make joy normal: cozy homeschooling

send us a text via Fan Mail!Just catching up on some fan mail over the last month or so, apologies for late replies my dear listeners!  I'll produce a few episodes over the summer, but looking forward to attending to our family and having a little rest. 1:40 - Fanmail #1 : Toddler bangs head on the ground intentionally 11:50 - Fanmail #2 : Toddler is pushing bed time and won't go to sleep 20:24 - Fanmail #3 : Comment from a listener on a prior episode As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Faith and family based emotional regulation (podcast episode) Catholic Parenting | Interior KingdomRest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers by Deborah MacNamara Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids by Deborah MacNamara (Audible Audiobook)Dr. MacNamara Instagram @drdeborahmacnamarawalk at home (blog post)Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.ca Shop my recommended resources Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Chris Lewis is the creator and artist behind Baritus Catholic and joins me today for a discussion on art and the transmission of beauty in modern day living.  We discuss his beginnings as an artist, teaching art appreciation and commentary on his very own works of the saints. Please view his various items on his Etsy shop here.00:52 - Welcome, family and work 6:15 - What led to you becoming an artist? 7:54 - Homeschooling and art appreciation 13:52 - Art process and products 19:26 - St. Joan of Arc illustration23:30 - King St. Louis IX illustration27:38 - St. Philip Neri, the patron of joy30:07 - Where would you like to travel for inspiration? 33:15 - Final thoughts // education, discipline and screen timebarituscatholic.com & on instagram @barituscatholic Purchase prints, t-shirts, stickers and more on BaritusCatholic Etsy shop As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Revolution of Mercy: how kindness changes everything by Bonnie Landry Homeschooling, simplified: what matters most: securing cooperation without sacrificing kindness by Bonnie LandryList of art resources I have used and recommend Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.ca Shop my recommended resources Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Elizabeth and I talk about what we can do when kids are bored.  And also when moms are burned out. 2:39 - My child doesn't cope well with boredom 8:04 - Providing structure and giving purpose11:30 - Creating a space or boredom cupboard  14:35 - Fun ideas and tools21:59 - Accepting our limits and saying no 26:40 - Stacking and making things special 30:03 - Simple ways to make them feel lovedAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Revolution of Mercy: how kindness changes everything by Bonnie Landry Homeschooling, simplified: chocolate chip math: introducing arithmetic for little people, kindergarten to grade three, without programs or workbooks by Bonnie Landry maintain intimacy, maintain influence (blog post) Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.ca Shop my recommended resources Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!A long time listener, Sofia, brings this question to the show...such a difficult time of life when you have two littles!  We discuss some strategies helping the toddler cope and managing the environment.1:22 - Welcome Sofia! 3:45 - How to protect baby from hitting toddler8:42 - Busy basket and activities 10:09 - Babywearing, having older siblings 12:02 - Talking to her outside of the circumstances 13:28 - Storybooks  15:28 - Giving the toddler something to care for 17:41 - There is always room on my lap20:10 - Helpful distractions As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Boba Ultralight Baby CarrierToddler activities: Wikki Stix Duplo - Town Truck and Excavator Math Manipulatives - Math Link Cubes Toddler books: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Monks Make Amends Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.ca Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!check out the daily reflection here with yours trulyI've updated my resource page and SO MUCH MORE TO COME!Main page HERE.Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.ca Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Dr. Christine Schintgen is a mom, homeschooler, professor and President of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in Barry's Bay, Ontario. In this episode we discuss the home-life and work-life balance when God calls us to work outside the home.3:45 - Importance of flexibility 7:06 - Answering the call to work outside the home 8:45 - Coping with difficulties 12:14 - Madonna House and Catherine Doherty19:11 - Daily prayer 23:43 - Developing routine and connecting with family 31:22 What are your biggest takeaways? 