Hey, homeschoolers! If you have a teen daughter, I think this episode is a must-listen. I interview Shannon Popkin and Lee Niehuis, authors of Comparison Girl for Teens, and I haven’t been able to stop talking about it. There is so much wisdom here about our girls and how to help them manage comparison and friendship in a God-honoring way.

Shannon Popkin invites you to drink deeply of God’s story, and live like it’s true. Shannon’s books include Control Girl, Comparison Girl, Comparison Girl for Teens (2024), and Shaped by God’s Promises(2024). Shannon also hosts the Live Like It’s True Bible podcast and has been featured on Revive Our Hearts, FamilyLife Today, The Gospel Coalition, and Proverbs 31. She’s happy to be sharing life with Ken, who makes her laugh every day. Together, they have the joy of watching their three young-adult kids become the amazing people God created them to be.

Lee Nienhuis is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She cohosts the Martha & Mary Show and the You Can Tell the Children podcast with Bible2School. Lee’s books, Brave Moms, Brave Kids and Countercultural Parenting are a clarion call for parents looking to raise wholehearted Christ followers. Lee and her husband, Mike, have four kids and live in West Michigan.

Here’s my chat with Shannon & Lee.

Summary

In this conversation, Shannon Popkin and Lee Nienhuis discuss the topic of comparison and its impact on teenage girls. They share personal experiences and insights on how comparison relates to anxiety and depression. They also discuss the role of family and church background in shaping a girl’s self-perception. The conversation highlights the importance of parents in helping their daughters avoid the pitfalls of comparison and offers practical advice on how to do so. The speakers also introduce their book, ‘Comparison Girl,’ and provide additional resources for further exploration.

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Helping Daughters Deal With Comparison appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers! Have you considered learning robotics in your homeschool? I don’t have an engineering brain so I enrolled my kids in in-person and online classes. My youngest is now majoring in computer science in college. His classes had a major impact on his career direction.

Today on the podcast, you’ll hear about the advantages of including robotics and programming in your homeschool from my guest, Francie Black.  I met Francie at the Great Homeschool Convention last year. She is the founder of HomeHackerCamp.com and is passionate about teaching. She and I are traveling to the IDEA conferences in Alaska this month. If you’ll be there, be sure to come by and say hello. Now here’s my chat with Francie.

Summary

Francie Black, a former tech professional and homeschooling parent, shares her journey into robotics and programming and the importance of STEM education for kids. She explains the scope of robotics and the skills it develops, such as critical thinking and problem-solving. Francie offers online classes for homeschoolers, teaching software, hardware, and electronics. She also discusses the upcoming speaker at her program, her son who works as a Starship engineer at SpaceX. Francie and Melanie Wilson discuss their upcoming conference in Alaska and where parents can find more information about Francie’s classes.

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Robotics in Your Homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers, we know we aren’t weird and unsocialized as a popular blog implies, but you might wonder if we are weirder than kids in public school. I was relieved when my oldest son, after having been in a public high school for a few weeks, told me that he thought that the public school kids were just as weird as homeschoolers.

We know that our kids can benefit from having good social skills. Here’s why we should teach social skills directly in our homeschool and here are some practical tips for doing just that.

Summary

In this conversation, Melanie Wilson discusses the importance of teaching social skills to homeschoolers. She addresses the misconception that homeschoolers are weirder than public school kids and emphasizes the benefits of good social skills, such as reduced anxiety and future success. Melanie provides reasons why social skills should be included in the homeschool curriculum. She also suggests creating a plan, teaching in a family or group setting, and using multiple modalities. Melanie introduces her Training Aliens curriculum as a story-based approach to teaching social and emotional skills.

Alternatives to Video Games

Great Homeschool Conventions

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Teaching Social Skills In Your Homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers! How to help an anxious, frustrated, or bored child is the most common question I get. In this episode, I’ll share a three-step approach you can use to help your child manage any negative emotion.

Summary

In this episode, Melanie Wilson addresses the common concern of homeschooling parents regarding their child’s ability to manage emotions. She emphasizes that emotional struggles should be seen as skill deficits rather than character flaws. Melanie highlights the lack of emotional management education in schools and the need for explicit teaching in this area. She introduces a three-step framework for teaching emotional skills: prevention, recognition, and substitution. The chapters cover topics such as the importance of sleep, diet, and environment in preventing negative emotions, teaching children to recognize signs of frustration, and finding constructive responses to boredom. Melanie encourages parents to provide practice and grace as children learn to manage their emotions and emphasizes the role of prayer and faith in this process.

