The Real Kathy Lee

Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday for me as a mom. I so enjoy getting up early to write my kids love notes, set the table with candles and red, sparkly runners and cook a special breakfast. I want my children to know on this day that they are loved!

Once Valentine’s Day was over, I started questioning my attitude towards the other 364 days of the year. Did I work hard to make sure my kids know they were loved everyday? If so, how do I accomplish that and how do I encourage you to love your kids every February 15th – February 13

I came up with a few things...

1. Write love notes throughout the year.
   

   Be creative. Write on their bathroom mirror with lipstick, leave notes on the pillows, tape notes to the back of the seat where they sit in the car, put notes in their books, in their backpacks, in their lunchboxes. Share specific things you love about them or positive things you have noticed them doing.
2. Spend TIME with them.I recently saw a news clip about young children and tablet time. The reporter stated that it is fine for young children to be on devices as long as adults were engaged with the children. They showed a video of one child and two adults sitting on a sofa. All three people were on their own device. This is NOT what I am talking about. Real time with your kids means devices are put away. Conversations are happening. Dinner Time, time in the car, while tucking in at night, etc... In order to have a real relationship with anyone, you MUST spend time with him or her.
3. Honor their work.If your child paints a picture for you, hang it up. If they want to sing you a song, stop what you are doing and listen to it (it usually takes less than two minutes). If they want to read you their story, listen! Honoring their work will teach them that their work matters!
4. Be careful with your conversations.We have all been guilty of getting on the phone with a girlfriend and firing off. Maybe you were upset with a friend, your partner, or even your child? If you think your child is busy playing and not paying attention, WRONG. They are listening to every word. Decide to share positive things instead... about your friend, your partner, and your child. Words are powerful so choose them carefully.
5. Create a home that is welcoming for your children and their friends.I am honored when kids say they feel comfortable in my home. I love it when my kids want us to host the party, the bible study, and the special event. I want every one who walks into my home to feel welcomed and relaxed. Hopefully, your children will want to follow your lead and have that kind of home when they grow up and leave the nest.

I am far from perfect as a mom. However, I am confident that my kids will know that I love them and I want them to grow up and love well.

How will you show love today???

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for me to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let me know.

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!

Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase atThe Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

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

In theaters March 20-21! Noah’s Flood is preserved in ancient writings from every major culture around the world. Recent discoveries confirm what the Bible has said all along. Sevenfold Films and Genesis Apologetics present: The Ark and the Darkness.

The post Showing LOVE after Valentine’s Day is OVER! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week, the second top podcast episode of all time! Let’s Get Organized!

Things don’t always work out as planned, but I have learned that it is usually for a good reason. I hope that is the case with this week’s episode. I was scheduled to talk to my good friend, Mary Ann Kohl (author and process art expert). However, Mary Ann had to cancel so I called up my buddy ASH-A-LEE in Nashville. We decided to chat about one of the topics I get asked about THE MOST, organization.

People often think that because I am the queen of “say yes” and “get messy” I have a very messy house. Not true. Well, it CAN get messy. However, I am best when my house is organized and everything has a place. Just this week, I tweaked the organization of my pantry. See below.

I shared some basic thoughts about organization on today’s episode.

1. Find a place for everything and make that place known.
2. Minimize your stuff. If you haven’t used it in a year, chances are you are not going to use it. This goes for clothes, shoes, toys, and kitchen utensils.
3. Less is BEST. As parents we are guilty of thinking our kids need lots of different toys. False. Choose quality over quantity and rotate toys in and out.
4. It is easier to say yes when everything has a place (ie – paint supplies, legos, etc...)
5. Organizing children is easier in an organized space.
6. Have children work together in order to free of individual time with each child. I love that Ashley sent me the following pics a few hours after our podcast. She immediately implemented some of my suggestions. Way to go Ashley!

I hope you make time to connect with your kids today!!

Want to get organized, be sure and check out the monthly freebie from Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network: Printable Checklists

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Route 60

Thank you to this podcast episode sponsor: Route 60 – The Biblical Highway. In theaters September 18th & 19th only. Please check the website to learn more about this wonderful movie.

The post Best of The Real Kathy Lee: Let’s Get Organized! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Keeping Your Calm This School Year

Special Replay sponsored by CTCMath.com

As this school year approaches, I thought I would share some of my plans to have a calm year! This year I have one 7^th grader, one 9^th grader, two high school seniors, one in Estethecian School and one junior in college. Whew, that is a lot. I will be honest, the first couple of weeks I find myself struggling to get us all on the same page. Between school, jobs, sports, etc... keeping this house running smoothly is a challenge.

Here are some of my tips for surviving back to school:

1. Create Dream Posters.
2. Create a Healthy Meal Plan.
3. Follow Through on Healthy Meal Plan.
4. Plan a family night to make dream posters. You will need poster board, markers, magazine, and glue. Invite your children to create a dream poster and display them in your home.
5. Have a Dream Poster Date Night with your partner/spouse.
6. SLEEP... get sleep. Make sure everyone in the home is getting enough sleep.
7. Organize your space and remember less is better. Don’t forget to create a cozy corner for reading books/getting away.
8. Take time to watch and listen. What are your kids talking about, playing with, dreaming of? What pushes their buttons, brings them joy, challenges them?
9. Create a realistic routine that you can live with. Encourage children to stick with routine.
10. Be Flexible – If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it.
    

