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# Raising Lifelong Learners

Inspiring families to create, discover, and grow together.

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## Posts

- [Blog](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/blog/)
- [Navigating Parent Burnout While Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/navigating-parent-burnout-while-homeschooling-neurodivergent-kids/) - Homeschooling takes everything you have. Homeschooling a neurodivergent child takes everything—and more—you didn’t know you could give. So often the conversations in parenting circles center around how to support our children, how to advocate for their needs, how to adjust and accommodate and scaffold each day so they become who they’re meant to be. But
- [Great Books to Read With Your Kids in July](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-with-your-kids-in-july/) - We are in the middle of summer, folks! Let's work together to keep our kids' bodies moving and their minds busy with this list of great books to read with your kids in July. I've included a mix of travel themed books, history books, silly books, and some books that will take you on an
- [Navigating Sibling Conflict and Neurodivergence in Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/navigating-sibling-conflict-and-neurodivergence-in-your-homeschool/) - It’s the universal family refrain: “That’s not fair!” If you have more than one child, you’ve heard it—sometimes on a daily basis. In neurodivergent homeschooling families, though, these conversations about fairness and sibling dynamics can take on a whole new level of complexity. When giftedness, ADHD, autism, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, dyslexia, or any combination thereof
- [Real-Life Homeschool Rhythms for Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/real-life-homeschool-rhythms-for-neurodivergent-kids/) - “How am I supposed to teach all these kids at once?” If there’s ever been a thought that repeats itself on a loop during your homeschool days, it might be this one. The never-ending tug-of-war—one child glued to your side and needing guidance every step of the way, another begging for independence, a gifted kid
- [Project-Based Learning for Neurodivergent Kids: Why It Works](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/project-based-learning-for-neurodivergent-kids-why-it-works/) - The phrase “project-based learning” might conjure up images of color-coordinated folders, trifold posters exploding with glitter glue, and Pinterest-worthy perfection. But for the neurodivergent kids—those asynchronous thinkers brimming with ideas and creativity, yet often struggling to bring projects to completion—real project-based learning looks very different. It can be beautiful, yes, but not in the ways
- [Interest-Led Homeschooling and Your Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-gifted-child-and-delight-directed-homeschooling-2/) - I love sharing stories of other parents parenting and homeschooling gifted kids. This is Heather's... Billy is gifted. He is 5 and knows how to add, subtract and is really learning how to read and write well (when he feels like it). He loves technology (he could work the iPhone at age 2) and
- [Why LEGO STEM Challenges Belong in Your Homeschool – Especially If You're Raising Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-lego-stem-challenges-belong-in-your-homeschool/) - If your house is anything like mine, there’s a bucket—or several—of LEGO bricks somewhere in the mix of homeschool chaos. Maybe they’re neatly sorted by color (bless you), or maybe they’re scattered under couches and embedded in the soles of your feet (more relatable, honestly). Either way, those little plastic bricks are full of BIG
- [Summer Activities for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/summer-activities-kids/) - Summer is a wonderful time for everyone in the family to unwind and relax. It doesn't take long, though, before you begin to hear your kids grumbling about being bored -- even if they're homeschooled. Summer boredom claims are universal... Want some fun idease to print and try? Check out the Big Bucket list of
- [Outdoor Sun Prints: Summer Science for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/outdoor-sun-prints/) - If your kids balk at the idea of putting sunscreen on AGAIN, it might be time for a little sun prints science. In this experiment, children will see how UV rays break down the chemicals that make up colors and reveal the hidden shapes below. This project is best when completed on a day of
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar | Free June Download](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-free-june-download/) - Ice cream cones, summer sun, and beachy fun -- your kids will find it all on this month's Minecraft Challenge Calendar. Have them make a space ship or recreate a scence from a Disney movie. Or, if there's something on the calendar they're not interested in making, have them figure out their own idea and snap a photo
- [Great Books to Read With Your Kids in June](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-with-your-kids-in-june/) - Summer is here! Long, sunny days, drippy ice cream cones, water play, watermelon.... and of course, books! Let's keep those kiddo's minds moving in the right direction with this list of great books to read with your kids in June. First, though, check out my new book, 100 Backyard Activities That Are the Dirtiest,
- [When Perfectionism Looks Like Avoidance](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-perfectionism-looks-like-avoidance/) - He sat at the kitchen table with his pencil hovering over a blank sheet of paper. Ten minutes passed. Fifteen. When I gently asked if he needed help, the answer was sharp and closed: “I can’t do this. This is stupid.” The paper was shoved aside and he stormed out of the room, tears already
- [Beating Boredom Without Busy Work: Motivating Neurodivergent Learners at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/beating-boredom-without-busy-work-motivating-neurodivergent-learners-at-home/) - The words hang heavy in the air: “I’m bored.” It’s the anthem of childhood and the phrase that can send even the most confident of homeschooling parents into a tailspin. You start to question everything – Is my curriculum enough? Should I be adding more activities? Is there something wrong with my child, or with
- [When Passions Turn Into Pathways | Rethinking Motivation and Learning for Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-passions-turn-into-pathways-rethinking-motivation-and-learning-for-neurodivergent-kids/) - There’s a certain pride that comes with seeing your kid spend hour upon hour meticulously building in Minecraft, memorizing every prehistoric era and creature, or scripting pages of dialogue for a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. And then, just when you feel like you’ve cracked the “motivation” code, that same child will melt down over a
- [Understanding Executive Function vs Motivation in Neurodivergent Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/understanding-executive-function-vs-motivation-in-neurodivergent-learners/) - You sit there, watching your child as they stare off into space, the blank math worksheet sitting untouched in front of them, the pencil rolling slowly back and forth on the table. Minutes tick by. You know they’re bright. You’ve seen them obsessively research trilobites for hours, build elaborate Lego designs that put YouTube master
- [Confidently Planning Your Homeschool Year: Tools, Tips, and Real-Life Strategies](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/confidently-planning-your-homeschool-year-tools-tips-and-real-life-strategies/) - It’s that time of year again. The air is thick with possibility and exhaustion at once—you’re finishing up last year’s curriculum, staring down the barrel of next year’s planning, and if your inbox is like everyone else’s, it’s bursting with “Can’t-miss!” sales and curriculum recommendations. It’s a strange overlap, this limbo between ending and beginning,
- [Social Energy, Recovery Plans, and Connection for Neurodivergent Families](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/social-energy-recovery-plans-and-connection-for-neurodivergent-families/) - “Why does she fall apart after playdates?”It’s the question that hangs heavy over many afternoons, coming after the laughter, lively chatter, and friendship-building that seemed to go just fine. You know the routine—everyone’s smiling when you leave, nothing appears amiss, then the crash comes. Tears, irritability, withdrawal, sometimes even the complete shutdown the next day.
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar for April](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-april/) - How is this year flying by so quickly? Are your kiddos ready for a new month of Minecraft challenges -- it's already April!? More warm days, and sunshine... I'm so thrilled to see the sun. Don't let your kids spend all their time inside, but use this as an incentive to get some school work done and
- [Great Books to Read With Your Kids in April](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-with-your-kids-in-april/) - There are so many things going on in the month of April! You probably already know that Easter lands in April this year but so does Babe Ruth Day, World Penguin Day, and we cannot forget Arbor Day! These great books to read with your kids in April will have your family enjoying each event
- [“I Don’t Want Friends”: When Your Homeschooler Prefers Solitude](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/i-dont-want-friends-when-your-homeschooler-prefers-solitude/) - She sat across from me, eyes warily scanning her child curled up with a book, alone again. “He says he doesn’t want friends,” she whispered. Behind her echoed the silent worries of a thousand homeschool parents—why won’t they join in? Why don’t they crave play dates, lunch tables full of chatter, the cacophony of childhood
- [Beyond Be Yourself: Social Scripts That Build Connection for Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/beyond-be-yourself-social-scripts-that-build-connection-for-neurodivergent-kids/) - "So... what do I do if my child freezes when someone asks, 'Hey, do you want to play?' Or if my kid never quite knows how to jump into a group at the playground, and the phrase 'Just be yourself' seems more like a social death sentence than sage advice?" Let’s be honest: supporting our
- [When Friendship Feels Impossible: Supporting Neurodivergent Kids Through Rejection](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-friendship-feels-impossible-supporting-neurodivergent-kids-through-rejection/) - It’s the aftermath of another playdate gone sideways. Shoes in a pile by the door, silence echoing louder than any tears. You watch your child withdraw, shoulders heavy, replaying every word, every glance that could have meant “not enough.” If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child—especially one who is homeschooled—you know this heartbreak. Rejection can linger
- [When Homeschool Co-Ops Don’t Work: Friendship Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-homeschool-co-ops-dont-work-friendship-strategies-for-neurodivergent-kids/) - You know the scene—the co-op is buzzing with chatter, your child sits off to the side, hands clenched tight, asking when you’ll leave. Or maybe you’re in the car afterward, replaying the day and wondering, “Why does this feel impossible?” You’ve read all the advice about helping neurodivergent kids find their people, and yet… it’s
- [Minty Shamrock Milkshake](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minty-shamrock-shake/) - These St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Shakes are simple and delicious -- a perfect treat for your little Leprechauns. For this Irish Catholic family, celebrating St. Patrick's Day is a necessity -- and it's just plain fun. I like to surprise the kids with green treats and little shamrock surprises all day long. If you're like me,
- [St. Patrick’s Day Snack Mix Recipe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/st-patricks-day-snack-mix-recipe/) - Do you do fun things for your kiddos during the holidays? I love making fun snacks and themed lunches for mine. St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal for our family because I come from a large extended Irish-Catholic family that celebrated big every year with meals or corned beef and cabbage, and
- [St. Patrick’s Day Oreos](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/st-patricks-day-oreos/) - I love surprising my kids with fun treats on holidays and for special milestones. St. Patrick’s Day is no different. These St. Patrick’s Day Oreos are super simple to make, and the kids will love them. Aren’t they adorable? We’re an Irish-Catholic family that gets together every year to celebrate the holiday, and
- [Great Books to Read with Your Kids in March](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-with-your-kids-in-march/) - Just as the daffodils are starting to break through the dirt and everyone is adventuring more and more outside, we cannot forget to take advantage of all these amazing books! Between outdoor adventures, St. Patrick's Day, and Dr. Seuss' birthday, there are many titles to choose from this month. Check out these great books to read
- [When Bedtime Becomes a Battleground](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-bedtime-becomes-a-battleground/) - It’s the end of the day, you’re exhausted, and all you want is a little peace and quiet. Instead, your child is up, asking questions, bouncing around the house, or suddenly recalling every single thing they’ve ever wanted to discuss—right when the house should be winding down. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not
- [Navigating the Holidays with Intense and Sensitive Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/navigating-the-holidays-with-intense-and-sensitive-kids/) - The days blur together, the calendar filling with colored markers—dinners, birthdays, recitals, potlucks, assemblies. The holidays hit, and suddenly, the energy in the home changes. Anticipation, anxiety, excitement, exhaustion—all collide, often erupting in outbursts or a complete emotional shutdown. For families homeschooling neurodivergent kids, this seasonal intensity isn’t just inconvenient; it can send everyone scraping
- [Performance Anxiety, Assessments, and Our Complex Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/performance-anxiety-assessments-and-our-complex-kids/) - You know the feeling—a lesson your child mastered yesterday with bright eyes and clever comments is suddenly lost in a sea of sweaty palms, cheeks flushed, and protests when you ask for a quick answer or hand over a worksheet. The familiar refrain: “But you knew this—yesterday!” And inside, you’re wondering, Why now? Why is
- [A Playful, Low-Stress Way to Celebrate Groundhog Day in Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/a-playful-low-stress-way-to-celebrate-groundhog-day-in-your-homeschool/) - If you’re homeschooling gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodivergent kids, you already know that less is often more. More worksheets don’t equal more learning.More pressure doesn’t equal better outcomes. What does matter is curiosity, connection, and giving kids a reason to lean in. That’s why I love Groundhog Day as a tiny homeschool moment worth celebrating
- [Helping Kids Who Resist: Low-Demand Homeschooling for Autonomy and Skill-Building](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/helping-kids-who-resist-low-demand-homeschooling-for-autonomy-and-skill-building/) - We’ve all been there—standing in the kitchen or at the dining table, cheerful worksheet in hand, excitement about a new science project bubbling over. And then you’re hit with a “No.” Sometimes it’s followed by shut-down silence, sometimes an eruption of tears, sometimes a negotiation worthy of high-stakes diplomacy. Other days, the resistance flares up
- [Meltdowns vs. Shutdowns: Understanding and Responding to Big Feelings in Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/meltdowns-vs-shutdowns-understanding-and-responding-to-big-feelings-in-neurodivergent-kids/) - It’s the same dance over and over—one moment, everyone is fine, and then, suddenly, your child is either in the throes of a meltdown or quietly disappears, nowhere to be found but wrapped up tight in their own thoughts or hiding under a favorite blanket. Homeschool parents know intimately how quickly a day can turn
- [From Ice to Inquiry: A Flexible Winter Olympics Unit Study for Homeschool Families](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/from-ice-to-inquiry-a-flexible-winter-olympics-unit-study-for-homeschool-families/) - There’s something about the Winter Olympics that just works for homeschooling—especially when you’re teaching gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodivergent kids. The movement. The big feelings. The real-world stakes. The global stories. It’s naturally engaging, rich with rabbit trails, and flexible enough to meet kids exactly where they are. And that’s why I love using the
- [When School Refusal Turns Into a Healing Journey](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-school-refusal-turns-into-a-healing-journey/) - You hear it around the holidays, again after spring break, and maybe—like me—you see it show up in the worried voices spilling across homeschooling Facebook groups. School refusal. It’s a phrase that can fill your heart with panic, guilt, and a thousand questions. Why won’t my child go to school? Why are mornings battlegrounds? Why
- [Family Favorite Christmas Books](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/family-favorite-christmas-books/) - I love snuggling up with my kids to read all year long, but there's just something special about cuddling in when the snow is falling outside and the twinkle lights are glowing. Do you have favorite holiday stories? Here are a few of ours -- maybe you and your family can enjoy one each night
- [Picky Eating | Sensory Struggles and Real Solutions for Homeschooling Families](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/picky-eating-sensory-struggles-and-real-solutions-for-homeschooling-families/) - You know those nights where you’ve gone full short-order cook—making three different dinners, nothing gets eaten, and it feels less like family time and more like some sort of high-stakes negotiation? You’re absolutely not alone. For homeschooling families, where life and learning intertwine in every room and at every meal, picky eating can feel like
- [Movement on Bad Weather Days: Meeting Sensory Needs at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/movement-on-bad-weather-days-meeting-sensory-needs-at-home/) - There’s a certain dread that sets in on a rainy or icy morning for homeschool families—especially those parenting differently wired kids. No backyard. No bikes. No running off steam around the cul-de-sac. Instead, everyone’s crammed in the house, the couch turns into a trampoline, and attention drops as energy spikes. You may even start to
- [Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sensory-struggles-and-clothes/) - Why is getting dressed still such a battle? If you’re parenting a neurodivergent or sensory-sensitive kid, you might find yourself asking this question on repeat. It starts with the best intentions—drawers full of clean clothes, a hopeful plan for a smooth morning—and ends with tears, exasperation, and an outfit that looks nothing
- [Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/navigating-sensory-overload-actionable-strategies-for-kids-in-loud-environments/) - There was a time when I didn’t understand why my child shrank from the noise at birthday parties or avoided the cafeteria at co-op. The music, the mic pops, chairs scraping, crowd murmur, lights flickering, wafting scents—each layer adding stress, overwhelming him until he clung to me and begged to go home. We tried tough
- [Playful Sensory Learning at Home: Five Senses Spinner](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/playful-sensory-learning-at-home-five-senses-spinner/) - If your house is anything like mine, your kids don’t just learn with their heads— they learn with their whole bodies. Gifted and twice-exceptional kids especially crave hands-on, sensory-rich experiences that let them explore, notice, and connect. That’s why I’m so excited to share this simple, low-prep tool you can use all year long: the
- [Emotion Faces Printable | Homeschool SEL for Gifted & 2e](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/emotion-faces-printable-homeschool-sel-for-gifted-2e/) - If your days look anything like mine used to, you’ve got a kiddo who can go from sunshine to storm clouds in ten seconds flat… and you’re left wondering, “Okay, but what was that feeling, and what do we do with it?” That’s exactly why I created the Which Emotion? Emotional Learning Set—a hands-on, low-pressure
- [Spooky-Season Brain Breaks: Halloween Movement Cards for Neurodivergent Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/spooky-season-brain-breaks-halloween-movement-cards-for-neurodivergent-learners/) - If October sneaks up on you like a mischievous black cat, you’re in good company. Between costume ideas, extra sugar, and shifting routines, our differently-wired kids can feel the wobble. That’s exactly why I made these simple, low-prep Halloween Movement Cards: to give you quick, playful “reset buttons” you can use all month long. This
- [Spooky Fun (Without the Overwhelm) | Easy Halloween Games for Neurodivergent Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/easy-halloween-games-for-neurodivergent-learners/) - If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of celebrating holidays with your kids—but the reality? Well, it can get overwhelming fast. Especially when you’re homeschooling neurodivergent kids who crave fun and novelty… but who also struggle with transitions, crowds, costumes, or overstimulation. Halloween can be a tricky time of year. One minute they’re
- [When Working Memory Looks Like Defiance](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-working-memory-looks-like-defiance/) - You think you’ve given simple instructions: “Clear your place, put the dishes in the sink, wipe down the table, push in your chair.” But somewhere between the table and the sink, everything falls apart. Your child stands there, confused, the job only half done. It’s easy to assume stubbornness or distraction—it’s easy to think, “Why
- [Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-typical-organization-systems-fail-neurodivergent-homeschoolers-and-what-works-instead/) - You’ve been there. Organization bins from the dollar aisle, the rainbow of tabs in a shiny new binder, dividers, and a pristine printout of your curriculum spreadsheet—each new year brings grand vows of organization. And yet, within a few weeks, the handwriting book is buried under couch cushions, math manipulatives are nowhere to be found,
- [Why Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish Line](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-is-finishing-so-hard-helping-neurodivergent-kids-cross-the-finish-line/) - Stacks of half-finished projects... Math sheets lingering for days... Colorful posters with one corner still blank, a story with an outline and nothing more... If you’re homeschooling a neurodivergent child—gifted, twice exceptional, ADHD, autistic, or a kiddo with sensory or learning challenges—there are probably a dozen unfinished to-dos strewn across your house (and maybe your
- [Thanksgiving Bingo: A Simple, Joyful Way to Connect and Learn This Season](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/thanksgiving-bingo-a-simple-joyful-way-to-connect-and-learn-this-season/) - Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite times of year — not because it’s perfect (what holiday ever is?), but because it gives us a reason to pause. To notice the good things, laugh together over pie, and take a breath before the chaos of December rolls in. If you’re homeschooling neurodivergent kids, you
- [Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/building-a-sensory-diet-toolbox-for-neurodivergent-kids-at-home/) - Have you ever looked at your kiddos, bouncing off the walls at 10 am, then melting down by 2 pm, and wondered if you’re doing something wrong? Or, maybe you feel like you’re missing something fundamental about what they need? You’re not alone. Especially if you’re parenting kids who are differently wired—gifted, twice exceptional, ADHD,
- [Thanksgiving Fun That Builds Connection and Gratitude in Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/thanksgiving-fun-that-builds-connection-and-gratitude-in-your-homeschool/) - If you’ve ever tried to host a calm, connected Thanksgiving with neurodivergent kids in the mix, you know it can be… well, a lot. The excitement, sensory overload, changes in routine, and all that rich, heavy food—it’s a perfect recipe for meltdowns, exhaustion, or a serious case of “holiday hangover.” But what if Thanksgiving didn’t
- [A Simple Thanksgiving Activity for Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/a-simple-thanksgiving-activity-for-neurodivergent-kids/) - Thanksgiving is such a beautiful time to slow down, reflect, and really focus on what matters most—family, connection, and gratitude. But if you’re homeschooling gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodivergent kids, you already know that “slowing down” isn’t always easy. Our kids feel big, think deeply, and sometimes struggle to regulate those big emotions—especially during busy
- [A Cozy Winter Bucket List for Neurodivergent Homeschool Families](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/a-cozy-winter-bucket-list-for-neurodivergent-homeschool-families/) - Winter has a way of inviting us to slow down. The shorter days, chilly air, and twinkling lights remind us that not every season has to be about rushing, planning, or checking things off a curriculum list. Sometimes, what our families need most is connection—those small, cozy moments that build memories and fill emotional buckets.
- [Christmas Learning Through Play: Free Scattergories Game for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/christmas-learning-through-play-free-scattergories-game-for-kids/) - If your homeschool is anything like mine, December hits and suddenly everything feels a little more… full. There are cookie crumbs under the table again, winter boots multiplying by the door, and a to-do list that seems to regenerate every time you cross something off. And right in the middle of all that, you want
- [Holiday Light Scavenger Hunt: A Sensory-Friendly Family Tradition for Homeschoolers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/holiday-light-scavenger-hunt-a-sensory-friendly-family-tradition-for-homeschoolers/) - Every December, our family bundles up, fills travel mugs with hot cocoa, and heads out to look at Christmas lights. It’s one of those traditions that feels timeless and grounding — especially for our differently wired kids who thrive on connection, sensory beauty, and predictable seasonal rhythms. But here’s the thing: what seems like a
- [Hands-On Christmas Fun: Free Chatterbox Printable for Homeschoolers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/hands-on-christmas-fun-free-chatterbox-printable-for-homeschoolers/) - There’s something magical about pulling out simple, hands-on activities during the holidays — the kind of things that make your kids light up, help everyone slow down, and sneak in a little learning without anyone even noticing. And this Which Christmas Symbol or Character Are You? chatterbox fits that vibe perfectly. If your home looks
- [Fun and Easy Christmas Tic Tac Toe Printable for Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fun-and-easy-christmas-tic-tac-toe-printable-for-your-homeschool/) - The holidays can feel a little… intense, can’t they? Between the heightened emotions, disrupted routines, sensory-overwhelming environments, and the pressure we sometimes put on ourselves to “make memories,” December can be a lot — especially when you’re homeschooling gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodivergent kids who already feel the world more deeply than most. That’s exactly
- [Holiday Homeschooling Made Easier: Santa & Reindeer Emotions Spinner Free Printable](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/holiday-homeschooling-made-easier-santa-reindeer-emotions-spinner-free-printable/) - The holidays are magical… and also a lot. If you’re homeschooling gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodivergent kiddos, you already know this season can bring joy, overload, excitement, dysregulation, anticipation, and about twelve different feelings—sometimes all before lunchtime. Our kids feel big, notice everything, and process the world deeply. And while that’s one of their greatest
- [A Calm, Fun Holiday Activity for Neurodivergent Kids: Free Christmas Charades Printable](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/a-calm-fun-holiday-activity-for-neurodivergent-kids-free-christmas-charades-printable/) - The holidays can be magical… and also a lot. Between the sensory overload, disrupted routines, big feelings, and the pressure to “make memories,” our neurodivergent kids can end up overwhelmed before we even hang the stockings. And honestly? We parents feel it too. That’s exactly why I love simple, flexible activities that bring us back
- [Understanding Task Initiation in Neurodivergent Homeschoolers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/understanding-task-initiation-in-neurodivergent-homeschoolers/) - You sit down to begin the day, coffee half-drained, plans at the ready, only to watch your child stare at a blank worksheet as if it might swallow them whole. You’ve seen that focus—forty-five minutes on dinosaurs, endless debate about black holes—but the moment it’s time for math, they freeze. They can recite facts, brainstorm
- [Morning Routines That Work: Flexible Approaches for Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/morning-routines-that-work-flexible-approaches-for-gifted-and-neurodivergent-kids/) - For families homeschooling neurodivergent kids, especially those with executive functioning challenges, mornings can feel less like a launch pad and more like a daily hurdle race. If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about why mornings are hard, what “time blindness” really means for our kids (and let’s be real, for us too),
- [Finding the Sweet Spot – Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/finding-the-sweet-spot-balancing-structure-and-flexibility-in-your-homeschool/) - Maybe you’re staring at your own lesson planner right now, doing battle with the same questions I’ve buried myself in: How much routine do our kids really need? How much flexibility will break, rather than liberate, them? If your house is brimming with gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodivergent kids, you know the stakes are high,
- [Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/nurturing-neurodivergent-friendships-practical-tips-for-parents-and-kids/) - There are few parenting heartbreaks quite like watching your child struggle to form friendships. As a homeschooling parent of a neurodivergent child—whether they’re gifted, twice exceptional, on the autism spectrum, or carry a tangle of diagnoses and intensities—this ache can be especially poignant. The longing for connection is real, and the reasons for difficulty can
- [Executive Function Struggles in Homeschooling: Why Smart Kids Can’t Find Their Shoes (and What to Do About It)](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/executive-function-struggles-in-homeschooling-why/) - You’ve mapped out a day full of promise. There’s a science experiment waiting, fresh notebooks calling your children’s names, a creative lesson you know they’ll love—finally, a morning where everything is lined up for success. But when you walk into the living room, your bright, imaginative, and intensely curious child is melted facedown into a
- [Fall Slime Science Activity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fall-slime-science-activity/) - Fall is the season for pumpkins, leaves, and acorns. This fall, bring some fall into your science classroom when you make this stretchy and glittery fall slime recipe! Kids will love playing with this slime so much, they won't realize they are learning all about chemical bonds. Fall Slime Science Experiment Follow these steps to
- [Spooky Halloween Boo Bark | Recipes for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/halloween-boo-bark-recipe/) - Eek! Halloween is almost here -- are you and the kids ready for it? I have to admit that I don't really love the whole go-outside-in-the-cold-night-for-candy thing, but I love helping the kids get all dressed up, decorating, and making fun treats for them. Because they're kids. And they love it all. With all the
- [Talk Like a Pirate Day: A Silly, Smart, and Totally Neurodivergent-Friendly Learning Adventure](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/talk-like-a-pirate-day-free-download/) - If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years of homeschooling my own quirky, brilliant, out-of-the-box kiddos, it’s this: the more playful we make learning, the deeper it goes. And Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19th, if you're keeping track) is one of those delightfully ridiculous holidays that gives us the perfect excuse to
- [Finding Your People | Why Community Matters for Homeschoolers of Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/finding-your-people-why-community-matters-for-homeschoolers-of-neurodivergent-kids/) - Sometimes, community can feel like an impossible puzzle for homeschoolers—especially when you’re homeschooling kids who don’t quite fit the norm. If the word “co-op” makes your stomach flip with worry, or you’ve tried group after group only to leave feeling judged, burned out, or like the odd one out, you’re not alone. Homeschooling kids with
- [Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/building-flexible-thinking-skills-in-your-neurodivergent-child/) - You’re standing in the kitchen, coffee still cooling, when the meltdown hits. The math worksheet looks wrong. The day’s schedule changed its order. You gently suggest starting with writing instead. Tears brim, resistance builds, and you find yourself wondering—Why can’t we just roll with the punches? Why does every small curveball seem to derail the
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar | Free September Download](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-free-september-download/) - School is probably in full swing for you now, whether you send your kids to a public, private, or parochial school or you homeschool like we do. Are you looking for some extra educational fun to add to your kiddos' day? The September Minecraft Challenge Calendar is here. Simply click to download and you'll
- [Add a Little Laughter to Their Day: Free Printable Lunchbox Jokes for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/add-a-little-laughter-to-their-day-free-printable-lunchbox-jokes-for-kids/) - If your homeschool day includes a mid-morning snack break at the kitchen table, a picnic blanket on the living room floor, or even a packed lunch to take along on a field trip or co-op day, you know that little moments matter. And sometimes, those little moments—like a surprise giggle during lunch—can go a long
- [Make Back to School Fun with Free Back to School Signs](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/make-back-to-school-fun-with-free-back-to-school-signs/) - Whether your homeschool kicks off in August, September, or sometime after the fall leaves begin to drift to the ground, there’s something magical about the start of a new school year. Fresh pencils. New books. Clean notebooks filled with possibility. A new co-op... It’s like opening the door to a fresh adventure—a new chapter in
- [Why Movement Matters (Especially for Our Neurodivergent Kids) — And a Fun Freebie to Help!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-movement-matters/) - If you’ve been homeschooling for any length of time—especially if you’re raising gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodivergent kiddos—you already know that sitting still isn’t always their strong suit. And honestly? It probably shouldn’t be. Our kids are thinkers and feelers and movers. They process the world through motion, through bouncing ideas (and bodies) off of
- [Why Decision Making Feels Overwhelming for Neurodivergent Kids and How to Help](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-decision-making-feels-overwhelming-for-neurodivergent-kids-and-how-to-help/) - We think of decisions as small things: pick a topic, select a snack, choose a class. But for neurodivergent kids, making a decision isn’t about flipping a coin or going with their gut. Every choice, no matter how minor, demands a whole host of executive function skills—those “central command” abilities that allow us to plan,
- [5 Simple Ways to Teach Math Without a Textbook](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/simple-ways-teach-math/) - Math is everywhere, and while textbooks are a basic tool for teaching math, we don't have to chain ourselves to one resource. Grounding math in reality enables our kiddos to process the subject with a firmer understanding of the concepts they're learning. After all, we learn math concepts so we can use it in our
- [Football Writing Activities](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/super-bowl-writing-activities-2/) - Need some help in motivating your boys to get their writing done? Try these great football writing activities. I’m not really that much of a football fan, but my husband and kids are very excited when it's time to watch the big game. I try, often unsuccessfully, to get in the spirit and integrate the kids' interests
- [Creative Summer Activities to Strengthen Family Connection and Boost Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/creative-summer-activities-to-strengthen-family-connection-and-boost-learning/) - We’ve all had those summers—the ones that seem to flash by in a blur of sticky popsicle hands, half-started projects, and the subtle but constant tug of worry that we should be doing more. More academics, more enrichment, more organizing of the endless, scattered pieces of homeschooling life. The laundry piles up, the curriculum taunts
- [Meeting the Asynchronous Needs of Your Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/asynchronous-needs-gifted-child/) - I remember her online comment like it was yesterday. Her seven-year-old was reading at an eleventh grade level, had just completed sixth grade math, was exceptionally emotional, and had trouble holding a pencil. *Make sure you read to the end of this post to enter the giveaway!* She was struggling to meet all
- [Inspire a Love for Learning at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/inspire-a-love-for-learning-at-home/) - Creating a home environment where learning never stops is a goal many homeschool parents strive for. While traditional schooling might place learning within the confines of a classroom, homeschooling offers the unique opportunity to weave education into the fabric of everyday life. In this post, let’s explore strategies to cultivate a lifelong love of learning
- [Beating Homeschool Overwhelm With Heart and Flexibility](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/beating-homeschool-overwhelm-with-heart-and-flexibility/) - Every homeschool parent knows that certain seasons feel a little heavier than others. Sometimes, the phrase “homeschool overwhelm” doesn’t even do it justice. Between laundry waiting in the washer, forgotten math lessons, and kids with shifting needs, it can feel like there’s not a single thing getting done—at least not in the way you envisioned.
- [Easy Ways to Boost Emotional Intelligence During Your Homeschool Day](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/easy-ways-to-boost-emotional-intelligence-during-your-homeschool-day/) - If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your child melts down over spilled juice, flounders after a bad math lesson, or can’t seem to shake off a sibling’s casual tease, you’re not alone. At some point, every homeschooling parent faces that one moment—maybe during a spelling quiz or a family game night—where the room is
- [Growing Gardens with Kids (includes free printable garden journal)](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/growing-gardens-with-kids/) - Growing gardens with kids can be a lot of fun. We’re currently babying some seeds of our own as the kids are excited to grow their own salad garden this summer with the seed pods we started earlier this spring, but you can start a small indoor garden at any time -- even if the
- [Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/changing-rhythms-homeschooling-in-sync-with-the-seasons/) - Picture this: The birds are singing, and the days are getting longer. Spring has finally sprung, and with it, the itch to change things up a bit in your homeschool environment. We all know that shaking up the routine can sometimes be just the thing to rejuvenate our homeschooling journey and our children's love for
- [Beat Boredom at Home | Free Bingo Card](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/im-bored-bingo/) - Stuck at home with kiddos who are used to being stimulated all. day. long. and at a loss for what to do? The activities on this super fun (and free) downloadable Bingo card are just what you need to keep your quirky kid engaged in learning and fun -- without an over-dependance on screen time
- [Busting the Biggest Myths About Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/busting-the-biggest-myths-about-homeschooling-neurodivergent-kids/) - It creeps up in conversations, in worried glances at the grocery store, and in uncertain late-night Google searches: the fear that homeschooling neurodivergent kids is an impossible or ill-advised task. Maybe you’ve heard it yourself—“But what about socialization?”—or, “You’re not an expert, are you sure you’re qualified?” The doubts echo, often drowning out that
- [Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-family-connection-matters-most-as-kids-grow-up/) - It hits you in ways you didn’t expect: one minute you’re orchestrating playdough sessions and read-aloud cuddles, the next you’re standing in the kitchen, trying to tease a few words out of a teenager who would rather spend the evening locked away in their room with friends, earbuds, and TikTok. It’s a bittersweet truth—connection with
- [How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/how-adventuring-together-grows-confidence-curiosity-and-executive-function/) - I used to think “adventure” meant climbing literal mountains—or at the very least, something involving packing duffels and driving three hours into a frenzy of unfamiliarity. Kid logic: adventure equals wild, unstructured “out there” stuff. Grownup logic: no, thank you, I’ll be at home with coffee and my kids where I can control the snacks.
- [Falling Unexpectedly in Love With Homeschooling My Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/love-homeschooling-gifted-child/) - I'll admit to having harbored some pretty unfavorable opinions towards homeschooling in the past. I was not only a product of public schools, I was a fan. As an extreme extrovert, I'd absolutely loved school, my classmates, all of the extracurricular activities I'd had the opportunity to be a part of. My AP classes afforded me
- [Celebrating Wins: Why Noticing the Small Stuff Is a Gamechanger in Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/celebrating-wins/) - Boxes of curriculum stacked up, sticky notes everywhere—maybe a half-read book on neurodiversity is stashed in your kitchen. You’re balancing the chaos of a Monday morning and half-wondering if anyone notices the actual learning happening. And then, out of nowhere, your kid—who yesterday lost it over a math worksheet—manages to focus for ten minutes straight
- [Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Big Emotions in the Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/helping-neurodivergent-kids-manage-big-emotions-in-the-homeschool/) - For some families, homeschooling means freedom, flexibility, and joy. For many of us raising neurodivergent kids—those with giftedness, twice-exceptionality, ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other quirks and labels—it also means encountering big emotions. Every. Single. Day. If it sometimes feels like every subject opens the door to slammed doors, tears, or overwhelming anxiety—please know you’re not
- [Great Books to Read With Your Kids in May](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-with-your-kids-in-may/) - It's May! Let's welcome this wonderful spring month with a great list of books to devour. Up first is my backyard nature science book, 100 Backyard Activities That Are the Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-Crawliest Ever! It's STILL one of my favorite projects I've worked on. Super fun and filled with activities... and pictures of my kiddos doing
- [Homeschooling to Celebrate and Nurture Your Child’s Spark](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-to-celebrate-and-nurture-your-childs-spark/) - If you’ve ever watched your child’s face light up as they narrate a passionate interest—maybe it’s dinosaurs, coding, bugs, musical theater, or even the precise gauges of old locomotives—and then felt your heart sink when the “real world” seems to dim their enthusiasm, you need to know: you’re not alone, and you’re in the right
- [Color Changing Flowers | Spring Science Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/color-changing-flowers/) - Now that spring is here, there are a million and one different spring science experiments to try. Color changing flowers is one of our favorite experiments and we try it every year. My kids love seeing how the flowers react and change based on the colors used in the liquid. This experiment is a simple
- [The Power of Connection in Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-power-of-connection-in-homeschooling-neurodivergent-kids/) - You've decided to embark on this incredible journey of homeschooling your differently-wired kiddos, and it's no small feat. Together, let's explore one of the most powerful tools in your homeschool toolkit: connection. In this deep dive, we’ll weave our way through the whys, whats, and hows of prioritizing connection in your homeschool. Why Connection Matters
- [Homeschooling a Profoundly Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-a-profoundly-gifted-child/) - I never planned to homeschool. If you’d asked me 20 years ago if I’d even consider it, I would have told you that, not only wouldn’t I have, but that homeschoolers were strange and that schools were perfectly equipped to handle all that came their way. That kids needed to be with same age peers.
- [Cultivating Leadership Skills in Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cultivating-leadership-skills-in-homeschooling/) - Homeschooling parents often wonder how to prepare their children for the future while nurturing their natural curiosity and unique talents. One crucial aspect of this preparation is developing leadership skills—not just the kind associated with being in charge, but the kind rooted in creativity, empathy, and resilience. Today we'll explore why leadership matters, how it
- [Understanding Impulse Control in Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/understanding-impulse-control-in-gifted-and-neurodivergent-kids/) - Impulse control is a topic that resonates with many homeschooling parents, especially when it comes to gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent children. This struggle is all too familiar, and if you're feeling overwhelmed, know that you're not alone. Impulse control is crucial for social success, emotional regulation, and academic growth. It's essentially the ability to pause
- [How I Homeschool With a Chronic Illness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-with-chronic-illness/) - I love getting to contribute here at Raising Lifelong Learners. My kids are like your kids and I share a lot about them, what works for their overexcitabilities or anxiety or unique needs that come with giftedness. I've shared about discovering their giftedness, their deep feelings, and even how they're all educated in three totally
- [Easy Art Appreciation Using Art Mystery Books](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/easy-art-appreciation/) - For this homeschool mama, finding time to fit art appreciation into a jam-packed day has been a challenge. I will be the first to admit that I do not have it all together. Daily life with wiggly kids challenges me often, so I was really excited to learn of Dover Publications new 4-book series, Spot
- [Awesome Books for Kids Who Love Nature](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/awesome-books-for-kids-who-love-nature/) - Getting outside in nature makes you smarter. Really! Look it up! Grab a copy of my new book, 100 Backyard Activities That Are the Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-Crawliest Ever! and learn to love getting out and soaking up nature. There are so many things to do outdoors. This book is filled to the max with activities, tips, and
- [Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/understanding-executive-function-skills-in-gifted-and-twice-exceptional-children/) - Navigating the complexities of raising gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent children is both rewarding and challenging. As homeschooling parents, you might often wonder why your child can tackle difficult subjects effortlessly yet struggle with day-to-day activities. The answer often lies in executive function skills. What Are Executive Function Skills? Think of executive function skills as the
- [Understanding Asynchrony in Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/understanding-asynchrony-in-gifted-children/) - When we talk about gifted children, it's easy to imagine young prodigies excelling well beyond their years in academics. But what we often don't consider is that these advanced abilities can come with unique challenges that aren't always visible on the surface. One of the most common and sometimes bewildering aspects of raising a
- [Developing Confidence in Differently Wired Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/developing-confidence-in-differently-wired-kids/) - Homeschooling is a unique journey for every family, and the path to success varies for each child. One essential skill that can significantly impact a child’s academic and personal life in a positive way, is building their confidence. Here, we explore how the six C’s—Connection, Collaboration, Content, Critical Thinking, Creative Innovation, and Confidence—can set the
- [Embracing Creativity in Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/embracing-creativity-in-homeschooling/) - Homeschooling is an incredible journey where we, as parents, have the unique opportunity to tailor our children's education to fit their specific needs and interests. One of the essential skills we can nurture in our kids is creativity. Let's explore the significance of creativity in education and how we can foster an environment conducive to
- [The Role of Critical Thinking in Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-role-of-critical-thinking-in-homeschooling/) - One of the most vital skills you can cultivate in your homeschooling journey is critical thinking. In today’s fast-paced world where information is constantly bombarding us from every angle, having the ability to question, analyze, and form independent conclusions is not just an academic skill, it’s a life skill. What is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking
- [Rethinking Content | Transforming Education Through Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/rethinking-content-transforming-education-through-homeschooling/) - When we hear the term "content" in the context of education, it often conjures up images of textbooks, standardized tests, and memorizing facts and figures. But let’s think beyond that traditional perspective. Content isn't just about what our children learn—it's about how they learn, how they engage with the material, and how they apply it
- [Great Books to Read with Your Kids in January](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-with-your-kids-in-january/) - January is the perfect time to snuggle up with your kiddos and a few warm and cozy books. I've gathered a list of great books to read with your kids in January so you can find the perfect one! Tell folktales about Chinese New Year or tell a silly story of antlers growing on your head! After the
- [Nurturing Communication Skills in Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/nurturing-communication-skills-in-your-homeschool/) - In the ever-evolving landscape of homeschooling, one constant remains critical: communication. It's the backbone of personal development, educational success, and building strong, resilient relationships. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, let's explore the invaluable art of communication and how it can transform your family dynamic. Imagine your home as a bustling hub
- [Managing Your Child's Intensity During the Holidays](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/managing-your-gifted-kids-intensity-during-the-holidays-2/) - Ever since I was a little girl, I looked forward to the holidays. My birthday kicked everything off, followed by Thanksgiving, several other family members’ birthdays, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and more birthdays. Time was an exciting blur from late November through early January. And then I had kids. I was semi-prepared for the overstimulation
- [Raising Successful Children | The Power of Collaboration in Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-power-of-collaboration-in-homeschooling/) - Let's look into the idea of collaboration and its vital role in homeschooling. Inspired by insights from Dr. Kathy Hirsch Pasek’s influential book, "Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children," we’ll dive into one of the six key skills that help children grow into successful, contributing members of their communities over the
- [Great Books to Read With Your Kids in November](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-in-november/) - November is an exciting time of year. We have bountiful harvests, Thanksgiving, and many more fun days to celebrate. To take advantage of the excitement, I created a list of great books to read with your kids in November. Did you know that there's a day just to celebrate King Tut? And, World Kindness Day
- [Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/overcoming-sleep-struggles-tips-for-neurodiverse-families/) - Let's talk about sleep. You know it, you sometimes wish for it, and your kids might even fight against it. However, the importance of sleep cannot be overstated, especially when you're raising neurodivergent homeschoolers. We're diving deep into why sleep is crucial for our neurodivergent children and how we can help them—and ourselves—get the restful
- [Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-play-matters-unleashing-lifelong-learning-through-play/) - As homeschooling parents, we understand the myriad challenges and responsibilities that come with educating our children at home. Balancing parenting duties, household chores, and the task of providing a comprehensive education can often feel overwhelming. But amidst the rigorous schedules and academic curriculum, there is one essential element that we must not overlook—play. Incorporating play
- [Cool and Creepy Spider Bots | Halloween STEM](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/spider-bots-halloween-stem/) - True story -- even though I wrote a book about backyard creepy-crawlies, spiders still freak me out a little bit. They are unpredictable and move way too quickly for me. They're perfect for Halloween, though. I'd been planning to make brush bots with my kids for awhile, so I already had the motors and
- [Sparking Curiosity | Nurturing a Love of Learning in Your Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sparking-curiosity-nurturing-a-love-of-learning-in-your-child/) - As homeschooling parents, we've all witnessed moments when our children light up with curiosity, asking endless questions about the world around them. Whether sparked by a TV show, a book, or a random thought that occurs to them, these moments are golden opportunities to cultivate a love of learning that can last a lifetime. One
- [Spooky Unit Studies For October Interest-Led Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/spooky-unit-studies-october/) - I remember the year October tried to kill me: over-the-top excitement, hyped up intensity, and nonstop energy. The frenzied anticipation leading up to Halloween means that homeschooling can be challenging. Add in three birthdays within a span of 14 days and my kids tend to be rather unfocused. At my wits’ end I decided to
- [Great Books to Read with Your Kids in October](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-read-kids-october/) - Fall is finally here, and after a very hot summer, we are ready! In anticipation of the upcoming harvest and halloween celebrations, I have compiled these great books to read with your kids in October. From the full moon to pumpkins, and that old lady that seems to swallow everything in sight, these books
- [Finding Wonder and Joy in Everyday Homeschooling and Parenting](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/finding-wonder-and-joy-in-everyday-homeschooling-and-parenting/) - If you’ve been deep in the trenches of lesson planning, chauffeuring to co-ops, and juggling life’s never-ending list of responsibilities, finding wonder and joy in everyday moments might seem like a lofty goal, right? But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be. Let’s explore how you can invite more joy and wonder into your homeschool
- [When Homeschool Looks Different: Embracing the Chaos and Finding Joy](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-homeschool-looks-different-embracing-the-chaos-and-finding-joy/) - Homeschooling our children is an incredibly rewarding yet challenging journey. Just when we think we've got a solid routine, life throws us a curveball. But that’s one of the beauties of homeschooling: it’s flexible and adaptable. This year has been a testament to the adaptability and resilience that homeschooling parents need to cultivate. Let’s dive
- [Every Book List You Will Ever Need For Your Homeschool!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/book-list-for-your-homeschool/) - Sometimes, we just need a little help finding the right books for our homeschool. This compilation of book lists is essentially every book list you will ever need all in one place! Book Lists For Every Month Of The Year Great Books To Read With Your Kids In The Month Of January Great
- [Supporting and Understanding Levels of Giftedness in Homeschooled Children with Deborah Ruf](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/levels-of-giftedness-in-homeschooled-children/) - As parents homeschooling gifted and twice-exceptional kiddos, we navigate a constantly evolving educational landscape that offers both challenges and rewards. Methods change, kids’ needs change, and we must reevaluate how we do things constantly. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned over the last fifteen years of homeschooling is recognizing when to persevere and
- [What Does a Gifted Child Look Like?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/what-does-a-gifted-child-look-like/) - If Einstein didn’t speak until he was four, and Walt Disney was once fired because he had no good ideas, how is it even possible to answer the question I’m most often asked – What does a gifted child look like? Can there be a definitive answer if Louis Pasteur was rated as mediocre in
- [Embracing Interest-Led Homeschooling with Lydia Rosado](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/embracing-interest-led-homeschooling/) - A significant advantage of homeschooling is the flexibility to tailor education to your child's interests. This personalized approach can reignite a love for learning, especially for children who struggled in traditional school settings. For instance, if your child has a passion for art, incorporating more artistic activities into their curriculum can help them excel and
- [A Deep Dive into The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-homeschool-advantage-episode/) - As homeschooling parents, we know the challenges and rewards of guiding our children’s education. We're not just teaching academics; we're nurturing curiosity, fostering independence, and creating lifelong learners. If you've ever wondered how to amplify these benefits, my brand-new book, The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners, is the guide you've been
- [Great Books to Read with Your Kids in September](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-with-your-kids-in-september/) - September brings back to school, or homeschool routines, the beginning of harvest, and some other fun days you might enjoy incorporating into reading time. One of my favorite days this month is September 6th. Go ahead and take a guess at why, but you only get one... It is Read a Book Day! That is
- [What Exactly is Deschooling.. and Do I Need to Do It?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/deschooling/) - I haven't always homeschooled. In fact, I spent a decade and a half working in the public school system and never even considered homeschooling. My brilliant son handled any school work that was handed to him, so I assumed that school would be a breeze for him - until it wasn't. We're accidental homeschoolers, forged
- [Responding to Homeschool Critics](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/responding-to-homeschool-critics/) - As the new school year rolls around, many of us feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The back-to-school season often comes with a barrage of questions from friends, family, and even strangers. "Why are you homeschooling?" "Aren't you worried about socialization?" These questions can sometimes make us second-guess our choices. But remember, you know
- [Skittles Rainbow Science Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/skittles-rainbow-science-experiment/) - When it comes to candy, my kids are huge fans. They went to a summer parade and came back with more candy than they even get at Halloween, which means I had to come up with a way to use it up fast, or they would eat it all in about three days. We've wanted
- [Homeschool Planning For Kids: Helping Your Child Get Organized](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode130/) - Every year about this time, we begin to plan for and discuss our upcoming homeschool year. It's like a homeschool mom annual ritual. But what about our children? Homeschool planning for kids is a helpful skill to develop and is essential as our children graduate and move into the world. In this practical and down-to-earth
- [Supporting The Social and Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Twice-Exceptional Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode114/) - How do we best support the unique social and emotional needs of gifted and twice-exceptional kids? In today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris of The Neurodiversity Podcast joins Colleen to discuss the specific, intense needs of our neurodiverse children and how we can best help. The Unique Needs Of Neurodiverse Children There are specific needs
