edu-Me

Let's face it: the last 2 years have been challenging and we feel like we are floating in the ocean trying to find our North Star.

In the first episode of the year, I share several updates and thoughts to a mentally strong year ahead.

I share the reason I've been MIA for the past few months. (Hint: It's BIG!) And the link is here. Humbly ask each of you to watch and share with your friends. Let's get this message out!

The second section of this episode covers goals for 2022 but not in the way you think. We often make lofty goals that we would like to achieve but many are too drastic for us to attain immediately. I offer 4 ways to achieve your goals in manageable bites. 

In the third section, I discuss the mental fatigue we feel as parents trying to maneuver the seemingly never-ending pandemic. There are a few ways to keep yourself sane while we wait for a return to normalcy. 

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CRT has been a hot-button topic the past year, especially since the death of George Floyd. But what is it? Why is so controversial?

In my research, I learned that CRT is a legal term that studies the implementation of systems related to race and how we adjust and adapt to them. Unfortunately, it has morphed into a political battleground for the division of racism.

This episode is a humble attempt to help parents understand CRT, the argument for both sides, and what we can do to educate ourselves and our children.

Tyler Campbell, an English teacher at Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Florida, joins me this week to discuss his thoughts on CRT, what he is seeing in the classroom, and how he addresses controversial issues with his students. His wisdom, thoughtful insights are powerful for each of us to learn and reflect upon.

Here are some links to the articles I have read and gathered information. This is NOT a comprehensive list, so I encourage you to do your own!

https://criticalrace.org/what-is-critical-race-theory/
https://nypost.com/2021/07/04/why-america-needs-to-ban-critical-race-theory-in-schools/
https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-are-people-so-upset-about-it

Time Stamps:

1:29 - Definition of CRT (criticalrace.org)
3:24 - US News & World Report article for CRT
5:19 - NY Post article against CRT
12:31 - How does CRT affect schools?
13:54 - Many teachers already using this method but not using this term
16:12 - What can we do?
20:13 - What advice do you have for parents?
24:28 - Argument for the other side
27:42 - Reading a variety of books creates empathy
34:59 - Equity v. Equality

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Is loving math an oxymoron for you? It is for so many of us, including, at times, me. But Allison Dillard and Nicole Thompson are in the studio this week to discuss how math is not only a skill but a mindset for how we teach our children about life.

In their new journal, the Love Math Journal, they share practical affirmations, prompts, and affirmations to help create a strong growth mindset in our children. It is a guide to help parents and teachers navigate the challenges children face daily while also developing a love of math. You won't want to miss this important episode.

Check out Allison at www.allisonlovesmath.com, and Nicole at
www.thefulfilledclassroom.com. 

Time Stamps: 
0:00 - Introductions
6:00 - Math is a skill
9:00 - Teaching math without actually teaching math (contextual learning)
12:00 - The importance of socio-emotional and growth mindset
15:40 - Teaching children how to learn life skills
23:35 - Why 4-8 graders need a positive experience with math
30:55 - Love Math Journal's purpose
36:15 - Buy the book!

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Dr. Michele Borba, the author of the newly released book, Thrivers, joins us this week to discuss how parents can change the trajectory of their child's academic success by identifying strategies within 7 characteristics she discusses. 

These characteristics include: 

• Self-Confidence
• Empathy
• Self-Control
• Integrity
• Curiosity
• Perseverance
• Optimism 

While it is difficult to achieve all of these, Dr. Borba shares that ensuring that our children have some of these characteristics will lead to a more emotionally stable, secure, and global-thinking child. And if we are successful as parents, then our children will be productive, engaged citizens of the world.

Michele Borba, Ed.D. is an internationally renowned educator, award-winning author, and parenting child expert recognized for her solution-based strategies to strengthen children’s character, resilience, and reduce peer cruelty. A sought-after motivational speaker, she has spoken in 19 countries and five continents, and served as a consultant to hundreds of schools and corporations. Clients include Sesame Street, Harvard, U.S. Air Force Academy, 18 US Army Bases in Europe and the Asian-Pacific, H.R.H. the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. and a TEDx Talk: “Empathy Is a Verb.” She offers realistic, research-based advice culled from a career working with over one million parents and educators worldwide.

Click here to order her book today!