Previous Episodes on Emotions

Helping the Anxious Child

Helping the Frustrated Child

How to Deal with a Troublemaking Child

Homeschooling a Child with ADHD

The post How To Help Your Child Manage Emotions appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers! If you’ve ever considered attending a homeschool conference, this is the year to do it. If you’ve attended in the past, I have three reasons you should attend again.

In short, you should attend for the curriculum, the speakers, and the fellowship with other homeschoolers.

Some resources I mention in today’s episode are:

Great Homeschool Conventions

Grammar Galaxy Books

Carole Barnier’s episodes on ADD and reading

Dr. S. M. Davis

Institute for Excellence in Writing

I hope to see you at a conference this year!

Have a happy homechool week.

The post Special Replay: 3 Reasons To Attend A Homeschool Conference In Person This Year appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers! I had the opportunity to talk with my good friend, Dr. Carl Werner, for this episode. He is an expert in evolution who has devoted decades of his life to examining the evidence for evolution. His most recent book is about human evolution. The evidence he has amassed is stunning. Now more than ever I believe we have to share his work with our kids. Here’s my chat with Carl.

There is a tale over 4,000 years old, preserved in ancient writings from every major culture around the world. Many thought it was only a myth, but evidence supports what the Bible has said all along. Sevenfold Films and Genesis Apologetics present: The Ark and the Darkness. In theaters March 20-21! Visit http://noahsflood.com

Episode Summary

In this episode, Melanie Wilson interviews Dr. Carl Werner about the topic of human evolution. They discuss the assumption of human evolution and the evidence presented in museums and educational institutions. Dr. Werner shares his personal journey from believing in evolution to skepticism and the research he conducted to uncover the truth about ape men fossils. He exposes the fraud and errors associated with famous fossils like Neanderthal Man and Lucy. Dr. Werner emphasizes the importance of educating children about the flaws in the theory of human evolution and provides resources for further exploration.

How to Give Your Kids Confidence in Creation

The Grand Experiment: Dr. Werner’s website

Have a happy homeschool week! Be sure to come by and say hello if you’re attending the Great Homeschool Convention in Greenville, South Carolina.

The post What Will You Teach Your Kids About Human Evolution? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers! I never thought I would have five boys, but I am so glad I do. I love them to the moon and back and judging by the response my episode on homeschooling boys got, so do you.

That’s why I was excited to read Durenda Wilson’s new book on the topic and to hear her thoughts on why it’s so important to think about how we are raising our boys. In Raising Boys to Men: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Raising and Homeschooling Boys, Durenda shares her almost three decades of experience raising and homeschooling her five boys. She brings wisdom and perspective that will inspire moms to see their sons in a fresh and hopeful way, so they can raise the next generation of boys to be courageous men of faith and action. I know you’ll love our conversation.

Episode Summary

Durenda Wilson, a homeschooling mother of eight boys, discusses the importance of raising boys and the challenges they face in today’s culture. She emphasizes the need for understanding and appreciating the unique characteristics and nature of boys, while also setting clear boundaries and instilling a strong work ethic. Wilson shares personal anecdotes and insights from her book, which aims to equip mothers with a better understanding of their sons and provide practical guidance for homeschooling and parenting boys. In this conversation, Durenda Wilson discusses her book ‘Raising Boys to Men’ and shares her insights on motherhood and parenting. She emphasizes the joy of raising children and the satisfaction that comes from hard work. Durenda also highlights the importance of shared responsibility in parenting and the role of fathers in raising sons. She concludes by providing information on how to get a copy of her book and hints at future conversations on homeschooling.

Raising Boys Resources

Link to redeem your purchase for a free audiobook

Durenda’s website

Homeschooling boys episode

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Wisdom For Raising Boys appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers! You’ve been there. You’ve blown it with your kids. Maybe you lost your temper or disciplined in a way that you’re not proud of. In this episode, my guest and I will discuss how to redeem those parenting failures. Before I introduce Andee Martineau, I want to be clear about my perspective on discipline. It is first of all grounded in God’s Word.

