The Feast Life

Got a big-feeling, big-opinion, bigger-than-life kid? 👀 This episode with parenting coach and author Mary Van Geffen will feel like a deep exhale. We talk about spicy children (and spicy moms!), nervous system tools, real repair, and why you are not failing—your child is your curriculum. 5 Key Takeaways Redefine “Good Mom” A “good mom” isn’t measured by a child’s mood or compliance. It’s defined by how you show up—calm, kind, and firm—even when the socks have seams and the schedule’s tight. Your Child Isn’t the Enemy—They’re the Curriculum Spicy kids invite us into deeper spiritual and personal growth. Instead of seeing defiance as a battle to win, view it as a practice of identity, unconditional love, and leadership. The Conscious Pause Changes Everything Lengthen the gap between the trigger and your response. Put a hand on your heart and belly, breathe, and ask: “Who is upset here?” Regulate first; then lead. Repair Builds Real Connection Skip the “but you…” Add clarity instead: name what you did, name the impact, and share how you’ll do it differently next time. Invite their perspective: “What was that like for you?” Name the Spice—Then Celebrate It Make a running list of what’s beautiful about your spicy one (persistence, justice, creativity, voice!). Mirror those specifics back daily. Specific affirmation fuels cooperation and attachment. Tools & Practices Mentioned Conscious Pause: slow your response; regulate before you speak. Embodied Archetype: choose your “queen/Wonder Woman/Glinda” energy to model calm leadership. Specific Affirmations: reflect concrete strengths (“You stuck with that puzzle for 15 minutes—serious grit.”). Family Culture Cues: preview expectations (“At dinner we speak life over each other.”). Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/99 for additional resources and links Parenting a Spicy One by Mary Van Geffen (pre-order bonuses include Meltdown Meditations for Moms and Affirming Your Spicy One masterclass).  Repair PDF: Mary’s step-by-step repair guide  Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

If you’re pouring from an empty cup, your homeschool will feel harder than it has to. Today we’re flipping that script with simple, do-able habits that run on autopilot—so you feel grounded, creative, and energized (without adding more to your plate). Julie explores what it really means to nourish you as a homeschool mom—practically, not theoretically. We look at how identity-based habits shape your days, why small changes compound into big results, and how to design habits that are obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. You’ll hear Charlotte Mason’s wisdom on “the habits of the good life,” a gentle mindset for starting small, and a practical morning “Powerhouse 30” you can tailor to your season. We’ll also talk about replacing unhelpful patterns, stacking new habits onto routines you already have, and tracking progress for 30 days to build confidence that spreads to every corner of your home. 5 Key Takeaways Habits shape identity—on autopilot. Thoughts → feelings → actions → habits → character. When you choose one nourishing habit and repeat it, you’re not just changing a routine—you’re becoming the kind of mom who keeps promises to herself. Start tiny, snowball steadily. Pick one habit for 30 days. Small wins create momentum (the “snowball effect”), making it easier to add the next right habit later. Design your habit to succeed (Atomic Habits style). Make it Obvious (visible cue), Attractive (tie it to a meaningful “why”), Easy (remove friction), and Satisfying (notice the reward in doing it). If you’re stopping a habit, replace it. To break an unhelpful loop, make it Invisible (remove triggers), Undesirable (name the real cost), Difficult (add friction), and Unsatisfying (disrupt the false reward)—then swap in a nourishing alternative. Mother Culture isn’t optional—it’s fuel. Charlotte Mason reminds us that a mother who continues to grow gives her children a richer education. Guard simple rhythms (reading, prayer/journaling, movement) as essentials, not extras. Highlights You’ll Love The habit loop in plain language: cue → craving → response → reward—and how to re-wire it in your favor Identity statements that drive action (e.g., “I’m a woman who keeps wise financial habits”) Habit stacking: attach a new practice to something you already do (coffee → journal; kids’ quiet time → your 15-minute read) The Powerhouse 30: 10 minutes to move your body, 10 to feed your mind, 10 to nourish your soul Gentle planning prompts so your habit is scheduled, tracked, and celebrated Try-It-This-Week Challenge Choose one nourishing habit for the next 30 days. Write an identity statement that supports it. Make it Obvious/Attractive/Easy/Satisfying. Stack it to an existing routine and set a simple daily reminder. Track it (paper checkboxes totally count!) and notice the built-in reward: confidence. Reflection Questions What tiny habit would immediately lift your energy or peace this month? Which thought about yourself needs upgrading to make this habit natural? Where in your day can you stack it so it actually happens? “Sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” —Charlotte Mason Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/98 for additional resources and links Atomic Habits by James Clear Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

