The Whole Mama - A Podcast with Jenna Gibbons

“You are the curator of their childhood.  You are the one who can show them the joys of a simple life.  Teach them to appreciate what is around them.  Practice slow living, don’t rush through life with them.  Have them bake the cookies, even if it takes longer.  Get the Play-Doh out and let them make a mess.  Go on a walk, even though you don’t really feel like it.  Read them lots of stories.  Sing plenty of songs.  -A Homemade Education (Shelby Dersa)“whatever you do work at it with all of your heart as for the Lord…” Colossians 3:23“your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise.”  -Andy Stanley "Thank God every day for the greatest gift of being a mother!  It is the greatest and most important calling of your life.  God will use you to teach them about Him, his for them, and their ultimate calling and purpose in this world.  Keep going, Mama!" Resources:  https://krismcox.com/2017/02/08/motherhood-a-blessed-calling/https://sweetmotherhood.com/ways-to-teach-your-children-how-to-pray/https://hiphomeschoolmoms.com/5-simple-ways-help-kids-memorize-scripture/ Resources at The Whole Mama:Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HEREJoin the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HEREJoin our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HEREFollow me on Insta HERERaise a "whole reader" through my online course HEREOur goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2022!  Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children?Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

It was such an honor have my dear friend, food blogger, and fellow podcaster, Megan Porta, on the show as she shares fun and innovative ways to raise happy and eager eaters.  She also shares how she manages her online business AND thrives in motherhood.  Check out her delicious recipes and tips below:https://pipandebby.com/Breakfast Cookies:https://pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/healthy-breakfast-cookies/Healthy Breakfast Muffins:https://pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/healthy-breakfast-muffins/Eat Blog Talk Podcast:https://eatblogtalk.com/Megan's Book Recommendation:https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/dp/1401964362Resources at The Whole Mama:Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HEREJoin the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HEREJoin our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HEREFollow me on Insta HERERaise a "whole reader" through my online course HEREOur goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2022!  Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children?Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

Let us protect and honor the sacredness of childhood and our relationship with God's natural world while fostering the development of the whole child.  Let us help them become who they are called to be in this world. "Educating our children is an offering of love we make to the God who was so gracious to bestow them upon us in the first place. Every moment of the daily grind in raising and teaching and loving on them is hallowed, because we do it for Him and because there would be no point of doing it without Him.” - Sarah MackenzieLet's chat about and reflect on an amazing book, Call of the Wild and Free, by Ainsley Arment and three (of many) important things she shares:BE BRAVEAinsley says: “No matter the reason, you are reading this book because you have heard the call, and you have answered it.  You too believe that childhood is a time to foster wonder, creativity, and discovery through play and exploration.  You believe children learn because they want to, not because they’re forced to.  And you believe in letting them learn at their own pace.” RECLAIM CHILDHOOD“Homeschooling should never be about what we are keeping from our children; rather, it should be about what we are giving to them.  The net result is a reclamation of childhood.” A NEW KIND OF HOMESCHOOL“Most objections to homeschooling come from adults who cite the impossible challenge of replicating the classroom at home.”This was a big one for me as former teacher turned homeschool mom.  I tried to replicate school at home, and it just didn’t work.  When you switch your lens to see that education at home is not public school at home, your entire experience will change for the better. “You can’t go wrong.  There may be times when you’ll need to put down the work, call it quits for the day, for the week.  But you are no longer bound by the constraints of an eight-to-three education.  Your children are always learning.  You don’t have to instill the desire to learn in them.  They are born to learn.  Let’s release them back into their natural habitat and watch them thrive.”“A magical childhood isn’t about having the best toys, gadgets, and vacations. It’s actually the opposite. It’s about simplicity. A magical childhood is about freedom. Freedom to explore, discover, and play.”― Ainsley Resources at The Whole Mama:Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HEREJoin the email list and grab your copy of my Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