    **Show Notes: “Keeping Your Calm This School Year” – The Real Kathy Lee**

    **Introduction:**
    – Welcome to “The Real Kathy Lee” podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
    – In this episode, Kathy Lee shares her valuable tips for surviving the back-to-school season with grace and composure.
    – As a homeschooling expert, she knows the challenges parents face during this time and offers practical advice to navigate it successfully. **Segment 1: Creating Dream Posters**
    – Kathy Lee’s first tip is to create dream posters with your children.
    – Gather poster board, markers, magazines, and glue for a family night dedicated to this activity.
    – Invite your children to unleash their creativity and make dream posters that represent their aspirations and goals.
    – Display these dream posters proudly in your home, creating a positive and inspiring environment. **Segment 2: Dream Poster Date Night**
    – Take the concept of dream posters a step further with a special date night with your partner or spouse.
    – Spend quality time together creating dream posters that encompass your shared dreams and vision for the future.
    – This activity can be a fun and bonding experience, strengthening your connection as a couple. **Segment 3: Ensuring Healthy Meals**
    – Kathy Lee emphasizes the importance of a healthy meal plan for the family’s well-being.
    – Develop a meal plan that includes nutritious foods and is realistic for your family’s schedule.
    – Follow through on the meal plan to ensure everyone is well-nourished and energized. **Segment 4: The Power of Sleep**
    – Kathy Lee stresses the significance of getting enough sleep for all family members.
    – Establish consistent sleep routines to promote better sleep and overall health.
    – A well-rested family will be better equipped to handle the challenges of the school year. **Segment 5: Organizing Your Space**
    – Create a clutter-free and organized living space for a more peaceful home environment.
    – Encourage a “less is better” mindset when it comes to possessions, and declutter regularly.
    – Designate a cozy corner for reading and relaxation, providing a space for family members to unwind. **Segment 6: Active Listening**
    – Kathy Lee advises parents to actively listen to their children’s thoughts, interests, and concerns.
    – Pay attention to what excites and motivates your kids, as well as what challenges them.
    – This insight will help you better understand and support your children throughout the school year. **Segment 7: Designing Realistic Routines**
    – Develop a practical and feasible daily routine that accommodates the family’s needs and schedules.
    – Encourage children to adhere to the routine, as it provides structure and stability. **Segment 8: Embracing Flexibility**
    – Stay open to change and be flexible when certain aspects of the routine or plans aren’t working.
    – Don’t be afraid to make adjustments to improve the family’s well-being and overall happiness. **Conclusion:**
    – As the school year begins, it’s crucial to maintain your calm and composure.
    – Kathy Lee’s tips, such as creating dream posters, focusing on healthy meals and sleep, organizing your space, active listening, and embracing flexibility, will help you na...

What happens when life throws you a curve ball and you suspect that you need to throw out your entire school plan? Holly Giles knows what happens, you throw the plan out the window. If you have ever considered schooling out of the box, you will not want to miss this episode. Holly shares openly about their medical scare, how this rocked her homeschooling world and how their family is thriving today.

Holly was so moved by her children’s success with out of the box style learning that she decided to create The Giles Frontier. The Giles Frontier is perfect for families who need an alternative to big box curriculum. This nature-based program meets children where they are during the elementary years and encourages whole family learning.

You can learn more about Holly and the Giles Frontier at http://www.thegilesfrontier.com and you can also connect with Holly on social media at The Giles Frontier.

I know this episode is going to inspire and encourage you!

You’ve got this!

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The post Special Replay: Schooling Out of the Box with Holly Giles appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

What is trauma?

trau·ma
ˈtroumə,ˈtrômə/
noun

1.
a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.

What causes trauma in young children?

• Past or Present Abuse
• Stress in the home
• Divorce
• Death of Pet
• Death of Family Member/Friend
• Unhealthy environment
• Adding a new family member.
• Move
• Witnessing something horrible, scary, or stressful. This can be a real life event or witnessed via media.

You don’t need to know what caused the trauma in order to help.
Behavior is Communication
GET CURIOUS...What is their behavior saying to you?

• Withdrawn
• Anxious
• Misbehavior
• Angry
• Fearful
• Powerless
• Exhausted

THIS ISN’T ABOUT YOU
If it is a big deal to them, it is a big deal. Try to stay unemotional during the most emotional times.

Children from hard places need to know they are safe, loved and Accepted, no matter what.
Essentials of TIC (Trauma Informed Classroom)
Connect – Focus on Relationships
Protect – Promote Safety and Trustworthiness
Respect – Engage in Choice and Collaboration
Redirect (Teach and Reinforce) – Encourage SkillBuilding and Competence
Hummer, V., Crosland, K., Dollard, N., 2009

10 ways to help...

1. Have a Routine.
2. Choose Your Words Carefully.
3. Provide a space for one.
4. Give permission to feel.
5. Honor their feelings.
6. Be available.
7. Be flexible.
8. Educate others.
9. Don’t expect to have all the answers (Ask them).
10. Create opportunities in the classroom for the child to experience success.

Make a plan...
What do you need to be prepared?

Who do you need to talk to?

Any unresolved trauma in your own background?

What needs to change in you OR your environment?

Thank you to our sponsor, CTC Math.

The post Loving Children Who Have Experienced Trauma appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.