What happens when family, faith, and imagination come together in the life of a homeschool graduate turned author? In this conversation, Julie Ross sits down with Leilani Mueller to talk about her debut children’s book inspired by moving across the country, the role of grandparents, and the beauty of family culture. From Oxford to Waco to Houston, Leilani’s story is filled with wisdom for homeschool moms raising readers, dreamers, and resilient kids. Whether you’re navigating a big move, building family culture, or simply looking for living books to add to your homeschool, this episode is packed with encouragement.   5 Key Takeaways The Power of Storytelling – Leilani shares how her love for writing, nurtured through homeschooling and a lifelong connection with her sister, grew into a published book for children. Family Culture Travels With You – Moving is hard, but bringing a strong family rhythm and culture creates continuity and stability no matter where you land. Simple Homeschool Practices Matter Most – Daily prayer, read-alouds, and filling children’s minds with God’s truth and rich stories left a lifelong imprint on Leilani and her siblings. Imagination as Reality for Children – From unicorns to homemade airplanes, imaginative play helps children process big changes and builds resilience through creativity. Faithful Encouragement for Moms – Leilani reminds homeschool moms to stay faithful to what God has called them to, trust the process, and take courage that the work they’re doing is truly good.  Leilani’s book is available wherever books are sold. Add it to your family’s reading stack for a heartfelt story about love, resilience, and making new places feel like home. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/97 for additional resources and links All Aboard the Grandparents Express – OUT NOW Instagram: @leiraewrites Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

Homeschooling can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—one minute you’re overflowing with joy, the next you’re weighed down by frustration, doubt, or fear. What if those emotions weren’t something to fix or fight, but instead the very key to unlocking a more peaceful, joy-filled homeschool? In this episode, Julie shares how to stop being at the mercy of your feelings and start generating the empowering emotions you want to experience. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why emotions aren’t problems to solve — and how to see them as messengers that point you toward growth. The power of reframing fear — recognizing it as a sign of stretching into new goals, not a signal to retreat. How to generate positive emotions on purpose — by shifting the stories you tell yourself and changing your focus. The role of gratitude and wonder — simple practices that train your brain to find joy and spark curiosity in your kids. Moving from emotional childhood to emotional adulthood — choosing your responses instead of living on autopilot. Why It Matters: When you learn to notice, name, and generate emotions with intention, you stop getting stuck in cycles of discouragement and overwhelm. Instead, you create motivation, courage, joy, and peace—emotions that overflow into your homeschool and transform the atmosphere of your home. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/96 for additional resources and links Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

