Elevating Motherhood

Latest Episodes:

035. Why I’ve Started Reading Poetry Again + 9 Reasons It’s Helped Me as a Mom + (Why I Can’t Believe I’m Saying That Out Loud) Apr 15, 2020

Show notes

Omg. How fluffy does reading poetry sound? Seriously. It seems so frivolous in our modern world. When I think of poetry I don’t picture a mom with a beautiful messy bun on the top of her tired head, sipping cold coffee in yesterday’s yoga pants while tiny children scream at her feet, doing everything they can to draw her attention away from the page she is so obviously not engrossed in.

Instead, when I think of poetry, I imagine something out of an old movie…sleek beatniks lying around an apartment in Paris, smoking, reading poetry aloud to one other on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Or Shakespeare, alone in his home, writing powerful works. Or college students wasting their money studying poetry. Or any other cliché or opinion about poetry that marks it as “not for us.”

Poetry is none of that. It’s none of those stereotypes. It is words strung together in such a way that it expands our hearts and minds. Poems leave room for us and our imagination—we get to put a piece of ourselves into them with our interpretation of the stories they tell or the scenes they paint or the points they make.

So how could reading poetry be perfect for modern moms? For the 9 reasons I’m going to share with you about how it helps me.

1. Reading Requires Intentional Stopping

2. It's Self Care

3. Poems are Typically Short

4. Poems are Calming

5. It's Artistic

6. It Feeds My Spirit

7. It Deepens My Connection to Nature

8. It Brings Me Into the Moment

9. It's a Positive Hobby to Model for my Kids

Listen to the full episode for all the details in between!

Visit Today’s Sponsors:

Blossom & Root. Today’s episode of Elevating Motherhood is sponsored by Blossom & Root a nature-based, Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool curriculum company that has been gently guiding and supporting families for years! This thoughtful, age appropriate curriculum begins at the preschool level—and acts as a much-needed resource for this age group. Blossom & Root’s Early Years Volumes 1 & 2 are valuable tools for parents with young children—whether you choose to pursue homeschool long term or not. The information and ideas are easy to follow, fun, and engaging. School age curricula are also available with more grade levels being released each year. It’s the curriculum my family uses and loves. They’ve generously offered a discount for listeners of Elevating Motherhood: use the code LORIBETH10 at checkout for 10% off your order. For more information about Blossom & Root, head over to www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool

Beautiful & Simple. Today’s episode is sponsored by Beautiful & Simple. An online boutique filled with products that remind us to slow down, practice self-care, & focus on the meaningful parts of our day: the beautiful & simple moments. My favorite mug is the one that says “you cannot pour from an empty cup.” It’s my daily reminder to take care of myself so I can take care of my family. Go check out the collection of mugs, shirts & bags currently available at www.beautifulandsimple.com

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

034. Changing How We Talk About Motherhood, Alcohol, & Sobriety with Laura McKowen Apr 08, 2020

Show notes

I'm so honored to share the incredible Laura McKowen with you today! This conversation is AWESOME and just the start I was hoping for to a very…interesting & challenging topic.

How are we supposed to talk about alcohol as moms? Some of us drink. Some of us don’t. And there’s this weird divide between the two and unhelpful cultural influences that leave us fumbling for how to talk to one another about drinking and sobriety. Which is so weird as moms and friends and sisters to suddenly NOT know how to talk to one another about this “everyday ordinary” topic. It almost feels like it’s talked about for us in memes and wine apparel.

I’ve been thinking about how I wanted to bring up of the conversation of alcohol for a while and having Laura on to breech the subject feels right. She’s so kind and understanding and her journey brings with it important insight that we can all benefit from big time whether you drink or not.

It’s such a polarized topic when it doesn’t need to be. If it truly was “no big deal,” we wouldn’t be whispering about it. If it truly was “no big deal,” we wouldn’t have to feel like we might lose our friends if we choose not to drink. But these are real concerns for moms. And it feels like there’s not a lot of mom-specific support out there to help us navigate this topic. No guidelines for how to talk about alcohol and motherhood. So we live in this weird culture that’s polarized: either you’re in or you’re out. And if you’re out, you’re no fun. And you know what? That’s just not true. And it’s not helpful.

So what is helpful? Amazing women like today’s guest, author and speaker Laura McKowen.

