Raising Lifelong Learners

Homeschooling special needs children can be really tough. When your child has several special needs and is very asynchronous, too, things get even more challenging. One of our absolute favorite moms of special needs kids is Shawna Wingert from Not the Former Things. She blogs honestly and empowers other moms of special needs kiddos to tackle each new day with renewed strength and the knowledge that they're not alone. She's walking right alongside of them. Join Colleen and Shawna today as they talk about building on their asynchronous kiddos' strengths to help them tackle their weaknesses. It's a longer episode today, but so, so worth hanging in for.

Maleeha is concerned. Following a student-led, self-directed model of homeschooling can definitely add up, cost-wise, and when you're homeschooling insatiable gifted learners, it can be even more costly. These kids seem to eat programs and materials for breakfast.  So, how can a parent get kids iinvolved in their own learning, and fostering their curiosity, all without breaking the budget? Colleen offers some suggestions today.

Whether you homeschool your quirky kiddo, send him or her to school, or change it up depending on the year and the situation, you're doing exactly what you need to do for your child when he or she needs it most. In today's episode, Colleen talks to Dayna Abraham all about the chaos of raising differently-wired kids, and helping them channel those challenges for good and begin to see themselves as "superkids." Afterwards, you get to reconnect with Colleen's son, Trevor, and see what he's been up to. Grab a beverage and put your feet up, you're not going to want to miss this one...

Connie worries that her kids will fall behind if they follow an unconventional homeschooling schedule. Her family finds themselves out of the house several days a week, and they're all exhausted by the time they get home. Is it possible to make a three-day homeschool work? I share my thoughts in today’s episode, but would love to hear yours, too. Scroll down to the comments section and tell us what YOU think about unusual schedules! We’re all better together.

Parenting and homeschooling differently-wired kids can be a challenge, and it's even harder when faced with choices about medication, therapies, and following one's parenting gut. In this episode, Misty and Colleen talk about homeschooling, finding the great moments, and about the tough choice to medicate or not. You'll hear two very different experiences with meds and, hopefully, will be reassured that it's a personal decision, and what's right for one isn't always right for another. You're doing a great job parenting your differently-wired kids -- remember that and trust yourself.

Angie worries that she's not doing enought to challenge her gifted kids because of something a well-meaning pedatrician said to her at a well-visit. Her family enjoys a relaxed and interest-driven, self-directed type of homeschool environment, but she's concerned that it's not enough for the kids and that her doctor is right -- that they'll struggle with underachievement and problem behaviors as they grow. I share my thoughts in today's episode, but would love to hear yours, too. Head over to the shownotes page at the site: RaisingLifelongLearners.com/episode12 and tell us what YOU think about self-directed learning in the comments! We're all better together. 

Conversations with friends who get you, understand (and still love) your quirky kids, and are honest and real are so important in life -- especially when you're homeschooling. Chatting with Kara Anderson is always a chance to be loved for who you are. She's real, down-to-Earth, frank, funny, and such a joy. In this conversation we talk quirky kids, taking time for oneself, being our kids' person, and spring cleaning. Grab a cup of tea and settle in... you're going to love this episode.

Want to make the most out of your parenting -- in just ten minutes a day? Listen in to find out the super (not so) secret way Sarah MacKenzie connects with her kids, builds meaningful relationships with all six(!) of them, and cultivates a passionate love of learning through books. The power of a great book cannot be underestimated and this deceptively simple action may be just what your family needs to turn things around and form those lasting bonds and shared memories you hope bring your kiddos home long after they've flown the nest. Tune in to this fun episode and listen in on a conversation between friends, and then listen to the sweetest future-published-author fourteen year old talk about her love of books too.   

Strengthening your family, simplifying your homeschool, and savoring the subjects that matter most is a piece of cake when you take a moment to soak in the wisdom of today's guest, my friend Pam Barnhill. She has a knack for putting things into perspective and easing the tension homeschool mamas feel when faced with the overwhelm that doing all the things often brings. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and pop n your earbuds -- you're in for a treat. 

Raising creative, loving, and inquisitive kids is a goal of mine, and so many other parents out there -- homeschooling, afterschooling, traditionally schooling, and everything in between. Today I'm talking to Melissa, a friend from the interwebs, about herself, her beautifully-wired family, and following the joy in life. I hope you'll join us and be inspired too...