- [Building Strong Family Bonds | A Conversation with Andee Martineau](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/building-strong-family-bonds/) - Parenting can be challenging. Add neurodivergence to the mix, and the usual bumps of the journey can feel like mountain ranges. But don't worry; we've got some empowering insights and practical advice to share with you. Let's explore how creating visual prompts, secure attachment, and a connection-based approach can transform your homeschooling experience. Imagine your
- [Great Books To Read With Your Kids in August](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books-for-august/) - Oh summer! How I love you. Warm weather, swimming pools, BBQs, juicy slices of watermelons, and of course, we cannot forget our beloved list of summer books to devour. These great books to read with your kids in August resemble the last bits of summer, as fall is just around the corner. Get outside, play
- [Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/embracing-child-focused-learning/) - As homeschooling parents, we're always looking for ways to better support our children's unique learning needs. For neurodivergent kids, particularly those who are gifted or twice-exceptional, incorporating self-directed learning can be a game-changer. Self-directed learning is a child-centered approach that allows students to take ownership of their education. The focus is on curiosity, exploration, problem-solving,
- [Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/building-family-routines-and-rituals/) - Finding ways to connect with our children and create a nurturing environment can sometimes feel daunting. That's why creating family routines and rituals is so important. These are not just the building blocks for a stable home life, they also foster emotional security, inclusivity, and lifelong learning skills for your children. Routines are the structured,
- [Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Homeschooling: A Conversation with Amy Bodkin](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/supporting-neurodivergent-kids-in-homeschooling/) - Tackling the responsibility of homeschooling a neurodivergent child can sometimes feel overwhelming. Many parents face the challenge of figuring out how to tailor education to fit the unique needs and strengths of each child. The good news is that you don't have to go at it alone, and there are strategies that can make the
- [Homeschooling Hack: Using Online Book Clubs for Literature with Mary Wilson](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/using-online-book-clubs/) - One of the greatest perks of modern technology is online learning. Imagine your child connecting with peers from different parts of the world, exploring literature together, all from the comfort of your home or even while on the go! Online book clubs and classes offer incredible advantages. Gone are the days
- [The Importance of Happiness in Homeschooling | A Guide for Parents](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/happiness-in-homeschooling/) - We often consider our children’s test scores, curriculum, and social interactions. But today, we're going to explore why happiness is just as crucial, if not more so, in raising lifelong learners. Positive psychology, introduced by the visionary psychologist Martin Seligman in the late 1990s, flips the script on traditional psychology. Instead of zeroing
- [Tackling Perfectionism | A Conversation with Lisa Van Gemert](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tackling-perfectionism/) - Parenting gifted children comes with its own set of challenges, and perfectionism is often a significant part of the journey. As parents, particularly homeschooling parents, it is important to understand and help our children navigate through their perfectionistic tendencies. Let's dive into what perfectionism looks like in gifted children and how we can help our
- [Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/building-strong-family-teams-tips-for-connection-and-collaboration/) - In the whirlwind of daily life, especially within a homeschooling environment, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks and responsibilities on your plate. That's why building a strong family team may just transform the way your household operates and thrives together. Homeschooling parents know all too well the challenge of
- [Navigating Intensity and Giftedness | Insights from Christine Fonseca](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/navigating-intensity-and-giftedness/) - Raising gifted children often feels like you're carrying the weight of a thousand questions while navigating a winding, uphill road. If you're a homeschooling parent of a gifted child, you've likely asked yourself many times, "Am I doing this right?" or "Why is my child behaving this way?" Let’s explore the complexities of giftedness, its
- [Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/role-of-strong-family-connections/) - Have you found yourself wondering how to maintain a strong family connection while homeschooling? Being with your children all the time can sometimes blur the lines between being a parent and being an educator. But creating and nurturing those family bonds is crucial not only for your homeschooling success but also for your children's overall
- [100 Hints That Your Child May Be Gifted](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/hints-your-child-is-gifted/) - Admit it, you've thought about it. You see your precious little one handling blocks with expert dexterity. Your heart swells as they garble through their ABCs. Your pride and joy is walking already or handles math problems with ease and you wonder, Could my child be gifted? Maybe. There is a growing community of
- [Sparkschooling | Engaging Children in Music, Art, and STEM](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sparkschooling/) - Homeschooling is a unique adventure, a deeply personal journey you go on with your children. It's about more than academics; it's about sparking a thirst for learning that lasts a lifetime. Imagine blending the thrill of discovery with the foundational aspects of education. Homeschooling does exactly that. Parents can integrate subjects like art,
- [Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/embracing-play-for-teens-growth-and-resilience/) - As our children grow from childhood into the complex world of adolescence, it's tempting to sideline play in favor of more serious activities like academics and extracurriculars. However, integrating play into the lives of teens and preteens is not just beneficial; it's essential. Let's dive into why play remains crucial during the older years and
- [Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking | A Conversation with Puzzlemaker Eric Berlin](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fostering-creativity-and-critical-thinking-with-puzzles/) - Most homeschool parents dream to find materials that will spark their children's curiosity and encourage them to learn through play. And there is value in stimulating your kiddos’ imaginations through interactive activities like puzzles and mental challenges. In addition to passing the time, puzzles are great mental exercises and opportunities to hone a variety of
- [Insights on Homeschooling and Entrepreneurship | A Conversation with Samantha Shank](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/insights-on-homeschooling-and-entrepreneurship/) - When you first start homeschooling, you're often met with a whirl of questions and curiosities. How will you navigate the minefields of social expectations, academic achievements, and, most importantly, prepare your children for success in a world that's constantly evolving? As homeschooling families, we know all too well the challenges and triumphs that come with
- [Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-power-of-collaborative-learning/) - As homeschooling parents, we often run a one-person show, creating lesson plans, watching for progress, and playing the dual role of parent and teacher. But what if we invited more players onto our educational stage to enrich the learning experience for our children? Imagine the transformative power of learners coming together, sharing insights, and building
- [Building Strong Writers at Home | Insights from Occupational Therapist Sarah Collins](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/handwriting-with-sarah-collins/) - Parenting multiple children of varying needs and abilities is akin to juggling on a unicycle—both exciting and challenging in equal measure. As a homeschooling parent, I've had my share of furrowed brows over a myriad of educational puzzles, not least the puzzle of teaching handwriting. Is it perplexing to you, too? You're not alone! Let's
- [A Thriving Homeschool | Strategies for Setting Boundaries](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/setting-boundaries/) - When it comes to homeschooling, striking the right balance between teaching responsibilities and personal life can be like walking a tightrope. It's an intricate dance of dedication to our children's education while also honoring boundaries that ensure family time, personal space, and self-care are not compromised. As homeschooling parents, carving out these boundaries is not
- [Homeschool Rising | A Conversation with Christy Faith](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-rising-with-christy-faith/) - As a homeschooling parent, you might find yourself bombarded by curriculum catalogs, educational philosophies blasting you on social media, and a confusing array of advice that seems to contradict itself at every turn. With all these resources, the path should be clear—yet here you are, steeped in self-doubt and wondering if homeschooling is indeed right
- [Free Solar Eclipse STEM Printable for Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/free-solar-eclipse-stem-printable-for-your-homeschool/) - As the natural world continues to amaze us, the solar eclipse is coming up soon and is sure to interest both homeschoolers and curious learners alike. This spectacular event, in which the moon briefly blocks the sun, gives families who are homeschooling a one-of-a-kind educational experience. Understanding the Solar Eclipse A solar eclipse occurs when the moon
- [Cultivating Curiosity for a Thriving Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cultivating-curiosity-for-a-thriving-homeschool/) - When it comes to educating children at home, it's essential to foster an environment that is not only conducive to learning but is rich in resources and experiences that encourage their natural curiosity. Rethinking Education At Home In traditional schooling, subjects are often weighted equally, leading some to question the message this system sends to
- [Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/benefits-of-keeping-it-playful-with-teens/) - Remember when your teenager was a toddler, and playtime was an endless adventure? Just because they're older now doesn't mean that play has lost its value. In fact, engaging in age-appropriate play is a critical part of their growth and development, even during the teen years. As homeschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to weave
- [Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-with-clarity-confidence-and-calm/) - Imagine this: It's a regular weekday, and you're deep into homeschooling your bright and quirky kids. While juggling all the activities, household chores, and community responsibilities and starting to feel overwhelmed, you realize how important it is to set boundaries and say "no" sometimes. It can be hard to juggle everything, but maintaining your mental
- [Self-Compassion for a Healthier Mindset | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/self-compassion-for-a-healthier-mindseta-conversation-with-michelle-brownell/) - The best part of homeschooling can be found in the tiny moments—the laughter shared over an interesting problem or the excitement of a new discovery. These make up the tapestry of educational and emotional growth. But sometimes, amidst lesson plans and life lessons, we must pause and acknowledge that the path of homeschooling is as
- [Thriving Together | Creating Supportive Environments in Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/thriving-together-supportive-homeschool-environments/) - As homeschoolers, we journey through an intriguing landscape of educational philosophy, parenting styles, and community involvement. This dynamic can leave us with questions about balancing community involvement, work, learning, and parenting simultaneously. NOTE: This episode as been re-edited due to one of the guest's sound issues. In the previously uploaded episode it seemed like the
- [Fun And Free Valentine's Day Games For Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/valentines-day-games-for-your-homeschool/) - Just in time for Valentine's Day, these games are a fun and free way to celebrate and learn in your homeschool! Valentine's Day Games For Your Homeschool One of the best things about homeschooling is the ability to incorporate fun, family holidays and events into your learning. These printables allow you to put away the
- [Delight-Directed Learner Turned Published Author | A Conversation with Millie Florence](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/delight-directed-learner-turned-published-author/) - We've all seen it—the spark in a child's eye when they're utterly captivated by a dream or idea. In the homeschooling community, we are uniquely positioned to fan that flame and guide our children towards pursuing their passions wholeheartedly. But how do we balance the nurturing of a dream with the practicalities of life and
- [Unleashing Childhood Creativity in the Homeschool Environment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/unleashing-childhood-creativity-in-the-homeschool-environment/) - Let's face it, as we juggle homeschooling and everyday life, the picture-perfect tidy home fantasy often falls by the wayside. But is a spotless environment really the benchmark of successful home management or homeschooling? Not at all. Instead, our homes should reflect a space of learning, loving, and, yes, living. It's about keeping things orderly
- [Fishing for Ice Science Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fishing-for-ice-science-experiment/) - This fun science experiment is simple to set up, and seems just like magic! Kids will love wowing their family and friends with the fishing for ice science experiment. How to Set Up the Fishing for Ice Science Experiment Other than making sure you have ice frozen ahead of time, there is no advanced prep
- [Books to Help Your Kids Learn Mindfulness at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mindfulness-books/) - To help keep all of these wonderful mindfulness resources in one place, I have gathered some of the best books to help your kids learn mindfulness at home. We already know how reading can help children learn. So why not combine the incredibly helpful topic of mindfulness with reading to teach our kiddos how
- [The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-learning-game-a-conversation-with-ana-lorena-fabrega/) - We've all been there — questioning the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional education. You're probably aware that the natural instinct to learn can sometimes be stifled by conventional methods. So, how do we foster our kids' love for learning in a way that's tailored to their unique strengths and interests? The Quest for Knowledge Begins at
- [Coping with Stress | Supporting Kids and Teens](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/coping-with-stress-supporting-kids-and-teens/) - Parenting and homeschooling are beautiful and rewarding journeys which present both challenges and opportunities for growth. Both those challenges and opportunities can cause stress, so let's look at some effective ways of helping children and teens navigate that stress and anxiety. Understanding Stress Stress is a natural response to changes and challenges, both positive and
- [Books to Help Kids Learn About Anger](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books-help-kids-learn-anger/) - Although anger is a natural emotion, it can be difficult to handle. If you find that your kids are having a hard time managing this strong emotion, start with these books to help kids learn about anger. Anger is a very normal emotion to feel. Unfortunately, it can be a very difficult to handle. Just
- [Gifted and Distractible with Julie Skolnick](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-and-distractible-by-julie-skolnick/) - Homeschooling is an incredibly personal and varied experience, and when it comes to understanding gifted children, sometimes even the most well-equipped parents can find themselves searching for answers. "But... what's wrong with him?" is a question you've probably asked yourself as you faced certain behaviors that seemed out of place or misunderstood. When Giftedness Looks
- [Cultivating Commitment and Follow Through](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cultivating-commitment-and-follow-through/) - Commitment is a virtue that invariably separates the successful from the rest. As parents, educators, and caretakers, our foremost job is to embed the value of commitment within our children, transforming them into resilient and passionate lifelong learners. It’s important to think about the nuances of nurturing commitment. Shifting to Intrinsic Motivation The initial approach
- [25 New Year's Eve Activities for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/new-years-eve-activities/) - It’s almost time to ring in the new year – how will your family celebrate? Do your kids stay up until midnight? Do you have lots of fun New Year’s Eve activities for kids scheduled throughout the day? We always have a lot of fun and try new activities throughout the day to make it special. I’ve
- [New Year's Eve Science Activities for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/new-years-eve-science-activities-for-kids/) - Do you ring in the new year with your kids? I love making New Year’s Eve fun for my little ones, and they love the anticipation of a new year dawning. If your kiddos are inquisitive and science-y like mine, maybe you’ll want to try some of these super fizzy and explosive science activities with
- [How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny Yurich](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/how-a-return-to-outside-play-will-help-our-kids-thrive-with-ginny-yurich/) - In our fast-paced, digitally-driven world, the enchantments of screens often lure both children and adults indoors, disconnecting us from the wonders of the natural world. Ginny Yurich, the visionary behind the "1000 Hours Outside" movement, seeks to restore this balance, offering profound insights into the impact of nature on child development and homeschooling. Inspired by
- [Nurturing a Strength-Based Approach to Learning in Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/nurturing-a-strength-based-approach-to-learning-in-homeschooling/) - Strengths-based learning can play a crucial role in crafting your child's educational journey. Understanding the distinctions between a strengths-based and a deficits-based approach to education is important, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and fostering your child's unique strengths, talents, and abilities. Understanding Strengths-Based Learning So what are the fundamental distinctions between a strengths-based approach and
- [Great Books to Read With Your Kids in December](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-with-your-kids-in-december/) - December brings the holidays, snowy days, and thanks to some time off, the opportunity to read a pile of amazing books. To help fill that time, take a look at these great books to read with your kids in December. There are fun books on this list as well as heartwarming stories. You'll find elves,
- [Building Social-Emotional Skills While Helping Others](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/building-social-emotional-skills-while-helping-others/) - Parenting is a journey filled with opportunities to shape the character and values of our children. One aspect that deserves our attention, particularly when raising neurodivergent kids, is cultivating empathy and a sense of service. Understanding Empathy Empathy is a cornerstone of emotional and social development in children. It's about understanding and sharing the feelings
- [Managing the Holidays with Sensory Kids with Sarah Collins](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/managing-the-holidays-with-sensory-kids-with-sarah-collins/) - The holiday season can be an exciting and magical time for many families, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful for neurodivergent kids. The bright lights, crowded stores, and festive music can all trigger sensory overload. As a parent, it's important to understand your child's unique sensory needs and provide them with the support
- [Great Gifts for LEGO Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-gifts-for-lego-lovers/) - My kids love LEGO. My husband loves LEGO. Nearly anyone who walks into my home and spots a pile of LEGOs will walk over, without hesitation, and start building with them. LEGOs are universal - open-ended, creativity-building, STEM-encouraging, foot-gnashing fun for people of all ages. There is almost no limit to what can be made
- [Parenting Gifted Kids with Gail Post Ph.D.](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/parenting-gifted-kids-with-gail-post/) - Parenting gifted children presents a distinctive set of challenges, often leading parents to feel isolated in their journey. In the realm of clinical psychology, experts emphasize the importance of acknowledging these difficulties while seeking resources and support. The Gifted Parenting Journey Addressing the unique challenges of parenting gifted children requires an understanding of the diverse
- [Finding Your Community as a Neurodivergent Family](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/finding-your-community-as-a-neurodivergent-family/) - Homeschooling neurodivergent kiddos is a journey full of ups and downs that's totally its own adventure. As parents, we can sometimes feel a bit out of place when our little ones don't quite fit into the usual school mold or hit those typical milestones. But hey, it's important to remember that we're the absolute best
- [Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/self-regulation-with-sarah-collins/) - As parents, we all strive to provide the best for our children, but when it comes to neurodivergent kids, there's an extra layer of care and attention needed. One crucial aspect of understanding and supporting these unique kiddos is recognizing and addressing their sensory needs. Sensory processing is a fundamental part of their world, and
- [Find a Place of Belonging for Your Neurodiverse Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/find-belonging/) - Raising a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges, including helping them feel like they belong in a world that often doesn't understand or accommodate their differences. It can be an even bigger struggle to find acceptance when homeschooling. So, how can parents create a supportive environment for their quirky kids to thrive? Understanding and Empathizing
- [Unlocking Early Literacy Skills with Reading Eggs](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/unlocking-early-literacy-skills-with-reading-eggs/) - Reading Eggs is an engaging and interactive online reading program designed to help children develop early literacy skills in a fun and educational way. This program can be a valuable resource if you are looking to support your child's pre-reading development. Reading Eggs can help nurture these essential skills: Phonological Awareness and Phonemic Awareness Letter
- [Reading Eggs | A Homeschooling Lifesaver for Moms with Multiple Aged Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/reading-eggs-homeschooling-lifesaver-multiple-aged-children/) - Homeschooling is a rewarding journey that allows parents to tailor their children's education to suit their unique needs. While it offers flexibility and customization, homeschooling can also present its own set of challenges, especially for moms who have multiple aged kiddos at home. Keeping all your little learners engaged, motivated, and progressing can be a
- [Homeschooling Kids with Profound Special Needs with Katie Keene](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-profound-special-needs/) - Families homeschool for a number of reasons, but in recent years the number of parents homeschooling special needs kiddos has risen. It’s no surprise, as the one-on-one attention a child can get in a homeschool setting is far superior to the many-to-one attention they can get in a traditional school setting. It can be challenging,
- [Helping Our Kids Set Healthy Boundaries](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/healthy-boundaries/) - In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, teaching our children to set and respect boundaries is more important than ever. As parents, it is our responsibility to equip our kids with the necessary skills to navigate in-person and online relationships. Let’s dive into boundary-setting, drawing from personal experiences and conversations with families in the Learners Lab
- [Calm the Chaos with Dayna Abraham](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/calm-the-chaos/) - We live in a world where children must express themselves, whether it's discomfort at school or anxiety they may be feeling. As parents, we have all witnessed the incredible power of actively teaching children how to communicate their emotions. My own kiddo struggles with anxiety and it is amazing to see her find the words
- [Nurturing Authenticity | Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Discovering Their True Selves](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/supporting-neurodivergent-children-in-discovering-their-true-selves/) - In the world of homeschooling and raising neurodivergent children, fostering an environment that promotes authenticity and self-discovery is of utmost importance. It's important to help our kiddos be true to themselves, explore their interests and passions, and embrace their unique identities. So, how can homeschooling parents create a nurturing environment that encourages open communication, acceptance,
- [The Power of Connecting with Your Kids in Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/connecting-with-your-kids-in-homeschooling/) - If you want to have an amazing homeschool and to create an environment where your kids can thrive, building a strong relationship with them is key. Truly, you can never overdo the connection with your kids! We, as parents, can often get caught up in the academics of homeschooling and forget that we can always
- [Self-Care and Co-Regulation | Balancing Parenting and Sensory Needs](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/balancing-parenting-and-sensory-needs/) - In this episode of the podcast, host Colleen Kessler is joined by Sarah Collins, an occupational therapist and homeschool mom. Together, they delve into parenting with sensory needs and challenges while homeschooling neurodivergent children. This episode aims to provide valuable insights and practical tips for parents in similar situations, recognizing the importance of self-care and
- [Unlocking Potential | The Benefits of Online Reading Programs for Neurodivergent Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/benefits-of-reading-eggs/) - An online reading program like Reading Eggs can be a valuable tool for helping a young neurodivergent kiddo work at his or her own pace, and help a busy homeschool mama be sure she's meeting her child's needs. We've used Reading Eggs a few times over the years to take the pressure off when I needed it -- and my youngest used it to teach himself to read! In fact, we just started it up again for him as he needed a little more support in some comprehension areas.
- [Activities to Strengthen Your Family Team](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/activities-to-strengthen-your-family-team/) - Your family unit is the backbone of your homeschool. There are many habits and activities that can nurture a team mentality, and it's one of the best things you can do for yourself and your kids to be successful while building a strong, resilient, emotionally intelligent family. Contributing to the Family First, make sure that
- [Prioritizing Self-Care is Important for You and Your Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-importance-of-self-care/) - One of the most beautiful things about homeschooling is how we can adjust kid-to-kid and year-to-year. It's also one of the things that messes with us as parents. It’s inevitable that when everything is functioning well, there’s another change: developmentally, emotionally, and physically, and we find ourselves reevaluating again. It can be challenging, tiring, and
- [Help Your Differently-Wired Kids Fall in Love with Reading](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/help-kids-love-reading/) - Studies show a child who learns to read at four and a child who learns to read at nine or ten are very often reading at the exact same level by the time they're 16. We want our kids to not only be able to read, but to enjoy reading and be able to glean
- [Guide Your Kids on the Path to Self-Discovery](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/path-to-self-discovery/) - One of the absolute most important things we can do for our differently wired kids: gifted, twice-exceptional, anxious, sensory, ADHD, autistic, or any other neurodivergency, is to help them understand who they are through self-discovery. We can help our kids see the beauty of how their brains are wired and teach them that this is
- [Create the Best Homeschool for Your Family](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/create-the-best-homeschool/) - Homeschooling opens up many opportunities and possibilities for our neurodiverse children. It's a different kind of education, and it's exciting! When you choose to open up to all the avenues of education that are possible, it can be empowering. Letting go of the fear Oftentimes, we as parents of neurodiverse kids homeschool from a
- [Create a Multimodal Learning Environment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/multi-modal-learning/) - Homeschooling neurodivergent kids is the absolute best thing educationally you can do for them. You love them more than anybody else and will move mountains to get them what they need. You'll be very conscious of meeting them exactly where they are and moving them forward. Multimodal learning will help you do just that. It
- [Giving Your Child Life Skills | Metacognition](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/metacognitive-skills/) - Metacognition has many benefits. When kiddos are facing attention difficulties, sensory challenges, executive function issues, or struggling with fine motor skills, metacognitive skills will help. It may look like staying focused in the moment, regulating their behavior, or managing their emotions. Over time as kids reflect on their own behaviors and the thought
- [Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-executive-function-skills/) - Executive function skills are essential when it comes to homeschooling neurodivergent children, but sometimes it's tough to know just how to incorporate teaching them into our everyday lives so we can help our kiddos become the best versions of themselves. Help For Neurodivergent Kids: Executive Function Skills From an OT Perspective Homeschooling a
- [Magnificent Music Games](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/magnificent-music-games/) - My oldest daughter is always singing. Always. She'd love to make it to Broadway one day, but in the meantime, she remains active in our local musical theater productions, takes voice lessons, and performs as she walks around the house. Music is a language she speaks fluently and has embraced with her whole heart. We've
- [Strengthen Executive Function Skills](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/strengthen-executive-function-skills/) - Executive functions refer to a set of mental processes that enable children (and adults) to plan, organize, focus attention, control impulses, and manage time effectively. They are the cognitive and mental abilities that help engage in goal-directed action. They control our actions and behaviors, they motivate us to achieve our goals, and prepare us for
- [Helping Your Impulsive Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/impulsive-child/) - If you are parenting a neurodivergent or twice-exceptional kiddo, you might also be dealing with impulsivity. At its core, impulsivity is a struggle with executive functioning skills. This means, that in addition to what we might typically think of as impulsivity - rash behavior or actions - it can also manifest as difficulty with decision-making
- [Sneaking In Summer Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sneaking-in-summer-learning/) - As summer approaches, homeschool families often ask about the school schedule. Do you follow the schedule of the local public school? Do you take a summer break? Do you school year-round? And if you do include some learning during the summer, what does that look like? How Formal Is Your School Year? ​One
- [Managing Perfectionism | Strategies for Parents](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/perfectionism-strategies/) - It's important for kids to strive for excellence, have high standards, and value hard work. But high standards are not the same as unrealistic expectations. When our kiddos have perfectionist tendencies or thinking, they can suffer from low self-esteem and a host of other negative consequences. Perfectionistic Tendencies and the Impact of Perfectionism Children
- [Finding Homeschool Balance](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/finding-homeschool-balance/) - There are so many things that you need to accomplish in your homeschool each day and week. Besides school work and parenting, homeschool parents have to find ways to manage household work, meal planning, grocery shopping, volunteer work, and lots more. The to-do list seems impossible. So how do you find or create the perfect
- [Igniting Your Kids' Passions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/igniting-your-kids-passions/) - ​Parents begin homeschooling for a wide variety of reasons. Some of us (hello!) began homeschooling completely unexpectedly because it was what our kid needed, even if it wasn't what we had pictured for our family at all! Some of us chose homeschooling for relationship building or because of the educational flexibility and opportunities it provides.
- [Building Self-Esteem in Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/building-self-esteem-kids/) - Building your child's self-esteem or sense of self-worth is an important aspect of raising resilient kids. While healthy self-confidence is a part of positive self-esteem, these two terms are not interchangeable. Self-confidence applies in specific contexts, subject areas, or social situations where your child has developed a particular strength or learned to face new challenges
- [Should I Homeschool My Twice-Exceptional Student?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-twice-exceptional/) - A reader shared that she is considering homeschooling her twice-exceptional student after watching her daughter "crumple" in the public school system - loosing her enthusiasm for learning and her ability to thrive in a public school setting. What about you? Are you considering homeschooling your twice-exceptional, gifted, or otherwise quirky kiddo? Public Schools and Twice-Exceptional
- [Test Your Homeschooled Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/test-homeschooled-child/) - I remember struggling with the question so many parents come to me online or in-person to ask... Should I test my child for giftedness? Should I test my child for dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, or any number of things? If you are homeschooling your child, it's important to keep a couple of things
- [Homeschool Testing | Helping Your Perfectionist Do Hard Things](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-testing-perfectionism/) - "Great! Now this stupid test that I didn't want to take and I'm probably failing anyway just ruined the beautiful book I'm reading! I had no idea that Darcy and Elizabeth ended up together! How on Earth can they spoil amazing pieces of literature for kids like me and live with themselves?" "Molly, I'm pretty
- [Motivating Your Struggling Learner](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/motivating-your-struggling-learner/) - Homeschooling your gifted kiddo was supposed to be a breeze, right? After all, they're super smart, driven, and independent... right? Well, maybe not. Gifted kiddos are just as different from each other as they are from neurotypical kids, and they're often 2e, or twice-exceptional, too. 2e kiddos are hard to tease out because their struggles
- [Crystal Geodes Science Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/crystal-geodes-science-experiment/) - Most kids love creating their own crystals. Just like real geodes, these crystals are formed inside plastic Easter eggs through ionic bonding. This particular crystal geodes science experiment uses monoammonium phosphate powder, but other ingredients can be used to make these crystal geodes as well, including salt, borax, or Epsom salt with slightly different crystal
- [Comparison: A Toxic Parenting Trap](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/comparison-parenting-trap/) - It's easy. It's so easy to slip into comparing our kids to other kids. And usually we're doing it with good intent. Maybe we want them to feel better about themselves. Maybe we want to help them build confidence in their own abilities or gifts. But is comparison really the best thing to use to
- [When Giftedness is Misdiagnosed as a Behavior Problem](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mislabeled-behavior/) - "But... what's wrong with him?" I was sitting across from the counselor we'd been seeing every week for six months, desperation leaking from my eyes and filling the small room with a heaviness we both felt. On the walls were graduate degrees and charts that identified emotions with children's faces, the bookshelves were brimming with
- [Celebrating Your Child's Neurodiversity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/celebrating-your-childs-neurodiversity/) - Homeschooling neurodiverse children comes with its share of challenges, and also benefits. If we're going to help our children to recognize their unique strengths while also supporting their special needs, we're going to have to embrace their neurodiversity and celebrate it! Neurodiverse Kids Know They Are Different Often times it doesn't take long for our
- [Homeschooling Your Neurodiverse Kid](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-your-neurodiverse-kid/) - You have neurodiverse kids. They are gifted. They are twice exceptional. They have anxiety, perfectionism, or sensory processing disorder. They are on the autism spectrum. They have a mix of neurodiversity. I am right there with you and I want you to know that It is possible to thrive as a homeschooler. I believe with
- [Knowing If Your Child is Gifted](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/knowing-child-gifted/) - So you have a bright learner. Maybe he has a vivid imagination. Maybe he scores well on achievement tests. Maybe you notice exceptionally early cognitive abilities or strong interests. But there's a difference between bright kids and gifted kids. Let's talk about how to identify gifted learners. All Gifted Students Are Not The Same Something
- [RLL #58:  Why You Should Check Out a Homeschooling Convention This Year](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode58/) - Are you planning to come out to a homeschool convention this season? Colleen will be speaking at all seven of the Great Homeschool Conventions and several others as well -- you can find her entire calendar on her speaking page. In this episode, though, she chats about why you should consider attending as a
- [Parenting in the Moment with Your Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/parenting-in-the-moment/) - One of my favorite tips to share with homeschooling families and families of differently-wired kiddos is the importance of parenting in the moment - being fully present with our kiddos...even if you're a mom who's juggling all the plates and has laundry spilling over in the living room! Intentional Parenting And Homeschooling The best part
- [Create a Custom Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/create-custom-homeschool/) - Many of us homeschool moms began this homeschooling journey in the first place because we knew our quirky and differently-wired kiddos needed something unique to support their academic success. Maybe traditional school wasn't a good fit for your students. Certainly one of the main benefits of homeschooling is the opportunity to tailor your schedule and
- [Creative Thinking Activities for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cultivating-creative-thinking/) - Creative thinking is a crucial skill for kids of all ages. Teachers and parents need to include critical, creative, and logical thinking games, activities, and puzzles into their teaching and conversations with children. No matter how old a child is, he or she will benefit from this. It’s such a tragedy that there is little time
- [Lexercise For Your Dyslexic Child: Professional Support For Improvement And Success](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/lexercise-for-your-dyslexic-child-professional-support-for-improvement-and-success/) - If your child is dyslexic, or if you suspect they may be, research shows that a structured, step-by-step approach is critical for an overall successful outcome. Lexercise is a program designed to provide everything you need as you navigate homeschooling a child with dyslexia. Helping A Struggling Reader As a parent of a
- [What to Do When You Doubt Your Choice to Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/doubt-homeschool-choice/) - A listener shared this question with me and it's so similar to the kinds of questions I hear from moms when we work together one-on-one, and also some discussions we've been having recently in The Learner's Lab so it felt like an important one to address in a podcast. This mom asked ... What are
- [Homeschooling High School: Transcripts, Mom-Guilt, And Finishing Strong](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-high-school-transcripts/) - Homeschooling high school with an interest-led approach can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! These practical tips and tricks for assigning grades, creating transcripts, and managing the worry and guilt will help you and your child finish strong. Grades For Interest-Led Learning It can be difficult to know where to start
- [How to Recover from a Bad Homeschool Day](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/recover-bad-homeschool-day/) - All homeschool moms have had those days. In fact, most of us have had quite a few bad homeschooling days. Last week, we had a rough day in a big (and I mean *explosively big*) way, and I decided it was important to tell you about it. The Haunting Questions of a Bad Homeschool Day
- [My Neurodivergent Kiddo Needs So Much Help...](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/neurodivergent-siblings-neglected/) - I've gotten so many excellent questions recently from readers and listeners. These questions not only represent the very issues I hear about from many parents I work with, they also resonate with the struggles and worries I've faced in my own journey as the parent of a child with neurodiverse or twice-exceptional challenges. Here is
- [Should I Accelerate My Profoundly Gifted Child?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/academic-acceleration-profoundly-gifted-child/) - One reader wrote to me with a question about her profoundly gifted, or exceptionally gifted, child. Because gifted learners often move at a significantly faster pace than their age peers, parents wonder if it is in the best interest of their gifted children to allow them to finish middle school or high school ahead of
- [Attending a Homeschool Convention | Getting Ready](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/attending-a-homeschool-convention/) - Attending a homeschool convention can be the highlight of a homeschool mama's year. It is a place to recharge oneself, and go into a new year fresh and ready. The speakers share experience and wisdom, while the vendors give attendees a hands on look into their curriculum and products. Yet, it can become overwhelming if you
- [Why You Should Attend a Homeschool Convention](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/attend-a-homeschool-convention/) - Homeschool convention season is upon us and I am so excited to be back with Great Homeschool Conventions! I'll have all-new talks to share, exciting new stuff happening in my booth, and I always love seeing the faces of new friends and old ones. It's always such a great time when I get a chance
- [The Unique Challenges of Homeschooling Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-kids-are-gonna-gift/) - I shrug a lot, shake my head with a smile, even chuckle. My kids are a blast. They're different and difficult and quite the handful, but at the end of the day I don't know what I'd do without the constant excitement of their excitabilities or the quick wit (that also gets them into trouble).
- [An Online Homeschool Math Solution for Families With Diverse Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/online-homeschool-math-diverse-learners/) - Cue the tears. And much gnashing of teeth. It’s math lessons for the ten year old and this never, ever goes well for us here. Surprising, really, as we don’t typically have trouble with math in this house. Well, I should be completely honest and tell you that I’VE always had trouble with math. Since
- [The Pros And Cons Of Homeschool Charter Schools](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-charter-pros-cons/) - Does your state offer charter school options for homeschoolers? Have you been wondering if a charter might be a good option for your family? I am joined by Shawna Wingert from Different By Design Learning as she shares her own experience with a homeschool charter, and what she sees as the overall pros and cons
- [When One Child Has A Diagnosis And Their Siblings Are All Neurotypical](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/siblings-neurotypical/) - "My child was recently diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, as well as dyslexia and other learning differences. How do I manage the overwhelm of homeschooling her in a way that is appropriate for her learning needs, without comparison with her neurotypical siblings?" When I read this listener question, I understood completely the overwhelm
- [Getting Back To Homeschooling In The New Year](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-new-year/) - The transition from the relaxed, anything goes nature of our holiday break to some sort of regular homeschooling routine is a real challenge for us each year. Here's everything you need to begin homeschooling again after a long break, including tips and tricks for making the transition as smooth as possible for neurodiverse kids.
- [My Biggest Homeschool Regret (And My Greatest Victory)](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-regret-victory/) - There are two questions I am asked all the time. "What is my biggest homeschool regret?" and "What is my greatest homeschool victory?" After 13 years, here are my honest answers! My Biggest Homeschool Regret My biggest regret has been the same for years. I regret every single time I started doubting my
- [Letting Go And Giving Our Older Children The Space They Need](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/older-children-space-they-need/) - How do we let go of our older children and give them the space they need? Today, we tackle this often asked listener question. Letting Go As Our Children Mature As our kids get older, it can be tough for us as parents to learn how to let go, especially when our children have
- [Seven Simple Tips for Homeschooling Your Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/seven-simple-tips-for-homeschooling-your-gifted-kids/) - Yes, you CAN homeschool gifted kids! In fact, you can do it quite well since homeschooling affords you the wonderful opportunity to meet unique needs perfectly. While each family's situation certainly requires homeschooling to be tailored to specific needs, there are some very common trials that parents face in teaching gifted students that I'd like
- [Motivating Your High Schooler: My Best Homeschool Tips](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/motivating-high-schooler-homeschool-tips/) - It can feel overwhelming when we think about homeschooling teens through the high school years, but it doesn't have to be. Here are tips and tricks to help your high schooler stay motivated through the teen years. I get this question all the time. "What advice do you have for a high schooler
- [Gratitude For The Holidays: Why It Is So Helpful For Neurodiverse Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gratitude-holidays-kids/) - This time of year can be difficult for neurodiverse children. As part of our ongoing series about navigating the holidays with intense children, this post covers the value of gratitude practice in social emotional development and provides ideas and resources to help you help your child. While all of us want to raise
- [Intense Children and The Holidays: A Parent's Guide](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/intense-children-the-holidays/) - For intense children, the holidays can be a difficult season. Find out how to help your intense kids during the holidays, and get some much needed tips for navigating the chaos and overstimulation that comes with the season. The holidays are upon us and our intense kids can make that quite a challenge.
- [The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/social-emotional-needs-gifted-children/) - The social and emotional needs of gifted and twice exceptional children are a common concern for parents. How do we help strengthen and support our neurodiverse children as they navigate social development and emotional regulation? The Challenges Of Raising Gifted And Twice Exceptional Children: Social Emotional Needs Asynchronous Development First, let's define asynchrony
- [25 Great Gifts for Animal Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-gifts-for-animal-lovers/) - My house has been a miniature zoo for as long as I can remember. You've probably seen our turtles swimming calmly in the background of some of my Facebook live videos. We became chicken keepers this year. At any given moment you can catch my youngest daughter snuggling a gerbil, our rabbit, or a lizard
- [Great Gifts for Children with Anxiety](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-for-children-with-anxiety/) - All children combat anxiety from time to time. Watching a scary movie, overhearing a frightening news segment, or hearing a ghost story from a friend. The shadows in our basement used to freak me out when I was a kid and I could feel the fear rise up in my throat when I had to
- [Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/interest-led-learning-high-school/) - There is a misconception that interest led learning is not appropriate for a high school education in your homeschool. The good news is that all the same benefits of interest-led learning still apply in the middle and high school years. Does Interest-Led Learning Really Count For High School Credit? One of the first objections
- [Traveling with Kids Who Struggle with Anxiety](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/traveling-with-kids-who-struggle-with-anxiety/) - As a mom of child with anxiety, I know that the disruptions to routines caused by travel can be the start of all sorts of problems. We love traveling, and try to take advantage of short trips near and far for fun, and to enhance our homeschooling. But, since we’re raising four kids, two of
- [Interest-Led Learning In The Early Years: Preschool and Beyond](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/interest-led-learning-early-years/) - Curious about Interest-led learning for your younger child, but not sure where to start? This will guide you through letting your child take the lead beginning in preschool and on into the elementary years. Following your kids' curiosity and crafting your homeschool around their interests can be a powerful way to motivate learning. When
- [STEM Gifts for Science Loving Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/stem-gifts-science-loving-kids/) - How many of you -- like me -- have kiddos who will get all excited about science gifts if they find them under the tree? Just look at all of these great STEM gifts. You can launch rockets, make perfume, build structures, and even program robots. These hands-on gift ideas will be a guaranteed hit
- [Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/helping-child-find-interests/) - How do we help our kids find their interests? What can we do to foster them and what happens if our kids change interests? These are all good questions and worth exploring as we move into a more relaxed, eclectic, interest led, child driven approach in our homeschools. What Is Child-Led Learning? Child-led
- [Knowledge is Power: Helping Our Gifted Children Cope](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/knowledge-is-power-helping-our-gifted-children-cope/) - Raising gifted kids is an amazing but sometimes crazy ride! There are definitely some challenges we have to navigate along the way. For example, gifted kids struggle with anxiety more often than their neurotypical peers. Along the way, we’ve learned that knowledge is power. Kids are more likely to feel anxious in uncertain situations where
- [Finding Books for Your Gifted Readers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-readers/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]The best thing about having gifted readers is also the hardest thing – they are voracious. They inhale books, consume them, and aren’t even done chewing on their last novel before they’re begging for more.
- [Why I Still Read Aloud To My Tweens and Teens](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/read-aloud-tweens-and-teens/) - Once my children hit their teen and tween years, there was no reason to stop reading aloud to them even though it was a little trickier to schedule. After all, reading aloud has always been an important part of our homeschool family culture. The Undeniable Value Of Reading Aloud From the time our
- [Helping Our Children: The Lies Anxiety Tells Us](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-lies-anxiety-tells-you/) - I've written quite a bit about anxiety, and to be honest, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. It's a topic that's very close to my (rapidly beating) heart and very present in my home. I am an anxious parent of an anxious child. I face anxiety every single day of my life
- [Creating An Animal Unit Study For Your Homeschool: A Step By Step Guide](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/animal-unit-study-homeschool/) - Have you ever thought about using art to lure your kids into meaningful learning across subjects? Art enticed my boys into happily agreeing to write an informational essay on animals. This led to an entire unit study in our homeschool. By the time we finished this animal unit study, their project included not only art
- [When You Just Aren't Comfortable Getting Help for Your Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/getting-help-for-your-child/) - I love talking with parents of gifted and twice-exceptional kiddos. Apart from the comradery and the peace that comes with knowing you're not alone in this often-difficult journey, it's so uplifting to encourage them, hug them, to be there when the lightbulb goes off as you explain why their child behaves they way they do.
- [When A Child's Anxiety Looks Like Anger](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-anxiety-looks-like-anger/) - "I don't know!" He was clenching his fists, shaking with rage. His brows were furrowed, his face was red, his whole body sent off one message - he was angry. Yet again. However, he could not tell me WHY. My son had been struggling with controlling his temper for years. No therapy techniques, special topic
- [Practical Strategies For Helping Anxious Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode161/) - This is the final episode in our series, all about anxiety. Today we're going to talk about strategies and tools we can use to help our children cope. These are practical takeaways we can use to help our kids manage their anxiety. We want our kids to know that there's nothing wrong with them.
- [Learning Strategies for Reluctant Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/learning-strategies-reluctant-gifted-students/) - It's Monday morning and the week is already going sideways. The oldest has told me that he absolutely cannot do the work that we've chosen (together) for him, and the next oldest is avoiding her math like the plague. The twice-exceptional struggling reader is melting down because, well, books, and my youngest is taking advantage
- [Anxiety and Learning: What You Need To Know](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode160/) - This continues our series, all about anxiety and atypical children. Today, we are talking specifically about the impact of anxiety on learning. Anxious kids are anxious kids all aspects of their lives, including learning. When it comes to work, homeschool, traditional school, private school, and anxiety, it can be hard to determine what
- [Anxiety In Children: Physical, Emotional, and Behavioral Symptoms](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode159/) - This continues our new series, all about homeschooling a child with anxiety. Today, we discuss the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of anxiety in our children, as well as how we can help. Last week, we talked about the difference between stress, anxiety, and perfectionism, how they all feed into each other, and
- [100 Ways to Tell Your Kids You Love Them](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tell-your-kids-you-love-them/) - We had a tough day last week. The house was a wreck. Dishes piled up in the sink. Rice from the rice bin was scattered everywhere. And the kids’ room… oh my. The floor was covered – pillows, blankets, used pull-ups, stuffed animals, trash, LEGO – you name it, and it was somewhere on that
- [Anxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism: Helping Our Children Cope](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode158/) - This new series is all about homeschooling a child with anxiety. Today, we kick it off with a discussion of the differences between stress and anxiety, as well as the impact of perfectionism on our gifted children. Anxiety is a topic that comes up often, especially when we're raising neurodiverse, gifted and twice
- [Helping Anxious Children And Their Siblings](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode128/) - Colleen answers a frequently asked question today on the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast: How do you help siblings understand when one child has anxiety? This episode is all about helping anxious children and their siblings. Anxiety and Gifted/Twice Exceptional Children We all experience anxiety at some point or another. Worrying and stress is a
- [Navigating Summer Learning With Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode157/) - Summer is just around the corner. Navigating the summer months with your gifted and twice exceptional child can bring on a new level of challenges. These ideas can help. Are you a family who sticks with a more traditional homeschool schedule where you start in the fall, go all the way through spring, and
- [Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode156/) - A strong community is important for homeschooled kids, especially if they're gifted or twice exceptional. This is why it matters so much and how you can find the right community for your family. Thirteen years ago, when we first started homeschooling, we didn't know any other families who homeschooled. There were a lot
- [Not Knowing All The Answers Makes Me A Better Homeschool Parent](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/not-knowing-everything-makes-me-a-better-homeschool-parent/) - You’ve heard of the 80/20 rule, I’m sure. Usually it means that 20% of the people in an organization do 80% of the work, but it means something different to a homeschool mom. To homeschool parents it may represent the 80% of people who declare they could never homeschool compared to the 20% of people
- [Perfectionism And Gifted Children: What You Need To Know](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode155/) - Gifted children often struggle with perfectionism. It can affect all aspects of their lives in significant ways and requires understanding on the part of parents and educators. Here is what you need to know about perfectionism and gifted children. The Link Between Anxiety And Perfectionism What is perfectionism? Is it anxiety? The answer is
- [The Power Of Reading For Gifted Children: Advanced Readers And Social Emotional Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode154/) - The power of reading and story for all children is undeniable. The power of reading for gifted children is extraordinary. Even if your gifted child is not an advanced reader, there is an important place for reading in social-emotional learning and development. All this month in The Learners Lab, we are focused on
- [Smart Kids Still Need Help](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/smart-kids-still-need-help/) - Parents, teachers, friends and mentors… let’s talk. We have a generation of brilliant, gifted, amazing kids who are having (and are going to have) significant crises over the next days, weeks, and months. These kids, the ones we’ve nurtured and shuttled from enrichment activity to enrichment activity, are struggling. Not academically. Not really. Emotionally.
- [Homeschooling Our Gifted Children: The Power Of Artful Questions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode153/) - We've been talking about this month about ways to to make our homeschooling experience exceptional for our gifted children. Today, our focus in inquiry based learning - how we use artful questions to help our children dynamically learn. Artful Questions And Interest-Led Learning Inquiry based learning is more than just asking your