Laura is going to share with us her story, her insights, suggestions for how to talk about alcohol and motherhood, and how to be supportive of friends who choose sobriety. Her message is very, very powerful. Laura is the author of We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life. She is a former public relations executive who has become recognized as a fresh voice in the recovery movement. Beloved for her soulful and irreverent writing, she now leads sold-out yoga-based retreats and courses that teach people how to say yes to a bigger life. She hosted the iTunes Top 100 podcast HOME, with over 1.5 million downloads. and has been featured on the TODAY show, in The Guardian, WebMD, New York Post, and more. She shows up as such a light and friend for this conversation and finds a way to make us comfortable with the uncomfortable while holding our hands and walking us forward.

I don’t want you to be afraid of this conversation.

It’s not a heavy…it’s full of hope, ideas, and inspiration. And gives us new perspective on how we can talk about it with each other, with our sisters, and be supportive of one another. We’re breaking through the “not knowing” and diving into it so we can come out the other side with more understanding, compassion, and resources to move forward with clarity and connection.

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

Laura McKowen Links: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/show-notes/episode-034/

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: Primally Pure & Branch Basics

033. Sex After Babies with Jazmyne Futrell Apr 01, 2020

Show notes

We do not talk about sex after babies enough. How do I know? Because of aaaaaaaaaall the emotions that came up for me and other mamas when I broached the subject. “Should I do an episode about it?” I asked.The answer: 100% YES!

So I invited the energetic and talented blogger Jazmyne Futrell of www.mixedmombrownbabies.com onto the show to get this conversation rolling!

Jazmyne lives in California with her husband and their four children. She shows up on her blog (and social media feeds) honestly and openly—talking about all things motherhood, from kids, life, marriage, and travel to postpartum depression, c-section recovery, loving your body, learning to let go, how to stop fighting with your toddler about teeth brushing and so much more. It’s Jazmyne’s “no holding back” approach to life and motherhood that drew me to her for this conversation. And I was not disappointed!

I think we’re all listening to this episode for different reasons. Maybe you tuned in because your sex life could use some…elevating. Maybe it’s already great. Maybe you just want to hear moms being honest about sex because it’s (oddly) still so taboo in our culture. Maybe you’ll find this episode refreshing. Maybe shocking. Who knows? Either way, I’m so glad you’re here. This conversation feels brave and important—and you listening is brave and important.

In this episode we discuss:

· Jazmyne’s Story

· Tips from her blog article Learning to Enjoy Sex

· Why we need to talk about sex after babies more and why it’s hard to talk about for most women (especially moms)

· Breaking through clichés about sex & postpartum recovery

· The power of being present during sex

· Getting to know yourself, your needs, and more

· The importance of clear communication

· The opportunity for deeper connection in your relationship

· Postpartum issues that can arise

· Embracing the “new” that is inevitable after becoming a parent

· How essential creativity is

And then Jazmyne closes with the BEST TIP EVER for what to implement TODAY to start shifting your sex life for the better!

Sponsors:

MUTU Systems www.elevatingmotherhood.com/mutu The medically recommended online workout program for postpartum moms (yes, even moms who are years postpartum!) It’s easy to follow, do-able, and effective (less is more!) The sense of support in this online program is also incredible. If you suffer from Diastasis Recti, pain during intercourse, weakness, leaky bladder, or just want to feel stronger after having a baby, I recommend MUTU!

Ojai Energetics www.elevatingmotherhood.com/cbd The makers of the most advanced, water-soluble, organic CBD on the planet. Check out Episode 015. With Ojai Energetics CEO Will Kleidon for more information about what CBD is and how it is used by the body.

Links:

Connect with Lori Beth on Instagram www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Connect with Lori Beth on Facebook www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

Connect with Jazmyne: @mixedmombrownbabies across all platforms

Jazmyne's eBook: coming soon!

032. How Guided Journaling Changed My Life Mar 25, 2020

Show notes

I knew something needed to change. I wasn’t getting what I wanted or needed out of my everyday life. I wanted more alone time, more date nights with my husband, deeper connection with my kids…I wanted us to be a family who goes outside more, one who has fun together…I felt like I needed to eat better and workout.

My list was so long and overwhelming that I knew I couldn’t start to improve all of that (or anything!) if I tried to change everything all at once. And my schedule was so full as a working, homeschooling mom that I wasn’t sure I’d find the time to work on even one topic. But I was determined to start. Determined to make changes.

