before jumping into discipline, prioritize building strong, trust-based connections with your kids. A safe and validating environment empowers children to openly share feelings and seek help when things get tough. * Normalize Emotions—For Kids and Adults: Regularly talk about emotions in your home, openly share your feelings (the ups and the downs!), and model healthy regulation techniques like deep breathing or taking breaks. Kids learn through what we do, not just what we say. * Use Tools and Creative Outlets: Create “calm down” spaces, use feelings charts or check-ins, and encourage creative activities—like doodling or building with Legos—as healthy ways for kids to process and express big feelings.

Progress in emotional regulation isn’t linear—it’s all about small wins and ongoing growth for both our kids and ourselves. If you’re supporting kids who feel big, intense emotions, know that you aren’t alone, and the work you’re doing is foundational for lifelong success.

Need more resources and encouragement?

There are so many tools, from printable feeling charts to recommended books and calming activities, available online. Check out booklists for emotional intensity, anxiety, and anger in kids; explore the “zones of regulation”; and, most importantly, find a likeminded community for support. Your family isn’t alone, and together, we can raise lifelong learners—and emotionally healthy humans—one regulated breath at a time.

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Building Social-Emotional Skills While Helping Others
• The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse Children
• Anxiety In Children: Physical, Emotional, and Behavioral Symptoms
• The Power Of Reading For Gifted Children: Advanced Readers And Social Emotional Learning
• A Parent’s Guide To Emotional Overexcitabilities In Gifted Children
• Emotional Overexcitability And Gifted Kids (what you need to know)
• Supporting The Social and Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Twice-Exceptional Kids
• RLL #93: 7 Tips and Strategies for Boosting Emotional Resilience in Your Kids
• RLL #89: Helping Our Gifted Kids With Social and Emotional Struggles
• RLL #88: Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids with Jim Delisle
• Add Emotional Education to Your Homeschool
• Games to Help Improve Your Kid’s Emotional Intelligence
• Help Your Intense Child Regulate Emotions Easily
• What is Emotional Intelligence?
• Navigating Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids
• Helping Kids Understand Their Emotions

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

View Details

This week’s episode of the podcast is truly close to my heart. We dove deep into what it means to truly embrace our kiddos’ unique sparks and passions, especially for our neurodivergent learners.

If you sometimes worry about your child being “too focused” on one thing, or wonder how to support their big interests when the world doesn’t always get it, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways: * Why Intensity is a Feature, Not a Bug: It can feel overwhelming when your child hyper-focuses on trains, bugs, Minecraft, or musical theater. But that intensity? It’s a strength to celebrate, not a flaw to fix. Leaning into our kids’ passions not only boosts confidence, but helps them become the resilient, creative adults they’re meant to be. * Breaking Out of the Comparison Trap: It’s easy to fall into “shoulds.” They should be reading more, should be more well-rounded, should make friends easily. But every kid grows at their own pace. Instead of trying to mold them into what the world expects, let’s help them lean into who they already are. * Meet Them Where They Are Supporting our quirky, passionate kids isn’t always easy—especially when we worry about the “real world.” Remember, the world needs outside-the-box thinkers, problem solvers, and joy-chasers. When we show our kids their interests are valued, we’re setting them up for lifelong confidence.

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Igniting Your Kids’ Passions
• Passions, Pressure, and Letting Our Kids Let Go
• Helping Kids Pursue Passions While Maintaining Peace of Mind
• Cultivating Leadership Skills in Homeschooling
• Inspire a Love for Learning at Home
• Rethinking Content | Transforming Education Through Homeschooling

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

View Details

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of connection and how it can transform your homeschool and family life. Homeschooling, especially with differently wired kiddos, comes with its set of challenges, and prioritizing connection over perfection is the key to a thriving environment where your children feel safe, seen, and valued.

Key Takeaways: * The 'Why' Behind Connection: It's not just a nice-to-have; it's neurologically necessary, especially for our neurodivergent kiddos. * Real-Life Connection Strategies: From morning cuddles to evening debriefs, we're sharing practical ways to weave connection into your day without overwhelming yourself. * Overcoming Challenges: Sensory overload, power struggles, perfectionism, and parental guilt—these common roadblocks don't stand a chance against the strategies we cover. * Become a Student of Your Child: Learn unique ways to tune into your child’s needs and how those small, consistent moments can make all the difference.

Plus, our upcoming Family Connection Challenge in The Learner's Lab will provide fun activities and prizes to help reinforce these principles in an engaging way.

Remember, your presence and effort are so much more valuable than you might think. You are already doing an incredible job just by showing up, listening to resources like this, and loving your kids in the best way you know how.

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Get the Book

For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• The Power of Connecting with Your Kids in Homeschooling
• A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids
• RLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna Wingert
• RLL 10 Sarah MacKenzie: Building Connections Through Books
• Inspire a Love for Learning at Home
• Developing Confidence in Differently Wired Kids

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

View Details

This week's episode is all about cultivating leadership skills in our kiddos, especially those amazing outside-the-box thinkers.

We dive into a type of leadership that’s less about rallying a group and more about creativity, kindness, and empathy. We go over ways to nurture these qualities in your homeschool environment and everyday family life. This is part of our focus for the month in the Learner's Lab, where leadership takes center stage.

Key Takeaways: * Why Leadership Matters: Discover how leadership skills enhance problem-solving, empathy, and adaptability, crucial for every child, especially in neurodivergent families. * Homeschool Activities: Try fun activities like planning field trips and hosting family meetings to foster leadership in children. Perfect for practical application at home! * Creative Leadership: Explore how homeschool settings provide the perfect environment for kids to experiment and build resilience without external pressures. * Resources Galore: We have a treasure trove of resources, including books, movies, and unit studies, plus four years of activities in the Learner’s Lab to enrich your homeschool journey.

Also, don’t miss our upcoming EQ Quest in The Learner's Lab, where your family can dive into emotional intelligence activities centered on leadership. It's a fantastic opportunity for you and your kids to learn and grow together.

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Get the Book

For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play
• What Does a Gifted Child Look Like?
• Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children
• 100 Hints That Your Child May Be Gifted
• Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
• Delight-Directed Learner Turned Published Author | A Conversation with Millie Florence
• Cultivating Commitment and Follow Through
• Why Gamified Learning Works So Well For Gifted Children
• The Power Of Inquiry Based Learning For Gifted Children

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

View Details

We're diving into an essential topic in this week's podcast episode that's sure to resonate with many of you—developing impulse control in our neurodivergent kids.

As we know, impulse control can be particularly challenging for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent kiddos. Let's break down why our unique learners face these challenges and talk practical strategies to support them in everyday scenarios.

Key Takeaways: * Create a Flexible Learning Environment: Shorter lessons with frequent breaks help cater to brains seeking novelty. * Role-Playing Social Situations: Practice different responses to improve social impulse control. * Calm Down Spaces: Designate a quiet corner with sensory tools for emotional regulation. * Gamify Focus: Turn attention skills into a fun challenge to encourage progress.

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Don’t forget, The Learner’s Lab is also a fantastic resource for in-depth strategies, activities, and group coaching sessions that can further aid your journey in supporting your child’s development.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Psychomotor Overexcitabilities And Gifted Children: What You Need To Know
• Psychomotor Overexcitabilities: Helping Your Child Thrive
• Managing Your Child’s Intensity During the Holidays
• 100 Hints That Your Child May Be Gifted
• Knowing If Your Child is Gifted
• Play-Based Learning In Your Homeschool: It’s More Than Just Board Games
• Moms With ADHD Homeschooling Children With ADHD
• Motivating Your Child With ADHD: 7 Tips For Your Homeschool
• Homeschooling Tips For Wiggly Kids
• ADHD And Your Homeschool: An Overview

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

View Details

In today's episode, we dive into the concept of nurturing a lifelong love of learning for our children. It's all about cultivating curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, and guiding them through self-directed projects. You'll hear personal stories of fostering self-discovery and adaptability in kids, emphasizing the power of modeling this mindset ourselves. We explored practical ways to inspire an atmosphere of learning at home and how to balance structure and freedom.

Remember, it's the process of learning that truly matters. Keep that curiosity alive! Tune in for more insights.

Key Takeaways: * Encourage Curiosity: Foster an environment where asking questions is welcomed. Curiosity is the key to lifelong learning, allowing children to explore new ideas and be confident in seeking knowledge. * Model a Growth Mindset: Show children that their skills can be developed through effort and that there's always more to learn. This mindset guides them to embrace challenges and seek out learning opportunities. * Create a Learning-Friendly Environment: Incorporate books, art supplies, and science tools throughout your home to naturally invite exploration and curiosity in your children's daily lives. * Focus on Interests: Lean into your children’s passions. Let their interests guide their learning journeys, as this interest-led approach can nurture a deeper love for learning and personal development. * Promote Self-Directed Learning: Encourage children to take on projects and explore topics autonomously. This empowers them to become self-motivated and resourceful learners. * Emphasize Process Over Product: Celebrate the effort and journey your children take in learning something new rather than just the end result. This builds resilience and a healthy attitude toward continuous learning. * Incorporate Play in Learning: Use games and playful activities to teach valuable skills and reinforce learning. This approach enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in a fun, engaging way.

Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Don’t forget, The Learner’s Lab is also a fantastic resource for in-depth strategies, activities, and group coaching sessions that can further aid your journey in supporting your child’s development.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Sparking Curiosity | Nurturing a Love of Learning in Your Child
• Cultivating Curiosity for a Thriving Homeschool
• Strewing in Your Homeschool to Spark Curiosity
• Strew to Learn | Five Days of Inspiration and Support For Strewing In Your Homeschool
• Creative Thinking Activities for Kids
• The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family

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

View Details

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into what executive function skills actually are, likening them to a control center or the CEO of your body. These skills encompass planning, organization, time management, task initiation, working memory, and self-regulation, among others. But why do so many gifted and neurodivergent kids struggle with them?

The answer often lies in asynchronous development. Different parts of their brain mature at different rates, leading to a brilliant child who can solve complex math problems, yet forgets their socks. But rest assured, executive function skills can be taught and strengthened over time!

Key Takeaways: * Visibility Matters: Use visual schedules and step-by-step breakdowns for tasks. This makes intangible routines more tangible for your child. * Teach Time Awareness: Utilize visual timers and create consistent routines. Games like "Beat the Timer" can make learning time fun rather than stressful. * Incorporate Breaks & Movement: Allow your children to move around, use brain breaks, and include snacks to reset focus. * One Task at a Time: Present tasks singularly to prevent overwhelm and foster success.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming course on executive function skills, perfect for you and your child to work through together. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it's the best way to ensure you're up-to-date with the latest resources and support.

Don’t forget, The Learner's Lab is also a fantastic resource for in-depth strategies, activities, and group coaching sessions that can further aid your journey in supporting your child's development.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Strengthen Executive Function Skills
• The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills
• 7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children
• RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler
• The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue
• RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question
• RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions

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

View Details

In this week's episode, we talk about the Columbus Group's definition of giftedness as asynchronous development—a combination of advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity that requires modifications in parenting and teaching.

This unique development makes our children particularly vulnerable, demanding that we think outside the box.

So, what does this mean for us as homeschooling parents? It means we have the opportunity to enrich our children's learning experiences far beyond what a traditional school setting can offer. We can customize education to meet our children's individual needs and foster a love for learning that embraces their strengths and supports their weaknesses.

Key Takeaways: * Adjust Your Expectations: Embrace the fact that your child will excel in some areas and may need additional support in others. Celebrate their unique strengths and work on shoring up their weaknesses using their interests. * Customize Education: Instead of relying on boxed curricula, consider using placement tests and mixing different curriculum options to suit your child's diverse learning levels. * Find Intellectual Peers: Intellectual peers are crucial for gifted kids. Seek opportunities for your child to interact with others who share similar interests or intellectual abilities, whether through online classes, gifted programs, or local meetups. * Support Emotional Growth: Help your child learn emotional regulation skills and teach them how to manage frustration, using their passions to tackle areas of struggle. * Enhance Executive Function Skills: Structure your child’s day with checklists or planners and break tasks into small, manageable steps. Celebrate progress over perfection. * Parenting a gifted child isn't always easy, but remember—you are not alone, and your efforts are creating a nurturing environment where your child can thrive.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Homeschool Curriculum for Your Asynchronous Gifted Learner
• Meeting the Asynchronous Needs of Your Gifted Child
• RLL #77: Asynchronous Development in Gifted Children
• RLL 24: Asynchrony, Intensity, and Motivation | A Listener Question
• Homeschooling Gifted Children | Meeting Asynchronous Abilities
• Asynchronous Development in Gifted Children
• What Does a Gifted Child Look Like?
• Embracing Interest-Led Homeschooling with Lydia Rosado
• Navigating Intensity and Giftedness | Insights from Christine Fonseca
• 100 Hints That Your Child May Be Gifted

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

View Details

This week, we wrap up our series on the 6 Cs of Homeschooling Success from Colleen's new book, The Homeschool Advantage. In this final episode, we dive deep into the power of Confidence and how to nurture it in our kiddos.

Key Takeaways:

Encourage the Willingness to Try:

• Confidence begins with the courage to take risks and step out of comfort zones.
• Emphasizing the effort over instant understanding encourages kids to keep trying new things.

Develop Persistence and Grit:

• • Persistence, or "grit," is crucial for sticking with long-term goals even when facing challenges.
  • Providing a safe space for failure and growth helps build resilient, capable adults.

Model Confidence Through Action:

• • Our kids are always watching us; showing how we handle setbacks and take risks teaches them valuable lessons.
  • Praising effort over intelligence and asking reflective questions help them learn from mistakes and build self-belief.

Dive into this episode to learn more about fostering confidence in your homeschool journey!

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell
• The Powerful Relationship Between Confidence And Learning In Our Homeschools
• A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children
• The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents
• Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience
• Delight-Directed Learner Turned Published Author | A Conversation with Millie Florence

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

View Details

In this week's episode, we dive deep into a favorite topic—creativity. This episode is all about how to nurture and develop creativity in your children, teaching them to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to everyday problems.

Here's a snapshot of what to expect in this episode:

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Creativity: Creativity extends beyond just the arts and can be applied in science, business, and problem-solving.
• Nurturing Creativity: It's important to create an environment at home that supports and encourages creative thinking.
• Creative Thinking in Action: Creativity impacts children's perceptions of themselves positively as creative individuals.

Listen to the episode now and explore how you can cultivate a culture of creativity within your homeschool.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It's a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking | A Conversation with Puzzlemaker Eric Berlin
• Unleashing Childhood Creativity in the Homeschool Environment
• Creative Thinking Activities for Kids
• RLL #90: Cultivating Creative Writers with Celeste Davidson
• Great Resources for Curious & Creative Homeschoolers
• Finding Peace in a Life Filled with Intensity: Managing Overexcitabilities in Smart and Creative Kids
• RLL 06 S.D. Smith: Cultivating Creativity Through New Stories with an Old Soul
• Inspiring Creativity in Kids
• Raising Creative Kids | Upcycled Finger Puppets
• Raising Creative Kids | Simple Prompts to Spark Imagination

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

View Details

In today's episode, we chat about the fourth C of homeschooling success: Critical Thinking.

