Lessons From the Road – Families: Does Size Matter?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Families: Does Size Matter? Lessons From the Road with The Real Kathy LeeI had such a great time speaking at the Midwest Great Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio! I met so many moms and dads who all desire to love and teach their kids well. This weekend, I heard a lot of moms share how overwhelmed they were and how they were struggling at home. This combined with some recent conversations about family size and kids growing up feeling left out and overlooked made me start thinking about family size. Is there a perfect number of kids? Is there a family size that is easiest to manage? Does a small family size guarantee each child will have a quality childhood? Are we all called to raise 12 + arrows? Lots of things were running through my mind. When my dear friend, Christy Montes showed up for coffee and catch up we started talking about my weekend in Cincinnati and recent thoughts. I decided that maybe some of you had been thinking about these things too, so I grabbed my microphone and hit record.

Honestly, Christy and I have no idea how many children are best for your family. However, we have been involved with lots of families for many years and have experience and witnessed some things that we thought we should share to help you as you talk openly about this subject. Let us know what you thought about this episode. HUGS from home (where I get to stay for several weeks)!!! 

Blessings!

ps- Did you hear that I am turning 50 this year?? To celebrate, I am inviting ten moms from across the country to spend the weekend at my house in August. My goal is for you to sit by the pool, relax and have great conversation with other moms. My bestie, Christy will be hanging out with us too! If you want to take the final spot, shoot me an email or message on social media and tell me why you want to be chosen!! Good luck!

Say YES and have a great week!!!

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for me to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let me know. Just email me at kathy@thehomegrownpreschooler.com or shoot me a message on social media.

 


We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor, Like Arrows!

FamilyLife’s first feature film LIKE ARROWS, explores the joys and heartaches of parenting with a story that spans over 50 years. Join us in theaters across America for a special 2 night showing of LIKE ARROWS followed by exclusive after-show content with the film-makers, including celebrated faith-based film-makers Alex and Stephen Kendrick as well as FamilyLife Today’s Dennis and Barbara Rainey and Bob Lepine. You’ll leave encouraged and equipped with powerful next steps to make Christ the center of YOUR parenting.

LIKE ARROWS will be in theaters for two nights only, MAY 1ST and 3RD. To view the trailer and find theater info, visit the link below. If you missed the movie in theatres be sure to check out the Digital, DVD and Blueray versions on the website, LikeArrowsMovie.com

Visit here to learn more.


What’s A Dad Supposed To Do – Catching Up With Michael Somerville

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

What Is A Dad Supposed To Do? With The Real Kathy LeeI am back from the cruise with Grace (we had a wonderful time) and in Cincinnati for the GHC convention. This was a great time to catch up with Mike Somerville with Tapestry of Grace! I adore Michael and his family (Jessica and the girls). They are a beautiful example of to new homeschool families. As second generation homeschoolers, they have lived in this crazy world for some time now and have an interesting perspective to share.

Today, Michael shares his thoughts on a Father’s role in homeschooling. I love his ideas and think that every dad could benefit from listening to what he has to say. If you are a mom, don’t think this episode isn’t for you. It is. Take a listen and think through the ways your man can support you on this journey. An honest conversation about your needs can help your man know what his role should be.

Check out Tapestry of Grace and their amazing curriculum at www.tapestryofgrace.com.

This week the upcoming film, LIKE ARROWS, is sponsoring our podcast. LIKE ARROWS explores the joys and heartaches of parenting with a story that spans over 50 years. Join us in theaters across America for a special 2 night showing of LIKE ARROWS followed by exclusive after-show content with the film-makers, including celebrated faith-based film-makers Alex and Stephen Kendrick as well as FamilyLife Today’s Dennis and Barbara Rainey and Bob Lepine. You’ll leave encouraged and equipped with powerful next steps to make Christ the center of YOUR parenting.

LIKE ARROWS will be in theaters for two nights only, MAY 1ST and 3RD. To view the trailer and find theater info, visit LIKEARROWSMOVIE.COM. If you missed the movie in theatres be sure to check out the Digital, DVD and Blueray versions on the website, LikeArrowsMovie.com

Blessings!

Say YES and have a great week!!!

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for me to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let me know. Just email me at kathy@thehomegrownpreschooler.com or shoot me a message on social media.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!

 


We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor, Like Arrows!

FamilyLife’s first feature film LIKE ARROWS, explores the joys and heartaches of parenting with a story that spans over 50 years. Join us in theaters across America for a special 2 night showing of LIKE ARROWS followed by exclusive after-show content with the film-makers, including celebrated faith-based film-makers Alex and Stephen Kendrick as well as FamilyLife Today’s Dennis and Barbara Rainey and Bob Lepine. You’ll leave encouraged and equipped with powerful next steps to make Christ the center of YOUR parenting.

LIKE ARROWS will be in theaters for two nights only, MAY 1ST and 3RD. To view the trailer and find theater info, visit the link below. If you missed the movie in theatres be sure to check out the Digital, DVD and Blueray versions on the website, LikeArrowsMovie.com

Visit here to learn more.


 

Showing LOVE after Valentine’s Day is OVER!

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Showing LOVE after Valentine's Day is Over ... with The Real Kathy Lee Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday for me as a mom. I so enjoy getting up early to write my kids love notes, set the table with candles and red, sparkly runners and cook a special breakfast. I want my children to know on this day that they are loved!
Valentine's Day Once Valentine’s Day was over, I started questioning my attitude towards the other 364 days of the year. Did I work hard to make sure my kids know they were loved everyday? If so, how do I accomplish that and how do I encourage you to love your kids every February 15th – February 13

I came up with a few things…

  1. Write love notes throughout the year. Be creative. Write on their bathroom mirror with lipstick, leave notes on the pillows, tape notes to the back of the seat where they sit in the car, put notes in their books, in their backpacks, in their lunchboxes. Share specific things you love about them or positive things you have noticed them doing.
  2. Spend TIME with them.  I recently saw a news clip about young children and tablet time. The reporter stated that it is fine for young children to be on devices as long as adults were engaged with the children. They showed a video of one child and two adults sitting on a sofa. All three people were on their own device. This is NOT what I am talking about. Real time with your kids means devices are put away. Conversations are happening. Dinner Time, time in the car, while tucking in at night, etc… In order to have a real relationship with anyone, you MUST spend time with him or her.
  3. Honor their work. If your child paints a picture for you, hang it up. If they want to sing you a song, stop what you are doing and listen to it (it usually takes less than two minutes). If they want to read you their story, listen! Honoring their work will teach them that their work matters!
  4. Be careful with your conversations. We have all been guilty of getting on the phone with a girlfriend and firing off. Maybe you were upset with a friend, your partner, or even your child? If you think your child is busy playing and not paying attention, WRONG. They are listening to every word. Decide to share positive things instead… about your friend, your partner, and your child. Words are powerful so choose them carefully.
  5. Create a home that is welcoming for your children and their friends. I am honored when kids say they feel comfortable in my home. I love it when my kids want us to host the party, the bible study, and the special event. I want every one who walks into my home to feel welcomed and relaxed. Hopefully, your children will want to follow your lead and have that kind of home when they grow up and leave the nest.

I am far from perfect as a mom. However, I am confident that my kids will know that I love them and I want them to grow up and love well.

How will you show love today???

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for me to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let me know. Just email me at kathy@thehomegrownpreschooler.com or shoot me a message on social media.

 

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!

Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.