Episodios

  • Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up

    Why Family Connection Matters Most as Kids Grow Up
    May 29 2025
    Today's episode of the podcast, is all about building meaningful connections with your preteens and teens—especially as they start finding their independence. Colleen gets real about the challenges of staying connected as kids grow older and shares practical, heartfelt tips on how to keep those important bonds strong (even when everyone’s schedule is packed and the house is chaos!). Whether you’re navigating parenting differences with your partner, homeschooling neurodivergent kiddos, or just trying to carve out some quality time with your teen, this episode is filled with encouragement and actionable ideas—from quick car chats to planned outings (hello, amusement parks, even if you’re not riding the rollercoasters 👍). Plus, don’t miss the special Family Connection Challenge in June—there’s something for everyone in the family! Key Takeaways: Prioritize Connection in the Teen Years: As children become preteens and teens, intentional connection becomes more challenging but remains crucial. Make connection an ongoing priority, not just something you do when they're young.Connection Is Foundational: A strong parent-child bond is the foundation for emotional, social, and academic growth—especially for neurodivergent kids. It’s the “safety net” that helps families weather challenges.Small Moments Count: Casual, everyday interactions—like giving your full attention, listening without judgment, or acknowledging your child’s feelings—build trust and closeness over time.Planned Time Matters Too: Schedule intentional one-on-one time doing things you both enjoy. Let your teen or young adult take the lead in choosing activities, showing genuine interest in their interests.Be Present and Available: When your child seeks you out, pause what you’re doing. Putting aside distractions and giving your full attention communicates that they are a priority.Support Without Solving: As teens and young adults set out on their own, focus on being a support system rather than trying to solve their problems. Help them see options and let them make their own choices.Respect Their Growing Independence: Understand that pulling away is natural for adolescents and young adults. Stay positive, keep inviting them to connect, and be flexible about how and when you spend time together.Connection Over Correction: Resist the urge to coach, correct, or offer advice unless asked. Concentrate on enjoying your child’s company and celebrating who they are, not just what they do.Use Technology Mindfully: Texts, memes, and short messages can help maintain connection—especially when your kids are away. Keep it light and avoid overwhelming them with too many questions or expectations.Model Kindness and Inclusion: Simple gestures—like small acts of kindness or including everyone—demonstrate the type of connection you hope your children will seek and offer in return.Stay Persistent: Even if it feels one-sided at times, keep showing up. Consistent, kind efforts to connect make a lasting impact, even as your children grow more independent. The underlying message? Connection is not about being perfect—it’s about showing up, looking your kid in the eye, and letting them know they matter. By being responsive, by offering both presence and independence, we help our kids grow into confident, resilient adults who know, no matter where they go, there’s always a safe place to return. Whether you try a weeklong challenge or simply make eye contact at the dinner table tonight, every effort counts toward raising lifelong learners—and lifelong bonds. Ready for More? Join our June Family Connection Challenge in The Lab! Everyone’s invited—members and non-members alike—and there are prizes and loads of fun planned. Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support. Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersThe Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners AudiobookRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety Toolkit Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration The Power of Connection in Homeschooling ...
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    43 m
  • How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function

    How Adventuring Together Grows Confidence, Curiosity, and Executive Function
    May 14 2025
    On today's episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the power of adventure—not the mountain-climbing kind, but the small, everyday moments that shape our children into confident, resilient learners. As homeschooling parents, especially with neurodivergent kiddos, it’s easy to get caught up in structure and routine. Remember that adventure is everywhere: in our backyards, kitchens, and local parks. Key Takeaways: Adventure Builds Resilience & Confidence: Trying new things (even small ones!) helps kids learn to fail, adjust, try again, and discover real-world bravery.Stronger Social & Emotional Bonds: Shared adventures—big or small—create lasting memories and connections, especially important for neurodivergent kids who might find peer relationships challenging.Academic & Life Skills in Action: Everyday adventures offer hands-on opportunities for kids to practice executive function skills like planning, flexibility, and problem-solving, making learning “sticky” and relevant. Adventure doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. What matters most is showing up for your kids, following their interests, and saying “yes” to making memories—whether you build a pillow fort, try a new food, or plan a mystery dinner together. Ready for More? Don't forget to grab your free download: 100 Simple Adventures for Your Homeschool Join our June Family Connection Challenge in The Lab! Everyone’s invited—members and non-members alike—and there are prizes and loads of fun planned. Adventure is all around—let’s make it a part of our everyday! Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support. Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersThe Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners AudiobookRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety Toolkit Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play Embracing Play for Teens | Growth and Resilience Benefits of Keeping It Playful With Teens How a Return to Outside Play Will Help Our Kids Thrive with Ginny YurichPlay-Based Learning In Your Homeschool: It’s More Than Just Board GamesThe Importance Of Play For Your Entire Family Enjoy Your Kids: Play, Live, & Love IntentionallyFabulous Outdoor Play Spaces Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler
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    28 m
  • Celebrating Wins: Why Noticing the Small Stuff Is a Gamechanger in Your Homeschool