34:03 - Taking time to assess things over the summer 40-53 - About Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College 48:11 - Advice and encouragement for working momsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College offers a three-year Bachelor of Arts in Christian Humanities; a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a choice of majors in History, Literature, and Classical and Early Christian Studies; and one-year and two-year Certificates in Christian Humanities.Our Lady Seat of Wisdom CollegeTreasure in Heaven by Fr. Mark Goring (free PDF) Treasure in Heaven : Journal Edition by Fr. Mark Goring (Amazon) reflecting, part one (blog post)  Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.ca Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Elizabeth and I answer a listener's questions on discipline, boundaries and how to take charge of a situation without damaging the relationship.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The Catholic Coaching Podcast (Metanoia Catholic) Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff Hold On to Your Kids by Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Matecompassion (blog post) Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic www.bonnielandry.ca Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Christina and I discuss a few things, focusing on the particular discipleship of our beautiful boys.   5:41 - Healthy boundaries and transactional discipline 9:55 - Approach for young boys 12:45 - Discipline as they get older 17:04 - Swift action not reactive  22:53 - Practicing humour and playfulness 26:02 - How to handle mouthy boys34:12 - We model behaviourAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Revolution of Mercy: how kindness changes everything by Bonnie Landry  if not carrot and stick, the WHAT (blog post)  feeding boys (blog post) Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Such a pleasure to welcome Dr. Gordon Neufeld, author of the book Hold On to Your Kids of which I have discussed frequently on this podcast and creator of the Neufeld Institute. We discuss the heart of attachment parenting, common misconceptions, and in depth on our need for connection and relationship.  00:40 - Welcome and introduction4:02 - Attachment misconceptions5:45 - Your child's best bet 8:11 - Continuity of connection  10:12 - Grace applied to parenting 12:21 - Facing togetherness not separation  17:43 - Growing pains and healing19:32 - Peer orientation 26:43 - Becoming the answer to your children 28:15 - Our need for togetherness 32:50 - Social media, technology and screens 36:02 - Knowing our children  38:57 - Messiness is okay 40:27 - Upset is normal and natural46:50 - How we build resilience50:34 - Concise understanding of attachmentAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Hold On to Your Kids by Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate Neufeld Institute | Gordon Neufeld PhDNeufeld Institute Free Resources Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Elizabeth and I discuss strategies when things are difficult in our motherhood and homeschooling.1:35 - We all have bad days   6:30 - Getting through a crisis 9:52 - Lighthearted discipline 11:20 - Getting things done with a baby20:34 - Pregnancy and coping with difficulties 23:02 - How it gets easier 26:17 - Attachment to adult vs. peers 34:04 - Screen time for educationAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers by Gordon Neufeld Revolution of Mercy: How Kindness Changes Everything by Bonnie Landry Homeschooling, simplified: what matters most by Bonnie Landry Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!We discuss many things.  Kids are some of the most interesting people I know.  https://beastacademy.comhistory with Phillip Campbell https://interiorkingdom.comSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!I chat with Cheryl and Garreth about this beautiful labour of love that they are creating.  A collection of the beautiful stories in audio so that our kids can have access to rich and beautiful literature. Such a great addition to family reading.  1:29 - Welcome and about the project9:30 - Listening to audiobooks as a family 11:47 - Every book is an adventure12:40 - Audiobook production17:19 - What are the age categories? 21:38 - What was the source of inspiration? 28:18 - How to listen 36:41 - Books available on the podcastThe Thousand Good Books Project HeWo Catholic Audio Player Yoto Audio Player Recommended reading: The Restoration of Christian Culture by John Senior Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Suzanne and I chat abut her beautiful new book: She Loved.  Thanks Suzanne for what you offer mothers . 1:58 - Reaching out to others in time of need 4:54 - Welcome and about Suzanne  10:45 - Suzanne's new book She Loved 18:31 - What impact do you hope this book will have? 22:21 - As parents we are always amateurs 25:12 - The vital role of motherhood  35:00 - Remembering our vision and what truly matters@latteandlaundry on Instagram www.latteandlaundry.comAVAILABLE FOR PREORDER NOW! She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood by Suzanne Bilodeau - Ascension Press Latte and Laundry: A home for Catholic women, moms, and hearts (podcast)Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Schedule a coaching session here. Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!A fascinating conversation on a recent study of homeschooled adults.  Co-author Albert Cheng, PhD, is a Cardus senior fellow and associate professor in the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas.Among his many achievements and areas of study, his research interests include character formation, school-choice policy, faith-based schooling, and homeschooling.  