This indispensable skill is more relevant than ever in our fast-paced, information-saturated world.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect from Episode 267:

Key Takeaways: * Definition and Importance of Critical Thinking: Understand what critical thinking truly means and why it's crucial for our kids to develop this ability. * Engaging Your Kids: Learn practical strategies, such as asking open-ended questions, storytelling, and integrating games and play to foster critical thinking at home. * Real-Life Applications: Discover how discussing literature and everyday situations can build your child’s ability to analyze, evaluate, and form independent judgments. * Respectful Parenting: Create an environment that values curiosity and respects differing opinions, setting the stage for lifelong learners who are confident to question and innovate.

Listen to the episode now and explore how you can cultivate a culture of critical thinking within your homeschool.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It's a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Ultimate Growing Unit Study Bundle
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
• Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• The Anxiety Toolkit

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

View Details

In today's episode, we unpacked the true essence of content in homeschooling. It’s not just about memorizing dates and facts but teaching our kids how to think, explore, and find answers.

We discussed tailoring education to each child's interests, embracing their natural curiosity, and making learning a lifelong journey. And remember, every child is unique, so there's no one-size-fits-all curriculum.

Join us next week as we dive into teaching critical thinking skills. Subscribe now and let's raise curious, capable lifelong learners together!

Key Takeaways: * Explore how content is often misunderstood in traditional education and how homeschooling allows us to reframe it to foster more meaningful learning. * Learn why focusing solely on content limits our children's potential. * Discover why how to think and explore is more impactful than just teaching them what to memorize. * Learn why there’s no perfect curriculum for everyone and how to find what fits best for your family.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab Colleen's new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It's a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Ultimate Growing Unit Study Bundle
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
• Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• The Anxiety Toolkit

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

View Details

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the importance of nurturing communication skills at home. From weekly family meetings to a powerful personal story about her daughter Logan's experience with anxiety, Colleen shares invaluable insights on how open dialogue can build stronger relationships and boost children's confidence.

Discover how communication entwined with empathy is essential for thriving in today's world, and get tips on fostering these skills in homeschooling and digital environments. Plus, get a sneak peek into next week's topic—the third C, Content!

Key Takeaways: * Weekly Family Meetings: Discover how traditionally held weekly meetings can foster mutual respect and support. * Building Communication Skills: Learn why open dialogue and active listening are essential for relationship building, deep engagement with material, and confident growth. * Social Media & Digital Etiquette: Get tips on helping your children navigate the online world responsibly, using real-life examples.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab Colleen's new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It's a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
• Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• The Anxiety Toolkit

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

View Details

In this episode, we explore the importance of collaboration as a foundational skill for our children. From understanding the science behind our social brains to practical homeschooling tips, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring anecdotes.

Key Takeaways: * The Six Cs:Dive into the six key skills identified by Dr. Kathy Hirsch Pasek—Collaboration, Communication, Content, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Confidence—that foster lifelong learning. * Storytime:Listen to Colleen's heartfelt story about her daughter Molly's innovative approach to a homeschool science project, illustrating the power of collaboration. * Practical Tips:Discover ways to build collaborative skills at home, whether or not you're involved in a homeschool co-op, including creative projects, family meetings, and pretend play.

Sneak Peek at Next Week Next week, we'll be focusing on Communication, the second of the six Cs. Colleen will discuss how this vital skill acts as a cornerstone for effective collaboration and how we can foster strong communication abilities in our kids.

Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab Colleen's new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It's a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
• Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• The Anxiety Toolkit

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

View Details

In this week's episode, we dive deep into a topic that's a challenge for many families: sleep. Whether you're homeschooling neurodivergent kiddos, navigating giftedness, twice-exceptionality, or simply dealing with heightened anxiety, quality sleep is essential—and tricky to achieve.

Key Takeaways: * Establish Consistent Sleep Routines: Structure is essential for signaling our brains to wind down. Even simple routines like a warm bath, brushing teeth, and reading can make a substantial difference over time. * Optimize the Sleep Environment: Tailor the bedroom setup to your child’s sensory preferences. From using white noise machines to experimenting with bedding textures, creating a sleep-friendly environment is foundational. * Addressing Anxiety and Screen Time: Tools like worry boxes, guided meditation, and limiting screen time before bed can significantly reduce nighttime anxieties and help improve sleep quality.

Here's a challenge for you -- try to shake up your family's sleep routine, then share what's working! You can share and tag us on social media or hit reply to this email. Let's celebrate improved habits together!

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Do Gifted Kids Need Less Sleep? {Establishing Better Sleep Habits}
• This is Why Your Gifted Child Struggles to Fall Asleep
• 100 Hints That Your Child May Be Gifted
• The Anxiety Toolkit

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

View Details

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of play and why it matters at every stage of childhood! Whether you're homeschooling or just juggling parenting, incorporating play can ignite a lifelong love of learning and create magical moments of discovery.

From mealworm mazes to Viking bread, we explore how playful learning leads to unexpected adventures and lasting knowledge. So, gather your kids, embrace the fun, and let's make learning an exciting journey together!

Tune in now and discover practical tips and heartwarming stories that will inspire you to add more play into your routine.

Key Takeaways: * Importance of Play: Play is crucial at all stages of development, not just early childhood. It supports critical thinking skills, creativity, problem-solving, and social and emotional development, which are essential for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. * Incorporating Play into Homeschooling: Play should be integrated into homeschooling to make learning enjoyable and effective. This can range from using building blocks and sensory bins for younger children to strategy games and creative projects for older kids. * Adaptation of Play with Age: Play evolves as children grow. For young children, it might involve sensory play and role-playing. For older kids and teens, it can include activities like strategy games, creative hobbies, and physical activities. * Educational Benefits of Play: Research indicates that playful learning is more effective than passive instruction. It allows kids to retain more information through hands-on, engaging activities. * Social and Emotional Learning: Play enhances emotional intelligence and social skills. It helps children manage emotions, develop empathy, and understand different perspectives, which is especially beneficial for neurodivergent children. * Unstructured vs. Structured Play: Both unstructured play (imaginative play, free play) and structured play (board games, organized sports) have unique educational benefits. Unstructured play fosters creativity and imagination, while structured play helps reinforce concepts and critical thinking. * Play as a Gateway for Neurodivergent Kids: Playful learning can help neurodivergent children grasp difficult concepts more easily. For instance, kids with dyslexia might benefit from interactive word games, while children with dysgraphia could engage in playful handwriting exercises. * Family Bonding through Play: Engaging in playful activities as a family strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. This could be through family game nights, outdoor adventures, or creative projects done together. * Resilience and Perseverance: Embracing play, even when it deviates from expectations, models resilience and perseverance for children. It demonstrates that it's okay to enjoy the learning process and adapt to different situations. * Continual Offering of Play: For children who resist play, it's important to keep offering and introducing new playful activities. Over time, they may find something that resonates with them, making learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Here's a challenge for you -- reflect on your week’s learning adventures and share them on social media (don’t forget to tag us!) or with us directly through the Learner's Lab. Let's celebrate curiosity and lifelong learning together!

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience
• Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens
• How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich
• Play-Based Learning In Your Homeschool: It’s More Than Just Board Games
• The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family
• Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally
• Teaching Kids to Play with Others
• The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega
• Magnificent Music Games
• The Ultimate Guide To Using Games In Your Homeschool
• Great Geography Games to Czech Out
• Games to Get You Moving
• Math Games to Multiply The Fun!
• Games to Help Improve Your Kid’s Emotional Intelligence
• Games to Help Kids Control Their Anger
• Games to Help Your Kids Learn Mindfulness at Home
• Learning with Games | Blocks Rock!
• Nature Themed Games Your Kids Will Love
• Amazing Science Games Your Kids Will Love
• One Person Logic Games that Rock
• Family Night Game Guide
• Top 25 Board Games

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

View Details

In our latest episode, we dive into how to ignite your child's curiosity by exploring topics together, even if it means using Google searches or watching fun educational videos. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and foster a growth mindset by focusing on the process, not just the outcomes.

This episode, along with Colleen’s new book, offers tips for personalized education, especially for neurodivergent kids. Listen now, and let’s create a family culture of learning and make education an adventure!

Key Takeaways: * Modeling Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: Encourage your children to explore their curiosities by actively engaging with them. Whether it's a topic they discovered on a show or an interest they saw in a book, learning together can be a fun and enriching experience. * Embrace and Celebrate the Learning Process: Focus on the journey rather than the outcome. Celebrate both the small and big milestones, helping children appreciate their efforts and persistence. This can cultivate a growth mindset in them. * Tailored Educational Experiences: Craft learning activities based on your child's unique interests and needs. This is especially effective for neurodivergent children. Personalized approaches, like using creative projects or alternative assessments, can make learning more impactful and engaging.

Here's a challenge for you -- reflect on your week’s learning adventures and share them on social media (don’t forget to tag us!) or with us directly through the Learner's Lab. Let's celebrate curiosity and lifelong learning together!

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Smart Underachievers: Reigniting a Love of Learning
• 8 Ways to Foster a Love of Learning in Your Children
• Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
• Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child
• A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day
• Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally

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

View Details

In this episode, we explore the beautiful intersections of joy, wonder, and learning in your homeschooling journey. Colleen opens up about her struggles with perfectionism and how it has impacted her homeschooling and parenting. She encourages us to embrace the messiness of life to enjoy deeper connections and create memorable moments with our children.

Understanding and meeting our children’s sensory, emotional, and social needs can be challenging. Colleen shares practical ways to foster their interests and paving the way for curiosity-driven explorations. Whether through spontaneous activities like a surprise trip or simple joys like watching a favorite show, these moments enrich our relationship with our children.

Key Takeaways: * Embracing life's messiness leads to deeper connections and memorable moments. * It's vital to address and understand kids' sensory, emotional, and social needs. Meeting these needs can help them be more open to trying new things and reduce resistance. * Joyful activities create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. * Being present and modeling joy, curiosity, and gratitude has a profound impact on children. It helps in nurturing their emotional well-being and encourages a positive outlook on life.

Finding wonder and joy in everyday homeschooling can create a rich and rewarding experience for both parents and children. It’s about embracing imperfections, adapting to unique needs, celebrating growth, and being present. Let's make room for joy and wonder in our homeschooling journey, nurturing a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• RLL #52: Overcoming Perfectionism and Finding Joy in Homeschooling
• 5 Ways to Enjoy Homeschooling Your Gifted Child
• Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day
• When Homeschool Looks Different: Embracing the Chaos and Finding Joy
• A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• RLL 13 Misty Bailey: Homeschooling, Finding Joy, and ADHD
• RLL 08 Melissa: Following Their Joy
• Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day
• Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally

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

View Details

In the latest episode we dive deep into the evolving and sometimes chaotic world of homeschooling. Join Colleen as she shares her family's "Not Back to School Day" traditions, how they're adapting amid a jam-packed schedule, and the heartfelt challenges of balancing multiple roles.

Key Takeaways: * Homeschools adapt from year to year, and new traditions can be fun. * The struggle of managing homeschooling alongside numerous activities and professional commitments is challenging for all -- you're not alone. * It's important to be present and mindful of the mental load carried by homeschooling parents.

From meltdowns to mini victories, this episode is a candid reflection on the beautiful messiness of homeschooling life. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, you'll find comfort and camaraderie knowing that you're not alone in this journey.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• RLL #52: Overcoming Perfectionism and Finding Joy in Homeschooling
• 5 Ways to Enjoy Homeschooling Your Gifted Child
• Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day
• Supporting and Understanding Levels of Giftedness in Homeschooled Children with Deborah Ruf
• A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Embracing Interest-Led Homeschooling with Lydia Rosado
• Responding to Homeschool Critics
• Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

In today's episode, Colleen had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Dr. Deborah Ruf about homeschooling, giftedness, and the evolving landscape of education.

Key Takeaways: * Evolving Homeschooling Landscape: With more resources available, being intentional in selecting activities and groups is crucial. * Giftedness Beyond Scores: Giftedness is multifaceted, with variations beyond high IQ scores, requiring tailored support. * Understanding Personality and Interests: Recognizing personality types and allowing children to explore their interests can significantly impact their educational journey. * Parental Roles: Parents should support their children’s true selves and sometimes ‘get out of the way’ to let them pursue their passions effectively.

Ultimately, this episode reinforced the importance of appreciating and nurturing the unique traits and strengths of gifted children, creating an environment where they can thrive intellectually and emotionally. Recognizing and supporting these unique needs is integral to raising lifelong learners.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

• RLL 12: What About Relaxed and Interest-Led Homeschooling for Gifted Kids? | A Listener Question
• OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests
• Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning
• Interest-Led Learning In The Early Years: Preschool and Beyond
• Spooky Unit Studies For October Interest-Led Learning
• Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning
• What’s The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning?
• Why Unit Studies are Ideal for Interest-led Learning
• Interest-Led Homeschooling and Your Gifted Child

Connect with Dr. Ruf You can find Deborah Ruf at FiveLevelsOfGifted.com

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

Today’s episode dives deep into the strengths-based approach to homeschooling, offering valuable insights and practical tips for creating a child-focused learning environment.

Key Takeaways: * Learn how to adapt curricula like math and history to better suit your child's preferences and learning style. * Gain inspiration from Colleen's personal stories about her brother and daughter, emphasizing the power of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. * Get a sneak peek into Colleen's recently released book The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners, filled with actionable content and conversational style.

Don't miss out on this enlightening episode! Listen now and share your thoughts! And if you love the episode, please leave a review for Colleen's book on Amazon or ask your local library to stock it. Every bit of support helps!

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

• OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests
• Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning
• Interest-Led Learning In The Early Years: Preschool and Beyond
• Spooky Unit Studies For October Interest-Led Learning
• Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning
• What’s The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning?
• Why Unit Studies are Ideal for Interest-led Learning
• Interest-Led Homeschooling and Your Gifted Child
• RLL 12: What About Relaxed and Interest-Led Homeschooling for Gifted Kids? | A Listener Question

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

View Details

In this week's podcast episode, we explore the concerns many new and seasoned homeschooling parents face, especially during the back-to-school season.

I'll share advice on how to address questions and criticisms about your homeschooling choices.

Key Takeaways: * Ignore the common misconception that homeschooled children lack socialization and academic achievement, research supports the opposite. * You know your children best and have their best interests at heart. Trust in your decision to homeschool. * Feel confident in your choices and remember that you don't owe explanations to others. * Understand that curiosity, concern, and ignorance are often behind questions about homeschooling. Respond with patience and reassurance.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

• OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person
• RLL #83: [Audioblog] Socialization and Your Gifted or Intense Child
• Socialization and Your Gifted or Intense Child
• The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents
• Homeschool Rising | A Conversation with Christy Faith
• 100 Things to Never Say to the Parent of a Gifted Kid
• The Challenge Of Being Gifted in Schools Today
• Homeschooling A Gifted Only Child
• Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

In the latest episode of the podcast, Colleen shares a conversation with Andee Martineau, a mom of six, former nurse, and now an advocate for connection-centered parenting. In this episode, we dive into practical strategies and heartfelt stories that can transform your parenting journey, especially when navigating the complexities of neurodivergence at home.