5 minutes a day seemed do-able. (Start small, right?) It seemed sustainable, too. But there wasn’t anything out there that focused on topics I was interested in as a mom. So I wrote a Guided Journal—one that I wanted for myself—and shared it with other mamas. One topic + one month + just a few minutes a day.

The very first Guided Journal topic one was “Alone Time” (something so many moms talk about needing!). I wrote out the journal prompts for the whole month then answered one a day…and it changed my life.

I had more alone time than I ever thought possible. I was using it to take care of myself and meet my needs which led to me having more energy and positivity to share with my family. It turns out the saying “you cannot pour from an empty cup” is true. It was a breakthrough moment for me. I had been blocking my own alone time and had inadvertently taught my family that I didn’t need it by not taking it. Those truths all bubbled to the surface in one month’s time and were changed from that month on. Alone time was something all of us needed and deserved. We’re now a family that makes space for each of us to have the alone time we crave and deserve.

Once I had met my own needs, I turned my focus to my marriage. “Date Night” was the second month’s Guided Journal topic. I spent that month answering questions and figuring out what we needed to do to work in more date nights. That month was epic. We went on so many dates! There was suddenly time for dating where there had been none before. Why? Because we stopped blocking ourselves. We stopped talking ourselves out of dates. We stopped making excuses, showed up (for ourselves and each other), and put in the work…which meant going on dates. (Probably my favorite work ever).

From there my desire to work on all of the most important areas of my life—my motherhood, my marriage, my family, my friendships, my home, my everyday habits—exploded with energy and enthusiasm. At the same time it brought me peace. That’s why I broke through the vulnerability and shared it with other mamas, because I know I’m not the only one who feels crunched for time while wanting to make positive changes.

The best part is, Guided Journaling helps you discover what YOU need. It helps you find answers that work in YOUR life, not someone else’s.

Give it a try! All of these topics are available on my blog: www.yayamamas.com Simply click on the Guided Journals tab and choose a topic that speaks to you. Happy Journaling!

Guided Journals topics available: Alone Time * Date Night * Connection * Transition * Family Fun * A Sense of Home * Go Outside * Friendship * Philanthropy * Expectations * Finance * Fitness * Food * Detox * Legacy * Mom Style

Connect with LB on Instagram www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge & Facebook www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

Visit Today's Sponsor: Blossom & Root (Code: LORIBETH10 for 10% off!)

031. Home Education (Short Term): Listener Q&A Mar 18, 2020

Show notes

Home Education Resources...you asked, I answered! Tune in for encouragement, support, and sisterhood as well as answers from an experienced homeschool mama.

Episode 030 Is jam packed with practical tips and mindset shifts to help you through this complex transition into educating your kids at home.

Episode 031 Is a follow up where I answer listener questions from moms around the world who are searching for specific answers on their unique home education journeys.

In this episode, I give candid answers to listener questions about temporary homeschooling:

· What does a day look like?

· How do you set up a routine?

· How does everyone get along?

· How can I make this more fun?

· How do you separate the line between teacher and mom?

· How do you not fall into a rut and pretend it’s Saturday and just be lazy?

· How do you not drive each other insane?

· What school supplies do I need to buy and have on hand? (You’d be surprised if you look around your home at all the toys, books, games, and even empty boxes)

· How do I work a full day and then teach my kids for 6 hours after that?

· How do you teach your child when there are siblings around distracting them (especially younger siblings)?

· How do you stay on task and not bounce from one project to the next? How do you not get sidetracked by chores and to do list items?

· What if I don’t like this whole set up?

· How are you staying so calm in all of this?

· Do you do school 5 days a week or do you have a break day in the middle?

If you’re still looking for more answers or really want to dive deep into the full homeschooling process, I offer support in my online course Homeschool Explained. There’s also more info at:

www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool

www.yayamamas.com/homeschool

I’ll be sharing more behind the scenes over on Instagram: @loribethauldridgeto help normalize what working from home + homeschooling looks like. Feel free to ask more questions. I’m here for you, mama.

Follow Elevating Motherhood on IG& FB! Like, comment, and share that you’re listening to the podcast!

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode!

Like the show? Leave me a review! Your feedback lets me know what you like, want, and need in your #momlife I’m here to serve you, open up conversations, tackle topics, and encourage connection. Reviews help me do that! Thank you so much!

