Cleverly Changing Podcast

Welcome to the CleverlyChanging Podcast in this episode we talk about mental health. Our podcast is all about learning how to educate your kids. This is episode 20. Our goal is to provide you with encouragement, insight about African history, and support as a parent and home educator. New episodes are uploaded biweekly. Please remember to subscribe and share.

Intro (02:06)

The African proverb for this week’s podcast goes as follows:

“Little by little fills up the measure.” – Swahili proverb

Word of the Episode (2:33)

Abusua means family or clan in Ghana

Cleverly Cultured Kids (2:48)

Talk to your kids. One way that we can help build confidence is by taking the time to listen to our kids. In this episode, we talk to the Cleverly Cultured Kids about confidence.

Grown Folks Talk – Therapy and Health (7:07)

As adolescents grow there may come a time when they need to speak to a mental healthcare professional. Having a tough time as a teen is common and is not something they should be ashamed of. Thus, as a parent, it is our responsibility to give them the tools they need to cope with life. Sometimes those tools are beyond our own areas of understanding so find someone that you and your child feel comfortable with.

Reader Participation

Learn to Love Math was today’s topic if you have found resources that you love and you have a child that loves math. Please share those resources in the comment section below.

We Need You To Share This Episode

The title of this episode is “Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help” right in line with that sentiment is that we need your help as a listener. Please please tell your friends about our podcast. While we love having a conversation with each other, the podcast will only be able to exist if more people are listening. If you know some who has children, our tips and tricks are beneficial to parents who homeschool and those who are interested in supplementing the education of their children.

Furthermore, wherever you are listening to this podcast, please leave us a review.

Listen to and Share Past Episodes

Lastly, if you want to hear more about homeschooling and how we have managed to make it work, please check out our past episodes.

* Episode 19 – College Counselor Jewel Walwyn Talks Planning for the Future

* Episode 18 – How to Get your Homeschooler Ready for College

* Episode 17 – Questions from Our Listeners

* Episode 16 – Learn to Love Math

* Episode 15 – Are You Comfortable Homeschooling* Episode 14 – Starting a New School Year* Episode 13 – Homeschooling As A Family* Episode 12 – Protecting our Children part 2* Episode 11 – Protecting Our Kids from predators...

In today’s show, we are discussing college readiness with a college counselor who is a new homeschool mom. We find out more about the college admissions process and how to transition homeschoolers into thinking more about life and career goals. Please share this episode with all parents.

Intro (00:00)

The African proverb for this week’s podcast goes as follows (01:12):

“A person who desires to rise must stay awake.” – Swahili proverb

Word of the Episode (1:36)

Akwaaba means welcome. The word comes from the Akan language of Twi.

Cleverly Cultured Kids (1:57)

If higher education is important to you, it’s never too early to start planting seeds about college. In this episode, I ask my children questions about college and I share my personal college experience with them.

Grown Folks Talk With College Counselor Jewel Walwyn (7:52)

Today’s guest is college counselor Jewel Walwyn. Jewel started counseling middle and high school students over 19 years ago. She is the founder of Walwyn Educational consulting. She knows students, colleges, and the world of college admissions. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in English and a Master’s in Education, she began working as Assistant Director of Admissions at a private college in Virginia. Her years of experience lend to an array of presentations, offering expertise in the college process, testing, financial aid, and scholarships to a variety of audiences.

Thus, Jewel’s expertise is unparalleled in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas so enjoy our conversation and if you have questions about her services, follow her here:

Walwyn Educational Consulting offers the following college counseling services: 

* College Admissions guidance* Summer Programs* College Tours* School Consulting

Connect with Walwyn Educational Consulting:

* Instagram – WalwynEdConsulting* Facebook – Walwyn Educational Consulting* Website – www.walwyneducationalconsulting.com

Reader Participation

In addition, do you have college counselor questions for Jewel when we have her on the podcast again? If so, place your questions in the comment section below?

