RLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna Wingert
Today, we begin featuring a new type of podcast episode at Raising Lifelong Learners with Colleen Kessler, what we’re calling “A Conversation About.” Colleen will be meeting with Shawna Wingert of Different By Design Learning at least monthly to discuss topics, common struggles and questions that come up often with our quirky and “outside-the-box” kiddos and families.
This week’s conversation centers around connection: how important it is to foster connection with your kids, encourage the relationships between siblings, and build a culture of connection as a family and as part of your community.
Why Connection Matters Is So Important For Our Gifted And Twice Exceptional Children
It seems obvious, but the reality is that the connection we create with our kids can make all the difference in their overall sense of self. Our children’s ability to relate and connect is a fundamental skill for learning and in life.
In fact, studies have shown that a child’s ability to connect with their teacher is one of the most important factors in their overall educational success. How much more so when we think about the role of a parent in a child’s life.
While I don’t think any of us would disagree that connection is important, how do we intentionally create an environment of connection with our children?
RELATED: RLL #30, Andrew Peterson: Being Students of Our Children
The Role Of Connection In Social Emotional Skills
Quirky kiddos often struggle with social interactions and constructs. What is clear is that the connections we foster in our family dynamic can help to create a foundation for our children’s ability to connect outside our home as well, in the world.
Connection shows our kids that they are safe, they are understood, they are protected, they are capable of learning, and that they are secure. This positions them for success in both their education and in life.
How Do I Create An Environment Of Connection For My Child?
Today’s episode of the Raising Lifelong Learner podcast answers this question and shares so much more. Shawna and I discuss practical examples of taking the concept of connection and make it a reality for our families. Please join us.
Links and Resources from Today’s Show:
- Sponsor: The Anxiety Toolkit by Colleen Kessler / Raising Lifelong Learners
- The Learner’s Lab, a Raising Lifelong Learner’s membership community
- The Learner’s Lab Masterclass | Helping Your Child Manage Worry
- Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom’s Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family by Colleen Kessler
- Shawna Wingert’s website, Different By Design Learning
- Different by Design Learning on Facebook
- Different by Design Learning on Instagram
- Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities: Strategies to Succeed in School and Life with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADHD, and Processing Disorders
- Equipping Parents to Help Children with Language-Based Learning Disabilities
- The Power Of Relationship In Helping Children With Learning Disabilities
- RLL #30, Andrew Peterson: Being Students of Our Children
- Interest-Driven Learning
- Among Us (video game)
- Discover Your Love Language – The Five Love Languages®
- Parenting the Bumpy Teen Years by Sally Clarkson
- 5 Secrets for Communicating with Your Teen
- 12 Strategies for Nurturing a Strong Connection with Your Child
- RLL #71: Resiliency and Why Our Kids Need It
- RLL #93: 7 Tips and Strategies for Boosting Emotional Resilience in Your Kids
- Resiliency Resources at Raising Lifelong Learners
- RLL #88: Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids with Jim Delisle
- RLL #89: Helpinig Our Gifted Kids with Social and Emotional Struggles
- RLL #65: [Audioblog] Navigating Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids
- What is Emotional Intelligence?
- RLL #66: Strength-based Learning for Differently-Wired Kids with Shawna Wingert
- A Strength Based Homeschool: How to Do It (at Different By Design Learning)
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