Raising Lifelong Learners

RLL #198 - Finding Homeschool Balance

Whether you're new to this homeschool journey or you're a long-time homeschooling parent, finding balance among all the different and competing responsibilities on your plate is a difficult and often overwhelming challenge. Today, Colleen shares the secret she's learned about what healthy balance actually looks like and how you can tell if you're hitting that mark in your family, life, and homeschool! The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at http...

RLL #197: Igniting Your Kids' Passions

You can tell from the title of Colleen's podcast that she's all about lifelong learning. But today she dive deeper into that topic. How exactly do you develop your kids as lifelong learners? How to you figure out what their unique abilities and true passion are (especially when it seems like it might just be video games!)? And what does it look like to support and even stoke the flames of those interests and pursuits? Colleen shares some of her best tips for doing just that and hopefully hel...

RLL #196: Building Self-Esteem in Kids

Why is self-esteem important and how does it impact your child's learning and personal growth? On today's podcast episode Colleen talks about seven important steps you can take to build your kids' self-esteem and what role family members and peer groups can play in this essential area of your child's development and emotional resilience. The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #195 - Test Your Homeschooled Child

Parents often ask whether they should have their child tested for giftedness, learning disabilities, anxiety, or other unique characteristics that seem to impact their child's emotional resilience, learning, and educational achievement. Are tests a good way to understand and meet those needs? Colleen answers that questions specifically with reference to families who are homeschooling as this unique context has an important impact on the answer! The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brou...

RLL #194 - Motivating Your Struggling Learner

In today's podcast episode, Colleen walks you through several factors that might contribute to your child's lack of motivation (or apparent lack of motivation) what you can do to identify the obstacles, and how you can build a supportive environment that utilizes your student's strengths and interests to build internal motivation! The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #193 - Should I Homeschool My Twice-Exceptional Student?

In today's podcast episode, Colleen answers a mom's questions about considering homeschooling as an option for her twice-exceptional student. It can be overwhelming to consider taking this step, wondering where you'll find the resources you'll need and how to help your kids get connected with peers. Colleen shares some of her best advice and the things that have really worked for her family over the years in today's episode! The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMat...

RLL #192 - Comparison: A Toxic Parenting Trap

It's easy to slip into the temptation to compare our kids to others because it's the easy, even lazy, way to quickly build our kids up and help them to feel better about themselves. What we might not consider are the unintended consequences and the emotional fallout that can result when we compare our kids to each other or other kids and especially when we do that out loud in front of them. In today's episode, Colleen helps you to see the impact of comparison and how you can change course an...

RLL #191 - Celebrating Your Child's Neurodiversity

On last week's podcast, Colleen talked about some of the unique challenges and also unique strengths of homeschooling neurodiverse and twice exceptional kids. This week, Colleen explores specifically why it's so important that we as parents embrace, lean into and celebrate our children's neurodiversity and teach them to view it as a gift and not a defect. Colleen has some specific strategies to share, plus a bunch of encouragement about the positive outcomes you can expect when we truly cele...

RLL #190: Homeschooling Your Neurodiverse Kid

There are many challenges to homeschooling neurodiverse kids. Colleen can tell you you're not alone if you're bumping up against some of those challenges. But, surprisingly, sometimes the things that make homeschooling your gifted and twice-exceptional kids hard work are also the things that make homeschooling such a beautiful fit for them! In this podcast episode, Colleen will equip you with some great ideas to seize the homeschool opportunity and thrive in it with your kiddos! The Raisin...

RLL #189: Parenting in the Moment with Your Child

It isn't easy being a mom of differently wired kiddos and being fully present while still juggling all of the other responsibilities of adult life as well as homeschooling! In today's podcast episode Colleen shares some more detailed strategies for how you can carve out that intentional time with your children and give them the best of yourself even when you have a lot of other responsibilities to manage! The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at ...

RLL #188: Create a Custom Homeschool

In today's episodes of the Raising Lifelong Learners podcast, Colleen talks about what to do if they homeschool opportunities your kiddos need just don't exist - or at least don't exist in your local area. She shares tons of tips for creating what it is that your kids need if it isn't already available, and even a variety of suggestions for what that might look like and how to to find your people locally to make this idea a reality! The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you b...

RLL #187: Knowing if Your Child is Gifted

In today's podcast episode, Colleen talks about the characteristics of gifted children. Even though they are not all the same, there are lots of common traits that can help you to recognize if your high achievers may actually be gifted. She also discusss some of the less known or understood aspects of giftedness that go deeper than just being bright students, good readers, or math champions! The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ct...

RLL #186: Should I Accelerate My Profoundly Gifted Child?

