The Real Kathy Lee Kathy Lee

Looking In the Mirror

This week I spent hours and hours talking with some friends that were going through some pretty serious issues. Ladies, we need each other. This week isn’t about your toddler biting or your four year-old who wets the bed. This week, let’s talk honestly about YOU… and me… and all of us.



self-a·ware·ness



ˈˌself əˈwernəs/



noun



* conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.



"the process can be painful but it leads to greater self-awareness"



Would you say that you are self-aware? How does one become self-aware? Does it even matter? On this week’s episode I share my thoughts on this subject and my journey of self-awareness. I fully believe that our past influences our present. Believe me, I don’t have it all figured out and the number one thing I tell everyone is GIVE YOURSELF GRACE. We all need it!



I suggest the following as you look in the mirror:



 



* Be still

* Be honest

* Be vulnerable

* Share your journey with a few people you can trust.

* Be willing to learn.







Check out Andy Stanley’s sermon, What Happy Couples Know.



Hugs for you as you take a look in the mirror this week. May you find the strength to be honest with yourself and address anything that might have been hiding or tucked away.



Say YES and have a great week!!!



Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for me to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let me know. Just email me at kathy@thehomegrownpreschooler.com or shoot me a message on social media.



Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!



Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.







Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Collins Christian, and the Kingdom Girl’s Bible



Girls will discover the power of faith in this beautiful Bible that features women of the Bible. This 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. Visit the website for more information.







Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

 



 

OOOOOHHHH, I love the show this week. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Graeme Pitman, creative director of The Circe Institute. As I have watched his social media accounts, I have giggled and sat in amazement at the connecting moments he has had with his three young children. I thought it would be fun to have Graeme on the show and talk about his family and the way they make the everyday moments matter.



Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Collins Christian, and the Kingdom Girl’s Bible



Girls will discover the power of faith in this beautiful Bible that features women of the Bible. This 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. Visit the website for more information.



In this episode, Graeme Pitman shares that time does matter in parenting and that quality time requires quantity time. When I watched the video of Graeme and his son Rowan talking about Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, I was thrilled to witness a beautiful conversation where a child was invited to share his honest thoughts and interpretation of the story. I asked Graeme to tell us why he made this inspiring video.



One of my favorite posts on Graeme’s Instagram account was that of his daughter belly laughing. I enjoyed imagining the conversation that occurred in their home to cause such a grand laugh. Even though his life looks picturesque on social media, Graeme assures me that they are not a fairy tale family. He insists they are just a mom and dad trying to relax and enjoy the journey.



Visit Graeme’s site to learn more about his gifts as a photographer and creative director.







 



I hope you make time to connect with your kids today!!



You’ve got this!



**Above Photography provided by Graeme Pitman - Pitman Photography.





Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!



Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.



 



 







Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

 

If you have listened to my podcast for very long, you have heard me say… You’ve Got This. You might have wondered what in the world I actually mean by that statement. Today’s podcast explains my thoughts as I share such an empowering phrase.

Thanks to our sponsor, A Fanthom Presents Film – The Ark and The Darkness – Movie Trailer here: NoahsFlood



In theaters March 20-21! Noah’s Flood is preserved in ancient writings from every major culture around the world. Recent discoveries confirm what the Bible has said all along. Sevenfold Films and Genesis Apologetics present: The Ark and the Darkness.

Motherhood is hard. We become parents through pregnancy or adoption, both are hard.  Before the baby arrives we are often exhausted physically and emotionally. Next, we stay up all night and are expected to be happy and function the next day. What? How? By digging deep, by realizing that you are making a difference for eternity. It doesn’t mean that it isn’t challenging and very lonely at times.



I suggest the following for moms who struggle believing that they can pull off this thing called motherhood:



Don’t be scared to ask for help – Reach out to a close friend and share your feelings.

Say YES to taking time for yourself. You won’t regret it. You and your family will be happier for it.

Say NO often. Motherhood can overwhelm us, especially when we take on too many things outside the home during the early years.

It is okay to have your own tantrum from time to time. I suggest going in the closet for a good cry or toddler style fit.

Time flies. Try and lean in to these years, savor them. It sounds ridiculous, but you will miss the middle of the night feedings and early morning snuggles on the sofa.



 

YOU really, really do HAVE this!!

Comment on my post on FB at The Real Kathy Lee or The Homegrown Preschooler for a chance to win this journal!!!







Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!



Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

 

Showing Love After Valentine's Day is Over

Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday for me as a mom. I so enjoy getting up early to write my kids love notes, set the table with candles and red, sparkly runners and cook a special breakfast. I want my children to know on this day that they are loved!



Once Valentine’s Day was over, I started questioning my attitude towards the other 364 days of the year. Did I work hard to make sure my kids know they were loved everyday? If so, how do I accomplish that and how do I encourage you to love your kids every February 15th – February 13

I came up with a few things…







Write love notes throughout the year.



Be creative. Write on their bathroom mirror with lipstick, leave notes on the pillows, tape notes to the back of the seat where they sit in the car, put notes in their books, in their backpacks, in their lunchboxes. Share specific things you love about them or positive things you have noticed them doing.



 

Spend TIME with them.I recently saw a news clip about young children and tablet time. The reporter stated that it is fine for young children to be on devices as long as adults were engaged with the children. They showed a video of one child and two adults sitting on a sofa. All three people were on their own device. This is NOT what I am talking about. Real time with your kids means devices are put away. Conversations are happening. Dinner Time, time in the car, while tucking in at night, etc… In order to have a real relationship with anyone, you MUST spend time with him or her.

