The Homeschool Sanity Show Melanie Wilson, PhD
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- Kids & Family
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Your prescription for happier, healthier homeschooling with Christian psychologist and veteran homeschooling mother of six, Dr. Melanie Wilson, who interviews experts on the issues that drive you crazy.
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How To Help Your Child Manage Emotions
Hey, homeschoolers! How to help an anxious, frustrated, or bored child is the most common question I get. In this episode, I'll share a three-step approach you can use to help your child manage any negative emotion.
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Summary
In this episode, Melanie Wilson addresses the common concern of homeschooling parents regarding their child's ability to manage emotions. She emphasizes that emotional struggles should be seen as skill deficits rather than character flaws. Melanie highlights the lack of emotional management education in schools and the need for explicit teaching in this area. She introduces a three-step framework for teaching emotional skills: prevention, recognition, and substitution. The chapters cover topics such as the importance of sleep, diet, and environment in preventing negative emotions, teaching children to recognize signs of frustration, and finding constructive responses to boredom. Melanie encourages parents to provide practice and grace as children learn to manage their emotions and emphasizes the role of prayer and faith in this process.
Previous Episodes on Emotions
Helping the Anxious Child
Helping the Frustrated Child
How to Deal with a Troublemaking Child
Homeschooling a Child with ADHD -
Special Replay: 3 Reasons To Attend A Homeschool Conference In Person This Year
Hey, homeschoolers! If you've ever considered attending a homeschool conference, this is the year to do it. If you've attended in the past, I have three reasons you should attend again.
In short, you should attend for the curriculum, the speakers, and the fellowship with other homeschoolers.
Some resources I mention in today's episode are:
Great Homeschool Conventions
Grammar Galaxy Books
Carole Barnier's episodes on ADD and reading
Dr. S. M. Davis
Institute for Excellence in Writing
I hope to see you at a conference this year!
Have a happy homechool week. -
What Will You Teach Your Kids About Human Evolution?
Hey, homeschoolers! I had the opportunity to talk with my good friend, Dr. Carl Werner, for this episode. He is an expert in evolution who has devoted decades of his life to examining the evidence for evolution. His most recent book is about human evolution. The evidence he has amassed is stunning. Now more than ever I believe we have to share his work with our kids. Here's my chat with Carl.
Watch on YouTube
There is a tale over 4,000 years old, preserved in ancient writings from every major culture around the world. Many thought it was only a myth, but evidence supports what the Bible has said all along. Sevenfold Films and Genesis Apologetics present: The Ark and the Darkness. In theaters March 20-21! Visit http://noahsflood.com
Episode Summary
In this episode, Melanie Wilson interviews Dr. Carl Werner about the topic of human evolution. They discuss the assumption of human evolution and the evidence presented in museums and educational institutions. Dr. Werner shares his personal journey from believing in evolution to skepticism and the research he conducted to uncover the truth about ape men fossils. He exposes the fraud and errors associated with famous fossils like Neanderthal Man and Lucy. Dr. Werner emphasizes the importance of educating children about the flaws in the theory of human evolution and provides resources for further exploration.
How to Give Your Kids Confidence in Creation
The Grand Experiment: Dr. Werner's website
Have a happy homeschool week! Be sure to come by and say hello if you're attending the Great Homeschool Convention in Greenville, South Carolina. -
Wisdom For Raising Boys
Hey, homeschoolers! I never thought I would have five boys, but I am so glad I do. I love them to the moon and back and judging by the response my episode on homeschooling boys got, so do you.
That's why I was excited to read Durenda Wilson's new book on the topic and to hear her thoughts on why it's so important to think about how we are raising our boys. In Raising Boys to Men: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Raising and Homeschooling Boys, Durenda shares her almost three decades of experience raising and homeschooling her five boys. She brings wisdom and perspective that will inspire moms to see their sons in a fresh and hopeful way, so they can raise the next generation of boys to be courageous men of faith and action. I know you'll love our conversation.
Watch on YouTube
Episode Summary
Durenda Wilson, a homeschooling mother of eight boys, discusses the importance of raising boys and the challenges they face in today's culture. She emphasizes the need for understanding and appreciating the unique characteristics and nature of boys, while also setting clear boundaries and instilling a strong work ethic. Wilson shares personal anecdotes and insights from her book, which aims to equip mothers with a better understanding of their sons and provide practical guidance for homeschooling and parenting boys. In this conversation, Durenda Wilson discusses her book 'Raising Boys to Men' and shares her insights on motherhood and parenting. She emphasizes the joy of raising children and the satisfaction that comes from hard work. Durenda also highlights the importance of shared responsibility in parenting and the role of fathers in raising sons. She concludes by providing information on how to get a copy of her book and hints at future conversations on homeschooling.