- [Why Gamified Learning Works So Well For Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gamified-learning-gifted-children/) - If you are educating a gifted child, you already know that they require a unique approach. One educational concept that works exceptionally well for gifted children is gamified learning. What Is Gamified Learning? Although it has fast become a buzz word in the world of education today, the reality is that the concept
- [Project Based Learning And Your Gifted Child: A Guide For Parents](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode152/) - This series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today's topic is a discussion around project based learning - what project based learning really is, plus resources and ideas for how to incorporate it into your homeschool. What Is Project Based Learning?
- [Synthesis Review For Gifted Children: Everything You Need To Know](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/synthesis-review-gifted-children/) - Looking for ways to engage and challenge your gifted child? It can be difficult to find solutions that are designed to meet the needs of our kids. The good news is, Synthesis is a dynamic program created with acceleration and educational challenge in mind. When I was a gifted specialist in the
- [The Power Of Inquiry Based Learning For Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/inquiry-based-learning-gifted-children/) - Inquiry-based learning is not a new concept in education, but it's rarely something we discuss in homeschooling circles. The reality is that for those of us homeschooling gifted children, inquiry-based learning can be a powerful approach to their education. What Is Inquiry Based Learning? A mentor of mine once called inquiry-based learning “artful
- [Play-Based Learning In Your Homeschool: It's More Than Just Board Games](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode151/) - This series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Throughout the course of this series, we are discussing child led learning and interest driven choices that we can make in our homeschool, to help prepare our children for the future. Today we are specifically
- [Engaging Online Dance Classes Your Entire Family Will Love](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/online-dance-classes/) - I love the idea of dance classes for my kids but have had trouble finding options that work for our homeschool lifestyle, budget, and family interests. Is it possible to find engaging, online dance classes the entire family will love? As my oldest daughter has become more and more interested in musical theatre,
- [Future Proofing Our Kids In An Ever Changing World](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode150/) - This new series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today's topic is an introduction, all about "future proofing" our kids in an ever changing world. Throughout the course of this series, we'll discuss child led learning and interest driven choices that we can
- [Respecting Your Child's Sensory Needs: When You Have to Say "No"](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/respecting-sensory-needs/) - It really was a cute invitation. It was brightly-colored, covered in exciting graphics, and littered with exclamation marks. Everything about this party invitation screamed fun. It was going to be at a local trampoline park, one of our favorite places, where they were going to serve pizza, one of our favorite foods, and the birthday boy
- [Moms With ADHD Homeschooling Children With ADHD](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode149/) - This series is all about homeschooling children with ADHD. Today, I'm sharing my own experience as a mom with ADHD homeschooling my own children with ADHD. This is for moms with ADHD homeschooling children with ADHD. It is not uncommon for parents of children have ADHD to confess to me that they also
- [Equipping Parents to Help Children with Language-Based Learning Disabilities](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/language-based-learning-disabilities/) - Before I began this journey of advocating for my differently-wired kids, I used to think that "learning disabilities" meant dyslexia. Just dyslexia. It was the only disorder I'd ever heard mentioned in a classroom, and my knowledge of it was severely limited to a broad, stereotyped version of a very complex, neurological condition. The more
- [The Very Best Approach To Homeschooling A Child With Attention Issues](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-child-with-attention-issues/) - If you are homeschooling a child who struggles with attention, it can be frustrating. This is the very best approach to help your child focus on and retain learning in your homeschool. When Your Child Struggles With Attention You know what it’s like. You're excited to just get started with your homeschool lessons
- [Homeschool Math Doesn’t Have To Be Intimidating!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-math-intimidating/) - “The one subject that scares me most is math.” I hear it all the time from homeschooling parents, worried about how to best help their kids in math. My reply is always the same. “Homeschool math doesn’t have to be intimidating! You just need to find the right program for your child.” I
- [Teaching Preschool at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teaching-preschool-at-home/) - Do you have preschool-aged kids? Are you struggling with what to do for the upcoming school year? Maybe you plan to homeschool, but aren’t sure exactly where to start, and worry that your kids will miss out on something by not going to a normal preschool... Maybe your kids are gifted -- and asynchronous -- and
- [The 20 Best Dyslexia Resources for Homeschoolers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-dyslexia-resources-for-homeschoolers/) - Homeschooling a child with dyslexia can be a challenge, especially when you are struggling to find resources. I believe homeschooling is the best possible educational choice for your dyslexic child. You just need to right education and support. These are 20 of the best dyslexia resources out there for homeschoolers. I don't ever
- [Motivating Your Child With ADHD: 7 Tips For Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode148/) - This series is all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, we are discussing 7 of our best tips for motivating a child with ADHD. Parenting and homeschooling a child with ADHD has its own unique set of circumstances. One issue that frequently arises for kiddos with ADHD is a seeming lack of
- [Homeschooling Tips For Wiggly Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode147/) - This series is all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, we are discussing our best tips for homeschooling a child who struggles with sitting still and is often "wiggly" throughout your learning. Is This ADHD Or Is My Child Just Fidgety? When a child struggles to sit still, one of the questions
- [The Non-STEM Gifted Kid](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-non-stem-gifted-kid/) - You've got an image already conjured up in your mind, a stereotype if we're honest, of a gifted kid. She's got glasses, probably, or maybe he's even wearing a bowtie and suspenders. She's at the chalkboard solving a math problem several yards long a la Good Will Hunting, or he's smiling in a cloud of gasses
- [Homeschool Curriculum for Your Asynchronous Gifted Learner](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-curriculum-for-your-asynchronous-gifted-learner/) - Homeschooling an asynchronous gifted learner is quite an adventure! Teaching your asynchronous gifted child can be a real challenge too. Sometimes these kiddos can be on multiple grade levels at once and their preferred learning style can change too. So how do you choose the right homeschool curriculum for a gifted asynchronous learner? I’ve learned
- [Homeschoooling a Kid Who Is Smarter Than I am](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-gifted-kid/) - It's happened often enough that I don't take offense anymore - person discovers I'm homeschooling only one of my kiddos, person inquires as to why, person discovers my kiddo is classified as profoundly gifted, person is either wildly interested or mildly threatened, then person asks, in all earnestness, "Do you think you can keep up
- [ADHD And Your Homeschool: An Overview](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode146/) - This series is all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, we kick it off with an overview of ADHD, and how it impacts your child and your homeschool. If you think your child fits the characteristics of ADHD, with or without a diagnosis, it is beneficial to learn as much as you
- [Everything You Need To Homeschool A Child With ADHD](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-a-child-with-adhd/) - When we began our homeschooling journey more than a decade ago, I suspected my son had ADHD. I was worried and in my concern, I often asked other homeschooling moms about their kiddos and their homeschool days. The more I asked, the more conflicted I felt. He's just being a boy! Don't worry so much!
- [A Parent's Guide To Emotional Overexcitabilities In Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode145/) - This continues our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, the focus is on gifted children and emotional excitabilities. Emotional overexcitability is a term that comes from Kazimier Dabrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration. There are five overexcitabilities -- or OEs -- each describing essentially a super sensitivity, a heightened characteristic, or intense
- [Imaginational Overexcitabilities: A Parent's Guide For Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode144/) - This continues our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, we explore Imaginational Overexcitabilities and gifted children. What Are Imaginational Overexcitabilities? Imaginational Overexcitabilities are far more than simply imaginative play. This difference in cognition expresses itself in an unusually heightened and intense imagination. It is so intense that for some gifted children,
- [Intellectual Overexcitabilities And Your Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode143/) - This continues our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, we explore intellectual overexcitabilities and gifted children. Intellectual Overexcitabilities: What Are They? When the average person thinks about a "gifted child" intellectual overexcitabilities are usually what comes to mind. Intellectual overexcitabilities are characterized by intense and accelerated mental activity. This is not
- [CTCMath: A Flexible Option For Your Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/ctcmath-gifted-child/) - CTCMath is an excellent choice for gifted children in many ways. Over the course of the next few months, I will be sharing various aspects of CTCMath that make it a valuable resource for your gifted child. Today, I want to cover its flexible design and how it helps the asynchronous gifted learner.
- [Sensory Science Activity: Perfect For Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sensory-blindfold-science-activity/) - Children will have a blast with this hands-on, sensory science activity. Don't be surprised if your older kids want in on the fun, too! Sensory Blindfold Science Experiment This experiment is all about exploring the different textures of various materials. It's a fun way to explore the sense of touch with preschoolers and young
- [A Guide To Overexcitabilities And Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode138/) - Overexcitabilities and gifted children go hand in hand. This is a guide to everything you need to know about overexcitabilities and how they affect our gifted children. Polish psychologist/psychiatrist Kazimierz Dabrowski developed the theory of overexcitabilities. Gifted children are highly likely to be more intense than their typical peers. This increased awareness, sensitivity,
- [Gifted Children and Sensual Overexcitabilities: A Parent's Guide](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode142/) - This continues our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, the focus is on gifted children and sensual excitabilities. What Are Sensual Overexcitabilities? Sensory overexcitabilities are relatively easy to understand, but not always easy to recognize in our children. Essentially, Its an intensity and heightened awareness of one or more of the
- [The Gift of Giftedness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-gift-of-giftedness-2/) - If you’re the parent of a gifted child, then you already know about the difficulties that come along with raising outliers. Maybe your child is intense, struggles with anxiety, has trouble making friends, or is a bit overexcitable. The challenge is real, and it’s often difficult for others to understand. But, it’s really kind of
- [The Impact Of Bullying On Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/what-does-bullying-mean/) - We hear about bullying a lot these days – it’s in the media, talked about at schools and co-ops, and is written about in books. But, what does bullying mean? What is the difference between bullying and being mean? And why does it matter? Bullying Vs. Being Mean Kids can be mean to
- [What’s The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode126/) - In this special episode of the Raising Lifelong Learner’s Podcast, Shawna Wingert shares valuable information about getting started with strength-based learning in your homeschool. She also answers a frequently asked question: What is the difference between interest-led and strength-based learning? What’s The Difference Between Interest-Led and Strength Based Learning? “Interest-led learning is just
- [Great Games for Teens and Their Families](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/games-for-teens/) - I remember sitting across from my then young, teen son at Bob Evans Restaurant on a chilly winter evening. He was grinning... something I hadn't seen in weeks. We were playing cards, chatting, and enjoying each other's company -- no agenda -- and we had amazing conversations. Right then I vowed to find more things
- [5 Ways to Enjoy Homeschooling Your Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/5-ways-to-enjoy-homeschooling-your-gifted-child/) - Homeschooling a gifted child is definitely different! It’s filled with excitement, curiosity, amazing opportunities, and a chance to build a close connection with your gifted child. However, it’s not without its challenges too. So how can you enjoy homeschooling your gifted child this year and avoid the stress? Keep reading to discover the
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar | Free December Download](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-free-december-download/) - Does it snow where you live? It's time here to snnuggle up with movies, documentaries, virtual field trips, and computer programs in between our treks out in nature (and to do last minute holiday shopping). Check out the final Minectaft Challenge Calendar of the year and download your copy today! Don't forget that
- [Does My Gifted Child Really Need a Label?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-child-label/) - I know, I know. We're in modern times and people aren't really into labels these days. Never before in history have we enjoyed a society so willing to acknowledge and embrace an individual's uniqueness. Personality tests and enneagrams and DNA heritage tracking make it possible to understand oneself in ways that never existed in previous
- [Are You Letting Fear Stand in the Way of Your Homeschooling?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-fear/) - When we try to fit our homeschooling into a box of others' making, we fail. And we ruin things for the kids and ourselves. But why do we default so often to that boxed curriculum or the school-like co-op our friends love when they both make our kiddos miserable? Or worse, keep them in an
- [100 Things to Never Say to the Parent of a Gifted Kid](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/never-say-to-gifted-parents/) - Look, we get it. Gifted kids are statistically fairly rare. It's not every day you meet a child who has memorized the periodic table or who can hold their own in a political discussion on the playground. A child with a high IQ can be a bit jarring to encounter, we know. We're fairly used
- [Homeschooling and Public Schooling | Differentiating for Your Own Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/differentiating-at-home/) - Spend a solid five minutes with the parents of gifted kids, and you're like to hear the term "differentiating" tossed around at least a few times. It's the golden standard for kids of varying gifts and abilities, the seemingly-perfect answer to the seemingly-endless question, "What do I do about my kid being so different?" Got a
- [Harry Potter Homeschooling with Waldock's Wizards And Wands](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/harry-potter-homeschooling/) - Are your kids begging to read Harry Potter? Do they love all things magical and desire with all their hearts to attend Hogwarts? I’ve got the next best thing! Get ready to homeschool with Harry Potter using Waldock’s Wizards and Wands homeschool curriculum. This complete curriculum includes six core subjects, four fun electives,
- [Avoiding the Summer Slide](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/summer-bridge-activities/) - Do your kiddos forget what they learned after playing hard all summer long? When I taught, I was always surprised at the slide the students took each summer, and I resolved not to let that happen to the students that were leaving my class. And, since I always recommended that they work on
- [Taking An Eclectic Approach To Homeschooling Your Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode141/) - Taking an eclectic approach to homeschooling when your child is gifted or twice exceptional makes sense. In fact, I believe it to be one of the best ways to engage and challenge a gifted learner. Here are all the reasons why. We are an eclectic homeschooling family. This makes it hard to describe
- [Should I Test My Gifted Child?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/testing-gifted-children/) - To label or not to label… that is an important question to ask as you journey through the world of parenting gifted kids. Children who can be intense, difficult to manage, asynchronous, and amazingly spectacular… often at the same time. Is testing gifted children important? Maybe. The issue of testing {and labels} is
- [Psychomotor Overexcitabilities And Gifted Children: What You Need To Know](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/epsiode140/) - This continues our overexcitabilities series for parents of gifted children. Today, the focus is psychomotor excitabilities and gifted children. Gifted children with psychomotor overexcitabilities display extreme energy and activity levels. Due to heightened energy in the neuromuscular system, these kids seem like they never stop. They appear to move simply for the sake
- [The Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode139/) - It's easy to think of examples of how play helps young children and preschoolers. But what about older kids, teens, and even adults? The importance of play for your entire family is significant and the focus of our discussion today. The Power Of Play It's likely that you already know how powerful play
- [The Best Ideas For Challenging Your Gifted Learner](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/challenging-your-gifted-learner/) - Homeschooling gifted learners can be a challenge! Sometimes they’ll surprise you with how quickly they move through grade level lessons. Other times, gifted learners might simply refuse to complete assignments they have become bored with. Navigating the homeschooling journey with a gifted learner means you need to think creatively and keep their lessons
- [5 Things You Need To Know About Homeschooling Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode137/) - If you are homeschooling a gifted or twice exceptional child, it probably looks a lot different than you expected. Today, Colleen is sharing 5 Things You Need To Know About Homeschooling Gifted Kids. This a a real life, honest look at what it is really like! 5 Things You Need To Know About
- [101 Reasons You Need Audio Books in Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/audio-books/) - "Alexa, play Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone from my Audible library." My eight year old daughter grabs her portable easel, some felt tip pens, and her sketchbook and settles into a pile of pillows on the family room floor to listen to our current audio book. The other kids grab logic games, sewing, or
- [Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode136/) - One of the advantages of homeschooling your gifted child is the ability to incorporate their interests and passions into your learning. But how does it work in real life? This is a snapshot of what homeschooling your gifted child with interest-led learning is all about. What Is Interest-Led Homeschooling? Interest-led learning is exactly
- [Is Homeschooling Ruining Your Neurodiverse Child?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/how-homeschooling-ruins-your-differently-wired-kid/) - The laptop was fired up, art tutorial queued, four canvases and easels stood in their places on the table, and soft music played on the bluetooth speaker in the kitchen. I set out some snacks -- everything was always more fun with pretzels, veggie sticks, and hummus. It was perfect. We'd been watching a bunch
- [Our Gifted Homeschool Curriculum For Multiple Grade Levels: 2021-2022](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode135/) - Finding gifted homeschool curriculum can be a challenge for homeschooling parents. Having a chance to take a peek inside someone else's homeschool is one of the best ways to get inspired and learn what works. With this in mind, I am sharing everything we are planning for the upcoming school year in our homeschool.
- [10 Ways to Get Through a “Gifted” Day In Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/10-ways-to-get-through-a-gifted-day-2/) - Every parent has good days and bad. Every mom has days she wonders if she {or the kids} will make it through the day. And every parent of gifted kids knows that there are just some days when “gifted” doesn’t really seem like it’s that much of a gift. Everything you say is challenged, in
- [Can I Help My Child Become More Optimistic?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode134/) - When your child is struggling with a negative mindset, it can affect all aspects of learning and family life. That's why a question that often comes up is "Can I help my child become more optimistic?" The answer is most certainly, "Yes." This episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is all about how you
- [The Challenge Of Being Gifted in Schools Today](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/it-stinks-to-be-gifted/) - I’ll never forget the day that the educator in me was devastated by the very institution that I had so strongly supported for so long. It was the day I realized that the system had failed my family. My child. "I don’t ever want to go back to school, again. My teacher hates me, Mom.
- [Homeschooling An Artistic vs. Academically Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-an-artistic-vs-academically-gifted-child/) - It is easy for us to understand what a gifted child is like when they are academically advanced. But what about the child who struggles academically, but is artistically gifted? How do we help them learn while at the same time, nurture their gifts? I am often asked by parents of gifted and twice exceptional
- [Homeschooling Middle School Using Your Own Interest-Based Curriculum](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/epsiode133/) - As gifted and twice exceptional children move into the middle school years, using an interest-based curriculum can help smooth the transition. We created our own interest-based curriculum for homeschooling middle school in my family, and it has been an integral part of my teens' success. In this episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, learn
- [Homeschooling A Gifted Child Who Struggles With Reading](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode132/) - "My child is really struggling to learn to read. How is this possible when we know she is gifted?" This is a question that comes up from so many parents who are homeschooling a gifted child who struggles with reading. In this episode, we talk specifically about giftedness and dyslexia with Marianne Sunderland from Homeschooling
- [AlexaSchooling | Using the Amazon Echo for Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/alexaschooling/) - "Alexa, how do you spell instrument? i-n-s-t-r- Alexa! Spell instrument. u-m-e-n-t," my eight year old lays sprawled out on the floor surrounded by colored pencils, Calico Critters and their teeny-tiny musical instruments, and a blank book in which she's writing a story about those to critters and the concert they're putting on tonight. Our Amazon
- [Strew to Learn | Five Days of Inspiration and Support For Strewing In Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/strewing-inspiration/) - What is strewing and how can it help you homeschool? We strew to learn in our day to day and it has made all the difference. This is all about how strewing works and everything you need to get started. I love to sleep in, snuggled deep into my covers, all cozy warm while
- [Homeschooling A Child With Dyslexia: It's More Than Reading](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode131/) - Homeschooling a child with dyslexia has it's own unique challenges and opportunities. The more we learn about dyslexia, the more we understand that educating a child with dyslexia is about more than just reading. In this episode, we talk with Marianne Sunderland, She has been homeschooling for 26 years and is considered an expert in
- [Homeschooling A Gifted Only Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-a-gifted-only-child/) - There are always challenges and advantages when you’re homeschooling. If you’re homeschooling just one child, you often face unique challenges and concerns. For example, teaching social skills can be more difficult with only one child. When your only child is gifted, well, that comes with its own awesome advantages and new concerns. So
- [The Best Books for Teaching About Executive Functions Skills](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-best-books-for-teaching-about-executive-functions-skills/) - It is incredibly difficult to watch your child struggle when it comes to planning, staying organized, and regulating their emotions. When we witness this struggle, as parents, we know there has to be a way to help them find not only tools, but tools that really work. It is so important to hone in on
- [An Excellent Way To Add Travel To Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/an-excellent-way-to-add-travel-to-your-homeschool/) - Educational travel is a wonderful way to foster learning. Are you looking for ways to add travel to your homeschool? This is an excellent option! The summer before I began high school, my parents saved up enough money for me to go on a field trip to Washington D.C. with my eighth grade
- [Nurturing Your Gifted Toddler](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-toddler/) - In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learner's podcast, Colleen addresses a common concern - the uncertainty of parenting and nurturing a gifted toddler. The pediatrician looked up from his checklist and asked, "how many words can she say?" and I kind of looked at him funny. "It's okay if she's not saying a lot
- [Books With Quirky Characters](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quirky-book-characters/) - My kids are quirky, which I love. They're so wonderfully unique and never boring, always saying and doing unexpected things and livening up any room they walk into. Lots of gifted and twice-exceptional kids are quirky, differently-wired, with fun personalities and idiosyncrasies and delightfully different characteristics. As much as we celebrate our kiddos' quirks, however,
- [7 Executive Functioning Activities for Small Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/executive-functioning-activities-for-small-children/) - The basement was a complete mess. Boots, coats, scarves, and hats were strewn all over the floor -- right next to the shelves and hooks on which they belonged. When I told my kids to bring their things to the basement, I wasn't specific enough, I guess. I didn't help them scaffold and build their
- [Twice Exceptional Children And Homeschooling: What It's Really Like](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode127/) - There are a lot of misconceptions about twice exceptional children and homeschooling. In this episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, Colleen shares what it's really like to homeschool a twice exceptional child, both as a gifted education specialist and a homeschooling parent. Twice Exceptional Defined Twice exceptional is the label given to kids
- [The Very Best Interest-Led Option For Homeschool Science](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-very-best-interest-led-option-for-homeschool-science/) - Finding an interest-led science curriculum for your homeschool can be a challenge. This approach allows you to mix and match based on what makes sense for your individual learner. It's so well done, your gifted child will love it! I believe strongly in an Interest-led approach, particular for gifted and twice-exceptional children. It is
- [Emotional Overexcitability And Gifted Kids (what you need to know)](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/talk-about-emotional-overexcitability/) - One of my favorite movies will forever be Mean Girls. I had no idea when I was quoting it as a teenager that I'd still be quoting it as an adult, but here we are. Glen Coco and fetch and grool - they all have their place in my daily speech, but the line that comes
- [Is Your Homeschooled Child Profoundly Gifted?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode125/) - Wondering if your child is profoundly gifted? What does profoundly gifted even mean? In this episode, Colleen discusses how to determine if your child falls into the profoundly gifted category. She also shares the reality of homeschooling a profoundly gifted child. Homeschooling my oldest has always been a curious mix of interests and
- [Homeschooling With Purpose: A Conversation with Pam Barnhill](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode124/) - In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, Colleen is joined by her good friend, and fellow veteran homeschool mom, Pam Barnhill. Honest and practical, they talk about planning, what gets in the way on a Monday morning, and provide access to resources that will help homeschoolers at any stage. If you homeschool,
- [Can Giftedness Be Difficult To Uncover In Our Children?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode123/) - Giftedness is so often disguised in our brightest kiddos. In this episode, Colleen explains how even as an expert in the field, her son's giftedness was difficult for her to uncover. Practical and encouraging, you don't want to miss this honest look at giftedness in children. Can Giftedness Be Difficult To Uncover In
- [The Ultimate Guide To Using Games In Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/games-in-your-homeschool/) - One of the best ways to help our children practice and retain what they are learning is through games. Adding games to our homeschool has helped my kids understand different topics and better engage in the learning. Plus, it's a lot more fun. This compilation of lists of games for learning is essentially every game
- [RLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna Wingert](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode102/) - 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
- [What This Homeschool Graduate Wants You To Know](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode122/) - In this very special episode of The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, Colleen is joined by her son and recent homeschool graduate, Trevor Kessler. It is a candid look back at more than a decade of learning together, including how Trevor really feels about being homeschooled. If you are a homeschool parent, this is an
- [When Your Homeschool Day Doesn't Go As Planned](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-day-doesnt-go-as-planned/) - When your homeschool day isn't going the way you want it to, what do you do? I'm going to be honest and tell you that what I do is often the exact opposite of what I know I SHOULD do. Take last Thursday for example... I was tired and had been up much
- [Finding Homeschool Community (for our children and ourselves)](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode121/) - One of the challenges of homeschooling is finding a community that works for your child's needs and interests. In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learner Podcast, Shawna and I talk about the reality of finding a homeschool community for our children and for ourselves. It's been a year of change for my
- [Homeschooling High School Isn't Something To Fear](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-high-school-isnt-something-to-fear/) - It seems that everywhere I go - conventions, local co-ops, online forums - homeschooling moms are worried that they're not going to be able to handle homeschooling high school "when it really counts." But what does that even mean? Who decides what counts? We do. I promise. Really and truly. Your Homeschool Belongs
- [A Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode120/) - Do you want more for your family? Do you have bigger dreams and a desire for deeper relationships with your kids? Join Colleen in this encouraging and practical conversation with Celeste Orr, from Togetherness Redefined. They discuss creating meaningful connections with our children and sustaining a deeply satisfying family life. Ideas and
- [When Your Child's Giftedness Is Disguised](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/giftedness-disguised/) - School was going to be amazing for my son. I just knew it. He was a thinker. A tinkerer. A doer. He loved learning and had an insatiable thirst to know everything about everything. Always asking questions. Always starting a project. Always wowing those he met with his big thoughts. And then school -- and
- [The Best Advice I Can Give You: Become A Student Of Your Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode119/) - One of the best pieces of advice I give a parent is to become a student of their child. To really pay attention and discover what your child is interested in, passionate about, or wants to explore further so you can use that information to design the best homeschool ever. In today's episode, we revisit
- [Why Unit Studies are Ideal for Interest-led Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/unit-studies-interest-led-learning/) - Curiosity sparks learning. It lights a fire that drives us to dig deeper and learn as much as we can. Unit studies allow us to take full advantage of that curiosity and use it to fuel all kinds of learning. Why are unit studies ideal for making the most out of your child’s
- [The Gift Of Accepting Our Quirky Kids As They Are (not how we want them to be)](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode118/) - Parenting gifted and twice exceptional children can bring an entire host of fears and guilt, especially when our children are struggling or not typically developing. In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Denaye Barahona, Ph.D. We discuss our shared experience as moms, coupled with our expertise in supporting
- [A Unique Place For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids To Thrive](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-and-twice-exceptional-kids-thrive/) - I have been overwhelmed, and so grateful, for the support and feedback from families who have joined The Learner's Lab. It's been absolutely wonderful. Today, I am please to share this encouraging post from a fellow mom of quirky kids and member of The Learner's Lab. Cynthia and her family are an absolute joy, and
- [Encouraging Empathy In Our Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode117/) - Empathy is a word we emphasize a lot when it comes to our children's social and emotional development, but what does it really mean? Even more so, how can we encourage empathy in our gifted and twice exceptional children? In today's episode, we tackle the topic of empathy. Empathy Does Not Come Naturally For
- [A Conversation With Dr. Meg Meeker About The Unique Needs Of Our Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode116/) - Dr. Meg Meeker is a bit of a hero of mine, so I am thrilled to welcome her to The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast! Our conversation is all about her expert perspective on meeting the individualized needs of our children. Seeing Our Children As Individuals One of the key takeaways from my time
- [Recognizing and Nurturing Giftedness In Your Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/recognizing-and-nurturing-giftedness/) - My oldest son and youngest daughter both have my tan complexion. The other two are fair like my husband. All four of them boast deep, chocolate eyes like Brian, not the blue I’d hoped they’d inherit from me. When we’re all together, you can see that we’re a family. They’re opinionated, assertive, and loads of
- [A Homeschool Writing Program To Challenge Your Gifted Learner](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/a-homeschool-writing-program-to-challenge-your-gifted-learner/) - My daughter loves to tell stories. She is creative and brilliant in her ability to weave together storylines and characters. Moreover, she's imaginative in creating symbolism, even at her young age. (Another time, remind me to tell you how she cast our family into various animal roles. She was dead-on in her reasoning as to
- [Is Identifying Your Child As Gifted Important?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode115/) - At some point most parents of gifted kids will ask, “Does my gifted child really need a label?” In this audioblog episode, Collen tackles this question and looks at the pros and cons of giving your gifted child the "label." Does My Gifted Child Really Need A Label? I understand the question.
- [Managing Perfectionism: 10 Tips for Helping Your Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/managing-perfectionism/) - As parents, we want our children to excel. We want them to strive for excellence, and to feel accomplished with a job well-done. Whether it’s their education, music lessons, dance, performance, or any other skill they’re pursuing, we teach our kids to aim high and master new things from an early age. Gifted children know
- [When Your Homeschool Day Is Going All Wrong](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-your-homeschool-day-is-going-all-wrong/) - We've all had them. This is what real homeschool moms recommend for when your homeschool day is going all wrong. Special thanks to my friend, Amy Sloan of Humility and Doxology, for putting together this amazing compilation! We’ve all been there. Sometimes the homeschool day just seems to be going all wrong. Everyone
- [The Powerful Relationship Between Confidence And Learning In Our Homeschools](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode113/) - Homeschooling a gifted/2E child is often far more about helping our children develop confidence as learners than it is teaching any one subject. In this episode of The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, we talk about the relationship between confidence and learning, as well as some of the ways we can intentionally help our children in
- [What If Your Child's Doctor Or Therapist Doesn't Support Homeschooling?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode112/) - In this bonus episode, Colleen and Shawna answer a homeschooling mom's question about doctors, therapists, and homeschooling. What do we do when doctors don't support our decision to homeschool? How can we prepare for therapist visits and doctor appointments? When is it time to switch to a more homeschool friendly doctor? Because this
- [Dear Tired Mom of Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/dear-tired-mama-of-gifted-kids/) - It’s been a long day already, and you haven’t even taken your first sip of coffee. You didn’t get to bed until well after midnight because the oldest couldn’t shut his mind down and wanted, no needed, to talk about every single swirling thought he’d ever had. At four a.m. you were violently shaken
- [Strewing in Your Homeschool to Spark Curiosity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/strewing/) - I walked into the kitchen to find my youngest two kiddos (9 and 6) deep in concentration at the table. Glancing at the pile of tiny clay food, it was clear that they'd been up awhile. These two are early risers. I'm not. For my own sanity, and to keep them out of trouble (bright
- [What Does A Gifted Homeschool Graduate Really Think About Homeschooling?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/epsiode111/) - Have you ever wanted to ask a homeschool graduate what they thought about their homeschool experience? Are you curious about what an adult life after homeschool looks like? I get all the answers from Samantha Shank, a brilliant homeschool graduate, highly successful business owner, and highly gifted, eclectic learner. I absolutely adored my conversation
- [Why Homeschooling Helps Your Gifted Child Thrive](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode110/) - Education and achievement doesn’t have to look like school, and it doesn’t have to follow a prescribed path. In this audio-blog episode, Colleen shares the reality of rethinking achievement and how homeschooling helps our gifted children thrive. Making The Decision To Homeschool My Gifted Child As someone who worked in the school
- [I Just Want My Son Back | What it Feels Like When Your Child is in Crisis](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/child-in-crisis/) - This is an electrical outlet in the emergency room. You'll notice it looks different from what you're used to seeing - it's not only covered for safety, but locked. There is no way to access it. There is no way to charge my phone while we wait. There is also no way for a child
- [A Quick Guide To Homeschooling High School For Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode109/) - Homeschooling high school, particularly when your child is gifted and twice-exceptional, has its own unique set of challenges and rewards. This quick guide provides encouragement, practical tips, and real examples you won't want to miss! A Guide To Homeschooling High School For Gifted Children One of the very first questions I'm asked about
- [Why Self-Care Is Important For Our Children Too](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-self-care-is-important-for-our-children-too/) - Self-care has become an increasingly popular topic in recent years, and for good reason. As parents, we simply must take care of ourselves in order to take care of our children. But what about our kids, especially those who are gifted and twice exceptional? How do we help them learn coping skills and emotional regulation?
- [Why Unit Studies Are Ideal For Gifted Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-unit-studies-are-ideal-for-gifted-learners/) - When my daughter finds a topic she loves she latches on like a dog to a bone. She wants more and can’t seem to get enough. Maybe you can relate? This is where unit studies come in. Unit studies are the perfect way to engage an intense kiddo. When we began homeschooling I
- [RLL #107: Learning as an Unschooling Family with Robyn Robertson](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode107/) - I truly believe that the best way we can educate our gifted and twice-exceptional (2E) kids is through homeschooling with self-directed learning and unschooling. Self-Directed Learning vs. Unschooling? Self-directed learning is a self-motivated pursuit of knowledge not based on a required set of circumstances but learning for its own sake. Using an unschooling approach
- [If He's REALLY So Smart... When Gifted Kids Struggle](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/twice-exceptional-gifted-children/) - "Boy is he an EXTREME thinker! If he actually took the time to sit and focus on his work, he could accomplish anything..." As helpful and positive as his preschool teacher thought she was being, words like this can set some of our most intelligent kiddos up for a lifetime of failure. So,
- [101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/eclectic-homeschooling/) - It started out an easy, relaxed conversation, and then the mom at the library asked me the question I most dread answering... "What curriculum do you use with your kids?" I always stammer and then feel like a deer caught in the headlights. I mean, how can I possibly even answer that semmingly simple question?
- [RLL #106: [Audioblog] Young Gifted Children | Reflections from Parents](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode106/) - Did you just know that your child was gifted from the start? You know, that feeling down deep in your gut that something was different about your tiny tot, but you weren't able to completely pinpoint it? Or maybe you went straight to a search engine with questions like, "signs my baby is gifted" or "What
- [RLL #105: Parenting ADHD and Autism with Penny Williams](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode105/) - Parenting our neurodiverse kiddos, whether gifted or twice-exceptional kiddos (including autistic and ADHD), is just plain different. Typical parenting books and practices won't always work when we're trying to find ways to help our children become the very best people they can be. Parenting them takes intentionality and a different kind of parenting mindset. Today,
- [Should You Homeschool Your Gifted Children?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-your-gifted-children/) - The longer I homeschool my gifted children, and the more I see and talk to other parents of gifted and twice-exceptional kids, the more I believe that homeschooling is the best educational option for our nation’s above-average children. Just to clarify something, though, before I get started – I am not saying that
- [The Best Homeschool Human Body Study Ever](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-human-body-study/) - There's been a lot of discussion about medicine and how the human body works in our homeschool lately. Honest questions generated by our world today, coupled with a little bit (ok, a lot) of anxiety around getting sick, increased my kids' interest in learning more about how our bodies work. Knowing they learn best with
- [RLL #104: A Conversation About Mindset with Shawna Wingert](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode104/) - Mindset is generally thought to be the attitudes or habits of an individual's mind that is formed by previous experience. These attitudes can predetermine a person’s response or interpretation to any given situation. Our quirky kiddos are not immune to "fixed" mindsets, and it can sometimes be a real challenge to help them to
- [Great Books to Read with Your Kids in February](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-books-to-read-with-your-kids-in-february/) - February is full of days that give us the opportunity to introduce some incredible books to kids. From Groundhog's day, Valentine's day, President's day and more, the possibilities keep on piling up. To help you find some new gems for your library, I have put together a list of great books to read with your kids in
- [100 Quirks of Famous Gifted People (That Will Make You Feel Better About Your Own Quirky Kid)](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/100-quirks-of-famous-gifted-people/) - If my son had a theme song, it would sound like nervous laughter. People often aren't sure what to make of him. Is he being sarcastic? Is he being rude? Does he even know what he's saying? Are those... dead bugs he's displaying? Hasn't he worn that hoodie every day this week? What's with the
- [Overexcitabilities and Why They Matter for Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/overexcitabilities-and-why-they-matter-for-gifted-kids/) - The mornings we need to be out of the house at a certain time look something like this – a child is complaining about the seams in his socks, while another is having an animated sing along with her stuffed animals, completely oblivious to the fact that she has her shirt on backwards and her
- [RLL #103: Entrepreneurial Mindset with Brian Weisfeld](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode103/) - Here at Raising Lifelong Learners, we are very much concerned with promoting the social and emotional needs of gifted and twice exceptional children. Research shows that resiliency, adaptability, accepting rejection, and "bouncing back" from failure are some of the critical skills necessary for having a successful life. They are also vital skills for being a
- [Instant Ice: Winter Science Experiment for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/instant-ice-science/) - My kids love science projects that involve something that looks just a bit like magic. We've had a lot of fun making glow-in-the-dark projects, flying projects, and anything that has a "wow" factor. This winter, we resolved to try and make instant ice. We knew the project could be a bit tricky, but we didn't
- [RLL #101: Project-Based Learning with Cindy West](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode101/) - Over the years, I have seen many parents of often quirky, definitely "out of the box" thinkers struggle to get their kiddos invested in their own learning. One way to engage our gifted and twice exceptional kiddos at their own level is through project-based learning. Project-based learning helps students to gain knowledge and skills by working
- [10 Things I Love About Homeschooling: A Gifted Kid’s Perspective](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/10-things-i-love-about-homeschooling-a-gifted-kids-perspective-2/) - Since I began homeschooling so many years ago, I've uncovered some unexpected surprises and benefits to this lifestyle. Some of the most beneficial unexpected perks may be similar to yours, too… staying up late and sleeping in, rolling with the ins and outs of being a family, not punching an outside time clock, family relationship
- [Books for Animal Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books-for-animal-lovers/) - Whether we're strewing or following an interest-led unit study, I love having stacks of books around on topics my kiddos are excited about. We've gone through some pretty interesting obsessions, spent years following rabbit trails, and immersed ourselves in a pretty varied number of topics. One of the most enduring interests, however, has been animals. Whether
- [RLL #100: A Celebration of 100 Episodes!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode100/) - It hardly seems possible we could be at our 100th Episode so quickly but here we are! These last few years have been a blast and we've had so much fun learning about our gifted / 2e / quirky, out-of-the-box kiddos while recording these episodes. We thought it would be fun to take a look
- [Young Gifted Children | Reflections from Parents](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/young-gifted-children-reflections/) - Did you know that your child was gifted from the start? Maybe it was just a feeling. That knowing down deep in your gut that something was different about your tiny tot, but not being able to completely pinpoint it. You’re not alone. There were so many things that stand out to me when
- [The Anxious Parent of the Anxious Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/not-everything-is-a-disorder/) - I like to say that I hold several Google University degrees. I am an incessant, constant, chronic researcher. I cannot seem to ever learn enough or have my curiosity quenched. What's that beautiful flower growing on the side of the highway? What ever happened to that child actor from that one movie I saw in
- [Toxic Positivity When Raising Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/toxic-positivity-when-raising-gifted-kids/) - If only I had a dollar for every time someone found out about my children's giftedness and scoffed, "Wow, that must be nice." I'd be quite the wealthy woman. Comments about how easy we must have it when raising such smart kiddos, dismissals of our struggles because our kids must have it so easy, the
- [Resiliency Resources](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/resiliency-resources/) - Welcome, parents looking to build resiliency in their kiddos! In my latest book, Raising Resilient Sons, I share stories, strategies, and encouragement to help you raise your child to be compassionate, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent. This topic is near and dear to my heart and I, as mom of four children myself, have searched for
- [Your Gifted Kid Might Break You](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/your-gifted-kid-might-break-you/) - "Oh, NO!" I sobbed, hot tears of desperation streaming down my face. "I can't take another one!" My two-year-old had just glanced up at the clock and announced what time it was. The clock used only Roman numerals, and she was right. Her older brother, my middle child, had been identified as profoundly gifted just
- [Stocking Stuffers for Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/stocking-stuffers-for-gifted-kids/) - Stocking stuffers can be so frustrating. It can be difficult to find quality gifts to include in the stockings hung by the fire with care, with such limited space and already over-stretched budgets. It's tempting to just buy a bag of candy and toss in some socks (which I would love for myself), but when
- [RLL #97: (Facebook Live) Empowering Kids Through Homeschool Buy-In](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode97/) - In this episode (which originally aired as a Facebook Live), Colleen discusses how getting your kiddos on "your team" when it comes to homeschooling is the single best thing you can do to help your homeschool journey go smoothly. She outlines with practical steps and suggestions how we as parents can engage our kiddos as
- [Engaging Your Anxious Child in Social Justice](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/anxious-child-social-justice/) - You know by now how fiercely gifted children feel about justice. "He got 9 chocolate chips in his cookie and I only got eight!" "She didn't have to go to her room when she did that!" "Why do I have to clean this up when I didn't play with it?" "It's not fair!" With chronically inflexible children,
- [Parenting and Teaching a Twice Exceptional Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/parenting-and-teaching-a-twice-exceptional-child/) - Whether your twice exceptional child homeschools or goes to a public or private school outside the house, parenting and teaching him or her is a challenge. Your kiddo is tough to understand, and the usual methods of parenting just don’t seem to apply. It’s okay – you’ve got this. You are the absolute best
- [RLL #99: Guest Host Shawna Wingert Reads from Raising Resilient Sons](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode99/) - We all want to raise our kiddos to bounce back from adversity, stand up for what’s right, and nurture their relationships — helping them grow into the strong individuals they’re meant to be. The goal (and sincere hope) of Colleen's book, Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident and Emotionally
- [The Imperfect Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-imperfect-homeschool/) - Do you do what I do? Lament about your imperfect homeschool, while comparing yourself to others you know? Their homeschool looks perfect. (Want to listen to this post instead of reading it?) Their kids are getting work done before leaving for co-op, while you’re running around crazily loading up backpacks, throwing cheese
- [RLL #98: Enjoying Literature with Kendra Fletcher](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode98/) - Nearly every level of learning involves literature in some form, but the study of literature is really more than simply reciting plot lines or following themes. In this podcast, Colleen speaks with Kendra Fletcher, long-time homeschooler and teacher of all things literature, on how enjoying the study of literature helps our kids to see it's
- [RLL #95: [Audioblog] When the World Overwhelms Your Anxious Child | How You Can Help](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode95/) - The truth is, anxious kids can get overwhelmed a lot. While current events seem especially dire, there will always be things happening that are hard for our anxious children to understand or even remain calm about. It's our responsibility to give them the tools to manage anxiety and we can lend them support in the
- [If at First You Don't Succeed, Quit | Gifted Kids and Grit](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-kids-and-grit/) - We love playing family games in my house. Board games, trivia games, acting games - there is no limit to the games we enjoy, and our packed game closet shows it. Since there are five of us it isn't always equal enough to split into two teams, so most of the time it's every man
- [A Million Things You Haven't Found | Gifts for Hamilton Fans](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-for-hamilton-fans/) - If you're a fan of musicals, history, or know someone with a Disney+ subscription, you've probably found yourself a little swept up in Hamilton-mania. It's nothing to be ashamed of - we've been singing King George's hilarious lines and triumphantly fist-bumping along with the Schuyler sisters for years, with no signs of stopping anytime soon.
- [RLL #91: [Audioblog] How to Help Your Kids Thrive When They Are Stuck Inside](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode91/) - Whether it is the weather or illness or unusual circumstances that keeps us close to home, there will be times when our kiddos will be stuck in the house. And while we don't think it's best for parents to be the source of "24 hour a day entertainment," every family can use some help finding
- [RLL #93: 7 Tips and Strategies for Boosting Emotional Resilience in Your Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode93/) - Resilience is the learned ability to "bounce back" from stress, adversity, failure, challenges, or sometimes even trauma. Our kids need to develop resilience as they grow, because it is an important skill they will draw on as adults. Listen today as Colleen offers 7 practical tips and strategies for boosting emotional resilience in your kids,
- [Help! My Gifted Child Is Worried All The Time](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-child-is-worried/) - One of my most salient memories of elementary school is, unfortunately, a dark one. In the summer before fifth grade, I learned from TV news that a girl who attended my school had been killed, along with the rest of her family, by her mentally ill father. It was sad and horrifying, although I did
- [Getting Back to Homeschool After a Mental Health Crisis](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/getting-back-to-homeschool-after-a-mental-health-crisis/) - We love differently-wired kids around here. We're used to quirks and differences, square pegs and outliers. We understand that our little babies can deal with some very big things and we do everything we can to empathize and advocate for them. Sometimes we make big decisions and battle through little progress, but we never, ever
- [RLL #92: Building Self and Setting Goals with Suki Wessling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode92/) - These quirky gifted or 2e kids of ours are often "square pegs in round holes" everywhere they go, not just in school. Bringing them home helps them to thrive in their own way and often a self-directed, child-led homeschool approach helps them to discover who they truly are and what they want to learn. In
- [RLL #96: Finding Learning Opportunities with Dennis DeNoia](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode96/) - Our quirky kids become happier and more willing learners when they are allowed to pursue their own interests beyond any academic requirements. Today, Colleen speaks with extraordinary math instructor and friend, Dennis DeNoia of Mr. D Math, about seeing learning opportunities in many different places and how giving his kids the freedom to pursue their
- [Dear Mom With Quirky Kids: You Cannot Do it All](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/you-cannot-do-it-all-2/) - Please hear me. You cannot do it all. Little ones are such a blessing. They keep us laughing, guessing, and covered in sticky kisses. But it’s easy to lose focus of what’s important when you’re home with them all day long… and you have older kids homeschooling that need your attention, too. Again and again,
- [Homeschooling Twice Exceptional Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-twice-exceptional/) - Homeschooling twice exceptional kids is often the very best thing you can do for them... and you. If you’ve never heard the term, twice exceptional is the label given to kids that are identified as gifted and also have a learning difficulty of some sort. Some may have learning disabilities, anxiety issues, Tourette Syndrome, ADD
- [RLL #94: The Importance of Music with Jessica Peresta](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode94/) - Music and music education has been found to impact learning in so many ways. It engages nearly all areas of the brain at the same time, aids brain development and motor skills of younger children, strengthens language processing while relaxing the mind, lowering stress levels and boosting memories. In today's episode, Colleen speaks with Jessica
- [RLL #90: Cultivating Creative Writers with Celeste Davidson](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode90/) - Many of our brilliant and out-of-the-box quirky kids have vivid imaginations, and are true storytellers with the desire to create fantastic tales of their own. We can help these take shape by encouraging our kids to create their stories and by giving them the tools to be successful. In this episode, Colleen speaks with
- [Magnificent Middle Ages Resources](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/middle-ages-resources/) - We love unit studies in our homeschool, and one of the most enjoyable and in-depth studies we've ever done has been a full-on dive into the middle ages. From the intricacies of the feudal system to the innovation and art, the middle ages have plenty to throw yourself into and learn about. I'm sharing some
- [Great Geography Games to Czech Out](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/great-geography-games/) - Geography, quite frankly, is where it's at. *pause for laughter* In all seriousness, geography is a cornerstone of learning about the world around us, but isn't always something fun to study. Simply memorizing where places are and an interesting geological feature about each place just really isn't that engaging. Gameschooling is a long-time family favorite
