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    Education for Kids

    Vintage Homeschool Moms

    Encouragement for the Christian homeschool mom who wants to raise faithful kids — without losing herself along the way. Veteran homeschool mom and Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network founder Felice Gerwitz brings practical help and heart to the everyday work of homeschooling: teaching methods, routines, faith, family life, and staying encouraged when the days feel long — taking the best of the past to bless the next generation. If you’re a Christian homeschooling mom looking for real encouragement and doable ideas, follow the show.

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    Copyright: © @2018 Media Angels, Inc.

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    Latest Episodes:
    Curriculum Planning in the New Year Jan 03, 2022
    Show notes

    Need some curriculum planning tips? In this podcast Felice and Meredith combine their many years of homeschool expertise...Curriculum Planning in the New Year ~ Episode 457

    Need some curriculum planning tips? The new year is here and you may or may not want to continue with the curriculum you picked at the beginning of the year. Join Felice Gerwitz and her special guest, Meredith Curtis.

    Please visit Meredith Curtis at MeredithCurtis.com and PowerlineProd.com

    Visit Felice at MediaAngels.com for books, curriculum, character planners, and more.

    Both Meredith and Felice have homeschooled their children for many years. Meredith has written curriculum for all ages and she is an expert at getting homeschooling done! Mid-year, in January, is a great time to evaluate and look at how you are doing. It helps to get input from your children, especially if they are teens.

    Do you know why you use the curriculum you use? Meredith brought up a really good point about how many families just buy curriculum because they hear about it, or a friend is using it, without really looking at whether or not it is a good fit for their own family. Usually a friend who is like-minded can be helpful. However, be sure this curriculum is worth the expense and will fill the needs of your children.

    Curriculum Planning Tips for the New Year

    In this podcast, Felice and Meredith discuss:

    1. Creating schedules for yourself and your children, then tweaking them especially the first few weeks
    2. Teaching children organizational skills
    3. Using various methods such as living books (definition on the audio), hands-on activities, co-ops, etc.
    4. Analyzing why you want to use a specific curriculum – Meredith shares that often parents use a specific curriculum without really taking the time to examine whether it is right for them and their families. I the curriculum user friendly?
    5. What is important to you and your family? What are your goals?
    6. Are you flexible or regimented in your homeschool?
    7. Giving kids time to explore their passions.
    8. Looking at curriculum with a world view that you agree with – is the philosophy of the authors one you can embrace? You don’t want an unbiblical curriculum if you are a Christian.
    9. Planning during the summer is helpful – taking a week or more to plan.
    10. Scheduling time during the year for weekly breaks to plan and give the children time to explore their passion.
    11. Looking at the schedule in regard to time. When do you plan to school each day?
    12. Setting boundaries. Help each family to be effective. Work smarter not harder.
    13. The pitfalls of changing curriculum mid-year. (Sometimes it is a must!)
    14. Getting back to school after a break.
    15. Getting the family involved. Working together.

    When we look at curriculum planning it is not one size fits most. Every few months it is helpful to look at the children’s progress and adjust as needed. Sometimes that means skipping sections of a chapter or switching to unit studies. Whatever works for your family is the best!

    The post Curriculum Planning in the New Year appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

    Special Replay – New Year New Focus Dec 27, 2021
    Show notes

    New Year New Focus: Meredith and Felice cover three important goals each have set for their well-being.

    Special Replay – New Year New Focus
    Meredith Curtis & Felice Gerwitz

    Join Meredith Curtis and Felice Gerwitz monthly for Lunch with Meredith and Felice the first Monday of each month. This month Meredith and Felice cover three important goals each have set for their well-being. If you are a Christian wife, mother and a homeschooler you will benefit from this session.

    Here is a printable for you to hold onto or take notes on as you listen to today’s session. NewYear_NewFocus_LunchwithMeredith&Felice

    The post Special Replay – New Year New Focus appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

    Christmas Traditions Under Ten Dollars Dec 15, 2021
    Show notes

    Here are some last-minute Christmas traditions under ten dollars! There are so many things I want to share that I had to limit myself to the top ten that I love and have enjoyed with my children.Christmas Traditions Under Ten Dollars – Episode 456

    Here are some last-minute Christmas traditions under ten dollars! There are so many things I want to share that I had to limit myself to the top ten that I love and have enjoyed with my children. I hope this episode blesses you, and while it is last minute, you can do some of the activities all year long.

    Please visit the Media Angels website for deep discounts and specials throughout the holiday season – if you missed our big sale, be sure to subscribe to the email list here, at the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network for updates.

    First of all, what is a holiday tradition? My definition is one that your family celebrates year after year. These things can consist of but not be limited to decorating the house, buying or setting up a Christmas tree, baking cookies or bread for the family or to share, taking pictures for Christmas cards, volunteering or visiting those who are in need, purchasing gifts for those in need, singing carols, Christmas get together’s, tree lighting, and local activities and parties, celebrating the days leading up to Christmas with an advent wreath and prayers and so much more.

    What is on your Christmas tradition list? That is the first place to start. Look at this list and see what items you want to keep and what needs to go. One year I cut out all of my local friends from my Christmas card list – then next year out of state friends came next. I kept my list to immediate and extended family only. Why? Because writing and sending out cards was a huge stress factor in my life and something had to go. The next year I removed all of the baking for those who were not directly related, such as accountants, hairstylists, and more. It was again, just too much! The only baking I do is for immediate family and those that come for the actual Christmas meal.

