Hi Reader! I'm not sure if I ever told you this... But I really love being part of an in-person fiction book club. I mean, I really love it. There’s something about getting lost in a story throughout the month… and then sitting around a table with friends sharing dinner, laughter, and conversation that just fills me back up. In fact, here’s a little peek from one of our nights. Now, I know what you might be thinking… “That sounds nice… but I don’t have time for that.” And I get it. I’ve been...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Okay, I have a little game for you today. Ready? Statement 1: The American public school system was modeled after a Prussian military strategy — designed to create obedient soldiers and compliant factory workers, not curious thinkers. Statement 2: Kids today need the exact same education that worked in 1816. Statement 3: The original system grouped children by age, sat them in rows, and rewarded memorization and compliance — because that's what factory owners needed from their...
15 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader! One thing I hear from homeschool parents all the time is this: “I wish my child had something they were passionate about… but I have no idea how to find it.” It can feel like everyone else’s kids have “their thing.” The musician.The athlete.The artist. Meanwhile you’re sitting there wondering if your child will ever discover something they love. What I’ve learned over the years is that passions rarely appear fully formed. More often, they start as experiments. My daughter actually...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader! I came across an old photo the other day that made me laugh out loud. It’s a picture of what we used to call our “morning time.” If you’ve ever imagined homeschool mornings looking calm and cozy, with everyone sitting nicely, listening attentively, soaking up wisdom, you might enjoy this mental picture. My kids are scattered all over the floor.There are books piled everywhere.Someone has a piggy bank open and is counting coins.One child is literally upside down.And I’m pretty sure...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader! Today's the day! Our CALM Approach workshop starts in just a few hours. Date: Thursday, March 5th Time: 5pm ET By the end of our time together today, you'll walk away with: One powerful phrase you can use in your very next interaction with your teen. It can immediately shift the dynamic from resistance to openness Clear conversation scripts for those moments when your teen shuts down, pushes back, or says "I don't care" Confidence in how to respond when your buttons get pushed and...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! You know the phrase we as homeschoolers hear all the time, “It all counts as learning.” (and I often say!) It’s comforting. But sometimes it can feel a little vague. Does it all count? And how? I want to be clear. Unstructured play absolutely has a place. Free exploration, boredom, imagination, tinkering without an agenda. That matters deeply. What this research article from the University of Cambridge helped me understand is something slightly different. It looks at guided play...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Quick reminder. Today is the last day to purchase the VIP Pass for the Leadership Life Skills Summit before the price increases to nearly double. If you’re anything like me, you probably registered for the Free Pass with good intentions… and then life got busy. Maybe you caught one or two sessions. Maybe none at all. Instead of feeling behind, here’s another option. Get the VIP Pass!! It gives you lifetime access so you can:• Watch on your schedule• Revisit your favorite sessions•...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! The Leadership Life Skills Summit begins tomorrow! If you’ve registered, I hope you’re looking forward to the conversations. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time. High school and teen years can feel high pressure. But underneath the academics are skills that truly shape adulthood: Emotional regulationProblem solvingCommunicationExecutive functionSelf-advocacy These are not built in one dramatic moment. They grow slowly through supportive relationships, intentional conversations...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! I was reading an APA resource this week about homeschooling and the section on high school stood out to me. It described the high school years as a time when students want purpose and agency. They want to make an impact. They often propose ideas that feel idealistic or unrealistic, but those ideas matter deeply to them. I've seen this in my own kids. The article goes on to say that without strong problem-solving and social skills, teens are likely to struggle in postsecondary...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read