- [Perfect Poetry Picks for Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/poetry-for-homeschool/) - Poetry may be the food of love, but it's not always a tempting snack to kids. Poetry is a beautiful and useful tool for teaching various parts of language, and some of the most beautiful, haunting, and enduring phrases of our time are found between sweet refrains and stunning stanzas. But with such a traditional
- [Legendary Gifts for Mythology Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-for-mythology-lovers/) - Do your kiddos get as obsessive about mythologies and rich backstories as mine do? I'm sure that's why they're also such big fans of stories like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter! Nothing beats the combination of history, astronomy, and mythology, however, like the ancient myths. Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic... there are
- [Fun Language Arts Additions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fun-language-arts-additions/) - As a writer, I don't hate language arts. While I didn't always know this was what I'd do, I was always engaged during language arts class and had a deep love for reading, writing, and, to my friends' dismay, correcting grammar. But having always been so comfortable with language and writing, it can sometimes slip
- [Books to Help Kids Learn about Geology](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books-to-help-kids-learn-about-geology/) - We've been on a geology kick lately. The kids are exploring rocks, minerals, gemstones, and fossils, and I'm even teaching a group of pre-k kiddos all about it at our homeschool co-op. It's been so interesting. If you haven't read it yet, take a few minutes to read The Best Homeschool Geology Study
- [Gift Ideas for Young Geology Lovers and Rockhounds](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gift-ideas-for-young-geology-lovers-and-rockhounds/) - First, we dove into one incredible Homeschool Geology Study Unit... Then we discovered some Geology Books that we could simply not live without... Now, I'm excited to bring you one more way to get kids fired up about geology -- these are the best gift ideas for young geology lovers! You will find a
- [Games to Help Improve Your Kid's Emotional Intelligence](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/games-to-help-emotional-intelligence/) - We all want our kids to develop a strong emotional intelligence. Let's give them a hand by using play to strengthen their skills. Since we know that emotions can be overwhelming for kids, it's our job to give them the tools they need to cope with the ups and downs they will experience. Emotions can
- [Out of This World Astronomy Finds](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/out-of-this-world-astronomy-finds/) - One of the most beautiful features of our new home has been seeing the night sky away from city lights and pollution. What my kids once always knew as dark has since become brilliantly illuminated with stars, constellations, meteor showers, and sometimes even planets! And since homeschooling offers us the flexibility to learn whenever we
- [RLL #88: Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids with Jim Delisle](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode88/) - This week, Colleen has a conversation on the social and emotional needs of gifted children with Jim Delisle, her graduate school mentor and one of the nation's foremost experts on raising and teaching gifted children. Jim Delisle is an accomplished author of numerous books and has been a professor, teacher and speaker on behalf
- [RLL #89: Helping Our Gifted Kids With Social and Emotional Struggles](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode89/) - Around here, we define "differently-wired kiddos" as either gifted (higher than average intelligence) or 2e, meaning some neurodiversity in addition to being gifted. With higher ability and processing come social and emotional challenges; in other words, quirky kids do quirky things! Today, Colleen discusses some of the specific social and emotional needs our gifted kiddos
- [Awesome Extras For an Immunology Study](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/immunology-study/) - We love falling down rabbit holes around here, diving deep into topics and interests inspired by either current events or specific hobbies. Differently-wired kiddos thrive when they're given the freedom and opportunity to engross themselves in what excites them, in ways that are outside the box and intended to instruct through multiple senses and avenues.
- [RLL #79: [Audioblog] Mislabeled Behavior And Undiagnosed Giftedness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode79/) - The frustration is real; your intense kiddo might be having outbursts you can't explain, or doesn't relate to others his own age or has a sensitivity to stimuli that is overwhelming, or any combination of the three or more! None of the professionals can seem to agree and you and your child are left confused
- [Support for Students and Parents with All About Reading](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/all-about-reading-2/) - Many, many years ago (although it feels like only a blink) I brought Trevor home from public school and embarked on our homeschool journey. I had no idea what to expect, and no idea that our family would come to embrace homeschooling the way we do now. I'd been a public school educator for over
- [Awesome Art Additions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/awesome-art-additions/) - Art is a topic in homeschool that can sometimes fall by the wayside, sacrificed in the name of keeping core classes completed. It tends to be phased out the older your kiddos get, confusing art with crafts and assuming that painting, sculpting, or learning about famous artists and movements is either childish or unnecessary. And
- [RLL #64: What to Do When School Doesn't Work](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode64/) - School choice is extremely personal. It really comes down to what you are most comfortable with, what you can afford and what kinds of sacrifices you are willing to make with regards to this decision for educating your differently-wired kiddos. In today’s solocast, Colleen discusses the different options to best meet your children’s
- [RLL #87: [Audioblog] 100 Hints That Your Child Might Be Gifted](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode87/) - Even experts can't really agree on a concrete definition of giftedness, but as parents, we have a pretty good idea just from watching our kids. Some of their behavior is puzzling, their reactions can be downright confusing, but they are all gifted, all the time. Listen in as Colleen shares an audioblog - a
- [RLL #41: Homeschooling "Fringy Kids" with Heather Boorman](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode41/) - Raising kids "on the fringes," or gifted, 2e, etc can be isolating and confusing. Therapist and author Heather Boorman joins Colleen on today's episode to talk about how helping kids see their differences can help them be the amazing people they're meant to be. Her 13yo son joins the conversation too, giving some great advice
- [RLL #45: Homeschooling Special Needs Kiddos with Faith Berens](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode45/) - Are you homeschooling a kiddo with special needs? You're not alone. It can be a challenging adventure, for sure, but today's guest, Faith Berens, has some wonderful insight and tips for parents who are homeschooling their special needs kids. Links and Resources from Today’s Show: SPONSOR: Audible (Get 1 month subscription + 1 EBook
- [RLL #51: Helping Your Child Cope with Anxiety](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/anxiety-in-children/) - I’m willing to bet that every person reading this has experienced anxiety, depression, or stress at one point or another in their life. And I’m willing to bet that it wasn’t a pleasant experience. For as many as one in eight children, though, anxiety is a daily struggle. {According to the Anxiety and Depression Association
- [RLL #65: [Audioblog] Navigating Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode65/) - Gifted children have characteristics that can often cause them to struggle socially and emotionally. In today’s episode, Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — outlining some common challenges facing gifted kids and offering real guidance to help you help your child manage his or her emotions.
- [RLL #60: Raising Differently-Wired Kids with Debbie Reber](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode60/) - Differently-wired kiddos require a major shift in parenting philosophies and practices, and today's guest is no stranger to shaking things up. Debbie Reber, founder of the Tilt Parenting podcast and author of Differently-Wired: Rasing an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World, has a lot to say about bringing up neurodiverse kiddos. Join Colleen and
- [RLL #63: Creating a Business with Kids with Sara Tullos](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode63/) - Subscription boxes are a wonderful way to add learning opportunities for your curious kids. Typically arriving monthly, they add extended play (and learning!) about once a month on topics like cooking, crafts, even inventions! But what do you do when your intense kiddo wants a very specific subscription box for her birthday and it
- [RLL #86: All About Anxiety with Dr. Dan Peters](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode86/) - Anxiety can be an enormous problem for our gifted and 2E children. It can cause struggles in education, social situations, and lead to even bigger issues as our kiddos grow older. Just as important as helping our kiddos navigate anxiety is realizing that we need support as well. Listen as Colleen speaks with Dr. Dan
- [2E Or Not 2E? That is the Question](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/2e-or-not-2e/) - Far and away, overwhelmingly, by far the number one question that is brought to us by parents of gifted children is the desperate query, "How can I tell the difference between an overexcitability and an actual diagnosis? How do I know if my child is just really quirky, or actually twice-exceptional? Is my kid gifted or
- [The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-homeschooling-gifted-children/) - Since I began searching for alternate paths of learning for my twice-exceptional son many years ago, and changed my thinking enough to gather the courage to pull him out of school to pursue homeschooling, I’ve watched the population of homeschoolers with gifted children grow. And grow. mce_preload_checks++; try { var jqueryLoaded=jQuery; } catch(err) { setTimeout('mce_preload_check();',
- [Forget the Box | Embracing Your Child's Otherness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/forget-the-box-embracing-your-childs-otherness/) - If you've spent any time around this website at all, you know that this is the place where we have and love quirky kids, different kids, outlier kids, outside-the-box kids. Our kids are statistically divergent, anomalies, the far ends of the bell curves, the "some" that are left out of "one size fits most". Our
- [RLL #80: Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School? with Blake Boles](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode80/) - We speak a lot around here about lifelong learning, that self-motivated pursuit of knowledge not based on a required set of circumstances but learning for its own sake. When our kids are younger, they usually seem pretty content to follow our lead in how to do this. But as our guest today explains, once
- [RLL #81: [Audioblog] Managing Perfectionism: 10 Tips for Helping Your Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode81/) - Perfectionism often goes hand in hand with the strengths of our gifted and twice-exceptional kids. After all, they tend to excel when they're young and we naturally reward achievement. But when they start to struggle with perfectionism, we need to have tools to help them manage it. Listen as Colleen shares an audioblog — an
- [This is Why Your Gifted Child Struggles to Fall Asleep](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-sleep-problems/) - I love sleep. Truly, deeply, passionately love it. I fantasize about days when I can sleep in with no alarm set for the next morning. I've been known to schedule a day around the possibility of getting a nap. I collect soft blankets and pajamas, fuzzy socks and pillows, anything that may add to the
- [Using Time4Learning to Homeschool When Home Changes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/time4learning-to-homeschool-when-home-changes/) - As you can imagine, and I'm sure you can relate, I am in a lot of homeschooling groups on social media. A lot. You don't hold this gig for more than a decade without finding plenty of support, right? From curriculum suggestions to co-op bylaws, there is a group out there with someone who has the
- [RLL #82: Celebrating Books with Mary Wilson](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode82/) - Can you imagine having a guide to infuse fun into your homeschooling and make literary discussions come alive every month? Today, Colleen chats with Mary Wilson about “found” poetry, book/movie matchups and the possibility of great adventures with book clubs! Mary's "Celebrate a Book" guides can help create family-friendly gatherings that bring whimsy
- [RLL #83: [Audioblog] Socialization and Your Gifted or Intense Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode83/) - As homeschooling parents of these intense, quirky, brilliant kiddos, we are often asked about socialization. It doesn't seem much of a problem when these kiddos are constantly sharing their latest discovery or talking about subjects of interest at length with us, and overall getting along just fine with us here at home. Where it can
- [RLL #84: Exploring Education and Executive Function with Seth Perler](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode84/) - Does your differently-wired child struggle with getting things done or remembering the steps necessary to accomplish a task? These are some of what is called executive function skills. The official definition of executive function is a set of processes that have to do with managing oneself and one’s resources in order to achieve a goal.
- [Great Books for Independent Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books-for-independent-learners-2/) - One of the biggest frustrations I encountered while teaching gifted kids in public school - and continue to encounter with homeschooling my own gifted children - is that teaching can feel so restrictive. Their brains move and process so quickly, it's often frustrating for them to sit and listen, wait for everyone else, and not rush
- [RLL #85: Homeschooling Plans for 2020/2021](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode85/) - As another fall arrives, it is probably time for most of us to review our homeschooling plans (even if they are flexible plans) for our gifted and intense children. No matter how you choose to homeschool your kiddos, some decisions probably need to be made soon to start your year off right. Listen as Colleen
- [All About Spelling is All About Students](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/all-about-spelling-2/) - Spelling is one of those subjects that can often go overlooked when homeschooling, especially if you have big readers. For some gifted kiddos, like my Molly, spelling is intuitive, basically absorbed through all of the literature she goes through. Other kids, though, especially twice-exceptional kiddos like my Logan, spelling can be a difficult hurdle. When
- [If You Never Thought You'd Homeschool... But Now You Just Might](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/never-thought-homeschool-2/) - I thought I knew exactly how I'd raise my kids. I would fun but firm, indulgent but just, there for what they needed and encouraging of their independence. I would celebrate half birthdays, I would always make their lunch, I would stay up late watching movies with them, and I was absolutely sending them to
- [Add Emotional Education to Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/emotional-education/) - We've been homeschooling for a really long time now and have gone through a lot - a lot - of different programs and curriculum. I'm asked several times a week what my favorite products are for math, science, writing... you know, the major subjects that all schools teach. While I've definitely formed a list of favorites,
- [Games to Get You Moving](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/games-to-get-you-moving/) - Whether it's the weather, a packed schedule, or just a comfortable couch, sometimes it can be difficult to get up and get moving. While full of energy, kids can struggle with the motivation to leave their video games or engrossing novels. Calling it exercise or homeschool PE doesn't usually win over many fans, either. Yet
- [Math Games to Multiply The Fun!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/math-games-2/) - If any single subject causes kids and homeschool parents to suddenly start shaking in their boots (freshly muddied boots from a recent nature walk, of course), it's math. Not just math. Math. Math is a polarizing subject, either eagerly entered with a love of formulas or survived by the befuddled whose paper sees as many tears as
- [When the World Overwhelms Your Anxious Child | How You Can Help](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/overwhelms-intense-child/) - Sure, I'm writing this in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and unprecedented protests and riots. The news daily reminds us all of death and sickness and fear and storms. The world as we know it has been set ablaze, slammed to a halt, and deeply, passionately divided. These are no doubt historic times we
- [STEM Learning for Tech-Loving Kiddos | Osmo Genius Kit](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/osmo-genuis-kit-review/) - "Mom! May I play on the iPad?" I hear some iteration of this question all day from different children each time. The kids share an iPad Mini and love it. Frankly, I do too. I just wish we had a couple more so we could spread the love when I need a few minutes of
- [RLL #77: Asynchronous Development in Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode77/) - The label "gifted" conjures up images of beautifully wrapped presents with neatly tied bows, images that are a stark contrast to the reality of giftedness: asynchrony. There can be huge differences between a gifted child’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. A gifted child can have the intelligence of an adult with the social-emotional
- [RLL #78: College For All with Trent Thompson](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode78/) - Have a gifted student who is not being challenged enough? Maybe they are especially gifted in certain areas and able to work ahead? Can you imagine what he or she could do at age 18 after having already finished their bachelor's degree while in high school? Today, Colleen speaks with Trent Thompson to share
- [RLL #75: [Audioblog] Dear Tired Mama of Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode75/) - It’s been a long day already, and you haven’t even taken your first sip of coffee. You didn’t get to bed until well after midnight because the oldest couldn’t shut his mind down and wanted, no needed, to talk about every single, swirling thought he’d ever had. Listen as Colleen shares an audioblog — an article
- [RLL #76: Creating the Adventurous Family with Rachel Rainbolt](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode76/) - Gentle parenting, natural homeschooling and simple living can seem like lofty goals for many of us, but are they really? Colleen explores these ideas and more with Rachel Rainbolt of Sage Family, who has created a lasting culture of connection and respect in her family by living a lifestyle of playful, personal growth with
- [The Anxious Parent of the Anxious Child | Your Anxiety is Not Identical](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-anxious-parent-of-the-anxious-child-your-anxiety-is-not-identical/) - I have three kids. Two are boys, and one is a girl. Two have blue eyes and one has green. Two are currently in public school, and one is homeschooled. One is a sensory seeker, one is a sensory avoider, and one is just sensory stimuli personified. My oldest looks just like my dad, and
- [Some People Just Don't Like Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/just-dont-like-gifted-kids/) - It's the term that does half the damage: gifted. It has an elitist air to it, an insinuation that someone has something better, has something more, has an elevated status that is unattainable by most. Calling your child gifted gives some the impression that you are calling your child better. We, the parents of gifted kids,
- [Exponentially Great Math Books (That Aren't Textbooks!)](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-best-math-books/) - The world is always being divided into two camps - ketchup or mustard, Mac or PC, cat person or dog lover, and those who love math versus those who shudder at the mere mention of mathematics. Whether you've got a kiddo who can't get enough equations or a child who might appreciate more stealthy approaches,
- [Building Our Own Curriculum - Why it's Easier Than Buying Boxed](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/building-our-own-curriculum/) - Asking a homeschooler about what curriculum they use is basically the equivalent to asking a stranger about this weather we're having. You don't really know what else to say, and you don't want to leave awkward silence between the two of you, so you offer up the only word you know about homeschooling: curriculum. Usually,
- [RLL #56: [Audioblog] Discipline and Your Intense Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode56/) - Do you feel like all you ever do is yell at and correct your intense child? That for every time you praise him, you’ve already berated him 15 times? And, are you completely exhausted before you’ve finished your first cup of coffee? Yeah… me too. This audioblog shares tips for helping you work with your
- [Watching Movies With Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/watching-movies-with-gifted-kids/) - I'm just gonna go ahead and say it - watching movies with my gifted kids is the worst. Sure, I like spending time with my children and sure, there are innumerable on-screen stories out there to share and experience with them, but when it comes down to it, the idyllic image of popcorn and snuggles falls
- [RLL #74: Solving the Transcript Problem with Maya & Nina Serna](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode74/) - In this episode, Colleen meets the Serna family to discuss how self-directed learners Maya and Nina solved a real-world problem in the course of their studies. Maya and Nina realized that there was a genuine need among teen homeschoolers to track learning and activities as they pursue their interests. They developed the mobile app,
- [Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-community/) - Homeschoolers – especially those that have been doing this awhile – laugh at the question that is most often brought up by concerned family and friends. The socialization question really is quite amusing, as kids have opportunities to be social in so many ways. There are classes, co-ops, park days, grocery shopping, conversations with the
- [RLL #72: Profoundly Gifted Kids and Radical Acceleration with Michelle and Elliott Tanner](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode72/) - Today, Colleen speaks with Michelle Tanner and her profoundly gifted son, Elliott, about the wonderful journey they’ve taken to radically accelerate Elliott to college at the tender age of 11. Their story proves that no matter what area our kiddos excel in, we can be empowered to see them for who they are, nurture
- [Discussing Race With Your Emotionally Intense Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/discussing-race-emotionally-intense-kids/) - My kids, like many gifted kids, are pretty interested in current events and tend to somehow absorb the news, despite some of my attempts to filter it for them. My kids, like many gifted and twice-exceptional kids, also happen to be pretty emotionally intense. It can be hard to find the balance between informed and
- [Happy Cheetah | The Perfect Program for Struggling Readers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/happy-cheetah/) - Isaac is my youngest, and most mysterious, child. He's obviously brilliant and always keeps us on our toes, but I never quite know what's coming next from him. He's been blazing his own path, much like his siblings, and while there is plenty I can anticipate from him because of my experience both in the
- [RLL #71: Resiliency and Why Our Kids Need It](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode71/) - Resiliency is the ability for any of us, including our kids, to bounce back from adversity. The potential for happiness or success comes from how we take snippets of those bad days, turn ourselves around and bounce back from stress, challenge, tragedy, trauma, or bad situations. Listen as Colleen explains what resiliency is, how
- [Using Time4Learning to Homeschool When You Think You Can't](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/using-time4learning/) - When it was first announced that schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year, my inbox became flooded. Suddenly parents who'd never homeschooled, who'd never considered homeschooling, who never thought they could homeschool, were homeschooling. I get messages from new homeschoolers pretty frequently, so many that I've even created a crash course
- [RLL #70: More Than Enough with Kara Anderson](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode70/) - Ever feel overwhelmed or scared that you just might not be doing enough in your homeschool? Not seeing those Instagram families in your own home? Feeling a little drained by those wonderful but intense learners? In today's podcast, Colleen speaks with Kara Anderson about her new book, More Than Enough: Grow Your Confidence, Banish
- [RLL #73: [Audioblog] Falling Unexpectedly In Love with Homeschooling My Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode73/) - We don't always know what we need or what our kids' need in this journey to raise them as lifelong learners, and sometimes what is absolutely right happens in the most trying of circumstances! In today’s episode, Colleen shares an audioblog — an article that first appeared on the site — written by contributor and
- [RLL #69: [Audioblog] Seven Tools for Peaceful Parenting that You Can Use Today](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode69/) - Parenting is tough. No matter how rock-solid your discipline strategies are, you probably lose your temper and yell from time to time. Even the most well-meaning of parents may find themselves yelling at their kiddos in a moment of angry frustration. When we strive to parent more gently, we need a toolbox of skills
- [RLL #67: Ideas for Nurturing Our Kids' Strengths](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode67/) - Research shows that when we encourage our learners to pursue their interests and utilize their strengths in their learning, we can also see gains in areas that they aren't as strong in. Colleen dives a little deeper into understanding what strength based learning is and how there are simple, practical steps we can take to
- [RLL #68: Self-Directed Education with Peter Gray, PhD](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode68/) - Today, Colleen speaks with Peter Gray, PhD and author of “Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life.” Peter and Colleen discuss his journey to understanding how self-directed learning is a most successful model of education, empowering kids to take ownership
- [Afterschooling with Time4Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/afterschooling-with-time4learning/) - It's no secret that we've found great success homeschooling our gifted and differently-wired kiddos. After more than a decade spent working in the public school system, and seeing the benefits in our own family, I'm more convinved than ever that homeschooling has been the right choice for us. I know, however, that not everyone can
- [There Are No Quick Fixes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/there-are-no-quick-fixes/) - We waited months for that first counseling appointment. Very long, emotional, hopeful months. We knew our son was going to benefit from therapy, knew he needed it, knew we needed it. School issues, social difficulties, peace at home, the overwhelming fear and guilt that I felt as his mom... a lot was riding on this
- [Safe Place Fatigue | The Wear and Tear of Being Your Child's Person](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/safe-place-fatigue/) - It happens during most bedtimes. Birthday parties. Holidays. In the middle of the night after a bad dream, in the middle of the afternoon during a storm, in the middle of a movie that was a little too emotionally intense. It happens during times of stress. It happens sometimes with no apparent warning. Sometimes my
- [Pandemic Schooling Is Torturing Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/pandemic-schooling/) - "It's like they don't care about us." My normally even-tempered, people-pleasing middle schooler was in tears. He had his laptop in front of him, logged into all the various websites and hangouts he needed to be a part of that day in order to get his pandemic schooling completed, and he was in tears. Defeated.
- [RLL #66: Strength-Based Learning for Differently-Wired Kids with Shawna Wingert](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode66/) - When our differently-wired kids are struggling or seem bored with their studies, often we want to find out why and fix it fast! What if we first became observers of our kids, discovering what they’re great at and interested in, and then turned that around, using it to get them excited about learning again?
- [WriteShop to the Rescue | When Unschooling Isn't Enough](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/writeshop/) - Homeschoolers these days sound like they're ordering a Starbucks treat when describing their educational styles. "I'm Charlotte Mason-inspired with a little Waldorf and wildschooling mixed in, sprinkled by gameschooling and very unschool-y leaning, with an overarching eclectic Classical motif." Admit it - you know this person, don't you? Goodness, you may be this person. And
- [Low-Waste Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/low-waste-homeschooling/) - It's very easy to go all-in and overbuy when it comes to homeschool supplies (ask me how I know). But with all of the talk of climate issues, minimalism movements, and generally trying to take better care of our planet, I’ve begun to look into lowering our own carbon footprint here at home. It’s so
- [RLL#62: [Audioblog] Why Should You Homeschool Your Gifted Children?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode62/) - The longer I homeschool my gifted children, and the more I see and talk to other parents of gifted and twice-exceptional kids, the more I believe that homeschooling is the best educational option for our nation’s above-average children. In today's episode, Colleen shares an audioblog -- an article that first appeared on the site. She makes a strong
- [RLL #61: Let's Talk About Anxiety](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode61/) - Anxieties are high. Kids are worrying. Adults are worrying. We're all kind of in this big ole anxiety boat together. We could really use some solidarity and support right now. While recorded before COVID-19 hit, in this episode I talk about five simple things you can do with your anxious kiddos to help them right now.
- [Helping Your Child Manage Anxiety During COVID-19](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/anxiety-during-pandemic/) - I was drifting off to sleep in my Fort Worth hotel room just last week after the convention I was speaking at was closed down in the middle of everything because the city had issued an order banning all gatherings of more than 100 people. I heard my teen clear his throat from the other
- [High School Science Without a Lab | Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/paradigm-accelerated-curriculum/) - When we first started homeschooling, I hadn't planned too far into the future. We were accidental homeschoolers, thrust into it rather than inspired by it, and I was focused on the immediate. I had no idea that we'd still be home educating this many years later, let alone loving it, so to be honest, I
- [How to Help Your Kids Thrive When They're Stuck Inside](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/how-to-help-your-kids-thrive-when-theyre-stuck-inside/) - Maybe you're dealing with a prolonged illness, a weather mishap that canceled your plans, job transitions, car troubles, recovery of some type, or a good old-fashioned school break, but sometimes, somehow, you find yourself stuck at home for long periods of time. As much as the introverts may celebrate at first, the plot thickens when
- [RLL #59: [Audioblog] Gifted Kids Are Gonna Gift](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode59/) - I shrug a lot, shake my head with a smile, even chuckle. My kids are a blast. They’re different and difficult and quite the handful, but at the end of the day I don’t know what I’d do without the constant excitement of their excitabilities or the quick wit (that also gets them into
- [RLL #57: Protecting Our Kids From Porn with Kristen Jenson](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode57/) - In today's highly connected world, kids are being exposed to pornography at younger and younger ages. Oftentimes, by the time we've sat down with our kids to have a conversation about what they may come across online it's too late. Filters aren't enough. We need to educate our kiddos -- preparing them for when
- [RLL #55: Helping Your Child Manage Perfectionism](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode55/) - So many gifted and twice-exceptional kiddos struggle with perfectionism, and untreated perfectionism can lead to other problems like low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders. Finding ways to talk to your kiddos is important, and keeping the conversation going can help them feel comfortable opening up when they're having a problem. In today's
- [Taming the Worry Dragon at GHC](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/taming-the-worry-dragon-at-ghc/) - Year after year that I attend Great Homeschool Conventions, I meet families struggling to help their child cope with anxiety, worry, and perfectionism. Anxiety is an issue plaguing many of today's young people, and gifted and twice-exceptional children are especially likely to struggle. The increased sensitivity paired with an extraordinary ability to create scenarios to
- [Coming to GHC - The Real Mom Tour!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/real-mom-tour/) - I am so excited to finally be able to share this! For the last few years at Great Homeschool Conventions, I've joined my dear friends Pam Barnhill and Sarah Mackenzie for a panel discussion, addressing questions about everything related to homeschooling, parenting, and anything in between. It's always been one of my favorite moments of
- [Great Homeschool Conventions and Great Homeschool Speakers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/ghc-speakers/) - Great Homeschool Conventions always promise to put on quality events. They listen to homeschool families and are always incredibly responsive to the ever-changing needs of the community, making sure to truly have something for everyone. If you check out their offerings, you'll see that they design tracks intended to speak to all kinds of families
- [Using Time4Learning for Nontraditional Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/using-time4learning-for-nontraditional-homeschooling/) - Homeschooling isn't what it used to be, and the reasons that more and more families are choosing the path of home education are becoming more and more varied. My son's giftedness and struggles in public school are what initially started us on our homeschool journey, but the longer we're at it, the more reasons I
- [Homeschooling Through Anxiety With Time4Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/time4learning-anxiety/) - It's no secret that anxiety is rampant these days. In addition to all of the families I work with and hear from who struggle with anxiety in their home, my own family is affected. Anxiety makes everything harder, scarier, and sometimes seemingly impossible. It will rear its ugly head when you least expect it or
- [New Year, New Talks, New Reasons to Attend Great Homeschool Conventions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/new-year-ghc/) - We are officially in the roaring 20's, and I could not be more excited about all that awaits us in the new year! We're settled into our new home, the kiddos are at some seriously fun ages, and I have more opportunities than ever to travel and speak to families like yours. One of my
- [Games to Help Kids Control Their Anger](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/games-to-help-kids-control-their-anger/) - When it comes to the powerful emotion, anger, things can get a little bumpy. Usually, this stems from the fear of not knowing. Instead of living in a state of wonder (I wonder if..... I wonder when.... I wonder how.....), let's give our kids the tools they need to process, control, and direct their anger.
- [The Social Benefits of Online Gaming](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/social-benefits-online-gaming/) - There's a lot of information and opinion out there about online gaming, warning us, the parents, not to let our children rot their brains and spend their days on these video games. The big bad wolf is no longer outside, threatening to blow our house down - it's behind a screen and a headset, waiting
- [Don't Stifle the Polymaths](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/dont-stifle-the-polymaths/) - "So what do you want to be when you grow up?" It's a simple question, innocent enough. It's a great icebreaker from young children up to teenagers, a great way to learn a lot about someone in a small amount of time. There's nothing inherently wrong with asking someone what they want to be, but what
- [Great Resources for Curious & Creative Homeschoolers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/resources-curious-creative-homeschool/) - There was a time when I looked forward to poring over the ads and mapping my conquests out in a post-turkey haze, gearing up for the bargains I would snag on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Now, my bargain-hunting tends to be restricted to tapping away at the keyboard, surfing my favorite homeschool resources to get
- [RLL #54: Homeschooling Through Tough Times](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode54/) - Let's face it -- homeschooling differently-wired kiddos is challenging. Parenting them is challenging. But, when life hits you from all sides, and you have highly emotional, anxiety-filled, and otherwise differently-wired kids to parent through it, you're going to be lucky to get dinner on the table some days, let alone get any homeschooling done.
- [Great Gifts for Fortnite Fans](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fortnite-gifts/) - You've seen groups of kids erupting into spontaneous dances. You've heard the cries of the kids across the street, screaming into their headsets about "Battle Royale" and "Top 10". You see the faint blue light under the door and sigh - Fortnite is here to stay. Kids all over have been hooked to the game
- [RLL #53: A Magical Homeschool with Jessica Waldock](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode53/) - Parenting and homeschooling a differently-wired kiddo is tough. When you're homeschooling a gifted only child, it can be exhausting. You need to stay a few steps ahead of your kiddo as you're the only one they've got to play with, learn from, and do things with. Jessica Waldock chats with Colleen today about the
- [Asynchronous Development in Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/asynchronous-development/) - When you're parenting gifted or twice-exceptional kids, you often feel lost and alone -- like nobody will ever truly get what you live on a day-to-day basis. I felt that way, and it's one of the reasons I created RLL in the first place... I hoped to bring other parents of tough kids together -- and to
- [The Perfect Mom Bag | Lily Jade](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/lily-jade-meggan-bag/) - Fall is my favorite time of the year. It's cool, but not cold. It's sunny, but a soft, filtered sun shining through trees with a backdrop of fluffy clouds. It's the time of the year that kids are back in school, so us weird homeschoolers get our museums, parks, and favorite field trip locations back
- [RLL #52: Overcoming Perfectionism and Finding Joy in Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode52/) - How do YOU fight back against perfectionism and recapture the joy of the homeschool you dreamed about? In this episode, Colleen tackles a listener question related to this topic and offers some practical tips for keeping the joy and fun alive. Links and Resources from Today's Show: SPONSOR: BookShark - Structured 4-Day
- [The Unmeasured Executive Functioning Issue](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-unmeasured-executive-functioning-issue/) - My oldest. Pause for a deep sigh. If you have a child with executive functioning issues, you know that deep sigh. It's equal parts irritation, frustration, and humor, incredulous, exhausted, and determined. Kids with executive functioning deficits or issues aren't easy to raise, am I right? My firstborn is a dream child to parent -
- [RLL #50: Homeschooling a PG Kiddo from a Teacher's Perspective with Mariel Howsepian](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode50/) - Think all teachers are against homeschooling? That's actually pretty far from the truth -- I've met many current and former teachers who have chosen to homeschool their kiddos just like today's guest. Mariel Howsepian and her husband Pete are lifelong learners living in Southern California where they homeschool their profoundly gifted daughter. Pete's held
- [Great Gifts for Backyard Scientists](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-backyard-scientists/) - These gifts for backyard scientists will keep your explorers on the path to discovery. From bird guides, rocks, gems, telescopes, and cooking on a stick all of these ideas foster a love for learning about nature and all it has to offer. When gifting gifts of discovery, make sure you are prepared for those
- [RLL #49: Reflections About Anxiety](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode49/) - Over the years, Colleen has talked extensively about her youngest daughter's struggle with anxiety, and so has her daughter. Today, Sara writes in with a great question, prompting Colleen to reflect on the earlier years in their anxiety journey. Listen to find out what she'd change, if anything. And, if you have any questions,
- [Games to Help Your Kids Learn Mindfulness at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mindfulness-games/) - Teaching kids about mindfulness is an important skill for them to master. It will help them navigate the world and everything it can throw their way. Including mindfulness tasks and activities throughout the week is an essential step. One way to do this is by using games to help your kids learn mindfulness at home.
- [What is an Intense Child?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/what-is-an-intense-child/) - If you have an intense child, you probably know it. Call them spirited, emotionally intense, difficult, high needs, or challenging…it doesn’t matter. You know them and you’re tired. And defeated. And sure you're doing everything all wrong because those parenting books other parents swear by just don’t work for you. The intense child is more
- [Teaching Character Through Literature | Beautiful Feet Books](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teaching-character-through-literature-review/) - A few years ago, my daughter (then nine) stumbled across a table filled with the most beautiful books she had ever seen (her words) at a homeschool convention she was attending with me. She begged me to stop everything I was doing and go over to the booth with her to buy any of their
- [RLL #47: The Introverted Homeschool Mom with Jamie C. Martin](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode47/) - Are you an introvert? Guess what?! You're not alone! Today's guest, Jamie Martin, is the brilliant mama behind the website Simple Homeschool and has just released a new book called The Introverted Mom: Your Guide to More Calm, Less Guilt, and Quiet Joy and we're talking all about the beauty to be found in
- [RLL #46: Homeschooling Quirky Kids with Cynthia Heren](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode46/) - Cynthia Heren joins Colleen today to talk about what it's like in the trenches homeschooling differently-wired kiddos. She gives us a peek into her schedule, the rabbit holes her family dives down, and how they incorporate online learning and Minecraft (yes, Minecraft) into their days. Links and Resources from Today’s Show: SPONSOR:
- [The Best Homeschool Typing Program | Typesy Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/best-homeschool-typing/) - I cringe every time I sit near my kids as they use their chromebooks or the shared desktop computer. Hunt and peck. Hunt and peck. It's excruciating. In fact, since typing takes them so long, in most cases my kids just use talk-to-text when they need to search for things, so they're not getting any
- [Surviving Different Weather Conditions | Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/surviving-different-weather-conditions-think-outside-boxes/) - "I see a bulldozer!" "I see a dolphin!" "Well I see a jet ski being ridden by a rabbit." Cloud-watching is almost a childhood rite of passage. Lying back on the plush grass or looking through a car window, there is just something peaceful and whimsical about letting your imagination take over as the shapes above
- [Taking Care of Injuries on the Trail | Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/taking-care-of-injuries-on-the-trail-think-outside-boxes/) - It's no secret that anxieties are strong in my home. With creativity and intelligence abounding, my kids have no trouble imagining plenty of worst case scenarios or developing healthy fears of illness and injury. If I'm being honest, I've been known to Google symptoms a few times and come away even more worked up than
- [Surviving the Elements | Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/surviving-the-elements-think-outside-boxes/) - Any time the kids are outside long enough, either in a backyard, a park, or out camping, they start gathering sticks and scouting locations for shelters. Maybe it's all those episodes of Alone we watch on the History Channel, maybe it's the number of times we've read Hatchet, but my kids love fantasizing about surviving in the wild.
- [RLL #44: Rooted Childhood with Meghann Dibrell](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode44/) - If you scroll through your Instagram feed and wish for slower, more meaningful days, or dream of better connections with your kids like those gorgeous images, this is the episode for you. Meghann Dibrell talks to us about cultivating a rooted childhood for your kids, and her work to help you make that happen. As
- [Shifting Paradigms | Unexpectedly Homeschooling Your Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/thankful-for-paradigm-shifts-2/) - Before having kids, I was a teacher. A good teacher. And I loved it. I presented workshops, designed my own curriculum materials, wrote books for teachers, and never imagined I’d do anything other than teach and inspire other teachers along the way. Ever experience a paradigm shift? You know, a complete change in the direction
- [Amazing Gifts for Book Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/amazing-gifts-for-book-lovers/) - Throughout the year we are met with a list of loved ones to buy gifts for.... this takes thought, time, and creativity to find that perfect gift. The goal is to find that meaningful gift that they will love and use. This list of gift ideas can help you do just that. There are
- [The Anxious Parent of the Anxious Child | The Guilt of Passing it On](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/guilt-of-passing-it-on/) - It's late. Really late. I should have been in bed hours ago, but instead I'm sitting up, trying to calm the fears, trying to shush the irrational thoughts, trying to calm the breathing, trying to wipe away the tears. Anxiety has reared it's ugly head again. This isn't a new occurrence in my home. It's
- [Passions, Pressure, and Letting Our Kids Let Go](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/passions-pressure-letting-go/) - When my son was about 5 years old, he fell in love with birds. I can’t remember now how it all started, but suddenly, he was a tiny John James Audubon, pointing out species and identifying calls. He spent hours emerged in bird books, and once, when he met a volunteer at a bird sanctuary,
- [I Hate My Son's Headphones](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/my-sons-headphones/) - My son has a sensory processing disorder. He is an avoider - sounds, smells, textures. There's a lot in our world that hurts him, a lot of situations that are overwhelming for him, a lot of sensations and stimuli that you or I take for granted related to our ability to process in a "normal"
- [Using Time4Learning with a Busy Middle Schooler](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/time4learning-review-middle-school/) - A few months ago my eleven year old asked me if she could try something new for her homeschool lessons. She's always been a box-checker, someone who wants a clear-cut list of plans and a chance to hole up in her room and just get it done so she can get on with her day,
- [Bringing History Alive with Activity Books](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/bringing-history-alive-with-activity-books/) - If you've homeschooled for any length of time, you realize (like I do) that your best predictor of success in this crazy journey is your own ability to be flexible and change things up from time to time. When you let yourself relax, and change things around from time to time, you end up bringing
- [Blow Up a Balloon with a Chemical Reaction](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/blow-up-a-balloon-with-a-chemical-reaction/) - Did you know that you can use chemical reactions to blow up balloons? What about your kids? Do they know? Show kids up close and personal how chemical reactions can give off gasses in this blowing up a balloon science experiment using carbon dioxide to inflate the balloon! How to Set Up the Blowing Up
- [Come Meet Me (and Many Others) at Great Homeschool Conventions!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/come-meet-me-at-great-homeschool-conventions/) - Winter is fading. The snow is melting (a little), the birds are singing, and Spring is just around the corner. I love this time of year not just because of the warmth that is headed my way, but because it signals the beginning of convention season with Great Homeschool Conventions! I have been speaking with
- [Why You Should Keep Attending Homeschool Conventions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/keep-attending-homeschool-conventions/) - Okay, so you're a pro by now. You've been homeschooling for years now, you've got your systems in place, your preferred curriculum selected, and you are living in the sweet spot of a homeschool veteran who knows what they're doing. You've probably attended a few homeschool conventions over the years - especially at the beginning
- [Simple Steps for Putting Together a Perfect Calm Down Kit](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/putting-together-a-perfect-calm-down-kit/) - When my son was a young toddler I heard other parents with kids the same age talking about how terrible tantrums were to deal with. And I just couldn't relate. Our little guy was very verbal from a young age. He was pretty effective at communicating his needs and just overall very easy going. And
- [RLL #43: Getting Your Kids Outside with Justin Wren](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode43/) - Sometimes it seems difficult to get our kids outside when all they want to do is lounge around inside the house. But, studies show that time outside increases creativity and cognitive functions, so it's important to get kids outside as much as we can. Today Colleen talks with Justin Wren, one of the founders of Think
- [Planting a Salad Garden with Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/planting-a-salad-garden-with-kids/) - I love encouraging my kids to get outside, get dirty, and experience nature as closely as possible. Over the past few years we’ve planted gardens with them – with mixed results. One year, we’ll call it the year of the backyard jungle, the kids grew squash plants that yielded few squash, but an amazing crop
- [Get the Kids Off to a Healthy Start in the Mornings](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/get-the-kids-off-to-a-healthy-start-in-the-mornings/) - It was Monday afternoon. The kids were playing outside with the neighbors, riding up and down the newly acquired bike ramp next door, soaking up the last few weeks of summer freedom. I was inside prepping to leave for a week of teaching, as soon as my husband returned from his trip. I heard shouts,
- [RLL #42: What It's Like to be Homeschooled with Best Friends Molly and Ella](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode42/) - Ever wonder what your homeschooling kiddos really think about this life? Today, Colleen talks to her daughter Molly and best friend Ella all about what it's like for these 10 and 11 year olds to be homeschooled, what kinds of things they're involved in, what their thoughts are about how other people view homeschoolers, and
- [Fix It Yourself | Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/think-outside-boxes-repair/) - "You can't use up creativity: The more you use, the more you have. Make sewing and fixing things your new superpower!" This month's Think Outside Boxes Repair Box might just be the best one yet. I keep saying that, but I'm not sure how this can be topped. Complete with a sewing kit, duct tape,
- [All Tied Up in Knots | Anxiety and Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/think-outside-boxes-knots/) - Has your child ever told you that she feels like her tummy is all tied up in knots when she's feeling anxious about something? Childhood anxiety is real, valid, and so, so tough for kids -- and their parents, and I loved that our Think Outside Boxes subscription's monthly section on empathy was all about
- [The Secret to Homeschooling THAT Kid Successfully](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-secret-to-homeschooling-that-kid-successfully/) - Earlier this school year we made drastic changes in our 10th grader's schooling. He's been homeschooled since the February of his first grade year, so we should have had things pretty well in hand as we'd been doing it awhile. Right? Wrong. Homeschooling THAT kid is tough. You know the kid I'm talking about,
- [RLL #40: Self-Directed Homeschooling High School with Trevor Kessler](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode40/) - There are so many homeschooling moms that start to worry as their kids get into middle school and high school that what they've done up until this point isn't enough. Or that they're missing big pieces of learning, content, or skills that they should have been teaching all along. Today, Colleen talks with her sixteen
- [Easy Little Girl Christmas Hairstyles](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/easy-christmas-hairstyles/) - The holidays are almost here, and I’m thrilled to welcome a guest post from a friend of mine. She’s the beautifully brilliant mind behind HairByLori.com, and a personal friend. I love her holiday hairstyles, and thought you might want try a few out yourself, especially as she has a way of making them approachable for
- [RLL 39 Sara Hall: Trusting Your Child's Lead](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode39/) - It can be scary to homeschool an outside-the-box learner. Differently-wired kids beat to the tune of their own drummers, and that can be problematic when we go into it with a set expectation for how things will be. It is hard to trust our kids AND ourselves with this totally alternate path to education...
- [RLL 38: Happy New Year](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode38/) - It's a new year and I don't know about you, but I'm ready to tackle it head on and enjoy my kiddos and our new puppy, all while making this podcast and site the place where you can find all you need to help you parent and homeschool those differently wired kiddos amazingly. In
- [RLL 37 Connie Albers: Finishing Strong](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode37/) - Ever worry that you're not going to be able to do this homeschool thing all the way through high school? Me too. Colleen is talking today with Connie Albers -- homeschool mom of five adult children. All of those kiddos have homeschooled, gone through college at a major university, and are now doing great
- [Embracing Art and Its History for Kids With Sensory Issues](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/art-history-kids/) - Gifted kids, while they share real estate on the far right side of the IQ bell curve, don't tend to share much else. "If you've met one gifted kid, you've met one gifted kid," right? Some love math and science, some love music and theater. Some rarely sleep and some sleep for days. Some are
- [RLL LIVE | Anxiety and Gifted/2e Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/rll-live-anxiety-and-gifted-2e-kids/) - Gifted and twice-exceptional kiddos often struggle with anxiety. Join us as we chat about what that might look like and how we can help our kids out. This video was originally recorded on Facebook Live. To see real-time comments, watch it here. Links and Resources From Today’s Show: 10 Things I Love About Homeschooling:
- [RLL LIVE | More About Anxiety](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/rll-live-more-about-anxiety/) - Anxiety is such a common challenge with our gifted kiddos that I get asked about it again and again. Here's a second video in response to further viewer questions about anxiety in children, particularly in gifted children. This conversation originally appeared live on Facebook. You can watch with realtime comments here. If you want to
- [The Anxious Parent of the Anxious Child | Using Social Stories](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/using-social-stories/) - You know that old saying about apples and trees and how they don't fall far? As the parent of an anxious child you are most likely looking in a mirror as you watch them tense up, explode, or collapse under the weight of their very overwhelming feelings. You probably experience anxiety yourself, diagnosed or otherwise,
- [11 Reasons I Love Staying Home with My Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/15-reasons-i-love-staying-home-with-my-kids/) - The days are long, but the years are short... It's said time and time again, but it's hard to find the truth in that when one's living in the heat of parenthood. I'm not above hiding out in the bathroom with the stash of chocolate I keep hidden away for tough moments, but I wouldn't
- [Helping Kids Pursue Passions While Maintaining Peace of Mind](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/helping-kids-pursue-passions/) - Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone.#YourTaxCash #CollectiveBias It's a cool thing when kids finally find something they love. You see the spark in their eyes and the passion start to kindle. My tween and teen have both discovered the theater over
- [Books to Help Kids Who Worry](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books-to-help-kids-who-worry/) - Helping kids who worry can be a challenge. Thinking BIG thoughts can become overwhelming for smart kiddos who are still little. It can lead to kids missing out on activities like school, play dates, classes, and co-ops, and it can even sneak its way into bedtime. To help, I've put together a list of books to help kids
- [Raising a Verbally Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/raising-a-verbally-gifted-child/) - As parents of gifted children, our stories are similar to one another, but we each have unique challenges as well. Amy gives us wonderful tips about managing a verbally gifted kiddo... As soon as our little guy was able to talk, he was able to talk well. He flew through development stages -- speaking words,
- [Host an Epic Family Movie Night](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/epic-family-movie-night/) - Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #YourTaxCash #CollectiveBias Life has been extremely busy and go-go-go since our two oldest kiddos joined the ranks of "theater kids" a few months ago. Our daughter has gotten deeply involved with musical theater and
- [Homeschooling Because of Mental Illness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-mental-illness/) - It's no secret - homeschooling is on the rise. It's becoming wildly more popular, accommodating, varied, and even - dare I say? - mainstream. Gone are the days of stereotypes and denim jumpers, homeschoolers are as different as they are passionate, and the internet has made it possible for just about anyone to homeschool from
- [Star Wars Gifts That Are Out of This World](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/star-wars-gifts/) - Do you have Star Wars fans in your home? We do. Lots of little Star Wars fans... I'm always on the look out for cool gifts to give them that they'll love. Check out these amazing Star Wars gifts I found. There are so many unique toys, games, and kits. There's sure to be something for
- [Tracks in the Snow | Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tracks-think-outside-boxes/) - "What made those tracks in the snow, Mom?" Isaac, my five year old, peered intently at the ground near his feet. The footprint was likely made by one of the many stray cats that roam our neighborhood at night, but his simple question reminded me that there is wonder to be found everywhere if one
- [Organizing Your Play Room](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/organizing-your-play-room/) - Play is the most important work of childhood. Through creative play, kids become thinkers, problem solvers, and so much more. But, just because play is important doesn’t mean their play area has to be a complete mess. Consider some of these simple tips for organizing your play room efficiently – and finally get the space
- [Organizing Your Homeschool in a Tiny House](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/organizing-your-homeschool-in-a-tiny-house/) - This is our fourth homeschool year in Teeny House. Four kids, two adults, a dog, and three red-eared sliders share 790 square feet. When you live in a tiny house – AND homeschool four children – you need to be a creative organizer or you’ll get overrun quickly. Each year during this