Our conversation about this study, Diverse Outcomes for a Diverse Population, reveals some interesting data about home educated adults as well as food for thought on our goals for family education.  Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Zoe's new FREEBIE!Where I randomly record a catch up conversation between Zoe and myself.  We discuss many things, including, but not limited to:Illness and natural remediesnatural cleaning productsSkin careRaw milk and the lawThe decision to homeschoolLeaning in to familyLet them by Mel RobbinsDealing with new circumstancesStates of overwhelmaccomplishing household tasksStackingAI tools for momsThe value of writing by handSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Christina and I discuss a listener's experience of loneliness in motherhood. Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!A chat with my accomplice Brian D and myself on the how, why, who, where, when and what of getting things done.  Big emphasis on the why. You can reach out to Brian regarding organizing all the stuff at ballycrochanfarm@gmail.com and to myself in the usual places. Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!A sweet listener sent this question in...I've dealt with it in the episodes below as well.   "When kids are little, are we doing enough, when should we start school" - creating a rich environment for our children. https://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/1052191/episodes/14648055-how-to-get-started-homeschooling-and-dealing-with-resistancehttps://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/1052191/episodes/11287685-learning-with-littles-julia-s-questionshttps://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/1052191/episodes/8822195-how-do-we-know-when-to-begin-homeschooling-and-other-very-large-questionshttps://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/1052191/episodes/13349448-which-curriculum-to-use-for-a-preschooler-a-longer-answer-than-you-probably-wantSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Elizabeth and I share our family traditions surrounding the Lenten season. 2:23 - Candlelit Stations of the Cross, Easter Vigil7:47 - Resurrection Rolls11:25 - Guiding children spiritually, what to "give up" 12:29 - Hosting a seder supper 14:22 - Storybooks for Lent 16:53 - Spiritual reading and progressive Lent 21:35 - The Passion of the Christ movie 24:51 - Hot cross buns 25:53 - Lenten food, go-to Friday mealsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The Catholic All Year Compendium: Liturgical Living for Real Life by Kendra Tierney (Amazon) Lent is for Remembering by Donna Rathert (Amazon)The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano (Amazon)The Story of the Real Easter Bunny by Judy Reinsma (Amazon)Jesus Our Life: Student Text Grade 2 Faith and Life Series (Amazon) The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Anne Catherine Emmerich (Amazon)The Passion of the Christ [Blue-ray] (Amazon) Tabletop Stations of the Cross by Catholic All YearSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!ideas for making meal prep more pleasant and efficientSearch podcast episodes by topic Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!A couple of fan mail questions came up, so I'm sharing my take on itSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Just some quick thoughts from fan mail questions! Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Subject matter warning: This episode contains discussion on how to talk to our kids about the virtue of chastity and of our sexuality. This would not be an episode to listen to in the presence of young children. 1:34 - Growing in wisdom and maturity as parents 7:51 - Surrounding ourselves with like-minded families 9:10 - Understanding the deepest needs of our children 13:53 - Growing in self-knowledge 16:02 - How to teach our children virtue 18:30 - Approaching the virtue of chastity with our children 25:38 - We don't have to answer the question immediately 28:05 - When our kids are struggling with a certain viceThe Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell (Amazon)The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by Art and Laraine Bennett (Amazon)Humanae Vitae, Cracking the Contraceptive Myths by Dr. Janet Smith (Youtube)Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids by Kristen Jenson (Amazon)Theology of the Body for Children REVEALED K-5 | Ruah Woods Press  Seven Deadly Sins; Seven Lively Virtues by Bishop Robert Barron (Youtube)Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!thank you, Sjeila for this fabulous episode on teaching math.  