Key Takeaways: * Visual Prompts & Checklists: Visual tools can be game-changers for parents, especially when dealing with neurodivergence at home. Planning ahead can help manage stress and improve decision-making. * Connection Over Correction: It’s crucial to build strong relationships with children to foster an environment where they can naturally develop their unique potential. * Self-Awareness & Self-Regulation: Parenting can be overwhelming, but parents can practice self-awareness and self-regulation to model for their children. Stepping away to regain composure and maintaining a plan helps manage challenges with compassion and understanding.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

• OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Andee's Book: Connect Method Parenting
• The Connect Method Parenting Blog
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• The Power of Connecting with Your Kids in Homeschooling
• A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids
• RLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna Wingert
• RLL 10 Sarah MacKenzie: Building Connections Through Books
• Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals
• The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents

Connect with Andee Learn more on her website: https://connectmethodparenting.com/ Connect with Andee on Instagram, on Facebook, or TikTok

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

Raising independent, motivated learners starts with self-directed learning! In this week's episode of the podcast, we dive into the benefits of giving kids more autonomy in their education. We share practical tips for incorporating self-directed learning at different ages and stages, from interest-based exploration in elementary to career-focused projects in high school.

As homeschool parents, our job is to let go of control, trust the process, and be our kids' biggest cheerleaders. When we allow them to pursue their passions, the motivation and engagement follows.

Key Takeaways: * Self-directed learning increases motivation, creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence by allowing kids to pursue their passions. * Practical ways to incorporate self-direction include interest-based learning in elementary years, project-based learning in middle school, and career exploration in high school.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

• OUT NOW! – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• What is the Difference Between Interest-Led and Strengths-Based Learning
• Nurturing a Strengths-Based Approach to Learning in Homeschooling
• Strength-Based Learning for Differently-Wired Kids with Shawna Wingert
• Homeschooling Middle School Using Your Own Interest-Based Curriculum
• RLL #67: Ideas for Nurturing Our Kids’ Strengths
• Homeschooling High School: Transcripts, Mom-Guilt, And Finishing Strong
• Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning
• Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

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

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

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

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

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

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

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

View Details

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

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

Key Takeaways: * Structured Comfort: Routines provide security and predictability, improving overall health, mood, and learning environments, especially for homeschooling families. * Emotional Bonding: Family rituals create lasting emotional ties and cherished memories, fostering a deep sense of belonging and love. * Life Skills Development: Consistent routines aid in building essential life skills, resilience, and independence, preparing kids for future challenges and successes.

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

• Pre-Order – The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections
• Sparkschooling | Engaging Children in Music, Art, and STEM
• Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience
• Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons
• How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich
• Why Create a Schedule Command Center?
• Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration
• The Power of Connecting with Your Kids in Homeschooling
• A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids
• RLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna Wingert
• RLL 10 Sarah MacKenzie: Building Connections Through Books
• The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents

View Details

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

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

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

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

Happy Learning!

Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Lexercise

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

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

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

View Details

Today we have a truly insightful episode featuring Lisa Van Gemert, an expert in gifted education and the mind behind Gifted Guru. Join us as we explore the intricacies of perfectionism in gifted children, how it intertwines with their cognitive abilities, and its impact on their mental and emotional health.

Lisa shares invaluable strategies for parents, including a unique "one to five" task evaluation approach that can help children better understand and navigate their perfectionistic tendencies. We'll also discuss the importance of connection and mindfulness, teaching kids empathy and critical thinking, and offering grace in the homeschooling journey.

Key Takeaways: * Evaluating Perfectionism: Lisa introduced a practical "one to five" strategy for helping children—and parents—navigate the pressures of perfectionism by rating the importance of various tasks. This helps them discern between crucial and non-critical issues, thus reducing unnecessary stress. * Emphasizing Self-Reflection: We discussed the importance of normalizing self-reflection for children, helping them understand and accept their unique traits. This practice not only fosters self-awareness but also nurtures a healthy, growth-oriented mindset. * Connection Over Academics: Lisa's advice for homeschooling parents is invaluable—prioritize moments of connection and love over sheer academic achievements. Your dedication and sacrifice are more than enough for your children.

Tune in to hear more about how we can support our neurodivergent learners and help them thrive, both academically and emotionally.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today’s Show

• Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Lisa Van Gemert's site: https://giftedguru.com
• Living Gifted: 52 Tips to Survive and Thrive in Giftedland by Lisa Van Gemert
• Managing Perfectionism | Strategies for Parents
• Perfectionism And Gifted Children: What You Need To Know
• RLL #55: Helping Your Child Manage Perfectionism
• Managing Perfectionism: 10 Tips for Helping Your Gifted Child
• Building Strong Writers at Home | Insights from Occupational Therapist Sarah Collins
• Learning Strategies for Reluctant Gifted Children
• Knowing If Your Child is Gifted
• The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse Children
• Homeschooling Our Gifted Children: The Power Of Artful Questions
• Anxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism: Helping Our Children Cope
• Homeschool Testing | Helping Your Perfectionist Do Hard Things

Connect with Lisa Van Gemert Learn more on her website: https://giftedguru.com Connect with Lisa on Instragram @TheGiftedGuru,on Facebook @GiftedGuru, or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/lisavangemert

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

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

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

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

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

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

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

How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we’re talking with Christine Fonseca, licensed educational psychologist, critically acclaimed author, and nationally recognized speaker on topics related to educational psychology, mental health, giftedness, and using storytelling to heal past wounds.

Understanding the complex world of giftedness is crucial for providing the best support for your child. In this episode, we delve into key understandings that can make a significant difference in your homeschooling journey.

Key Takeaways: * Recognize Intensity: Gifted kids often exhibit intense emotions and behaviors due to their high sensitivity and cognitive abilities. Understanding this can prevent mislabeling their intensity as behavioral issues. * Identify Needs: Differentiating between gifted traits and actual behavioral problems is crucial. Providing the right accommodations can help them thrive without pathologizing their uniqueness. * Embrace Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Teaching EQ can have a profound effect on a child's success. Use everyday moments to instill skills like empathy, adaptability, and social awareness. * Navigate Social Dynamics: Gifted children may find it hard to fit in due to their exceptional intellect. Helping them value and appreciate different perspectives can bridge social gaps. * Knowledge & Resources: Books and websites can be transformative. Utilize practical resources to better understand and support your gifted child. * Parental Reflection: Understanding and managing your own emotional triggers can help you respond more effectively to your child. Trust that they will be fine, and lead with patience and empathy. * Community and Support: Engaging with communities offers valuable insights and shared experiences. Connecting with other parents can provide additional support and strategies.

Links and Resources to Today's Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Christine Fonseca: https://www.christinefonseca.com
• New Edition! Emotional Intensity in Gifted Children
• The Caring Child: Raising Empathetic and Emotionally Intelligent Children
• RLL 24: Asynchrony, Intensity, and Motivation | A Listener Question
• Giftedness & Intensity
• Calm the Chaos with Dayna Abraham
• The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse Children
• The Unique Challenges of Homeschooling Gifted Kids
• When Giftedness is Misdiagnosed as a Behavior Problem
• Knowledge is Power: Helping Our Gifted Children Cope
• Perfectionism And Gifted Children: What You Need To Know
• Homeschooling Our Gifted Children: The Power Of Artful Questions
• Anxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism: Helping Our Children Cope

Connect with Christine FonsecaYou can find Christine on: Instagram @ChristineFonsecaAuthor, Facebook @AuthorChristineFonseca, or LinkedIn @Christine Fonseca Christine's group: The Intense Life Tribe on Facebook Christine’s website: https://www.christinefonseca.com

Connect with ColleenYou can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

In today's episode of the podcast, we dive into the power of building strong family connections, especially in homeschooling families.

We'll chat practical tips like setting family goals, managing time with multiple calendars, and encouraging sibling collaboration. Then, I'll touch on how mindfulness, open communication, and family rituals can foster deep bonds and support your kids' emotional and academic growth.

Tune in to embrace family time and create unforgettable memories together!

Key Takeaways: * Encourage Collaboration and Communication: Foster emotional connections and model respectful communication and empathy during conflicts. Simple actions like admitting mistakes and apologizing can nurture trust and respect. * Promote Independence and Responsibility: Assign age-appropriate responsibilities and allow children to make their own choices. This builds accountability and helps them learn from consequences. * Prioritize Quality Family Time: Focus on quality over quantity by engaging in one-on-one time and screen-free family outings. This can be achieved through creative solutions like car ride conversations or including kids in errands.

We also discuss the resources available through The Learner's Lab community -- Join us if you haven't yet!

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today's Episode * Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team * The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family * Creating a Family Mission Statement * RLL #76: Creating the Adventurous Family with Rachel Rainbolt * Stick Figuring Through the Bible - NEED AMAZON LINK * Host an Epic Family Movie Night * Rock Your Family Life and Raise Awesome Gifted Kids * Growing a Family of Character * Find a Place of Belonging for Your Neurodiverse Kids * RLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna Wingert * RLL 10 Sarah MacKenzie: Building Connections Through Books * A Thriving Homeschool | Strategies for Setting Boundaries * Sibling Unifier: Peanut Butter Play dough * Resiliency Resources * Everything You Need To Homeschool A Child With ADHD

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

How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

In this week's episode of the podcast, we're talking with Rachel Figg, a trailblazer in the homeschooling world and the creator of Spark Schooling. As homeschooling parents, we recognize some challenges come with teaching children at home. This conversation focuses on sparkschooling, a novel approach to learning designed to ignite curiosity and engage students more deeply by integrating art, music, physical education, and STEM into daily learning activities.

The heart of sparkschooling lies in its curiosity-driven approach, tailoring learning to align with a child’s natural interests. Rachel explains how Spark Schooling integrates non-traditional methods like using buckets and kitchen utensils to teach musical rhythms, or video classes for varied subjects to cater to diverse learning preferences and paces.

This method not only respects each child’s learning journey but also fosters a supportive environment where learning is associated with joy and discovery rather than pressure and memorization.

Key Takeaways: * Curiosity-Driven Learning: Rachel Figg emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity in children as a fundamental aspect of sparkschooling. This approach encourages students to pursue their own interests and questions, leading to deeper engagement and understanding.

• Integrating Creative and Analytical Learning: Both Rachel and Colleen discuss the importance of combining left and right brain activities—such as art and STEM—into homeschooling to develop both creative and analytical skills in children, enhancing overall learning and problem-solving abilities.

• Hands-On Experiences: The episode highlights the significance of hands-on learning experiences, like the real-life application of physics concepts in a homeschooling with horses class to understand inertia. This method helps cement knowledge through practical application.

• Resource Accessibility: Sparkschooling is likened to a Netflix-like library where children can choose from a variety of activities based on their interests, all available in a simple, self-paced format. This accessibility makes learning adaptable and tailored to each child's pace and interests.

• Higher-Level Thinking Skills: The discussion underlines the need to focus on developing higher-level thinking skills from an early age, moving beyond basic knowledge to analyzing, evaluating, and creating. This prepares children for complex problem-solving and independent thinking.

• Low-Pressure Learning Environment: The sparkschooling program is designed to create a low-pressure, non-judgmental learning environment that encourages exploration and reduces the fear of failure, enabling children to explore new subjects and discover their passions.

• Simple Integration of Diverse Subjects: Rachel suggests practical ways to integrate diverse subjects like music, art, physical education, and STEM into daily homeschool routines to ensure a holistic education that keeps children engaged and promotes well-rounded development.

• Encouraging Physical Education: Physical activities are highlighted as crucial for children's education, not just for physical health but also for teaching persistence, coordination, and critical thinking through physical challenges.

• Engaging and Fun Learning Activities: The episode emphasizes the importance of making learning fun and engaging through activities like using kitchen utensils as drumsticks to learn musical rhythm, which helps sustain children's interest and enthusiasm for learning.

• Following Children's Natural Curiosities: Both host and guest stress the need for parents to pay attention to and nurture their children's natural curiosities, as this will lead to more meaningful and self-motivated learning, making education a joy rather than a chore.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today's Show * Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Spark Schooling HUB * Join The Hands-on Homeschool Virtual Enrichment Program * Free Gift: Sample Classes | Spark Schooling (The Hands-on Homeschool) * RLL #94: The Importance of Music with Jessica Peresta * Unleashing Childhood Creativity in the Homeschool Environment * Awesome Art Additions * Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues * How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich * Sneaking In Summer Learning * Make a Paper Plate Maze STEM Challenge * Real-Life Science Mysteries Book

Connect with Rachel Check out Rachel’s website at https://sparkschooling.com/You can find Rachel @TheHandsOnHomeschool onInstagram or Facebook with the handle @thehandsonhomeschool

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

View Details

In the latest episode, we dive into the fascinating world of puzzles and their role in fostering lifelong learning. Eric Berlin, a renowned puzzle maker and author, shares his experiences with puzzles in educational settings and their impact on child development.

Eric discusses the integration of puzzle-solving into educational curricula. He shares a time when his daughter, influenced by puzzle video games, designed video game levels herself, showcasing how such engagement can foster a practical understanding of complex concepts like coding and design.

Key Takeaways: * Foster Critical Thinking: Puzzles encourage critical thinking and creativity, essential skills in today’s rapidly changing world. * Tech-Savvy Learning: Incorporating puzzle video games can promote visual thinking and problem-solving skills among children. * Community Collaboration: Participating in community puzzle events can build teamwork and social skills.

Find Eric and his engaging puzzle books at puzzlesnacks.com and ericberlin.com. Connect with him on social platforms for more puzzle fun!

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or puzzle enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into making learning a playful and engaging journey. Tune in to discover more

Links and Resources from Episode 242: Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Puzzling World of Winston Breen by Eric Berlin
• Puzzlesnacks by Book by Eric Berlin
• Free Gift: Puzzlesnacks Sampler
• Ever So Logical | PuzzleNation.com Blog
• Creative Thinking Activities for Kids
• How to Encourage Innovative Thinking in Your Kids
• Raising Problem Solvers
• One Person Logic Games that Rock
• The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega
• Giving Your Child Life Skills | Metacognition

Connect with Eric To try out Eric’s puzzles click over to Puzzle Snacks: http://www.puzzlesnacks.comYou can find Eric @puzzlesnacks Instagram or Facebook with the handle @puzzlesnacks

View Details

As the days grow longer and the flowers bloom, it's the perfect moment to refresh your homeschool approach and cater to the bright energy of the season. On this episode of the podcast, we dive into the art of embracing change and the beauty of flexible learning environments.

Colleen, an advocate for shaping education around a child’s needs and curiosity, guides you through the perks of adjusting your homeschool routine to sync with spring's lively vibe.

Key Takeaways from the Episode: * Flexibility is Your Superpower: Harness the adaptability that homeschooling offers. Shift learning times to enjoy the splendid spring weather, and don't shy away from eclectic approaches to fit your family's unique rhythm. * Create Unforgettable Stories: Prioritize shared family experiences and connection. Whether it's "just because we can days" or diving into a "bucket list of mini adventures," these moments foster not just learning, but lifelong memories. * Embrace Your Homeschool Journey: There’s no one-size-fits-all in education; tailor your teaching style and schedule to what resonates with your family—Colleen's insights can guide you on this personalized path.

From combating the infamous mid-year slump with spontaneous outings to leveraging Colleen's extensive experience in homeschooling, the episode is packed with gems that will revitalize your educational outlook.