    Christmas traditions for our family revolve around our faith and this is something I consider very important. We celebrate the countdown to Christmas with an Advent Wreath. We pray using the Scriptures and lighting one candle each week as we count down to Christmas. The children made and decorated a wreath at church one year, and we used it for many, many years. The candles cost less than ten dollars and it is a wonderful celebration. My favorite book is The Season of Light which is available on Christian book’s website.

    There are many holiday traditions that we cherish and as life goes on you can be sure they will change through the year, but spending time with family is precious and should be treasured. As a young mom, I wanted to create my own holiday memories with my new husband. (Story on the podcast.)

    The first thing is to clarify with your spouse what you want your holiday to look like. That helps alleviate all of the issues that can crop up from misunderstanding. I made a point to look at things in a realistic way realizing you can not make everyone happy all of the time. Another is that I would strive to not allow my feelings to get in the way and to let things roll off that are meant to harm, or perhaps were said in innocence. I’ve been married for over 42 years so this method worked for us.

    Ask your children what they want to do to create Christmas memories. You may be surprised at what they say!

    Here is a list of Christmas activities under ten dollars:

    1. Advent wreath. The kids can make one easily, there are many directions online and the candles are inexpensive. Lighting a candle each evening brings the focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
    2. Singing Christmas songs around a campfire, invite some friends and those who can play the guitar or piano for up North and indoors.
    3. Baking cookies. This can turn into gift-giving for neighbors or family.
    4. Watching Christmas movies. What are your favorites make a list? Ours consists of: Good King Wensalus, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Star, and my favorite The Nativity.
    5. Secret Santa. In larger families, there is often a gift exchange with one person. You draw the person’s name out of a hat and you make or purchase a gift for that one person. You will receive one gift back as well from someone who draws your name. This can be done on top of gift-giving as well and instead of buying a gift, your job is to gift that person with kindness.
    6. This is free and such a blessing for those in need.
    7. Homemade decorations, the traditional Popcorn strings, paper wreaths and paper chains. Photos of the Children and the date are always fun for Christmas ornament gifts.
    8. Play games. My family turns everything into a competition with dual checkers or chess games and winners are in the playoffs. Or learn a new game.
    9. Make a gingerbread house.
    10. Scavenger hunts. The kids can break up into teams with the younger ones teamed with older kids – use homemade gifts or dollar store gifts, and hide them before using a set of clues (at least ten) to get you to the final destination. This is a super fun game and I often did this with the children to find their birthday gifts.
    11. Use groupon or yelp to find things happening in your local area. Many are free such as the local Christmas tree lighting.
    12. Take a drive with the family viewing neighborhoods that decorate their homes for Christmas. For the longest time one of our close neighbors had five acres they decorated and people parked and walked around their property looking at all of the decorations. They did this in memory of a child who had died and loved Christmas. This was a free activity to the local community.
    13. Outdoor activities like building a fort or a snowman – up north of course!
    14. Grateful Journal – you can begin this on December 1st or even the week leading up to Christmas or after. Each evening you can take turns sharing what you are grateful for as a family and putting this in the journal. It is fun to go back and see what everyone had to say.
    15. Hot chocolate and marshmallows and a good Christmas story. Reading the Scriptures and the Christmas story especially the gospel of Luke.
    16. Sending card to the military – this needs to be done earlier in the year but you can call your local recruiting office to find out information about this… my son will soon be in the Army and I’ll probably do a podcast next year on this topic.
    17. Listen to audiobooks together as a family. A public library gives you access to many audiobooks for free.
    18. Blessings Game. One year I created an activity for my family handing them slips of paper, one for each person in our household. They were to write what they believed was this person’s God given gift. For example, hospitality, generosity, charity, joy etc. and why they thought this. Then, each person added the slip into one envelope that was given to this person on Christmas Day. It did not need to be completed at one time, but over the course of a few days, in plenty of time for Christmas. This was opened first.
    19. A prayer first, then finding baby Jesus or the Christmas pickle. The evening before the child Jesus was hidden in a different part of the home, and the children had to find it on Christmas morning so he could be placed back in his manger scene. The Christmas pickle was a gift from an Aunt. The person who found it first could begin opening a gift first.
    20. Taking turns opening gifts. There is so much time, effort and money poured into purchasing or making gifts that half the time I would miss the kids opening theirs, especially in large families you know what I mean…so we would each take turns opening gifts, and yes – it wasn’t always perfectly even but the kids learned early that some gifts were more costly and that meant less presents in number. I think this was a wonderful way to have a longer but slowed-down Christmas morning.

    I wish we were gathered in a large room drinking a hot beverage and sharing Christmas ideas and suggestions for under ten dollars and in that way we could learn from each other! While I love podcasting I do miss visiting with all of you at homeschool conferences as I did in past years.

    I pray that you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas, or whatever holiday season you are celebrating and enjoy your family and friends. You are all so special to me and I appreciate you!