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I'm sure you've been on the edge of your seat wondering how edu-Me started. :)

During a walk with my SIL this summer, I shared the personal story that started this journey. She insisted that it was time to tell it.

This episode tells the story of my childhood, the academic hill I had to cross, and what eventually led me on this path of wanting a stronger relationship between parents and schools. 

It is a somber episode because its gravity hits me hard when I tell it, and this is the authentic me being vulnerable. 

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In October 2019, my son, India, shared this...'Mom and Dad, I'm gay.' So many emotions of happiness, relief, and thankfulness. On some level, my husband and I always knew but to hear him say it, be ok with it, and deciding to live his life true to himself was an epiphany not only for himself but for us as well. 

This episode is our conversation in June 2020 where he shared how he felt growing up, the peer pressure he faced, and how he rose about it all. I also share my thoughts and journey as his mother and the emotions I felt as he finally decided to live his honest and authentic life. 

I am incredibly proud of this young man. 

I hope you will listen to this episode, share it with your friends, and let's begin the dialogue of real compassion, learning to listen and understand, and finding empathy to embrace everyone. 

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Which are you? Are you an introvert in some situations and an extrovert in others? My belief is, yes, we weave in and out of these personality types depending on the situation. 

Tracy Guillet, owner and founder of Parenting your Introverted Teen, joins us this week to discuss the differences between extroverts and introverts, how each functions, and how we can best understand our differences to gain the most out of our relationships. We discuss ways to connect, be respectful, and enjoy what each has to offer. 

Most of all, Tracy reminds us that introverts are pretty awesome people, they just don’t need to be outward about their accomplishments and successes. 

This is a fascinating conversation that I know you will enjoy. 

Want to learn more? Check out Tracy at www.quietpathways.com

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Many of us are ultra-competitive. We want to win at all costs. We want our children to be successful in every sport they play. 

Well, let's face it...that's not reality. Heath Eslinger, the founder of A Better Way Athletics, join us this week to discuss how we can best prep our child and ourselves for managing sports and life. By providing opportunities in sports that help your child grow, learn life skills, and build confidence, we can raise well-rounded, strong, team-oriented future leaders. 

Heath is a dynamic leader and communicator who has been changing lives for over two decades. His passion for individuals, teams, and corporations to simply evaluate their present circumstances and do things “a better way” has become contagious. His experience as a successful Division I wrestling coach has given him a training ground to see what it really takes to get an organization to believe in a system, buy into a philosophy, and perform at a high level while most importantly impacting the deepest parts of all involved. This experience, coupled with a passionate ability to communicate, make him a speaker that listeners in every area and every phase of life love to hear.  

This episode was enlightening, exciting, and so much fun! 

Check out Heath at www.abetterwayathletics.com

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Summer brings a whole new opportunity to relax, unwind, and spend time with the children being home. It can also be financially challenging if we haven't planned our children's camps, vacations, and any other activities we may want to do during this time. 

How do we do this? What are some strategies that can help us?

Janice Scholl, the podcast host of Money Career & Motherhood, joins us this week to discuss ways for us to plan the summer, be creative with our activities, keep the children engaged, and not break the bank in the process.

Her practical advice, manageable ideas, and budget-friendly activities will ensure you and your children have a fun, memorable summer.

To learn more about Janice, check her out at https://www.moneycareermotherhood.com and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/moneycareermotherhood.

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The first 2 minutes of this episode is me trying to connect with my guest, Elyse Wagner. Join the fun as I try to navigate technology!

But our episode is actually about summertime and food. The children are home. The 24-hour diner at your house is open. They want to eat food that is easy to grab without a lot of fuss.

And you want them to eat healthy food...at least some of the time.

Elyse Wagner, Chief Wellness Officer at Functional Medicine Coaching Academy Inc. and Founder, Certified Nutritionist & Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Elyse Wagner join us this week to discuss how to offer healthy options to our children (and ourselves) while also satisfying our craving for the 'unhealthy' foods.

Her approach of 'no judgment' and honoring yourself is exactly the one many of us need. In this episode, she shares her philosophy of normalizing eating, enjoying the moment, and ensuring that we have a healthy relationship with food and our family. 

There is so much to learn from Elyse...be sure to check her out at www.elysewagner.com

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