Take Advantage of this Special Offer

We Need You To Share This Podcast

I need a favor, in order for this podcast to continue I need you to tell your friends and aquaintances about it. While we love having a conversation with each other, the podcast will only be able to exist if more people are listening. Therefore, if you know some who has children, our tips and tricks are beneficial to parents who homeschool and those who are interested...

Homeschooling isn’t new and there are parents who are achieving lots of success and fulfillment while teaching their children but what about getting ready for college? If I were to have a an official homeschool mom that I look up to, it would be Eva Wilson. Eva is a Caribbean Blogger and homeschool mom. She homeschooled her children for about 9 years. While homeschooling she achieved success personally and as an educator. What I’ve always admired most about Eva, as a homeschool mom, is that she seemed so knowledgable, confident, and carefree like she had reached homeschool “zen,” if there is such a thing.

In today’s discussion, Eva shares how she helped her eldest child go from a homeschool student to a college student. Thank you, Eva, for sharing your candid wisdom on how get a homeschooler ready for college with the CleverlyChanging Podcast audience.

Intro (00:18)

The African proverb for this week’s podcast goes as follows:

“If the rhythm of the beat changes the dance steps must adapt.” – African Proverb

Word of the Episode (1:21)

Maarifa means knowledge in Swahili

Cleverly Cultured Kids (1:34)

It’s never too early to start planting seeds about higher education. During our Cleverly Cultured Kids segment, we learn what our children want to do when they are older. Sure, now it’s just a thought, but thoughts are like seeds that need to be planted, nurtured, and watered so that they can grow and blossom.

We are answering your questions (12:26)

Questions from our listeners:

* Top tips for preparing successfully for college

About our Guest Eva Wilson Greene

Eva Greene Wilson is a wife, mother of 3, author, illustrator,

graduate of Howard University School of Law, and the owner and editor of

SocaMom.com®.

Eva is known for creating fun videos for brands, having an engaged community, and being a trusted source for information on the Caribbean, blogging, parenting, and education. For the last six years, she has blogged about Caribbean American parenting, working on campaigns for companies such as Wal-Mart, AT&T, and Beaches Resorts.

She won Best Parenting Blog and Best New Blog in the Black Weblog Awards, and she is a 2016 SheKnows/BlogHer Voices of the Year Honoree and presenter in the Long Form Video category. She served as a judge for the awards in 2017.

twitter: @socamomdc

facebook: facebook.com/socamomdotcom

instagram: @socamom

youtube: youtube.com/evawilson, her daughter’s Youtube “Lemonerdy:” https://lemonerdy.com/web/ and her Youtube page with a friend: https://youtu.be/UtHVgStbU1c

linkedin:linkedin.com/in/socamom

In this episode we answer some of your questions. Sometimes as parents the best thing we can do for our children is to listen to them. When you sit back and open your ears and let your kids express what’s on their hearts you may hear something endearing, laugh-worthy, or something that will move you into action.

Intro (02:06)

The African proverb for this week’s podcast goes as follows:

“Wisdom is like fire, people take it from others.” – Hema Proverb

Word of the Episode (2:33)

Shule means school in Swahili

Cleverly Cultured Kids (2:48)

Sometimes our kids just want to express themselves and we have to take the time out of our busy schedules to listen.

We are answering your questions (7:07)

Questions from our listeners:

* Is it possible to homeschool using a full curriculum in less than 5 weekdays? * How do you pick the right curriculum? * Homeschooling vs. Unschooling? * Is it possible to combine homeschooling with working part-time? * Can you split teaching different subjects with both parents? * What are signs that your child is ready to be homeschooled?

Reader Participation

Learn to Love Math was today’s topic if you have found resources that you love and you have a child that loves math. Please share those resources in the comment section below.

We Need You To Share This Podcast

Also, please tell your friends about our podcast. While we love having a conversation with each other, the podcast will only be able to exist if more people are listening. If you know some who has children, our tips and tricks are beneficial to parents who homeschool and those who are interested in supplementing the education of their children.

Furthermore, wherever you are listening to this podcast, please leave us a review.