- [RLL 35: What This Homeschool Mom Doesn't Do](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode35/) - People ask often how I do it all. I try to tell them that I simply don't -- that there are balls I drop regularly, but I'm not sure they completely believe me. In today's episode, I tell you all the things I don't do. The home and homeschool balls that get dropped. Above all,
- [Valentine's Day Dessert Parfaits](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/valentines-day-dessert-parfaits/) - These Valentine's Day Dessert Parfaits are simple and delicious -- a perfect treat for your little Valentines. By now you know that I love Valentine's Day. It's fun to surprise the kids with treats and little acts of love. If you're like me, try making these Valentine's Day Dessert Parfaits with your sweet Valentines. They'll love them.
- [Valentine's Day Marshmallow Pops](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/valentines-day-marshmallow-pops/) - These Valentine's Day Marshmallow Pops are the perfect treat for littlest Valentines. So super simple -- they can even help! It shouldn't come as a surprise that I love Valentine's Day. I adore showering my kiddos with treats and notes and little acts of love -- even more than I do on every other day. If you're
- [A Challenge for the Creative Coffee Lover](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/challenge-creative-coffee-lover/) - This post was sponsored by Folgers as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines concerning the use of endorsement and testimonials in advertising. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. Betcha you can sing along with me...The best part of
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar for February](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-february/) - How is it February already? Have you started feeling like you're ready for the winter to end? Do you feel like taking a homeschool break already? The February "doldrums" set in around here mid-month usually, and I just want to give up. The February Minecraft Challenge Calendar is perfect for curing those winter
- [Homeschooling with Netflix | History Documentaries](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-with-netflix-history-documentaries/) - We love Netflix, and use it to supplement our kids’ learning often. It's been used to help teach character, early learning skills, and for fun. Some of my favorite things to stream, though, are science and history documentaries. History documentaries give us a chance to dive deeper into historical events from various perspectives. To keep track
- [Valentine's Day White Chocolate Pretzels](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/valentines-day-white-chocolate-pretzels/) - Inside: These Valentine's Day White Chocolate Pretzels are the perfect after-school snack. Make some today -- they're so easy! I love making fun holiday-themed treats for my kids, and they love snacking on them. One of my very favorite ones to make are these Valentine's Day White Chocolate Pretzels! They're delicious and really simple to
- [Valentine's Day Rice Krispies Treats Mice](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/valentines-day-rice-krispies-treats-mice/) - Inside: These Valentine's Day Rice Krispies Treats Mice will make your littlest Valentines smile. Whip up a batch -- they're easy! Are you like me? Do you like surprising your kids with fun themed treats near the holidays? If so, you'll adore these cute -- and tasty -- Valentine's Day Rice Krispies Treats Mice
- [50 Adorable Valentine's Day Hairstyles for Girls](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/valentines-day-hairstyles/) - Valentine's Day is coming up, and I’m excited to welcome my friend Lori back for another super cute hairstyle post. She's here from HairByLori.com to share easy and cute little girl hairstyles again. Remember her Christmas post? I know that my two cutie pies are already excited for me to try some of these styles out. See what you
- [Awesome STEM Fun and Learning with Geometiles](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/learning-with-geometiles/) - Just last night there were tears again. And, like most of the time we dissolve into tears about something around here, once the emotion was stripped away, the tears dried too, and the world was right again. What was the horrible, no good, very bad situation that had brought on a flood of nine-year-old tears?
- [Learn Basic Coding Skills | Coding Foundations](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/coding-foundations/) - "Did you know that your son can solve a Rubik's Cube with his eyes closed?!?" "Trevor just found FOUR four-leaf clovers in 15 minutes! That's insane!" My oldest thinks algorithmically. Algebraic thinking has always come easily for him, and anything that relies on patterns or involves anomolies in patterns are a delight to him. He
- [RLL 34 Ginny Kochis: Cultivating Critical Thinkers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode34/) - We really want to encourage critical and creative thinking in our kids -- especially with so many things going on in the world that require us to think clearly and make informed decisions. Ginny Kochis has some great tips for developing these skills without adding something new to our already full homeschool parenting plates.
- [Learning with Games | Blocks Rock!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/blocks-rock-game-review/) - MOM! She's being mean to me! I closed my eyes and groaned inwardly. Seriously… the time between the end of winter and the beginning of springtime — you know, when the weather can’t quite make up its mind what it’s going to do — is so exhausting for an intense and curious family full of
- [Learn Electronics at Home with Mandlabs](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/learn-electronics-at-home-with-mandlabs/) - Kids are natural tinkerers… they can learn so much just by fiddling around with things. It’s why I love the art of strewing so very much. Putting things out for the kids to discover is a great away for them to find new things to get excited about and rabbit trails to dive into. While
- [RLL 26 Tiffany Dahle: Cooking with Your Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode26/) - There are so many wonderful benefits to getting kids in the kitchen early on, but have you ever thought about cooking as a way to build confidence and combat perfectionism? Really! Today, Colleen talks to Tiffany Dahle, author of The Ultimate Kids' Cookbook, and founder of peanutblossom.com about empowering kids through cooking... among other
- [RLL 27: Challenging Gifted Kids vs. Pushing Them](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode27/) - Parents of gifted kiddos often worry whether they're challenging their kids enough or pushing them too hard. In this episode we examine the difference between pushing and appropriately challenging our kids, while acknowledging that those who aren't raising gifted kids won't understand, and just might accuse us of "hothousing" them -- making them into "super
- [RLL 28 Sarita Holzmann: Using Books to Make Learning Come to Life](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode28/) - Books can be a great way to get kids excited about learning. GREAT literature can go even further and make learning come alive for the whole family. Today, Colleen talks to Sarita Holzman, founder of the Sonlight Curriculum all about using books to ignite a love of learning in kids of all ages. This episode
- [RLL 29: Giving Your Kids the Attention They Each Need](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode29/) - Sometimes it's a challenge to give each of your kiddos the attention they need individually when you're raising more than one. When one or more of those kids has special needs or demands more attention than others, though, it can feel impossible to give each of your children what they need. Colleen talks a little
- [RLL 31: Should I Test My Child for Giftedness?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode31/) - The testing question... it comes up often in conversation and consults, but as a listener asked again recently, Colleen thought it worth revisiting in a podcast episode. Testing your child for giftedness is a personal choice and everyone has different reasons for why they chose to test... or not to test. What should you
- [RLL 32 Anne Guarnera:  Raising Globally-Minded Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode32/) - Raising globally minded kids in today's world is important as the world grows closer and more connected. Today Colleen talks with Anne Guarnera about bringing language and cultural learning into the home and homeschool effortlessly, and what it's like living the adventure of a bilingual family. Links and Resources from the Show:
- [RLL 30 Andrew Peterson: Being Students of Our Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode30/) - Amazing things can happen when we trust our children, become students of them and their interests, and encourage them to follow those passions. In this episode, Colleen talks to Andrew Peterson -- Christian music artist, author, speaker, and Founder of The Rabbit Room, a community of like-minded people celebrating a love of the arts
- [Why Create a Schedule Command Center?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/schedule-command-center/) - “What day is it?” “What are we doing today?” “Who is coming over today?” Like most little ones, ours asks about a billion and one questions a day. I often feel like I am constantly planning and explaining what will happen next. If I don't think ahead and prepare some structure it can be a bit overwhelming. I can only imagine how a
- [The Different Book | A Must-Read for Parents of Outliers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/different-book-sally-clarkson/) - Once in a while a book comes along that rocks my world. It might be one that makes me think. Or it could be one that I know will make me a better mom to my quirky and challenging kiddos. It might just be a book that is an easy read -- kind of like
- [Creating a Calm Down Area for Your Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/creating-a-calm-down-area-for-your-child/) - “Arrggghhhh! I’m so stupid! I just can’t do this anymore!” Our little one was overwhelmed again, and frustration was oozing out of her tiny body with every breath. Before she grabbed her paper and ripped it, like I knew she wanted to, I calmly suggested she head to our calm down area to take a
- [Rock Your Family Life and Raise Awesome Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-child-family-dynamics/) - Inside: With intensities and strong wills, gifted family dynamics can be, well, tough. Try these tips to rock your family life and raise awesome gifted kids! We had the best seats in the theater. You know those iMax theaters that are huge draws in science centers around the country? It was the Omnimax at the
- [Help Your Intense Child Regulate Emotions Easily](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/intense-child-regulate-emotions/) - She sat on the couch curled in a ball, sobbing. Again. I'm not even sure what it was this time, but I knew that she felt as if she was alone in the world because nobody liked her, understood her, or cared. And, because nothing I could say at that moment would change her thoughts,
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar for January](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/january-minecraft-challenge-calendar/) - Afternoons in my house usually look something like this -- the fourteen year old is busy creating new mods on the computer in his online Minecraft modding class, the nine and seven year olds have "connected" via our wifi connection and are playing Minecraft together in their combined world. And the four year old happily
- [Fire Up Your Kids to Take Risks | Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/think-outside-boxes-fire/) - Some of the best gifts we can give our kids are the freedom to take risks, try hard things, get hurt, and attempt seemingly impossible tasks. Really. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America,* anxiety disorders affect over 25% of children between 13 and 18 years old. Research shows that untreated children with
- [RLL 33: The Holidays and Your Differently-Wired Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode33/) - The holidays are coming and I know -- if you're like me -- that you're gearing up and trying to figure out how to make it happy, fun, and successful for all your kids, you, and the rest of your extended family. In this chat, I'll share some of my thoughts about navigating the
- [Top 25 Board Games](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/top-25-board-games/) - These top 25 board games will totally bring hours of entertainment to you and your family. What better way to spend time with the ones you love, while everyone learns how to cooperate, follow rules, and best of all take a break from the electronics? Games build strong family relationships. Let's get down to
- [Family Night Game Guide](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/game-night-gift-guide/) - Everyone in my home looks forward to family night -- whether it's game night, movie night, or get-out-on-the-town night. Together time is what builds memories and strengthens family relationships. The simple nights where games are pulled out of the closet and set up on the kitchen table, are some of the best ways to make memories all --while
- [Tech Toys Your Kids Will Love](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tech-toys/) - Welcome to the world of tech toys, where technology and toys meet to create fun, creative, and advanced play. Kids can have the best of both worlds with all of these incredibly advanced, yet simple toys. For example, the Vtech Write and Learn Creative Center gives kids a way to learn their ABC's on a
- [Great Gifts for Coffee Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-for-coffee-lovers/) - Coffee is the lifeblood of mamas of gifted and twice-exceptional kiddos. Right? I know that it takes coffee, chocolate, and the occasional glass of wine to get me through most days. How about you? Do you know a coffee lover? Are you one? Here are a few great gifts for the coffee lovers in
- [Finding Mentors for Your Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-kids-mentors/) - The day 16 month old Trevor looked at me and asked if I'd take him to "Macedonia to sit near the tracks and watch for trains," I was reminded that I was going to need help with him. At 16 months old, he already spoke with better articulation than many five year olds I knew, and
- [Quick and Easy Cracker Coated Cheese Ball](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quick-and-easy-cracker-coated-cheese-ball/) - This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MerryMeals #CollectiveBias The holidays can be super crazy, and I'm so glad that I have some easy go-to recipes to fall back on when the days get overscheduled and busy and I need to bring something to a
- [Must Have STEAM Books](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/must-have-steam-books/) - I am sure by now you know that STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Now we are throwing something else in the mix... art. After all, isn't art centered around creative thinking? Adding art to all of these subjects creates a wonderful way for kids to learn even more. These must
- [Fun Gifts for Minecraft Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fun-gifts-minecraft-lovers/) - Do you have Minecraft fanatics in your home? I have a love-hate relationship with video games of any kind, and Minecraft is the one I love to hate the most. But... my kids love it, so I try to find ways to make it work -- they take coding lessons using the game online and
- [Fantastic Gifts for Whovians of All Ages](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/dr-who-gifts/) - Are you a Dr. Who fan? Or, maybe you're raising a little Whovian... or four. Either way, you'll love this amazing collection of Dr. Who gifts for any sci-fi lover on your list. There's something for everyone -- things for around the house, to wear, and to play with. Which is your favorite?
- [Top 25 Gifts for Nerds](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/top-25-gifts-nerds/) - Take a look at these cool top 25 gifts for nerds -- for the geeky kid and adult in each of us. Nowadays, being a nerd is a lot of fun -- much more so than being "normal." (Whatever that is.) I live with a few nerds myself, and they always fascinate me with their intelligence,
- [Strengthen Kids' Brains and Bodies | Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/think-outside-boxes-water/) - More than 70% of the Earth is made up of water, yet only a small percentage of that water is drinkable. This simple fact fascinated my kids the other day, and led to some big juicy conversations around our table at our morning time. We were diving into our latest Think Outside Boxes delivery --
- [Smartick Math | Homeschool Math for All Ages](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/smartick-math-homeschool-math-for-all-ages/) - Mom! Can I PLEASE do my math? What is this magic? My kids are begging to do math now? For real? Yep. For real. My youngest three kids absolutely adore Smartick math. I've shared about it again and again on Instagram and in person at homeschool conventions when talking to parents about the different
- [Stargazing with Kids and Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/think-outside-boxes-stargazing/) - "It's the perfect night to look at the stars, Mom." My five year old has wanted to travel to space since he was a teeny tot. He loves reading books about space, watching documentaries about celestial bodies and space phenomenon, and going outside to look through his telescope. I just adore encouraging his interests, and
- [Gifts for Geeky Moms](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-for-geeky-moms/) - These gifts for geeky moms are the perfect way to show mom how much you care. Even though she may be a little geeky, she is still the loving and caring mom you know.... and she deserves only the best gifts! I found some fun, sentimental, and useful gifts that scream geek. From a
- [Gifts for Hobbit Lovers of All Ages](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-hobbit-lovers/) - In honor of all of the Tolkien fans out there, I have gathered some fun gifts for Hobbit lovers. There are some really interesting ideas on this list. I was able to find some great books written by Tolkien as well as some other gifts that are handmade. One of my favorite items is the Hobbits
- [The Best Homeschool Geology Study Ever](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-geology/) - I have a confession to make. Shhhh... don't tell my kids, but I really don't like geology. Really. I know it's kind of hard to believe as I share science activities all the time, but I much prefer any kind of life science. In fact, geology was the one college class I almost failed. I'm
- [Getting Kids Outside with Think Outside Boxes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/think-outside-boxes/) - There's nothing I love more than spending the day on a hiking trail with the people I love most -- my family. For years and years, from the time my oldest (now almost 16!) was a teeny tot, we participated in a local parks system's "hiking spree" where we were challenged to hike 13 of
- [Cheesy Spinach Bites | Recipes for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cheesy-spinach-bites/) - These little spincah bites are perfect as an appetizer or healthy lunch for entertaining or a quick lunch with the kids. Do your kids gobble up their vegetables with no prompting? Or are they like most kiddos and need a little persuading when it comes to the green stuff? I'll admit that I have a
- [Glitter Vortex Science](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/glitter-vortex-science/) - If your kids love science, glitter, and space, they will love this fun glitter vortex science experiment! In this experiment, kids will learn how vortexes work and how they can make their own inside a glass beaker. Using just a few supplies, kids will make their own vortex model. This science demonstration is the perfect
- [Toys for Young Builders](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/toys-for-young-builders/) - Building allows kids to learn about S.T.E.M. concepts while having fun. With different materials to build with, and S.T.E.M. puzzles to explore, kids can dig into different ideas about how all things work. Answer kids' curious questions through play! We love incorporating building sets with different challenges to really get the kids thinking. You can spark
- [What You Won't Find at a Homeschool Convention](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wont-find-homeschool-convention/) - It's no secret that I love Great Homeschool Conventions. I've had the privilege of attending and partnering with them for years now and I am always impressed with how GHC cares about homeschool families, how they respond to needs and bring in speakers to cover all manner of issues the homeschooling parent may face. They
- [Christmas with Netflix | Family Friendly Movies to Stream](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/christmas-with-netflix/) - Family time is important to us during the holidays, and there’s nothing we like better than to snuggle up on the couch and watch a great holiday movie. And Netflix has some fun Christmas movies to tempt the whole family. No matter what you and your kids like, you can find something to tempt
- [Christmas Tree Pudding Snack Station](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/pudding-snack-station/) - During the holidays, we love having friends over, so it was fun to think about ways to turn Snack Pack pudding cups into an interesting snack option for the #SnackPackMixIns campaign with #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. This is a fun option for creating a do-it-yourself snack stations that the littlest guests will adore this holiday
- [The Gift of Literacy with Felt Christmas Mice](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-gift-of-literacy-books-felt-christmas-mice-2/) - Twitcher McGee and the Wonderful Tree is a sweet book, written and illustrated by my friend and children’s writing mentor, Mary C. Ryan. Mary is a fantastic children’s author, who had one of her children’s books Me Two made into a Disney Channel Original Movie in 2000 called The Other Me. She blogs from time
- [Preschool STEAM | The Lizzy's World AR App](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/preschool-steam-the-lizzys-world-ar-app/) - My five year old grumbled something unintelligible when I told him he needed to get to bed early because we had to be up and out the door to take his sisters to their theater classes and big brother to an acting intensive, and that Daddy wasn't going to be home so he could sleep
- [Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/apple-pie-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/) - There is nothing I love more than warm cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Except maybe leftover apple pie (I can’t be the only one who eats leftover pie for breakfast…). This recipe combines my love of cinnamon rolls and apple pie into the most delicious breakfast ever. You have to try it. Apple Pie
- [16 Apple & Pumpkin Science Activities](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/apple-pumpkin-science/) - Science doesn’t have to be difficult or use expensive materials – especially in the early years. It’s fall, and there are plenty of pumpkins and apples at nearby farm stands and orchards. Use the things kids see all around them and ask questions like: Why do apples turn brown? Did you know you can make
- [Spooky Spider Candy Stuffed Cupcakes](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/halloween-candy-stuffed-cupcakes/) - We love spreading random acts of kindness during the holidays, and have shared ways to help others raise kind kids before, and this year, I’m trying to be intentional about helping the kids perform acts of kindness all year long. Halloween is a great excuse to surprise the neighbors! Before we moved to
- [Spooky Spiderweb Cakes | Halloween Recipe for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/spooky-spider-web-cakes-halloween-recipe/) - My kids love when I create themed meals and snacks for them, and since we’ve been studying spiders, and Halloween is coming, we thought these spooky spider web cakes were super fun. And they’re easy too. If you’re looking for an easy Halloween recipe for kids, look no further. This one is sure to
- [Marshmallow Shape Towers STEM Challenge](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/marshmallow-shape-towers-stem-challenge/) - STEM activities are a lot of fun and educational, but the best kind of STEM activities are open-ended, allowing children to think for themselves. In this marshmallow shape towers STEM challenge, kids are challenged to make a marshmallow tower, but not only make a tower, but to make a tower using specific shapes. They must
- [Make a Paper Plate Maze STEM Challenge](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/make-a-paper-plate-maze-stem-challenge/) - STEM activities are a lot of fun and educational, but the best kind of STEM activities are open-ended, allowing children to think for themselves. In this paper plate maze STEM challenge, kids are challenged to make a marble maze using household materials. They must follow all elements of a real design process, including brainstorming, blueprints,
- [What Makes the Best Umbrella STEM Challenge](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/what-makes-the-best-umbrella-stem-challenge/) - STEM activities are a lot of fun and educational, but the best kind of STEM activities are open-ended, allowing children to think for themselves. In this umbrella STEM challenge, kids are challenged to make an umbrella from household supplies. They must follow all elements of a real design process, including brainstorming, blueprints, prototypes, tweaking, and
- [Code Your World | 4-H National Youth Science Day](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/code-your-world/) - My daughter was asking me the other day about 4-H — a few friends of hers participate in various activities and she was interested in learning more. Truthfully, I didn’t know much about 4-H when she asked me about it, and like so many people out there, assumed that participants in 4-H clubs worked with
- [Getting Away with the Girls | Visiting Frankenmuth, MI](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quick-getaway-frankenmuth/) - "Oh! You just made my night," my husband's aunt exclaimed as I answered her call. "I heard your message while I waited in the ER." It had been a rough night for her, ending with a trip to the emergency room because she'd cut herself while slicing bread. "I just never thought I have a
- [Make a Paperclip Float Science Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/make-a-paperclip-float-science-experiment/) - Surface tension is an interesting scientific concept that is difficult for most kids to understand. But with this paperclip experiment, it becomes much easier for kids to understand as they can see it work right before their eyes! The floating paperclip science experiment is so simple and it's perfect for a science day when you
- [RLL 13 Misty Bailey: Homeschooling, Finding Joy, and ADHD](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode13/) - 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
- [RLL LIVE | Survival Mode for Parents of Quirky Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/rll-live-survival-mode-for-parents-of-quirky-kids/) - Sometimes parenting differently-wired kiddos is the hardest thing you'll ever do. Gifted and twice-exceptional children think differently, process differently, and have different levels of intensity. And it means that sometimes we're just in survival mode. This video was originally recorded on Facebook Live -- you can follow the conversation here. Links and Resources
- [RLL 25: Fall Plans for Eclectic Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode25/) - It's back to school time, and all over the internet -- in your Instagram feeds, on your favorite bloggers' sites, and on Facebook -- you're faced with a peek into what everyone's doing to get ready for back to school. And, while I always hesitate to share what we've got going on because it
- [RLL 24: Asynchrony, Intensity, and Motivation | A Listener Question](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode24/) - Today, Tiffany asks about asynchronous development in gifted kiddos, how to help manage intensity, and tips for motivating gifted kids. It's a jam-packed half hour and there are loads of resources to sift through in the show notes. You're going to need time to digest this one, so grab a cold drink or cup of
- [The Self-Driven Child Book Club](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-self-driven-child/) - "Mom! I've read about book clubs -- you know, where a group of people get together after reading the same book, and then talk about the book. Doesn't it sound amazing? My friends and I were over there talking and we want to start one. May we?" My 9yo looked deep into my eyes, pleading,
- [RLL 23 Mahayla West: Trusting Your Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode23/) - It's so easy for homeschool moms to doubt. We're in the thick of things, right? Doing it all... worrying about it all... and not able to see what will happen on the other side. There are no guarantees in parenting, nor are there in homeschooling. BUT, there are so many amazing kiddos who have
- [RLL 22: Finding a Homeschool Co-op and Creating Killer Classes | A Listener Question](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode22/) - As homeschooling parents of outliers, we sometimes feel isolated, and co-ops can fill a need for both our children and ourselves. In this episode, Colleen tackles a question about creating an amazing co-op class from listener, Wendy, but also dives into the different types of co-ops and reasons for joining one. If you've ever thought
- [Attending a Homeschool Convention for Your Differently-Wired Kiddo](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-convention/) - Ah, homeschool convention season. The chance to peruse the newest curricula, hear your favorite speakers, spend time with like-minded parents, and buy too many books. A weekend at a Great Homeschool Convention always promises to excite and inspire homeschool families from all over - especially parents of differently-wired kiddos. Whether you always intended to homeschool
- [RLL 21 Kaylene George: Embracing Autism](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode21/) - "Autism is NOT the Big Bad Wolf... Your child is going to have joy. Your child is going to have a life..." This inspiring episode challenges all of us to rethink autism and how we interact with autistic friends and family members. Kaylene George is an autism self-advocate, and an amazing mama to a
- [RLL 20: Helping Your Kiddo with Executive Function Skills Struggles | A Listener Question](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode20/) - Gifted and creative kiddos can often struggle with their executive function skills, and we parents are left scratching our heads, and trying to figure out how to get them to be functioning adults who can manage their own lives. In this episode we'll talk about what executive function skills are, how they're important, and what
- [RLL 19 Luke Gilkerson: Using Astronomy to Foster an Integrative Approach to Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode19/) - Science -- particularly the study of astronomy -- can be a great way to integrate your kiddos' subjects so that they're incorporating many different areas like literature, writing, and the content areas in one fell swoop... A deep dive into an area for an extended period of time. Today, Colleen talks with Luke Gilkerson about
- [RLL 17 Shawna Wingert: Building on Your Child's Strengths](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode17/) - 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
- [RLL 18: How to Lure the Kids Away From Screens | A Listener Question](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode18/) - Cristy asks how lure her kiddo away from the screens -- her sweet daughter just wants to play video games. This is a challenging question that comes up in homeschool circles often. Colleen tackles it from a few different perspectives. What about you? Do you limit screen use in your home? Why or why not?
- [RLL 16: Homeschooling Gifted Kids on a Budget | A Listener Question](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode16/) - 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 involved in their own learning, and fostering their curiosity,
- [5 Things to Do on Your Next Nature Walk](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/nature-scavenger-hunt/) - "Hey! I found a dead butterfly!" the sweet little one from my primary co-op class shouted excitedly and everyone ran over to see what he found. "And I found BONES!" another cried from the opposite direction in the meadow we were exploring during the last spring science class of the year. The kids rushed from
- [RLL LIVE | Gifted Teens and Tweens](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/rll-live-gifted-teens-and-tweens/) - Join Colleen for a casual conversation about raising and homeschooling gifted teens and tweens. We'll talk twice-exceptional kids, puberty, and challenging behaviors. Don't forget that you can leave additional questions in the comments! We might tackle your question next on a live, podcast episode, or post. This video was recorded live on Facebook, but you can
- [RLL LIVE | Q & A - Parenting Differently-Wired Kiddos](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/q-a-gifted-kids/) - Sometimes we just need a shoulder to cry on, or someone to let us know we're not alone in the craziness. Other times we crave someone to bounce ideas off of -- in this video, Colleen takes questions live and answers, pointing parents to resources that help them right where they are. You can join
- [RLL LIVE | Improving Executive Functions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/improving-executive-functions/) - Gifted kids can be such confusing creatures, right? They'll talk with you like they're little adults, but then, suddenly, they're forgetting to shut the door behind them when they use the bathroom and are completely confused as to why you're upset with them. Or they go to clean their room and when you check on
- [RLL 15 Dayna Abraham: Calming Chaos and Raising Superkids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode15/) - 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
- [RLL LIVE | Motivating Gifted Underachievers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/motivating-gifted-underachievers/) - Gifted kids are always high achievers, right? Sigh... I wish. Those bright and quirky kiddos can be some of the most challenging to motivate, so what do we as parents and educators do to help them get working up to their potential? On this video we chat about ways to motivate our gifted underachievers and
- [Perfect Fluffy Slime | Polymer Science Activity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/perfect-fluffy-slime-polymer-science/) - This fun science experiment is simple to set up, and seems just like magic! Kids will love how glue and shaving cream can be transformed into slime using the magic of polymer science. Read on to learn how to make your own version of perfect fluffy slime! How to Set Up the Fluffy Slime Science
- [RLL 14: What if I Fall Behind | A Listener Question](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode14/) - 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
- [Lapbooking with Gifted Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/lapbooking-with-gifted-children/) - My children – especially my oldest – like to have their schoolwork broken into bite-sized chunks, so I knew we needed to share all about our lapbooking. While we do lots and lots of hands-on activities, take field trips, and read aloud together, there has to be some kind of documentation for some of our
- [RLL 12: What About Relaxed and Interest-Led Homeschooling for Gifted Kids? | A Listener Question](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode12/) - 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
- [Guess that Scent Science Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/guess-that-scent-science-experiment/) - Preschoolers and kindergarten kids love learning about their physical senses. One sense that they never get tired of using is their sense of smell. This fun scent science experiment allows kids to use their nose to find out just how well they can identify common smells. Use a few surprising items in your mystery bags
- [Memorize the Periodic Table | Science Fun for Chemistry Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/memorize-the-periodic-table-review/) - Here at the Kessler house, we tend to follow an eclectic interest-led style of homeschooling. Especially for my older kiddos, I like them to have some say in what they will study for the year. My oldest is fascinated by chemistry, and wants to play around with sulfuric acid. Since I’m not quite ready for
- [RLL 11 Kara Anderson: Doing Things for You... Even if it Means a Cleaning Challenge](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode11/) - 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
- [Light Saber Crafts and Treats for Your Star Wars Fan](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/light-saber-crafts-and-treats/) - Are you harboring young rebels? Or is your home crawling with Jedis? If you're like me -- mom to a bunch of Star Wars fans, you might want to check out this fun collection of light saber themed crafts and treats to surprise them on May the Fourth (Star Wars Day) coming up soon!
- [Squishy Circuits Volcano](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/squishy-circuits-volcano/) - Have you tried Squishy Circuits? You can use them with regular clay and play dough to make circuits that really work! We use Squishy Circuits to make things that light up, spin, and make sounds! It's a fun and safe way to introduce electrical engineering to kids. If you're new to the world of Squishy
- [Sesame Street Live! | Coming to Cleveland](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sesame-street-live/) - Live action theatre -- it's a surefire way to get kids excited and share joy with them. We love going to theatre of all types, and taking the littlest ones to shows that feature their favorite characters is a great way to ignite that love of theatre early on. And this year, we get to
- [RLL 01 Colleen Kessler: What Does it Mean to be a Lifelong Learner?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode1/) - What does it even mean to be a lifelong learner? How do we, as parents, cultivate a love of learning and curiosity in our kids? In this -- the inaugural episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners podcast -- we'll chat about exactly that, and you'll hear from the little learners themselves. Links and
- [RLL 02 Caitlin Curley: Diving Down Rabbit Holes and Following Kids' Interests](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode2/) - Diving down rabbit holes with your kiddos can lead to some pretty amazing learning and fun adventures. In this epsiode, Cait Curley shares some of the ways she embraces learning adventures with her kids, and how she cultivates their curiosity while buildng a family culture around a lifelong love of learning. Links and
- [RLL 03 Gina Munsey: Keeping Up With a Profoundly Gifted Kiddo](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode3/) - Do you ever feel like you're barely keeping up with your child's learning? Like you could keep throwing materials, supplies, and activities at him or her all day long, and it would never be enough? That's what it feels like to be raising an insatiable learner like a profoundly gifted kiddo. As today's guest,
- [RLL 04 Amy Milcic: Keeping Things Fun While On-the-Go](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode4/) - Keeping up with homeschooling, parenting, and all that goes into keeping a family going is tough enough when you're home all the time. For Amy Milcic and her crew, they're (more often than not) out and on the go at tournaments and other travel sports events. In this episode, we'll chat about how she
- [RLL 05 Aurie Good: Roadtripping and Following the Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode5/) - Homeschooling foster and adoptive mama, Aurie Good, is here today to talk with us about all the ways she follows her kiddos' lead and balances the structure of a program like Classical Conversations with a more free-flowing, child-led approach to learning. We'll also talk about how she's taking homeschool on the road for an
- [RLL 06 S.D. Smith: Cultivating Creativity Through New Stories with an Old Soul](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode6/) - Author of the fantastically popular series The Green Ember, S. D. Smith is here today to talk about honesty in storytelling, how igniting your own learning helps keep your tank filled as you homeschool and ecourage creativity and learning in your kiddos, and what it means to creatively engage thousands of readers around the world
- [RLL 07 Alicia Hutchinson: Homeschooling and Learning Well](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode7/) - Simple ideas + Easy routines = Homeschooling with confidence... That's the philosophy behind the beautiful community that is Learning Well with Alicia Hutchinson. In this episode, Alicia and I talk about the beauty of an ever-evolving homeschool life and that all homeschools should look different from one another. The beauty of homeschooling is in
- [RLL 08 Melissa: Following Their Joy](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode8/) - 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
- [RLL 09 Pam Barnhill: Better Together](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode9/) - 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
- [RLL 10 Sarah MacKenzie: Building Connections Through Books](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/episode10/) - 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
- [Black History Month and Your Emotionally Intense Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/black-history-month-emotionally-intense-child/) - I sat down recently to begin planning out what all we'd learn about for Black History Month. The more I read, the more excited I felt to share such a rich heritage with my children, and the more grateful I felt to live during a time when our education is only limited by our number
- [Easy Online Learning for Struggling Twice Exceptional Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/nessy-online-reading-program/) - Sometimes the things we think will be easy for our kids just... aren't. And twice-exceptional kiddos? Forget about it. They'll side-swipe you each time you thnk they're finally getting something because they're so amazing at other things. Take my 8yo. She's imaginative, creative, and so sweet and persistent that you'd do anything for her, and
- [Disney on Ice | A Great Holiday Gift for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/disney-ice-great-holiday-gift-kids/) - Sparkling eyes, and rapt attention... I remember the last time we went to see Disney on Ice we fell in love with princesses and iconic characters all over again. Well, actually the kids did. I fell in love with the look in the girls' eyes as they stared at the ice, never once taking their
- [Quick Grab and Go Snacking for a Busy Mom](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/simply-juices-at-giant-eagle/) - This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company all opinions are mine alone. #SimplyAtGiantEagle #CollectiveBias "Mom! Come on! We need to leave so I'm early for the audition and have time to warm up." We just got home from homeschool co-op, I've had time to throw dinner in the
- [Deep Dish Bacon and Cheese Breakfast Pizza | Recipes for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/breakfast-pizza/) - Ready for a simple breakfast your kids will love? Who wouldn't want pizza for breakfast? My kids are so sick of the same old breakfasts... are yours? Or are you better than I am and change things up from a rotation of eggs and toast, smoothies and muffins, and cereal? I'll admit that I often
- [Fantastic Books for Plant Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fantastic-books-plant-lovers/) - Foster the love kids have for plants by reading these fantastic books for plant lovers. You will learn about sunflowers, corn, and even meat eating plants! By the time you devour these beloved books everyone will be ready to start growing all kinds of different plants. Fantastic Books for Plant Lovers From Seed to
- [Books to Help Kids Learn About Autism](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books-to-help-kids-learn-about-autism/) - Understanding autism is the key to both helping your own kiddos show compassion towards friends on the spectrum and to growing as parents and friends ourselves. When I need to tackle tough topics with my kids, I turn to books. Here's a great list of books I've found to help kids learn about autism.
- [A Field Full of Poppy Gifts](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/field-full-poppy-gifts/) - As a teacher and academic working in gifted education, I have become sadly familiar with the cutting down to size of children who develop at a faster pace or attain higher levels of achievement than their age-peers. Perhaps these children offend our egalitarian principles and our sense of what is fit. Perhaps they threaten us
- [Super Cute Pinecone Hedgehog Craft for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/pinecone-hedgehog-craft/) - Fall in Northeast Ohio is one of my favorite times. I just love the crisp cool bite in the air while the sun shines high. I adore the leaves of all different colors, and the sticks and pinecones all around, just waiting for some sool weather crafting. These pinecone hedgehogs just might be my
- [Christmas Slime Science Activity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/christmas-slime-science-activity/) - For many, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. This time of year, it's all about red, green, silver, and everything glitter. Combine all of these elements of Christmas together in one when you make this super-simple and fun Christmas slime! Science isn't usually so festive, but you can have fun and learn
- [Gingerbread Play Dough](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gingerbread-play-dough/) - If you love gingerbread, you'll adore this gingerbread play dough. This play dough recipe smells just like gingerbread cookies, and is a wonderful sensory experience for kids. Involve your kids in the dough making process, and making this dough can transform into a science lesson, too! Gingerbread Play Dough Sensory Activity You only
- [Yard Work for Sensory Input](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/yard-work-for-sensory-input/) - Kids that need proprioceptive input will love helping out in the yard during all seasons, but fall can give them lots of opportunities to lift, push, and pull, giving their muscles and joints the sensations they need. And you’ll have a gorgeous yard to show for it! So what jobs can you hand off
- [Blindfold Candy Taste Test Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/blindfold-candy-taste-test/) - When it comes to candy, you usually don't have to ask kids to come and eat it twice, but did you ever stop to think about why we think certain candies taste like natural foods, despite having completely artificial flavoring? In this fun and tasty science experiment, kids will learn just how much they rely
- [Ice Cream in a Bag: Exothermic Reactions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/ice-cream-in-a-bag/) - An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases light or heat. In this case, heat is released from molecules moving around, but it has the surprising effect of freezing cream into ice cream! Kids will love this tasty demonstration of science and will ask to do this ice cream in a bag experiment
- [Pumpkin Play Dough | Sensory Fun for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/pumpkin-play-dough/) - If you love pumpkins and pumpkin pie, you'll adore this fun homemade pumpkin play dough. This activity is a wonderful sensory activity for kiddos, and it has a science element as well! Kids can learn a variety of scientific principles while making play dough, including measuring, following a recipe, how heat can change the properties
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar | Free October Download](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-free-october-download/) - I love the crispness of fall here in the midwest. Do you get seasonal changes in your neck of the woods this time of the year? It's really my favorite time -- not too hot, not too cold, mild weather and temps and we get the parks and museums all to ourselves. After a day
- [TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks | A Super Easy Snack for Littles](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teddy-soft-baked-filled-snacks/) - I don't know about you, but as a busy mom of four, I'm often scrambling at the last minute for snacks. I need to have some grab and go items on hand so if we're on the run, I can easily find something for the kids to munch on. TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks are
- [Grab Your Tickets to Marvel Universe Live | Coming Soon to Cleveland](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/marvel-universe-live-cleveland/) - "Get him! Come on, Spidey, save the day!" My four year old is riding in the back seat on our epic road trip this past summer, and was watching some of the Marvel superhero movies we'd brought along for the longer parts of the drive. Marvel is a safe bet because all the kids --
- [An Unfortunate Series | Postmodernism and Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/series-of-unfortunate-events-netflix/) - Don't read this book if you like happy endings, loathe vicious threats, or if death unnerves you... The Lemony Snicket A Series of Unfortunate Events begins by warning readers away. There are no happy endings in this book. Don't read it, the book warns... And yet millions have, and movies and series have been created
- [Come Out and Meet Me at GHC!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/meet-at-ghc/) - True story -- last year, when I got back home after speaking at the Great Homeschool Convention in Greenville, SC, I was hoarse for a week. Really. Scratchy voice that crackled above a whisper. I just love, love, love talking to all of YOU! Will you be at any of the GHC events this year?
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar for March](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-march/) - Are your kiddos ready for a new month of Minecraft challenges? (And are they ready for spring?) We were teased here over the weekend, and enjoyed 70-degree weather -- in February! Unfortunately, winter is not ready to let go yet... it's back in the 20s with snow. Not to worry, though, we've come up with
- [Freezing Ice Balloons Science Investigation](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/freezing-ice-balloons/) - With temperatures below freezing, the choice is to stay inside or outside. We did a mix of both with this fun project! We used the freezing temperatures outdoors to freeze some ice balloons and then brought them inside for scientific discovery. You can do this investigation with kids from preschool through upper elementary. With older
- [Nature Wreaths | Outdoor STEAM Activity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/nature-wreaths-outdoor-steam/) - My kids love learning about nature. One of our favorite nature activities is to go outside during each season and observe what has changed from season to season. Botany is not as popular as it once was, but most kids absolutely love learning about the world around them outdoors. Outdoor play and exploration is one
- [Ten Great Autumn Themes for Preschoolers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fun-fall-themes-for-preschoolers/) - It’s my favorite time of the year – leaves are turning, apples and pears are filling baskets in the orchards, pumpkins are ripe, and squash is ready for soup! I’m breaking out my sweaters and looking forward to hiking through crunchy-leaf-covered paths. I love revisiting some of my favorite themes with the kids this
- [How to Encourage Innovative Thinking in Your Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/encourage-innovative-thinking/) - I’ll bet you’re a bit like me… Do you want your kiddos to reach their potential? Better yet, do you want your children to blow through their potential? I want my kids to love learning. I want them to be innovators. According to Tony Wagner, author of Creating Innovators: The Making of Young
- [Your Preschooler at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/your-preschooler-at-home/) - Preschoolers are my favorite people in the world. They love passionately, they learn with exuberance, and they fight with equal fervor. They just feel. Everything. The thought of teaching preschoolers at home can be overwhelming. You worry that you won’t set them up for success, they won’t learn to read, and they won’t know what
- [Inspire Creativity with LEGO and Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/inspire-creativity-lego/) - When we think about creativity, we typically think about artistic or musical talents. But problem solving is a key component of creativity, and one that is so important to think about as we raise the next generation of world leaders. One of our favorite creativity-builders is LEGO. LEGO bricks are kind of a
- [Backyard Nature Hunt with an Upcycled T-Shirt Collection Bag](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/backyard-nature-hunt/) - We all love nature, and while there are cool things to discover outside in the winter, I love heading out once the snow melts and trying to discover signs of spring and continuing that on well into summer. This week we had a chance to check out the series of Eco Boys and
- [STEM for Preschoolers | ThinkPlay STEM Jr. Review](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/thinkplay-stem-jr-review/) - Introducing little ones to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts early on is important to our family. STEM is our kids’ future, and making it, well, child’s play, is the way to get them thinking with a STEM-y mindset. And I want that for them. I love finding new toys, games, curriculum, and
- [Sparking Creativity with Dragons and Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sparking-creativity-with-dragons/) - I don’t know about your kids, but mine are completely captivated by the How to Train Your Dragon movies and the new spin-off series on Netflix. Dragons are cool, and my kids adore imagining that they truly exist, though they go back and forth between dragons being friendly and them being ferocious killers. And they
- [Educational Fun | Summer Deals](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/educational-fun-summer-deals/) - Do you homeschool year round? We do – a little bit. My kids do some reading and math over the summer to keep them moving forward with those subjects, and because were a little geeky, we do a lot of projects just for fun. So… we do more FUNschooling over the summer. Educational fun things
- [Learning with Games | Balance Beans by ThinkFun](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/balance-beans-by-thinkfun/) - The noise level was louder than a normal classroom, and I loved it. Kids were in small groups, scattered around the room, fighting to be the first to solve the card and capture a point for their team. Learning with games was an integral part of my strategy for teaching gifted kids in my classroom,
- [Rosetta Stone Homeschool | Making Foreign Language Learning Easy](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-foreign-language-learning/) - My nine year old daughter is a romantic. And, I don’t mean romantic in “looking for love” romance; I mean that she loves all things romantic. Billowy clothing, historic periods, and all things French. She’s wanted to learn to speak French ever since she read the book, Fancy Nancy and the Boy From Paris a
- [Eclectic Homeschooling | A Back to School Giveaway You’ll Love](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/eclectic-homeschooling-giveaway/) - It’s the beginning of another homeschool year, and so I’m teaming up with a bunch of my favorite homeschool blogging friends to bring you one of many fantastic and fun giveaways. You can click the link at the bottom of this post to find loads of other things you can win. Thank you to
- [Our Gifted Homeschool | Curriculum for Pre-K, 1st, 4th, and 8th Grades](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/our-gifted-homeschool-curriculum/) - Do you ever wonder if you’re doing enough with your kiddos in your homeschool? Maybe, like me, you pulled one of your kiddos out of school because neither his academic, nor his social and emotional needs were being met. Maybe you just wish you could peek inside the windows of the homeschool next door and
- [Learning with Spielgaben | Play-Based Problem-Solving](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/play-based-problem-solving/) - We’re still in the midst of reestablishing back to school routines, and with my younger two, I’m still making sure that most of their education right now is play-based. I don’t want them to think that learning can only happen when they’re following a textbook, so I look for opportunities and resources that are as
- [Sensory Play with Bunchems Alive](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sensory-play-with-bunchems-alive/) - It’s Monday morning and Logan is the first one up as usual – yes, even before me. She’s checked out the choice trays on the bookshelf, and has chosen an activity to explore, and is deep into her play by the time Isaac joins her. When I finally roll out of bed and head to
- [A Frugal Science Curriculum Option | Homeschool Science Kits](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-science-kits/) - It’s no secret that we love hands-on science around here. My kids are always interested in learning more about any topic that is science related, and I’m always interested in trying out programs that are organized and have most of the work done for me. I was compensated for the time it took to
- [Parachute Engineering Challenge](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/parachute-engineering-challenge/) - Teaching physics can involve a lot of math, but there are fun ways to teach it as well. The parachute engineering challenge combines the study of physics with engineering in a fun STEM project that kids of all ages will enjoy. The older the children, the more you can talk about the math involved. However,
- [Oil and Water Wave Bottle Science](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wave-bottle-science/) - Kids are fascinated by movement and color. Combine these two loves in this simple science experiment, perfect for preschoolers! In this experiment, kids will learn about how water and oil molecules have different properties and what happens when you try to mix them in a wave bottle. How to Make an Oil and Water Wave Bottle
- [Blow Up a Balloon in a Bottle Science Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/blow-up-a-balloon-in-a-bottle-science-experiment/) - This fun science experiment is simple to set up, and seems just like magic! In fact, you can easily turn the blow up a balloon in a bottle science experiment into a magic trick if you don't show your kids how the experiment is done. Kids will love repeating this experiment over and over. It's
- [Wiggling Snakes Science Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wiggling-snakes-science-experiment/) - Little kids love exploring and discovering. That is why hands on science is so much fun for preschool and elementary-aged kids. At this stage, discovering how things react is a big part of science. In this wiggling snakes science experiment, kids learn about how vinegar and baking soda react to make carbon dioxide gas in
- [Orange Wrecking Ball Engineering Challenge](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/orange-wrecking-ball-engineering-challenge/) - If your kids love engineering, they will love this fun engineering challenge that combines engineering in two ways, structural engineering and demolition engineering. In orange wrecking ball engineering challenge, I challenged my kids to come up with a system where an orange could knock some plastic cups over without them throwing it or rolling it.
- [Cornstarch Quicksand Science](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cornstarch-quicksand/) - There is something satisfying about sticky, gooey quicksand. This cornstarch quicksand version is even more fun with the addition of real sand to the mix. The gritty, yet slippery texture will appeal to kids who like getting messy when they learn. Making quicksand is a fun way to teach kids about Non-Newtonian fluids. Sinking Quicksand:
- [Atypical | A Differently Wired Family on the Small Screen](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/atypical-from-netflix/) - I remember the day a friend asked if we could talk. It seemed, she said, that some of the other adults at our gatherings were uncomfortable with the way my son behaved. He was charming, wise beyond his years, and so mature and articulate. Most of the time. But, other times he was argumentative, rude
- [Save Your Homeschool Budget | The Homeschool Printing Company](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-printing/) - When you have gifted kids that fly through curriculum, mastering things in the span of a short exposure to new concepts, you learn quickly that homeschooling has the potential to become expensive. While most people you ask will tell you that homeschooling can be as expensive or cheap as you want it to be, they're
- [Leak Proof Bag: Quick Science Experiment for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/leak-proof-bag/) - When my kids are bored, we usually try a new science activity. In this case, we had a few minutes to kill and decided to try one of our favorite experiments, the leak proof bag science experiment. This science experiment demonstrates how polymer chains work, and it looks just like magic to little ones.
- [Milk Plastic Robots: Science for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/milk-plastic-science/) - Did you know there is more than one way to make plastic? One fun way to make plastic uses just two ingredients: milk and vinegar. When vinegar is added to milk, curds are formed, which creates polymer chains in the casein proteins in milk. When this hardens, it looks and feels just like plastic!
- [Kindergarten Math Practice with the Zap Zap Math App](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/kindergarten-math-zap-zap-math-app/) - Last month we had the chance to test out the new Zap Zap Math app while we tackled 13 states in 18 days along Route 66 and back. It was a great educational app option, and a good break from the bickering that can happen while traveling 5300 miles with four kids in a mini