Parents of gifted learners - especially profoundly gifted children - often struggle to balance the educational acceleration of their children with their emotional development. What are current best practices for academic acceleration of exceptionally gifted children and how can parents meet both the academic and social needs of these students? Should we allow our kids to finish high school early and proceed to college courses? On today's episode, Colleen will help you think through all the...

RLL #185: My Neurodivergent Kiddo Needs So Much Help...

Do you find yourself spending lots of extra time supporting the social and emotional needs of your gifted, twice-exceptional, or otherwise neurodiverse kiddo and worry that your other kids are being neglected? Has the additional care and attention you've devoted to one child put a strain on sibling relationships? If you're facing this struggle, you're not alone! Colleen talks about some practical strategies for evaluating the needs of the children (all of the children!) in your home and fi...

RLL #184: What to Do When You Doubt Your Choice to Homeschool

Today on the podcast Colleen is addressing a question that came from one listener, but it could just as well have come from any number of moms she's talked to - in her private consulting as well as in the Learner's Lab community. What if I'm not cut out for this? What if I don't have what it takes? What if I need to do more or be more ... and I just can't? What do we tell ourselves on those self-doubt days? Colleen shares some go-to reminders for those days that all homeschool moms experienc...

RLL #183: How to Recover from a Bad Homeschool Day

If you are feeling like a homeschool failure, if you've hit the winter doldrums slump of the school year and wondering if you're ruining your children, Colleen has just the message you need to hear. She shares a cringe-worthy disaster that happened in her kitchen ... and how she used that unexpected event to remind herself (and us) of important strategies for emotional resilliance when we feel like we've hit a wall. The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find o...

RLL #182: When One Child Has A Diagnosis And Their Siblings Are All Neurotypical

This episode is based on a listerner's questions and concerns about having one child newly diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia and dysgraphia while the rest of her siblings are neurotypical. Colleen responds with real life examples, support and encouragement while providing practical tips to help ease the overwhelm. The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #181: Getting Back Into A Routine In The New Year

The transition from the relaxed, anything goes nature of a holiday break to some sort of regular homeschooling routine can be real challenge each year. In today's episode, Colleen shares the reality of helping neurodiverse kids transition back to school after a break, as well as her best tips and tricks for success.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #180: My Biggest Homeschool Regret (and my Greatest Victory)

We are kicking off the new year with two questions I am asked all the time. #1 - What is my biggest homeschool regret? and #2 - What is my greatest homeschool victory?  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #179: Gratitude For The Holidays - Why It Is So Helpful For Our Kids

As we continue our discussion of how to navigate the holiday season with intense kiddos, today's focus is on gratitude. Colleen shares ideas for how to help our families practice gratitude during the holidays, and why it matters so much for neurodiverse kids.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #178: Intense Children And The Holidays

For intense children, the holidays can be a difficult season. In today's episode, Colleen shares how to help your intense kids during the holidays, including tips for navigating the chaos and overstimulation that comes with the holiday season, so that your kids can actually have fun.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #177 - The Social Emotional Needs Of Neurodiverse Children

The social and emotional needs of gifted and twice exceptional children are a common concern for parents. How do we help strengthen and support our neurodiverse children as they navigate social development and emotional regulation? Colleen is here to help.    The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #176: Homeschooling High School: Transcripts, Mom-Guilt, And Finishing Strong

Homeschooling high school can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, Colleen discusses practical tips and tricks for creating transcripts, managing the worry and guilt as well as strategies to help you and your child finish strong.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #175: Interest-Led Learning For High School

This is the second episode in a two part series, all about the ages and stages of interest-led learning. Join Colleen as she shares practical examples and encouragement for homeschooling high school using an interest-led approach.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL#174: Interest-Led Learning In The Early Years

This is the first episode in a two part series, all about the ages and stages of interest-led learning. Join Colleen as she shares practical examples and encouragement for child directed learning, beginning in the preschool years.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #173: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests

How do we help our kids find their interests? What can we do to foster them and then what happens if our kids change interests? These are all good questions and worth exploring as we move into a more relaxed, eclectic, interest led, child driven approach in our homeschools. The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #172: The Pros And Cons Of Homeschool Charter Schools

Does your state offer charter school options for homeschoolers? Have you been wondering if a charter might be a good option for your family? I am joined in this episode by Shawna Wingert. She shares her own experience with a homeschool charter and what she sees as the overall pros and cons of enrolling in one.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #166: Helping Our Kids Understand Themselves

Our series, 10 Strategies to Help Your Atypical Children Thrive, continues with today's topic: Helping Our Kids Understand Themselves. Colleen discusses the value of self knowledge and acceptance for our kids and how we can help them along the way.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #165: Showing Up In Our Homeschools

This is part of our new series, 10 Strategies to Help Your Atypical Children Thrive. Today, our topic is all about the value of showing up in our homeschools and being present in the moment for whatever that moment calls for. The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #164: Opening Ourselves Up To New Possibilities

This is part of our new series, 10 Things You Can Do To Help Your Atypical Child Thrive. Today, Colleen discusses importance of eliminating our fears in order to open ourselves up to new possibilties for our children. The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #163: How do we let go of our older children and give them the space they need?