    The post Christmas Traditions Under Ten Dollars appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

    Stress-Free Holidays With Children – Special Replay Dec 13, 2021
    Show notes

    Stress-free the holidays with children rarely go hand in hand. In this episode learn ten tips to have the best time with your children.Special Replay – Let’s Talk About Stress-Free Holidays with Children ~ Felice Gerwitz

    What do you do when you have a party planned that you are hosting or attending and you have children? Felice shares some tried and true ways to have fun during the holidays, at parties and with your kids.

    Show notes:

    1. Be prepared
    2. Help your kids to be prepared
    3. Give your child a code that means help me
    4. Let others know what you expect
    5. Older kids assigned a person
    6. Let go of your expectations
    7. Ask for help
    8. Give your child a job
    9. Watch for smells
    10. Make things easy

    More help for Stress-Free Holidays with Children – Ideas that work:

    Parties with Kids

    Fun Holiday Ideas

    Holiday Planning and Homeschooling

    Apps that helps –

    Choice Works

    Learn to Play the Piano

    Graphic Credit: @DepositPhoto.com copyright @yanlev

    🎓 Resources from Media Angels: For more on this, explore Christmas Planning Printables from Media Angels.

    The post Stress-Free Holidays With Children – Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

    Holiday Road Trips Dec 06, 2021
    Show notes

    Are you taking several holiday road trips?Holiday Road Trips Episode 455

    Are you taking several holiday road trips? Whether it is Thanksgiving (already passed by the time I record this podcast) or Christmas it is important to be prepared! Take it from one who has traveled with kids in the car on extended trips, I’ll share some must-haves with you!

    Please visit the Media Angels website for deep discounts and specials throughout the holiday season – if you missed our big sale, be sure to subscribe to the email list here, at the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network for updates.

    Are you packed and ready for a holiday road trip? Whether you are heading to grandma’s house that is in another state or a trip that is a few hours away, these holiday tips will save you time and money. The most wonderful time of the year tends to be filled with stress and anxiety as we prepare not only to decorate our own homes and create some holiday family traditions but then to pack up the family and head out of town to celebrate the holidays somewhere else.

    When we think of road trips we remember asking our parents the age-old, “Are we there yet,” after twenty minutes or less in the car, or complaining of hunger. This was because we were bored and today with built-in audio systems for audiobooks or video the trips go so much more quickly with the children entertained. But there is more to keeping them engaged and also thinking of this as a time to create a family bond and memories.

    There are many reasons people plan holiday road trips:

    1. Visit family or friends
    2. Vacation time with the family
    3. A way to leave sad memories behind

    Planning a trip can be fun with the right tools. One is to plan ahead if at all possible. This means having someone take care of things at your own home if you have pets or pipes that might freeze. It means giving away perishable foods or freezing things that will keep. It can mean planning to purchase clothing for the kid’s cooler items if you are heading to a warmer climate or warming items if you are heading somewhere colder (or asking if you can borrow extra coats and jackets for the kids whenever possible).

    Handy List of Planning Ahead:

    1. Make provisions for your home and/or pets.
    2. Plan for appropriate clothing depending on the climate. Borrow whenever possible if you are not planning extended trips (and even if you are, kids grow out of their clothing so quickly).
    3. Driving or flying? Mode of transportation and checking early enough to get flights at a discount or plan on a car tune-up before a big trip. Proper tires, etc. for snowy weather.
    4. Planning wardrobe. Items that can be worn more than once (jeans, leggings, etc.) and paired with other things to make it look like a new outfit. Harder with kids who seem to get every item of clothing filthy without trying.
    5. Suitcases and carry-on if you are flying – be sure you look over the list of what is needed and sizes for carry-on luggage.

    If you are driving, perhaps your road trip is a time to bond as a family and create some holiday memories of your own. I remember times we took day trips with the children. It was during a busy time of the year and it was one day to unwind and see some local sites such as a science museum we passed often but never made the time to visit. This locale became a family favorite for years. (More on the audio – listen in!)

    Try to think of family trips not only to get to an end destination but also to create family memories that are special and the kids will talk about and remember fondly. Again, less is more and we can over plan, but here are some ideas.

    Here is a quick list of things that will help if you are planning holiday road trips.

    1. Plan to stop. If you are going long distances it helps to get into the mindset of frequent stops, especially with little kids. If you can map out the rest stations this is a tremendous help.
    2. Car activities: some kids get carsick so be sure they are not looking down. An activity like matching license plates with a state map that is labeled with each state is fun. The kids can add a tally to each state where they see a license plate. Use clipboards to keep the maps in tack. Of course, there are audiobooks for the entire family. Adventures in Odyssey was a family favorite and now there are longer audiobooks you can rent from the library or purchase on online services. Of course, there are videos on devices such as tablets, but if at all possible I’d keep those to a minimum.
    3. If you are going a long distance consider printing out state maps with the route you will take. You can print this on mapquest or a similar website. The kids can use a marker to circle towns you pass as well as keep track of how far you are from your destination. It keeps the question, “Are we there yet?” to a minimum!