Links:

Love the Show? Leave a review on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Connect with LB on Instagram www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Connect with LB on Facebook www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

030. Educating Your Kids at Home (Short Term): Insights from an Experienced Homeschool Mom Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

Schools are closed. You need help teaching our kiddos. You’re here for answers, tips, tricks, schedules, and resources.

If you find yourself needing to educate your kids at home for a while unexpectedly, I get that you might be in a bit of shock. It’s overwhelming. I think a lot of that overwhelm comes from this idea that just a day ago we had a predictable schedule in place and knew what we were good at…we’re good at being a parent, we’re good at our job, we understood our current roles and then were handed another one: the role of teacher.

Not knowing how to formally teach our kids can make us feel like we’re really bad at that or we’re going to fail at it. Those are very unsettling feelings. The overwhelm is so real for so many people. Please know that you’re not alone in those feelings, that they’re valid, and that there are many people out there who understand. And those of us who want to help you rise up, find your confidence, and move through this overwhelming time feeling understood, resourced, and supported.

So many of us are searching for coping mechanisms among all of the heightened emotions. Humor, frustration, unhappiness, venting, even panic—these are all real emotions that real people are feeling. It’s really important to acknowledge how you’re feeling. Name the emotions without shame. Know that they are normal, acknowledge them, and then use them as information to move forward. None of us want to live in those feelings of frustration, overwhelm, and unhappiness.

Please know that if the sources of your overwhelm stem from childcare, money, job, or food concerns, I wish I had the resources to immediately help you and calm your mama heart. I hope that there are friends, family, and local resources that you can reach out to now to help. I don’t think it’s too early to start accepting offers for help from school boards, food banks, churches, local organizations, and people who have been posting on social media that they want to be there for you. Believe them. Use them. Lean into your community. This truly is turning into a time of coming together even while we are apart.

Here are my top 14 tips for parents who are finding themselves doing all of life at home with their kids, including educating them.

1. Don’t Try to Recreate the Classroom in Your Home

2. Create Your Own Schedule

3. Try Time Blocking

4. Remember School is Supposed to be Do-able

5. Alternate Activities

6. Keep Records

7. Give Grace (and then more grace)

8. Go Outside (a lot)

9. Know That Resources are All Around You

10. Mindset is Everything

11. Lean Into the Process

12. Lean Into Your School’s Resources

13. Communicate with Your School Community

14. Take Care of Yourself

You are strong, you are capable, this is temporary, there will be ups and downs, those are normal, we’ll get through them together.

For more show notes & all links mentioned in today’s podcast, go to www.elevatingmotherhood.com

029. Options for Anxiety: A Conversation with Parent Coach & Educator Breon Michel Mar 11, 2020

Show notes

Anxiety is one of the most requested topics from listeners here on the show. So many moms want to know more about it and/or what they can do to manage theirs or make it disappear.

I’m not a medical professional. I can’t diagnose anxiety, nor am I ever trying to by presenting episodes about anxiety. This isn’t medical advice, this is a discussion among moms. My goal is to empower mothers to learn more about themselves and encourage them to learn more about topics that inspire them, interest them, or even concern them. Topics like anxiety. We’re not going to shy away from it here on Elevating Motherhood, but instead seek out information and potential options. I don’t believe there is a one size fits all answer to anything…especially when it comes to moms & anxiety.

It feels like we’re in this sea of not-knowing when it comes to anxiety: we don’t know a ton about it even though it’s a very common notion, we have moments in our lives where we *think we might have it but we’re not sure and we don’t want to talk about it if we suspect we do, or if we do talk about it, there’s sometimes judgment or we’re offered unhelpful “advice,” or it’s ignored altogether. There are actually people who believe that anxiety isn’t real. There are so many opinions about anxiety, it’s no wonder moms feel paralyzed and don’t even know where to start seeking answers, information, and support.

So let’s change that.I want to talk openly about anxiety, share stories, and hear from moms & professionals. I really want to explore ways we can learn to support ourselves and other moms. Let’s have the conversations. My goal is to publish many episodes in an “Options for Anxiety” series where we learn about and dive into ideas that might help: Those of us with anxiety, those of us who wonder if we might have it, and even those of us without anxiety who want to learn how to be more supportive.

Today’s guest is the perfect intro to this series!