Tune in for the full episode on changing things up in your homeschool routine, accessing exclusive resources, and joining a community that uplifts and inspires.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today's Episode:

• Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Masterclass | Building Family Connections - Raising Lifelong Learners
• Masterclass | Raising Resilient Families
• How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich
• RLL #43: Getting Your Kids Outside with Justin Wren
• Homeschool Rising | A Conversation with Christy Faith
• Growing Gardens with Kids (includes free printable garden journal)
• Cultivating Curiosity for a Thriving Homeschool
• Navigating Summer Learning With Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids
• 5 Things to Do on Your Next Nature Walk
• A Week of Epic Backyard Nature Science Fun | Summer Camp at Home
• Backyard Nature Activities for Kids
• Create the Best Homeschool for Your Family
• Adventuring Together: How to Create Connections and Make Lasting Memories with Your Kids: Eskridge, Greta - needs affiliate link
• 100 Backyard Activities That Are the Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-Crawliest Ever by Colleen Kessler M.Ed.
• Hands-On Ecology Book by Colleen Kessler M.Ed.

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

This week, we welcome the inspirational Samantha Shank to the show. From blogging as a teen to becoming a digital nomad, Samantha's journey is a testament to the power of homeschooling and following one's passions.

Here's what this can't-miss episode holds in store for you:

• Discover Samantha's transition from stifled student to a flourishing creative mind, and how homeschooling played a pivotal role in her personal growth and professional success.

• Gain insights into the ways Samantha's childhood interests in subjects ranging from Hebrew to history blossomed into invaluable skills for her travels and career.

• Embrace the beauty of imperfection to help combat perfectionism in learners of all ages.

• Explore the virtues of adaptability and resilience as we dive deep into the importance of these skills in our constantly evolving world.

In this enlightening conversation, we offer practical strategies to help you guide your child through the lifelong learning journey with curiosity, courage, and joy.

Remember, teaching kids about resilience, the normalization of failure, and the power of the "yet" mindset can make a world of difference. This episode is a gentle reminder of how embracing the learning process, including its ups and downs, can pave the way to a fulfilling life.

Don't let your child miss out on the opportunity to thrive in an ever-changing environment. Tune in to this episode and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in life, not just in the classroom.

Links and Resources from Today's Show Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

• Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Masterclass | Raising Resilient Families
• What Does A Gifted Homeschool Graduate Really Think About Homeschooling?
• The Need for Flexibility When Teaching Your Gifted Kids
• Cultivating Curiosity for a Thriving Homeschool
• RLL #103: Entrepreneurial Mindset with Brian Weisfeld
• Delight-Directed Learner Turned Published Author | A Conversation with Millie Florence
• 10 Things I Love About Homeschooling: A Gifted Kid’s Perspective
• Homeschool Rising | A Conversation with Christy Faith
• Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning
• Homeschooling High School Isn't Something to Fear
• RLL 34 Ginny Kochis: Cultivating Critical Thinkers
• The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega
• Idiom Matching Game - Raising Lifelong Learners

Connect with Samantha Learn more at: https://learnincolor.com Find Samantha on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest with the handle @learnincolor

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

In this week's episode, Colleen dives into the world of collaborative learning and how it can transform your homeschooling experience. Listen to gain insight into creating a dynamic, engaged, and cooperative learning environment right in your home.

Key Takeaways:

• Collaboration Empowers: Discover ways to implement co-ops, community projects, and family initiatives that develop skills like cooperation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Shared Learning, Shared Growth: Learn how rotating leadership roles and involving the entire family can create rich educational experiences that go beyond the traditional curriculum.
• Unleashing Potential: Understand the high value of tailoring education to your child's unique needs, fostering a love for learning that prepares them for a complex, interconnected future.

For any homeschooler looking to elevate their child's learning journey and unlock the full potential of their educational experience, tune in to this inspiring episode.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today’s Show * Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Finding Your Community as a Neurodivergent Family * Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids * Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person * Thriving Together | Creating Supportive Environments in Homeschooling * Building Social-Emotional Skills While Helping Others * Find a Place of Belonging for Your Neurodiverse Kids * Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team * Free Solar Eclipse STEM Printable for Your Homeschool * RLL 22: Finding a Homeschool Co-op and Creating Killer Classes | A Listener Question * Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids * Science Buddies Electronics Kit for Arduino

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

In the latest episode of the podcast, we chat about a skill that often leaves even the most adept homeschooling parents in search of guidance: handwriting.

Sarah Collins, our favorite occupational therapist with a homeschooling background and a love for nurturing writing skills in children, unpacks the multifaceted journey of handwriting, from the initial scribbles to fluent cursive.

Key Takeaways From This Episode Include: * Encouraging fine motor skills in everyday play. * Understanding and leveraging technology to support writing. * Instilling self-advocacy in your learners. * The vital role of grip strength and motor control in writing. * Strategies for boosting endurance without causing burnout.

✍️ Actionable Insights for Your Homeschooling Adventure

The episode is more than a mere dialogue.

It’s a treasure trove of actionable tips and heartwarming humor (don’t miss the part about being “raised by wolves”!).

📚 Resource Roundup

We’ve heard your calls for resources, and Sarah Collins doesn’t disappoint.

From fine motor screeners to grip-strengthening exercises, we provide a rich landscape of free resources and proven curriculums tailored to your individual learner’s needs.

👂 Listen and Learn

Ready to demystify handwriting hurdles?

Tune in to this inspiring session with Sarah Collins.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today’s Show:

• Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Homeschool OT with Sarah Collins
• The OT is IN Podcast
• Join the OT is IN Membership!
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• Coping with Stress | Supporting Kids and Teens
• Thriving Together | Creating Supportive Environments in Homeschooling
• Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs
• The OT is IN - Understanding the Role of Vision in Your Child's Learning Journey
• The OT is IN - Visual Pathways to Learning: Harnessing Nature and Vision in Homeschooling
• The OT is IN - Understanding the Power of Form Drawing: A Parent's Guide to Waldorf Education
• Handwriting Motor Skill Assessment

Connect with Sarah Collins Website: Homeschool OT You can also find Sarah on Instagram @HomeschoolOT

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

In This Episode:

As homeschoolers and parents, we often find ourselves juggling the demands of educating our children, managing our professional lives, and maintaining personal well-being. It's a balancing act that calls for solid boundaries. In the latest RLL episode, Colleen dives into the art of setting and adapting these vital limits.

Take a listen to insights stemming from her own recent hiatus and the deeper exploration of boundaries in homeschooling environments:

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Setting Boundaries: Learn the significance of establishing boundaries to maintain a healthy balance between homeschooling, work, and family life.
• Managing Time: Get inspired by Colleen's personal journey towards better time management and organization, which is especially crucial for parents with neurodivergent children.
• Modeling Healthy Behavior: Discover the importance of teaching our children to set their own boundaries and prioritize, a skill essential for lifelong success.

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Night Zookeeper

Links and Resources from Today's Show: * Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Finding Homeschool Balance * Masterclass | Prioritizing Self-Care * Dear Mom With Quirky Kids: You Cannot Do it All * Self-Compassion for a Healthier Mindset | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell * Finding Energy to Balance it All * Thriving Together | Creating Supportive Environments in Homeschooling * My Neurodivergent Kiddo Needs So Much Help… * Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs * Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life - NEEDS AFFILIATE LINK * Masterclass | Building Family Connections * Finding Peace in a Life Filled with Intensity * Prioritizing Self-Care is Important for You and Your Kids

Connect with ColleenWebsite: Raising Lifelong LearnersYou can also find Colleen on Instagram or on Facebook

How does your child learn best?

Take the Quiz - https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

In this episode:

With her new book Homeschool Rising, Christy is here to deconstruct the myths surrounding the conventional educational system and to advocate for a tailored, flexible approach to teaching our kids at home. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a veteran, Christy's story—from her professional background working with affluent families in Los Angeles to her decision to homeschool her own children, including twins, prior to the global pandemic—will resonate with you.

From her classical education inclination to embracing the philosophies of Charlotte Mason and unschooling, Christy's journey is a testament to finding what truly works for your family. We'll dive into her unique ideas, explore why big box curricula may not be the one-size-fits-all solution, and discuss the irony of the socialization debate.

For any parent grappling with the idea that only trained teachers can effectively educate our kids, or struggling to advocate for a child with special needs, this episode offers deep insights and compassionate encouragement. So, let's dispel the misconceptions, embrace the unique needs of each child, and discover together how to be confident in raising lifelong learners. Stay tuned for a fascinating conversation with Christy Faith.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Parents Are Natural Educators: Data and experience support the idea that parents, regardless of professional training, are highly suited to homeschool due to their instinctive understanding of their children's needs.
• Flexible Approach is Key: Integrating various homeschool styles—classical education, Charlotte Mason, interest-led, and unschooling—can create a custom-fit curriculum that respects the individuality and pace of each learner.
• Child Advocacy and Customization: Homeschooling offers unparalleled opportunities for child advocacy, allowing education to be tailored precisely to each child's developmental and learning style, which is often unachievable in traditional school settings.

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Night Zookeeper

Links and Resources from Today's Show * Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners * New Release! Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System by Christy Faith * The Christy Faith Show Podcast * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Christy Faith - Homeschool and Educational Expert * Homeschooling Middle School Using Your Own Interest-Based Curriculum * Thriving Together | Creating Supportive Environments in Homeschooling * Building Our Own Curriculum – Why it’s Easier Than Buying Boxed * Homeschool Curriculum Choices * Create the Best Homeschool for Your Family * Taking An Eclectic Approach To Homeschooling Your Gifted Child * Homeschooling and Public Schooling | Differentiating for Your Own Kids * RLL #80: Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School? with Blake Boles * RLL #97: (Facebook Live) Empowering Kids Through Homeschool Buy-In

Connect with ChristyWebsite: https://christy-faith.com/You can also find Christy on Instagram or on Facebook

Connect with ColleenWebsite: Raising Lifelong LearnersYou can also find Colleen on Instagram or on Facebook

How does your child learn best?

Take the Quiz - https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

In This Episode:

We discuss the importance of foundational skills while still leaving room for our kids to pursue their passions. We'll talk about balancing the digital with the tangible and how technology can be a powerful tool that complements our children's learning styles.

Are you worried about too much screen time? Well, you're not alone. Colleen shares her own struggle with her son's screen habits and how choosing the right tools—like a mini Sphero or coding kits—can transform screen time into an educational experience that prepares them for the future.

We'll also delve into the versatility of homeschooling curriculums and how to tailor learning to fit your child. Colleen will take you through her approach to organizing her family's physical space to encourage curiosity and hands-on exploration, while also acknowledging the beautiful mess that homeschooling can sometimes be.

Whether you're reading with your kids, picking out the right educational app, or seeking that elusive balance between clutter and order, we've got you covered.

And for those of you feeling the weight of taking on the homeschooling journey, remember, you are capable, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Plus, stay tuned for details on how to preorder my new book, "The Homeschool Advantage," where I dive even deeper into these topics and offer strategies for fostering that love of learning.

So grab your notes, get cozy, this is Raising Lifelong Learners, and we're about to create a learning-rich oasis right in your own home.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• A tailored learning experience is pivotal. Incorporating foundational skills with the freedom to explore personal interests helps in raising engaged and self-directed learners.
• Technology, when used mindfully, can enhance learning. It’s about empowering kids to create with tech, not just consume it.
• The environment matters. A home that invites curiosity and discovery paves the way for children to imbibe a genuine love for learning.

💫 Sponsors for this episode: CTC Math and Night Zookeeper 💫

Links and Resources from Today's Episode

• Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Unit Studies - Raising Lifelong Learners
• Books - Raising Lifelong Learners
• Unleashing Childhood Creativity in the Homeschool Environment
• Cultivating a Learning-Rich Environment
• The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega
• 101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids
• Nurturing a Strength-Based Approach to Learning in Homeschooling
• Making Homeschool Fun for Early Learners
• Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens
• Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning
• Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests
• Every Book List You Will Ever Need For Your Homeschool!

Connect with Colleen

⭐️ Instagram ⭐️ Facebook ⭐️ Twitter ⭐️

How does your child learn best?

Take the Quiz And Find Out Now

https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

NOTE: This episode as been re-edited due to one of the guest's sound issues. In the previously uploaded episode it seemed like the show cut out, but it was actually a very quiet mic. We've re-engineered it because the content is valuable, but know that in bringing the sound up for the one guest, it caused another's voice to be very loud in a few cases. We are SO sorry for the sound difficulty and will make sure to check guests' audio setups better in the future before recording.

In This Episode:

We're joined by two amazing guests, Christy Faith and Sarah Collins, to engage in an insightful discussion about the challenges and joys of homeschooling, particularly as it pertains to finding and building community.

Both Christy and Sarah bring a wealth of experience to the conversation as they tackle the often tricky balancing act that working moms face in establishing a solid support system within homeschool co-ops. They underscore the value of intergenerational interactions and fostering connections that go beyond traditional age brackets.

Throughout the episode, we delve into the necessity of adaptability and the pursuit of relationships over the elusive ideal of perfection. In a world that’s more connected yet increasingly isolating, we discuss the importance of guiding our children through ambiguous social situations and nurturing real, meaningful connections.

Our discussion also explores the shifting landscape of homeschooling communities, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and how our community needs evolve alongside our children's growth. We emphasize the need to embrace community support, and not just for our children – we talk about the value of finding like-minded individuals and the need for parents to cultivate their own friendships and networks.

Together, we journey through the complexities of modern relationships and how these affect our kids and ourselves. At the end of this heartfelt and honest conversation, we realize that the shared experiences extend beyond our microcosms and plan to cross-promote this enriching dialogue across all of our platforms.

So grab a cup of something cozy, and let's dive into a discussion full of empathy, practical advice, and heartfelt insights into the world of homeschooling communities.

This is Raising Lifelong Learners, episode 234. Let's get started.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Intergenerational Connections: Uncover the irreplaceable value of forming bonds beyond traditional age groups, fostering a community that enriches our children's learning experiences.
• The Art of Adaptability: Learn about balancing work, homeschooling, and parenting through a lens of flexibility, emphasizing the vitality of prioritizing heartfelt relationships over the elusive ideal of perfection.
• The Evolution of Community and Relationships: Explore the challenges and opportunities of raising children in a highly connected yet isolating modern landscape, and the essential role of guiding them in forming authentic, enduring connections.

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Night Zookeeper

Links and Resources from Today's Episode:

• The OT is In! Podcast with Sarah Collins
• The Christy Faith Show
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Homeschool Advantage by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Homeschool Rising Book by Christy Faith
• Finding Homeschool Community (for our children and ourselves)
• Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids
• Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person
• Find a Place of Belonging for Your Neurodiverse Kids
• Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins
• Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins
• Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell

Connect with Sarah Collins Website: https://www.homeschoolOT.com You can also find Sarah on Instagram @HomeschoolOT

Connect with Christy Faith Website: https://christy-faith.com/ You can also find Christy on Instagram @Christy Faith Homeschool or on Facebook @Christy-Faith Homeschool

Connect with Colleen Twitter @Colleen Kessler

Facebook @Raising Lifelong Learners

Instagram @Colleen Kessler

How does your child learn best?

Take the Quiz - https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/

View Details

In this episode:

This week's episode continues last week's conversation with Michelle Brownell. Join us as we dive deeper into the emotional landscape of parenting and homeschooling.

Michelle shares her personal journey of connecting with her children through the highs and lows, her strategies for cultivating a nurturing environment, and the power of self-compassion in the process.

Three Key Takeaways:

• The Eight C's of Connection: Michelle introduces the 'Eight C's' as a robust framework for staying grounded and compassionate, especially vital for parents navigating intense emotional landscapes with high-needs children.
• Self-Care as Crucial Care: Learn why prioritizing your emotional well-being isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential—for both you and your children. From breathing techniques to the magical moments of everyday touch, we explore practical methods to foster resilience.
• Play Isn't Just for Kids: Rediscover the joys of play as an adult. It's not only stress-relieving, but it also fortifies the bonds with our children, and Michelle's family traditions offer ample inspiration.