Their story is incredible...you don't want to miss this one!"They have devoted their lives to pursuing Christ, strengthening their marriage, and discipling their children as they prepare them to be truth bearers who will share the love and message of Jesus Christ with a lost generation." "Their story started in the late 90’s, with a bumpy beginning.  These young teenagers found themselves searching for fulfillment and purpose but found themselves stuck in addiction and bound by depression.  Teenage pregnancy changed the trajectory of their lives and shortly after welcoming their first child, they married.  The early years of their marriage was evidence of the brokenness and lack of hope in their lives.  Addiction and unhealthy behaviors continued to plague their relationship, until God began a work within their hearts that would forever change the course of their family.  God brought Topher to the end of himself, as he tried and failed many times to walk away from a life of bondage. He knew God had more for his life. After days of fasting and prayer, Topher experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in a new way, breaking the chains of addiction, and forever impacting his life - work, home and relationships.  A newfound calling was placed upon their hearts to raise their children for the purpose of advancing the Gospel, and from that day forward, they surrendered to having as many children as the Lord wills and to raise them in the ways of the Lord. Today, Topher and Laura have a story that is built upon 20 years of marriage, 11 children, and 16 years of homeschooling that is evidence of their devotion to fulfilling that calling and mission.  The impact of their dedication is now being seen in the next generation as they welcomed their first grandchild in the Fall of 2022. This joyous occasion was a sweet reminder that the raising and training of their children will extend for generations to come, leaving a legacy for Christ that will extend beyond their lifetime.  As the founders of Heart 2 Heart Ministries, Topher and Laura are committed to encouraging and serving the next generation of young families as they learn to build healthy marriages, navigate the highs and lows of parenting, homeschool, and ultimately answer the call to teach, train, and disciple their children." More Information About Heart 2 Heart Ministries and the incredible work they do for others:  https://www.heart2heartministriestn.com/Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

Oh this episode!   I was so honored to have Home Tribe Founder and CEO, Emily Jones, on the show to talk about real and truthful ideas around home education and the power we have as parents to equip and lead our children.  I love this quote by Emily:"When you are tired, remember who you are and what your assignment is.  You are super heroes appointed to rescue, equip, and lead your children.  Own that."Along with debunking myths and chatting about helpful tips and ideas, Emily also shared this verse with us that reminds us that what we lack in our weaknesses is fulfilled by Jesus and is perfect power.  We must rely on Him when we feel like we cannot continue.But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.2 Corinthians 12:9I pray you will leave this episode with a better understanding of the purpose and power of home education.  Find tons of resources and connect with Emily at Home Tribe here:Website:  https://hometribe.com/Insta:  https://www.instagram.com/ourhometribe/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ourhometribeTikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@ourhometribeSupport the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

My husband, Sean, is an incredible leader of our family and works tirelessly to serve his clients as a behavior analyst in the Nashville area.  Join us as we chat all about positive behavior tips, faith, parenting, and more.We also tease each other quite a bit!  Sean owns his own behavior analyst business in the Nashville area.  He will be back on the show again soon!Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Matthew 6:33Justin is a friend and mentor who has inspired myself and many to faithfully follow God's calling to start a business and serve others - especially through the lens of service and love.   Justin discusses the importance of serving others through our businesses and recognizing that "selling is serving and loving."  Grab your mug and join us as Justin breaks down honest truths about selling, running a business, and thriving in parenthood. He also chats about prioritizing self-care and our relationships to fully thrive as an entrepreneur, parent, and child of God.Don't forget to check out his book recommendations as well!Connect with Justin Janowski: Website:   https://www.faith2influence.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Faith2InfluenceInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/faith2influence/?hl=enPodcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sales-strategies-for-christian-coaches/id1667659995?fbclid=IwAR1Q_ZtttbdeD88zW0bKXuJ5QjkxE24EzglQcdnbqZoHK_Cju83K3oxexcIFacebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/f2ichallenge/Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

