make joy normal: cozy homeschooling
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© 2026 make joy normal: cozy homeschooling
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In the context of promoting joy, fun and an environment of love, Bonnie welcomes you! Bonnie is a homeschool mom of seven kids, 32 years in - writer, speaker and cheerleader. Meet her cohosts who bring your questions and theirs to the table: Elizabeth, mom of six, in the thick of glorious family life, and Christina, just starting the homeschool journey with three littles. Join us for some honest discussion about how to make home education cozy. Just like you imagined.
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send us a text via Fan Mail! In this first episode we focus on nurturing and loving relationships with our children. With very practical wisdom, Dr. Deborah helps us to care, connect and lead our children with grace. 1:12 - Dr. Deborah's work 3:53 - I need to know what to do with this child! 5:04 - Email from a mom : concerns about 4.5 year old 12:02 - When parenting feels like a nightmare // always tip toeing 14:50 - How can parents take the lead better? 18:14 - What do I...
send us a text via Fan Mail! In this part two I discuss more practical aspects of record keeping, transcript writing and building healthy communication with our teens. 1:02 - What is a transcript? 4:15 - Systems for assigning credits 7:16 - Required and elective courses 9:30 - Importance of record keeping 13:23 - Our role as a parent 18:23 - Support and communication Planning pages for high school homeschooling high school: a typical course of study, what does that...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Building a secure and trusting relationship with our teenagers is at the heart of this episode. I discuss practical information, credits most post-secondary institutions are looking for and supporting our teenagers in their decision making along the way. 1:45 - Laying the foundation 3:26 - It's okay if it's a confusing time 5:19 - Allowing our teens to make decisions 7:52 - Relationship is vital 12:50 - A typical course of study 18:54 - Unschooli...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Elizabeth and I take a listener's questions on motherhood in a difficult season and strategies for keeping joy in the picture. 1:57 - A listener's question 4:49 - Practical ideas for clingy little ones 9:27 - Collecting and unifying activities 18:36 - Feeling low and caring for children during pregnancy 23:57 - Bringing in extra care, nanny or mother's helper 26:58 - Our little ones are getting older 30:34 - Praying for the graces of our Marriage adding...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Nick Robinson joins me to talk about being a homeschooling dad. We also discuss the importance of finding your "why" for homeschooling, how seeking your teens input on their education can be super beneficial and wisdom on motivating ourselves and our children. 00:40 - Involvement as a father in homeschooling 11:36 - Expectations and taking time for assessment 15:21 - Freedom in homeschooling 16:26 - We're not trying to recreate public sch...
send us a text via Fan Mail! A listener asks a great question: how much is too much? And of course, that's for each family to decide themselves according to where you are at in life, but also your collective capacity. So let's dive into that big question! Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.ca Shop my recommended resources Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!
send us a text via Fan Mail! Today I welcome Lisa Marie Fletcher founder of The Canadian Homeschooler to discuss the upcoming Canadian Online Homeschool Conference (Feb. 2-6th 2026). We discuss what inspired the conference, what Lisa Marie is looking forward to the most and a look at this year's lineup including yours truly (Note: the Conference is open to everyone, even if you're not in Canada!) 1:09 - About Lisa Marie and The Canadian Homeschooler 3:31 - Structure and daily themes of th...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Jenna joins me once again on the podcast to discuss burnout, phone addiction and the difficult decision to leave social media We naturally dive into the need for community and strategize on how to find and build community around us. Eat, Live, Run | Jenna Beaugh | Substack eatliverun.com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Only Heroic Catholic Families Will Survive by Robert J. Fox Blessed Is She - Community Homeschool Connectio...
send us a text via Fan Mail! A chat with Zoe, that we co-published on both her *new podcast* and here on make joy normal...how do we do that? Welcome, learn from my errors :). Zoe's Website + Podcast Instagram: @realliferealkitchen As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Pantry Reset Mini Course with Zoe building resilience, cultivating joy (blog post) Among the Lilies Podcast with Cameron Fradd career woman to stay at home mom: an interview with...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Audiobooks are a great resource for homeschoolers as a supplement in education and entertaining our children. I share a family favourite as well as a list of some of my own personal favourites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Tales from the Old Testament: Great Men and Women from Noah Through Solomon as told by Jim Weiss (Audible) Limited time offer: Try Audible for $0.99/mo for the first 3 months + $20 Audible credit Give ...