Breon Michel is a parent coach & educator who supports and empowers families with tools to create more ease, enjoyment, and self-compassion in daily life. With extensive training in mindfulness & self-compassion, nervous system regulation, and plenty of personal practice (and mishaps!) as a parent, she uses a heartfelt and integrative approach to helping parents deal with the challenges and vulnerabilities of raising children in the modern world. Breon is a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher with a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. A love of learner at heart, she’s also partway through the Organic Intelligence HEART training, which is giving her greater insight into the key aspects of healthy nervous system functioning.

In today’s episode, we talk about: What anxiety is * What’s a coach vs. a therapist * Causes of anxiety (cultural, societal, familial, ancestral, etc.) * When to reach out for help & support * Approaches to therapy, including: somatic experiencing therapy, organic intelligence, talk therapy, family/parent coaching, self compassion, mindfulness & meditation, showing up as your genuine self, and anxiety & children

RESOURCES:

Psychology Today, Postpartum Support International, Postpartum Doulas, Steve Hoskinson (founder of Organic Intelligence) – “The job is enjoyment.” Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing Therapy)

LINKS:

Love the Show? Leave a review on iTunes!, Connect w/ LB on Instagram & Facebook, Branch Basics, www.beautifulandsimple.com, www.breonmichel.com

028. Nannies, Babysitters, Mother’s Helpers: What’s the Difference, How Much to Pay, & What to Expect with Nicki Taylor of The Nanny Connection Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

At some point, most parents are going to need to bring someone else in to help with childcare. There are a variety of options…daycare, school, family members, or even childcare swaps with friends. But not all of us have those options. We might live far from family or schedules don’t line up or…I could literally list 100 reasons why childcare might go awry (because it can & does!) and why we might need to seek out other options.

There also might be listeners who are expecting or have a new baby and want to plan ahead as much as possible. All of our situations are unique. But it’s safe to say, if you’re a parent with a child, have a child on the way, are a child care provider, or want to be a childcare provider (I’m looking at you 13-year-old soon to be babysitters!) this episode has something for you!

Today we’re going to talk about the difference between a babysitter, nanny, and mother’s helper.

And, of course, the real burning question: How much should we pay them?

We’re also going to touch on what to do when issues arise…and issues do come up. Having a childcare provider is a relationship and every relationship has ups and downs, joyful moments and disagreements.

So I asked Nicki Taylor, owner of The Nanny Connection here on Maui, (www.thenannyconnection.com) come on the show and shed some light on these questions. She also offers us communication & hiring tips while busting through myths and telling great stories (she has some doozies!)

Nicki is a wonderful mom to two children, ages 4 and 2. After receiving her Bachelors in Healthcare Administration and worked in corporate America in elder care for years before moving to Maui to take over her mother-in-law’s nanny agency. She’s been running the The Nanny Connection here on Maui and Lanai for over 6 years. The Nanny Connection expanded to Oahu this past year and is looking to launch in Kauai later this year. Nicki’s background in administration and her innate understanding and compassion as a mom make her an incredible resource and leader in her unique branch of the childcare industry. If you’re on Maui or plan to visiting Hawaii, The Nanny Connection is my number one recommendation for trusted childcare. I’ll be sure to link to The Nanny Connection in the show notes. We’re fortunate to be able to tap into her experience & resources today.

In this episode we go over:

· What is the difference between a nanny, babysitter, and mother’s helper?

· Why do people hire nannies? (there’s some myth-busting in this answer!)

· What kinds of questions should moms ask nannies when interviewing them for a position? Things they need to bring up?

· How much to pay?

· Common issues that come up for moms when hiring nannies? What can we do to avoid disagreements, drama, or tension with nannies?

· Common issues that come up for nannies? What can they do to avoid disagreements, drama, or tension with parents?

· Communication tools for moms & child care providers

Helpful Links:

Love the Show? Leave a review on iTunes!

Connect with LB on Instagram &Facebook

Visit Today’s Sponsors: Ojai Energetics and Primally Pure

027. Sibling Rivalry with Positive Discipline Educator Jailan Heidar Feb 26, 2020

Show notes

Sibling Rivalry…this is a dynamic topic! If you have more than one kiddo, you know that there will be inevitable moments of sibling rivalry: fighting, disagreements, arguing. So what can we do about it? Should we do anything about it?

We as parents bring so much of our own “stuff” to the table when it comes to sibling rivalry. Maybe you didn’t get along well with your siblings growing up. Maybe you still don’t. Maybe that’s motivating you to do whatever it takes to make sure your kids get along—now and in the long term. Maybe you did get along with your siblings and you want your kids to have that same loving relationship…but they’re just not falling into it as easily as you did. Maybe you didn’t have a brother or sister growing up and this whole sibling dynamic is new to you. Maybe you’re part of a blended family and your relationships are layered.