    Here is a quick list for flying:

    1. Leave enough time to get to the airport and plan ahead if you are leaving a car in extended parking. Sometimes it takes time to get from the parking garage to the airport, longer than expected!
    2. Carry-on for the kids should be back packs with things the kids can do. Simple activities like mazes, puzzles or one year I brought a rock collection and wrapped up the rocks in tissue paper and gave the kids a marble bag with the rocks and a tiny rock identification book. Each of my two kids had different rocks and once they identified them, they traded with each other. This kept them busy on a two hour flight and the older gentleman on the other side of the aisle was so fascinated the kids had to share their rocks with him.
    3. Be sure to pack hard candy or gum, and bring an empty bottle to fill (there are places to fill up water bottles) or plan to buy water after you go through security. This helps with equalizing air pressure in the kids ears. Snacks are also a good idea. You can bring food even through security check just be sure it is in clear bags. You can also buy food once you are through security to bring on the plane.
    4. Audios are a good idea but be sure to download them on your device. Steaming costs money and the service is very slow. An audio book or music works well. You can download videos to your tablet ahead of time as well, usually the entertainment available on some airlines may not be what you want your children to view.
    5. Books are always a good idea if your child is a reader and a new book is fun to pick out ahead of time.

    You may want to have gifts shipped unless you are driving or consider gift cards as gifts for the year you travel. Some families open gifts ahead of time at home before they leave, others use the trip itself as the family gift. Whatever you do, make this time special, stop daily and enjoy that day with your family and thank the Lord for all the blessings you have each and every day!

    And I thank God for all of you, you have helped me tremendously in these years by sharing my podcasts with a friend and giving me a star rating on your mobile devices and I thank you!

    The post Holiday Road Trips appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

    Christmas Season Ministry – Special Replay Nov 29, 2021
    Show notes

    Christmas Season Ministry is something we forget because we are so busy.Christmas Season Ministry with Denise Mira

    Christmas Season Ministry is something we forget because we are so busy. In this episode, we discuss some ways that children can understand the lesson it is better to give. Felice Gerwitz and Denise Mira share their successes with ministry with you!

    Thanks to our sponsor – the movie, Overcomer!

    Denise Mira, author of No Ordinary Child: Unlocking the Leader Within Your Child, has been married to Gregory for 39 years. They are the parents of five extraordinary home-educated sons. Denise has traveled extensively, inspiring revolutionary change in households as she shares her impactful message for families. She is passionate about helping moms and dads raise No Ordinary Children! Find more inspiration and free tools for success at DeniseMira.com

    During the holidays it is always nice to give back. Us this as a checklist starter and listen to this podcast for more information and great ideas. Remember that God has given us seasons — some seasons may focus only on family and others on those in need.

    Ministry During Christmas

    1. Adopt a family
    2. Take care of single mothers/kids (kids keep it a secret or maybe they shouldn’t know who it is if they can’t yet keep a secret)
    3. Angel tree by the late Chuck Colson is a favorite of ours – children of prisoners get new gifts from their Daddy who is incarcerated
    4. Create a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child
    5. Relationships – people are God’s priority
    6. Provide and share with elderly widows and widowers neighbors and invite them to our parties
    7. Pray about your specific Family Ministry: One family we know takes on a hefty schedule to ring the bells for the Salvation Army each year taking shifts to collect the change in the red buckets with their spouses, kids, and the grands!
    8. Write letters of appreciation at the holidays to deployed troops via SolideirAngelsorg
    9. Collect coats, gloves, and hats for the homeless
    10. Baggies of deodorant toothpaste toothbrush snack bars socks kept in the vehicle etc for the homeless beggars
    11. The reason for the season. The overarching theme is to be Jesus — shining His light so bright to the world around us. Be intentional about making this your aim over the holidays.
    12. Add to this list here with your ideas!

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    🎓 Resources from Media Angels: For more on this, explore Christmas Planning Printables from Media Angels.

    The post Christmas Season Ministry – Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

    Most Wonderful Time of the Year Nov 22, 2021
    Show notes

    The most wonderful time of the year is not what you think. It is not overloading or overdoing, it is rejoicing in what is the most important in your life. In this podcast, we drill down on how to make this season the best ever.Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Episode 454

    The most wonderful time of the year is not what you think. It is not overloading or overdoing, it is rejoicing in what is the most important in your life. In this podcast, we drill down on how to make this season the best ever.

    Please visit the Media Angels website for deep discounts and specials throughout the holiday season – if you missed our big sale, be sure to subscribe to the email list here, at the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network for updates.

    Are you singing it with me, the refrains of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?” well if not, let’s remedy that with this podcast that will hopefully get you to number one, put things into perspective and number two give you permission to not overstress the holidays.

    So, when are you listening to this podcast? Is it weeks before Thanksgiving and Christmas, or is it right around the corner? No matter what time, I pray that this show helps you to see that life is too short to stress the stuff that really isn’t important in the long run. If you are a long-time listener you’ve heard me come full circle in many ways. I was the person that had to bake or make everything from scratch. I knew about DIY before it was even a thing. I could take those scraps like toilet paper and paper tubes from paper towels and come up with craft ideas and decorations for our table, of course with the kids helping and checking art off our homeschool list.

    The Not So Wonderful Times

    During the holidays if there is a family crisis, illness, or worse, it is difficult to be jolly and want to participate in all of the holiday festivities. At times like this, we lean on our other family members or friends. We look for the joy that comes from our faith and those loved ones we can surround ourselves with as a reminder of what is important.