Grab your mug and get ready to dive into an incredibly informative chat with Dr. Michele!"Dr. Michele is a pediatrician, life coach, and author who helps parents of chronically ill children learn to thrive instead of survive in their lives. She is a mother of three amazing children and has first-hand experience with being a parent of a child with long-term health issues. She has also authored a book titled, RECLAIMING LIFE: A guide for parents of chronically ill children."We'll dive into how to be a courageous advocate for your child, understand overwhelm by learning the categories of thoughts that create the emotion of overwhelm, and learn ways to live a full and rewarding life despite a child’s health needs.Contact Information and Resources for Dr. Maureen Michele:Email:  team@maureenmichelemd.comWebsite:  https://maureenmichelemd.comInstagram:  @maureenmichelemdFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/maureenmichelemdTwitter:  @maureenmmdLink to her book Reclaiming Life:  https://maureenmichelemd.com/reclaiminglifeSupport the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

"2022...thank you for all of the lessons.  2023...I am ready."You will love this mini-cast with my dear friend and sister-in-law Meaghan Gibbons!  Meaghan is an editor at Sourcebooks and mama to two incredible kiddos.  She has also been working with over the past year as editor to works under Whole Mama Publishing.  We are so thrilled for what is to come!Find her in Insta:  @meggibbonseditsThis little episode is full of inspiration for the new year and THREE quick tips to get your started with intention for the new year.If you are looking for a homeschool planner, stay tuned for ours coming this month!Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

"One of the greatest gifts you can give your kids is to prepare them to be responsible, empowered adults around money."-Would you like your kiddo to head into adulthood with a solid understanding of their money?   -What if they headed into college or their first career ready to take on their own finances because of what you did together over the years?      -Do you want your kiddos to be smart about money but have no idea of where to begin to help them?You’re in luck!  I have two amazing women here with me today to share all about how to help our kiddos develop a positive relationship with money, make good financial decisions, and know how to use their money wisely.  Their wealth of knowledge will open your eyes and comfort your hearts and this desire for your kiddos to be financially savvy will feel much more achievable after this episode!  Grab your mug, a notebook, and a pen because you'll have tons of great ideas to jot down from Sandy Waters and Susan Beacham!  Sandy Waters:Co-host "The Breakfast Buzz with Spezzano and Sandy" on 98.9 The BuzzPodcast:  https://www.audacy.com/rochesterbuzz/podcasts/seven-figures-with-sandy-waters-20248Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sandywaters989/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sandywaters98/Susan Beacham:Founder and CEO of the multi-platform financial education company Money Savvy Generation.  Blog: www.susanbeacham.comMoney Savvy Generation Website:  www.moneysavvy.comFacebook:  Money Savvy Generation | FacebookInstagram: @moneysavvygenerationTwitter: @Susan BeachamPinterest: @moneysavvygen"Money well managed is at your service"Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

This conference was everything.  It provided incredible inspiration, content, and reassurance about this life decision that we made as a family, and will likely help you too if you have or are at least thinking about homeschooling.  "We are the movers.  The changers.  The peacekeepers.  The teachers.  The comforters.  The brave ones.  The weird ones.  The risk-takers.  The adventurers.  The make-believers.  The explorers.  The ones determined to reclaim our children’s childhoods right within the walls of our homes, on the trails in the woods, and among the songs and stories we share together." We, as Ainsley Arment says, “are here to create a home where we can forge our own path to love stronger, live more fully, and grow closer to each other.”   Wild + Free Resources:https://www.bewildandfree.org/Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

"U.S. stores report an estimated 40 percent shortage of infant formula, causing stress, anger and even panic among parents, grandparents and other caregivers who rely on formula to sustain their little one." "Parents of formula-fed babies are encouraged to reach out to friends, family members and local mom groups for help. "I feel like our only recourse is parents helping other parents," Kraft says. 'This is a situation where we have to understand that these are all our babies. We need to work together to help.'"So I say this prayer with a heavy mama heart with hope that this crisis will end as soon as possible.  This prayer also sends each and every mama a glimmer of hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and serves as a reminder that there ARE people out there want and willing to help.  Find THOSE people and walk right past the conflicts you might stumble upon.  You know what you have to do for your child.“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). “With great power comes great responsibility.” "We have been given much, and God desires us to use what He has given to further His Kingdom and proclaim His glory. It’s what we were created to do. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. . . . For the Son of Man . . . will reward each person according to what they have done’” (Matthew 16:24–25, 27). We are living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), giving the things God has given us in service to others, and in that we actually find life. God, the giver of all good things (James 1:17), gives us everything we need to fulfill His will. “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8).""Lord, I trust in you and lean on you. I thank you for your mercy and provision for me and my family. I come to you again and ask that your will be done in this situation we are currently facing. Guard my heart and my mind and keep me focused on your will. Lord, please send your Holy Spirit to breathe your peace into my soul and walk with me on this journey."How to Help:hSupport the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

