RLL #234: Thriving Together | Creating Supportive Environments in Homeschooling

NOTE: This episode as been re-edited due to one of the guest's sound issues. In the previously uploaded episode it seemed like the show cut out, but it was actually a very quiet mic. We've re-engineered it because the content is valuable, but know that in bringing the sound up for the one guest, it caused another's voice to be very loud in a few cases. We are SO sorry for the sound difficulty and will make sure to check guests' audio setups better in the future before recording.  In This Episode: We're joined by two amazing guests, Christy Faith and Sarah Collins, to engage in an insightful discussion about the challenges and joys of homeschooling, particularly as it pertains to finding and building community. Both Christy and Sarah bring a wealth of experience to the conversation as they tackle the often tricky balancing act that working moms face in establishing a solid support system within homeschool co-ops. They underscore the value of intergenerational interactions and fostering connections that go beyond traditional age brackets. Throughout the episode, we delve into the necessity of adaptability and the pursuit of relationships over the elusive ideal of perfection. In a world that’s more connected yet increasingly isolating, we discuss the importance of guiding our children through ambiguous social situations and nurturing real, meaningful connections. Our discussion also explores the shifting landscape of homeschooling communities, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and how our community needs evolve alongside our children's growth. We emphasize the need to embrace community support, and not just for our children – we talk about the value of finding like-minded individuals and the need for parents to cultivate their own friendships and networks. Together, we journey through the complexities of modern relationships and how these affect our kids and ourselves. At the end of this heartfelt and honest conversation, we realize that the shared experiences extend beyond our microcosms and plan to cross-promote this enriching dialogue across all of our platforms. So grab a cup of something cozy, and let's dive into a discussion full of empathy, practical advice, and heartfelt insights into the world of homeschooling communities. This is Raising Lifelong Learners, episode 234. Let's get started.   Key Takeaways: The Power of Intergenerational Connections: Uncover the irreplaceable value of forming bonds beyond traditional age groups, fostering a community that enriches our children's learning experiences. The Art of Adaptability: Learn about balancing work, homeschooling, and parenting through a lens of flexibility, emphasizing the vitality of prioritizing heartfelt relationships over the elusive ideal of perfection. The Evolution of Community and Relationships: Explore the challenges and opportunities of raising children in a highly connected yet isolating modern landscape, and the essential role of guiding them in forming authentic, enduring connections.   Our sponsors for today’s episode are CTC Math and Night Zookeeper   Links and Resources from Today's Episode: The OT is In! Podcast with Sarah Collins The Christy Faith Show Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Homeschool Advantage by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. Homeschool Rising Book  by Christy Faith Finding Homeschool Community (for our children and ourselves)  Why Community Is So Important For Gifted And Twice Exceptional Kids Finding Community: Building a Support System Online and In-Person Find a Place of Belonging for Your Neurodiverse Kids Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins Strengthening Executive Function Skills: A Conversation with Sarah Collins Homeschooling with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm | A Conversation with Michelle Brownell Connect with Sarah Collins Website: https://www.homeschoolOT.com You can also find Sarah on Instagram @HomeschoolOT Connect with Christy Faith Website: https://christy-faith.com/ You can also find Christy on Instagram @Christy Faith Homeschool or on Facebook @Christy-Faith Homeschool Connect with Colleen Twitter @Colleen Kessler Facebook @Raising Lifelong Learners Instagram @Colleen Kessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz - https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/