But whether families share my faith or not, I believe they have to determine which discipline approach is right for them. I do think there are challenges that come with extremes in discipline — too hard and too soft. But there is a lot of room between the extremes to find what works for you. Parents who discipline in the middle of the extremes want a strong relationship with their kids because they know their influence is most likely to result in happy, successful kids. Andee Martineau and I share that perspective. We have a different philosophy on correction, but I appreciate that her approach has worked for her and may work for you, especially if you’ve had a too-hard discipline approach.

Andee Martineau is a parenting coach who specializes in helping parents raise their kids without yelling, ultimatums, or bribes. Using her Connect Method Parenting techniques, she has taught thousands of parents to feel more in control of family life, stress less, get their kids to listen, and more.

Sponsor: Harper Collins Kingdom Girls Bible

Girls will discover the power of faith in this beautiful Bible that features women of the Bible!

Here is the ideal Bible for girls on their journey of faith! This special Bible is specifically crafted to highlight the stories and lessons of the inspiring, famous, and sometimes infamous women of the Bible.

With over 400 engaging features, colorful illustrations, and helpful notes, this Bible is perfect for girls ages 8 to 12 as they learn about the strong and faithful women who came before them. From Eve to Ruth, Esther to Mary, this Bible brings the stories of these women to life and shows how their faith and strength can still inspire girls today.

Featuring a beautiful design and easy-to-read text, this Bible is a great resource for girls as they grow in their own faith and learn about the women who have impacted the world.

Features include:

• • Her Story – Character sketches of 75 good and not-so-good female role models of the Bible

• • Action Plans – Prayer, art, outdoor activities, and music are examples of some actions suggested in this fun-filled feature

• • Take It to Heart – Great verses to memorize

• • Step Into the Story – Solid advice on how to live a godly life in today’s world

• • Meet ______ – Meet 50 lesser-known women of the Bible and discover ways to help build character and godliness

• • A Letter to Myself – A place for a girl to make a commitment about who and what she wants to be, and, even more important, who she wants to follow

• • Book Introductions – An overview of each book of the Bible

• • Subject Index – Find features written about specific topics like courage, kindness, or joy

• • Beautiful illustrations and full color throughout

• • Presentation page for gift giving

• • Satin ribbon marker

• • Print size: 9

• • Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface

Podcast Summary

In this conversation, Andee Martineau shares her experiences and insights on parenting and homeschooling. She discusses the reasons for choosing homeschooling and the challenges and learning experiences that come with it. Andee also talks about examples of parenting failures and the patterns that can lead to these failures. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and challenging thought patterns to break free from negative cycles. In this conversation, Andee Martineau shares valuable insights on parenting and building strong relationships with children. She emphasizes the importance of understanding our own triggers and nervous system, investing intentional time in the relationship with our children, and balancing quality attention and connection. Andee also highlights the significance of connecting with our children for connection’s sake, creating safety and maintaining connection during conflict, and redeeming parenting failures with curiosity and compassion.

Andee Martineau Resources

Connect Method Parenting book

Website

Instagram

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Redeeming Parenting Failures appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this conversation, Melanie Wilson addresses the question of whether chaos is normal in homeschooling. She defines chaos as unexpected and unplanned interruptions and explains that it is common for homeschooling moms to experience chaos, especially when starting their homeschooling journey. She emphasizes that chaos can be frustrating but often leads to unexpected and better outcomes. However, she also acknowledges that there is a type of chaos that is not just a phase and requires specific actions to regain control. Melanie provides advice on establishing routines, implementing structure in child discipline, and prioritizing planned self-care to break free from negative chaos.

Sponsor: Harper Collins Kingdom Girls Bible

Girls will discover the power of faith in this beautiful Bible that features women of the Bible!

Here is the ideal Bible for girls on their journey of faith! This special Bible is specifically crafted to highlight the stories and lessons of the inspiring, famous, and sometimes infamous women of the Bible.

With over 400 engaging features, colorful illustrations, and helpful notes, this Bible is perfect for girls ages 8 to 12 as they learn about the strong and faithful women who came before them. From Eve to Ruth, Esther to Mary, this Bible brings the stories of these women to life and shows how their faith and strength can still inspire girls today.

Featuring a beautiful design and easy-to-read text, this Bible is a great resource for girls as they grow in their own faith and learn about the women who have impacted the world.