    Trying to do everything yourself can be was exhausting and terribly frustrating at times. But, if you keep things in perspective you can have a wonderful time this year with decorations, food and so much more that will not break the bank. I am a great believer in having the kids help if they are age-appropriate. And, kids love to feel needed and wanted.

    Most Wonderful Time of the Year

    First things first. What is really important to you this holiday season? Is it:

    1. Spending time with family and friends?
    2. Entertaining?
    3. Holiday traditions?
    4. Getting rid of stress?
    5. Making Memories?

    Always remember the reason for the season. Most of us celebrate Thanksgiving because it is a day on the calendar, but taking a few minutes to talk about this with your children (all ages) allows us to put things in perspective. While it is nice to remember the past, my family’s focus is on how to create memories and focus on how thankful we are for our faith and family and the blessings in our lives. Sure, some years we have to dig deep to find a reason to be thankful but that too is a learning moment.

    The same with Christmas. Are we caught in the trappings of putting up two or three trees, of buying gifts that cause us to go into debt, or are we focused on the real reason, celebrating the birth of our Savior into the world and rejoicing that there is a hope that brings us joy? We celebrate with extended family each year and sometimes even friends, but we look at our lives and balance these times with a look at the days leading up for our family which means an Advent Wreath and prayers each night leading up to Christmas Day.

    What makes this time of the year wonderful? It is the feelings of love that bring joy. I think if I had to select one word I would say, love. There is love in the making and baking of foods, the decorations, and even in the giving of gifts. We give of ourselves and put thought into what we want to gift our children and our neighbors and friends. Then there are the smells of the season, beginning with cooking and baking but also in the scents of pine cones, or pine needles, or cinnamon and cloves. These things bring back memories and hopefully, they are good, if not make new memories with your children.

    We live in a world that puts an emphasis on the material the things we can buy. Yet, our focus should be on the things that money can not buy. During a time of financial difficulty I use to look at the sky and say to the Lord, thank you for the beauty of your creation and for all the things I enjoy each and every day that are free and cost nothing. That year we were inspired as a family to make many gifts and those gifts are still treasures I’ve kept throughout the years. The kids painted shells they found at the beach and the larger ones were glossed and I used them as a place for paperclips on my desk. Those crafts last longer than most of the store-bought gifts. I will be recording a podcast on holiday road trips and Christmas traditions you can celebrate for less than ten dollars. These are wonderful reminders that the most wonderful time of the year should focus on the importance of the love we have for each other.

    Let me take a minute and talk about that love. If you are in strained relationships in your home, take the time to sit with your spouse and children and figure out solutions to the problems. Just saying I’m sorry, or will you forgive me goes a very long way in mending fences. Talk honestly about working as a family during the holiday season to give the gift of generosity and love to each other. (If you missed my character planners on the topic you can find them in my Media Angels store – go to MediaAngels.com). They are free currently for all email subscribers.

    The most wonderful time of the year means different things to different people. This Thanksgiving I will hand out brown, orange, and yellow slips of paper to each person and ask them to write, not what they are thankful for — but what makes this the most wonderful time of the year. We will read them out loud as a family. (They do not need to sign them unless they want to!) The idea is to think of this time of the year as a new beginning and a new start, not a marathon to just get Thanksgiving or Christmas or even at some point Easter over with!

    Is there something that bothers you or you detest doing? Take it off the list. If you are not in the best frame of mind for entertaining if it is your turn to host the family, get on your knees and pray that the Lord blesses you and keeps you focused on Him. If we do something for someone and we are not thanked we can remember that the Lord was not thanked for His sacrifice either. Friends, I get it especially if you are a parent it is the most rewarding and the most thankless job there is, however, we do it because as I said earlier of that one word – the word love. I pray that the Lord blesses you and your family this holiday season and brings you the real joy that makes this, the most wonderful time of the year!

    The post Most Wonderful Time of the Year appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

    Kids Choosing Good Behavior – Special Replay Nov 15, 2021
    Show notes

    Are you a kid? If you had a choice of choosing good behavior over bad, which would you pick?Special Replay: Kids Choosing Good Behavior

    Are you a kid? If you had a choice of choosing good behavior over bad, which would you pick? Is that a silly question? That is what I want to talk to you about today. You are going to be very surprised when I explain some things to you so that you can take charge of your actions.

    Check out this episode – Kids Making Good Decisions.

    Books for tweens – Truth Seekers Mystery Series.

    I love talking to kids. I think you guys are great. You have so many good ideas, you are full of energy and fun. Even those of you that are quiet have amazing things to say if someone would take the time to listen to you. I have five kids and eight grandkids and each of them is a blessing. While we might not always agree, and yes my kids messed up (but so have I), I think they are amazing people. I really wish I could see you and tell you this while I am looking at you. But you are an amazing person. You may not think you are, but I believe that God made us and He does not make junk. I want you to think about that if you really do not think you are amazing and special. You are here for a reason. So, let’s begin!

    Do you know an adult in your life? Is it a mom, a dad, a grandparent, aunts, or uncles? Did you know that these adults in your life were once your age? I bet you don’t think about that often. Yes, we adults were once kids, we were teenagers, we were young adults, and we finally, after many years and possibly getting in trouble ourselves we grew up, got married and had kids of our own. We learned from our past mistakes and we want to pass on this wisdom to our kids. That is why you get in trouble. We do not want you to make small mistakes now that can turn into big mistakes later. And that means we want to teach you how to choose good behavior.

