On today’s show I talked about Christmas presents for young learners. Well-meaning adults often focus on the amount of presents under the tree, but this year I want to encourage them (and you) to focus on quality toys and presents instead. Quality Wooden Blocks – I mention Constructive Playthings on the show and they have great products. Honestly, my favorite are Community Playthings and their website is www.communityplaythings.com Sooo worth the money! Books – Good books are a must! For little ones, focus on board books with beautiful (real, when possible) pictures. Rhyming books, silly books, read –alouds are great for children, as they get a little older. Check out this link…http://time.com/100-best-childrens-books/ Kits – Create different kits for a great present that will keep your kids engaged. You can decorate plastic containers with lids for easy storage and cute presentation. Exploration Kit- Nature journal (blank notebook), bird / flower books, pencils, magnifying glass, collection containers, tweezers for collecting bugs and such. Art Kit- Check out www.discountschoolsupply.com and www.lakeshore.com for quality art products for kids. Paper (large and small sizes), blank canvas’, pencils, paint, brushes, stickers, collage materials, and glue are all great in an art kit. Bath Kit- Shaving cream, brushes, scrubbers, soaps, squirt toys, and even a new tootbrush. Baby Doll Kit – baby dolls, blankets, small bucket for bathing, baby wash cloths, baby soap, bottles. Sensory Kit- slime materials (glue and liquid starch, waterbeads, play-doh ingredients, textured items) Grocery Store and such  - www.ana-white.com has a great plan for a grocery store/flower shop/post office/puppet stage… If you are not a woodworker, fill a small grocery cart with a cash register, a receipt pad, and some empty food boxes. My kids loved this cash register and it can be found from a variety of retailers. Tent / Space for One – Creating a cozy space for one in your home is of benefit to you and your child. Many retailers have tents that can be purchased. Also include some cozy pillows, a few books, and maybe a small container of manipulatives or even a simple memory game. Playhouse – Try and find something general enough that children can pretend with people or animals. Check out this treehouse dollhouse from www.landofnod.com. Also, we’ve been having fun playing but I want to do more read alouds. The only thing is that my youngest is just too noisy. Is that something about discipline or just age? Should I do read alouds when he’s asleep? Amanda asked, “ Do you, and if so HOW do you find time for yourself to avoid burnout? I feel like I can keep it together for a couple of weeks – getting up early to get a jump on the day, spending much needed time with the Lord, being patient and sweet with the kids (LOL!), saying yes and playing skillfully, keeping up with laundry and cleanup, cooking meals… by 3rd week I start feeling spent and the laundry starts slipping, I’m inclined to order dinner out every night and my best-laid school plans fall behind. Do you have a strategy for self-refreshment? I loved answering all of these questions on the show. If you have questions for me, submit them via FB or instagram (The Real Kathy Lee) or message me through the website. Find a way to #sayyes today.   Enjoy this podcast? Check out these podcasts on preschoolers!

Rediscovering the Joy in Motherhood with Kathy Lee On this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with one of my favorite homeschooling moms on the planet. Keri Vasek is the mother of three muddlings and opens up to share her journey of losing her joy (and rediscovering it). You will see in this episode just why I call my show The REAL Kathy Lee and often refer to myself as a hot mess! In this captivating episode, I am thrilled to engage in a heartfelt conversation with Keri Vasek, a remarkable homeschooling mother whose journey of rediscovering joy resonates deeply with me. As the host of "The REAL Kathy Lee" show, I've had the privilege of meeting inspiring individuals, but Keri's story is a true gem. Keri, a loving mother of three, candidly shares her personal odyssey, one that many of us can relate to. She speaks candidly about a time when she felt like she had lost her joy, a sentiment that often plagues parents and caregivers amidst the demands of daily life. Her honesty is refreshing, reminding us that it's okay to embrace our "hot mess" moments. Throughout the episode, Keri's resilience and authenticity shine through. Her journey towards rediscovering joy is a testament to the power of self-reflection, perseverance, and the supportive community that homeschooling can provide. As Keri opens up about her experiences, listeners are bound to find inspiration in her words, understanding that even in the midst of chaos and challenges, there is a path back to joy. So, tune in to this episode of "The REAL Kathy Lee" to witness Keri Vasek's touching story, and join me in celebrating the beauty of embracing our authentic selves, imperfections, and all.     Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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. * Find a place for everything and make that place known. * 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. * 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. * It is easier to say yes when everything has a place (ie – paint supplies, legos, etc…) * Organizing children is easier in an organized space. * 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.