Why is our presence so important?  Our presence is important because we are a constant model and reminder for our kids of how to approach the world.  How to raise a family.  How to love and serve in a marriage.  How to approach and solve problems.  How to love and serve God and serve the world through His love.  How to embrace this amazing life we have here for a small amount of time.  How to live.  How to love.  How to fully embrace those moments together.  “What if, instead of trying to make the most of our time, we worked harder at savoring it?” ― Sarah Mackenzie “Some people call it multi-tasking, as though it’s a skill to be desired and honed, but I know it’s really a lack of focus-a refusal to seek out the important things.” ― Sarah MackenzieThis episode focuses on ways to plan for being present, eliminating guilt, and honoring our values with our schedules.  What's important for your family?  Does your life honor that?Try to make presence a daily goal until it becomes an actual habit!In our eyes, we can never do or be enough for our kids when in fact, we are exactly who our kids need.  You have been created in His image to raise these kids.  Yes.  You.  The one who constantly questions…overthinks…and worries.  There is just A LOT going on right now swirling around you all while you are just wanting to raise these little ones and have some fun in there, too.  Am I right?  Honestly, the best mom you can be is a happy and present one.  Your “to do” list will NEVER end…but you can pick away at it AND include that non-negotiable time with you kids. As a homeschool mama, I get to be with my kids all day and every day.  It’s amazing…and can be overwhelming at times.  But we also have to find time to just “be.”  For us, it’s making a snack and reading together or getting outside to explore and unwind.  Find what works for your family and start doing it NOW.  This quote sums it up:“No one will ever say, no matter how good a parent he or she was, “I think I spent too much time with my children when they were young.” ― Sarah MackenzieResources:Faster Way to Fat Loss (affiliate link):  https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/#thewholemama https://www.thewellandbalancedmom.com/how-to-be-a-more-present-mom/https://simplyrootedfamily.com/2019/04/16/reconnecting-with-your-kids-when-you-feel-like-a-crappy-mom/ Resources at The Whole Mama:Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

Join me for a quick chat with some sweet 6th graders all about using your "SMARTs" for Internet safety.  What are the SMARTs?  S - Be SafeM - Don't Meet Up A - Accepting Emails Can Be Dangerous R - Reliable?T - Tell Someone!Here are some crazy stats:  20% of all inappropriate and explicit Internet content involves children.  65% of 8-14 year olds have been involved in a cyber-bullying incident. 96% of teens use social networking applications such as Facebook, Chat rooms, and blogs.Internet Resources:  https://www.thesafeside.com/https://www.parentingfile.com/smart-online-safety-poster/https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology/cyberbullying-online-safety/internet-safety-teenshttps://www.connectsafely.org/?doing_wp_cron=1651196184.6806240081787109375000https://www.kidas.net/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9qiTBhBbEiwAp-GE0YQhe3HJBeprrhaUMHx_gya41gS_OLIKr-3uTyrolYHQEsZpfWghYBoCZ9sQAvD_BwEhttps://thebekindpeopleproject.orghttps://rescueamerica.ngo/articles/online-safety?gclid=CjwKCAjw9qiTBhBbEiwAp-GE0RYQHjAAMEdwGn_gGfwZ7TRBJxreepl7jiR0CZ4JByx5oF8kX08WCxoCvvAQAvD_BwEResources at The Whole Mama:Grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HEREGrab your copy of my FREE Whole MaSupport the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