    Celebrating Wins: Why Noticing the Small Stuff Is a Gamechanger in Your Homeschool
    May 7 2025
    This week on the podcast, we’re diving into something that might seem small at first glance but can create a massive ripple effect in your child’s life—celebrating wins! Whether your kiddo is neurodivergent, gifted, twice-exceptional, or simply working hard on any kind of challenge, recognizing their progress is a simple and powerful tool to build confidence, resilience, and deeper connection. Key Takeaways: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Focus on your child’s effort and growth—academically, emotionally, or socially—rather than on flawless outcomes or test scores. Recognize that every step forward matters.Make Celebration Part of Your Family Culture: Normalize celebrating both big and small wins. Everyday achievements, like staying calm during frustration or trying something new, are worth acknowledging.Be Specific with Praise: Offer detailed, genuine feedback instead of generic compliments. Let your child know exactly what they did well, so they feel truly seen and understand what actions led to their success.Support Emotional Wellbeing: Regularly celebrating wins helps rewire your child’s thinking toward positivity, reduces anxiety and shame, and boosts confidence—especially for neurodivergent kids who may be prone to self-criticism.Reinforce Intrinsic Motivation: Frequent, meaningful celebration fosters your child’s internal desire to keep trying and learning, rather than only aiming for external rewards.Track and Display Success: Use visual tools like “win walls,” progress jars, or journals to make accomplishments visible and motivating, especially for children who need tangible reminders of their progress.Include the Whole Family: Encourage siblings to cheer each other on, and celebrate everyone’s growth together to foster a positive, team-spirited home environment.Keep Celebrations Simple and Meaningful: Low-pressure gestures—like a high-five, dance party, extra story at bedtime, or picking from a treasure box—can turn accomplishments into lasting, positive memories.Model Growth Mindset: Show your child that learning is about the journey, including the mistakes and messy parts. Reflect together on successes and struggles to help everyone learn and grow.Recognize Everyday Wins: Remember that wins can be as simple as trying again after failing, using a calming strategy, or showing kindness to others. Celebrate these, too, and help your child value personal growth. Celebration doesn’t mean constant applause—it means noticing. By being specific and genuine, you help your kids develop self-awareness, resilience, and a true sense of accomplishment. For more practical tips and encouragement, check out Chapter 7 of The Homeschool Advantage or revisit past podcast episodes on building confidence and emotional strength. Need more resources and encouragement? There are so many tools, from printable feeling charts to recommended books and calming activities, available online. Check out booklists for emotional intensity, anxiety, and anger in kids; explore the “zones of regulation”; and, most importantly, find a like-minded community for support. Your family isn’t alone, and together, we can raise lifelong learners—and emotionally healthy humans—one regulated breath at a time. Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support. Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersThe Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners AudiobookRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety Toolkit Embracing Creativity in Homeschooling Nurturing Communication Skills in Your Homeschool Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play Sparking Curiosity | Nurturing a Love of Learning in Your Child Finding Wonder and Joy in Everyday Homeschooling and Parenting When Homeschool Looks Different: Embracing the Chaos and Finding Joy Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler
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    30 m
  • Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Big Emotions in the Homeschool

    Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Big Emotions in the Homeschool
    May 1 2025
    As parents—especially when raising neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional learners—we are on the frontlines of navigating intense emotions every day. In the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into practical strategies for supporting kids’ emotional health and building regulation skills that last a lifetime. Key Takeaways: Connection Over Correction: Before jumping into discipline, prioritize building strong, trust-based connections with your kids. A safe and validating environment empowers children to openly share feelings and seek help when things get tough.Normalize Emotions—For Kids and Adults: Regularly talk about emotions in your home, openly share your feelings (the ups and the downs!), and model healthy regulation techniques like deep breathing or taking breaks. Kids learn through what we do, not just what we say.Use Tools and Creative Outlets: Create “calm down” spaces, use feelings charts or check-ins, and encourage creative activities—like doodling or building with Legos—as healthy ways for kids to process and express big feelings. Progress in emotional regulation isn’t linear—it’s all about small wins and ongoing growth for both our kids and ourselves. If you’re supporting kids who feel big, intense emotions, know that you aren’t alone, and the work you’re doing is foundational for lifelong success. Need more resources and encouragement? There are so many tools, from printable feeling charts to recommended books and calming activities, available online. Check out booklists for emotional intensity, anxiety, and anger in kids; explore the “zones of regulation”; and, most importantly, find a likeminded community for support. Your family isn’t alone, and together, we can raise lifelong learners—and emotionally healthy humans—one regulated breath at a time. Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support. Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersThe Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners AudiobookRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety Toolkit Building Social-Emotional Skills While Helping Others The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse ChildrenAnxiety In Children: Physical, Emotional, and Behavioral SymptomsThe Power Of Reading For Gifted Children: Advanced Readers And Social Emotional LearningA Parent’s Guide To Emotional Overexcitabilities In Gifted Children Emotional Overexcitability And Gifted Kids (what you need to know)Supporting The Social and Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Twice-Exceptional KidsRLL #93: 7 Tips and Strategies for Boosting Emotional Resilience in Your KidsRLL #89: Helping Our Gifted Kids With Social and Emotional StrugglesRLL #88: Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids with Jim DelisleAdd Emotional Education to Your Homeschool Games to Help Improve Your Kid’s Emotional Intelligence Help Your Intense Child Regulate Emotions Easily What is Emotional Intelligence? Navigating Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Kids Helping Kids Understand Their Emotions Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler
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    38 m
  • Homeschooling to Celebrate and Nurture Your Child’s Spark

    Homeschooling to Celebrate and Nurture Your Child’s Spark
    Apr 23 2025
    This week’s episode of the podcast is truly close to my heart. We dove deep into what it means to truly embrace our kiddos’ unique sparks and passions, especially for our neurodivergent learners. If you sometimes worry about your child being “too focused” on one thing, or wonder how to support their big interests when the world doesn’t always get it, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Why Intensity is a Feature, Not a Bug: It can feel overwhelming when your child hyper-focuses on trains, bugs, Minecraft, or musical theater. But that intensity? It’s a strength to celebrate, not a flaw to fix. Leaning into our kids’ passions not only boosts confidence, but helps them become the resilient, creative adults they’re meant to be.Breaking Out of the Comparison Trap: It’s easy to fall into “shoulds.” They should be reading more, should be more well-rounded, should make friends easily. But every kid grows at their own pace. Instead of trying to mold them into what the world expects, let’s help them lean into who they already are.Meet Them Where They Are Supporting our quirky, passionate kids isn’t always easy—especially when we worry about the “real world.” Remember, the world needs outside-the-box thinkers, problem solvers, and joy-chasers. When we show our kids their interests are valued, we’re setting them up for lifelong confidence. Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support. Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersThe Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners AudiobookRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety ToolkitIgniting Your Kids’ Passions Passions, Pressure, and Letting Our Kids Let Go Helping Kids Pursue Passions While Maintaining Peace of Mind Cultivating Leadership Skills in Homeschooling Inspire a Love for Learning at Home Rethinking Content | Transforming Education Through Homeschooling Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler
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    26 m
  • The Power of Connection in Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids

    The Power of Connection in Homeschooling Neurodivergent Kids
    Apr 16 2025
    In this episode, we dive deep into the power of connection and how it can transform your homeschool and family life. Homeschooling, especially with differently wired kiddos, comes with its set of challenges, and prioritizing connection over perfection is the key to a thriving environment where your children feel safe, seen, and valued. Key Takeaways: The 'Why' Behind Connection: It's not just a nice-to-have; it's neurologically necessary, especially for our neurodivergent kiddos.Real-Life Connection Strategies: From morning cuddles to evening debriefs, we're sharing practical ways to weave connection into your day without overwhelming yourself.Overcoming Challenges: Sensory overload, power struggles, perfectionism, and parental guilt—these common roadblocks don't stand a chance against the strategies we cover.Become a Student of Your Child: Learn unique ways to tune into your child’s needs and how those small, consistent moments can make all the difference. Plus, our upcoming Family Connection Challenge in The Learner's Lab will provide fun activities and prizes to help reinforce these principles in an engaging way. Remember, your presence and effort are so much more valuable than you might think. You are already doing an incredible job just by showing up, listening to resources like this, and loving your kids in the best way you know how. Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support. Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersThe Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners AudiobookRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety Toolkit Building Strong Family Teams | Tips for Connection and Collaboration Homeschooling Success | The Role of Strong Family Connections The Power of Connecting with Your Kids in HomeschoolingA Different Kind Of Family Togetherness: Ideas and Encouragement For Connecting With Our KidsRLL #102: A Conversation about Connection with Shawna WingertRLL 10 Sarah MacKenzie: Building Connections Through Books Inspire a Love for Learning at Home Developing Confidence in Differently Wired Kids Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler
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    34 m
  • Cultivating Leadership Skills in Homeschooling

    Cultivating Leadership Skills in Homeschooling
    Apr 2 2025
    This week's episode is all about cultivating leadership skills in our kiddos, especially those amazing outside-the-box thinkers. We dive into a type of leadership that’s less about rallying a group and more about creativity, kindness, and empathy. We go over ways to nurture these qualities in your homeschool environment and everyday family life. This is part of our focus for the month in the Learner's Lab, where leadership takes center stage. Key Takeaways: Why Leadership Matters: Discover how leadership skills enhance problem-solving, empathy, and adaptability, crucial for every child, especially in neurodivergent families.Homeschool Activities: Try fun activities like planning field trips and hosting family meetings to foster leadership in children. Perfect for practical application at home!Creative Leadership: Explore how homeschool settings provide the perfect environment for kids to experiment and build resilience without external pressures.Resources Galore: We have a treasure trove of resources, including books, movies, and unit studies, plus four years of activities in the Learner’s Lab to enrich your homeschool journey. Also, don’t miss our upcoming EQ Quest in The Learner's Lab, where your family can dive into emotional intelligence activities centered on leadership. It's a fantastic opportunity for you and your kids to learn and grow together. Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support. Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersThe Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners AudiobookRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety Toolkit Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play What Does a Gifted Child Look Like? Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children100 Hints That Your Child May Be Gifted Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling Delight-Directed Learner Turned Published Author | A Conversation with Millie Florence Cultivating Commitment and Follow Through Why Gamified Learning Works So Well For Gifted Children The Power Of Inquiry Based Learning For Gifted Children Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler
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    28 m
  • Understanding Impulse Control in Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids

    Understanding Impulse Control in Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids
    Mar 27 2025
    We're diving into an essential topic in this week's podcast episode that's sure to resonate with many of you—developing impulse control in our neurodivergent kids. As we know, impulse control can be particularly challenging for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent kiddos. Let's break down why our unique learners face these challenges and talk practical strategies to support them in everyday scenarios. Key Takeaways: Create a Flexible Learning Environment: Shorter lessons with frequent breaks help cater to brains seeking novelty.Role-Playing Social Situations: Practice different responses to improve social impulse control.Calm Down Spaces: Designate a quiet corner with sensory tools for emotional regulation.Gamify Focus: Turn attention skills into a fun challenge to encourage progress. Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support. Don’t forget, The Learner’s Lab is also a fantastic resource for in-depth strategies, activities, and group coaching sessions that can further aid your journey in supporting your child’s development. Get the Book For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators. Links and Resources from Today’s Episode Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong LearnersThe Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners AudiobookRaising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners LabRaising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety ToolkitPsychomotor Overexcitabilities And Gifted Children: What You Need To Know Psychomotor Overexcitabilities: Helping Your Child Thrive Managing Your Child’s Intensity During the Holidays100 Hints That Your Child May Be GiftedKnowing If Your Child is GiftedPlay-Based Learning In Your Homeschool: It’s More Than Just Board GamesMoms With ADHD Homeschooling Children With ADHDMotivating Your Child With ADHD: 7 Tips For Your HomeschoolHomeschooling Tips For Wiggly KidsADHD And Your Homeschool: An Overview Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler
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    28 m
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