Archive for the ‘Podcasts’ Category

Podcast: An Honest Conversation about Unschooling

Brave Writer Podcast

Are you a homeschooling parent who has heard about unschooling but isn’t quite sure what it means, or whether it’s right for your family?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Unschooling is a flexible and learner-centered approach to education that encourages:

  • curiosity,
  • self-direction,
  • and personal growth.

In this Brave Writer podcast, we’ll dive into the world of unschooling and share some valuable insights, experiences, and advice to help you navigate this alternative approach to learning.

Show Notes

Understanding the Principles of Unschooling

First, let’s start by understanding the principles of unschooling. Unschooling is not anti-education but rather an alternative approach to learning that follows a child’s interests and allows them to learn at their own pace.

The philosophy, coined by educator John Holt, supports a learner-centered approach that encourages curiosity and personal growth. It’s important to differentiate between unschooling and radical unschooling, with the latter involving complete relinquishment of control and structure in a child’s life, including non-academic aspects like bedtimes and mealtimes.

Utilizing Resources and Methods in an Unschooling Environment

Unschooling doesn’t mean you need to shut the door on traditional educational resources. Instead, you can make use of tutors, classes, field trips, workbooks, and textbooks, alongside allowing your child to pursue their interests and passions. The key is to create a rich and flexible learning environment that:

  • encourages exploration
  • and supports your child’s unique learning style.

Embracing Change and Trusting the Process

One of the challenges of unschooling is letting go of expectations and recognizing that children’s interests and passions may change over time. It’s essential to remember that the skills and experiences your child gains through unschooling contribute to the “compost” of their personal development, rather than defining them by specific roles or accomplishments. Embrace the uncertainty and trust in the process, as this will ultimately help your child grow into a well-rounded and adaptable individual.

Unschooling offers a unique and flexible approach to education that can be tailored to suit the needs and interests of each child. It’s important to be open to change and not be bound by a specific educational philosophy or label.

Whether you decide to fully embrace unschooling or simply incorporate some of its principles into your homeschooling journey, remember that the ultimate goal is to support your child’s curiosity, growth, and individuality. Don’t be afraid to explore and adapt because, after all, learning is a lifelong adventure.

Resources

  • It’s that time of year: We’re announcing the new book list for the coming school year! Save the dates, June 1st and 2nd, and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop at bravewriter.com/news.
  • Visit bravewriter.com/online-classes to help your young writer finish the school year strong!
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Brave Writer Podcast

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Podcast: How to Have a Drama-Free Family Life with Nedra Tawwab

Brave Writer Podcast

Are you struggling with family drama and looking for ways to create a more harmonious home environment? You’re not alone!

We recently sat down with Nedra Tawwab, a licensed therapist and New York Times bestselling author of “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” and “Drama Free,” who shared valuable insights and advice on:

  • setting boundaries,
  • navigating relationships,
  • and maintaining a peaceful family life.

As a seasoned expert in managing personal and family relationships, Nedra offers practical guidance on dealing with personal pain, estrangement, and the importance of preserving the integrity of a child’s experience in a drama-free environment.

Show Notes

Embrace Boundaries and Assertiveness

Setting boundaries is essential in maintaining healthy relationships and achieving a drama-free life. Boundaries can be flexible and change over time, and it’s important to recognize the difference between a boundary and a punishment. When it comes to assertiveness, it’s crucial to communicate your needs and express your boundaries, even if it feels uncomfortable. Remember, being assertive is not the same as being rude.

Preserving the Integrity of Childhood

Parents often face challenges when dealing with their own emotional issues while trying to maintain a child’s sacred childhood. It’s important to allow children to enjoy their young years without burdening them with adult responsibilities or emotions. Furthermore, parents should acknowledge their mistakes and apologize to their children, modeling how to handle emotions and paving the way for better parenting. This practice, called “living amends,” helps parents demonstrate growth and change through their actions, which can heal past hurts.

Dealing with Personal Pain and Estrangement

Dr. Tawwab highlights the importance of allowing people to experience their pain for as long as they need to, without pressuring them to move on or forgive. Forgiveness is not a requirement for moving forward in life, and everyone’s experience and relationships are unique. When it comes to estrangement within families, it’s essential to respect and accept the boundaries others have set for themselves. Sometimes, people leave relationships not to punish others but to find peace.

To minimize drama in relationships, it’s crucial to consider one’s own role in creating or allowing it to persist. By changing how you engage with others, you can maintain healthy relationships with those who may not change themselves. Embracing boundaries, preserving the integrity of childhood, and dealing with personal pain and estrangement are key strategies to create a more fulfilling and drama-free homeschooling experience for both you and your children.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Brave Writer Podcast

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Podcast: How it Feels to Find Yourself with Meera Lee Patel

Brave Writer Podcast

We know that parents and home educators often feel like they aren’t living up to their own ideals, which can lead to a crisis of self-esteem. As we face new seasons in life, our previous skillsets might not always be adequate for the task at hand, leaving us feeling frustrated, lonely, and sometimes like we’re failing.