Features include:

• • Her Story – Character sketches of 75 good and not-so-good female role models of the Bible

• • Action Plans – Prayer, art, outdoor activities, and music are examples of some actions suggested in this fun-filled feature

• • Take It to Heart – Great verses to memorize

• • Step Into the Story – Solid advice on how to live a godly life in today’s world

• • Meet ______ – Meet 50 lesser-known women of the Bible and discover ways to help build character and godliness

• • A Letter to Myself – A place for a girl to make a commitment about who and what she wants to be, and, even more important, who she wants to follow

• • Book Introductions – An overview of each book of the Bible

• • Subject Index – Find features written about specific topics like courage, kindness, or joy

• • Beautiful illustrations and full color throughout

• • Presentation page for gift giving

• • Satin ribbon marker

• • Print size: 9

• • Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface

Chaos Resources

Great Homeschool Conventions

Have a New Kid by Friday

FLYLady

Discipline

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Is Homeschool Chaos Normal? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hey, homeschoolers! I was a stay-at-home mom when I started homeschooling. I did freelance writing and speaking and premarital counseling at my church. But I wasn’t spending even twenty hours a week on work until my last two kids were teens. Because of that, I assumed that it simply wasn’t possible to work and homeschool too.

My guest Dr. Celia Zamora changed my mind. Dr. Zamora has a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and was a teacher for 15 years before homeschooling her son. She is now a full-time director of a nonprofit who is also passionate about multilingual education and encouraging the Latino community to consider homeschooling. If you’ve wondered about working while homeschooling, prepare to be inspired by Celia.

Summary

In this conversation, Melanie Wilson interviews Celia Zamora about homeschooling and working at the same time. Celia shares her background as a director of a nonprofit organization and a homeschooling mom. She explains her decision to homeschool and the challenges she faces as a working mom. Celia emphasizes the benefits of homeschooling for working moms, such as developing important life skills and creating a personalized education. She provides tips for success, including outsourcing tasks and prioritizing self-care. Celia also addresses misconceptions and fears of Latino families regarding homeschooling and encourages them to consider the advantages of homeschooling for their children’s language and cultural development.

Takeaways

Homeschooling can be a viable option for working moms, as they have the skills to balance multiple responsibilities and can prioritize what is important to them. Outsourcing tasks and finding support from family and community can help working moms manage their time effectively. Self-care is crucial for working homeschool moms to maintain their sanity and well-being. Latino families may have misconceptions and fears about homeschooling, but it can provide opportunities for language and cultural development for their children.

Resources from Dr. Zamora

https://www.actfl.org/ (World Language Org on the teaching of languages. Working on a platform for homeschool language educators as well!)

https://www.languageconnectsfoundation.org/ (a great foundation with research and initiatives on language learning, benefits of learning languages, etc.)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cchomon-zamora/ (My LinkedIn profile)

My email address is [email protected]

www.Preply.com a great website to outsource language conversation partners and tutoring

The post Working And Homeschooling? Yes, You Can! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Teach Truth ~ with Dr. Melanie Wilson and Elizabeth Urbanowicz 

Are you ready to teach truth? Join as as we explore the topic.

Thanks to our sponsor, A Fanthom Presents Film – The Ark and The Darkness – Movie Trailer here: NoahsFlood

Hey, homeschoolers! Any time a teacher uses a story to teach children, I am all for it. Stories are not only the most enjoyable way to learn something but the most powerful.

When former guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz told me she had created a picture book to help children discern what truth is, I asked her to join me on the podcast again. In a culture obsessed with identifying misinformation, we want to equip our kids to separate truth from falsehood, using a Christian worldview.

Elizabeth has such a beautiful spirit. I know you’ll appreciate hearing her teaching tips.

Get your copy of What Is Truth here: https://foundationworldview.com/book/what-is-truth

Episode Summary

Elizabeth discusses her ministry updates and the release of a children’s book on truth. The conversation explores the difficulty of defining truth and the impact of the Fall on our perception of truth. Elizabeth provides insights on teaching children a biblical definition of truth and shares the motivation behind creating a children’s picture book.

Here are some great resources for your homeschool

The Most Underutilized Resource

Style Confidence

Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy 

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Using Story To Teach Kids Truth appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.