What if we could turn back time? Seriously. What if we could turn back time? That was a topic of conversation. THSC in The Woodlands is always a fun conference. One of the reasons I love it so much is that I get to hang out with two of my favorite ladies on the planet, Arlene and Jamie. We even wore the same NAME on our nametags all weekend and enjoyed the confused looks we received. We decided it would be fun to chat about the things we would tell our young selves (if we could) about this homeschooling gig. We definitely had some laughs and shared some pretty cool stuff. Here are the highlights: * Lighten up. * Don’t try and do everything. * Only plan for the next year. * Don’t compare. * Trust your gut. Homeschooling is a journey. It is a marathon. Some days will be great. Some days will be disastrous. Hang in there. We all agreed that we are thankful we did and think our kids would say the same. If you aren’t a part of a co-op or moms group, start one. We all need like-minded people around us to encourage us on the tough days. Contact your state or local homeschooling organization if you aren’t sure where the cool homeschool kids hang out in your area.   You’ve got this! 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. 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 at The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.  

What if I think my child needs a diagnosis? This is a common mom-question and today on Momfessions we're going to tackle that topic. Thank you to today's sponsor: CTC Math. I have the coolest friends. Sometimes I forget that they are even more amazing in their careers. This is the case with my friend, Lei Rhyne. Not only did she homeschool her kiddos for several years, is beautiful and funny, she is also a psychometrist… say that three times fast. When she mentioned to me that she helped families who saw their children struggling, I wanted to know more. In This Episode: What if I Think My Child Needs a Diagnosis? In this episode Lei shares the full process involved of having your child tested and diagnosed, putting your fears to rest. She explains the first meeting with the Psychologist, the fact-finding mission that usually involves a couple of days of testing and observations, and the results of meeting with both the Psychometrist and Psychologist. I think one of the best parts about getting a diagnosis from Lei her team at Fresh Start Mind is the fact that in the end, parents will be armed with the information and tools needed to help their child succeed emotionally, socially, and academically. If you suspect that something is not quite right with your child socially, emotionally, or academically, you should consider giving Lei or another qualified educational consulting team a call. You’ve got this! 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 at The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.  

Why are ages and stages important??? So that we can set developmentally appropriate expectations. Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is an approach to teaching grounded in research on how young children develop and learn and in what is known about effective early education. Its framework is designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development. Our Sponsor! I want to thank Route 60: A Biblical Highway for sponsoring this podcast. Please check out the link here. Route60.movie Check out this presentation on Ages and Stages from Kathy Lee by clicking here! The best way to teach children in a developmentally appropriate manner is through PLAY… In short…PLAY builds the brain, develops the whole child, and contributes to children becoming who they were meant to be. “Play is a vital way for the brain to integrate its divergent parts and build complex synaptic connections. This is key to brain stabilization, organization, and development. “ - Stuart Brown, MD “When children play, their brains are engaged in numerous pattern-seeking processes that construct, organize, and synthesize knowledge. These processes Include: Sorting Ordering Classifying Counting Patterning Measuring problem-solving organizing comparing describing storytelling Inventing constructing deciding  explaining mapping cooperating experimenting imagining questioning creating symbol making What is the role of a DAP Teacher/parent? Observe Facilitate Encourage Have realistic expectations Focus on progression rather than perfection Remember “Childhood is the world of miracle and wonder, as if creation rose and bathed in light, out of darkness, utterly new and fresh and astonishing. The end of childhood is when things cease to astonish us. When the world seems familiar when we have gotten used to existence, one has become an adult.” - E. Jonesco “Every stage of development is complete in itself. The 3-year-old is not an incomplete 5-year-old. The child is not an incomplete adult. Never are we simply on our way, always we have arrived!   Enjoy now!” - JC Pearce