According to the US Census Bureau (USCB) Household Pulse Survey, "the number of parents choosing to homeschool grew from 3.2 million to at least 5 million between March 2020 and the start of the 2020–21 school year."Homeschooling parents aren't going anywhere.  More families are starting to homeschool these days, and they are often unsure of the style of homeschooling to choose."Homeschooling can be as traditional as "school-at-home" programs where students study the same stuff at home as do their peers at the local school. Or homeschooling can be as radical as "Unschooling" education where the lessons are student-directed explorations devoid of homework and tests. "Bear in mind, there is considerable overlap between many of these educational models. This means that there is plenty of room, if needed, to share and borrow ideas between styles. Homeschool teachers typically mix methods and materials liberally. But to avoid any unsavory creations, it’s probably best to get a good working knowledge of your teaching materials and methods before splicing them with others."There are tons of styles out there !  This episode will share about them briefly, and I highly encourage you to do your own reflection and research on those that tug at your heart.Examples of Styles:-School at Home-Unit Studies-Classical-Montessori-Waldorf-Charlotte Mason-Relaxed-Unschooling-and more!Questions to ask:What’s your child’s learning style?  What’s your teaching style?  What does your family enjoy? How many children do you have?  Ages?  Special needs to consider?  What is your homeschool budget?  How much screen time?  Are you incorporating your faith?  What is your belief/philosophy about learning?  What is your schedule like?  Do you work?  Do you have a business?  Do you travel?This is an on-going and evolving thing!  Here are important things to remember from the amazing Sarah Mackenzie:“A peaceful and happy mother is the real key to successful homeschooling.”What is true about you?  What in your heart is good and true about homeschooling for you?  Only you know that. “I became a peaceful and happy homeschooling mom when I learned to be content with my own preferences and no longer strove to be like the women whose strengths are different from my own.”Finding your homeschooling style takes trial and error and just time.  Try things out…see how they work for you and your kids…adjust and move forward.  Leave you with this: ‘“Take a deep breath, mama.  This isn’t as dependent on you as you think it is.  Give God your “Here I am.  Use me.”  Let Him carry the burden.’ Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

We are called to a purpose in this life…and it’s the journey to find that calling that we often find ourselves on.  My devotional this week touched on how "often do we allow fear to paralyze us.  We sit and wait until we are no longer afraid, when we could have acted long before.  God has a plan in place for you, and it may require you to step out of the realm of your comfort zone.  You may be uncomfortable.  You may be scared.  You may not feel that you are ready, but you will be when it’s time.”This may mean in business…in homeschooling…or in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.  God is greater than your fear of failure.  So, what does this mean?  How does this apply to your life?  What makes you feel alive?  What makes you stir inside?  What can YOU offer to the world?Why does failure scare us so much?  So what if an idea doesn’t carry itself through?  Who said any of this was going to be perfect?  It’s not going to be.  Let that perfection GO!   What are you called for?  Everyone’s calling will be different…and it should be.  Think of all the different people out there in the world who are waiting to be changed by YOU.  If you are feeling a pull to something new and maybe even scary, I give you permission to explore it a little more.  Give your self even an hour to find out what you’d have to do to start, what you’d have to invest in it (time and resources), and who can help you do it.  Write notes/steps down on our memo pad on your phone, planner, journal, or word doc on your computer.  JUST START.Give yourself a few weeks to just start picking away at it…and see what happens!  You have so much to give to this world through so many different outlets…and people are waiting for YOU!  Even if it doesn’t seem like a big thing…it will be to the people you are serving.   Check out these resources:Mark your calendar for our 2022 Homeschool Retreat on May 14!Grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HEREGrab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HEREJoin our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of over 500 mamas HEREOur goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2022!  Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children?Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

