preschool Archives

Special Replay: Why NO and MINE are good words for Toddlers

July 22, 2025 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

📚 Part of our guide: Homeschooling with Toddlers & Little Ones

I often get asked how to deal with NO and MINE in toddler world. I see them both as positive words for this age. Toddlers are realizing that they are indeed human and separate from their parents. Isn’t what we hope all of our children realize! 😉 Up until this point someone has made all the decisions for them and they FINALLY have a voice. NO, they don’t want peas for dinner. NO, they don’t want to take a bath. NO, they don’t want to go to bed. I bet some toddlers are sooooo excited that they can finally state their opinion. ON this episode, we will talk about this world of toddlers and the many reasons that no and mine are their favorite words. It really is a good thing.

Also in this episode, I will quickly address some other toddler topics… potty training, biting, and pitching fits. I know for many parents, this toddler stage is challenging. I often suggest that parents try and approach this time with a lighthearted spirit. I always encourage gentle, playful parenting whenever possible, especially during the young years.

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Thanks to CTCMath.com as our sponsor!

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.

Top Ten Things Your Preschooler Wants You to Know | Replay

May 2, 2025 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Tomorrow, I get to share my passion for preschoolers with about 100 preschool teachers. I am sharing with them the Top Ten Things Preschooler Want You to Know. I thought you might enjoy hearing this list, as well.

#10 –Just because I use potty talk does not mean I have to go potty.

When I child calls you poopy head, simply say something like, “What? I have poopy on my head. Nope, I don’t think I have poopy on my head.” Children use potty talk to get the attention of others. Once they realize that their words don’t shock you, they won’t use them as often.

#9 – Just because I can hold a pencil and spell my name does not mean that I am ready to read and write.

If I begin counting in Spanish…. Uno, Dos, Tres, etc…. you might assume I speak Spanish? I don’t. Just as counting in Spanish does not mean I speak Spanish, holding a pencil and spelling their own name, does not mean a child is ready to read and write. Reading predictable books, Reading quality books, asking good questions, journaling, making books, recognizing that words have meanings, inventive writing, scribbling, and manipulatives all help prepare a child for reading when it is time (somewhere between 5-8).

#8 –Children need variety when they are outside.

Many children need to run, jump, climb, and ride when they are outside. However, some need to be on a blanket with a book or building blocks. Offer them a variety!

#7 – There is more to forgiveness than “I’m Sorry!”

In the early childhood world, it is often said – “Don’t force a child to say I am sorry.” However, rarely is an option given. How should we handle those hits, ugly words, and moments of anger? The goal is to help children understand that their actions have consequences. What they do impacts other people. When they hit their friend, their friend is hurt. When they say unkind things, their friend is hurt. Children should be encouraged to use their words and express their feelings.

#6 – She is not invited to my birthday party.

Preschoolers are trying to figure out who they are, what they like, and how to establish boundaries. This is an important time for teachers to help children put their words to their emotions. This is a gift we can give children. We would all say that we want adults that can work out problems and strife in their relationships. This needs to start early. Just like #7, helping children express how harsh words make them feel will them in the long run.

#5 – We learn through the process and not the product.

It is in the process of discovery, experience, and wonder that children learn. When we focus on an end result, we often miss the actual lesson of the process.

#4 – Please listen, we have something to say.

We can learn about children’s needs, stresses, developmental areas, etc… if we will take the time to listen to their stories, their pretend play, their questions, etc… If we don’t give them time during the small moments in their life, they will not give us time when the big topics arise.

#3-We need to experience to explore a topic.

“Being a kid is dirty, messy, noisy work. It is in the experience that we actually understand the topic. Whatever we hope to teach children about, the brain needs to experience through the senses. It is in the touching, smelling, hearing, tasting, and seeing that the brain builds synapses.

#2 – We are ALL different.

Honor who your child is! Our goal as a parent is to help a child become who they were already meant to be.

#1 – MEMORIES will be made!

Bottom Line, what do you want children to remember in 5, 10, 15, 20 years? What impact do you want to have on them?

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!

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Filed Under: The Real Kathy Lee Tagged With: homeschool preschool, preschool, the real kathy lee

Special Replay: Why NO and MINE are good words for Toddlers

October 18, 2024 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Thanks to CTCMath.com as our sponsor!

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.

Filed Under: The Real Kathy Lee Tagged With: homeschooling with toddlers, preschool, the real kathy lee, toddlers

Special Replay: Creating Inviting Spaces in Your Homeschool with Your Little Ones

October 10, 2024 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

Special Replay | Creating Inviting Spaces for Your Homeschool for your Little Ones

When my sweet friend, Misty sent me a Marco Polo (a cool video app) asking my opinion on her child’s playroom, I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts with all of you on creating inviting spaces for your little ones!

Everyone is worthy of feeling as if they belong, especially our children and most definitely in their own home. Before you begin designing an inviting space for your children, I suggest you get on your hands and knees and crawl around your home. YEP, literally get on your hands and knees. Spaces look so different from a child’s eye level. Ask yourself, how do things look and feel from that level. Are there enough “small” areas for your children to work, play, discover and explore?