Sibling life. It’s complex. It’s multi-generational. And it’s not talked about openly all the time because it’s one of those areas of parenting where it’s kind of assumed that we should already know what to do. But the truth is: many of us don’t. And as a result we often carry shame, guilt, or frustration around our kids not getting along and us not knowing what to do about it.

That’s why I’ve invited Jailan Heidar onto the show to help us start that conversation and be more open about sibling rivalry. Jailan is a parenting educator and founder of Early Years Parenting. She is a mom of two little ones herself, she has a 5 and 2-year-old. She has been working with families for over 10 years as a certified Positive Discipline Educator. She earned her Master’s of Science in Child & Family Studies from Leiden University and is a certified Early Childhood Educator through UCLA.

Jailan grew up in Egypt and has been living in Europe with her family for over a decade. She is currently living in Munich, Germany and offers parenting consultations both online and in-person, as well as online courses and workshops focused on giving parents tools to get through everyday parenting struggles with ease and build relationships with their children.

Her online course “Raising Siblings without Rivalry” has helped mothers bring their kids closer and have calmer, more peaceful homes with kids who speak with each other more and fight less. If you’re interested, Jailan’s next 6 week course starts soon: on Monday, March 2, 2020.

Jailan gives us so many thinking points in this episode:

· Defining positive and respectful parenting

· The benefits of parenting support

· Honoring the individual

· Creating balance with items

· Giving the benefit of the doubt

· Listening

· Awareness

· Reflection

· Taking it one thing, one moment at a time

Tune in and then share your thoughts in the comments or start a conversation over on my social media accounts!

Jailan is so patient and supportive. I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did. When I let Chris listen to a few snippets, we realized we have a boundary and ownership things we could probably work on and iron out in our own household. And that’s okay! No shame in our learning game. If we find something that works, I’ll be sure to share it over on my IG @loribethauldridge

Links:

Love the Show? Leave a review on iTunes!

Connect with LB on Instagram & Facebook

Visit Today’s Sponsor: Blossom & Root

026. Self-Directed Education with Austin Rees Feb 19, 2020

Show notes

Many of you know, I’m big into alternative education options. We personally homeschool our three children, but I know that’s not the best option for every family. The good news is, there are so many options when it comes to our children’s education—what works for one child might not work for another, and that’s okay. Options do exist. We don’t often hear about all of our options, but today we’re going to shift that with our guest Austin Rees. She is here to share her family’s alternative education journey with us.

Have you ever heard of self-directed education? Or Sudbury schools? Or a democratic school?

I thought I knew a little about the self-directed part, but Austin’s story really opened my eyes to a whole new approach that I can see working really well for a lot of kids. This episode is going to stretch your mind, heart, and imagination. It shifted my already alternative view of education.

Austin Rees is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Licensed Massage therapist who specializes in infant craniosacral therapy. She is also the creator of Nourish & Align. One of Austin’s favorite past times is facilitating introspective and integral retreats for women and birth professionals.
She is a mother to four children: Bella 16, Declan 14, Henry 12, and Maggie 6, and is married to her college sweetheart, Brad. She and Brad both decided early in their parenting journey to educate their children at home. After homeschooling with various curriculums they began researching self-directed education and the Sudbury school model.
When Brad retired from the military in 2015, they chose to move to Baltimore, Maryland. They picked that city because it was close to the Sudbury School, Arts & Ideas. So after 7 years of homeschooling, they enrolled them in a democratic school based in self-directed education where they have all been thriving ever since.

Austin & Brad’s commitment to their children’s education is inspiring. But that’s only one of the many take-aways from this episode. I’m really stuck on the “stop, pause, & care” notion she mentions part way though.

I’d love to hear what your takeaways are from today’s show. So after the episode, hop over to my Instagram @loribethauldridge or the website www.elevatingmotherhood.com to share your thoughts on this type of education. I can’t wait to continue the conversation with you! Love the show? Please leave a review on iTunes!

Sponsor: Branch Basics Go to www.elevatingmotherhood.com/branchbasics for my personal review of their products!

Helpful Links/Topics From This Episode:

Unschooling

De-schooling

https://www.aisudbury.org/

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