Ever wonder how to teach your kids to fight fear, live bravely, and overcome hard things?  Ever been nervous that your child won’t have the life-skills and character that you hope they will?  Today, we’re going to break it all down and know exactly how to raise kids with grit.“Life is full of hard things. Full of them. Learning to walk is tough. Growing up is challenging. Learning to become a good spouse is no easy feat, settling into the role of mother is hard. Hard. Hard. Hard. So why wouldn't we want to prepare our kids to handle hard things well—to not balk at the pressure? Why shouldn't we seek to give them eyes that see beyond what's right in front of them, intentionally training them and equipping them with the tools to handle hard things?”"Parenting brave requires the very same thing of us that we are trying to train in our kids, making decisions not based solely on what is right in front of us, but with the end result in mind. In this case that would be responsible and capable adults."We aren’t helping our kids when we make things painless.  We can’t always rescue them and must let them struggle with real-life issues.  This is how they develop courage, discipline, resilience, and character.   Michael Godfrey shared this:Paul says in Philippians 3:12 -14, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”  Paul previously says in 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV) “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” So through grace, we can have endurance, perseverance and grit.So, you will often have to make those tough decisions, stand firm in your choices, and often just sit back a little so that they may bravely learn that life will through a lot of curveballs…but it’s how you handle it that matters.  It’s how you raise them that matters.   It’s how you remind them that they are loved by you and by God…no matter what.  Resources:https://www.mother.ly/parenting/raising-overcomers-how-to-teach-your-kids-to-do-hard-things/httSupport the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

We are currently observing a moment of devastating loss, destruction, and, at the same time, absolute heroism as Russia attempts to invade Ukraine as the people of Ukraine defend their home.So, how can we help during this time of feeling helpless AND how do we love on our children who are also watching, listening, and processing all of this.  The Lord continues to do what He needs to do.  We must continue to trust Him no matter what is happening in our world, and we must share this with our kids as they face current events and their future.  Find out ways to support your children during this time in a very raw and honest episode.No matter what conflict is taking place, parents want to make sure that their kids feel safe and loved.  Check out this episode for some support and a few ideas.Support Ukraine Here:  https://bethenny.com/bstrong?fbclid=IwAR1t9xs70q6puVnHf4CrwfSz2bG3gOnzQ3-tMqxLLym7nDX-t3aZK6rfFfACheck out these resources:Join the Whole Mama Homeschool 3-Month Journey (starts March 7) HEREJoin the waitlist for the 2022 Homeschool Mentoring and Planning Retreat HEREGrab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HEREGrab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HEREJoin our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of over 500 mamas HEREOur goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2022!  Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children?Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

“The home is the first and most effective place to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self-control, the value of education, honest work, and the purpose and privilege of life. Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children, and no other success can compensate for failure in the home.” -David O. McKay One of the biggest mistakes a homeschooling parent can make is to jump right into homeschooling without a solid mission and plan of what he/she wants to accomplish at home in his/her home education.  Your homeschool mission is the foundation the rest of your homeschool year is built upon.  Keeping it as a visual reminder will help you stay on track and grounded with what you want for your family and your child’s education. Lean into this statement on the hard days, and I promise that it will help push you through to brighter days.Listen to this episode for the six steps to get you started!Examples of missions:  https://crazyhomeschoollife.com/create-homeschool-mission-statement/*NOTE* I tweaked the name of this episode to mission statement instead of vision statement.  We will cover the difference between the two and specifically on your vision in future episodes.Check out these resources:Join the "Homeschool Like a Pro" Workshop Feb 21-25 HEREJoin the waitlist for the 2022 Homeschool Mentoring and Planning Retreat HEREGrab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HEREGrab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HEREJoin our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of over 500 mamas HEREOur goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2022!  Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children?Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show

Did you know that Lego means “play well” in Danish?Check out this episode with my son, Rowan, that shares a quick history of Legos, the benefits of Legos, how to incorporate them into learning, and how to get started TODAY!NOTE:  This episode is quite raw and authentic...that's motherhood, right?Resources:https://thatbricklife.com/how-to-use-lego-bricks-homeschooling/https://techacake.com/lego-facts/https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/02/the-7-skills-kids-can-develop-from.htmlhttps://www.fractuslearning.com/some-surprising-benefits-of-lego/Support the showResources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Whole Mama Survival Guide HERE Join our Whole Mamas Facebook Group of 500+ mamas HERE Follow me on Insta HERE Raise a "whole reader" through my online course HERE Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024! Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children? Support the show