In this special episode of The Feast Life Podcast, Julie Ross sits down with the Bryant family—dad Bobby and his three teens—to talk about their homeschooling journey, the power of family discipleship, and their new children’s book Trusting Timothy. Together, they share how faith, honesty, and perseverance shaped their homeschool years and how parents can encourage integrity in their children. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The Bryant family’s unique homeschooling journey from preschool through high school. How daily family Bible study created a culture of honesty and accountability. Why they wrote Trusting Timothy together—and how it addresses the temptation to cheat. The importance of building resilience by doing hard things instead of taking shortcuts. Practical encouragement for both parents and teens to walk in integrity. 5 Key Takeaways: Homeschooling is about more than academics—it’s an opportunity to build family bonds and root children in biblical truth. Integrity starts with modeling—when parents take accountability for their own mistakes, kids learn to do the same. Cheating is a heart issue, not just a school issue—homeschool kids face temptations too, and Scripture offers the foundation for honesty. Resilience comes from perseverance—true success is built through hard work, patience, and faith, not shortcuts. Keep God first—when families center their lives on God’s Word, everything else—learning, character, and even success—falls into place. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/95 for additional resources and links Trusting Timothy by Bobby Bryant – OUT NOW Instagram:@trustingtimothy_official Website: trustingtimothy.com/ Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

Have you ever started the school year with the perfect plans, only to feel like it all slips through your fingers a few weeks in? The problem isn’t always your schedule or your curriculum—it’s often the quiet story you’re telling yourself about who you are. In this episode, Julie unpacks how shifting your identity and vision can completely transform the way you homeschool. Instead of being driven by “shoulds” or weighed down by comparison, you’ll discover how to root yourself in what matters most and move forward with clarity and confidence. What You’ll Discover in This Episode How changing the story you tell yourself about who you are opens the door to lasting peace in your homeschool. Why setting priorities isn’t about doing more—it’s about choosing what matters most and letting the rest go. The surprising way resistance reveals that your “why” might not be aligned with your true desires. How releasing rigid expectations gives you freedom to build a homeschool life that feels joyful and authentic. Why adding fun and memory-making moments is just as important as academics—and how they shape the culture of your home. This conversation isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about stepping into your true identity, creating a vision rooted in joy, and building a homeschool life that feels spacious, meaningful, and life-giving. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/94 for additional resources and links Free workshop: 5 Easy Steps to a Life-Giving Homeschool – Watch it here Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Julie Ross welcomes back author and homeschool mom of nine, Amy Hughes, to talk about her brand-new book, Words Like Honey: How to Avoid Unintentional Harm, Model Kindness, and Nurture Your Child’s Faith Through What You Say. Amy shares how the words we use with our children—especially the ones we say on autopilot—can either breathe life or unintentionally wound. Drawing from neuroscience, child development, and her own 19 years of homeschooling, Amy invites us to pause, reflect, and reframe the way we speak to the precious souls in our care. Whether it’s the everyday “hurry up” or “be careful,” or more deeply rooted phrases from our own upbringing, Amy helps parents recognize how language shapes identity and connection. This conversation is a gentle wake-up call and a beautiful invitation to parent more mindfully—with our words soaked in grace. Key Takeaways: Unintentional harm matters: Many parents don’t realize that common phrases can deeply affect how children view themselves and the world—even if said in jest. Words stick longer than we think: Children often internalize adult speech literally, especially when they're young and lack the brain development to interpret nuance. The 4 R’s Framework: Amy shares a practical tool to reframe our communication: Rethink – Pause to reflect on whether your words align with the message you intend. Replace – Swap out vague or harmful phrases with ones that give clarity and support. Reframe – Adjust how you express correction or direction in a positive, empowering way. Repair – Be willing to apologize, revisit past words, and make amends—this builds trust. Speak life, not just correction: Aim for a 5:1 ratio of affirming to correcting words. Offer specific, life-giving affirmations like “You bring joy to this family.” Active listening transforms relationships: Asking questions like “Do you want advice or just someone to listen?” builds trust, especially with teens. Listening helps diffuse fear, shame, and resistance in both parenting and homeschooling. Replace automatic phrases: Instead of “Be careful”, say “Watch your step on the rocks—they might be slippery.” Instead of “Hurry up”, try “Let’s race to the car!” or “Dad’s almost home with dessert—let’s be ready!” Parenting triggers often stem from our own stories: Amy shares how her reaction to “What’s for dinner?” revealed deeper layers from her past—and how becoming aware helped her respond with more grace. Apologies go a long way: Modeling humility and owning mistakes builds safety, even when children are older. It teaches them they don’t need to be perfect and opens the door for honest conversations. Slowing down helps us hear: Many parenting conflicts happen because we’re too rushed to listen. Slowing our pace—especially in homeschool moments—makes room for curiosity and connection. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/93 for additional resources and links Words Like Honey by Amy Hughes – OUT NOW Amy’s Instagram: @simplelittleamy Amy’s website: simplelittleamy.com Previous episode with Amy on “The Gift of a Slow Childhood” Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