Listen to and Share Past Episodes

Lastly, if you want to hear more about homeschooling and how we have managed to make it work, please check out our past episodes.

* Episode 16 – Learn to Love Math

* Episode 15 – Are You Comfortable Homeschooling* Episode 14 – Starting a New School Year* Episode 13 – Homeschooling As A Family* Episode 12 – Protecting our Children part 2* Episode 11 – Protecting Our Kids from predators* Episode 10 – The Cleverly Cultured Kids Discuss Discipline* Episode 9 – Important Health Tips for Kids and Families* Episode 8 – How to Handle Stress While Homeschooling* Episode 7 – How Do You Discipline Children?

Math doesn’t have to be hard, in fact some people love math. It also shouldn’t be frustrating but in order to learn with ease, a strong foundation is needed. In today’s episode, we discuss how parents can give their kids a strong foundation and how kids can learn to love math.

Intro (00:00)

Mathematics had a huge influence on Ancient Africa. In fact, the earliest measuring stick (the Lebombo Bone) that was ever found was found in ancient Kemet. The game mancala gets its origins from Ethiopia. If you want to learn more about mathematics in ancient Africa check out this youtube video Manu Ampim: “Classical African Contributions to the World in Math & Science“

Further reading about Math in Africa:

Bangura, Abdul Karim. African Mathematics: From Bones to Computers. 

Gerdas, Paulus. On the History of Mathematics in Africa South of the Sahara.

Zaslavsky, Claudia. Africa Counts: Number and Pattern in African Cultures 3rd Edition

Word of the Episode (2:00)

Hesabu means math in Swahili

Cleverly Cultured Kids (2:20)

For this episode, I sat down and talked with my daughters about their feelings toward math. I enjoy math, but we are at a crossroads with how they feel about it. Of course, I am on a journey to help them have a more positive math experience, so this episode features some tips that we use to help them understand better. Currently, they enjoy Geometry the best because of its practicality.

Grown Folks Talk about How Kids Can Learn to Love Math (8:44)

On Episode 16, Miriam and I talk with Brandon Berry, a Professor of Business Management at Frostburg State University and an Academic and Life Coach to teens, he shares tips about math. He also introduces us to his newest online course.

Motherland Math

Next, please check out Brandon Berry’s Motherland Math (affiliate) course, which is a math and history resource for grade levels 4 – 12. Your kids will learn to love math by gaining confidence and knowledge at the same time.

Reader Participation

Learn to Love Math was today’s topic if you have found resources that you love and you have a child that loves math. Please share those resources in the comment section below.

We Need You To Share This Podcast

Brandon Berry guest on the CleverlyChanging Podcast

Also, please tell your friends about our podcast. While we love having a conversation with each other, the podcast will only be able to exist if more peo...

This is Elle’s sixth year of homeschooling and Miriam’s third year it has taken some time for them to become comfortable homeschooling. It can take a little time to find your groove within your homeschool and we are here to encourage you along your journey. Our goal is that you will remember that there is comfort after the fear subsides.

Intro (00:11)

He who learns, teaches. ~ Ethiopian Proverb

Word of the Episode (1:18)

Ukweli means truth in Swahili

Grown Folks Talk about how to be Comfortable Homeschooling (1:45)

Furthermore, Mariam and I discuss how we are feeling about our educational choices. Thus, we have a candid conversation about how we teach our kids within our comfort level, but also meet the state guidelines. This is a real discussion about how we found comfort homeschooling our children. After this conversation, we discuss a current news story.

Homeschool Guidelines of Commar

In addition, this link will tell you everything you need to know about homeschooling your child in the state of Maryland. The page will share with you all of the MD legal requirements. Visit podcast Episode 14 (the link is below) to learn which curriculum we are using this year.

We Need You To Share This Podcast

Also, please tell your friends about our podcast. While we love having a conversation with each other, the podcast will only be able to exist if more people are listening. If you know some who has children, our tips and tricks are beneficial to parents who homeschool and those who are interested in supplementing the education of their children.