Sjeila is a former teacher and math coach before she became a homeschool mom and shares with us the world of math so that we can approach it without fear.1:07 - Welcome Sjeila and background3:56 - Being nervous about math 8:00 - Understanding the language of math 12:35 - Learn from good mathematicians         18:02 - Being afraid to look stupid 21:50 - Growing in math awareness28:48 - Teaching math through older years31:43 - Show me your thinking  35:46 - What curriculum should I use?41:42 - The real blessing of homeschooling 43:17 - Using manipulativesJo Boaler resources:What's Math Got to Do With It? by Jo Boaler  Mindset Mathematics series by Jo BoalerChristina Tondevold resources:buildmathminds.com featuring teacher training courses, books and manipulatives Steve Wyborney resources:stevewyborney.comThe Multiplication Advantage by Steve WyborneyWould You Rather Math - Math thinking activities Number Sense Screeners - They can get a bit technical, but they're so, so helpful for figuring out gaps in what kids know, particularly in later grades.Some terms that are easy to Google and find resources are - math talks, subitizing and number sense. Also the phrase "low floor, high ceiling" will bring up some awesome resources for accessible, deep-thinking math ideas for kids.Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Recently I was interviewed on a podcast, Homeschooling Saints - with Lisa Mladnich who is a gem.  We talk about the ups and downs, successes and shortcomings of the journey, if you want to have a listen!  video here!Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!I've you have contacted me via fan mail, please know that I can't respond except via an episode.  If you would like to purchase the recorded class, please register and follow payment instructions on the registration form.  Thanks for your interest!!  REGISTRATION FORMSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Thanks for all the fanmail, my dear listeners!  I'm so excited to be able to both engage and be challenged by your amazing questions. In this episode I respond to two recent fan mail, listed in the title of this episode.  At the end of the episode, I reflect on something that I came across early on that had an impact on my desire to work toward holiness and also the creation of habits.1:17 - Overview of topics 2:16 - Growing alongside our kids in faith 14:58 - Homeschooling when you have little ones 26:06 - Don't forget to sparklegrowing alongside our kids in faith (podcast)Faith and Life series (Ignatius Press) Saints book by Mary Fabyan Windeatt Fr. Lovasik picture books The New Catholic Picture Bible how to get started homeschooling and dealing with resistance (podcast)sibling relationships, toddler strategies (podcast)meeting the needs of our eldest when we have a mittfull of littles (podcast) The Three R's by Ruth Beechick Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!For the last month I've received several questions about breastfeeding topics and even though this has nothing to do with homeschooling it has everything to do with homeschooling - it's how we nurture our children and I'm so grateful for these questions! Christina and I discuss the return of fertility postpartum and if early weaning is necessary to have another baby if our cycle has not returned, how to deal with a nursing toddler and a newborn and what to do if our husband is not supportive of child-led weaning or co-sleeping. 1:17 - Questions from our listeners 3:47 - Sharing our experiences with child-led nursing 8:24 - The normalization of breastfeeding 13:17 - Loving and supporting women who can't breastfeed16:13 - Should you wean your baby early if you want another baby? 24:23 - What to do about a night-nursing toddler and a newborn? 36:14 - What if your husband is not supportive of attachment? 46:01 - Don't be pressured by outside influencesthe gift of breastfeeding (blog post)Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!okay high schoolers.  A little more info.  Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!First installment of a segment on high school and getting emerging adults participating in their own educational planning.  Today I go over how the system works and the advantage of having agency over your education.  1:49 - Understanding how the system works  6:27 - What university/colleges are looking for 11:11 - Importance of learning how to write 17:09 - Sharpening math skills18:59 - Additional resources getting to graduation with grace (podcast)homeschooling high school: a typical course of study, what does that even mean? (blog post) high school freebies (pdfs) Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!See registration form here for details! REGISTRATION FORMSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!A fan mail question about littles who are disrupting reading time!Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!I am responding to a fan mail that I answered in short form, just taking a deeper dive into the factors that played into my own (very not-linear and still incomplete) journey of growth as a mother.  Here are some things that I mention during the show:securing cooperation without sacrificing kindnessif not carrot and stick, then WHATon relationshipJudy Arnall, discipline without distressGordon Nuefeld, hold onto your kidsDeborah McNamara, Rest, Play, GrowSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Such a delight to speak to HeWo founders Elie and Viviana! With a growing library of Catholic audio stories, music and prayers, HeWo is a gift that is sure to provide hours of entertainment while at the same time helping kids grow in their Catholic faith. 