- [Awesome July 4th Sales at Sears](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sears/) - Are you recovering from the weekend holiday parties and settling back into the week? I had a fun day today taking a couple of adorable tweens shopping at our local Sears store to check out the amazing sales they have going on this week. In celebration of the July 4th holiday, Sears extended its sale
- [Roofing a Backyard Toy and Bike Shed](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/roofing-a-backyard-toy-and-bike-shed/) - This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RoofedItMyself #CollectiveBias #ad Have you ever had a DIY project take on a life of its own and totally run away on you? Yeah. Me too. Well, I should say that my husband has, bless his heart.
- [A Week of Epic Backyard Nature Science Fun | Summer Camp at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/summer-camp-home/) - Whether you're a year-round homeschooling family like us, follow a traditional school year calendar at home, lean a bit unschooly, or have kids who go to brick and mortar schools, summer days and nights can seem long and lazy. This summer you can join in for 12 weeks of themed camp-at-home activities and fill your
- [An Online Program for Your 2e Struggling Reader](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mindplay-review/) - "I'll never get this! Forget it... I will never, ever be able to read as good as my brothers and sister can!" My seven year old burst into tears -- again -- and hid out in her calm down area to get away from the terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad book I was trying to
- [Sand Filter Science Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sand-filter-activity/) - We had such fun making our sediment jar, we had to continue our outdoor, water-themed science. This time, we decided to try making a sand filter. The sand filter science experiment shows kids how particle filters work, how water naturally settles and cleans itself, and how they might be able to survive if they are
- [Learning Math on the Road with Zap Zap Math](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/learning-math-on-the-road/) - "Mom! He's on MY side of the van!" "She's looking at me..." It's road trip time for the Kessler family and we're gearing up -- not only with the packing and snacks and hotels and all the other little details that go along with packing up a family of six and hitting the road for
- [Again With the "All Children Are Gifted" Talk](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/again-with-the-all-children-are-gifted-talk/) - They’re not. All children are not gifted. They just aren’t. All children are gifts, as I’ve said before, and they are special and amazing and awesome and deserving of your love and compassion. But, they’re not all gifted. And, to continue rolling out the “all children are gifted; they just show it at
- [Nature Themed Games Your Kids Will Love](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/nature-themed-games-your-kids-will-love/) - Learning about nature is fun. Especially when you can get outside and be hands on with everything the great outdoors has to offer. But did you know there is another way to get kids involved with nature? Make learning fun with these nature themed games that bring nature right into your home. Nature Themed Games Your
- [Books for Insect Lovers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books-for-insect-lovers/) - Do your kids love bugs? If so, then you need to get your hands on these books for insect lovers. Believe it or not, these slippery, crawling, and inching bugs give kids the opportunity to learn through digging in the dirt and overturning rocks. It gives them a way to explore and learn with very little
- [Amazing Science Games Your Kids Will Love](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/amazing-science-games-your-kids-will-love/) - Every child is a natural scientist. Our job is to foster that and keep their wonder alive. We can encourage that wonder with with some amazing science games. Everyone likes gameschooling, right? Add a little science into the mix and we have a great combination of fun, learning, and all things scientific. From computer science, geology, and even to
- [Books to Inspire Kindness and Thankfulness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books-to-inspire-kindness-and-thankfulness/) - I like to spend time with my kids focusing on extending gratitude and acts of kindness throughout the whole year and now is the perfect time to plant some fresh seeds. These are amazing books to inspire kindness and thankfulness! Teaching kids the importance of kindness and gratitude starts young. If we plant these seeds now,
- [One Person Logic Games that Rock](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/one-person-logic-games-that-rock/) - These one person logic games that rock will keep active brains busy for hours! Playing games with others is fun, but sometimes kids need to challenge themselves. See how far they can get with these brain teasers and benders. From building a snake, finding pirates, and making their very own mazes, these one person logic games will keep your
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar | Free November Download](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-free-november-download/) - Are you ready for the holidays? I'm not going to lie... from mid-November onto the end of the year we take a lot of school time off and enjoy a laundry list of birthdays, holidays, and festivities. Instead, we do a little math, perform random acts of kindness and enjoy each other. The November Minecraft
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar | Free August Download](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-free-august-download/) - Are you ready to start school? Need something for your kiddos to look forward to at the end of a long day of classes, co-ops, or homeschooling? Use this free Minecraft Challenge Calendar as a carrot to dangle in front of your techy kids to get them through the tough stuff and onto the fun.
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar | Free July Download](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-free-july-download/) - Summer is in full force. Are you and your kiddos enjoying lots and lots of time outside? I know that, if your kids are like mine, they'll play outside but also need some decompression time. This month's free Minecraft Challenge Calendar is the perfect thing. It's loaded with themed challenges and tasks, and can take
- [Minecraft Challenge Calendar | Free May Download](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minecraft-challenge-calendar-may/) - Spring is finally here! Are your kiddos ready for a new month of Minecraft challenges -- it's already May! Though it's been super gray and rainy, I know that it meansgreen and blooms are coming. Don't let your kids spend all their time inside, but use this as an incentive to get some school work done
- [Host an Awesome Disney Playdate](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/host-an-awesome-disney-playdate/) - I have four kids. Mickey Mouse and all his friends have been a part of our lives for, well, pretty much ever. My oldest is 14, and when he was a teeny tot, it was Playhouse Disney on the Disney channel in the morning. Now that my youngest is four, it's Disney Junior. And the
- [Awesome Yoda Activities and Snacks](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/awesome-yoda-activities-snacks/) - If your home is filled with as many little Star Wars lovers as mine is, you might want to surprise them with some Yoda-themed fun. These awesome Yoda activities and snacks will please Star Wars fans big and small. Awesome Yoda Activities and Snacks Cookies, chocolates, drinks, and crafts... you'll find all sorts of Yoda fun
- [Cleaning Pennies Science Experiment for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cleaning-pennies-science-experiment/) - Have you ever wondered why some pennies are shiny and some are dull? It's not just dependent on how old the pennies are. Chemical reactions are responsible for the change in a penny's appearance over time. Kids will love trying their hand at the classic cleaning pennies science experiment to see if they can use a
- [Does the Color of Water Affect Its Temperature?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/does-color-affect-temperature/) - Does the color of water affect its temperature? This simple science experiment is a fun way to learn a little more about the light spectrum. We experience light every day but we don't often think about why we see certain colors or how these colors might affect the temperature of a liquid. In this simple
- [Bending a Pencil Science: A Lesson in Light Refraction](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/bending-pencil-science/) - Light is a fascinating subject. Many scientists spend their entire career studying light and how it works. Light refraction is a complicated scientific concept, but the bending a pencil science activity makes it a little easier for kids to understand this concept. This simple science activity is something you can do when you're in a time
- [String Telephone Explanation: How Sound Waves Travel](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/string-telephone-explanation/) - Learn all about sound in this super-fun science twist on the classic tin can telephone activity. This version is even more kid-friendly because it uses Styrofoam cups. After making your string telephone, read the string telephone explanation with your kids to discover why it works! String Telephone Explanation: How Sound Waves Travel Learn how sound waves
- [Outdoor Science for Kids: Make a Sediment Jar](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sediment-jar/) - There is something fascinating about playing in the dirt. Most kids love digging their hands into fresh earth and exploring the various textures. With temperatures rising, it is the perfect time to learn about the layers of the earth, how rocks form, and other fun geology lessons by making a sediment jar! The sediment jar
- [Dissect a Bean Seed: Kitchen Science for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/dissect-a-bean-seed/) - Science doesn't always have to be complicated. In this simple kitchen science project, kids dissect a bean seed and investigate the parts of a bean seed to learn a little more about seed science and how plants grow from seeds. This easy kitchen science experiment is fast, easy, and the perfect simple activity to do
- [Preschool Science: Dissecting Vegetables Activity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/dissecting-vegetables-activity/) - Are your preschoolers veggie lovers? Although many preschoolers don't care for eating vegetables, they will all love learning about them in this dissecting vegetables activity. Preschoolers will learn all about the vegetables they eat, including what the seeds look like, how the plant grows, and what part of the plant that we eat. What makes this
- [Pulling Together a Viking Unit Study](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/viking-unit-study/) - One of the things I love most about homeschooling is that we’re free to spend as much or as little time on a topic as we want to. And, if interests are reignited, we can study the same topic again with greater depth. Like Vikings and Viking recipes. The Vikings keep finding their way into
- [Helping Kids Understand Their Emotions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/helping-kids-understand-their-emotions/) - All kids struggle articulating their feelings, and emotional intelligence is something I feel is very important to foster in kids, so I was thrilled to have the chance to participate in the #PlayNGrow campaign for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. Coming up with fun ideas for helping kids understand their emotions was a blast for me
- [Making Chores Easy for Your Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/making-chores-easy-for-kids/) - Don’t you wish that getting kids to do their chores was easy? That it would just be a natural thing for them to want to do? (And if you have one of the rare kiddos that seems to want to work around the house, please don’t tell me… I’m happy with my illusions that kids
- [Leak-Free Kidgets Diapers for Toddlers-on-the-Move](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/leak-free-kidgets-diapers/) - Having four kids means that we’ve gone through a lot of diapers and training pants over the years. And we’ve tried them all… I thought. But, when I was offered a chance to work on a sponsored campaign on behalf of Family Dollar, I realized we hadn’t given their Kidgets brand diapers a try.
- [Fun Star Wars Learning Activities for Young Fans](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/for-your-star-wars-fans/) - It's obvious around here that our kids -- big and small -- are huge Star Wars fans. Why? Because all of them (even the kiddos who have never seen the movies) know lines, play Star Wars Lego, and read all of the great DK Star Wars books we have. Even the preschooler can wield a light saber and
- [Free Star Wars Printable Coloring Pages](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/free-star-wars-printable-coloring-pages/) - Our whole house is filled with Star Wars fans, so we're always looking for fun Star Wars activities for the whole family. I love finding ways to encourage all of the kids to join into our activities, and coloring pages are good levelers. The bigger kids can use them to calm down and the younger
- [STEM Jewelry Your Girls Will Love](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/stem-jewelry-girls-will-love/) - Are your girls into science and tech fun like mine are? We're always looking for ways to honor their inner geeks, while still letting them be as girly as they want to be, and Sci Chic is the perfect solution. And, honestly, you should have heard the squeals the first time the girls opened one
- [Easy Homemade Microscope for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/easy-homemade-microscope/) - When you think of a microscope, do you think of something complicated? Would you believe that you can make a microscope with about 4 times magnification using just three materials? I didn't think it was possible to make a magnifying glass just using objects from around the house, but it is not only possible, it
- [Fun Droid Ideas | R2-D2 & BB-8 Recipes & Activities for Star Wars Fans](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/r2d2-bb8-droid-ideas/) - As the mom of several little (and big) Star Wars fans, I like to find recipes and activities to surprise my kiddos from time to time. And with "May the Fourth" coming up, I thought it the perfect time to do some super sleuthing. So I went on the hunt for some fun droid ideas that my kids would love,
- [ACT Success for Your Gifted High Schooler Even When He's Not a Good Test-Taker](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mr-d-math-act-bootcamp/) - I'd been teaching gifted students for a year when I met the cutie pie who would shatter what I thought I knew about gifted kids. Like many who were new to the field or who didn't have experience with gifted children, I thought that giftedness could easily be measured, quantified, and identified. I was wrong.
- [Rainboot Sprout Garden | Science for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/rainboot-sprout-garden/) - When temperatures start to rise, all I want to do is plant new things. This year, I'm involving my kids. We decided to re-purpose an old rainboot of my daughter's to become a new seed sprouting garden for our seedling plants before we transfer them into the ground. The rainboot sprout garden was surprisingly effective
- [Nurturing a Love of Theater in Young Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/nurturing-love-theater-young-children/) - I'm a newly minted theater mama, and loving every minute of it. Truth be told, I'm living a bit vicariously through my kiddos as I loved acting and singing when I was young, and was involved in theater until high school. And then I wasn't. I was discouraged by people very close to me, and
- [Fin Fun Mermaid Tail Offer](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fin-fun-mermaid-tail/) - My girls have been asking for mermaid tails for two years now -- ever since they took "mermaid lessons" when we went to Kalahari for a homeschool overnight with their friends. I finally caved... Do your kiddos fancy themselves speeding through the waters like their favorite fantasy character too? You might want to
- [Teaching Gifted Children Shakespeare](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-children-shakespeare/) - I know a bank where the wild thyme blows… Simple words. Beautiful words. Words that conjure images in the minds of young and old alike. Shakespeare. Are you intimidated by the thought of teaching your kiddos Shakespeare? I was. Until I bought Ken Ludwig’s book How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare. To say
- [Rethinking Achievement | Helping Gifted Kids Thrive at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/helping-gifted-kids-thrive/) - I’m a huge proponent of interest and play based learning. Kids learn best when they are engaged and invested in their own education. Years ago, my son’s preschool teacher told me that Trevor was the most “extreme thinker” she’d ever had in any of her four-year-old classes in the 30+ years she’d been teaching.
- [A Kid with an Issue Can’t Be Gifted, Right?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/understanding-twice-exceptional-children/) - One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve had to face, both as a teacher and parent of gifted kids is that gifted kids do not have any problems. There is a pervasive belief that to be gifted, one must be high-achieving, eager to learn, and find no difficulty in learning anything. This belief is not only
- [Homeschooling Gifted Children | Meeting Asynchronous Abilities](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-asynchronous-abilities/) - Gifted kids are asynchronous. Their development is uneven and out-of-sync compared with age peers. This often makes them feel very different when it comes to age-based school expectations. This is also why boxed, or grade-level based, complete curriculums rarely work well for them. Instead, homeschooling parents of gifted children need to get creative... It's
- [Parenting Gifted Kids | Popular Posts](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/parenting-gifted-kids/) - Another year has come and gone… 2015 here at RLL was full of food, fun, tips, and community building. And it was all about parenting quirky, challenging, intense, gifted kiddos. Need a cheat-sheet the next time you’re trying to figure your children (or yourself) out? Take a look at these – the ten most popular
- [Gifts for Gifted Kids | Toddlers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-for-gifted-kids/) - It's often a challenge to keep up with the voracious learning and the intensity of a gifted toddler, and when it comes to buying gifts during the holidays, it gets harder. It doesn't have to be, though. There are many traits that young gifted children share, and even if your child isn't identified by
- [Parenting Gifted Children | Jennifer’s Story](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/parenting-gifted-children-jennifers-story/) - It can be tough – parenting gifted children – and each of us has a different path, often a heartbreaking one, that has led us to the discovery of our child’s giftedness. I’ve written my story throughout this site, and hope to bring you other parents’ stories as well. Jennifer is here today to share
- [Homeschooling Gifted Kids on a Shoestring](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-inexpensively/) - Parenting a gifted child presents unique challenges – especially when it comes to meeting their asynchronous academic needs. When a kiddo is many ages at once, he needs curriculum at varying levels. They often don’t even want traditional curriculum, either, so parents must find novel ways to meet their children’s needs. So how can parents
- [Homeschooling Gifted Kids: What it's Really Like](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-gifted-kids-what-its-really-like/) - Homeschooling is a great educational option for gifted children. And the number of parents making the choice to bring their kids home is increasing every year. But, what is it really like to homeschool a highly gifted child with boundless energy, overexcitabilities, and possibly other issues too? I asked some experts – moms like you
- [Psychomotor Overexcitabilities: Helping Your Child Thrive](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/psychomotor-overexcitabilities/) - It was years ago, but it’s a day that is firmly etched in my mind. The Monday before Thanksgiving break, my then first-grader got off the bus with his head hanging. “Mom,” he said with tears brimming and threatening to fall, “if I can’t get all green on a two-day week, then I’ll never earn
- [Parenting Gifted and Intense Children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/parenting-gifted-intense-children/) - It’s been a great year, full of kids activities, recipes, and tips for parenting your gifted and intense children. Inspired by a few of my favorite parenting writers, I reflected back on the five most popular parenting posts here on RLL. These are the posts that were viewed, shared, and discussed the most –
- [Strategies for Teaching Gifted Children at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/methods-and-strategies-for-teaching-your-gifted-children-2/) - Gifted kids are a puzzle because each child is so totally different from one another. Yes, they share similar characteristics and defining qualities, but they are interested, passionately, in different things, and fuel those interests in incredibly varied ways. There are many strategies for teaching gifted children at home. So, if you're homeschooling your gifted or
- [Socialization and Your Gifted or Intense Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/spinning-the-socialization-question-2/) - If you've been homeschooling for any length of time, you've likely been asked about your kids' socialization. And, if you're beyond your first year of homeschooling your kids, you likely find the question laughable. Not only is there rarely a problem getting your kids to talk to people, you often have to say no to
- [Understanding the Academically Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/understanding-the-academically-gifted-child/) - Gifted children are as different from each other as they are from the general population. So, it’s no wonder that it becomes so difficult for us to identify them and meet their needs. Their needs vary from child to child, making it impossible to create a definitive gifted curriculum. How do we identify
- [Do You Really Know Your Gifted Child?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/knowing-your-gifted-child/) - Do you have a bright child? One who is constantly surprising you with all that he knows {that you didn’t teach him} and how quickly he learns and remembers things? Do you wonder if you should pursue gifted child identification? I am often asked that question: does it matter if I have my child tested
- [Understanding the Creatively Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/creatively-gifted-child/) - Have you thought more about what a gifted child looks like? More specifically, are you looking at your own child and getting to know him better? Seeing her for who she is – and loving that, despite the exhaustion you feel? It’s tough to be objective when you’re looking at your own child, isn’t it?
- [5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/5-tips-for-helping-gifted-children-make-friends/) - Making friends can be hard for any child, but for socially awkward gifted children or twice-exceptional kiddos, the challenge is only multiplied. While their brains are working on overdrive, and they can have an intelligent conversation with an adult expert in the field in which they are interested, put them in the same room with
- [How Do I Know if My Child is Gifted?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/my-child-is-gifted/) - Your two year old just picked up a book you’ve never shown her, and read the entire thing…perfectly. Your eleven year old is completely unimpressed with his textbook’s description of black holes and launches his own campaign to find out everything there is about astrophysics, dark matter, Einstein’s theory of relativity, the differences between light
- [Tips for Motivating Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tips-for-motivating-gifted-kids/) - Gifted kids and twice-exceptional kids are often difficult to motivate. They seem to have their own agenda, and certain things they do {and don’t} want to learn about. And they can be pretty vocal about what they don’t want to do. Before you realize it, you’re dealing with an argumentative underachiever who is
- [Homeschooling Gifted Kids -- A Conversation With Moms](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-gifted-kids-google-hangout-on-air/) - Are you looking for more information about homeschooling your gifted child? I had a great time talking about this topic with my friends, Dianna Kennedy, Marlene Griffith, and Ashley Pichea from the iHomeschool Network. Check out the replay below, and leave any additional questions in the comment section. Since the live hangout is over, drop your
- [All Children Are Gifts... but Not All Children Are Gifted](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/not-all-children-are-gifted/) - Recently I was reading through my Facebook feed. Okay, so I was procrastinating, choosing distractions rather than choosing the work I've been slacking on recently. But, some of the threads were interesting, a few of the memes struck me as funny, and then a mom's request for help with her gifted daughter came through via
- [Do Gifted Kids Need Less Sleep? {Establishing Better Sleep Habits}](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-children-need-less-sleep/) - In a word… maybe. Google it, and you’ll find all sorts of articles that include “needs less sleep” as a common characteristic of a gifted child. And that certainly seems to be true in my experience. My own kids have always been horrible sleepers as compared to my friends’ kids. Parents of
- [How I Teach Science to Gifted Kids at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teach-science-to-gifted-kids/) - True story -- my son looked over my shoulder as I edited the picture for this post and said, "Oh! This will be a good one. When can I read it?" I asked him why he thought it would be good, and he said, "Well, you're a science writer and I know so much about
- [How I Teach Math to Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teach-math-to-gifted-kids/) - It’s a week-long How I Teach series this week. I’m so glad you stopped by. If you’re new, consider subscribing so you don’t miss a post, and head back to the beginning to see what you’ve missed. Today I’m talking about how I teach gifted kids math in a large family setting. And, I’m going
- [How I Teach Language Arts to My Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teaching-language-arts-to-gifted-kids/) - Welcome to day one of a five day series -- How I Teach Gifted Kids in a Large Family -- a look into our day to day homeschool, broken down a subject at a time. You may want to take a moment to subscribe by email so you don't miss a post. To easily find
- [Homeschooling Gifted Kids in a Large Family](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-gifted-students/) - Don't you love peeking into the homeschools of others to see how they do things? It's one of the things I love most about blogging and reading other homeschool blogs. Believe me... I can always use fresh ideas. That's why I'm teaming up with the amazing bloggers of the iHomeschool Network to share a look
- [Gifts for Gifted Kids–Preschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-for-gifted-kids-preschool-2/) - Since so many of you ask me here, through email, and on Facebook about the toys, projects, and gifts I recommend for gifted kids, I’d planned to share a list of suggestions a few times a month. I shared a “toddler edition” back in August… and then teething set in, and I was lucky to
- [Homeschooling Gifted Kids – On Air Today](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-gifted-kids-on-air-today-2/) - *** Updated 10/29/13 2:05pm *** Lauren’s daughter took a tumble and needed to head to the ER. Please pray for the sweet girl and her mama. We’ll reschedule this hangout and talk gifted another day. I’ll update this post with new dates and times once they’re scheduled and add in the video once it’s
- [Beginning to Homeschool Our Gifted Kids: Part 3](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/beginning-to-homeschool-our-gifted-kids-part-3-2/) - We started homeschooling Trevor in the middle of his first grade year. Pulling him out of school at the end of January, with a five month old baby Logan and three year old Molly at home, I was both excited and nervous. Since I was freelancing fulltime, I had a babysitter
- [Beginning to Homeschool Our Gifted Kids Part 2](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/beginning-to-homeschool-our-gifted-kids-part-2-2/) - The decision to pull Trevor out of public school and then beginning to homeschool him was really tough. It was a complete paradigm shift for two teachers who were actively involved in their respective teacher’s unions and had been staunch advocates for public education {at the time}. You can read part one of this
- [The Most Important Thing You Need for Homeschooling Your Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-most-important-thing-you-need-for-homeschooling-your-gifted-child-2/) - There are so many curricular choices when it comes to homeschooling your gifted kids. How do you know what the most important thing you need for homeschooling your gifted child is? Should you purchase a boxed curriculum? {But what about the asynchronous learner?} Piece it together yourself? {Where do you start?} Write your own?
- [Gifted Kids at Home: Our Beginning Part One](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-kids-at-home-our-beginning-part-one-2/) - I’m often asked why we homeschool our kids and why I think homeschooling is the right educational choice – especially for gifted kids. In this new weekly feature, I’ll answer those questions and discuss all things related to parenting and homeschooling our bright kids. From the time he was very small, Trevor
- [Answering the Critics: Homeschooling Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/answering-the-critics-homeschooling-gifted-kids-2/) - I’m linked up with the fabulous bloggers of the iHomeschool Network to help you answer the critics. Check out the other great posts. I’ll never forget the day I took my kids to Target soon after I pulled Trevor from school and began our adventure of homeschooling. It was the middle of the day,
- [10 Fabulous Books to Read if You Are Homeschooling Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/10-fabulous-books-to-read-if-you-are-homeschooling-gifted-kids-2/) - This site uses affiliate links and sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy for full details. photo credit: thejbird via photopin cc A few weeks ago, I wrote a top ten post featuring books for parents of gifted kids. It was a good post, but what I loved most was the fact that so
- [10 Awesome Books for Parents of Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/10-awesome-books-for-parents-of-gifted-kids-2/) - This site uses affiliate links and sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy for full details. I’m passionate about gifted children. They are special, challenging, unique, and have special needs. I’m equally passionate about parents of gifted children. They are special, challenged, unique, and live with intense special needs. It’s a tough job…and
- [10 Things I’ve Learned from Homeschooling Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/10-things-ive-learned-from-homeschooling-gifted-kids-2/) - Parenting gifted kids can be a challenge. They have unique needs and differences that sometimes make them a bit, ummm, unpredictable. Throw homeschooling in the mix and you are in for a wild adventure. I wouldn’t have it any other way… Over the past few years, through homeschooling my own gifted kids,
- [Developing Your Gifted Kids' Talents](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/developing-your-gifted-kids-talents-2/) - Welcome to week 2 of a 10-day series sponsored by Prufrock Press and iHomeschool Network. 40 bloggers, more than 350 posts, and some great giveaways {including my newest book!} in the “Pin to Win” contest, all over the course of two weeks. Thanks for coming back and reading Day 8
- [The Need for Flexibility When Teaching Your Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-need-for-flexibility-when-teaching-your-gifted-kids-2/) - Welcome to week 2 of a 10-day series sponsored by Prufrock Press and iHomeschool Network. 40 bloggers, more than 350 posts, and some great giveaways {including my newest book!} in the “Pin to Win” contest, all over the course of two weeks. I’m glad you’re here for Day Seven of
- [Let's Talk About Your Gifted Kids' Learning Styles](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/lets-talk-about-your-gifted-kids-learning-styles-2/) - Welcome to a new 10-day series sponsored by Prufrock Press and iHomeschool Network. 40 bloggers, more than 350 posts, and some great giveaways {including my newest book!} in the “Pin to Win” contest, all over the course of two weeks. So far, I’ve talked about the definition of giftedness and what twice-exceptional means.
- [All Kids Are Gifted in Some Way, Right?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/arent-all-kids-gifted-in-some-way-2/) - Over the next two weeks, I’ll help you explore the merits, blessings, and challenges involved in homeschooling your gifted kids. I begin this series, and think back to my classroom teaching years. As a third grade classroom teacher, then a gifted education specialist, and now the parent of gifted children, I’ve heard a variety of
- [Cute Raccoon Valentine's Day Card | Free Printable](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cute-raccoon-valentines-day-card/) - We're just a little obsessed with the great outdoors, backyard science, and all things nature around here, and we love to bring a little bit of that into the holidays that we celebrate. This racoon Valentine card is perfect! Check it out, print it, and give it to a special animal-loving Valentine in your life.
- [The New Trollhunters Series on Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/trollhunters_on_netflix/) - Based on the book by Guillermo del Torro and Daniel Kraus, the new series of Trollhunters on Netflix is a new family favorite. Does your family like fantasy? You'll all love this story. Seriously, it's a new super cool fave of all of us -- from the newly turned four year old all the way
- [Simple Mini Triscuit Pizza Appetizers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mini-triscuit-pizza-appetizers/) - During the holidays -- and all year long -- I try to remember the kids when we're going to, or hosting, a party. I remember going to family gatherings and loving the appetizer spreads, but I also remember going to some parties and being so disappointed because there was nothing I wanted to eat. I want
- [Autism and the Holidays | Julie's School Performance Story](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/autism-holidays/) - Holidays can be tougher than expected when parenting gifted or twice exceptional kiddos. I've written about intensity during the holidays, and hope to bring you other parents’ stories as well. Julie is here today to share her thoughts about parenting a twice-exceptional kiddo during the holidays… Parenting an autistic child is sometimes like parenting a typical child;
- [Sometimes You Just Need to Quit](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sometimes-you-just-need-to-quit-2/) - You know those days that seem like they’re spinning out of control, no matter what you do? And it’s only 10:00 in the morning? Yeah… those. I’m over at the 2:1 Conference blog today offering encouragement, and telling you why I think it’s important to call it quits on those days. It really is
- [Amazing Toys for Young Builders](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/amazing-toys-young-builders/) - Oh! This is embarrassing... I'm so sorry, but the Young Builders Gift Guide isn't ready and will be here very soon. In the meantime, please check out any of these: &
- [Cool Gifts for Geeky Moms](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cool-gifts-geeky-moms/) - Oh! This is embarrassing... I'm so sorry, but the Geeky Moms Gift Guide isn't ready and will be here very soon. In the meantime, please check out any of these: &
- [Awesome Gifts  for Backyard Scientists](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/awesome-gifts-backyard-scientists/) - Oh! This is embarrassing... I'm so sorry, but the Gift Guide for Backyard Scientists isn't ready and will be here very soon. In the meantime, please check out any of these: &
- [A Field of Poppy Gifts | Poppy Clothes for Girls](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/poppy-clothes-girls/) - I found a cute poppy dress and poppy leggings for my girls at Mini Boden this past fall, but wanted to see what else was out there. They love me telling them why we named of Facebook support group for parents of gited and twice-exceptional kiddos, Raising Poppies, and they're proud to be poppies themselves.
- [A Field of Poppy Gifts | Poppy Jewelry](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/poppy-jewelry/) - When my friend Cait sent me a hand-crafted poppy necklace for my birthday, I went down a rabbit hole and found so many amazing pieces of poppy jewelry that I can't decide which I love best. I think it's the poppies bracelet with the red and turquiose on it. Which do you love? Poppy Jewelry
- [A Field of Poppy Gifts | Poppy Accessories](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/poppy-accessories/) - Oh my goodness! Those fingerless gloves! I need them... Are you more of a scarf person? What do you love best on this page? Poppy Accessories Felted Fingerless Poppy Gloves Black Felted Poppy Mittens Red Poppies Keychain Red & Grey Poppy Scarf Poppy Hair Flowers Poppy Hair Tieback Autumn Orange Poppy Hair Clip Poppy Head Crown Red Poppy Headband White Poppy Scarf Men's Poppy Lapel
- [A Field of Poppy Gifts | Poppy Art and Collectibles](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/poppy-art-and-collectibles/) - I wonder how my husband is going to like having our house decorated top to bottom in poppies... Aren't these pieces amazing? Which do you love the best? Poppy Art and Collectibles Ceramic Poppy Wall Art Watercolor Printable Art Soda Can Poppies Wall Art Poppies Wall Art Set Digital Poppy Photo Download Poppy Canvas Art Poppy Painting Art Print Poppy Photo
- [A Field of Poppy Gifts | Poppies for the Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/poppies-home/) - There are so many gorgeous things for the home that remind me of all that is beautiful about Raising Poppies. I ordered the hand-thrown pottery poppy mug and can't wait to sip out of it this winter. Which is your favorite? Poppies for the Home Hand-Thrown Pottery Poppy Mug Hand-Crafted Earthenware Poppy Mug Set of 4
- [A Field of Poppy Gifts | Poppy Clothes for Mom](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/poppy-clothes-for-mom/) - What do you think about the cool Raising Poppies things we have created in the Zazzle store? It's so fun to dream up new way to share our love for sweet poppies. The clothes on this page are some of my favorites -- I just can't figure out which to order first... Poppy Clothes for
- [Make a Difference | Join the #KindPoppyProject](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/kindpoppyproject/) - The past week has been a challenging one for many. As we have discussed here on the site, and in Raising Poppies, gifted children feel more. These children have big emotions and they are in-tune with the world around them. Many poppies are empaths; they can feel the emotions of those around them, as if
- [What is Emotional Intelligence?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/what-is-emotional-intelligence/) - When raising gifted and intense kids, we have our work cut out for us. Gifted kids are asynchronous and often challenge all we thought we knew about discipline. A lot of the struggles we face as tired parents of smart kids can be related to how well our children are able to grow emotionally. Have
- [10 Gifts for Teen Boys That They'll Actually Want](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifts-for-teen-boys/) - It's time to shop for holiday gifts and while my little ones are always easy -- crafts, toys, and dress up accessories continue to be a hit -- my oldest is a bit more difficult to buy for. He's going to be fourteen soon, and although he still enjoys his LEGO bricks and electronics, I
- [The Geeky Family's Guide to Sci-Fi on Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sci-fi-on-netflix/) - It's Wednesday night and my teen and I are curled up on the couch devouring a bag of spicy BBQ chips, and chatting our way through an episode of The Flash on Netflix. The younger kiddos are in bed, and I'm so thankful for this time. And thankful for streaming video services like Netflix.
- [Stress Busting Sparkle Dough](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/stress-busting-sparkle-dough/) - Since our thoughts are consumed with Saint Patrick and all the fun his feast day brings around this Irish Catholic home in March, we made a sparkly golden dough. And then added a stress-busting twist. We’ve been pretty busy around here lately, and stress levels have reached an all-time high – mine and
- [Scented Salt Dough Pendants](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/scented-salt-dough-pendants/) - I love working with salt dough. It’s quick and inexpensive to make, and is versatile. On top of that, salt dough is a great sensory play item for your kids – whether they have a plan in mind for the craft, or just want to twist, pull, and mold the dough. Salt dough is perfect
- [DIY Crayon Lip Balm | Kid Made Gifts](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/diy-crayon-lip-balm/) - We love making fun gifts for our friends during the holidays and all year long. This DIY Crayon Lip Balm recipe is the perfect thing for little girls to make and give to their BFFs (and mamas…). It’s actually pretty simple to make these, and loads of fun for the kids. You can even
- [DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/diy-essential-oil-diffuser-necklace/) - I have used essential oils for over 25 years to keep my family and me healthy, and recently my kids have taken an interest in learning how and why they work so well. Since following the kids’ interests is an integral component of our homeschool, we’ve been using oils in crafts and make-your-own products lately,
- [Make Your Own Sunscreen Lotion Bars](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/make-your-own-sunscreen-lotion-bars/) - Two of my kids are extremely sensitive to chemical additives. Because of this, we work hard to keep our home as chemical-free as possible. It’s not easy, and we’re not perfect, but we’re making small changes every day. The latest small change has been to throw away all of the drugstore and name brand sunscreen
- [Mini Banana Streusel Muffins](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mini-banana-streusel-muffins/) - One of my greatest homeschooling accomplishments has been teaching my nine year old to make breakfast. I’m not really a morning person, and she and the youngest two kiddos are. The oldest is very much like me in the morning… slow to get going and lagging behind. Molly, though, loves getting up and
- [Movie Night | Yummy Treats and Disney](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/movie-night-disney/) - Did you hear the news? Disney is coming to Netflix! My kids are so excited, and truth be told, I’m excited too. Years ago we got rid of cable television to try and take back some of our family time that would get sucked up with the TV on in the background. We decided, instead,
- [Fun Stuffed Toy for Kids | Dream Frenz Review](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/dream-frenz-review/) - It’s been a long few weeks around here. My youngest kiddo has struggled with her sensory issues and we’ve had to get creative with ways to help her regulate her reactions to things. Do you ever face that struggle? This review was made possible by iConnect and Dream Frenz. I was provided product and
- [4 Super Simple Tips to Help Your Gifted Adolescent Survive Puberty](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-adolescent-puberty/) - Doors slamming, angry outbursts, intensely deep conversations about friendships and the future, discussions about face-washing, showering, and deodorant… puberty kind of sneaks up on a parent. I mean, they were just going through the terrible twos yesterday – weren’t they? I was talking to my friend Anna recently about life, marriage, kids, parenting,
- [Introduce a New Generation to the Music of The Beatles](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/beat-bugs/) - For my freshman year of high school, a new building opened. We would be the first graduating class to have attended the school for all four of its years. And we were excited. Our class was close, and had a lot of fun planning strategies for taking down the other classes in highly competitive pep
- [Simple Fall Family Celebrations](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/simple-fall-family-celebrations/) - Creating simple fall family celebrations with your kids can build a strong sense of unity and create lifelong relationships between siblings. They share something with each other that nobody else does. They have memories of family celebrations with one another that are unique to them. These family celebrations can center around milestones, holidays, seasons, the
- [Surviving Sick Days with Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/surviving-sick-days-with-kids/) - There is a small part of me that really enjoys the extra cuddles that come when kids aren’t feeling well. Not that I want my kiddos to get sick – because when you have a larger-than-average family, it will travel through everyone before it’s done, and oftentimes travel back through, re-infecting the kids. But, those
- [Inspiring Creativity with Different Variations of Well-Loved Fairy Tales](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/inspiring-creativity-with-netflix/) - My girls love any excuse to have friends over, and slumber parties are their favorite gatherings ever. When Netflix offered us the opportunity to pre-screen the new season of the show Ever After High, and host a Rebels vs. Royals party, we knew it was the perfect time for a sleepover. And I knew
- [Teach Your Kids to Stop Lying](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teach-your-kids-to-stop-lying/) - Honesty is a characteristic that most adults value highly. While all kids lie at some point, it’s hard for parents not to worry about it when it’s their kid. So, if they all do it, how do we stop it? How do parents teach their kids to stop lying? With love. It’s so important
- [Family Time with a Popcorn and Movie Night with Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/family-time-with-a-popcorn-and-movie-night/) - Family is important. My husband and I work hard to make sure that our kids know that their siblings come first – before friends. We model this by showing the kids that family comes first for us, too – before our own friends. For better or for worse, the people in our homes need to
- [Teaching Kids About Being a Good Friend with Help From Great Books and Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/being-a-good-friend/) - Friendship is an important concept to explore with young children. Being a good friend is an important life skill – one that doesn’t come naturally. You can’t just expect your kids to know how to be a good friend by getting them together with other kids and leaving them to figure it out. Remember –
- [Being A STEAM Smart Girl is Cool | Watch Project MC2 on Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/being-a-steam-smart-girl-is-cool/) - I love getting girls excited about math and science, and am all for shows and books that showcase smart kids doing awesome things. I loved Nancy Drew when I was a kid, and am reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler to my kiddos this fall. Smart is cool. STEAM is
- [Preschool at Home with Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/preschool-home-netflix/) - It can be challenging to keep little ones busy, engaged, and learning when you choose to do preschool at home. It’s so rewarding, though, to keep your kids home for preschool, even if you don’t choose to homeschool long-term. It gives your little ones one on one attention from the person they love most for
- [Ten 80s Cartoons You Can Stream on Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/80s-cartoons-on-netflix/) - Sharing my (and my husband’s) past with the kids is so important. They love to hear stories of Mom and Dad getting in trouble, making stupid choices, playing tricks on siblings, and of the family fun we used to have. They also love when we share some of the 80s cartoons we watched with them.
- [Homeschooling with Netflix | Nature Study](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-with-netflix-nature-study/) - It’s no secret that we love Netflix, and use it to supplement our kids’ learning often. We use it to help teach character, early learning skills, and for fun. Some of my favorite things to stream, though, are nature documentaries. Nature documentaries give us a chance to do nature study from home when the
- [Homeschooling with Netflix | More Movie and Book Pairings](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/netflix-movie-and-book-pairings/) - It’s no secret that we love Netflix – ditching cable television all those years ago in favor of streaming video subscriptions was one of the best decisions we ever made. We get to use great documentaries and shows in our homeschool, have fun family nights, and my husband and I can enjoy throwbacks to our
- [Hibernating at Home with Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/hibernating-at-home-with-netflix/) - Sometimes hanging out at home with Netflix is the only sensible thing you can do for yourself and your family in late winter. I mean, really… Isn’t the time between Valentine’s Day and the start of spring the toughest there is for a homeschool mom? It is for me. Especially this year. I
- [Sneaking Mommy Time with Netflix](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mommy-time-with-netflix/) - I don’t know about you, but there is only so much LEGO I can watch on Netflix before I’m ready to have someone ship me off to the loony bin. My kiddos love their screen time – and I’m not going to debate the pros and cons of it right now. When you’re raising intense
- [Growing a Family of Character](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/growing-a-family-of-character/) - The day was going downhill quickly. Kids were storming away from each other, hurt and lashing out with spiteful words, and that quiet, kind, homeschooling family who all loved one another that I dreamed of being seemed an impossibility. Things had to change. I was given a set of Character Badges to try out
- [Coding with Minecraft Made Easy](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/coding-with-minecraft-made-easy/) - So, this might come as a surprise to you, as I own and maintain a website, but I’m not the techiest of people. My kids, on the other hand, are. They love tinkering with programming and have had fun playing around with simple coding books, robotics kits, and online coding games. But they’ve never felt
- [Inspiring Creativity in Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/inspiring-creativity/) - Inspiring creativity in kids is important to help them grow to be innovative problem solvers and critical thinkers. But it can’t just be taught. You can’t just say, “Okay… it’s time to be creative.” “The most powerful way to develop creativity in your students is to be a role model. Children develop creativity not when
- [10 Days of Electricity and Magnetism](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/10-days-of-electricity-and-magnetism-2/) - Hey! What are you planning to do with your kids over the next two weeks? Want to take a break from the books and have some electrifying fun? I'm teaming up with some amazing bloggers and participating in a 10-Day Spring Hopscotch...you can check out all the great topics by clicking on the button at
- [Support Our Team USA Olympians with P&G at Walmart](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/support-our-team-usa-olympians/) - We’re really enjoying the Olympic Games this year. It’s the first time my kids have gotten so into it – though I’ll admit that it’s caused a few problems… Like my three year old deciding he was a professional diver and “splashing” into our couch, repeatedly. Yeah. There are some hazards I wasn’t expecting to
- [Hands-On Learning and Play for All Ages with Spielgaben](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/spielgaben-review/) - “Mama! Look! It’s a stop light. Do you see the red and the yellow and the green? Stop, slow down, go… I made them” We’re no strangers to open-ended and play-based learning around here, but I have to admit that, despite the materials I already have, I have been eyeing the Spielgaben set of wooden
- [Charleys Philly Steaks | A Review](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/charleys-philly-steaks-review/) - It’s been super hot and muggy in Northeast Ohio over the past week and a half – almost too hot to get outside. We’ve been cooped up in the house, and we’re getting a little stir crazy, so I packed the kids up to take them to lunch at my just-turned-nine year old’s favorite place.
- [3-Ingredient Strawberry Dip | Simple Snacks for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/3-ingredient-strawberry-dip-recipe/) - I love making fun snacks for my kids when I can – especially when they’re as easy as this 3-ingredient strawberry dip recipe! It’s delicious, simple to whip up, and perfect for busy homeschool days, afterschool, or any day you want to give your kiddos a delicious treat. This fun dip is perfect to go
- [Back to School with Mini Boden](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/back-to-school-with-mini-boden/) - I was thirteen before I ever had “cool” back-to-school clothes. Thirteen. My parents didn’t really like following trends (and they only bought things that were on sale – way on sale), so I tended to wear clothes that were a season or two past when they’d been “in.” This post was sponsored by Boden
- [Cleveland Clinic Children's | World Class Care](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cleveland-clinic-childrens/) - This post was sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Children’s as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All thoughts and opinions are my own. It was my first pregnancy, and I was terrified when my contractions started. It was two and a half months too soon, and I was worried that there was something wrong
- [Start School Like a Champion | Spread a Love of Reading](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/start-school-like-a-champion/) - We’re proud to be working to share about this opportunity through a campaign with Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company, Kellogg Company, J.M. Smucker Company, and The HERSHEY'S Company. All opinions are mine alone. #StartSchoolLikeAChampion #CollectiveBias It doesn’t seem like the time to be thinking about back-to-school yet, does it? But, school supplies are
- [My.Future | Innovative STEM Programming for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/innovative-stem-programming/) - Are your kids STEM-loving kids like mine? I love that my kiddos would rather tinker and invent, or try to film a stop-motion animation than almost anything else. Our world was built by innovative spirits, and our future needs more of them. This post was sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club of America
- [Tips for Saving Money in the Kitchen](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/saving-money-in-the-kitchen/) - “MOM! I need your help in here! The trash spilled again… The bag ripped.” Totally my fault, I know, but so incredibly annoying nonetheless. We’re trying to save up our money, cutting costs, economizing, skipping vacations this year, and more because we’re trying to buy an small-ish RV for an epic road trip next summer.
- [5 Great Outdoor Activities for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/5-great-outdoor-activities-for-kids/) - The side door slammed, and my 8-year-old came stomping in the house and declared that I was a terrible mom, and not fair at all. Oh… and that her life was ruined. You see, we’d made the decision as a family that the Kindles and iPads (and even the LeapFrog Epic) were being put away
- [Raising Problem Solvers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/raising-problem-solvers/) - Children are born problem solvers – from the very beginning. Think about those first steps or the moment your little one first rolls over or crawls – oftentimes those milestones are a result of your kiddo’s efforts to get something he or she wants. We want to raise innovators – kids who become
- [Kids' Favorite Super Smoothie](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/super-smoothie/) - I have a little one who has trouble keeping weight on. She just never really has much of an appetite. I was the same way as a kid, and still struggle with eating enough as an adult. My grandmother was the same, and was only 78 pounds when she passed. I want to make sure
- [Navigating Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/navigating-social-and-emotional-needs-of-gifted-kids/) - Gifted children have characteristics that can often cause them to struggle socially and emotionally. In fact, the academic challenges are often much easier to deal with than the emotional ones. To give your gifted child the support he or she needs to be successful, it’s important that you understand how that giftedness impacts
- [Random Acts of Kindness for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/random-acts-kindness-kids/) - We all want to raise our children to be kind, generous adults. As a parent, there are so many things we can do to help ensure that happens. One way is to teach random acts of kindness. Whether it's helping a stranger load her groceries on the conveyor belt or picking up something someone dropped,
- [Discovering Giftedness | Esther's Story](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/discovering-giftedness-esthers-story/) - Do you remember discovering giftedness or twice exceptionalities in your kiddo? Or the path to discovery or a diagnosis? I’ve written my story throughout this site, and hope to bring you other parents’ stories as well. Esther is here today to share hers… I felt like there was something wrong with me. Like
- [Love Bug Themed Valentines | Free Printable Valentine’s Day Cards](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/love-bug-themed-valentines/) - We’re going to have a lot of fun sharing nature-themed activities with you over the next year as I write and photograph my newest book all about backyard nature science for kids. And, there’s no better way to kick it all off than to whip up some fun love bug themed Valentine’s Day cards for
- [Why Join a Gifted Parent Group?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-parent-group/) - Parenting and homeschooling gifted children can be wonderful. And challenging. And isolating. And exhausting. And it can chip away at the very soul of even the most confident parent. Which is why we need each other. Let’s face it, there comes a point in every story, from every parent of gifted kiddos I’ve
- [Being Prepared for Nighttime Feedings](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/nighttime-feedings/) - Being a new mom is tough, and so I’m pleased to bring you this compensated shop on behalf of Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. The ideas and opinions are mine alone. #NurseryMusts #CollectiveBias Are you a new mama? Maybe you’re overwhelmed and tired at the thought of all you need to do. Maybe you’re
- [Why Create Multiage Learning Environments?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/multiage-learning-environments/) - I came into the world of homeschooling unexpectedly, but I’ve since become an advocate for homeschooling gifted children, and love learning about new ways to meet the needs of smart kids. Because of that, I’m thrilled to bring you a guest post from Jade Rivera, a wonderful advocate for gifted kids and their families, and
- [Visiting Castaway Bay in Sandusky, Ohio](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/visiting-castaway-bay/) - We have a lot of fun traveling in our little corner of our state. Northeast Ohio is jam-packed with great family-friendly fun, and as a homeschool family, it’s easy to take advantage of exciting destination during the off-season. Thank you to Castaway Bay for providing my family with an overnight stay to facilitate this
- [Using a 3D Drawing Pen to Motivate Your Creatively Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/3d-drawing-pen/) - I’m going to admit right off the bat here that I am not above bribery and striking deals when it comes to getting my gifted children to get their work done. Raising gifted kids can be exhausting when you factor in all the negotiations and creative avoidance techniques they come up with. And new technology
- [Strawberry White Chocolate Milkshakes | Valentine’s Day Recipe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/strawberry-white-chocolate-milkshake-recipe/) - Valentine’s Day is almost here… do you have fun things planned for your little ones? I love surprising mine with fun snacks and themed lunches, and this yummy strawberry white chocolate milkshake recipe is the perfect frosty treat for a day devoted to love. And your kiddos will love this. Strawberry White Chocolate Milkshake
- [The Truth About Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/truth-about-homeschooling/) - Do you ever feel that you could never do that when you read a homeschooling blog post? You’ll never be that organized… Your kids will never be that attentive… That good… That anything? Guess what? The truth about homeschooling is that you can’t be… and neither can anyone else! And, if you decide
- [Pet Rock Themed Valentines | Free Printable Valentines](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/pet-rock-themed-valentines/) - I love using natural materials to create fun and unique crafts and activities for my kids, and these pet rock themed Valentines were so fun! When you’re tired, and have intense kiddos, you are the mom that begs for the non-candy Valentine treats from friends. These are simple to make, a fun craft, and