Past Podcast Episodes and Show Notes

Lastly, if you want to hear more about homeschooling and how we have managed to make it work, please check out our past episodes.

* Episode 14 – Starting a New School Year – Episode 14* Episode 13 – Homeschooling As A Family* Episode 12 – Protecting our Children part 2- Cleverly Changing Podcast Episode 12* Episode 11 – Protecting Our Kids from predators* Episode 10 – The Cleverly Cultured Kids Discuss Discipline* Episode 9 – Important Health Tips for Kids and Families* Episode 8 – How to Handle Stress While Homeschooling* Episode 7 – How Do You Discipline Children?* Episode 6 – Transitioning to Homeschool*...

A new school year comes with great excitement. In this episode we talk about our hopes and plans for the new school year.

Intro (00:15)

Where you will sit when you are old shows where you stood in youth. — Yoruba proverb

Word of the Episode (2:46)

Mwanzo means beginning in Swahili

Cleverly Cultured Kids (4:15)

Our daughters discuss how there new school year is going.

Grown Folks Talk about Homeschooling as a Family (7:05)

Mariam and I shared our new curriculums and school regiment with the podcast audience.

Homeschooling Resources

Here are a few educational homeschool resources that were mentioned during the podcast

* Math mammoth – https://www.mathmammoth.com * Blossom and Root – https://blossomandroot.com* Funcation Academy – https://www.funcationacademy.com * Child1st Publications – https://child1st.com * Hand Writing Without Tears (PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) afilliate links

Subscribe to the Cleverly Changing Podcast

Additional directories:

SoundCloud | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher | TuneIn

Previous episodes for our podcast can be found here

This is the first episode of Season 2. I am honored to have my husband as a special guest. He will be discussing homeschooling from a dad’s perspective.

Episode 13 of the CleverlyChanging Podcas

Intro (00:15)

African Proverb – “A single hand cannot nurse a child”

Word of the Episode (2:46)

Baba means father in Swahili

Cleverly Cultured Kids (4:15)

My daughters discuss how their dad assists with their homeschool education. Homeschooling as a family is a way of life for my daughters because they have always been homeschooled. It was great to hear from them about how they see their dad’s role in their education.

Grown Folks Talk about Homeschooling as a Family(7:05)

The Dad in the cleverly changing household speaks up and shares his thoughts about homeschooling our children.

Homeschooling Resources for Maryland

Here are a few educational homeschool resources in the Maryland area. These are the ones that I personalize utilize or ones that some of my friends are using. 

Facebook Groups:

* Sankofa – https://www.facebook.com/groups/SankofaHomeschool/ * Silver Spring Homeschoolers – https://www.facebook.com/groups/294690130574150/ * Greenbelt Homeschoolers – https://www.facebook.com/groups/411224492408863/ * Maryland Homeschoolers – https://www.facebook.com/groups/MarylandHomeschoolers/ * DMV black Homeschoolers – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=815882118508965&ref=br_rs * PG County Homeschoolers – https://www.facebook.com/groups/pgcountyhomeschoolers/

Co-Ops: (these are co-ops I have either visited or spoke to the administrators directly)

* Sankofa – Meets on Fridays (predominantly African American not a drop off program) – https://www.sankofahomeschool.org * Cheverly Stem ( 3 days a week, drop off) – https://www.cheverlystem.com * Tutorial (Tues and Thurs classes, drop off) – http://www.bridgeelementary.com/* Project Excel Academy in Bowie, MD (Mon, Wed, and Friday) – https://www.pxlacademy.org * Spectrum is located in Savage, MD (Tuesdays and Thursdays) – http://Spectrumchc.com * Granite Classical is located in Columbia, MD- (Tuesdays and Thursdays ) –

Intro

Listener Discretion is Advised. Today’s episode is a follow up on Episode 11. We are interviewing Faith Davis, a licensed clinical social worker who has been licensed for dealing with substance abuse addictions. Faith has also done an internship with abuse victims, including sexual abuse and physical abuse. She has worked in North Carolina, Maryland and Washington DC.