    It’s not easy to do what is right all the time, because no one is perfect. Right? Well, that may be true, but we can make our lives a whole lot easier if we take charge of our own behavior. Since I can’t see you, I don’t know if you are listening. But, I’m going to challenge you. If you want a happier life, please take the time to listen. As I talk, I will ask you some questions and you can stop this recording and answer them before you hear my remarks.

    I like kids who think for themselves. Do you think? Of course, you do. But do you think before you speak or act? Sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t. You see the problem is when you act badly, say or do the wrong things, sometimes you get in trouble and sometimes you don’t. So you might be confused.

    Let’s talk about what type of behavior gets you in trouble:

    1. Being disrespectful to your parents or adults (arguing, yelling, and saying, “no I didn’t do it.” when your parents clearly see you did.)
    2. Hitting others in your family. Many kids actually think this is fun!
    3. Breaking a rule. For example no snacks before dinner.
    4. Forgetting to do a chore or something your parent asked you to do.
    5. For homeschoolers – losing a book or not completing your schoolwork.

    Now, let’s take each of these things and talk about what won’t get you in trouble.

    1. Being respectful to your parents. If you mess up, saying you are sorry or taking responsibility for your actions.
    2. Keeping your hands, feet–you know, general body parts to your self.
    3. Following the rules.
    4. Remembering to do your chores or follow through if your parents ask you to do something.
    5. Keeping your books together and finishing your schoolwork.

    Wow, that was easy. Just be respectful, keep your hands to yourself, follow the rules, do your chores, and finish your schoolwork. So, what am I missing? How many of you think you can do this? Hmm… why or why not. Let’s think about this. Will life be easier and happier when you do what is right? Of course.

    Choosing Good Behavior: You Are Not A Puppet.

    Do you know what a puppet is? A puppet is controlled by someone else. The puppet has can’t think for itself or do something it wants to do on its own. Maybe you have never seen a puppet, but you know what I am talking about. A puppet has no free will. You on the other hand have free will. You can make decisions, you have a choice. You can decide to be the kind of person you want to be. Right? Do you agree? If not, why not?

    Do you want to know what I think? I think there are many reasons why kids get in trouble.

    1. Laziness. Sometimes it is easier to not obey.
    2. React out of anger or because you are upset.
    3. Don’t think about the consequences. If you do something wrong what will happen?
    4. You are a gambler. What does that mean? A gambler takes chances. You know what you are doing wrong and you hope that you either won’t get caught OR if you do get caught the punishment won’t be bad, or maybe you are hoping for no punishment at all.
    5. Simpy forget to do what you are supposed to do. And one reason this happens? You really don’t care.

    Did I forget anything? Is there another reason I did not list as to why you get in trouble?

    I think the reason most of us get into trouble is that we do not consider what will happen afterward. This is called cause and effect. If I drop a glass on a hard surface, like concrete on purpose what will happen? If you said break, you are correct. We know glass sometimes shatters. Not all glasses but most. Have you ever dropped a glass? Or spilled milk or water? Sure, everyone has accidents. The cause of the incident – in this case, the glass breaking was done on purpose. The effect of my dropping the glass is it breaks. What about the accident? That is different. If we did not mean to do something then while the cause is the same – we are at fault or we did it (we dropped the glass) the motivation – or the why we did it is different.

    So, let’s break this down.

    1. Things happen because we cause them. On purpose or by accident.
    2. We can sometimes control our actions or words and sometimes it is truly an accident.
    3. If we can control our words or actions, that means we are in charge.
    4. If we are in charge and are in control we can choose right or wrong. Because, hey, we are not a puppet.
    5. If we have a choice, which will we do?

    So, there you have it. Choosing good behavior is up to you. You are not a puppet. You can make your own decisions. And, I for one hope you decide today, right now to make good choices. Think about what will happen if you make a good choice and what will happen if you make a bad choice. The decision is up to you! If you mess up and make a mistake apologize. That is different than saying you are sorry and not really meaning it. You should ask my kids how many apology notes I have written over the year.

    One last thing to think about. Do you want to be around people who always get in trouble? Do you want to listen to people who do the wrong thing on purpose, or just because they think it is fun to have everyone yelling or arguing? Some people actually like to cause trouble. If you would not follow someone like that, then you should be the person God created you to be–and that means making choices that are wise.

    One more thing – I have more shows planned just for you this month. So, stay tuned!

    The post Kids Choosing Good Behavior – Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

    Discipline Kids and Holidays. Oh. My! Nov 08, 2021
    Show notes

    When kids misbehave parents get upset, and rightly so! In this episode, we tackle discipline, kids, and the holidays. We bring you real-life examples and the results that work.Discipline, Kids, and the Holidays. Oh. My! ~ with Meredith Curtis

    When kids misbehave parents get upset, and rightly so! In this episode, we tackle discipline, kids, and the holidays. We bring you real-life examples and the results that work.

    Visit Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions here.

    See all of Felice’s books and classes here Media Angels, Inc., and her Media Angels Membership here.