1:37 - Welcome Elie and Viviana!3:18 - How the project came to be 5:39 - Faith comes by hearing the Word of God 7:57 - How it works and subscription 20-55 - Multilingual entertainment  25:31 - Vision and motivation34:43 - HeWo store and shipping 38:18 - Upcoming content On Instagram @hewo_storeand hewostore.comSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Jenna and I chat about food!  Advent and Christmas traditions from a food framework.  But before we get into the thick of it, Jenna talks about a recent experience with dictation and her son.  So it led me to wonder if anyone would like a live master class on dictation.  Let me know via email if you are interested.  We delve into the family food traditions, some passed down and some developed with our family life.1:10 - The joy of dictation for language arts 7:00 - Christmas baking and decor traditions21:11 - Recipe book and Christmas journal24:10 - Ornaments and Bride's tree  33:55 - Christmas eve, midnight Mass and dinner42:47 - Experiences over material goods, charity 46:37 - Christmas read-alouds 48:32 - Do you include the kids in all the baking? 51:30 - Where to find Jenna online 53:20 - Restaurant etiquette and prudent technologyFind Jenna on Instagram @eatliverunhttps://www.eatliverun.com/Suncore Colouring powders and Flakes A Continual Feast Cookbook by Evelyn Birge VitzGluten Free Holiday Spice Cookies (eatliverun.com)bride's tree: a beautiful Catholic tradition of enigmatic origin (blog)ADVENT and CHRISTMAS: Albert and I share family traditions (podcast)Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!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 perfectionismInstitute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) if not carrot and stick, then WHAT (blog post)Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!A fan mail I received a few days ago uncovers the nature of our collective aching hearts and desire to be better humans. Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!let's talk about this.Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!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 gifts47:48 - Managing high emotions 50:41 - Decorating and cultural traditionsCatholic Owned - Christmastide Shopping GuideSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!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.  Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!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 homes34:10 - When to let go 38:34 - Board games, clean up and creative playMagnetic Tiles Melissa and Doug Wooden Blocks Schleich AnimalsSquigsBrilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!1:29 - joy is a choice 4:36 - homeschooling out of love 8:14 - connecting with your child11:17 - being polite and friendly  14:44 - avoid pouncing on your kids 18:34 - developing relationshipsRest, Play, Grow by Deborah MacNamaraNourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids by Deborah MacNamaraRest, Play, Grow: Interview with Dr. Deborah MacNamara (podcast)Nourished: an interview with Dr. Deborah MacNamara on her new book (podcast)Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!a lovely chat with my guest co-host Zoe2:32 - Homeschooling all ages 3:48 - HOW do you do it!???6:48 - What it looks like day to day 10:57 - Making curriculum work for the needs of your family 15:42 - When learning to read is a challenge 20:26 - Homeschooling fosters self-motivation 25:03 - Being ok with slower progress 26:44 - How do you keep little ones entertained during school hours? 31:39 - Efficiency in our day and phonics 34:55 - Overcoming learning challenges in education 37:40 - How many hours are you spending on school work? Toe by Toe curriculum for struggling readers Mother of Divine Grace School mastery learning (blog post) Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!Feel free to disagree. blog posts on writingSupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!How do we spread joy and profess a life in Christ when we're so messed up?  Some thoughts on this ever so human experience.  This is the last of a series of episodes on the basics of joy.  The other episodes are:What is joy? Back to basics.The story of two moms.Living joyfully when it's hard. 1:55 - Not time for perfect3:37 - Being an apostle of joy even when I struggle with it myself 4:20 - Scattering joy in our messiness 7:48 -  Accepting difficult circumstances 15:15 - You have been called to be a disciplejoy and kindness are simply good habits (blog post) Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!a few thoughts on personal growth and acceptance of God's will through joy and suffering 1:37 - Can we find joy in suffering? 5:25 - Being angry with God and accepting what is 13:54 - Facing tragedy by God's grace 17:53 - Compliance to our circumstancesperseverance in homeschooling: remembering what matters (podcast)revelations (blog post) Support the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!

send us a text via Fan Mail!join us here for all the funhttps://youtube.com/@hellosray?si=zkiKwiPzq79s8euySupport the showContact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by topic Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!