Red Flags and How to Protect our Children

What are some of the red flags to look for in your children that can signal sexual abuse? You may be surprised by some of the warning signs. Non-verbal cues that something is going on are worth exploring. (8:15)

Preventative Measures

What can parents do to reduce our children’s likelihood of being victimized? (13:30)

Steps to Take

You just found out that something happened to your child, what do you do next? Faith tells us what the process is like when you file a report on behalf of your child. She also talks about getting the support needed to heal and move forward. (17:35)

Consequences for Predators

What happens to the predator? Miriam is angry. Did you know that abuse in general wasn’t a recognized violation for quite some time? (22:45)

Differences Defined

What is the difference between rape, molestation and incest? In case you are unclear on the definitions, we’ve got you covered. Education is half of the fight. Although there are clear definitions, it helps to think of them as a Venn diagram, as there are shared aspects of each. (26:40)

Online Safety

Internet safety and virtual sex crimes. The age of information and Internet access has opened up a whole new vein as far as sexual abuse and sex education and interactions are concerned. Faith shares her tips on how to handle sexual content (and to know what is sexual content) on the internet and apps and text messaging. (30:30)

Life After

Is it possible to have a normal and healthy life after experiencing sexual abuse? Faith talks about how healing can greatly depend on how a victim perceives what happened to them and some of the ways healing can come about. (39.47)

Making the Call

When should you call dial 9-1-1 vs. calling up Child Protective Services? CPS typically handles situations that involve the caretaker of the child. (46:45)

Prevalence

A little tidbit on sex trafficking. This information just may put your jaw on the ground. Did you know that America has a major problem with sex trafficking and child prostitution? (51:00)

We’re not going to leave you feeling sad and helpless. We end with a poem by Maya Angelou, “And Still I Rise.” (53:45)

Questions About Episode 12?

Do you have any questions about this episode, or follow up questions for our expert? If so, please leave them below in the comment section.

Subscribe to the Cleverly Changing Podcast

Additional directories:

SoundCloud | Spotify |

LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Today’s episode is all about doing our best to make sure our children are not easy target for sexual predators. This is a sensitive topic for many, as far too many people have been the victims of sexual predators, abuse and assault. You may not want your little ones present when you listen to this episode if you’re not ready to have this type of conversation with them or you are not ready to answer some of the questions this topic can raise.

The Cleverly Changing Podcast 11 – how to protect our children from sexual predators

As always, our conversation comes from a place of love and a genuine desire for your family to be safe and healthy, thriving in the best way possible. As parents we are our children’s first and best advocate, so please stay vigilant and trust your gut. Our babies deserve it.

If you’re looking for more information here are a couple of resources you may find helpful.

“8 Ways A Predator Might Groom A Child” from Educate Empower Kids

“How to talk to your children about sex abuse ‘early and often’ ” from USA Today

Word of the Episode (2:42)

Mahali Salama

Grown Folks Talk (3:19)

When you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got some ideas for you. Introducing the idea of good touch and bad touch with young people is a small and simple start to your protective measures. It emphasizes the importance of clarifying what is acceptable and what is not. Communication is key. (6:35)

Placing blame where it belongs is important. When a child knows that they did nothing wrong and that they are not the reason for being victimized. And why preparation is so important. Just hoping that nothing happens to our children is not enough. (10:00)

The idea of privacy and personal space is important, as is listening to that little voice inside. Are you speaking anatomically correct? (13:30)

Miriam’s tale of a swift kick to the groin just may give you the push you need to empower your children. (18:15)

How you can use books to help you talk to your children about their bodies and the dangers of predators. Think of books as the friend in the room to help buffer your conversation with your children. It may make you feel better about saying words that you are uncomfortable with. (23:00)

What does the face of a predator look like? Sexual predators and sexual bullies come in so many different forms. For example, Dr. Larry Nasser as an authority figure who was taking advantage of his patients, family members or a peer their age. (27:30) 45

Books and Resources About Prevention and Abuse