So, how do we move forward with courage and clarity?

We’re delighted to have Meera Lee Patel on the Brave Writer podcast today to help us chart a course through the winding maze of adulthood. Meera is a best-selling author, known for her book “Start Where You Are,” and uses her colorful artwork and perceptive essays to help us navigate each stage of life and the emotions that come with it.

Meera Lee Patel
Meera Lee Patel

Our conversation with Meera is insightful and uplifting, as she shares her wisdom on embracing the journey of self-discovery and growth with grace and resilience.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Meera’s personal journey and the inspiration behind her books
  • How to embrace change and adapt to new stages in life
  • The power of self-compassion and forgiveness in overcoming setbacks
  • Practical tips for maintaining mental and emotional balance during challenging times

Join us in welcoming Meera Lee Patel to the Brave Writer podcast and explore her wisdom on finding your way through the maze of adulthood.

Show Notes

Letting Go of Productivity Guilt

It may come as no surprise to those who know her, but Meera is a self-professed workaholic. She shared her personal struggle with productivity guilt, which was rooted in the intersection of American and immigrant cultures. Becoming a parent helped her gain perspective and prioritize what truly matters, as she found herself focusing on her child’s needs and valuing the time spent with her. Parenthood provided her with a filter to distinguish between work that was important and what could be set aside in favor of more meaningful experiences.

One key takeaway from our conversation with Meera is the importance of focusing on what’s in front of us, rather than getting bogged down in the endless cycle of what we could or should be doing. Children, by nature, are not oriented towards productivity but are more focused on the process of learning and discovery. By leaning into the freedom that children embody, parents can find inspiration to challenge the harmful mindset of productivity guilt and instead embrace the value of the journey.

As we strive to create a nurturing environment for our children, it’s essential to recognize the cultural values that have shaped our beliefs and practices. By acknowledging the ways we’ve been indoctrinated and identifying the values we disagree with, we can raise our children in a culture that, instead of the constant pursuit of productivity, prioritizes:

  • personal growth,
  • self-worth,
  • and the joy of learning.

Check out Meera’s new book, “How It Feels to Find Yourself,” releasing on May 23rd, 2023.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on navigating the various stages of life with courage, clarity, and a strong sense of self.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Brave Writer Podcast

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Podcast: Rereading, Rewatching, Revisiting

Brave Writer Podcast

Do you ever wonder if there are benefits to letting your kids reread, rewatch, and revisit their favorite books, movies, and TV shows?

On today’s Brave Writer podcast, we delve into this practice and its numerous advantages for children and their families, highlighting how revisiting beloved stories can foster:

  • critical thinking,
  • emotional growth,
  • and shared experiences.

Show Notes

Developing critical thinking skills

When children reread or rewatch their favorite stories, they often notice new details, ideas, and patterns they may have missed initially. This process enables them to think more deeply about the story, the characters, and the overall themes. As they grow older and their understanding of the world expands, they will likely find new layers of meaning in the same story. This promotes critical thinking, which is a valuable skill that can be applied in various aspects of life.

Emotional growth and connection

Revisiting favorite stories can also provide emotional support and a sense of stability for children. Familiar characters and settings can offer a comforting escape from real-life challenges or transitions. Moreover, discussing these stories with their parents or peers can foster emotional growth by helping kids understand their feelings and share them with others.

Bonding through shared experiences

One of the most significant benefits of encouraging kids to reread, rewatch, and revisit their favorite stories is the opportunity for families to bond through shared experiences. Parents can read or watch along with their children, creating moments of connection and conversation. They can also create family traditions around specific books, movies, or TV shows, strengthening their relationships and creating lasting memories.

Introducing the “90-minute idea”

We love the concept of the “90-minute idea,” which encourages parents to set aside 90 minutes to explore their children’s interests. By investing time in understanding their passions, parents can support their children’s learning and creativity. This approach can help uncover hidden talents, skills, and knowledge that may not be evident in traditional learning environments.

The joy of buddy reading

Buddy reading, where two or more people read the same book and discuss it, is a valuable experience for children. It allows them to share their thoughts, opinions, and emotions about the story, fostering a deeper connection with both the material and their reading partner. Parents can also participate in buddy reading by leaving margin notes in books for their children to discover, creating a unique, interactive experience.

Creating book clubs and discussion groups

Parents can support their children’s love for rereading and rewatching by organizing book clubs or discussion groups. These gatherings encourage children to engage in conversation and analysis, which can lead to a lifelong love for learning and intellectual exploration.

The practice of rereading, rewatching, and revisiting favorite stories has numerous benefits for children and their families. It promotes critical thinking, emotional growth, and shared experiences, while also encouraging a love for learning and intellectual exploration. By supporting this practice, parents can foster strong connections with their children and help them develop valuable life skills.

Resources

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Brave Writer Podcast

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Podcast: Habits and Homeschooling

Brave Writer Podcast

In our last discussion on the Brave Writer podcast, we explored what it takes to feel good about home education and parenting, and we were left with a tantalizing idea: the key lies in habit formation.