 In this joy-filled, beauty-soaked episode of The Feast Life, Julie Ross chats with Sue Lee, the vibrant educator behind French with Madame Lee. What starts as a post-trip debrief from Julie’s magical visit to Paris blooms into a rich conversation on language, culture, and Charlotte Mason-inspired education. Sue shares her journey from art history student to French teacher and homeschool mom, revealing how the beauty of French language and culture can feed the soul and become a meaningful part of a family’s homeschool feast—no matter where they live. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by teaching a foreign language or wondered how to bring it into your home in a gentle, joy-filled way, this episode will leave you inspired, encouraged, and maybe even dreaming of croissants in a Parisian café. Key Takeaways: Language is a feast—not a checklist. Sue shares how her art history class in high school opened her eyes to the beauty of learning. That passion now fuels her approach to teaching French as something that feeds the soul—not just checks a box. Charlotte Mason’s “science of relations” applies beautifully to foreign language. By connecting French vocabulary to art, food, music, scripture, and culture, Sue helps families make deep, lasting connections that go beyond memorization. You don’t need to be fluent to get started. Whether you know one French word or many, Sue’s approach welcomes moms and children alike to learn slowly, meaningfully, and joyfully—no stress, just beauty and progress. Pronunciation is foundational—and doable. Sue’s mini-course teaches correct pronunciation from the start with visual and auditory tools (like mouth position and repetition) that even seasoned French learners often miss. Dreaming of Paris is part of the journey. You don’t need a plane ticket to bring French into your home. But as Julie and Sue share, keeping the dream alive through books, music, movies, and stories builds wonder—and you never know when the dream might come true! Freebie Alert! Download Sue’s Free Guide: 5 Simple Ways to Add French to Your Homeschool—including curated music playlists, show suggestions, and the first free lesson of her French Feast course. 👉 Download the guide here Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/92 for additional resources and links Website: https://www.frenchwithmadamelee.com/  Instagram:  @frenchwithmmelee Coming Soon: “French Feast: Paris Edition” Sue’s next course will take families on a virtual tour through the City of Light—learning French while exploring cafés, monuments, art, shopping, and scripture reflections inspired by Parisian beauty. Stay tuned! Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

 What does it really mean to build a strong family—not a perfect one, but one built on loyalty, love, and lasting connection? In this heartfelt conversation, Julie Ross sits down with author, homeschool mom, and family culture enthusiast Jessica Smartt to discuss her latest book, Come On Home: A Grace-Filled Guide to Raising a Family Who Loves (and Likes) Each Other. Jessica opens up about her own journey as a mom of three, living on a multigenerational farm in North Carolina, and how her own childhood and faith inspired the values she now instills in her kids. Together, Julie and Jessica explore the messiness and magic of building a home where relationships flourish—even when life is loud, the dishes are stacked high, and technology threatens connection. Key Takeaways: A Strong Family ≠ A Perfect Family A strong family is built not in the absence of conflict, but through grace, loyalty, and repair. Jessica shares how family strength often emerges from facing hard things together and choosing to stay connected through it all. Traditions, Time, and Togetherness Matter Simple family rituals—whether cinnamon rolls on Christmas or Smart Family Day adventures—form the foundation of belonging. Jessica reminds us that connection is found in the small, repeated moments that become cherished memories. Homeschooling as a Gift of Time and Relationship Jessica encourages parents not to fear the high school years, but to embrace them as a season of fruit. Homeschooling has allowed her to stay closely connected to her teens, who are balancing sports, work, and growing independence. You Can Be the First Link in the Chain If you didn’t grow up in a close or healthy family, you can start one. Jessica shares practical encouragement for parents longing for deep connection but lacking a generational example. God meets us in our gaps and gives grace for the work of legacy-building. Do the Next Right Thing Overwhelmed by the vision of a strong family? Start small. Whether it's cleaning the kitchen, planning a meal, or putting away your phone during car rides—simple, consistent steps rooted in love and prayer matter more than perfection.   Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/91 for additional resources and links Website: https://jessicasmartt.com/  Instagram:  @jessica.smartt Facebook: @SmarterEachDay  Podcast: The Homeschool Solutions Show Pre-order Bonus: Pre-order Come On Home and get access to Jessica’s exclusive Q&A Zoom party. Come in your pajamas, bring your favorite drink, and connect with Jessica and other moms who are in the trenches of building strong, grace-filled homes.  Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