Raising Boys Resources
Link to redeem your purchase for a free audiobook
Durenda's website
Homeschooling boys episode
Have a happy homeschool week! -
Redeeming Parenting Failures
Hey, homeschoolers! You've been there. You've blown it with your kids. Maybe you lost your temper or disciplined in a way that you're not proud of. In this episode, my guest and I will discuss how to redeem those parenting failures. Before I introduce Andee Martineau, I want to be clear about my perspective on discipline. It is first of all grounded in God's Word.
But whether families share my faith or not, I believe they have to determine which discipline approach is right for them. I do think there are challenges that come with extremes in discipline -- too hard and too soft. But there is a lot of room between the extremes to find what works for you. Parents who discipline in the middle of the extremes want a strong relationship with their kids because they know their influence is most likely to result in happy, successful kids. Andee Martineau and I share that perspective. We have a different philosophy on correction, but I appreciate that her approach has worked for her and may work for you, especially if you've had a too-hard discipline approach.
Andee Martineau is a parenting coach who specializes in helping parents raise their kids without yelling, ultimatums, or bribes. Using her Connect Method Parenting techniques, she has taught thousands of parents to feel more in control of family life, stress less, get their kids to listen, and more.
Sponsor: Harper Collins Kingdom Girls Bible
Girls will discover the power of faith in this beautiful Bible that features women of the Bible!
Here is the ideal Bible for girls on their journey of faith! This special Bible is specifically crafted to highlight the stories and lessons of the inspiring, famous, and sometimes infamous women of the Bible.
With over 400 engaging features, colorful illustrations, and helpful notes, this Bible is perfect for girls ages 8 to 12 as they learn about the strong and faithful women who came before them. From Eve to Ruth, Esther to Mary, this Bible brings the stories of these women to life and shows how their faith and strength can still inspire girls today.
Featuring a beautiful design and easy-to-read text, this Bible is a great resource for girls as they grow in their own faith and learn about the women who have impacted the world.
Features include:
* Her Story – Character sketches of 75 good and not-so-good female role models of the Bible
* Action Plans – Prayer, art, outdoor activities, and music are examples of some actions suggested in this fun-filled feature
* Take It to Heart – Great verses to memorize
* Step Into the Story – Solid advice on how to live a godly life in today’s world
* Meet ______ – Meet 50 lesser-known women of the Bible and discover ways to help build character and godliness
* A Letter to Myself – A place for a girl to make a commitment about who and what she wants to be, and, even more important, who she wants to follow -
Is Homeschool Chaos Normal?
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In this conversation, Melanie Wilson addresses the question of whether chaos is normal in homeschooling. She defines chaos as unexpected and unplanned interruptions and explains that it is common for homeschooling moms to experience chaos, especially when starting their homeschooling journey. She emphasizes that chaos can be frustrating but often leads to unexpected and better outcomes. However, she also acknowledges that there is a type of chaos that is not just a phase and requires specific actions to regain control. Melanie provides advice on establishing routines, implementing structure in child discipline, and prioritizing planned self-care to break free from negative chaos.
Sponsor: Harper Collins Kingdom Girls Bible
Girls will discover the power of faith in this beautiful Bible that features women of the Bible!
Here is the ideal Bible for girls on their journey of faith! This special Bible is specifically crafted to highlight the stories and lessons of the inspiring, famous, and sometimes infamous women of the Bible.
With over 400 engaging features, colorful illustrations, and helpful notes, this Bible is perfect for girls ages 8 to 12 as they learn about the strong and faithful women who came before them. From Eve to Ruth, Esther to Mary, this Bible brings the stories of these women to life and shows how their faith and strength can still inspire girls today.
Featuring a beautiful design and easy-to-read text, this Bible is a great resource for girls as they grow in their own faith and learn about the women who have impacted the world.
Features include:
* Her Story – Character sketches of 75 good and not-so-good female role models of the Bible
* Action Plans – Prayer, art, outdoor activities, and music are examples of some actions suggested in this fun-filled feature
* Take It to Heart – Great verses to memorize
* Step Into the Story – Solid advice on how to live a godly life in today’s world
* Meet ______ – Meet 50 lesser-known women of the Bible and discover ways to help build character and godliness
* A Letter to Myself – A place for a girl to make a commitment about who and what she wants to be, and, even more important, who she wants to follow
* Book Introductions – An overview of each book of the Bible
* Subject Index – Find features written about specific topics like courage, kindness, or joy
* Beautiful illustrations and full color throughout
Customer Reviews
We all need sanity
As a mom considering homeschooling my littles, I’ve been diving into these podcasts lately, and I love how uplifting this one is! It makes me feel like it’s definitely something my family can handle.
Inspirational and full of wisdom
I’ve enjoyed listening to your podcasts as you offer a lot of wisdom. I especially enjoyed listening to How to Combat Loneliness As a Homeschool Mom. You offered a lot of great suggestions as to how to make friends. I especially liked the one about reaching out to retired homeschool moms. This is something I’ve considered doing just recently. Thanks for the suggestions!
Resource and Inspiration Filled Podcast!
Dr. Melanie Wilson gives families such encouragement and so many resources for their homeschooling journeys! What a great podcast!