Raising Lifelong Learners Colleen Kessler

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

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

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/

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

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/

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/