 In this heartfelt episode of The Feast Life, Julie Ross shares a powerful clip from a live Feast Table Membership call where she guides homeschool moms through the back-to-school fear that often surfaces at the start of a new year. Through prayer, reflection, and practical journaling exercises, Julie equips listeners to name their fears, discredit the lies, and rewrite their stories with faith and purpose. Whether you're nervous about teaching high school, juggling multiple ages, or simply wondering if you’re enough—this episode reminds you that you are not alone and that the One who called you will equip you. Key Takeaways: You are not the only one feeling nervous. Fear is a natural response to stepping into something that matters—but it doesn't get the final word. Name the fear. Bringing your thoughts out of your head and onto paper helps stop the spiral of overthinking. Discredit the fear. Ask: Is this the ultimate truth? What else might be more true than this fear? Write a new story. Choose to believe in possibility. Reframe your fear into a vision of how things could work. Speak truth over yourself. Powerful affirmations like “I am equipped and chosen” and “My presence is more powerful than any perfect lesson plan” help shift your mindset and ground you in what really matters. Homeschooling is holy work. You’re not just checking off boxes—you’re shaping hearts and creating sacred spaces for growth, wonder, and connection. Journaling Prompts from the Episode: What am I most afraid of this school year? Is that fear the ultimate truth? What is more true than that fear? How could this situation actually work out for good? What story do I want to live this year?   Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/90 for additional resources and links The Feast Table Membership – Join or learn more here  Free workshop: 5 Easy Steps to a Life-Giving Homeschool – Watch it here Tune in and leave encouraged—because your homeschool doesn't have to look like anyone else’s. It’s allowed to be beautiful in its own way. Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

Do you believe that every child can learn to draw confidently? Join host Julie Ross as she sits down with Cindra, founder of Guide Dots, to explore an innovative art program designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and fine motor skills in children—including those with neurodiversity. From overcoming the "critical age" barrier in art education to fostering lifelong artistic passion, this episode is a must-listen for homeschool parents seeking creative, therapeutic, and joy-filled learning experiences for their kids. Key Takeaways: Art is Essential, Not Optional: Art fosters innate creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills, making it a foundational rather than an optional part of education. Overcoming the Critical Age Barrier: Around age eight, children begin critically evaluating their art. Guide Dots helps children navigate this stage through supportive scaffolding, boosting their confidence and maintaining their interest. Unique, Scaffolding-Based Approach: Guide Dots employs strategically placed dots visible through a light tablet, providing incremental guidance while allowing creative freedom, gradually weaning students to develop their own artistic style. Neurodiverse-Friendly Program: The structured yet flexible format of Guide Dots has profoundly impacted neurodiverse children, making art accessible and enjoyable through bite-sized steps, visual supports, and self-paced video tutorials. Process Over Product: Encouraging children to value their personal artistic journey rather than producing "perfect" artwork promotes deeper learning, emotional regulation, and lasting self-confidence. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/89 for additional resources and links Website- Guide-dots.com Instagram-  @guidedotart Facebook- @guidedots Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