- [Heart-Shaped Quesadillas | Simple Recipe for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/heart-shaped-quesadillas-simple-recipe-for-kids/) - Lunchtime is usually leftovers or something quick and easy around here. We’re a busy homeschooling family, and always on the go, so we need quick go-to ideas to keep the kids happy and fed each day. And, while we tend to have our favorites that we return to again and again, I’m always looking for
- [Land Art for Kids | A Heart in the Snow](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/land-art-for-kids/) - Getting kids outside all year long is important. It nurtures a love of nature, and helps them understand the purpose of each season. We enjoy taking walks in the neighborhood to see what’s going on all year long. On a recent walk, following our first snowfall of the year, we decided to leave a few
- [7 Tools for Peaceful Parenting that You Can Use Today](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/7-tools-for-peaceful-parenting/) - Parenting is tough. No matter how rock-solid your discipline strategies are, you probably lose your temper and yell… I know I struggle with this {ahem} from time to time. Why does this happen, though? Why do we, who love our kiddos more than anything, lose it? I don’t know about you, but I just
- [Why Are Polar Bears White? | Arctic Tundra Animal Adaptations](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/arctic-tundra-animal-adaptations/) - My kids are fascinated by the Arctic tundra and the animals found there. They can often be found playing with snowy sensory bins, or acting like the Inuit. One of their favorite toys for imaginary play is the Arctic rescue set that includes dogsledders and animals. And, since we just got our first snow
- [Simple Science | Film Canister Rockets](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/film-canister-rockets/) - Are you and your sciency kiddos looking for a fun way to learn about Newton's Laws of Motion? Try making film canister rockets. My kids love making them, and I love that it’s a super-fun, easy way to teach the basics of Newton’s three laws of motion in one shot. And, well, it’s just cool to
- [Easy BBQ Cheddar Turkey Flatbread Recipe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cheddar-turkey-flatbread-recipe/) - I love turkey. We eat it all year long around here, and since it’s an easy meat to work with, I like to experiment with different recipes. This BBQ Cheddar Turkey Flatbread recipe is simple and delicious. Better yet? The kids can totally handle this one, so you can teach your tweens how to
- [Minions Macarons Recipe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/minions-macarons-recipe/) - This Minions Macarons Recipe has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MinionsMovieNight #CollectiveBias I have wanted to try my hand at baking macarons for a long time, so when the opportunity came up to create a sponsored recipe inspired by the Minions movie, I knew I had to give them
- [Kids in the Kitchen: Viking Bread Recipe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/kids-in-the-kitchen-viking-bread-recipe-2/) - When we chose Norway as the Scandinavian country we’d study for geography club, it was really all about the Vikings. The clothes, longboats, food, and way of life is fascinating Really, what little boy could resist? My rough and tumble boy certainly wasn't one to resist the topic, and frankly, my girls were just as excited
- [Moms, You Are Doing A Great Job](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/moms-you-are-doing-a-great-job/) - Parenting is tough all year long, but sometimes, especially during the holidays, it can feel like an insurmountable task. Doubt, anxiety, worry, financial stresses, and so many more things weigh heavy during this time of the year. I’m proud to be participating in a sponsored campaign to remind all parents – me included – that
- [Shopping with Tweens & Teens for Holiday Gifts | Tips for Keeping it Affordable](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/shopping-with-tweens/) - As the kids get older, it’s harder and harder to buy for them during the holidays. Their tastes get more expensive. My newly-turned teen wants really big ticket items, and we just can’t do it. He also has a generous heart, and wants expensive things for his siblings. With four kids, that’ll totally break the
- [Gifts for Gifted Kids | Awesome Subscription Boxes for Smart Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/awesome-subscription-boxes-for-smart-kids/) - You’ve got crazy-smart and overexcitable kids like mine, right? I’ll bet there are some days that you’re just trying to get through and need them to be actively involved in something you didn’t have to dream up. I need that… often. And that, my friends, is why I am in love with giving my kids
- [A Subscription Box for Lego Lovers | Brick Swag Review](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/brick-swag-review/) - My kids are huge Lego fans – all four of them. We have been a Lego family since our oldest was teeny, and he has totally brought all three of his siblings into the world of tiny bricks. We’ve been fans of subscription boxes forever in this house. They make my life super easy
- [Random Acts of Kindness: An Advent Tradition](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/random-acts-of-kindness-our-advent-tradition-2/) - For years, I read all sorts of posts, articles, and status updates about the random acts of kindness people were planning or doing during the holiday season. I started pinning them to my Random Acts of Kindness Pinterest board so I had great ideas at my fingertips. A few years ago, I read them to my kids, and we
- [Easy Potato Soup Recipe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/easy-potato-soup-recipe/) - The holidays are a time for family and friends to get together, and I'm pleased to share one of the ways we use Hormel for easy entertaining in this post sponsored by #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. The thoughts, recipe, and stories are mine. #ForTheLoveOfHam Do you have family and friends over during the holiday season?
- [Raising Creative Kids | DIY Craft Kits](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/diy-craft-kits/) - Inspiring creativity in kids is important to me. I’m often pulling out open-ended craft and play supplies, and leaving them available to the kids throughout the day, hoping they’ll come up with fun things to do with the materials. I’m often surprised at the fantastic results. But sometimes, I’m just not feeling all that creative
- [You’re Awesome | So Are Your Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/you-are-doing-a-good-job-mom/) - Sometimes we need a reminder that the things we do matter. That we’re doing a good job. That the job of motherhood – the worry and the care and the love – matters. I’m proud to be participating in a sponsored campaign to remind moms (me included) that we’re all doing a great job. The
- [A Moment of Kindness | Nurses Matter](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/a-moment-of-kindness/) - I’m well-acquainted with the labor and delivery department at our local hospital and have had my share of amazing, and not so great experiences. And, I’m thankful that iConnect and Pampers have given me the chance to share about one of the amazing L & D nurses I’ve been fortunate enough to meet. I was
- [When Your Child Has a Fever | Tips for Helping Kids Feel Better](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/when-your-child-has-a-fever/) - I like to have lots of tools in my arsenal to help my kids feel better when they're unwell, so I'm looking forward to sharing some of my favorite fever-fighting tips in this article, sponsored by #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. All of the thoughts and opinions are mine. #FightFever First though, remember that not all
- [Learning with LeapFrog | Scout's Build and Discover Tool Set Review](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/scouts-build-and-discover-tool-set-review/) - This, like the Number Lovin’ Oven, is one of those toys I wasn’t expecting to like. It seems simple, and like one of the toys we already have, but the kids absolutely adore this. It looks like both a tool kit and a dog house at the same time. It breaks down and comes
- [Learning with LeapFrog | Word Whammer Review](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/leapfrog-word-whammer-review/) - Do you have a fledgling reader in your midst? I’m homeschooling a toddler and Kindergartener this year, and while I’m a believer in not pushing new readers too quickly, I do believe in exposing them to the written language through toys that teach letter sounds and beginning reading skills. The LeapFrog Word Whammer does that.
- [Learning with LeapFrog | LeapPad Platinum Review with Imagicards](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/learning-with-leapfrog-leappad-platinum-review-with-imagicards/) - We’ve been fans of LeapFrog products and videos for years, and the kids have each had a LeapPad when the time came for their first handheld video game. It’s our toddler’s turn, and while he’s been playing around with his sister’s he was absolutely thrilled to get one of his own to test out. When
- [Learning with LeapFrog | The LeapFrog Epic Review](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/leapfrog-epic-review/) - Finally! LeapFrog has entered the tablet market with an amazing, and fully-functioning, tablet for kids. I really wish that I had video-taped the reaction my youngest two had when they saw this newest item that LeapFrog had sent them to test out. It was precious. My kids LOVE their LeapPads, but this new LeapFrog Epic
- [Learning with LeapFrog | Number Lovin Oven Review](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/leapfrog-number-lovin-oven-review/) - I have to admit that if I had seen the Number Lovin’ Oven on the shelf at the store, I probably would have passed it on by. That totally would have been a mistake. I cannot get over how much my toddler loves this toy. This oven and his tool set top the list
- [Why I Don’t Push My Kids to Read Early | And What I Do Instead](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-i-dont-push-my-kids-to-read-early/) - This school year, my six year old is working hard on her reading skills. She grabs books all day long and points things out to me. She probably could have been reading by now, but she didn’t want to. She preferred to curl up in my lap (or her sister’s or brother’s) and close her
- [Easy Christmas Cookies | Nutter Butter Santas and Reindeer](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/easy-christmas-cookies-nutter-butter-santas-and-reindeer/) - We love playing around in the kitchen, and had fun experimenting with Christmas cookies for a #NuttyForTheHolidays campaign from #CollectiveBias Inc. and its advertiser. All activities and opinions are mine. Have you played around with Nutter Butter cookies? These little classic cookies are the perfect shape to make all sorts of fun character-themed cookies.
- [7 Simple Tips for Capturing Fun Kid Photos](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/capturing-fun-kid-photos/) - With four kids – each with strong personalities – I know just how challenging it can be to get great photos. They’re always moving, and it’s never altogether! Before you drive yourself crazy, try these seven simple steps for capturing fun kid photos to show off your little ones this autumn. Special thanks to Orajel™ Kids for sponsoring
- [Creative Fun with HP Social Media Snapshots](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/hp-social-media-snapshots/) - Parenting is great, and I love being a mom, but sometimes we all just need some fun mom time. And, because I’m a bit of a geek, I love, love, love it when my mom time includes a conference or a class where I can have fun with friends and learn new things. Last
- [Relationships Matter More Than Anything](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/relationships-matter-more-than-anything/) - Parenting is hard sometimes, and we’re all doing the best we can. I’m thrilled to be working with #minutemaid to remind you (and myself) that we’re #doingood in our roles as moms and dads to wiggly, creative, bright, fantastic kiddos. Relationships matter more than anything else, and it’s important to remember that. Remember that
- [Play All Day With Elmo](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/play-all-day-with-elmo/) - I love surprising my little ones with fun opportunities to play with their friends, so I was thrilled to participate in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Hasbro and Playskool. I received product samples and a party stipend to facilitate my review, and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
- [Grab and Go Cereal Bar Recipe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/cereal-bar-recipe/) - I don’t know about you, but mornings are not my favorite time of the day, so sponsored campaigns from #CollectiveBias Inc. and its advertiser that challenge us to get #FueledForSchool are the perfect way to break out of a rut and try new things. The ideas and opinions are always mine… and really, how can
- [Gummy Bear Science | Exploring Osmosis with Preschoolers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gummy-bear-science/) - Gummy bears are a super fun, yummy treat. Do your kids love them as much as mine do? Since I’ll take just about any excuse to indulge in this candy, I pulled together a tasty gummy bear science activity inspired by this week’s Early Childhood Education team theme of teddy bears. Don’t be fooled,
- [A Day in the Life of a Sweet Old Dog](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sweet-old-dog/) - Last week, I wrote about our sweet border collie, Trixie, as part of a sponsored campaign from #CollectiveBias Inc. and its advertiser. We were challenged to switch out her old dog food and replace it with #BrightMind by Purina to see if she regained some pep and renewed interest in the tricks and games of
- [Easy Game Day Snacking Fun for the Whole Family](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/easy-game-day-snacking/) - Football season is one of my favorite times of the year, so I was thrilled to participate in a #GameDayPizza sponsored opportunity on behalf of Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine. #CollectiveBias Just so you don't misunderstand, let me clarify... I'm not a football fan. I don't really have strong opinions
- [Teaching an Old Dog Her Old Tricks Again](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/old-dog/) - I’m thankful that we have been given the chance to participate in a compensated shop by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, because our dog is as much of a part of the fabric of our family as anyone. All opinions are ours, and we can’t wait to share our experiences with the #BrightMind line
- [Why Teach a Cryptology Unit Study?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-teach-a-cryptology-unit-study/) - Cryptology is the science of making and breaking codes. While cracking codes can be super fun for kids, cryptology is no laughing matter. Encryption plays a huge role in our society as so much of it is Internet-based. It helps to ensure that our private information is protected. A cryptology unit study is a great
- [Fun Box Top Storage Ideas](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/fun-box-top-storage-ideas/) - The other day I mentioned how we, a homeschool family, still take time to cut out and save Box Tops for Education to help support local schools. It seems strange to some, but we’re not against traditional schooling, we just know that our children learn differently then they’d be taught in a classroom setting. But
- [A Simple Way to Help Neighborhood Schools](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/box-tops-for-education/) - It might seem strange that our family collects Box Tops for Education to donate to a local school. After all, we’re a homeschooling family, right? I think one of the greatest misconceptions of homeschoolers is that we’re all against teachers and public schools. And, while there may be some of us out there who
- [Raising Creative Kids | Upcycled Finger Puppets](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/upcycled-finger-puppets/) - When children are encouraged to think creatively with recyclables, they think mathematically and scientifically, as well. Kids use the scientific method as they explore the materials to find new uses for them. They employ fine and gross motor planning, problem solving, and communication skills when they explain their creations to others. Observe these skills in
- [Raising Creative Kids | Simple Prompts to Spark Imagination](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/prompts-to-spark-imagination/) - The pretend play of childhood is often just considered valueless fun. The truth is, though, the ability to turn an ordinary bedroom into a princess’s private quarters or a soldier’s bunker takes critical thinking, problem solving, coordination, cooperation, and a great deal of flexibility in thinking. Imagination and creativity matter. Imaginative play offers many
- [5 Tips for Teaching Preschoolers Personal Hygiene](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/5-tips-for-teaching-preschoolers-personal-hygiene-2/) - I always figured that once I got my kids to use the bathroom independently that my job would get easier. And for my first two, I was pretty much right. Of course, it helped that Trevor went to daycare and had the most amazing teacher {love you, Miss Melissa!} who walked him through the tot-sized
- [101 Reasons to Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/reasons-to-homeschool/) - I went into homeschooling with a bit of trepidation all those years ago…after all, I enjoyed writing books and having time while the kids were away to focus on my freelance writing. But, things shift, and I’m now a huge advocate for homeschooling – especially when you have gifted kids. Still not convinced? Check
- [Visiting the Old World Bavarian Village of Frankenmuth Michigan](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/visiting-the-old-world-bavarian-village-of-frankenmuth-michigan/) - We love to travel as a family, but with four kids involved in various activities, it’s hard sometimes to plan for a long trip away. That’s why I love short, one or two day trips. We have a bunch of them coming up this summer. Trips to Kalahari, Castaway Bay, Cedar Point, and now Frankenmuth.
- [Bring Joy Into Your Homeschool Day](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/bring-joy-into-your-homeschool-day/) - Is homeschooling what you thought it would be? When you made the decision to homeschool – whether that was from the first little flutter in your belly, or the when you realized your first grader was losing his love of learning – what did you picture? Did you picture sitting around the table, sipping your
- [Visiting Frankenmuth Michigan with Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/visiting-frankenmuth-michigan/) - Traveling with your kids can be a challenge, especially if they struggle with issues like anxiety or have special needs, but it’s so worth it. And, as a homeschooling family, we know that the world is truly our classroom. We can learn anywhere – and have fun doing it. Take our recent trip to
- [Finding Mommy Time During the Busyness of Vacation](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/finding-mommy-time/) - Family vacations aren’t always relaxing for moms, so I was thrilled to have the chance to work with Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser on the new campaign to #FeelInvigorated #FeelGlade and enjoy some “mommy time” on our recent trip thanks to new Blue Odyssey candle by Glade® and #CollectiveBias. When I’m home I
- [Homeschool Curriculum Choices for 2015-2016](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-curriculum-choices-for-2015-2016/) - Are you ready for another adventure-filled homeschool year? I’m telling you, the longer I homeschool, the stronger my conviction that it’s the best way to meet the needs of kids who are different. A traditional classroom just wouldn’t work for gifted or twice-exceptional kids like mine. We have the flexibility to make homeschool curriculum choices
- [8 Simple Tips for Keeping Your Family Healthy](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/keeping-your-family-healthy/) - As back to school (or co-op for us) time approaches, so does cold and flu season, and I’m excited to share some simple tips for keeping your family healthy in this post, sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All thoughts, opinions, and tips are my own – and tried and tested in our
- [Keep in Touch with Friends with CloudPets™](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/keep-in-touch-with-friends-with-cloudpets/) - If you’ve ever watched your child hurt when a friend moves, you’ll understand why I was thrilled to participate in this sponsored campaign with Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. We have become huge fans and proclaim #CloudPetsForever thanks to #CollectiveBias now that it’s so easy for my Molly to keep in touch with her
- [Tips for Smooth Road Trips with Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/smooth-road-trips-with-kids/) - My family of six loves to hit the road and find adventure, and so bringing you this post, compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Walmart Family Mobile is a treat for me. I love sharing #Tips4Trips with large families like ours, and enjoy working with #CollectiveBias. All opinions and thoughts are mine alone – like
- [Simple Science for Kids | Which Melts Faster?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/simple-science-which-melts-faster/) - Simple science is the best, second only to having spur of the moment fun with friends, and so the chance to share this shop – compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser – was right up our alley. Seriously, who’d want to miss out on a chance to #ShareFunshine with #CollectiveBias and ice cream?
- [Hands-On Art History–Discovery through Creativity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/hands-on-art-history-discovery-through-creativity-2/) - I have tried to be more intentional about adding art into our homeschool through crafts and new {to us} mediums because Molly loves any kind of hands-on creativity. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes been an uphill battle as Trevor is more into discovery-based learning through hands-on experiments. He claims he doesn’t like art. Meeting both these needs,
- [Birthday Gift Idea: Stationery Crate](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/birthday-gift-idea/) - Finding the perfect birthday gift is a breeze with the convenient Hallmark aisle at Walmart, and I was thrilled to share our ideas through this shop, compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. As always, all opinions are mine alone – enjoy this easy birthday gift idea hack for penpal-loving girls. #SendSmiles #CollectiveBias
- [Prepare Ahead Breakfast for Easy Mornings](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/breakfast-for-easy-mornings/) - Having to get kids to various camps and classes make for crazy-busy mornings, so I was thrilled to complete this compensated opportunity from Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are my own – I love sharing about great products that make life easier like #QuakerRealMedleys #CollectiveBias I’ve shared before that I’m not
- [Stop Yelling at Your Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/stop-yelling-at-your-kids/) - I’m totally not proud of this, but I’ve become that mama that yells. All the time. And, in true kid form, my children are ramping up the noise to keep up. It makes for a crazy-loud house, and everyone annoyed with everyone else. How many of you are guilty of yelling at your kids? If
- [Creating an On-the-Go Baby Survival Kit](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/on-the-go-baby-survival-kit/) - We have lots of new or soon-to-be moms around us, and the kids always want to do something special for them, so I was excited to participate with Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser in the #MagicBabyMoments campaign. #CollectiveBias We had the chance to get creative and come up with a fabulous and fun “on-the-go
- [Visiting the Newly Renovated Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/renovated-hotel-breakers/) - There are so many amazing things to discover here in northeast Ohio. The Lake Erie shore in Sandusky is one of the most beautiful places I've seen. I'm rediscovering that area now that I have kids of my own. Cedar Point is fast becoming one of our favorite day or overnight destinations – the newly
- [Inspire Independent Learning with Fact Cards](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/inspire-independent-learning/) - I’m a nonfiction junkie. Facts – whether they’re science-y, historical, weird, or wacky – make my geeky heart go pitter patter. I love using facts to inspire independent learning in my kids. I was given a set of cards to build activities around and compensated for my time, but my thoughts are my own, and
- [No More Hair Tangles with the Eureka Brushroll Clean™ with SuctionSeal®](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/eureka-brushroll-clean-with-suctionseal/) - We were in Walmart the other day {true story}, and my 12yo stopped at a display showing the new Eureka Brushroll Clean™ with SuctionSeal® and told me that I needed that vacuum to help with all the hair we have in our house – which made me giggle a bit because I’d already agreed to
- [Tips to Help You Teach Kids to Do Laundry](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tips-to-help-you-teach-kids-to-do-laundry/) - I loathe chores that never end. You know what I’m talking about, right? Things like laundry and dishes…as soon as you get caught up, you turn around and there are more to do. When you add several children to the mix, it’s next to impossible to even get caught up in the first place. There
- [10 Ideas for Inside Summer Fun](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/ideas-for-summer-fun-inside/) - Summer days are so fun -- you have the opportunity to build memories outside with your kids {without water} or splash and play outside. While I prefer to spend the majority of my {and the kids’} summer outside, some Ohio days are just too hot and muggy to head out for long. And, we get thunderstorms sometimes
- [Six Tips to Motivate Kids to Read During the Summer](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/motivate-kids-to-read/) - I love books. Paper books, hardback books, e-books, and interactive books… it doesn’t matter. I love them all. And, I want my kids to love the written word, too. Igniting a love of reading might be the most important thing I can do for my children. It can be a challenge to motivate kids to
- [Preparing Kids for Summer Camp](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/preparing-for-summer-camp/) - As the school year ends, you may be thinking about how to keep your kids busy all summer. My kids love trying out summer camps. And, while there are opportunities for kids to attend both day and overnight camps in our area, our kids aren’t too interested in going away for weeks on end. I
- [Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love Intentionally](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/enjoy-your-kids-play-live-love-intentionally/) - Since I am blessed to be able to stay home with my kids, play with them, and learn alongside of them everyday, I work hard to be intentional about helping them get as much out of their childhood as possible. I want to enjoy my kids and help you enjoy your kids. After all… they’re
- [Quick and Easy Protein-Packed Lunch Wraps](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quick-and-easy-protein-packed-lunch-wraps/) - While I’m really great about making sure my kids eat well throughout the day, I often forget about myself. I get caught up in the busyness of the day and keep washing dishes while I put out their lunches, and then never sit down and give myself time to eat. I often subsist on coffee
- [Finding Energy to Balance it All](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/finding-energy/) - As a busy mom, finding energy to do it all is hard, and I often need a boost to get me through the day, which is why I joined in on the #V8EnergyBoost campaign, sponsored by #CollectiveBias Inc. and its advertiser. I wanted to share with you the delicious, natural energy drink, powered by green tea,
- [Curriculum Clean Out Giveaway](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/curriculum-clean-out-giveaway/) - Each year, as I close out the school year and start planning the upcoming year, I stare at all the curriculum and resources that have been gathering dust on my shelves. And every year, I tell myself that I need to link up when Jolanthe at Homeschool Creations hosts her giant ‘Curriculum Clean Out’ giveaway
- [Give Back to the Neighbors with a Coke Stand in the Yard](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/shareitforward-coke-stand/) - We’re all about raising kind kids around here, so I was delighted to participate in the #ShareItForward campaign from #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. The ideas, printables, and activities are all my own – and we had a blast planning and sharing this. And we’ll definitely do it again. Since we started spreading random acts of
- [Summer Bucket List for Frugal Family Fun](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/summer-bucket-list-2013-frugal-family-fun-2/) - It seems that summer is here in Northeast Ohio. Public schools are winding down, and soon Brian will be home to share in the fun for a few months. Like most kids, now that the weather is warm and neighborhood kids are out in droves, the Kessler crew moan and groan when I tell them
- [Creating New Recipes with Birds Eye® Steamfresh® Veggies](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/birds-eye-steamfresh-veggies/) - Have you seen the new Birds Eye® Steamfresh® veggies and Birds Eye® Steamfresh Protein blends? Yum! I can’t wait to try them all. My daughter and I had a chance to check some of them out on our trip to Meijer last week. The different veggie flavors sound so yummy, that I can’t wait to
- [DIY Upcycled SunnyD Bottle Bowling Game](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/diy-upcycled-bowling-game/) - My kids love crafting with recycled materials, so I was thrilled to have the chance to participate in the #WhereFunBegins campaign compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All projects, crafts, opinions, and cute little helpers are mine alone. If you’re anything like us, spring and summer are busy and you’re always on the go.
- [DIY Child Identification Tags](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/diy-child-identification-tags/) - We are on the go a lot – a homeschooling family that visits amusement parks, museums, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Exploring, and learning along the way, is a way of life for us. But it’s hard to be in crowded places with our four children. Two of them struggle when they become overwhelmed because of their sensory
- [Quality Time and 100 Easy Kid Date Ideas](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quality-time-with-kids/) - Trevor and I had the opportunity to attend a homeschool class by ourselves -- a rare treat. It was really nice to spend the day with just him, out in the sunshine. The Farmpark class we attended was themed, “Springtime on the Farm,” and we looked forward to seeing all of the baby animals, grinding some
- [10 Benefits of Raising Kids to be Lifelong Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/a-parents-guide-to-raising-lifelong-learners/) - One of the things I love best about homeschooling is that I have daily opportunities to encourage a lifelong love of learning in my kids. I want them to grow up to become lifelong learners. But what does that mean? Lifelong learning is defined as the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge. It’s not
- [Mom’s Weekend Away](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/moms-weekend-away/) - Being a mom is a fulltime job. Like FULL time – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are little people who depend on you, a home that needs kept, jobs {outside and/or inside the home} that need done, and so many more little things that pop up each and every day unexpectedly.
- [Fabulous Outdoor Play Spaces](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/outdoor-play-spaces/) - Getting kids outside and in the fresh air is so important throughout the year. It can be hard in the winter, but once spring hits, there are no more excuses. Get those kiddos {and yourself } outside with these fun and imaginative outdoor play spaces. Whatever you do, your kids {young and old} will have
- [Planning an Old-Fashioned Summer](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/planning-an-old-fashioned-summer/) - I’ve mentioned before that we’re working on simplifying things here in the Kessler household. This summer, we’re looking forward to pulling back from the rat race, and reestablishing some good old-fashioned traditions with easy fun and great summertime food. Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming to create.
- [Kid's View of Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gifted-kids-view-homeschooling/) - The idea... Give our kids the camera for the day, and see what they photograph as representative of homeschooling for them. Have you ever taken time to see what your kids think represent their homeschool life? I highly recommend it. It's a unique perspective, and can give you insight as to what is
- [Celebrating Mom](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/celebrating-mom/) - Mother’s Day is this weekend, and while I’m looking forward to the flowers and candy that I usually get, I’ve been sharing things about my own childhood with my kids as we pull together a gift for my mom. This post is sponsored by Sears. Today, we were talking about how busy we are
- [The Calm Before the Chaos: My Morning Coffee](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-calm-before-the-chaos-my-morning-coffee/) - Coffee is a big part of my life. Really big. Especially my morning coffee. If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, you’ve seen my late-afternoon posts about brewing another pot, needing my coffee, or the pleasure of a new mug. It’s just life to me. My #coffeejourneys began
- [How to Get Your Kids to Hate Homeschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/get-kids-hate-homeschooling/) - Let's face it, homeschooling isn't always easy. And sometimes, it's downright hard, impossible, frustrating, and defeating... for you and the kids. Over the last few years, I've made lots of mistakes and am here to share several fail-safe ways to not only make homeschooling miserable for you, but how to get your kids to hate
- [Searching for Micrometeorites](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/searching-for-micrometeorites/) - Are you looking for some fun space science to do with the kids now that the weather is warming up? Try collecting micrometeorites in your yard. Gather some simple materials: large pan or bowl glass beaker of distilled water strong magnet plastic bag stove top needle tongs microscope with slides Then, head over
- [Using ibitz from Best Buy to Stay Healthy and Fit This Summer](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/using-ibitz-from-best-buy-to-stay-healthy-and-fit-this-summer/) - The new ibitz™ by GeoPalz® wireless pedometer is a great way to encourage healthy lifestyle choices in your kids {and yourself}. We were given the opportunity to try out both an adult and kid ibitz. They make tracking steps and choices a breeze. Trevor especially loved his, which I was thrilled about because he tends
- [Staycation–Enjoying Northeast Ohio on a Budget](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/staycation-enjoying-northeast-ohio-on-a-budget-2/) - Funds are a bit tight right now for us. We’re working really hard toward becoming debt-free and eventually realizing our goal of purchasing a house on enough land where the kids can run {and run and run and run}. Plus, we just want more options – do you know the feeling? It
- [Staycation–Enjoy YOUR City on a Budget](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/staycation-enjoy-your-city-on-a-budget-2/) - Yesterday, I shared some of my favorite things to do in Northeast Ohio. If you don’t live in the area, and don’t have plans to visit, you may find a city close to you in the line-up below. Remember to enjoy your little ones this summer – have fun! A - D
- [Silly Celebrations - Frugal Family Fun in June](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/frugal-family-fun-in-june/) - Are you ready for summer? I can't wait to play outside in the yard, grow gardens with the kids, and enjoy some super fun water play. There are so many ways to enjoy frugal family fun in the summer like the silly celebrations you can pull together when you pay attention to crazy {but real}
- [Summer Fun at Sports Camp](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/summer-fun-at-sports-camp/) - We’ll be keeping our schooling going throughout the summer as we’re adopting more of a year-round approach to homeschooling to be able to take advantage of extended holiday breaks, birthday-holidays, and gorgeous fall days when we have the parks and playgrounds to ourselves. But, this summer we’ll be adding in a fun week-long sports camp
- [Easy Pepperoni Muffins](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/easy-pepperoni-muffins/) - My kids love being in the kitchen – and I love that if I teach them a few easy recipes, they’ll take over some of the meal prep for me. These easy pepperoni muffins make the perfect kid lunch, and are so simple that even my six year old can throw them together.
- [Bacon Cheeseburger Bites](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/bacon-cheeseburger-bites/) - Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and meatballs seem to be our fallback meals around here. Ground beef -- especially from the grass-fed side of beef we buy each year -- is always a kid-pleaser no matter what method is used to cook it. But, when the kids and I were given the opportunity to try and redefine
- [Creativity Means Dreaming Big](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/creativity-means-dreaming-big-2/) - You see things and you say, “Why?” But, I dream things that never were, and I say, “Why not?” George Bernard Shaw Do you dream? Do you encourage your children in their dreams? Dreaming is creativity in action, and critical to inspiring a lifelong love of learning in children. Too many are afraid of what
- [Easy Nutella Banana Ice Cream](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/two-ingredient-ice-cream/) - I love ice cream. Any kind of ice cream. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But with four kids {who already run towards crazy and chaotic}, introducing more sugar into our lives just isn't smart. So we try to make our own as often as we can so we control the ingredients
- [Understanding the Cognitively Gifted Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/understanding-cognitively-gifted-child/) - Cognitive ability is less about specific knowledge bases, and more about the neurological skills needed to do anything -- from the simplest to the most difficult task. It is how we learn, problem-solve, and pay attention. Each of the mental functions {cognitive abilities} we need to function relies on specific brain structures. So, if we're
- [Creating Your Own Interest-Based Middle School Curriculum](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/creating-your-own-interest-based-middle-school-curriculum/) - We’ve been homeschooling Trevor for four and a half years now, and we’ve tried a lot of different things. Now that we’re designing a middle school curriculum, we decided that he needed to take more responsibility for his own learning. This year, we’re combining the best of what has worked in the past, and giving
- [Getting Ready for Back to School with Hands-On Science Fun](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/back-to-school-science-basket-2/) - As we’re busy getting ready to dive into the 2014-2015 school year here at the Kessler house, we pulled together some fun resources to kick-start one lucky reader’s science plans. It’s no secret that we love science around here. Science encompasses so much of the world around us. There’s physical science like electricity,
- [Homeschool Curriculum Choices](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-curriculum-choices/) - There are so many different ways to homeschool – almost as many ways to school as there are homeschoolers. It can be overwhelming, especially to a new homeschooler {though, even veterans aren’t immune}. When something isn’t working the vast amount of homeschool curriculum choices available can be overwhelming. All throughout the year, bloggers
- [Magnet Play for Little Ones](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/hands-on-fun-magnets-2/) - With a preschooler and a toddler to keep occupied while homeschooling the big kids, my mind is in overdrive trying to find ways to keep them busy. A few years ago I pulled out my magnet set to give Logan {three at the time} a chance to enjoy some magnet play with real school materials.
- [Easy Snack Foods for Busy Moms of Toddlers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/why-we-love-happy-family-organic-superfoods-2/) - We try really hard to stay away from processed food, making most of our meals from scratch and baking snacks for both the counter and the freezer. But, at the start of the new homeschool year, as we try to make sense of new schedules, I often need a little help. Packaged snacks
- [Afternoon Refueling for a Tired Homeschool Mom](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/afternoon-refueling-for-a-tired-homeschool-mom/) - Afternoons are tough for a tired homeschool mom. I don’t know about you, but I reach a point around 2:00 or 3:00 where I am exhausted, and wonder if I can keep myself going any longer. My kids get this way, too, but it’s easy for me to give them a snack and
- [Capturing Memorable Back to School Photos](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/capturing-memorable-back-to-school-photos/) - Has your school year started? We’ve been easing back in because, while I had every intention of schooling throughout the summer, we just had too much fun to stop for math. We decided to extend the fun with a personality-filled back to school photo shoot to get us in the mood to start next week.
- [Shortcut Cooking: Quick Kids' Snacks](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/shortcut-cooking-quick-kids-snacks/) - Like so many of you, whether you homeschool or not, we’re crazy busy. It seems that since adding in a fourth kiddo a year ago, I can’t keep myself consistently organized. I need a repertoire of quick kid’s snacks for those days that my meal-planning doesn’t work out. You know those days, right?
- [Roller Coaster Science](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/roller-coaster-science/) - One of the greatest things about being homeschoolers is that we can find unique ways to bring learning into everything we do. The kids know that becoming a lifelong learner means that education is not confined to within the walls of our home or a classroom. Roller coaster science is just one amazing example of
- [Preschool Science: Apple Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/preschool-science-apple-experiment/) - It’s autumn! This is the perfect time of the year, and one of my favorite as a homeschooler. The weather is mild, and we have the parks, museums, and the apple orchards all to ourselves during the week. Time for a few preschool science apple experiments! Are you looking for a great activity
- [Preschool Science: Duck Feather Experiment](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/preschool-science-duck-feather-experiment/) - We love the farm, and have a membership to Lake Farmpark, a working farm that lets kids get up close and personal with farm animals of all shapes and sizes. Recently, though, my gifted preschooler has been fascinated by ducks. Ducks…and duck feathers. On our latest trip to the farm, we spent a lot of
- [Teaching Kids to Advocate for Others](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/advocate-for-others/) - Throughout the world, there are people who are poor, struggling, and need assistance. They need others to stand up for them, and help them get back on their feet. We can teach even our youngest to show love to others. In fact, it's easy to incorporate ideas for being kind into our families and homeschools.
- [Teaching Kids to Befriend Others](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teaching-kids-befriend-others/) - We tell our kids to love one another and be a friend to all. Love thy neighbor. Befriend the lonely. But few service programs allow young children to interact with the people whom they are helping. It's just easier to organize toy drives and donation programs for young people. It's also easier to count a
- [Teaching Kids to Heal Others](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teaching-kids-heal-others/) - Healing can be spiritual, emotional, or physical. Oftentimes, people talk of the healing nature of kids, and how their presence soothes the soul and keeps them feeling young. Children have an enthusiasm for life and remind people of the good in life. Acts of healing don't have to be fancy or expensive. Simply
- [Teaching Kids to Play with Others](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teaching-kids-to-play/) - Teaching kindness to kids through play is a great way to capitalize on what comes naturally to children, while bringing joy to others. And, while many adults won't think of play as kindness towards others, that's exactly what it is. Bringing joy to others is a form of service -- so play is a child's
- [Teaching Kids to Organize for Others](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/organize-service-projects/) - Children feel empowered when they are given the opportunity to help others. What a gift is it to show them that they can organize service projects themselves, counting on adults for assistance, but not direction. It really is a critical life skill to teach kids -- that they can make a difference and they do
- [Teaching Kids to Welcome Others](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teaching-kids-welcome-others/) - It's so easy, despite our ultra-connected society, to feel isolated and alone. We are plugged in, and so are our kids. And the art of welcome conversation is getting lost. Teaching children to be welcoming to others encourages them to be sensitive to others' needs and feelings. They are more likely to reach out to kids who
- [4 Simple Ways to Fit Science Into Your Day](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/4-simple-ways-to-fit-science-into-your-day-2/) - Let’s face it – science can be messy. It can take time. And, it can make the mundane subjects like math, memorization, and copywork seem agonizing in comparison…especially if you’re blowing things up. And, it's not always easy to fit it in. With all the things you have going on as a homeschool mom, how
- [Preschool Science: Studying Bats with Hide and Sonar-Seek](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/studying-bats/) - Bats are creepy...and really cool. Studying bats with the preschool set can help demystify this often misunderstood mammal. And it's such a neat topic that big brothers and sisters will want to jump in and work alongside of their little siblings. Let's face it, bats are strange. They're mammals. With wings. And they have these
- [Moms, We're in This Race Together...](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/moms-race-together/) - My friend Mary from Homegrown Learners wrote on her page about a comment made to her. That her blog readers may have the perception that all is perfect… and she assured us that her life {like all of ours} is not perfect. Her community {and if you're not a follower - you're missing out on
- [Embracing Rabbit Trails in Your Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/for-moms-rabbit-trails-2/) - I was talking to a new friend about rabbit trails while we waited for our children to finish up a homeschool class at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History recently. It was a lively discussion, and I was glad that I wasn't the only one that struggled to keep everyone on-topic. What are rabbit trails? Well,
- [Learning About Composting Worms](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/composting-worms/) - We’ve been interested in ecology and simple things we can do to make the world better for a long time. And with Logan's love of all things creepy-crawly, it was easy to pull together a worm study, while doing a good thing for our yard. I try to instill a value of God’s creation in my kids.
- [Educational Children's Videos from Highbrow](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/educational-childrens-videos/) - Streaming children’s videos is the not-so-well-kept secret that saves my homeschool {and sanity}. I know that there are some moms out there who will disagree with me on this point, but this homeschool mom needs access to great educational videos for children of varying ages, or she may not be able to make it all
- [Tips for Snacking on the Go](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tips-for-snacking-on-the-go/) - Do you ever have those moments of crankiness, where you’re irrational and crabby, and then come to realize that you haven’t eaten anything in awhile? I do, and so participation in the compensated #WhenImHungry campaign from #CBias and its advertiser was the perfect opportunity for me to share my tips for avoiding the “Mommy Monster,”
- [What To Do About Bedwetting](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/bedwetting/) - According to the National Institutes of Health, over 5 million children ages 5-12 struggle with bedwetting, mine included. When I was asked to try the new GoodNites® machine-washable underwear with disposable absorbent inserts, and share about them, I jumped at the chance because, while I’ve been compensated for my time, this is a real problem
- [Teaching Kids to Help Others](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/teaching-kids-help-others/) - This is a guest post by my friend Angela from Homeschool Innovation. Children are natural born helpers. From the time they are very small they are watching everything we do, and they want to be like us. Think of your baby in the high chair learning to eat on her own. Once she gets the hang of
- [Mom Hack: Keeping Tabs on Your Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mom-hack-keeping-tabs-kids/) - Let’s face it. There are lots of times you’d like to be a fly on the wall when your kids have friends over, or when they’re in another room playing with their brothers and sisters. I know that I want to hear what’s really going on downstairs in the playroom while I’m upstairs trying to
- [Paint Your Own Wrapping Paper](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/paint-wrapping-paper/) - During the holidays, I try get to my kids involved in as much of the preparation as possible. Holidays – an the preparation for them – are the memory builders of childhood. One way I include them is by encouraging them to make gifts, cards, and wrapping paper for our friends and family. Over the
- [Geeky Gifts for Geeky Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/geeky-gifts-for-geeky-kids/) - Do your kids have definite opinions on the merits of one Doctor over the other? Think that Harry Potter, Luke, and Percy Jackson should all join forces and save the world from all evil for all time? Have trouble deciding what they’d rather do – take a part the old computer tower in the attic,
- [Encouraging a Love of STEAM in Preschoolers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/steam-in-preschoolers/) - The following is a guest post by Amanda from The Educator’s Spin on It I am a stay-at-home Mom who believes that it is my job to be my child’s first teacher. Sure, I like to connect with my friends via Facebook, share a tweet, and pin my favorite activities, but when it comes down
- [The Power of Education](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-power-of-education/) - Education is very important to my husband and me, and this fact always prompts some interesting talking points and conversations when we meet up with family, friends, or former colleagues. I guess at first glance, it seems like we might have “turned our backs” on education, what with pulling our son out of school and
- [A Great Gift for Gamers - Gameband Minecraft](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/gameband-minecraft/) - My son turned twelve this past week. And, thanks to this opportunity, compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, I was able to score MAJOR cool mom points. All opinions are mine alone, though, and I only share what I believe you’ll all love too. The Gameband -- or portable Minecraft as we call
- [Christmas Giveaway](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/christmas-giveaway/) - I am thrilled to be teaming up with the wonderfully generous bloggers of the iHomeschool Network to bring you a HUGE giveaway to thank you for following us, engaging with us, and sharing your stories with us over the past year. Raising Lifelong Learners is a place for me to share our life,
- [The Holidays and Your Intense Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/intense-child-holidays/) - The holiday season is here, and with it comes a break in the schedule, extra activities and parties, and lots and lots of craziness. Couple that with the unreasonable expectations we place on our children {intense or not} during this time of the year, the holidays can spell disaster for the intense child. And exhaustion
- [The Family and the Intense Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/family-and-the-intense-child/) - You know you’re raising an intense child, but you’re at a loss as to how to ensure his success at family gatherings, co-ops, classes, and in any other situation where he’ll be over stimulated and off schedule. Right? And the holidays bring about special challenges. The first step towards success is to make sure that
- [100 Super-Fun STEM Resources for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/100-super-fun-stem-resources-for-kids/) - Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics {STEM} skills are vital to our kids’ futures, and the future of society. Besides… it’s fun to incorporate STEM into everyday activities for young children. I’ve pulled together 100 super-fun STEM resources to help you enjoy some fun {and sneak in the learning} with your kids. STEM is everywhere.
- [Give Extra to a Special VIP in Your Life This Holiday Season](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/give-extra/) - Since teaching our kids about appreciating others is so important to my husband and me {especially those who give extra to everyone around them}, I was thrilled to be chosen for a special compensated opportunity by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions, as always, are my own and we only share projects and
- [DIY Airplane Wings for Creative Play](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/diy-airplane-wings-creative-play/) - The holidays are upon us, and just like in years past, we’ve battled colds and the flu…again and again. Thank goodness for this opportunity from Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. My big kids were able to use the #PlanesToTheRescue #CollectiveBias campaign to bring some Disney Planes cheer to their siblings. The poor little ones
- [Hands-On History Through Creative Play](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mummies-in-the-basement-2/) - I've mentioned before that we tend to take a topic and run with it. My kids are highly intelligent and extremely creative. They enjoy diving deep into subjects we study. Mystery of History provides a great spine for our history lessons, though we may never finish Volume One at the rate we're going. One
- [Snow Dough Science](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/snow-dough-science/) - My kids love playing with all sorts of dough, and they adore all things arctic. We’ve revisited this theme a few times in our homeschool. This time, when my 5 year old pulled out the Arctic Toob and asked if I’d make a “snow bin” for her in our sensory table, I tried out a
- [Creative Snack Ideas for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/creative-snack-ideas-kids/) - If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for easy to grab, fun, and creative snack options for your kids, and so I was excited to be a part of this compensated opportunity from Collective Bias, Inc. and Quaker. All opinions are mine alone. Let’s face it, as homeschool moms we spend a lot of
- [Engineering for Preschoolers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/engineering-preschoolers/) - Engineering is all about finding out how things are built and why. It’s about finding ways to construct things better, and it’s about solving problems through the development of new technologies. And for preschoolers, engineering is about play. Through their play, engineering for preschoolers looks like building challenges, blocks, marble runs, and sandcastles. It
- [Build a Snowman Creativity Prompt](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/snowman-creativity-prompt/) - Encouraging your child to be creative doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. Simply set out some fun materials, give him or her a prompt or ask a question, and get out of his or her way. I love setting up creativity prompts for my kids – especially during the cold winter months when we’re
- [Conversation Heart Goop for Valentine's Day Science Fun](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/conversation-heart-goop-for-valentines-day-science-fun/) - Sometimes the best thing about science is that it doesn’t always work out like you thought it would. This happened to us when we ended up with a cool and slimy Conversation Heart Goop, instead of the slime we were going for. The process is half the fun, and I think that failure
- [Super-Fun Valentine's Day Science Activities](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/valentines-day-science-fun/) - The weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show love and kindness to others, tell someone you care, and… get messy and explore science concepts? Yep. It’s the perfect time to have a little Valentine’s Day science fun with your kids. Grab some simple supplies and you’ll have the
- [Sensory Play with Spice Painting](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sensory-play-spice-painting/) - It's always fun to mix art with sensory play, and my friend Anna from In the Playroom is sharing one way she and her kids have done just that. Enjoy… One way we’ve mixed art and sensory play recently was by creating our own varieties of scented paint by mixing a few different spices with
- [A Trip to Castaway Bay](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/a-trip-to-castaway-bay/) - One of the greatest things about homeschooling is that we can take advantage of the off-season and visit waterparks, museums, and other vacation spots when they’re not busy. Travel – whether locally or to new cities – is one of the best things we can do as parents to build relationships with our kids and
- [Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum for Twice-Exceptional Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/paradigm-accelerated-curriculum-grammar-skills/) - With a twelve year old son, I’m starting to feel the ominous shadow of high school looming. Like most homeschool moms, I worry that I haven’t done enough to prepare my child for the challenges and increased academic rigor he’s sure to face as he gets into his high school years. I especially worry about
- [8 Mess Free Creative Activities for Toddlers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mess-free-activities-for-toddlers/) - I'm thrilled to welcome Clare from Super Mommy Club here today to share some mess free creative activities for toddlers with you. I'm always looking for new ways to keep my own toddler busy during the day, and with toddler twins, Clare is the expert to help us out! Enjoy this fabulous round up of
- [EdExpo 2015: Top Ten Teacher-Chosen Products of the Year](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/edexpo2015-top-ten-teacher-chosen-products-of-the-year/) - Last week I was thrilled to participate in a unique opportunity. The Education Market Association invited me to join them and a team of fifty education bloggers in Atlanta for their 2015 EdExpo. Our job was to walk the exhibit hall, check out all of the fantastic educational games, toys, resources, and programs available, talk
- [Animal Science Subscription for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/animal-science-subscription-for-kids/) - There are so many great options when it comes to enriching and homeschooling our children these days. I especially love having activity kits and subscription boxes on hand for those days I need something extra or to pull out when the kids want to learn more about something. And, subscriptions for kids have come a
- [Music Appreciation at Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/studying-music-appreciation-in-the-elementary-years/) - Cultivating a love of music is important, but sometimes seems overwhelming to an already-stretched-thin homeschool mom. My children love music of all kinds, and enjoy working with it softly playing in the background, but I’ve struggled to find a great way to teach music appreciation to them without seeming like I’m piling on one more
- [Homeschooling Gifted Kids: A Day in the Life](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschooling-gifted-kids-in-an-interest-based-eclectic-way/) - Don’t you wish you could be a fly on the wall of homeschooling households around the world? To see what a day in the life looks like when homeschooling gifted kids – or any kids? I do. And, while no day will ever look the same as the last around here, I’m sharing an account
- [Studying Mealworms with Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/studying-mealworms-with-kids/) - Mealworms are easy and fun to raise. They’re low-maintenance, and the perfect introduction to lifecycles for young scientists. Studying mealworms gives kids a chance to observe, care for, and experiment with living creatures in a hands-on way. Head to your local pet store, and grab a tub of mealworms today – or get
- [Ultimate Adventure Stories for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/adventure-stories-for-kids/) - I’m always looking for innovative ways to hook my kids’ attention and show them that learning is fun – and everywhere. My newest favorite discovery is The Adventurous Mailbox, a unique adventure stories book subscription that sends geographical mysteries right to your kids in the mail. I was thankful to have the opportunity to receive