    Our sister podcast network, The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network is here with podcasts relating to Christian topics, faith, and family.

    More podcasts on discipline here.

    During the holiday we are distracted and we want to spend time visiting with our family and friends. After all the holiday prep we are so busy serving others we often forget to enjoy the day ourselves. Yet, in the midst of distractions, our children can be struggling for attention or worse, get into situations that are not permitted.

    Here are some ideas to help you in the midst of the holiday so that you can spend time enjoying your family!

    1. We either train our children to obey or we train them to disobey. When we raise our voice and do not follow through – or train our children to only listen when we are yelling, our children will only respond when we are angry. Pay attention to this and see how and when your children respond.
    2. Follow through. If we are going to ask our children to do something and they chose to disobey we have to follow through or we are again, training our children not to listen.
    3. Remember: you are the adult. The child must listen to you – require obedience.
    4. Teach your children to honor people rather than dishonor and disrespect. An important aspect in their future emotional well-being.

    Some parents only discipline their children in public when they are embarrassed by bad behavior. This again trains our children not to listen. Tell your children what you expect, especially ahead of time if you are going to an event such as a party or a place where you have certain expectations. If you do not tell them how will they know?

    When Discipline Kids and the Holidays Work:

    Commandments: Honor thy Father and thy Mother –

    Use the following as an outline toward changing misbehavior in your children:

    1. Tell your children that you love them too much to have them be disrespectful and that you require respect.
    2. Practice at home, especially when there is cause to correct disrespectful attitudes.
    3. Explain to your children that if they see others misbehaving that does not give them permission to misbehave as well.
    4. Gray hair is a crown of splendor – it is wisdom that comes from living life and learning from our mistakes. Honor of the elderly must be explained.
    5. Children who act out often have an underlying cause for this – find out why. Is it for additional attention, feelings of selfishness, or insecurity?
    6. We are children of God and as such are held to a higher standard! As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

    Holidays can be a joyful time, take a few minutes and explain what you expect to your children. You can also explain there will be a consequence for misbehavior, it may be the next request is a no, or perhaps the loss of time (the time it takes to discipline is your time lost.)

    The post Discipline Kids and Holidays. Oh. My! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

    Great Gifts Kids Can Make Nov 01, 2021
    Show notes

    Are you ready for the just for kids series? Here are some great gifts kids can make! And for cheap.Great Gifts Kids Can Make – Special Replay

    Are you ready for the just for kids series? Here are some great gifts kids can make! And for cheap. The holidays are coming soon and you may be thinking about what to buy people in your family. Well, it is time to think about this and to be on the lookout for the things people really need.

    Here are some more great podcasts for gifts kids can make!

    1. Gifts Kids Make
    2. DIY Christmas Gifts
    3. Thanksgiving Crafts
    4. Gifts Especially for Mom

    I’m going to give you some great ideas about the things that your family may want and also some ideas of how to make things instead of buying them. Sometimes you will need to look at information online so make sure you have an adult with you. They can use the links I have on my show notes page. Some of these gifts take the help of an adult so you may want to ask another adult –not the person you are making this gift for, to help you! I am a grandmother and I love to help my grandchildren to make things for their parents or even their aunts, uncles or cousins.

    I love handmade gifts much better than store bought gifts because it shows that the person making these gifts really cared about me and took the time and used their talents to make the gift. I’m going to share some of my favorite gifts. One is potholders. Some of these were decorative that means you can’t really use them on hot things, but they looked pretty when they were hung up on the wall. Others were paintings or pictures. Sometimes the kids made me jewelry—and I have to admit that I did not wear the necklaces or even earrings they made. But, my mother—their grandmother did! She loved the bead necklaces so she just added the ones the kids made her to the group of necklaces she already wore.

    So, here are some things I want you to do.

    1. Look around. So, here is where your deep-deep-undercover skills come in. You don’t need binoculars for this assignment but you do need to look around you and think about what people need or want. Does your mom or dad have a favorite mug they use every morning? If you look at the things your parents like, maybe your mom or dad collects different things. My grandmother loved wind chimes and I do as well. These are easy to make. Or you can’t have enough hot pads for the table. So, take some time to look around.
    1. Think about the gifts you liked. Think about the gifts you get and try to remember your favorite presents. What are they? So many times we cannot remember any super-favorite gifts because they either broke or we didn’t really enjoy them that well. I really wanted a camera, but when I got one I didn’t really use it that much. Why did I want a camera? Because I liked painting and I thought I could take pictures of the things I wanted to paint to make it easier to remember what I wanted to paint. I could paint but only if I looked at a picture. So, think about why you liked the gift—and maybe your reason is like mine.
    1. How much time to make a gift do you have? Often we don’t have as much time to make a gift—but then we can be creative. I’m going to give you some great ideas of some other podcasts I did for creating gifts that might help you. Easy gifts are ones that take the things you have around your house, and here is a great insider’s tip—did you know that you can turn things that are broken into presents? Yes, you can and for pennies!
    1. How much do you like crafts or making gifts? If you say, not very much—don’t worry! I have a great solution for you so hold tight. The solution I have will have some that are super-fast-gift giving ideas. But even though it is fast, you have to put some thought into what you will do and wrap it up beautifully.
    1. Do you have a talent that can be turned into a gift? Time to think—again! What is something that you do well that can be turned into a gift? Can you draw or paint? Can you bake? Can you make something out of wood –or even legos? Do you collect things? Think. Think. Think.