Raising Strong-Willed Kids with Peace and Purpose with Wendy Snyder In this episode of The Feast Life Podcast, Julie Ross talks with Wendy Snyder of Fresh Start Family about how to navigate parenting strong-willed children with compassion, clarity, and connection. Wendy shares her personal journey from burnout and frustration to becoming a positive parenting educator. Together, they explore how mindset shifts, modeling behavior, and strategic tools can help homeschool parents move from power struggles to peace. 5 Key Takeaways Reframe the Strong Will: Strong-willed children aren't disobedient or broken—they're deeply wired to seek power, purpose, and justice. When viewed through this lens, their behavior becomes a sign of leadership potential rather than defiance. Paradigm Shift First, Strategy Second: Lasting change begins by reconditioning our beliefs about parenting, discipline, and power. Strategy only works when parents first shift their mindset and recognize where inherited patterns might be holding them back. Discipline Rooted in Connection: Wendy introduces her "Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint," a 4-step process that replaces punishment with empathy, agreements, and empowerment choices. The strategy is most effective when paired with emotional safety and trust. Repair Builds Trust: Repair after rupture is essential. Wendy encourages modeling heartfelt repair—through words, notes, or simple acts of service—to teach children how to take responsibility and restore relationships in a meaningful way. Joy Comes from Presence, Not Perfection: Burnout is common, but joy is still possible. Wendy recommends finding it in small, intentional moments—like making eye contact, offering gentle touch, or simply stepping outside together to reset and reconnect. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/88 for additional resources and links Free Strong-Willed Child Power Bundle Fresh Start Family Show Podcast  Fresh Start Family Website   Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

 Do you ever feel like you're carrying your entire homeschool on your shoulders? In this powerful and peace-giving episode, Julie invites you to reimagine homeschooling not as a solo endeavor, but as a sacred partnership—with God, with your children, and with the life-giving ideas that nourish hearts and minds. Drawing from Charlotte Mason’s profound insights on the Divine Helper, Julie shares how we can stop striving and start trusting. This episode will encourage your spirit, challenge your perspective, and help you breathe easier in your homeschool journey. 5 Key Takeaways: You’re Not Homeschooling Alone—Really. Charlotte Mason reminds us that every subject, even grammar, is under the realm of the Divine Teacher. When we try to take full control—flooding our kids with facts, over-explaining, or cramming too much in—we may actually be resisting that sacred cooperation. What would it look like to homeschool in trust instead of fear? Less Stuffing, More Nourishing. Facts are not food for the soul—ideas are. Instead of overwhelming your kids with information, focus on offering a rich feast of living books, beauty, and experiences. Trust that the ideas that matter will stick, and the rest will fall away (just like the body discards what it doesn’t need). Make Room for Margin and Imagination. Overscheduling—even in a homeschool setting—can squeeze out the solitude and independence children need to grow. Imagination thrives in quiet. Don’t underestimate the spiritual and developmental power of white space in your day. Guide, Philosopher, and Friend—Not Lecturer. Your role isn’t to be the fountainhead of knowledge but the one who gently sets the feast and lets your child partake. Narration allows them to process, express, and own what they’ve learned. Respect their efforts—even when it’s messy or incomplete—and watch them come alive. You Are Worthy of Help. Accepting help—whether divine or practical—isn’t weakness, it’s strength. God is offering you support, and He’s placed people, tools, and talents in your life to assist you. Ask yourself: who or what could support me in this? And what would change if I truly believed I didn’t have to do it all alone? Reflection Questions from the Episode: What part of your homeschool have you been trying to control out of fear? What would it look like to trust more and strive less? How can you remind yourself that you are infinitely supported? Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/87 for additional resources and links Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