Tune in to this incredible episode filled with both vulnerability and humor, touching on everything from dealing with teenage appetites to the power of six-seven-eight breathing.

Whether you're a parent, an educator, or simply on a journey of lifelong learning, there are invaluable nuggets of wisdom.

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Night Zookeeper

Links and Resources from Today’s Show: * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * Homeschool Essentials Community with Michelle Brownell * Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Self Compassion - The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself - Dr. Kristin Neff * Masterclass | Building Family Connections * Masterclass | Prioritizing Self-Care * RLL #70: More Than Enough with Kara Anderson * Prioritizing Self-Care is Important for You and Your Kids * The Family and the Intense Child * Dear Tired Mom of Gifted Kids * Dear Mom With Quirky Kids: You Cannot Do it All * Moms, You Are Doing A Great Job * Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs * RLL #69: [Audioblog] Seven Tools for Peaceful Parenting that You Can Use Today * Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens * The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family * Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team

Connect with Michelle Brownell Connect with Michelle on Instagram and Facebook Michelle’s website: https://homeschoolessentials.net/ Free gift: https://homeschoolessentials.net/wow/ Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

In this episode: Join as special guest Michelle Brownell, a veteran homeschooling parent and advocate for emotionally secure learning environments chats with us about the challenges of homeschooling twice-exceptional children and the universal lessons on setting healthy boundaries for family wellbeing.

Check out these takeaways:

• Understand and exercise your right to say no to protect your family’s emotional well-being and maintain a tranquil household.
• Create a learning partnership with your children that respects their stress thresholds and leverages their innate interests.
• Remember that sometimes less is more - slowing down can lead to deeper learning and stronger family bonds.

Join us on a journey of discovery, compassion, and growth on your path as a homeschool parent. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone in this rich conversation.

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Night Zookeeper

Links and Resources from Today's Show:

• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Homeschool Strengths & Struggles Conference Starting February 15th with Michelle Brownell
• Homeschool Essentials Community with Michelle Brownell
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Parenting Gifted Kids with Gail Post Ph.D.
• Parenting in the Moment with Your Child
• Parenting and Teaching a Twice Exceptional Child
• Parenting Gifted and Intense Children
• RLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna Wingert
• Finding Homeschool Balance
• Coping with Stress | Supporting Kids and Teens

Connect with Michelle Brownell Connect with Michelle on Instagram and Facebook Michelle’s website: https://homeschoolessentials.net/ Free gift: https://homeschoolessentials.net/wow/

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

In this episode: Colleen delves into why play isn't just for little ones. Join us as we debunk myths and highlight play's pivotal role in the growth and development of adolescents.

Parents -or anyone invested in the wellbeing of teens – this one's for you. Tune in for insights into how shared moments of joy can forge stronger relationships and promote resilience.

Here are some takeaways to pique your interest:

• Skill Building: Play isn't just fun and games; it's key for developing critical skills. It enhances problem-solving abilities, fosters creativity, and improves emotional regulation, setting up our teens for success in all walks of life.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Through activities like role playing and theater, teens learn to navigate complex emotions and build resilience. Play is therapeutic – it's a stress-buster and a source of endorphin release, contributing to happier, healthier adolescents.
• Stronger Bonds: Play is a gateway to open, judgment-free communication. By engaging in play that resonates with teens, we demonstrate respect for their evolving personalities, support their growth, and strengthen our connections with them.

Whether through board games, theater, sports, or role-playing games, play is essential in raising well-rounded, lifelong learners. Discover more practical tips, compelling stories, and strategies by listening to the full episode, and don't forget to share your own experiences of connecting through play!

Listen, learn, and let's raise the bar together for teens' development!

Links and Resources from Today’s Show: * SPONSOR|CTC Math * SPONSOR|Night Zookeeper * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Great Games for Teens and Their Families * The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family * Why I Still Read Aloud To My Tweens and Teens * RLL 04 Amy Milcic: Keeping Things Fun While On-the-Go - Raising Lifelong Learners * A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids * Raising Creative Kids: A Collection of Simple Creativity Prompts for Children * Les Miserables Movie Study * The Social Benefits of Online Gaming

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

In the latest episode, Colleen sits down with the talented Millie Florence, whose literary works are captivating readers of all ages. Prepare to be swept into a world of persistent dreams, sibling dynamics, and the sheer courage of pursuing one's passion – all in the backdrop of historical and high fantasy.

In this episode, you'll hear about: * The unique process Millie underwent to find a publisher that cherishes the quirky and indefinable genre of her books. * The varied paths to getting published and the importance of steadfastness and strategy. * The role that familial support plays in fostering creativity and confidence in young authors.

Key Takeaways: * Learn how to be your child's biggest cheerleader in their creative endeavors. * Explore strategies for marketing at events and online to reach a wider audience. * Understand the significance of self-education, curiosity, and tailored learning environments in raising lifelong learners.

Don’t miss out on this enriching discussion – perfect for aspiring writers, parents, and anyone with a love for literature and learning.

Links and Resources from Today’s Show * SPONSOR | CTC Math * SPONSOR | Night ZooKeeper * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * Find out more about Millie Florence at MillieFlorence.com * Millie’s latest book The Balter of Ashton Harper * Millie’s first book Honey Butter * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Create a Custom Homeschool * The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega * Interest-Led Learning In The Early Years: Preschool and Beyond * Homeschooling Our Gifted Children: The Power Of Artful Questions * Why Unit Studies are Ideal for Interest-led Learning * Homeschooling Middle School Using Your Own Interest-Based Curriculum * Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning * RLL #107: Learning as an Unschooling Family with Robyn Robertson * Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning * RLL #68: Self-Directed Education with Peter Gray, PhD

Connect with Millie You can find Millie on Intagram, Facebook, and YouTubeMillie’s website: MillieFlorence.comNewsletter Sign Up and Free Gift: millieflorence.com/free

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, InstagramHow does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

In today's episode, we talk about managing expectations and fostering an environment where your children's uniqueness can thrive. There are incredible benefits to prioritizing and nurturing your child's creative spirit—benefits that extend far beyond the canvas. They have an impact on cognitive, emotional, and social development. Get ready to explore how open-ended play and critical thinking are key to raising problem solvers and innovative thinkers.

Fostering artistic talents in various forms can enhance your child's problem-solving skills and confidence to tackle life's hurdles. Whether it's through journaling, imaginative play, or academic endeavors, creativity is a window to self-expression, emotional processing, and personal growth. So, let's get comfortable with creative messes and remember to trust in our children's natural drive to explore and innovate.

You don't want to miss today's conversation. So settle in, grab your watercolor pencils, and start sketching out your thoughts as we discuss how to weave creativity into the tapestry of your daily learning adventures.

➡️ Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Night Zookeeper ⬅️

Links and Resources from Today’s Show

• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• The Different Faces of Giftedness: Understanding Your Child
• Raising Creative Kids: A Collection of Simple Creativity Prompts for Children
• Real-Life Science Mysteries Book
• Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child
• The Best Advice I Can Give You: Become A Student Of Your Child
• Inspiring Creativity in Kids
• Sparking Creativity with Dragons and Netflix
• Hands-On Art History–Discovery through Creativity
• Learning with Spielgaben | Play-Based Problem-Solving
• Inspire Creativity with LEGO and Netflix
• Creativity Means Dreaming Big
• Raising Problem Solvers
• Creative Thinking Activities for Kids
• How to Encourage Innovative Thinking in Your Kids
• Q-Tip Snowflake STEM
• Snowflake STEM Bundle

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

Today we are talking with Ana Lorena Fábrega about interest-led, project based learning. Ana is an author, edupreneur, and Chief Evangelist at Synthesis. Growing up, she attended ten schools in seven different countries. She then earned her BS in Childhood Education and Special Education from New York University and taught elementary school in New York, Boston, and Panama.

Today, Ana Lorena writes online to over 200,000 readers about the promise of alternative education. If you need some encouragement to continue, or even start taking a more interest-based focus in your homeschool, then pop in your earbuds and listen in!

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Night Zookeeper

Links and Resources from Today’s Show * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * The Learning Game by Ana Lorena Fábrega * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * The Power Of Inquiry Based Learning For Gifted Children * Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests * Create a Multimodal Learning Environment * Nurturing a Strength-Based Approach to Learning in Homeschooling * Project Based Learning And Your Gifted Child: A Guide For Parents * RLL #96: Finding Learning Opportunities with Dennis DeNoia * RLL #68: Self-Directed Education with Peter Gray, PhD * RLL #64: What to Do When School Doesn’t Work * Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning * Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning * Synthesis Review For Gifted Children: Everything You Need To Know

Connect with Ana You can find Ana on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube Learn more about The Learning Game at https://afabrega.com/

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

In today's episode, Colleen tackles the important topic of managing worry in your homeschool. She shares the nature of stress, its impact on children and teens, and how it manifests in their behaviors. From emotional outbursts to academic challenges, she covers the signs of stress that parents should watch for.

She also shares practical strategies for parents, such as establishing routines, encouraging reengagement, promoting healthy habits, and practicing deep breathing. By fostering a positive and resilient environment, we can empower our kids to tackle challenges and develop lifelong learning skills.

Join us as we navigate the intricacies of homeschooling and discover effective ways to support our children through stressful times.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today’s Show * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * Original Article on Homeschooling Today Magazine * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Masterclass | Helping Your Child Manage Worry * If He’s Really So Smart… Why Gifted Kids Struggle and What to Do About It * Anxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism: Helping Our Children Cope * Prioritizing Self-Care is Important for You and Your Kids * The Power of Connecting with Your Kids in Homeschooling * Taming the Worry Dragon at GHC * Books to Help Kids Who Worry * Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins * When the World Overwhelms Your Anxious Child | How You Can Help * How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, InstagramHow does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

In today’s episode, Colleen has the privilege to talk with Julie Skolnick about raising and providing the best environment for gifted and 2e children.

Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advises professionals on how to bring out the best and raise self-confidence in their 2e students and clients. A prolific writer and beloved speaker, Julie hosts "The Haystack 2e Adult Membership Group" which welcomes all ‘2e adult needles,’ hosts Let’s Talk 2e! Parent Empowerment Groups, produces virtual conferences, and publishes “Gifted & Distractible,” a free weekly newsletter.

Her book, Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child, was released in October 2023. Located in Maryland, USA, Julie's clients, and audience hale from all four corners of the globe.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today’s Show Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab

Julie's website: With Understanding Comes Calm

Gifted anGifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child by Julie Skolnick

Parent Empowerment Group - With Understanding Comes Calm

The 2e Toolbox for Parents - With Understanding Comes Calm

Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.

Guide Your Kids on the Path to Self-Discovery

Nurturing Authenticity | Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Discovering Their True Selves

Twice Exceptional Children And Homeschooling: What It’s Really Like - Raising Lifelong Learners

Parenting and Teaching a Twice Exceptional Child

Seeking Support for 2e Children and Adults: When Is It Too Early or Too Late? - With Understanding Comes Calm

Building Understanding and Trust with Twice Exceptional Loved Ones

Homeschooling Twice Exceptional Kids

Nurturing a Strength-Based Approach to Learning in Homeschooling

Being a Detective Allows Parents and Educators of 2e Children to Identify Triggers and Focus on Strengths - With Understanding Comes Calm

Emotional Regulation Free Gift from Julie Skolnick

The Different Faces of Giftedness: Understanding Your Child

Connect with Julie Julie’s website: https://www.WithUnderstandingComesCalm.com You can find Julie on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

View Details

Today we are delighted to have Ginny Yurich share with us how spending time outside will help our kids thrive. Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside, a global movement, media company and lifestyle brand meant to bring back balance between virtual life and real life. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children, and one of her top priorities is to inspire parents to invest in spending time in God’s creation with their children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today’s Show * Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab * 1000 Hours Outside - Prioritize Nature, Reclaim Childhood and Experience A Fuller Life by Ginny Yurich * Until The Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich * 1000 Hours Outside Activity Book by Ginny Yurich * Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * 100 Backyard Activities That Are the Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-Crawliest Ever! by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Hands-On Ecology: Authentic Learning Experiences That Engage Students in STEM by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. * Free to Learn by Peter Gray * Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela J. Hanscom * Ready or Not: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World by Madeline Levine, PhD * Moms, You Are Doing A Great Job * RLL #68: Self-Directed Education with Peter Gray, PhD * Surviving Different Weather Conditions | Think Outside Boxes * Surviving the Elements | Think Outside Boxes * RLL #43: Getting Your Kids Outside with Justin Wren * 5 Great Outdoor Activities for Kids * Fabulous Outdoor Play Spaces

Connect with Ginny You can find Ginny here on Instagram For her blog, podcast, and books check out 1000 Hours Outside

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

A strengths-based approach to learning is exactly what our asynchronous kids need. We may be tempted to focus on remediation in areas where they are “behind,” but remember there is no behind; our kids learn every day.

It is so important to teach our children to use their strengths to help them overcome their weaknesses instead of allowing them to feel behind, always trying to catch up. In today’s episode, Colleen talks specifically about why we should implement a strengths-based approach with our kids, and let go of the traditional, deficit-based model.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today’s Show Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab Masterclass | Raising Resilient Families

Bundle | Smart Boy Characters Movie Studies - Raising Lifelong Learners

Bundle | Smart Girl Characters Movie Studies - Raising Lifelong Learners

Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.

What’s The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning?

RLL #67: Ideas for Nurturing Our Kids’ Strengths

RLL #66: Strength-Based Learning for Differently-Wired Kids with Shawna Wingert

RLL 17 Shawna Wingert: Building on Your Child’s Strengths

Strength Finder Worksheet (free download)

The Powerful Relationship Between Confidence And Learning In Our Homeschools

Building Self-Esteem in Kids

RLL 30 Andrew Peterson: Being Students of Our Children

RLL #40: Self-Directed Homeschooling High School with Trevor Kessler

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

Building social-emotional skills, nurturing generosity, and increasing confidence in our kids is important all year long, but can be great to focus on during the holiday season. In this episode of Raising Lifelong Learners, host Colleen Kessler discusses teaching kids to be empathetic and to help others, and emphasizes the benefits of nurturing empathy in children, especially those who are neurodivergent. Listen to learn practical tips for fostering a sense of service in kids, along with understanding the emotional and psychological benefits of doing so.

The episode also explores age-appropriate ways for children to get involved in serving their communities and encourages parents to prioritize safety and trust when seeking volunteering opportunities for their kids. The episode is a heartfelt reminder of the impact of spreading kindness and its role in raising emotionally intelligent and compassionate adults.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Additional Links and Resources

• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Masterclass | Cultivating a Healthy Mindset
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Teaching Kids to Help Others
• Random Acts of Kindness: An Advent Tradition
• The Ultimate Guide to Random Acts of Kindness
• RLL #93: 7 Tips and Strategies for Boosting Emotional Resilience in Your Kids
• Random Acts of Kindness for Kids
• Raising Kind Kids: Acts of Kindness for Kids
• Books to Inspire Kindness and Thankfulness

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

There are so many changes this time of year that affect our intense kiddos. Our routines are off, there are new or uncomfortable places to visit, we’re managing family members who do not understand our kids, plus all the excitement and anticipation. Sarah Collins joins Colleen again, this time to talk about ways to meet the sensory needs of our kids and anticipate some of the challenges they may face. Let’s jump in and ready ourselves for the holiday season!