Colleen tackles another listener question - "How do we let go of our older children and give them the space they need?" The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.  

RLL #163: Leaning In And Embracing Reality

This is part of our new series, 10 Things You Can Do To Help Your Atypical Child Thrive. Today, Colleen discusses the value of leaning in and embracing the child we have in front of us, as a way for the entire family to thrive.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #162: Motivating Your High Schooler - My Best Homeschool Tips

It can feel overwhelming when we think about homeschooling teens through the high school years, but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, Colleen shares her best advice and tips to help your high schooler stay motivated through the teen years. The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #162: 5 Expectations Parents Of Atypical Learners Need To Let Go Of

Sometimes the hardest part can be letting go of our own expectations. The reality is, it can be one of the very best things you can do for your atypical child. These are 5 areas of our lives that we need to adjust or let go of entirely, in order to thrive.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #161: Practical Strategies For Helping Anxious Kids

Colleen concludes this series all about children with anxiety with a practical and honest discussion of stragtegies we can use to help our anxious kids.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #160: Anxiety and Learning

This episode continues our series, all about managing anxiety in gifted and twice exceptional children. Today, Colleen discusses the reality of learning when a child is anxious and how we can help.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #159: Physical, Emotional, and Behavioral Symptoms Of Anxiety

In this episode of the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast, Colleen continues a new series, all about anxiety and our atypical kids. This discussion includes information about the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of anxiety in our children and how we can help.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.

RLL #158: Anxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism In Children

This new series is all about homeschooling a child with anxiety. Today, Colleen kicks it off with a discussion of the differences between stress and anxiety, as well as the impact of perfectionism on our gifted children.  The Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast is brought to you by CTCMath. Find out more at https://www.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool50?tr_id=RLL.  

RLL #157: Navigating Summer Learning With Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids

Summer is just around the corner. Navigating the summer months with your gifted and twice exceptional child can bring on a new level of challenges. Colleen shares her family's plans and offers resources to help. 

RLL #156: Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids

In this episode, Colleen shares the unique role that community plays in the life of a gifted and twice exceptional child. She discusses why it matters and how to go about finding the right community for your family. 

RLL #155: Perfectionism and Your Gifted Child

In this episode, Colleen talks frankly about the impact of perfectionism on gifted children and how parents can help. 

RLL #154: The Power Of Reading For Gifted Children (Advanced Readers And Social Emotional Learning)

In this episode, Colleen and Shawna discuss the unique role reading and story can play in the life of a gifted child. They share information on how to help an advanced reader and the role of books in social emotional learning for gifted and twice exceptional kids. 

RLL #153: Inquiry Based Learning For Gifted Kids

This series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today's topic is a discussion about inquiry based learning - what inquiry based learning really is, plus resources and ideas for how to incorporate it into your homeschool.  Learn more about Synthesis --https://go.synthesis.is/rll

RLL #152: Project Based Learning For Gifted Kids

Play-Based Learning In Your Homeschool

This new series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today, Colleen specifically explores the power of play-based learning, and provides practical examples of how to incorporate it into your homeschool.  Learn more about Synthesis: https://go.synthesis.is/rll

RLL #151: Play-Based Learning In Your Homeschool

This new series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today, Colleen specifically explores the power of play-based learning, and provides practical examples of how to incorporate it into your homeschool.  Learn more about Synthesis: https://go.synthesis.is/rll

RLL #150: Future Proofing Our Kids In An Ever Changing World

This new series is all about equipping our kids for the future with a sense of wonder, adventure, joy and encouragement. Today's topic is an introduction, all about "future proofing" our kids in an ever changing world. Throughout the course of this series, we'll discuss child led learning and interest driven choices that we can make in our homeschool, to help prepare our children for the future. (Learn more about Synthesis ---> https://go.synthesis.is/rll)

RLL#149: Moms With ADHD Homeschooling Children With ADHD

This continues our series all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, I'm sharing my own experience as a mom with ADHD homeschooling my own children with ADHD. This episode includes research about the family genetics of ADHD, coping strategies for moms in the trenches, and how to create the best possible environment for homeschooling a child with ADHD when you have ADHD yourself. 

RLL #148: Motivating Your Child With ADHD

We continue our series all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, Shawna Wingert joins Colleen to share 7 tips for motivating your child with ADHD.

Homeschooling Tips For Wiggly Kids

This series is all about homeschooling a child with ADHD. Today, Colleen shares her best tips for homeschooling a child who struggles with sitting still and is often "wiggly" throughout their learning.