What if your next family taco night could help your kids process their mistakes, build confidence, and spark creativity? In this joyful and heartwarming episode, Julie Ross sits down with children’s author and illustrator Eliza Kinkz to talk about her delightful new picture book Miss Taco. Together, they explore how Eliza’s childhood, her journey as a storyteller, and her love for meaningful connection inspired a story that’s both hilarious and healing. Whether you’re a homeschool parent looking to make space for growth or just want a new tradition that brings your family together, this conversation is packed with goodness—and guac! 5 Key Takeaways: Miss Tacos Help Kids (and Adults) Process Mistakes Playfully Eliza shares how her childhood experience of holding in her feelings inspired the concept of Miss Taco—a taco you make to “eat” your mistake. It’s a powerful metaphor that transforms shame into connection and self-compassion through fun, storytelling, and food. Perfection Isn’t the Goal—Creativity Takes Messy, Brave Steps Eliza worked for two years on Miss Taco, revising the story repeatedly with her agent. She talks about the importance of letting go of “perfect” ideas, being open to feedback, and trusting the process—even when it means tossing out something you love. Make Mistakes a Family Practice, Not a Private Shame Families can build stronger bonds by sharing their own “miss tacos” at the dinner table. When kids hear adults admit their own goofs (like stealing someone’s Costco cart), it models vulnerability and growth without fear. You Can Stay Connected to Your Inner Child From thrifting playful outfits to rolling around on the floor with kids, Eliza shares how she keeps joy and wonder alive as an adult. Her advice to parents: skip with your kids, play with dollhouses, and let go of the idea that everything has to be productive. You Deserve Care, Too Eliza’s closing encouragement is simple but profound: “Pack yourself a snack.” As homeschool moms, it’s easy to forget to care for ourselves. But giving yourself the same compassion and nourishment you give your kids is not optional—it’s essential. Connect with Our Guest: Get MisTaco on Amazon Explore Eliza’s work, drawing videos, and contact info at elizakinkz.com  Follow Eliza on Instagram: @elizakinkz  Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/86 for additional resources and links Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

Is balance in homeschooling even possible—or just a myth we keep chasing? If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning too many plates, wishing for calm in the chaos of home and homeschool life, this episode is your permission slip to stop striving and start creating true harmony from the inside out. Julie dives deep into what balance really means for homeschool moms—not a perfect checklist or a spotless kitchen—but a grounded, centered posture of heart and mind (even when the laundry's still piled high!). Tune in to discover the mindset shifts and practical systems that will help you cultivate peace and purpose in your daily rhythm—without burning out.   Key Takeaways: Balance isn’t perfection. It’s not about checking every box—it’s about how you feel while doing the most important things. Your expectations matter. Unrealistic expectations are one of the biggest peace-stealers in your homeschool. Get clear on what really matters. Small habits create big calm. Nourishing practices can help you recenter, even on chaotic days. Preparation brings peace. Just 5 minutes of planning can shift your entire week from frantic to focused. Let support in. You don’t have to do everything. Delegate, ask for help, and release control without guilt. Healthy authority is key. Embrace your loving leadership role in your homeschool with calm confidence—no need to negotiate every decision. Done > perfect. Let go of perfectionism so you can say yes to connection and joy. Systems = sanity. Start creating simple systems (aka “Standard Operating Procedures”) for recurring tasks—from laundry to lesson planning—so you can stop reinventing the wheel and start sharing the load. Action Step: Pick one thing in your home or homeschool life that feels like a mental load. Create a simple written or video procedure for it—and hand it off! Empower your kids, delegate to a helper, or just lighten your own load. Let’s stop chasing balance and start building it—one small step at a time. Resources Mentioned: Nourishing Habits  Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/85 for additional resources and links Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW   Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife   Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com. Know a homeschool mama who’s juggling too much? Send her this episode—she’ll thank you for it!