send us a text via Fan Mail! And while we're on the topic of covenant...what are some routines in marriage that prevent our relationships from becoming "contractual?" Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.ca Shop my recommended resources Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!
send us a text via Fan Mail! How should we approach and discipline a young child who is hitting, biting or showing physical forms of aggression towards siblings or peers? Christina joins me to discuss and share practical solutions. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Revolution of Mercy: how kindness changes everything by Bonnie Landry authority (blog post) Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by to...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Cathy Jo Lang is a certified life coach and host of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast. We discuss our journey in embracing the Catholic faith, navigating tragedy, and finding support in creating and attaining our goals. Cathy Jo Lang LLC - Coaching, Training and Speaking + On Instagram @cathyjolangllc The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast indelible marks (blog post) Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.c...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Elizabeth and I discuss boys and their tendency to play war-like games. Is it a cause for concern? Is it appropriate for boys being raised with Christian values? 3:25 - Question from a listener 6:41 - Elizabeth shares how she manages this issue in her home 9:47 - Bonnie shares her comfort level with battles and weaponry in games 13:12 - Could playing these games help our boys to develop virtue? 15:04 - Finding them an outlet 2...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 00:42 - Welcome Heather 3:37 - The Baby Sleep Connection Podcast 5:39 - What to do when spouse disagrees with bed sharing 11:33 - Reducing the risk of sharing sleep space 12:24 - Supporting the emotional and developmental needs of our toddlers 19:11 - Counterwill and separation trauma 26:00 - Connection, feeling safe and unconditionally loved 28:52 - Attachment and walking alongside our kids 38:27 - Safety tips for bedsharing wh...
send us a text via Fan Mail! There are some unique challenges that come with having a voracious reader on our hands - providing quality literature, vetting age appropriate content, giving them a challenge as necessary. I share some ideas in navigating these concerns.. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Before Austen Comes Aesop: The Children's Great Books and How to Experience Them - an interview with author Cheri Blomquist (podcast) Before Austen Comes Aesop: ...
send us a text via Fan Mail! This episode was recorded before I broke my wrist. That’s why I sound so normal. Sofia joins me once again to discuss her newest venture into small business ownership. We discuss what makes a good shoe - comfort, flexibility, stability and all without sacrificing beauty for our little ones. OLIVE BRANCH CO - Artisan Leather Baby and Toddler Shoes ~Enjoy 15% off with coupon code makejoynormal at checkout On Instagram @olive.branch.company&n...
send us a text via Fan Mail! In today's episode I answer questions on discipline from two moms who share similar challenges. What can we actually do when our kids are being defiant and disobedient? What if we are concerned that a gentle approach may be perceived as permissiveness? What if we feel that we have failed as a mom? Ohhhh how we all can relate! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Baby and Beyond by Allison Auth Holistic Gentle Baby Sleep Coaching...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Just catching up on some fan mail over the last month or so, apologies for late replies my dear listeners! I'll produce a few episodes over the summer, but looking forward to attending to our family and having a little rest. 1:40 - Fanmail #1 : Toddler bangs head on the ground intentionally 11:50 - Fanmail #2 : Toddler is pushing bed time and won't go to sleep 20:24 - Fanmail #3 : Comment from a listener on a prior episode As an Amazon Associate I ear...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Chris Lewis is the creator and artist behind Baritus Catholic and joins me today for a discussion on art and the transmission of beauty in modern day living. We discuss his beginnings as an artist, teaching art appreciation and commentary on his very own works of the saints. Please view his various items on his Etsy shop here. 00:52 - Welcome, family and work 6:15 - What led to you becoming an artist? 7:54 - Homeschooling and art appreciation 13:52 - Ar...
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