Are you a mom who always questions herself? Guilt has been on my mind so much this past week. It seems everywhere I turn, women are sharing with me how much they are questioning their every decision and how guilty they feel if someone disagrees with them. Oh, ladies, I want you to live a guilt-free life. Honestly, this has been one of my greatest struggles. I am a recovering people pleaser. TBH (to be honest in cool kid lingo), I still struggle with questioning my decisions and hoping I haven’t hurt someone’s feelings in the process. Today I share some thoughts on helping us all recognize when we are being held captive by people pleasing and guilt. Thank you to our sponsor: Route 60: The Biblical Highway Know Yourself – If you haven’t taken a personality test, you should. There are several different types you can take, you can check out Myers Brigg.  Knowing yourself will help you be confident in your strengths. Know What Triggers You- Did you struggle with perfectionism as a kid? Did you experience trauma? Did your parents expect certain things from you? Did someone question your every move? Be true to Yourself and Your Story- What is your plan for your family? Talk openly with your spouse and your small circle of friends. Don’t write a shitty first draft- As Brene’ Brown says in her book Rising Strong, our brain will create a story when we don’t have answers. Resist doing this. This will often lead to unnecessary guilt. Know your Love Language- If you are a quality time person, you often feel guilty if you don’t offer quality time. If you are a gifts person, you will sometimes struggle if you don’t think you picked the perfect gift. Be aware of this common transfer of emotion.   I think the bottom line is this, we are all trying to do our best. Let’s offer each other grace. Most importantly, let’s give ourselves grace! 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. Just email me at kathy@thehomegrownpreschooler.com or shoot me a message on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.   .    Route 60: The Biblical Highway

What is trauma? This episode is sponsored by CTCMath.com. 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? More Episodes on the 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 7th grader, one 9th 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: * Create Dream Posters. * Create a Healthy Meal Plan. * Follow Through on Healthy Meal Plan. * 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. * Have a Dream Poster Date Night with your partner/spouse. * SLEEP… get sleep. Make sure everyone in the home is getting enough sleep. * Organize your space and remember less is better. Don’t forget to create a cozy corner for reading books/getting away. * 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? * Create a realistic routine that you can live with. Encourage children to stick with routine. * 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**

Special Replay | Creating Inviting Spaces for Your Homeschool for your Little Ones   When my sweet friend, Misty sent me a Marco Polo (a cool video app) asking my opinion on her child’s playroom, I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts with all of you on creating inviting spaces for your little ones! Everyone is worthy of feeling as if they belong, especially our children and most definitely in their own home. Before you begin designing an inviting space for your children, I suggest you get on your hands and knees and crawl around your home. YEP, literally get on your hands and knees. Spaces look so different from a child’s eye level. Ask yourself, how do things look and feel from that level. Are there enough “small” areas for your children to work, play, discover and explore?   Work, An Element of Inviting Spaces in Your Homeschool Children need small ways to contribute to the family. They need work. Create spaces for their belongings on their level. Have a drawer for their cups, plates, utensils, and special cooking items. Have a bucket with basic cleaning supplies and cloths. Place hooks low enough so that children can hang up their own coats. Creating good habits at a young age pay off. Play, Building Relationships through Ideas Children are meant to play. How easy is it to say YES to their ideas for play? Less is definitely more in this area. Children do not need 20 containers full of toys in a playroom. During the early years it is likely that everything that is in a container will end up dumped on the floor, all at once. Buy quality toys and items that inspire open-ended play. This is more engaging for the child. I suggest you keep it basic. Some quality blocks, some arts and crafts materials, something that inspires pretend play (dress up, kitchen, baby dolls, etc..) and a cozy corner with books. Put everything else in a large plastic bin and keep it for a month. During that month, move anything your child asks for into a different bin. Whatever is left in the original bin after a month, donate. Discover and Explore, The Great Outdoors Kids need permission to get outside in search of discovery and exploration. Do you have a space for them to do that? Do you have materials such as nature journals, pencils, binoculars, and bird/flower books to inspire them? Keeping these type of items handy will help you say yes! Creating inviting spaces is worth the time and effort! Get down on your hands and knees and start crawling around your space today!   Love this post? Discover more on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network Homeschool Lifestyle Last Minute DIY Tips Money Saving Field Trips All About Teaching Raising Spiritually Strong Kids Six Homeschooling Insider Tips Best Staycations for Kids Avoid Curriculum Pitfalls Top 10 Parenting Secrets 45 Family Date Night Ideas Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!