Eager to learn more, we sent Melissa on a research mission to understand the ins and outs of habit building, both from personal experiences and contemporary habit science.

In this episode, we will:

  • delve into our own experiences with habit building,
  • explore Charlotte Mason’s influence on homeschooling,
  • and examine the latest behavioral science research on how our brains form habits.

So, let’s get started and discover how we can implement effective habits in our homeschooling journey.

Show Notes

Why are habits essential to homeschooling?

Habit formation plays a crucial role in the success of homeschooling, as our brains naturally default to habits, with about 40% of what we do being based on routine. In the context of homeschooling, developing positive habits can make life run more smoothly and help children experience the joy of learning. By consciously and proactively creating habits, we can create an environment that supports happiness, health, and our core values.

Charlotte Mason, a pioneer in the world of habit formation, believed that it takes roughly six weeks to form a new habit. With consistent practice and effort, habits eventually become automatic and unconscious, making everyday tasks easier and more efficient. For example, when children learn to write, they initially put in a lot of effort to form letters correctly. Over time, this skill becomes automatic as they develop the habit of proper letter formation.

In the context of homeschooling, habits can range from small actions that make life run more smoothly, to routines that help children engage in different learning experiences. These habits do not imply rigidity or strict schedules; rather, they provide structure and support that allow for organic learning and growth. By understanding and embracing the power of habit formation, we can unlock the potential for a successful homeschooling experience.

Building Positive Habits with Playfulness and Consistency

One effective approach to forming new habits is to build positive habits with playfulness and consistency. This approach was inspired by Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of being proactive in creating good habits rather than being reactive and coming down hard on negative behaviors. Here are some key aspects of this approach:

  • Identify the habit you want to form: Begin by recognizing a behavior that isn’t serving you or your child well and determine a healthier, more pleasant habit that would be beneficial to replace it with.
  • Be proactive: Rather than criticizing or punishing the negative behavior, focus on creating the good habit that would be more beneficial. This proactive approach can help foster a positive environment where habit formation is more likely to occur.
  • Make it fun and engaging: Create a game or challenge around the habit you want to form. By gamifying the habit, it becomes a fun bonding experience, making it more enjoyable and motivating for everyone involved.
  • Take it one step at a time: When forming a new habit, especially for children with challenges like ADHD, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on mastering one task at a time before moving on to the next. This allows for a more manageable and effective habit-building process.
  • Be consistent but flexible: Consistency is important in forming new habits, but it’s also important to recognize that life can be unpredictable. Be consistent in your approach, but also flexible enough to adapt when necessary.
  • Focus on one habit at a time: Avoid trying to form multiple habits simultaneously. Concentrate on one habit until it is well-established before moving on to the next. This ensures that each habit gets the attention and practice it needs to become ingrained.
  • Celebrate progress and growth: Recognize and celebrate the progress made in forming new habits. By acknowledging and reinforcing the positive change, you help solidify the new habit and build confidence in the ability to form other beneficial habits in the future.

This approach of building positive habits with playfulness and consistency is an effective way to create lasting change. By being proactive, engaging, and focused on one habit at a time, you can help foster an environment where new habits can flourish and contribute to a better, healthier lifestyle.

Finding the Right Habits and Setting a Reasonable Pace

When deciding which habits to work on within a family, it’s essential to avoid feeling overwhelmed by trying to tackle too many at once. Instead, it’s best to focus on one habit at a time and build it up slowly.

  • Identify the source of clashes or conflicts: To pick the right habit to start with, consider where the most significant friction points are in the family. Are there constant struggles with siblings, or between a parent and a child? By identifying the source of the conflict, you can begin to focus on the habit that will help alleviate the issue.
  • Assess the pace of habit formation: It’s essential to establish a reasonable pace for introducing new habits. For instance, if getting ready to leave the house is a constant struggle, consider building more margin than you think you need. This could involve creating specific routines or organizing items (like shoes and coats) to make leaving the house a smoother process.
  • Adult preparation and responsibility: As parents, it’s crucial to recognize the role we play in creating the right conditions for habit formation. We need to be aware of our own needs and preferences and take responsibility for making necessary changes. For example, if a parent struggles with time management, they should work on improving their own understanding of how time goes by and make adjustments accordingly.
  • Training and practice: One key aspect of habit formation is providing children with adequate training and practice. For instance, if the goal is to have children be more responsive to requests to leave an activity, take time to walk through the steps of the habit and practice it several times before implementing it.
  • Honoring feelings and creating conditions for success: In the context of gentle parenting, it’s important to honor both children’s and parents’ feelings. By being honest about our needs and expectations, we can create conditions that promote success and prevent resentment from building up.

By focusing on one habit at a time, being aware of our own needs, and providing training and support for our children, we can successfully implement new habits within the family dynamic. This will ultimately lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling family life.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Brave Writer Podcast

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