Work, An Element of Inviting Spaces in Your Homeschool

Children need small ways to contribute to the family. They need work. Create spaces for their belongings on their level. Have a drawer for their cups, plates, utensils, and special cooking items. Have a bucket with basic cleaning supplies and cloths. Place hooks low enough so that children can hang up their own coats. Creating good habits at a young age pay off.

Play, Building Relationships through Ideas

Children are meant to play. How easy is it to say YES to their ideas for play? Less is definitely more in this area. Children do not need 20 containers full of toys in a playroom. During the early years it is likely that everything that is in a container will end up dumped on the floor, all at once. Buy quality toys and items that inspire open-ended play. This is more engaging for the child. I suggest you keep it basic. Some quality blocks, some arts and crafts materials, something that inspires pretend play (dress up, kitchen, baby dolls, etc..) and a cozy corner with books. Put everything else in a large plastic bin and keep it for a month. During that month, move anything your child asks for into a different bin. Whatever is left in the original bin after a month, donate.

Discover and Explore, The Great Outdoors

Kids need permission to get outside in search of discovery and exploration. Do you have a space for them to do that? Do you have materials such as nature journals, pencils, binoculars, and bird/flower books to inspire them? Keeping these type of items handy will help you say yes!

Creating inviting spaces is worth the time and effort! Get down on your hands and knees and start crawling around your space today!

Love this post? Discover more on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: The Real Kathy Lee Tagged With: family fun, homeschooling, making home fun, nature journals, play, playtime, preschool, the real kathy lee

Back to School Replay – Homeschool Children Across The Ages

August 13, 2024 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Jamie, Arlene, and I had so much fun recording our podcast for last week, we decided to keep the party going and record a second one. At every conference people ask us how we homeschool children across the ages. We figured it might be something the podcast world would want us to talk about as well, so we did.

Every homeschooling family is unique. Some people homeschool year round, some 3 days a week, some 8-12 everyday. It is hard to tell others exactly HOW to homeschool, but we all agreed on the following for those homeschooling different ages at the same time.

Find the rhythm for YOUR family, don’t compare.
Make sure your youngest gets some quality time by creating an engaging environment for them.
Partner children up to work together. For example, while you are working with the middle child, have the oldest and youngest work together. While you work with the oldest, have the middle and youngest work together, etc…
Don’t be afraid to seek the help of tutors, enroll some children in a hybrid, or partner up with other homeschooling families to meet the needs of your children.
Take advantage of early mornings and naptime. Be willing to change your schedule and remember this is just a season. Flexibility is KEY.

You’ve got this!

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: The Real Kathy Lee Tagged With: elementary, High School, homeschooling multiple ages, Junior High, preschool, the real kathy lee, the real kathy lee momfessions

Back to School Replay – Homeschool Children Across The Ages

August 5, 2024 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Find the rhythm for YOUR family, don’t compare.
Make sure your youngest gets some quality time by creating an engaging environment for them.
Partner children up to work together. For example, while you are working with the middle child, have the oldest and youngest work together. While you work with the oldest, have the middle and youngest work together, etc…
Don’t be afraid to seek the help of tutors, enroll some children in a hybrid, or partner up with other homeschooling families to meet the needs of your children.
Take advantage of early mornings and naptime. Be willing to change your schedule and remember this is just a season. Flexibility is KEY.

You’ve got this!

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: The Real Kathy Lee Tagged With: elementary, High School, homeschooling multiple ages, Junior High, preschool, the real kathy lee, the real kathy lee momfessions

Special Replay: Creating Inviting Spaces in Your Homeschool with Your Little Ones

July 13, 2023 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

Special Replay | Creating Inviting Spaces for Your Homeschool for your Little Ones

Work, An Element of Inviting Spaces in Your Homeschool

Play, Building Relationships through Ideas

Discover and Explore, The Great Outdoors

Creating inviting spaces is worth the time and effort! Get down on your hands and knees and start crawling around your space today!

Love this post? Discover more on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: The Real Kathy Lee Tagged With: family fun, homeschooling, making home fun, nature journals, play, playtime, preschool, the real kathy lee

Top Ten Things Your Preschooler Wants You to Know | Replay

July 6, 2023 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

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#10 –Just because I use potty talk does not mean I have to go potty.

#9 – Just because I can hold a pencil and spell my name does not mean that I am ready to read and write.

#8 –Children need variety when they are outside.

Many children need to run, jump, climb, and ride when they are outside. However, some need to be on a blanket with a book or building blocks. Offer them a variety!

#7 – There is more to forgiveness than “I’m Sorry!”

#6 – She is not invited to my birthday party.

#5 – We learn through the process and not the product.

It is in the process of discovery, experience, and wonder that children learn. When we focus on an end result, we often miss the actual lesson of the process.

#4 – Please listen, we have something to say.