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Reading Eggs

Additional Links and Resources Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners LabRaising Lifelong Learners Facebook GroupMasterclass | Building Family Connections - Raising Lifelong LearnersRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah CollinsStrengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah CollinsSelf-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory NeedsManaging Your Child’s Intensity During the HolidaysIntense Children and The Holidays: A Parent’s GuideRLL 33: The Holidays and Your Differently-Wired ChildAutism and the Holidays | Julie’s School Performance Story Connect with Sarah Website: https://www.homeschoolOT.comYou can also find Sarah on Instagram

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, InstagramHow does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

Colleen has a delightful conversation with clinical psychologist, Gail Post, Ph.D. in today’s episode. Gail has years of personal and professional experience with the gifted community and shares so much regarding the emotional and social needs. Grab your earbuds and get ready for some practical parenting ideas and lived-in advice on raising our intelligent and intense kiddos.

Gail Post, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist, parenting coach/consultant, workshop leader, writer, parent of two gifted young adults, and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. In practice for over 35 years, she specializes in intellectual and musical giftedness and twice-exceptionalities. Her writing includes hundreds of articles, several book chapters, a long-standing blog, Gifted Challenges. and her book, The Gifted Parenting Journey.

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Reading Eggs

Links and Resources from Today's Show

The Gifted Parenting Journey by Gail Post, Ph.D. Workshop with Gail Post, Ph.D.| Gifted Parenting Journey Raising Lifelong Learners Community - The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. SENG: Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted Supporting The Social and Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Twice-Exceptional Kids Prioritizing Self-Care is Important for You and Your Kids Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person Smart Kids Still Need Help When You Just Aren’t Comfortable Getting Help for Your Child Episode 319: Dr. Gail Post on the Journey of Parenting Gifted Children Parent Footprint with Dr. Dan: The Gifted Parenting Journey with Gail Post How Do I Parent My Gifted Kid with Dr. Gail Post Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive: 10th Anniversary Edition RLL LIVE | Q & A – Parenting Differently-Wired Kiddos Connect with ColleenYou can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

We are raising kids who are learning and developing in ways that do not fit in with the typical milestones. They may be reading at three, yet at ten are still struggling to find meaningful friendships.

We, as parents can, often feel isolation when raising neurodivergent children. They notice that they are outliers, and we feel it, too. That doesn’t mean making connections is impossible, though! There are steps we can take, to help our family find their tribe and build a community.

In today’s episode, Colleen will be talking about her experiences with co-ops, classes, and helping her neurodivergent family find community.

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Reading Eggs

Additional Links and Resources Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners LabRaising Lifelong Learners Facebook GroupMasterclass| If He’s Really So Smart… Why Gifted Kids Struggle and What to Do About It Raising Resilient Sons by Collleen Kessler, M.Ed. Find a Place of Belonging for Your Neurodiverse KidsWhy Join a Gifted Parent Group?Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional KidsThe Anxiety Toolkit Nurturing Authenticity | Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Discovering Their True SelvesThe Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse Children - Raising Lifelong Learners

Connect with Colleen

You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

We have Sarah Collins from Homeschool OT on the podcast again, this time to talk about self-regulation for our kiddos. Colleen and Sarah will deep dive into the different sensory systems and look for each day. This episode is full of information on why sensory integration is important, along with practical tips and activities to include in your day to teach your kids to regulate and help them most.

Connect with Sarah

Sarah Collins |The Homeschool OT Instagram

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Reading Eggs

Additional Links and Resources Raising Lifelong Learners Community - The Learners Lab Masterclass|Finding Peace in a Life Filled with Intensity Raising Resilient Sons by Collleen Kessler, M.Ed. Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs How to Integrate the Zones At Home with Guest Writer, Sarah Collins, OTR/L Gifted Children and Sensual Overexcitabilities: A Parent’s Guide Yard Work for Sensory Input - Raising Lifelong Learners Co-regulation - HomeschoolOT Sensory Play for Kids - Raising Lifelong Learners Connect with Colleen

You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

Our neurodivergent kids may require extra help finding a peer group where they feel comfortable being themselves and sharing their thoughts and interests. It’s essential for us to be in tune with our children so that we can find places for them to connect with others. That may be connecting them with people of all ages who share hobbies, sports, or academic interests.

Today Colleen will discusses ways you can help your gifted, 2e, and neurodivergent kids find belonging in ways that validate who they are. It may not look the same as you thought, but meaningful relationships are possible.

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Reading Eggs

Links and Resources Raising Lifelong Learners Community - The Learners Lab Masterclass| Masterclass | Cultivating a Healthy Mindset - Raising Lifelong Learners Raising Resilient Sons by Collleen Kessler, M.Ed. Building Self-Esteem in Kids The Powerful Relationship Between Confidence And Learning In Our Homeschools 5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids - Raising Lifelong Learners The Best Advice I Can Give You: Become A Student Of Your Child Finding Homeschool Community (for our children and ourselves)

Connect with Colleen

You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

Katie Keene is the host of the top 1% globally rated podcast Her Home and Heart, and host to a membership community of beautiful Christian homeschooling families on the journey to peace at home and generational family success despite the challenges of raising a special needs child.

Her mission is simple: to ensure that no family breaks apart simply due to lack of tools to create a SOLID, peaceful, and joyful family foundation at home.

Katie is most passionate about helping special needs families create strong bonds and deep roots, so they don’t wake up one day to regret.

Learn more about how she teaches moms to build a successful and joyful home, and to grab coupons, freebies, and links to Katie’s best kept secrets go to linktr.ee/FamilySuccess

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Reading Eggs

You can find Katie at: The Greater Honor Special Needs Community: https://herhomeandheart.net/tgh Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/HHAHGroup Her Home and Heart Podcast with Katie Keene

Additional Links and Resources

Raising Lifelong Learners Community - The Learners Lab

Masterclass| Homeschooling Your Gifted and Special Needs Child | Get Started

Raising Resilient Sons by Collleen Kessler, M.Ed.

RLL #45: Homeschooling Special Needs Kiddos with Faith Berens

My Neurodivergent Kiddo Needs So Much Help…

Forget the Box | Embracing Your Child’s Otherness

Safe Place Fatigue | The Wear and Tear of Being Your Child’s Person

RLL #64: What to Do When School Doesn’t Work RLL #60: Raising Differently-Wired Kids with Debbie Reber Homeschooling During Overwhelming Times - Raising Lifelong Learners

Connect with Colleen

You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

Today Colleen is talking about helping our children draw healthy boundaries, with the example of family members wanting a hug when our child is not comfortable giving one. This question was submitted during one of the group coaching events in The Learners Lab, a Raising Lifelong Learners online community for neurodiverse homeschooling families. Each month in the Lab Colleen hosts a group coaching night. Parents can submit their questions ahead of time and Colleen will take the time to answer each one.

One goal we have for our neurodiverse kids is the ability to advocate for themselves as they grow older. One of the best ways to do this is by honoring their needs. Perhaps you have a child with a sensory struggle, anxiety around others, or becomes easily overwhelmed in new environments. When we acknowledge their limits and draw healthy boundaries we teach our kids that it is healthy to know what they need and express it kindly to others.

Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Reading Eggs

Additional Links and Resources

Raising Lifelong Learners Community - The Learners Lab

Masterclass| Building Family Connections

Raising Resilient Sons by Collleen Kessler, M.Ed.

Respecting Your Child’s Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say “No”

I Hate My Son’s Headphones

Am I Spoiling My Child or Accommodating His Special Needs?

A Unique Place For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids To Thrive

My Child Won't Wear Socks: Dressing A Child With Sensory Processing Disorder

Calm the Chaos with Dayna Abraham

The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse Children

If He’s REALLY So Smart… When Gifted Kids Struggle

Connect with Colleen

You can find Colleen on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

Welcome to Raising Lifelong Learners, the podcast that delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting exceptional children while fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Today's guest is Dayna Abraham, author of the newly released book, Calm the Chaos. Dayna is the founder of Calm the Chaos Parenting and the popular parenting blog, Lemon Lime Adventures. She’s worked with hundreds of thousands of parents around the world struggling with some of the most challenging behaviors to go from barely surviving to creating families that work together, advocate for each other and empower each other. She’s the best-selling author of Sensory Processing 101 and Superkids Activity Guide.

In today's episode, we tackle an important issue: helping children articulate their discomfort and advocate for themselves. Dayna shares personal anecdotes and strategies for empowering children to express their feelings and communicate their needs effectively. Join us as we explore the stages of self-advocacy, discuss homeschooling pressures, and delve into the power of modeling behavior and open communication.

Get ready to feel supported, understood, and inspired by our incredible community of parents raising exceptional children. Let's dive in!

Find Calm the Chaos here: http://calmthechaosbook.com

Connect with Dayna on social here: https://www.facebook.com/calmthechaosparenting

Calm the Chaos workshop: https://calmthechaosworkshop.com/

Additional Links and Resources

Sponsor: CTC Math

Sponsor: Reading Eggs

Raising Lifelong Learners Community - The Learners Lab

Masterclass| Finding Peace in a Life Filled With Intensity

Homeschooling Gifted Kids | Meeting Asynchronous Abilities

Giving Your Child Life Skills | Metacognition

Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids with Jim Delisle

When the World Overwhelms Your Anxious Child | How You Can Help

The Social Emotional Needs of Gifted and Neurodiverse Children

Anxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism: Helping Our Children Cope

If He’s REALLY So Smart….When Gifted Kids Struggle

Getting Back to Homeschool After a Mental Health Crisis

Connect with Colleen

You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz!

View Details

Today, we dive into the topic of helping our children embrace their authenticity and discover who they truly are. This discussion is prompted by the upcoming focus on this subject in the Learners Lab community.

We emphasize the importance of nurturing an environment where our kids feel comfortable being themselves and exploring their interests and passions. By fostering open communication, acceptance, and understanding, we can empower our children to develop a strong sense of self-esteem, emotional well-being, and resilience. Join us as we explore practical ways to create a nurturing environment and encourage our kids to embrace their unique identities.

Raising Lifelong Learners is brought to you by CTCMath. CTC Math is an online math curriculum that is perfect for homeschoolers with children of different ability levels. It provides teaching and access to all grade levels, allowing children to progress at their own pace. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

View Details

Today, we're chatting with Sarah Collins of HomeschoolOT.com, delving into the topic of parenting with sensory needs and challenges while homeschooling, and discussing how the challenges we face as parents can trigger similar challenges in our children, creating a cycle that we need to proactively address. 

Sarah shares valuable tips on how to take care of ourselves as parents and effectively homeschool our children. Stay tuned to discover how to effectively communicate with our children, model healthy adulthood, and navigate the unique sensory quirks that come with homeschooling neurodivergent children. 

Raising Lifelong Learners is brought to you by CTCMath. CTC Math is an online math curriculum that is perfect for homeschoolers with children of different ability levels. It provides teaching and access to all grade levels, allowing children to progress at their own pace. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Our family unit is the backbone of our homeschool. There are many habits and activities that can nurture a team mentality. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your kids to be successful in anything you do and build a strong, resilient, emotionally intelligent family.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

One of the most beautiful things about homeschooling is how we can adjust kid-to-kid, and year-to-year. It's also one of the things that messes with us as parents. It’s inevitable when everything is functioning well, there’s another change: developmentally, emotionally, physically and we find ourselves reevaluating again.  It can be hard, tiring, and wear us out.

That is why self-care is essential for those of us homeschooling differently-wired kids.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Today we doing something different -- we're sharing a talk that Colleen gave at the Great Homeschool Convention with Sarah Mackenzie of Read Aloud Revival. They address both sides of the reading spectrum, with Sarah discussing struggling readers and then Colleen shifting the conversation to advanced readers.

You will leave with ideas and strategies that will help your kids wherever they are.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

You have neurodiverse children. They are gifted, they are twice exceptional, they have anxiety, perfectionism, sensory struggles, or perhaps they're on the autism spectrum. They have any number of neurodiversities. I am right there with you. I believe with my whole heart that homeschooling is the best possible educational choice for kids like ours.

And I'm here to help you with that. So today we're going to talk about opening your mind to new possibilities. It's a different kind of education, and it's exciting.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Self-discovery is a powerful tool we can use and harness to help our kids feel good about themselves and be successful and to help all of us in the family thrive in our atypical, differently-wired homeschool. Colleen will be sharing ways we can guide our kids in ways that help them discover who they are and how their brains are wired.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

The concept of multimodal learning has so many potential benefits for our neurodivergent kiddos that it's empowering, really. Multimodal learning means using a variety of different styles, a variety of different senses, and a variety of different strategies in what you do. In today’s episode Colleen will explore what that looks like in your homeschool.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Metacognition is the ability to think about our own thinking, and that is exactly what Colleen talks about in today’s episode.  Metacognition impacts many areas of our child’s development.  This episode focuses on how we can implement different strategies into our homeschool day to develop this ability in our kids, helping them in all areas of life, including family relationships, school, work, and socially with peers.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

In today's episode, Colleen and Sarah Collins of HomeschoolOT discuss how executive function skills are essential when homeschooling neurodivergent children. They chat about ways to support our children, such as equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge and building their metacognitive and self-awareness skills.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

On today's podcast episode, Colleen talks about the eight main executive function skills. She'll help you to identify the ways deficits in these areas impact your child's day-to-day life and show up in their struggles. She's also got some ideas for building each of these skills with your kiddos.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Today on the podcast Colleen discusses how to identify the signs of impulsive behavior in children and how to distinguish impulsivity from other common behavioral factors. She also shares some of her favorite tips for supporting your impulsive kiddos and teaching them strategies they can use to handle the common challenges that come with impulsivity and other co-occurring neurodivergencey like attention deficit disorder and autism.

View Details

Will you continue "school" during the summer? Or will you learn in other, less formal ways? In today's podcast episode, Colleen shares what summer looks like for her family and how they use it in ways even homeschoolers might find surprising!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Children who struggle with perfectionism have unrealistic standards for themselves or others. They believe that they must be perfect to be valuable and worthy of love. This can result in negative self-talk, fear of failure, relationship challenges, and even mental health issues. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia are often related to struggles with perfectionist thoughts.

Even parents with good intentions and high expectations can inadvertently promote perfectionistic thoughts or perfectionistic behavior in children who believe they must earn love by being a higher achiever.