## Pages

- [Home](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/) - Homeschooling a differently wired child? Find out how YOUR CHILD learns best! We help differently-wired homeschoolers embrace a creative, self-directed, and emotionally strong approach to their education. Your kids are quirky, passionate, and intense — they need something different when it comes to education. The Lab offers creative thinking lessons, social and emotional coaching,
- [The Neurodivergent Homeschool Parent Circle](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/parent-circle/) - The Neurodivergent Homeschool Parent Circle a high-support coaching community for parents who want ongoing guidance, expert insight, and a place to work through real-life challenges as they happen The next season inside the Parent Circle begins in: Homeschooling a neurodivergent child isn’t about finding the perfect curriculum. ✔ One coaching session with Sarah Collins, MSOT,
- [The Lab - Online Community](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/lab/) - What if your homeschool included the skills kids need most — but rarely get taught? Things like: • how to manage big emotions• how to think creatively• how to solve problems• how to bounce back from mistakes• how to make and keep friends• how to understand themselves and others These skills shape confident, capable adults.
- [Top 10 Executive Functioning Hacks Ebook](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/efhacksbook/) - Top 10 Executive Functioning Hacks for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids Simple strategies to improve focus, organization, time management, and independence. Start turning overwhelm into progress—one simple strategy at a time. Download Your Free Guide Now! Join 46,000+ parents receiving practical strategies, encouragement, and support for raising gifted and neurodivergent kids. Does your child constantly forget
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- [Thank You For Confirming - Lab Waitlist](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/lab-waitlist-thank-you/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Colleen-Kessler.png” title_text=”Colleen Kessler” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_font=”Merriweather|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#2c354b” text_font_size=”30px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_font=”Merriweather||||||||” header_text_color=”#2c354b” header_font_size=”60px” global_colors_info=”{}”] Be Sure to Confirm Your Place on the Waitlist [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”] When we open the doors
- [Podcast](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/podcast/) - The Raising Lifelong Learners podcast helps parents -- especially homeschooling parents -- encourage their differently-wired kids to learn, explore passions, cultivate creativity, and become fascinated by the world around them. Join host Colleen Kessler -- educational consultant, gifted specialist, author, and speaker -- for interviews, audioblogs, tips, and encouragement to help your differently-wired kiddos become
- [Books](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/books/) - The Homeschool Advantage Build a lifelong love of learning...and transform your homeschool experience! learn how to tailor your teaching approach to your child's individual strengths and passions. help your child approach life with confidence and a love of learning. encourage independence and self-motivation through personalized education. gain insights on building a homeschool that both you
- [Welcome](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/welcome/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_image=”off” parallax=”on” max_height=”1000px” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ inline_fonts=”Merriweather” global_colors_info=”{}”] You were thrilled for your kiddos as school loomed in the distance. They love to learn, you thought. They’re always asking questions, and now they’ll have the chance to find out all the answers, you told yourself. They
- [https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/parent-circle](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/https-raisinglifelonglearners-com-parent-circle/)
- [Schedule a Coaching Session](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/schedule-a-coaching-session/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||-75px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ global_colors_info=”{}”] I look forward to meeting with you soon — you can scroll down to check availability and schedule your session(s) below. Do you have questions – Send me an email. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}”
- [Consulting Form](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/consulting-form/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”] Pre-Coaching Questionnaire In order to take advantage of our time, please fill out this form. The answers to these questions will help me understand your family’s needs better before we talk. If you are unsure about any of the questions,
- [The Homeschool Advantage | Resources](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-homeschool-advantage-resources/) - The Anti-Anxiety Toolkit Helping Our Children: The Lies Anxiety Tells Us When a Child's Anxiety Looks Like Anger Symptoms of Anxiety in Children Chapter 2 Nurturing a Strengths Based Approach to Learning Homeschooling an Artistic vs Academically Gifted Child What's the Difference Between a Strengths-Based and Interest-Led Learning? (podcast) Ideas for Nurturing Kid's Strengths (podcast)
- [Resource Page: Managing Intense Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/intensekids/) - I enjoy speaking to parents, teachers, and homeschoolers about gifted children, intense kids, and creative hands-on learning. This resource page was created to supplement my talk about managing intense children. Feel free to use the resources {with credit}. If I can ever help you with anything else, please feel free to contact me. Printables Calming Activities
- [About](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/about/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About & Video” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Support for Differently Wired Children” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”Merriweather|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#2c354b” title_font_size=”52px” title_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”32px” title_font_size_phone=”20px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text quote_border_color=”#e26037″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” link_text_color=”#e26037″ quote_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” quote_text_color=”#e26037″ quote_font_size=”24px” quote_line_height=”1.3em” header_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” header_font_size=”80px” header_line_height=”1.1em” header_2_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”52px”
- [HTK Waitlist](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/htk-waitlist/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/waitlist-CCHTK.jpg” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Merriweather||||||||” text_text_color=”#2c354b” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_font=”Merriweather||||||||” header_text_color=”#a3cfce” header_font_size=”35″ header_line_height=”1.1em” custom_padding=”15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Sorry! A Crash Course for Homeschooling THAT Kid is currently closed. We would love to have you join us when we open the doors
- [Quiz](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
- [Raising Resilient Sons](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/raising-resilient-sons/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Hero Section” module_id=”dotover” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.09)” background_image=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/background-1.jpg” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” transparent_background=”off” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/composite.png” title_text=”Raising Resilient Sons” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” custom_css_main_element=”box-shadow: 10px 10px 5px
- [Are you ready to book Colleen for an event?](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/speaking/) - Booking a speaker for an event is tough, and it’s important to get it right. I know how hard it can be. Throughout my teaching career I sat on local, state, and national committees and booked speakers, and planned events. And speakers – whether keynotes or breakouts – can make or break an event. So
- [Coaching](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/coaching/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”-75px||-50px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false”] Educational consultant, gifted specialist, author, and international speaker, Colleen Kessler, M.Ed., brings a wealth of knowledge to coach and mentor parents through the challenges of homeschooling their outside-the-box kiddos. With her personalized approach, she empowers
- [Home 3.0](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/home-3-0/) - Homeschooling a differently wired child? Find out how YOUR CHILD learns best! We help differently-wired homeschoolers embrace a creative, self-directed, and emotionally strong approach to their education. Your kids are quirky, passionate, and intense — they need something different when it comes to education. The Learner’s Lab offers creative thinking lessons, social and emotional coaching,
- [Contact Me](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/contact/) - Send a Message For Media & Speaking Inquiries support@raisinglifelonglearners.com Or Record a Message For Colleen Got a question for Colleen that you hope she answers on an episode of the podcast, a post, or a live video? Maybe you've got a story about how you encourage a love of learning in your kids. Or maybe
- [Disclosure Policy and Copyright Information](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/disclosure/) - COPYRIGHT POLICY You're more than welcome to use any of the ideas that you find on my site in your home or school. After all, that is why I do what I do, to inspire you to get creative with your kids, raise them to be curious lifelong learners, and to help you help
- [Privacy Policy](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/privacy-policy/) - This policy was updated on June 6, 2023 Your privacy is important to Raising Lifelong Learners. The policy below outlines how your personal information is collected and how it is used when you use our website. You agree to the terms of this policy when you use this website. This privacy policy may change from
- [CTC Challenge](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/ctc-challenge/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1Cracking-the-Code-to-a-More-Connected-Family-Review-Page.png” title_text=”1Cracking the Code to a More Connected Family Review Page” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false”] Don’t miss a thing from the challenge. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”] Every day we will post the video replay and downloadable “mission” printables so you can always get them here no
- [Meet the Family](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/meet-the-family/) - The Kesslers We live in suburban Northeast Ohio where we explore, learn, and love together. The five of us are active, love God, and enjoy discovering new things as a family. Learning is our way of life. We are: Colleen: Jesus lover, wife, homeschool momma, friend, learner, former elementary school teacher and gifted intervention specialist,
- [Podcast Search](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/podcast-search/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.4.9″ background_image=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/podcasting-scaled.jpg” custom_padding=”120px||40vw|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.9″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.9″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.4.9″][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
- [Online Convention Specials](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/ghc/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_image=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/convention-crown-scaled.jpg”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ text_font=”Acme|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#313131″ header_font=”Merriweather|900|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#313131″ header_font_size=”42px” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”61px||71px||false|false” filter_hue_rotate=”62deg” filter_brightness=”87%” filter_contrast=”200%” filter_opacity=”43%” mix_blend_mode=”multiply”] Online Convention Specials [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ header_2_font=”Merriweather|900|||||||” header_2_font_size=”34px” custom_padding=”24px||21px||false|false”] Use the code CONVENTION25 to get 25% off any of the following digital items or an inital coaching
- [Anxiety Toolkit Resources](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/toolkitresources/) - Thank you for purchasing The Anxiety Toolkit: 96 Ways to Help Your Child Calm Their Worries! (If you landed here, but haven't grabbed your own Anxiety Toolkit card deck, go order a copy now -- I'll wait!) The strategies in this card deck have been tested over several years. Sometimes they work with one kiddo
- [A Crash Course for Homeschooling THAT Kid](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/thatkid/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/new-header-cchtk.jpg” _builder_version=”3.19.11″][/et_pb_fullwidth_image][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_margin=”||-43px” custom_padding=”||0px”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” column_structure=”3_5,2_5″][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.11″ text_font=”Merriweather||||||||” text_text_color=”#5ab7a5″ text_font_size=”26px” text_line_height=”1.4em” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#b09578″ border_style_all=”dotted”] Ready to feel confident in this big job of homeschooling your unique kiddo, and to jump in and cultivate a deep
- [Giftedness Disguised: Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/giftednessdisguised/) - If you've purchased the talk download card Giftedness Disguised: Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed from an event -- thank you! You can easily grab your talk, slides, and handouts right here by entering your access code from the back of the download card into the widget below. Make sure you save everything to your computer because each
- [Finding Peace in a Life Filled with Intensity: Managing Overexcitabilities in Smart and Creative Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/findingpeace/) - If you've purchased the talk download card Finding Peace in a Life Filled with Intensity: Managing Overexcitabilities in Smart and Creative Kids from an event -- thank you! You can easily grab your talk, slides, and handouts right here by entering your access code from the back of the download card into the widget below.
- [If He's REALLY So Smart: Why Gifted Kids Struggle and What to Do About it](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/twiceexceptional/) - If you've purchased the talk download card If He's REALLY So Smart: Why Gifted Kids Struggle and What to Do About it (Executive Function Struggles and Twice-Exceptionalities) from an event -- thank you! You can easily grab your talk, slides, and handouts right here by entering your access code from the back of the download
- [When Your Child is Many Ages at Once](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/manyages/) - If you've purchased the talk download card When Your Child Seems Many Ages At Once: Teaching and Living With Asynchronous Kiddos from an event -- thank you! You can easily grab your talk, slides, and handouts right here by entering your access code from the back of the download card into the widget below.
- [When Worry Overwhelms: Helping Your Smart and Anxious Child](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/worry/) - If you've purchased the talk download card When Worry Overwhelms: Helping Your Smart and Anxious Child from an event -- thank you! You can easily grab your talk, slides, and handouts right here by entering your access code from the back of the download card into the widget below. Make sure you save
- [Smart Underachievers: Reigniting a Love of Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/smartunderachievers/) - If you've purchased the talk download card Smart Underachievers: Reigniting a Love of Learning from an event -- thank you! You can easily grab your talk, slides, and handouts right here by entering your access code from the back of the download card into the widget below. Make sure you save everything to
- [(dup) GIftedness 101 Workshop Bundle](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/giftedness101-2/) - If you've purchased the Giftedness 101 Workshop Bundle -- thank you! You can grab all of your new content right here by entering your access code from the back of the download card into the widget below. Make sure you save everything to your computer because each item can only be downloaded once. The
- [Thank you for subscribing!](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/thank-you-newsletter/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.7″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.22.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″] I can’t wait to get to know you! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.22.7″ z_index_tablet=”500″ link_option_url=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/giftedness-intensity/” link_option_url_new_window=”on”] A few times each week, I’ll send you all the best resources, articles, and parenting tips from around the web, along with special offers (here and there as they crop up) and
- [Video Creation Services](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/video-creation-by-trevor/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″ background_image=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/videos.jpg”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.22.7″ width=”80%” max_width=”1080px”] Video Editing and Creation Services by Trevor Kessler [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.4″ width=”80%” max_width=”1080px”] Are you looking for ways to increase your social media presence? Videos are the way to go — and I can help. Whatever you need,
- [Parent Coaching Agreement](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/coaching-agreement/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/parent-agreement.png” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ prev_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″] I am looking forward to working with you, and am committed to helping you achieve your vision for you, your family, and your homeschool. Coaching Services As your coach, you can expect me to: encourage you to care for yourself so
- [Virtual Book Club](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/virtual-book-club/) - Hey friends! If you're here, you're joining us for the virtual book club. It's going be so much fun... I absolutely cannot wait to dive in. So what do you need to do? Well, first off, you need a copy of the book we'll be chatting about, and then you'll need to head on
- [Mindfulness Audio](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/mindfulness-audio/)
- [Resources for Lifelong Learners](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/amazon-shop/)
- [Find Your Child's Strengths](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/find-strengths/)
- [Differently-Wired Kiddos Workshop Bundle](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/differentlywiredkids/) - If you've purchased the Differently-Wired Kiddos Workshop Bundle -- thank you! You can grab all of your new content right here by entering your access code from the back of the download card into the widget below. Make sure you save everything to your computer because each item can only be downloaded once. The
- [GIftedness 101 Workshop Bundle](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/giftedness101/) - If you've purchased the Giftedness 101 Workshop Bundle -- thank you! You can grab all of your new content right here by entering your access code from the back of the download card into the widget below. Make sure you save everything to your computer because each item can only be downloaded once. The
- [Living With Intensity Workshop Bundle](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/livingwithintensity/) - If you've purchased the Living With Intensity Workshop Bundle -- thank you! You can grab all of your new content right here by entering your access code from the back of the download card into the widget below. Make sure you save everything to your computer because each item can only be downloaded once.
- [Creativity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/creativity-2/) - Turning new and imaginative ideas into reality – creativity is the work of childhood. We can ignite our kids’ creativity through play, art, books, problem solving, and by encouraging them to find new possibilities. From fun, hands-on kids’ activities to sensory play, you’ll find lots of great ideas to get your kids to stretch their
- [Kindness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/kindness-2/) - A few years ago, the kids and I challenged ourselves to do simple and small random acts of kindness at least once a day for every day of the Advent season. The idea was that we would start to notice those around us more, and actively look for ways to make people smile. It was
- [Giftedness & Intensity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/giftedness-intensity/) - Giftedness is asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity. The uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching and counseling in order for them to develop optimally.
- [Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool/) - If you’d asked me 15 years ago if I would ever homeschool my children, I probably would have laughed. How times change… Now, I am a huge advocate for homeschooling. I think it’s best-practice education, really, especially when you start talking about kids with special needs, gifted and talented children, and those with intensity and
- [Resources for Smart Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/resources-smart-kids/) - Check out some of these great resources to learn more about some amazing topics. Electricity and Magnetism Books: •The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip by Joanna Cole •Safe and Simple Electrical Experiments by Rudolf F. Graf •Young Discoverers: Batteries, Bulbs, and Wires by David Glover •DK Eyewitness
- [Raising Creative Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/raising-creative-kids/) - Add New Row Add Element Add New Row Edit ElementClone ElementAdvanced Element OptionsMoveRemove Element [images style="3" image="http%3A%2F%2Fraisinglifelonglearners.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F04%2Fflying-boy.jpg" width="500" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]Edit ElementClone ElementAdvanced Element OptionsMoveRemove Element [images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fraisinglifelonglearners.flywheelsites.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F04%2Fcover1.jpg" width="508" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"] Add Element Edit ElementClone ElementAdvanced Element OptionsMoveRemove Element [text_block style="style_1.png" align="left" font_size="30"] “MY CONTENTION IS THAT CREATIVITY NOW IS AS IMPORTANT IN
- [Nature Science Resources](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/naturescienceresources/) - Hey! You found the nature science resource page that goes along with 100 Backyard Activities That Are the Dirtiest, Coolest, Creepy-Crawliest Ever! Are you excited to dive into the nature in your backyard and explore with me? I can't wait to find out what you learn! Remember, with your parents' permission, you can email me
- [Essential Oils and EOKids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/essential-oils-eokids/) - My Essential Oils Story I’ve used essential oils since college. In 1993 I was on the speech and debate team {now my geekiness is finally out there for all to read about}, and for my informational speech, I researched aromatherapy. I was amazed at the information out there and the success hospitals and other medical
- [Backyard Nature Activities for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/backyard-nature-activities-for-kids/) - Our family loves getting outside as much as we can – no matter the weather. Instilling a love of nature – and the science of our natural world – is perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. As Rachel Carson says in A Sense of Wonder: Play, incorporating animistic and magical
- [Electricity and Magnetism](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/electricity-and-magnetism/)
- [Super Smart Science](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/super-smart-science/)
- [Real Life Science Mysteries](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/real-life-science-mysteries/)
- [Picturing Math](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/picturing-math/)
- [Hands On Ecology](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/hands-on-ecology/)
- [Free Resources for Elementary Teachers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/free-resources-for-elementary-teachers/)
- [Math Problem Solvers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/math-problem-solvers/)
- [Raising Kind Kids: Acts of Kindness for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/acts-of-kindness-for-kids/) - Raising a strong, faith-filled family in today's society can be quite a challenge. I want my kids to be kind, loving, and helpful. During Advent over the past few years, we've taken the time to perform random acts of kindness while we're out and about. We've kept candy canes with cards in the car, and passed
- [Inspiring Creativity in Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/inspiring-creativity-in-kids/) - Creativity is the best and most natural form of self-expression in kids. For children, the process of creating and imagining is way more important than the product or end result. Being creative, and allowing creativity – even setting up prompts and opportunities for creative expression – nurtures a person’s whole self. Children who are
- [Sensory Play for Kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/sensory-play-for-kids/) - Children learn best when they have the opportunity to engage their different senses. Think about it – what are some of your favorite childhood memories? The smell of autumn leaves? The sticky gooiness of a campfire s’more? The Play Doh food you used to make in your imaginary restaurant? Whatever your favorite memory, chances
- [Lifelong Learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/lifelong-learning/) - One of the greatest blessings of this homeschooling journey has been finding ways to encourage a love of learning in my children. The best way I've found to foster that love is to tailor our "curriculum" to my kids' individual learning styles and interests. This can be a challenge -- but finding new topics and

## Landing Pages

- [home-sensory-diet-planner](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/home-sensory-diet-planner/)
- [homeschool-advantage-resources](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/homeschool-advantage-resources/) - Welcome, Readers! Here, you’ll find resources for The Homeschool Advantage, including my favorite books, blog posts, podcasts, and websites curated just for you.
- [the-homeschool-advantage](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/the-homeschool-advantage/) - Focus on your child's strengths and passions to support lifelong learning This book provides parents with practical tools to teach and engage their children at home. By focusing on their children's strengths and passions, rather than on their limitations, parents can foster a love of learning that will last a lifetime. All children have passions, talents, and interests that can be promoted and developed, supporting their achievement and wellbeing. In this book, readers will gain a deeper understanding of how to shift their mindset from focusing on deficits to tapping into a child's strengths. Whether their child has a passion for reading, sports, theater, or anything else, this book will help parents focus on the passions of their homeschooled child. This versatile book will encourage both new and experienced homeschooling parents, caregivers, and educators. It describes strengths-based and child-focused educational practices and offers clear instructions for using them inside any home, with any age learner. The book features anecdotes from homeschooling parents and children from around the world, and it will help parents spark a love of learning that will last a lifetime! Discover how a strengths-based approach to homeschooling can help your kids thrive Learn how to foster your children's social, cognitive, and creative development at home Get practical tools for enriching childhood and creating a homeschool you'll love Build a deeper connection with your children by fostering a shared love of learning This conversational and informative book is essential reading for homeschool parents. It inspires parents to empower their children to approach life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and confidence.
- [heroesjourney](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/heroesjourney/)
- [thank-you-opt-out-learners-lab-emails](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/thank-you-opt-out-learners-lab-emails/)
- [embraced](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/embraced/)
- [/crash-course-homeschooling-that-kid-waitlist](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/crash-course-homeschooling-that-kid-waitlist/)
- [/thank-you](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/thank-you/)

## Layouts

- [Learner](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/learner/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/The-Learners-Lab-Header.jpeg” alt=”The Learner’s Lab” title_text=”The Learners Lab Header” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ custom_padding=”|||0px||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_fullwidth_image][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ custom_padding=”||45px||false|false” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.10.5″ header_font_size=”56px” inline_fonts=”Rokkitt” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] The Learner’s Lab is Now Open [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”50px||50px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″
- [Latest Homepage](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/latest-homepage/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_code _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” positioning=”absolute” width=”100%” custom_css_main_element=”position:absolute !important;||width:100%;||transform: scaleX(-1);”][/et_pb_fullwidth_code][et_pb_fullwidth_slider _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” body_letter_spacing=”2px” body_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”#ffffff” text_orientation=”left”][et_pb_slide heading=”Welcome to Raising Lifelong Learners” button_text=”Read More” use_bg_overlay=”on” bg_overlay_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.34)” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#b70b18″ header_font_size=”54px” header_letter_spacing=”2px” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_text_color=”#324567″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.48)” background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/RLL-62-feature.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” background_blend=”overlay” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#324567″ button_bg_color=”rgba(90,183,165,0.17)” button_border_width=”1px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”Muli|300|||||||” header_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ header_text_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)”]Here you’ll find resources
- [New Crash Course LP](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/new-crash-course-lp/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.19.11″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/new-header-cchtk.jpg” _builder_version=”3.19.11″ /][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#5ab7a5″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.11″ text_font=”Merriweather||||||||” text_text_color=”#5ab7a5″ text_font_size=”26px” text_line_height=”1.4em” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#b09578″ border_style_all=”dotted”] Ready to feel confident in this big job of homeschooling your unique kiddo, and to jump in and cultivate a deep and lifelong love of learning in your whole family?
- [New CC](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/new-cc/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.19.11″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/new-header-cchtk.jpg” _builder_version=”3.19.11″] [/et_pb_fullwidth_image][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#5ab7a5″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.11″ text_font=”Merriweather||||||||” text_text_color=”#5ab7a5″ text_font_size=”26px” text_line_height=”1.4em” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#b09578″ border_style_all=”dotted”] Ready to feel confident in this big job of homeschooling your unique kiddo, and to jump in and cultivate a deep and lifelong love of learning in your whole family?
- [Sales Page](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/sales-page/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.5″] Colleen Kessler, M.Ed., author, and national speaker provides online homeschool and parent coaching to help you feel confident as you parent your differently-wired kiddo and bring peace back to your family. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.5″ prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Depositphotos_8178271_xl-2015.jpg” _builder_version=”3.17.5″ /][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.17.5″ prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.17.5″][et_pb_column
- [Divi Builder Demo](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/divi-builder-demo/) - [et_pb_section fullwidth=”on” background_color=”#1f0030″][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Divi Builder” background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”center” scroll_down_icon_color=”#ffffff” scroll_down_icon_size=”36px” content_font_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.85)” max_width=”700px” button_one_text=”Join Now” button_one_url=”Join today” background_overlay_color=”rgba(40,40,48,0.8)” title_font=”Old Standard TT|on||on|” title_font_size=”62px” title_font_size_phone=”48px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” content_font=”Raleway||||” content_font_size=”20px” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_size=”16px” button_one_text_color=”#ffffff” button_one_bg_color=”#e85929″ button_one_border_width=”0px” button_one_border_radius=”2px” button_one_letter_spacing=”3px” button_one_font=”Raleway|on||on|” button_one_use_icon=”off” button_one_bg_color_hover=”rgba(232,89,41,0.85)” button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”2px” custom_css_main_element=”padding: 6% 0 12% 0;” custom_css_header_container=”width: 100%;” custom_css_button_1=”margin-top: 40px;” background_image=”https://cdn.elegantthemes.com/images/tour/hummus2.jpg” header_fullscreen=”off” header_scroll_down=”off” image_orientation=”center” content_orientation=”center” button_one_icon_placement=”right” custom_button_two=”off” button_two_letter_spacing=”0″ button_two_icon_placement=”right” button_two_letter_spacing_hover=”0″]Divi 3.0
- [Elegant Authors Contact Section](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/elegant-authors-contact-section/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_image=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/zzztralala.jpg” custom_padding=”104px|0px|0px|0px” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”border-bottom: 1px solid #D7DCE1;” template_type=”section”][et_pb_row column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Row” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”94%” width_tablet=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”94%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”2px||100px|” custom_padding_tablet=”12px|||” custom_padding_phone=”0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ make_fullwidth=”on” custom_width_px=”800px”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”Bree Serif||||”
- [Elegant Authors Extra Info Section](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/elegant-authors-extra-info-section/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” module_id=”dotover” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|0px|0px|0px” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”||” padding_mobile=”on” template_type=”section”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ padding_mobile=”on” make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Row” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” hover_enabled=”0″ make_fullwidth=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.05)” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”|||10%” custom_padding_tablet=”|4%||4%” custom_padding_phone=”|3%||3%” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ padding_phone=”|3%||3%” padding_tablet=”|4%||4%” padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”Bree Serif||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”35″ text_line_height=”1em” background_color=”#000000″
- [Elegant Authors Gallery Section](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/elegant-authors-gallery-section/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ hover_enabled=”0″ padding_mobile=”off” template_type=”section”][et_pb_row padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” admin_label=”Row” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”94%” width_tablet=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”94%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”|||100px” hover_enabled=”0″ make_fullwidth=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”Bree Serif||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”35″ text_line_height=”1em” background_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left”
- [Elegant Authors About Section](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/elegant-authors-about-section/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Section” module_id=”next” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.03)” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”||” padding_mobile=”off” template_type=”section”][et_pb_row padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” admin_label=”Row” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”94%” width_tablet=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”94%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ make_fullwidth=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”Bree Serif||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”35″ text_line_height=”1em” background_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center”
- [Elegant Authors Testimonial Section](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/elegant-authors-testimonial-section/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Testimonials” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”6px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ hover_enabled=”0″ padding_mobile=”off” template_type=”section”][et_pb_row padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” admin_label=”Row” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”94%” width_tablet=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”94%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ make_fullwidth=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Laura” portrait_url=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/authorrr.jpg” quote_icon_color=”#43a0c1″ portrait_width=”100″ portrait_height=”100″ admin_label=”Testimonial” module_class=”card” _builder_version=”3.2″ body_font=”Open Sans||on||” body_text_color=”#666666″ body_font_size=”17″ use_background_color=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”20px|15px|20px|15px” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”box-shadow: 10px 10px
- [Elegant Authors Hero Section](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/elegant-authors-hero-section/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Hero Section” module_id=”dotover” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.09)” background_image=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/header-image.jpg” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ hover_enabled=”0″ padding_mobile=”off” template_type=”section”][et_pb_row padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ZZZZZZbook.jpg” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.23″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”box-shadow: 10px 10px 5px 0px rgba(211, 211, 211, 0.5);||”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”
- [Elegant Authors](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/et_pb_layout/elegant-authors-modified/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Hero Section” module_id=”dotover” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.09)” background_image=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/header-image.jpg” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ hover_enabled=”0″ transparent_background=”off” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on”][et_pb_row gutter_width=”3″ padding_mobile=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on” admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.25″ parallax_method=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”|||” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ZZZZZZbook.jpg” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.23″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”box-shadow: 10px 10px 5px 0px rgba(211,

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Family](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/category/family/)
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- [Homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/category/homeschool/)
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- [Kindness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/category/kindness/)
- [Podcast](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/category/podcast/)
- [RLL Live](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/category/rll-live/)
- [Anxiety](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/category/anxiety/)
- [self-directed learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/category/self-directed-learning/)

## Tags

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- [Minecraft](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/minecraft/)
- [valentine's day](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/valentines-day/)
- [recipe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/recipe/)
- [holiday](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/holiday/)
- [desserts](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/desserts/)
- [nature](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/nature/)
- [stem](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/stem/)
- [Math](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/math/)
- [St. Patrick's Day](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/st-patricks-day/)
- [outdoor](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/outdoor/)
- [spring](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/spring/)
- [light refraction](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/light-refraction/)
- [sound](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/sound/)
- [steam](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/steam/)
- [theater](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/theater/)
- [crystals](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/crystals/)
- [activities for kids](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/activities-for-kids/)
- [preschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/preschool/)
- [chemistry](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/chemistry/)
- [printable](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/printable/)
- [history](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/history/)
- [Games](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/games/)
- [Gameschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/gameschooling/)
- [Star Wars](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/star-wars/)
- [summer](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/summer/)
- [engineering](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/engineering/)
- [molecules](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/molecules/)
- [twice exceptional](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/twice-exceptional/)
- [2e](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/2e/)
- [sensory](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/sensory/)
- [play dough](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/play-dough/)
- [christmas](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/christmas/)
- [slime](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/slime/)
- [fall](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/fall/)
- [spd](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/spd/)
- [teen](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/teen/)
- [teens](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/teens/)
- [alexaschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/alexaschooling/)
- [unschooling](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/unschooling/)
- [child-led learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/child-led-learning/)
- [strewing](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/strewing/)
- [podcast](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/podcast/)
- [anxiety](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/anxiety/)
- [cleveland](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/cleveland/)
- [toddlers](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/toddlers/)
- [RLL LIVE](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/rll-live/)
- [anxious](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/anxious/)
- [anger](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/anger/)
- [executive functions](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/executive-functions/)
- [sensory processing disorder](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/sensory-processing-disorder/)
- [mislabeled](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/mislabeled/)
- [undiagnosed giftedness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/undiagnosed-giftedness/)
- [behavior](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/behavior/)
- [misunderstood behavior](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/misunderstood-behavior/)
- [convention](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/convention/)
- [homeschool convention](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/homeschool-convention/)
- [autism](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/autism/)
- [autistic children](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/autistic-children/)
- [homeschool](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/homeschool/)
- [emotional overexcitability](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/emotional-overexcitability/)
- [oe](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/oe/)
- [overexcitabilities](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/overexcitabilities/)
- [book club](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/book-club/)
- [strew](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/strew/)
- [mental health](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/mental-health/)
- [testing](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/testing/)
- [perfectionism](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/perfectionism/)
- [introvert](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/introvert/)
- [strengths based learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/strengths-based-learning/)
- [interest based learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/interest-based-learning/)
- [strength based learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/strength-based-learning/)
- [Discipline](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/discipline/)
- [self-directed learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/self-directed-learning/)
- [democratic schools](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/democratic-schools/)
- [play](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/play/)
- [profoundly gifted](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/profoundly-gifted/)
- [radical acceleration](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/radical-acceleration/)
- [Resiliency](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/resiliency/)
- [executive function](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/executive-function/)
- [mindfulness](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/mindfulness/)
- [emotional intelligence](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/emotional-intelligence/)
- [mobile app](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/mobile-app/)
- [asynchrony](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/asynchrony/)
- [asynchronous development](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/asynchronous-development/)
- [college](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/college/)
- [credit by exam](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/credit-by-exam/)
- [creativity](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/creativity/)
- [family](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/family/)
- [socialization](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/socialization/)
- [social emotional needs](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/social-emotional-needs/)
- [social and emotional skills](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/social-and-emotional-skills/)
- [ADHD](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/adhd/)
- [music](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/music/)
- [project based learning](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/project-based-learning/)
- [pbl](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/pbl/)
- [free printable](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/tag/free-printable/)

## Type

- [layout](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/layout_type/layout/)
- [section](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/layout_type/section/)

## Module Width

- [regular](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/module_width/regular/)

## Scope

- [not_global](https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/scope/not_global/)