Honor their work.If your child paints a picture for you, hang it up. If they want to sing you a song, stop what you are doing and listen to it (it usually takes less than two minutes). If they want to read you their story, listen! Honoring their work will teach them that their work matters!

Be careful with your conversations.We have all been guilty of getting on the phone with a girlfriend and firing off. Maybe you were upset with a friend, your partner, or even your child? If you think your child is busy playing and not paying attention, WRONG. They are listening to every word. Decide to share positive things instead… about your friend, your partner, and your child. Words are powerful so choose them carefully.

Create a home that is welcoming for your children and their friends.I am honored when kids say they feel comfortable in my home. I love it when my kids want us to host the party, the bible study, and the special event. I want every one who walks into my home to feel welcomed and relaxed. Hopefully, your children will want to follow your lead and have that kind of home when they grow up and leave the nest.



I am far from perfect as a mom. However, I am confident that my kids will know that I love them and I want them to grow up and love well.



How will you show love today???

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for me to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let me know. 

 

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!



Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

 



Thanks to our sponsor, A Fanthom Presents Film – The Ark and The Darkness – Movie Trailer here: a href="https://noahsflood.

On today’s show I talked about Christmas presents for young learners. Well-meaning adults often focus on the amount of presents under the tree, but this year I want to encourage them (and you) to focus on quality toys and presents instead.





Quality Wooden Blocks – I mention Constructive Playthings on the show and they have great products. Honestly, my favorite are Community Playthings and their website is www.communityplaythings.com Sooo worth the money!

Books – Good books are a must! For little ones, focus on board books with beautiful (real, when possible) pictures. Rhyming books, silly books, read –alouds are great for children, as they get a little older. Check out this link…http://time.com/100-best-childrens-books/





Kits – Create different kits for a great present that will keep your kids engaged. You can decorate plastic containers with lids for easy storage and cute presentation.



Exploration Kit- Nature journal (blank notebook), bird / flower books, pencils, magnifying glass, collection containers, tweezers for collecting bugs and such.

Art Kit- Check out www.discountschoolsupply.com and www.lakeshore.com for quality art products for kids. Paper (large and small sizes), blank canvas’, pencils, paint, brushes, stickers, collage materials, and glue are all great in an art kit.

Bath Kit- Shaving cream, brushes, scrubbers, soaps, squirt toys, and even a new tootbrush.

Baby Doll Kit – baby dolls, blankets, small bucket for bathing, baby wash cloths, baby soap, bottles.

Sensory Kit- slime materials (glue and liquid starch, waterbeads, play-doh ingredients, textured items)





Grocery Store and such  - www.ana-white.com has a great plan for a grocery store/flower shop/post office/puppet stage… If you are not a woodworker, fill a small grocery cart with a cash register, a receipt pad, and some empty food boxes. My kids loved this cash register and it can be found from a variety of retailers.







Tent / Space for One – Creating a cozy space for one in your home is of benefit to you and your child. Many retailers have tents that can be purchased. Also include some cozy pillows, a few books, and maybe a small container of manipulatives or even a simple memory game.





Playhouse – Try and find something general enough that children can pretend with people or animals. Check out this treehouse dollhouse from www.landofnod.com.



Also, we’ve been having fun playing but I want to do more read alouds. The only thing is that my youngest is just too noisy. Is that something about discipline or just age? Should I do read alouds when he’s asleep?





Amanda asked, “ Do you, and if so HOW do you find time for yourself to avoid burnout? I feel like I can keep it together for a couple of weeks – getting up early to get a jump on the day, spending much needed time with the Lord, being patient and sweet with the kids (LOL!), saying yes and playing skillfully, keeping up with laundry and cleanup, cooking meals… by 3rd week I start feeling spent and the laundry starts slipping, I’m inclined to order dinner out every night and my best-laid school plans fall behind. Do you have a strategy for self-refreshment?



I loved answering all of these questions on the show. If you have questions for me, submit them via FB or instagram (The Real Kathy Lee) or message me through the website.

Find a way to #sayyes today.

 









Enjoy this podcast? Check out these podcasts on preschoolers!

Rediscovering the Joy in Motherhood with Kathy Lee

On this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with one of my favorite homeschooling moms on the planet. Keri Vasek is the mother of three muddlings and opens up to share her journey of losing her joy (and rediscovering it). You will see in this episode just why I call my show The REAL Kathy Lee and often refer to myself as a hot mess!



In this captivating episode, I am thrilled to engage in a heartfelt conversation with Keri Vasek, a remarkable homeschooling mother whose journey of rediscovering joy resonates deeply with me. As the host of "The REAL Kathy Lee" show, I've had the privilege of meeting inspiring individuals, but Keri's story is a true gem.



Keri, a loving mother of three, candidly shares her personal odyssey, one that many of us can relate to. She speaks candidly about a time when she felt like she had lost her joy, a sentiment that often plagues parents and caregivers amidst the demands of daily life. Her honesty is refreshing, reminding us that it's okay to embrace our "hot mess" moments.



Throughout the episode, Keri's resilience and authenticity shine through. Her journey towards rediscovering joy is a testament to the power of self-reflection, perseverance, and the supportive community that homeschooling can provide. As Keri opens up about her experiences, listeners are bound to find inspiration in her words, understanding that even in the midst of chaos and challenges, there is a path back to joy.



So, tune in to this episode of "The REAL Kathy Lee" to witness Keri Vasek's touching story, and join me in celebrating the beauty of embracing our authentic selves, imperfections, and all.



 



 





Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!