Do you have a child who struggles with perfectionism or perfectionistic tendencies? In this episode, we'll talk about how to identify perfectionistic behaviors. I'll share some of my favorite strategies for helping our kids identify and counter their perfectionistic thoughts and patterns.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Whether you're new to this homeschool journey or you're a long-time homeschooling parent, finding balance among all the different and competing responsibilities on your plate is a difficult and often overwhelming challenge. Today, Colleen shares the secret she's learned about what healthy balance actually looks like and how you can tell if you're hitting that mark in your family, life, and homeschool!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

You can tell from the title of Colleen's podcast that she's all about lifelong learning. But today she dive deeper into that topic. How exactly do you develop your kids as lifelong learners? How to you figure out what their unique abilities and true passion are (especially when it seems like it might just be video games!)? And what does it look like to support and even stoke the flames of those interests and pursuits? Colleen shares some of her best tips for doing just that and hopefully helping you to reframe your entire perspective on what a successful homeschool looks like!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Why is self-esteem important and how does it impact your child's learning and personal growth? On today's podcast episode Colleen talks about seven important steps you can take to build your kids' self-esteem and what role family members and peer groups can play in this essential area of your child's development and emotional resilience.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Parents often ask whether they should have their child tested for giftedness, learning disabilities, anxiety, or other unique characteristics that seem to impact their child's emotional resilience, learning, and educational achievement. Are tests a good way to understand and meet those needs? Colleen answers that questions specifically with reference to families who are homeschooling as this unique context has an important impact on the answer!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

In today's podcast episode, Colleen walks you through several factors that might contribute to your child's lack of motivation (or apparent lack of motivation) what you can do to identify the obstacles, and how you can build a supportive environment that utilizes your student's strengths and interests to build internal motivation!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

In today's podcast episode, Colleen answers a mom's questions about considering homeschooling as an option for her twice-exceptional student. It can be overwhelming to consider taking this step, wondering where you'll find the resources you'll need and how to help your kids get connected with peers. Colleen shares some of her best advice and the things that have really worked for her family over the years in today's episode!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

It's easy to slip into the temptation to compare our kids to others because it's the easy, even lazy, way to quickly build our kids up and help them to feel better about themselves. What we might not consider are the unintended consequences and the emotional fallout that can result when we compare our kids to each other or other kids and especially when we do that out loud in front of them. In today's episode, Colleen helps you to see the impact of comparison and how you can change course and adopt a healthier way to encourage your kids and build their confidence!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

On last week's podcast, Colleen talked about some of the unique challenges and also unique strengths of homeschooling neurodiverse and twice exceptional kids. This week, Colleen explores specifically why it's so important that we as parents embrace, lean into and celebrate our children's neurodiversity and teach them to view it as a gift and not a defect. Colleen has some specific strategies to share, plus a bunch of encouragement about the positive outcomes you can expect when we truly celebrate who are children were made to be!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

There are many challenges to homeschooling neurodiverse kids. Colleen can tell you you're not alone if you're bumping up against some of those challenges. But, surprisingly, sometimes the things that make homeschooling your gifted and twice-exceptional kids hard work are also the things that make homeschooling such a beautiful fit for them! In this podcast episode, Colleen will equip you with some great ideas to seize the homeschool opportunity and thrive in it with your kiddos!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

It isn't easy being a mom of differently wired kiddos and being fully present while still juggling all of the other responsibilities of adult life as well as homeschooling! In today's podcast episode Colleen shares some more detailed strategies for how you can carve out that intentional time with your children and give them the best of yourself even when you have a lot of other responsibilities to manage!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

In today's episodes of the Raising Lifelong Learners podcast, Colleen talks about what to do if they homeschool opportunities your kiddos need just don't exist - or at least don't exist in your local area. She shares tons of tips for creating what it is that your kids need if it isn't already available, and even a variety of suggestions for what that might look like and how to to find your people locally to make this idea a reality!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

In today's podcast episode, Colleen talks about the characteristics of gifted children. Even though they are not all the same, there are lots of common traits that can help you to recognize if your high achievers may actually be gifted. She also discusss some of the less known or understood aspects of giftedness that go deeper than just being bright students, good readers, or math champions!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Parents of gifted learners - especially profoundly gifted children - often struggle to balance the educational acceleration of their children with their emotional development. What are current best practices for academic acceleration of exceptionally gifted children and how can parents meet both the academic and social needs of these students? Should we allow our kids to finish high school early and proceed to college courses?

On today's episode, Colleen will help you think through all the options, and give you the tools to make the best choice for your own unique learner!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Do you find yourself spending lots of extra time supporting the social and emotional needs of your gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodiverse kiddo and worry that your other kids are being neglected? Has the additional care and attention you've devoted to one child put a strain on sibling relationships?

If you're facing this struggle, you're not alone! Colleen talks about some practical strategies for evaluating the needs of the children (all of the children!) in your home and finding creative ways to meet those needs.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Today on the podcast Colleen is addressing a question that came from one listener, but it could just as well have come from any number of moms she's talked to - in her private consulting as well as in the Learner's Lab community. What if I'm not cut out for this? What if I don't have what it takes? What if I need to do more or be more ... and I just can't? What do we tell ourselves on those self-doubt days? Colleen shares some go-to reminders for those days that all homeschool moms experience!

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

If you are feeling like a homeschool failure, if you've hit the winter doldrums slump of the school year and wondering if you're ruining your children, Colleen has just the message you need to hear. She shares a cringe-worthy disaster that happened in her kitchen ... and how she used that unexpected event to remind herself (and us) of important strategies for emotional resilliance when we feel like we've hit a wall.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This episode is based on a listerner's questions and concerns about having one child newly diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia and dysgraphia while the rest of her siblings are neurotypical. Colleen responds with real life examples, support and encouragement while providing practical tips to help ease the overwhelm.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

The transition from the relaxed, anything goes nature of a holiday break to some sort of regular homeschooling routine can be real challenge each year. In today's episode, Colleen shares the reality of helping neurodiverse kids transition back to school after a break, as well as her best tips and tricks for success. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

We are kicking off the new year with two questions I am asked all the time. #1 - What is my biggest homeschool regret? and #2 - What is my greatest homeschool victory? 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Colleen tackles another listener question - "How do we let go of our older children and give them the space they need?"

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

It can feel overwhelming when we think about homeschooling teens through the high school years, but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, Colleen shares her best advice and tips to help your high schooler stay motivated through the teen years.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

As we continue our discussion of how to navigate the holiday season with intense kiddos, today's focus is on gratitude. Colleen shares ideas for how to help our families practice gratitude during the holidays, and why it matters so much for neurodiverse kids. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

For intense children, the holidays can be a difficult season. In today's episode, Colleen shares how to help your intense kids during the holidays, including tips for navigating the chaos and overstimulation that comes with the holiday season, so that your kids can actually have fun. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

The social and emotional needs of gifted and twice exceptional children are a common concern for parents. How do we help strengthen and support our neurodiverse children as they navigate social development and emotional regulation? Colleen is here to help.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Homeschooling high school can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, Colleen discusses practical tips and tricks for creating transcripts, managing the worry and guilt as well as strategies to help you and your child finish strong. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This is the second episode in a two part series, all about the ages and stages of interest-led learning. Join Colleen as she shares practical examples and encouragement for homeschooling high school using an interest-led approach. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This is the second episode in a two part series, all about the ages and stages of interest-led learning. Join Colleen as she shares practical examples and encouragement for homeschooling high school using an interest-led approach. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This is the first episode in a two part series, all about the ages and stages of interest-led learning. Join Colleen as she shares practical examples and encouragement for child directed learning, beginning in the preschool years. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This is the first episode in a two part series, all about the ages and stages of interest-led learning. Join Colleen as she shares practical examples and encouragement for child directed learning, beginning in the preschool years. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

How do we help our kids find their interests? What can we do to foster them and then what happens if our kids change interests? These are all good questions and worth exploring as we move into a more relaxed, eclectic, interest led, child driven approach in our homeschools.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Does your state offer charter school options for homeschoolers? Have you been wondering if a charter might be a good option for your family? I am joined in this episode by Shawna Wingert. She shares her own experience with a homeschool charter and what she sees as the overall pros and cons of enrolling in one. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Our series, 10 Strategies to Help Your Atypical Children Thrive, continues with today's topic: Creating a family environment that fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Our series, 10 Strategies to Help Your Atypical Children Thrive, continues with today's topic: Why your own self-care is so important for your atypical learner. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Our series, 10 Strategies to Help Your Atypical Children Thrive, continues with today's topic: what if you just can't find a community for your child or for yourself? How do you find friend groups and support?

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Our series, 10 Strategies to Help Your Atypical Children Thrive, continues with today's topic: the importance of finding community for our children and ourselves.  Colleen discusses the very real impact finding our tribe has on our homeschools and our families. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

The value of connecting with your atypical child cannot be overstated. There are benefits for your homeschool learning, but more importantly, connection lays the groundwork for lifelong stability and success.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Our series, 10 Strategies to Help Your Atypical Children Thrive, continues with today's topic: Helping Our Kids Understand Themselves. Colleen discusses the value of self knowledge and acceptance for our kids and how we can help them along the way. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This is part of our new series, 10 Strategies to Help Your Atypical Children Thrive. Today, our topic is all about the value of showing up in our homeschools and being present in the moment for whatever that moment calls for.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This is part of our new series, 10 Things You Can Do To Help Your Atypical Child Thrive. Today, Colleen discusses importance of eliminating our fears in order to open ourselves up to new possibilties for our children.

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This is part of our new series, 10 Things You Can Do To Help Your Atypical Child Thrive. Today, Colleen discusses the value of leaning in and embracing the child we have in front of us, as a way for the entire family to thrive. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Sometimes the hardest part can be letting go of our own expectations. The reality is, it can be one of the very best things you can do for your atypical child. These are 5 areas of our lives that we need to adjust or let go of entirely, in order to thrive. 

View Details

Colleen concludes this series all about children with anxiety with a practical and honest discussion of stragtegies we can use to help our anxious kids. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This episode continues our series, all about managing anxiety in gifted and twice exceptional children. Today, Colleen discusses the reality of learning when a child is anxious and how we can help. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

In this episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, Colleen continues a new series, all about anxiety and our atypical kids. This discussion includes information about the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of anxiety in our children and how we can help. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

In this episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, Colleen continues a new series, all about anxiety and our atypical kids. This discussion includes information about the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of anxiety in our children and how we can help. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

This new series is all about homeschooling a child with anxiety. Today, Colleen kicks it off with a discussion of the differences between stress and anxiety, as well as the impact of perfectionism on our gifted children. 

The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

View Details

Summer is just around the corner. Navigating the summer months with your gifted and twice exceptional child can bring on a new level of challenges. Colleen shares her family's plans and offers resources to help. 

View Details

In this episode, Colleen shares the unique role that community plays in the life of a gifted and twice exceptional child. She discusses why it matters and how to go about finding the right community for your family. 

View Details

In this episode, Colleen talks frankly about the impact of perfectionism on gifted children and how parents can help. 

View Details

In this episode, Colleen and Shawna discuss the unique role reading and story can play in the life of a gifted child. They share information on how to help an advanced reader and the role of books in social emotional learning for gifted and twice exceptional kids. 

View Details

This series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today's topic is a discussion about inquiry based learning - what inquiry based learning really is, plus resources and ideas for how to incorporate it into your homeschool. 

Learn more about Synthesis --https://go.synthesis.is/rll

View Details

View Details

This new series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today, Colleen specifically explores the power of play-based learning, and provides practical examples of how to incorporate it into your homeschool.  Learn more about Synthesis: https://go.synthesis.is/rll

View Details

This new series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today's topic is an introduction, all about "future proofing" our kids in an ever changing world. Throughout the course of this series, we'll discuss child led learning and interest driven choices that we can make in our homeschool, to help prepare our children for the future. (Learn more about Synthesis ---> https://go.synthesis.is/rll)

View Details

This continues our series all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, I'm sharing my own experience as a mom with ADHD homeschooling my own children with ADHD. This episode includes research about the family genetics of ADHD, coping strategies for moms in the trenches, and how to create the best possible environment for homeschooling a child with ADHD when you have ADHD yourself. 

View Details

We continue our series all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, Shawna Wingert joins Colleen to share 7 tips for motivating your child with ADHD.

View Details

This series is all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, Colleen shares her best tips for homeschooling a child who struggles with sitting still and is often "wiggly" throughout their learning.

View Details

In this episode, we kick off our new series all about homeschooling with ADHD. Today, our focus is an overview of ADHD, and how it impacts your child and your homeschool. Colleen also shares tips for successfully homeschooling your child with ADHD.

View Details

In this episode, we continue our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, the focus is on emotional excitabilities and gifted children. Colleen discusses what these overexcitabilities are and how to support and help your child. 

View Details

In this episode, we continue our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, the focus is Imaginational Overexcitabilities and gifted children. Colleen discusses what these overexcitabilities are and how to help your child. 

View Details

This continues our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, Colleen explores intellectual overexcitabilities and gifted children.

View Details

In today's episode, we continue our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, the focus is sensual excitabilities and gifted children. Colleen discusses what these overexcitabilities are and how to help your child.

View Details

Taking an eclectic approach to homeschooling when your child is gifted or twice exceptional makes sense. In fact, I believe it to be one of the best ways to engage and challenge a gifted learner. Today, I am sharing 101 reasons why!

View Details

In today's episode, we continue our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, the focus is psychomotor excitabilities and our gifted children. Colleen discusses what these overexcitabilities are and how to help your child. 

View Details

It's easy to think of examples of how play helps young children and preschoolers. But what about older kids, teens, and even adults? The importance of play for your entire family is significant and the focus of our discussion today.

View Details

Gifted children tend to have multiple intensities. These intensities are also referred to as overexcitabilities. In today's episode, Colleen introduces the theory of overexcitabilities and shares support and encouragement for parenting gifted children with intensities. 

View Details

If you are homeschooling a gifted or twice exceptional child, it probably looks different than you expected. Today, Colleen is sharing 5 Things You Need To Know About Homeschooling Gifted Kids. This a a real life, honest look at what it is really like!

View Details

One of the advantages of homeschooling your gifted child is the ability to incorporate their interests and passions into your learning. But how does it work in real life? This is a snapshot of what homeschooling your gifted child with interest-led learning is all about.

View Details

Finding gifted homeschool curriculum can be a challenge for homeschooling parents. Having a chance to take a peek inside someone else's homeschool is one of the best ways to get inspired and learn what works. With this in mind, I am sharing everything we are planning for the upcoming school year in our homeschool. 

View Details

When your child is struggling with a negative mindset, it can affect all aspects of learning and family life. That's why a question that often comes up is "Can I help my child become more optimistic?" The answer is most certainly, "Yes." This episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is all about how you can make a difference and help your child develop skills to become more optimistic. 

View Details

Creating your own interest-led middle school curriculum is not only possible, it's preferable for many gifted and twice exceptional children. In this episode of the podcast, Colleen shares how she encourages her tweens and teens to take on more responsibility for their education and how to get started creating your own interest-led, middle school homeschool curriculum. 

View Details

This is the second episode in our series with Marianne Sunderland, from Homeschooling With Dyslexia. Today, we are specially discussing gifted children and dyslexia. This conversation includes testing, using assistive technology, and most importantly, encouragement that you are the best person to help your child succeed in learning and in life!

View Details

Homeschooling a child with dyslexia has it's own unique challenges and opportunities. The more we learn about dyslexia, the more we understand that homeschooling a child with dyslexia is about more than just reading. In this episode, we talk with Marianne Sunderland, She has been homeschooling for 26 years and is considered an expert in helping children with dyslexia. In fact, seven of her eight kids have dyslexia. 

View Details

Every year about this time, we begin to plan for and discuss our upcoming homeschool year. It's like a homeschool mom annual ritual. But what about our children? Homeschool planning for kids is a helpful skill to develop and is essential as our children graduate and move into the world. 

In this practical and down to earth episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, Colleen and Shawna discuss the in's and out's of helping your child plan their homeschool days, weeks, and months.

View Details

In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learner's podcast, Colleen addresses a common concern - the uncertainty of parenting and nurturing a gifted toddler. 

View Details

Colleen answers a frequently asked question today on the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast: How do you help siblings understand when one child has anxiety? This episode is all about helping anxious children andtheir siblings.

View Details

There are a lot of misconceptions about twice exceptional children and homeschooling. In this episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, Colleen shares what it's really like to homeschool a twice exceptional child, both as a gifted education specialist and a homeschooling parent.

