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Elizabeth and I discuss kids who struggle with certain subjects, how to incentivize in nurturing ways; as well as helping them develop their unique strengths and gifts.

5:16 - Helping a child who struggles to focus
9:20 - The importance of our flexibility
14:51 - When a child is resistant to writing
23:06 - Solutions for when a child hates a subject
30:34 - Struggles with perfectionism

Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)

if not carrot and stick, then WHAT (blog post)

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A fan mail I received a few days ago uncovers the nature of our collective aching hearts and desire to be better humans.

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let's talk about this.

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Zoe brings these great questions to the show around gift giving. Keeping spending, stuff, emotions and mom's sanity all within a reasonable limit.
Hard to do at Christmastime!

Join us for some discussion about how we do things, what worked, what didn't and trying to maintain some semblance of equilibrium.

2:10 - Avoiding burnout at Christmas
6:13 - Advent traditions
9:29 - Santa Claus and gift giving
19:33 - Online shopping and supporting local
24:23 - Stocking gift ideas
27:37 - When to open presents?
42:31 - Scaling back on gifts
47:48 - Managing high emotions
50:41 - Decorating and cultural traditions

Catholic Owned - Christmastide Shopping Guide

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Dear friends. This is a bonus episode that I wanted to get out quickly. Brooke and her husband Matteo, a homeschool family, started a business last year that gathers Catholic business owners under one platform to make supporting the values that we want to uphold easier for both buyer and seller.

They've developed a website and an app to make both local and national shopping ethical and simple. Their Christmastide shopping guide is available when you download the app or sign up to the website. It's so lovely, a shopping guide and an Advent and Christmas family devotional in one. Such a great way to support Catholic business.

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Christina joins me to discuss all things toys - curating, storing them, communicating our needs around gift giving and sharing some family favourites.

6:16 - Keep stuff or donate?
10:52 - Giving clear directives for gift giving
16:12 - Rotating toys
19:21 - Best loved toys in our homes
34:10 - When to let go
38:34 - Board games, clean up and creative play

Magnetic Tiles
Melissa and Doug Wooden Blocks
Schleich Animals
Squigs

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Support the show

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1:29 - joy is a choice
4:36 - homeschooling out of love
8:14 - connecting with your child
11:17 - being polite and friendly
14:44 - avoid pouncing on your kids
18:34 - developing relationships

Rest, Play, Grow by Deborah MacNamara
Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids by Deborah MacNamara
Rest, Play, Grow: Interview with Dr. Deborah MacNamara (podcast)
Nourished: an interview with Dr. Deborah MacNamara on her new book (podcast)

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