    So, here you go –here are my top 5 gift making ideas for kids.

    1. Office accessories. For example a pencil holder. Yes, I know this sounds lame but it is one of my mom’s favorite gifts that I gave her. Here is how you do it. Supplies: A middle-sized empty can playdough or fast-drying clay, and pasta shells, seashells, old buttons, or something to stick on the clay.

    You cover a can with the clay and then you can use pasta shells, or button, or even seashells to cover the can. Have someone help you to put a clear spray over the can, or you can even paint the pasta shells ahead of time. You don’t even need glue because the shells stick really well.

    Once it dries you can add some pens, pencils, highlighters, or sharpies to this set! You can use a variation of this covering a small box and using it to hold office supplies like paper clips.

    1. Decorations: For example wall art. You need a piece of art paper, glue, and either spray paint like white or some other solid color. You will need an adult to help you. Also, look for a place where your family can put these on the wall—sometimes you do not have much wall space, but be creative. Can you put these pictures in a hallway or even the bathroom?Do you have plants in your yard that would not miss a few leaves? Or even weeds that might work? You can take a big piece of art paper, like watercolor paper, or even a piece of thick cardboard and pick an odd number of leaves. Bigger leaves work well—but in the winter they may be hard to find. You can even use twigs, pine needles, or pieces of pine cones. Be creative! So, what you do is you make a design on a piece of paper. Once you have a design in mind you can take these things and glue them to the paper. Be sure that you do not have any dirt on your leaves, twigs, etc. Once glued allowed it to dry. Then, take a solid color of spray paint and paint over the entire thing—you may need an adult to help you and do this somewhere where the overspray won’t be a problem. You can also take a large brush—like a wall paintbrush and paint and paint a solid color. Believe me this looks great! You can make a pair of pictures to hang up. They do not need to be big.
    1. Personal care items. For example hand scrubs. You will need a glass container with a lid, sugar or salt, and some type of essential oil. You an even add a few drops of light oil like olive or cooking oil.

    In the winter, especially our hands tend to get dry and you can make a sugar scrub very easily with a few items. You can use sugar or salt, and what you do is measure out one cup of sugar or salt in a bowl, add a few drops of essential oils like lemon or even lavender (ask your parent’s permission for these things!), and stir them up. Many people like to use sugar for a sugar scrub but I actually like the salt scrub better. You then add a few drops of oil. Put a tiny bit of oil in a bowl and add ¼ of a teaspoon at a time and mix it up. How does it smell? If you can not smell anything you may want to add a few more drops of oil. Now, you can place this in a glass container, add a ribbon, and wrap it up! Variation: You can make bath salts as well. This is super cheap and it works great. (One of my favorite presents) Take Epsom salts and just add a few drops of essential oils an mix them together, and then place it in a mason jar. Add ribbon and wrap it up!

    1. Fun Gifts Wind-Chimes, hot-pads, and vases. Now it is time to get creative. If you are not holding on I saved the best and easiest gift for last! So, for this gift, you need scraps, broken items, and creativity. Wind Chimes: You can make wind chimes using things that make noise. Is there a bent spoon, fork, or something that your parents are throwing away that when it clinks together makes a nice tinkling sound? You can make a wind chime.

    Hot pad: Did a pretty glass dish or glass break? Instead of throwing it away, with your parent’s permission ask if you can keep the flat pieces. You can either use a scrap tile or even wood and cover the bottom with material or felt. That is to keep it from scratching a countertop or table. Then you can draw a picture and cover it with the glass OR you can make a pretty mosaic out of the broken glass. Be careful, glass cuts. You will need clear drying glue for this activity. Flower vase. Do you like to bring your mom flowers from the yard—they may be weeds but they still are pretty! You can search for a tiny container that does this… keep an eye out! Lots of times small olive jars, or small containers that contain things your mom or dad buys at the store are often thrown away or used to recycle. You can use these as a flower vase. Either add a ribbon to the top and tie it or you can use sheets of tissue paper. Tear off the sheets of tissue paper and use clear drying glue. You can paint on the scraps of tissue paper. You can even use a mason jar and add a candle for a votive light that is pretty. Again, ask for things that your parents have around the house and be on the lookout!

    1. Gift Cards: One Free Gift Card – you will need note cards or small pieces of paper and neat handwriting or do this on the computer and cut it out!

    Another of my favorite gifts include gift cards from my kids to me! For example, one free car vacuuming and cleaning up, or one free car vacuuming, or neck rub, or do the dishes or baby-sit the little kids. Believe me, your mom or dad or grandparents will really love these gifts! And the best news you do not need any craft or artistic talent to do this. And, for fun, you can wrap it in a small box, but the small box in a bigger box and keep wrapping it up—again ask your parents for permission to use cheap wrapping paper and tape!

    So, what do you think? Do you like any of these ideas? There are other ones I listed in my post but these take a little more work and sometimes even spending money on supplies. Do you have a favorite gift idea? Please share it with me!

    Links for the parents:

    These crafts looked great –but they need an adult to help. Marbled Coasters

    The post Great Gifts Kids Can Make appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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