View Details

In this special episode of the Raising Lifelong Learner’s Podcast, Shawna Wingert shares valuable information about getting started with strength-based learning in your homeschool. She also answers a frequently asked question: What is the difference between interest-led and strength-based learning?

View Details

Wondering if your child is profoundly gifted? What does profoundly gifted even mean? In this episode, Colleen discusses how to determine if your child falls into the profoundly gifted category. She also shares the reality of homeschooling a profoundly gifted child.

View Details

Colleen is joined by her good friend and fellow veteran homeschool mom, Pam Barnhill. Honest and practical, they talk about planning, what gets in the way on a Monday morning, and provide access to resources that will help homeschoolers at any stage. If you homeschool or are even thinking about homeschooling, this episode is for you!

View Details

Giftedness is often disguised in our brightest kiddos. In this episode, Colleen explains how even as an expert in the field, her son's giftedness was difficult for her to uncover. Practical and encouraging, you don't want to miss this honest look at parenting gifted children.

View Details

In this very special episode, Colleen is joined by her son and new homeschool high school graduate, Trevor. This is a must listen for any homeschool parent wondering how their child will feel about the decision to homeschool once the journey is done. 

View Details

One of the challenges of homeschooling is finding a community that works for your child's needs and interests. In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learner Podcast, Colleen and Shawna discuss the reality of finding a homeschool community for our children and for ourselves. 

View Details

Do you want more for your family? Do you have bigger dreams and a desire for deeper relationships with your kids? Join Colleen in this encouraging and practical conversation with Celeste Orr, from Togetherness Redefined. They discuss creating meaningful connections with our children and sustaining a deeply satisfying family life. 

View Details

One of the best pieces of advice I give a parent is to become a student of their child. To really pay attention and discover what your child is interested in, passionate about, or wants to explore further so you can use that information to design the best homeschool ever. In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Andrew Peterson all about how to practically become students of our children.

View Details

Parenting gifted and twice exceptional children can bring an entire host of fears and guilt, when our children are struggling or not typically developing. In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Denaye Barahona, Ph.D. We discuss our shared experience as moms coupled, with our expertise in supporting neurodiverse children. We consider the importance and gift of authentically accepting our kids as they truly are.

View Details

Empathy is a word we emphasize a lot when it comes to our children's social and emotional development, but what does it really mean? Even more so, how can we encourage empathy in our gifted and twice exceptional children? In today's episode, Colleen and Shawna tackle the topic of empathy, 

View Details

This encouraging and informative conversation with Dr. Meg Meeker, is all about her expert perspective on meeting the individualized needs of our children. She is bit of a hero of mine, so I am thrilled to share this episode. 

View Details

At some point most parents of gifted kids will ask, “Does my gifted child really need a label?” In this audioblog episode, Collen tackles this question and looks at the pros and cons of giving your gifted child the "label."

View Details

How do we best support the unique social and emotional needs of gifted and twice-exceptional kids? In today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris of The Neurodiversity Podcast joins Colleen to discuss the specific, intense needs of our neurodiverse children and how we can best help. 

View Details

Homeschooling a gifted/2E child is often far more about helping our children develop confidence as learners than it is teaching any one subject. In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, we talk about the relationship between confidence and learning, as well as some of the ways we can intentionally help our children in this area. 

View Details

In this bonus episode, Colleen and Shawna answer a homeschooling mom's question about doctors, therapists, and homeschooling. What do we do when doctors don't support our decision to homeschool? How can we prepare for therapist visits and doctor appointments? When is it time to switch to a more homeschool friendly doctor?

View Details

Have you ever wanted to ask a homeschool graduate what they thought about their homeschool experience? Are you curious about what an adult life after homeschool looks like? Colleen gets all the answers from Samantha Shank, a brilliant homeschool graduate, highly successful business owner, and highly gifted, multi-talented individual. 

View Details

Education and achievement doesn’t have to look like school, and it doesn’t have to follow a prescribed path. In this audio-blog episode, Colleen shares the reality of rethinking achievement and how homeschooling helps our gifted children thrive. 

View Details

Homeschooling high school, particularly when your child is gifted, has its own unique set of challenges and rewards. In this conversation with Heather Woodie, from Blog, She Wrote, Colleen explores the ins and outs of homeschooling gifted high schoolers. Encouragement, practical tips, and real examples you won't want to miss!

View Details

Self-care has become an increasingly popular topic in recent years, and for good reason. As parents, we simply have to take care of ourselves in order to take care of our children. But what about our kids? How do we help them learn coping skills and emotional regulation? Join Colleen and Shawna as they discuss practical strategies for their own self-care and for their kiddos. 

View Details

We are convinced homeschooling is the best way to educate our gifted and 2E kids, through self-directed learning and unschooling.  This week, Colleen speaks with Robyn Robertson of Honey, I'm Homeschooling the Kids about unschooling. The conversation continues at https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode107

View Details

Research shows that parents are pretty accurate when identifying their young children as gifted.  Today's episode is an audioblog of a post that first appeared on the website, where Colleen asked parents to think back to when their young children were infants or toddlers and share in their own words what traits and characteristics made them realize their child was gifted. 

More over at the website, rll.bz/podcast

View Details

Today, Colleen speaks with Penny Williams of Parenting ADHD and Autism about how we really need to be okay with who our neurodiverse kiddos are and learn how to celebrate their differences. Parenting them takes intentionality.  This is a terrific conversation to glean wisdom from two parents who have faced struggles that are common in parenting atypical kids.

View Details

Today, Colleen and Shawna Wingert have a conversation about mindset, specifically to help gifted and 2E families move away from rigid and inflexible thinking. They also discuss the incredible resources inside the RLL membership community, The Learner's Lab.

View Details

Today, Colleen speaks with Brian Weisfeld, girls' entrepreneurship advocate and author of The Start Up Squad, about how encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset can be a key component to helping all kids, boys included, to develop important life skills, follow their passions, and reach their full potential.

View Details

This week, Colleen has a conversation with Shawna Wingert about  connection: how important it is to foster connection with your kids, encourage the relationships between siblings, and build a culture of connection as a family and as part of your community.

View Details

Listen as we speak with Cindy West of Our Journey Westward about how she has used project-based learning to interest and excite in her homeschool, and her recommendations on how to get started on the path to this form of learning in your own home.

View Details

We're celebrating our 100th episode with favorite snippets and comments from the past 99 episodes, all related to our quirky, gifted, and/or 2e families.

View Details

Today's episode is guest-hosted by Shawna Wingert of Different by Design Learning who shares the first chapter of Colleen's book Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident and Emotionally Intelligent Family. 

View Details

In this podcast, Colleen speaks with Kendra Fletcher, long-time homeschooler and teacher of all things literature, on how enjoying the study of literature helps our kiddos to see it's importance for themselves and for humanity.

View Details

In today's episode, Colleen shares an audioblog of a Facebook Live where she outlined how we can engage and empower our kiddos in their own learning.

View Details

Today, Colleen speaks with Dennis DeNoia how giving his kids the freedom to pursue their interests has helped them be better learners.

View Details

Today, Colleen shares an audioblog - an article by Jen Vail from the website - with ideas on helping when the world overwhelms your child.

View Details

In today's episode, Colleen speaks with Jessica Peresta about the importance of music in our families and in educating our quirky kids.

View Details

Listen today as Colleen offers 7 tips and strategies for boosting emotional resilience in kids, and learn how to help them adapt to overcome challenges.

View Details

In this episode, Colleen speaks with Suki Wessling, homeschooling parent, writer, musician and online instructor at Athena Academy about helping our kids to learn to set goals and flourish as authentic individuals in lives of their own design.

View Details

Every family can use some help finding activities, especially those that help our kids to flouish! Listen today as Colleen shares an audioblog — an article by Jennifer Vail that first appeared on the site — stock full of ideas to help your kids thrive when they are stuck inside.

View Details

In this episode, Colleen speaks with Celeste Davidson, author and professional writer-educator of Bardsy, a unique virtual community where supportive members gather to enjoy, create and share stories while also gaining access to interactive courses and tools to build their writing skills.

View Details

Today, Colleen discusses some of the specific social and emotional needs our gifted kiddos may have and how we can help and nurture them through these struggles.

View Details

In today's episode, Colleen speaks with her mentor, Dr. Jim Delisle, about the social and emotional needs of gifted children.

View Details

An audioblog of a post originally published on the website by community manager Jen Vail on 100 hints that your child might be gifted.

View Details

In this episode, Colleen speaks about anxiety with Dr. Dan Peters, psychologist, author, and a leading expert on gifted families.

View Details

Today, Colleen shares her plans and favorite resources for the 2020/2021 homeschooling year to motivate her four, mostly interest-led, kids.

View Details

Today, Colleen speaks with Seth Perler, executive function coach, educator, and vlogger who genuinely cares about seeing outside-the-box kids succeed.

View Details

Today, listen as Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — detailing how we can help our kiddos with socialization.

View Details

Today, Colleen chats with Mary Wilson about “found” poetry, book/movie matchups and the adventures possible with book clubs that will bring whimsy and delight to readers of all ages and ability!

View Details

In this episode, Colleen gives a picture of what perfectionism looks like with gifted kids, what the effect can be on them and offers ten practical tips to help your child manage perfectionism, even in the areas they naturally excel in. 

View Details

In today's episode, Colleen speaks with Blake Boles, author of "Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School?' about self-driven learning for our kids.

View Details

Today, Colleen shares an audioblog written by Jennifer Vail, who details her family's struggle to understand the cause of their son's baffling behavior.

View Details

Colleen speaks with Trent Thompson on how College For All can help students earn college credit towards bachelor's degrees while still in high school.

View Details

Today, Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — written by Cait Curley on parenting the asynchronous gifted child.

View Details

Colleen explores gentle parenting, natural homeschooling, simple living, "adventuring" and more with Rachel Rainbolt of Sage Parenting.

View Details

Today, Colleen shares an audioblog - an article that first appeared on the site - to encourage you that you are NOT alone, tired mama of gifted kids.

View Details

In this episode, Colleen meets Maya & Nina Serna who have developed the mobile app, Homieschooler, to make record keeping simpler and transcripts easier to generate.  Listen in to hear about these highly motivated teens and the tool they created that makes self-directed learning easier to track.

View Details

In today’s episode, Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — written by contributor and community manager, Jennifer Vail.  She details how she came into homeschooling under duress but as a result, found a true, loving adventure with her quirky son.

View Details

Today, Colleen speaks with Michelle Tanner and her profoundly gifted son, Elliott, about the wonderful journey they’ve taken to radically accelerate Elliott to college at the tender age of 11.  

View Details

Listen as Colleen explains what resiliency is, how it can be nurtured in our kids and how we should work towards more of it for healthier families.

View Details

In today's podcast, Colleen speaks with Kara Anderson, author of More Than Enough: Grow Your Confidence, Banish Burnout and Love Your Homeschool Life.  You'll find that these two friends have a lot to say about how you aren’t alone and there are plenty of ways to feel stronger and more encouraged.

View Details

Parenting is tough. No matter how rock-solid your discipline strategies are, you probably lose your temper and yell from time to time.  Even the most well-meaning of parents may find themselves yelling at their kiddos in a moment of angry frustration.

In today’s episode, Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — offering some of her favorite tools and tips for peaceful parenting.

View Details

Today, Colleen speaks with Peter Gray, PhD and author of “Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life.” Peter and Colleen discuss his journey to understanding how self-directed learning is a most successful model of education, empowering kids to take ownership of their learning from young ages.

View Details

Research shows that when we encourage our learners to pursue their interests and utilize their strengths in their learning, we can also see gains in areas that they aren't as strong in.  Colleen dives a little deeper into understanding what strength based learning is and how there are simple, practical steps we can take to nurture our kids’ strengths.

View Details

In today’s podcast, Colleen talks with Shawna Wingert of Different By Design Learning about taking a strength-based approach and using it in our homeschooling in a way that encourages and empowers our differently-wired kiddos in their learning.

View Details

Gifted children have characteristics that can often cause them to struggle socially and emotionally.

In today’s episode, Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — outlining some common challenges facing gifted kids and offering real guidance to help you help your child manage his or her emotions.

View Details

School choice is extremely personal.  It really comes down to what are you most comfortable with, what can you afford and what kinds of sacrifices are you willing to make with regards to this decision for educating your differently-wired kiddos.

In today’s solocast, Colleen discusses the different options to best meet your children’s needs when school just doesn’t work.

View Details

Today, we talk with Sara Tullos about the genesis of her "My Zoo Box" subscription box and how she meets the needs of her inquisitive and quirky five year old by homeschooling.

View Details

The longer I homeschool my gifted children, and the more I see and talk to other parents of gifted and twice-exceptional kids, the more I believe that homeschooling is the best educational option for our nation’s above-average children. 

In today's episode, Colleen shares an audioblog -- an article that first appeared on the site.  She makes a strong case for how best to meet our gifted children's needs while spelling out the very real benefits of homeschooling.

View Details

While this podcast episode was recorded before all the COVID-19 stuff hit, and things were relatively normal, I felt it important to share it with you. In this episode I talk about five simple things you can do with your anxious kiddos to help them right now. Right now, anxieties are high. 

Kids are worrying.

Adults are worrying. 

We're all kind of in this big ole anxiety boat together. We could really use some solidarity and support right now.

View Details

Differently-wired kiddos require a major shift in parenting philosophies and practices, and today's guest is no stranger to shaking things up. Debbie Reber, founder of the Tilt Parenting podcast and author of Differently-Wired: Rasing an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World, has a lot to say about bringing up neurodiverse kiddos. Join Colleen and Debbie as they talk school choices, parenting shifts, and the news of the brand-new paperback version of Differently-Wired in bookstores everywhere!

View Details

I laugh, I shrug, I shake my head. My kids are gifted, and sometimes they're just gonna gift. It's time that we stop apologizing for it...

In today's episode, Colleen shares an audioblog -- an article that first appeared on the site. Written by contributor Jen Vail, this audioblog uses humor to help parents appreciate their quirky kids for exactly who they are. 

View Details

Are you planning to come out to a homeschool convention this season? Colleen will be speaking at all seven of the Great Homeschool Conventions and several others as well -- you can find her entire calendar on her speaking page. In this episode, though, she chats about why you should consider attending as a homeschool parent of a differently-wired kiddo. 

There are opportunities to check out curriculum, talk to experts in all subject areas, be inspired by different tyes of speakers, and enjoy special events like the Real Mom Tour she, Pam Barnhill, and Sarah MacKenzie are hosting at each GHC event! Make sure you leave a comment or a voice mail to let her know which event you'll be at -- she can't wait to meet you!

View Details

Today, Colleen talks to Kristen Jenson, author of Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids and founder of Protect Young Minds. This conversation dives deeply into what porn does to the brain, how it contributes to addiction, and how we can protect our differently-wired kiddos who often need more than just a "don't do it" to convince them that our advice might be worth following. This is an episode you don't want to miss.

View Details

Do you feel like all you ever do is yell at and correct your intense child? That for every time you praise him, you’ve already berated him 15 times? And, are you completely exhausted before you’ve finished your first cup of coffee?

Yeah… me too.

This audioblog shares tips for helping you work with your intense child to have them get on board with family rules and structures so you can all have the peace you crave.

View Details

View Details

View Details

View Details

View Details

View Details

View Details

View Details

View Details

View Details

View Details