In this episode, Christine Furman dives deep into the highs and lows of the homeschooling journey, addressing the often chaotic balancing act of being a mom, an educator, and a businesswoman. Episode 40 of "Educating Kids and Connecting Families" is a heartfelt and raw exploration of the day-to-day challenges and triumphs that come with homeschooling while managing a household and career.

Christine emphasizes the unpredictable nature of homeschooling life and the necessity for flexibility and grace. She shares personal anecdotes about managing three full-time roles amidst the chaos and offers actionable strategies for maintaining balance and sanity. In addition, Christine provides practical tips on how to handle the days when things don't go as planned, from leveraging the freedom of homeschooling to integrating learning into everyday activities. Whether you are a full-time homeschool mom, a working homeschool mom, or a homeschool mompreneur, Christine’s insights can help you navigate and succeed in your multifaceted roles. 

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "I know that homeschooling is not always all rainbows and sunshine. I know that some days of homeschooling are hard."
• "Our whole life changed in an instant for that week...it changed our routine."
• "Some days we may have to run around and have errands and have things to do...it's being honest with our kids."
• "Learning truly happens all the time when we are with our kids. They're listening, they are sponges, they are soaking it up."
• "Motherhood is hard. Running a business is hard. Homeschooling is hard. They can all be wonderful, but they can all have their challenges."

Takeaways:

• Flexibility in Learning: Emphasizes the need for adaptability in homeschooling, allowing for changes based on children's moods and needs.
• Individual Strengths and Weaknesses: Highlights the importance of recognizing that each child has unique abilities and challenges, which should be acknowledged in the learning process.
• Work-Life Balance: Discusses the difficulties of balancing work commitments with homeschooling responsibilities, suggesting that some days may focus more on work while others prioritize family engagement.
• Seeking Support: Encourages parents to ask for help from family or friends, fostering a supportive environment by being open about challenges.
• Learning Beyond Traditional Settings: Suggests that education can occur outside conventional methods, such as through educational videos, which can also provide emotional comfort.

Educating Kids and Connecting Families Facebook Group: Join for community support and ongoing conversations.

Eduplay Learning on Instagram: Follow for more information and activity ideas.

Eduplay Learning YouTube Channel: Educational videos for your kids 

Welcome to episode 39 of "Educating Kids and Connecting Families"! Your host, Christine Furman, dives into the enchanting world of fall with tons of fun, educational activities to enjoy with your children. From colorful nature walks to apple and pumpkin explorations, Christine provides a variety of multi-sensory ideas to make the most of the season while incorporating learning through play.

As the weather cools and leaves change color, Christine offers creative and resourceful activities like leaf sorting and graphing, apple tasting and crafting, and various pumpkin-related projects. This episode is a goldmine for parents and educators looking to merge fun fall moments with educational experiences. Christine emphasizes the importance of learning through hands-on activities, ensuring every moment becomes a memorable teaching opportunity.

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "I love learning through play, exploration, and experiences."
• "Our kids are such sponges that they will soak up that information."
• "Enjoy the fall season. Enjoy making crafts and going on nature walks and the pumpkin patches and apple orchards and making yummy pies while cozying up with your sweaters and in front of the fire."
• "Have them practice saying the word photosynthesis and chlorophyll and pigment. This is how our kids absorb all of the information around us."

Takeaways:

• Leaf Activities: Engage in leaf sorting, counting, and graphing to enhance math skills while enjoying the fall foliage.
• Apple Fun: Visit apple orchards or grocery stores to explore, compare, and taste different types of apples, and use this experience for science and math learning.
• Pumpkin Projects: Dive into pumpkin carving, painting, and pumpkin bowling, incorporating science experiments like seed counting and discussions on the life cycle of pumpkins.
• Craft Projects: Utilize simple fall materials like leaves and pumpkins for creative craft projects, such as making leaf people or colorful tree collages.
• Homeschool Tips: Christine offers insights from her EduPlay Learning curriculum, encouraging multi-sensory, hands-on educational experiences for children.

Embrace the fall season with these engaging activities and make every moment a learning experience for your children. Tune in to the full episode for an in-depth guide, and stay connected for more enriching content from "Educating Kids and Connecting Families"!

• Eduplay Learning on Instagram: Follow for more information and activity ideas.

• Eduplay Learning YouTube Channel: Watch detailed educational videos on the activities discussed.

• Educating Kids and Connecting Families Facebook Group: Join for community support and ongoing conversations.

• Free Fall Scavenger Hunt Download

Connect on IG:

@mschristine.furman

@eduplaylearning 

Welcome to Episode 38 of Educating Kids and Connecting Families! In this episode, host Christine Furman offers invaluable insights to parents considering the transition to homeschooling, especially in light of recent tragic school shootings. Drawing from her extensive experience in education and special education, Christine shares her personal journey and professional tips that can help families make a smooth transition into homeschooling.

Christine starts by addressing the recent uptick in school shootings and how this has driven many parents to consider homeschooling as a safer alternative. She discusses the emotional toll such events take on families and educators, outlining how they can prepare both mentally and logistically for homeschooling. Christine also discusses the importance of seeking support from community and educational groups to alleviate some of the challenges associated with homeschooling.

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "If homeschooling has genuinely been on your heart, how can I help you get started?"
• "Journal it out. Why do you want to homeschool? What benefits are going to come about it for your family?"
• "You don't have to replicate the public school model. In fact, I advise against it."
• "As long as you are spending time with your kids, teaching them reading, writing, and math, they will be leaps and bounds ahead."
• "You've got this if it is on your heart to homeschool your children. You know your children best."

Takeaways:

• Understand State Requirements: Each U.S. state has specific guidelines for homeschooling. Websites like HSLDA.org can be especially useful.
• Transition Period Tips: Christine emphasizes the importance of using the initial homeschooling period to destress, enjoy family time, and gradually establish a routine.
• Community and Support: Building a homeschooling community is crucial for both kids’ socialization and parental support.
• Curriculum Choices: There are various curricula available; choose one that best suits your children’s learning style and your educational philosophy.
• Accreditation Concerns: Christine discusses the necessity (or lack thereof) of accredited programs, highlighting that many successful homeschoolers use non-accredited curriculum. 

• HSLDA: hslda.org

• Eduplay Learning: Visit https://christinefurman.com/welcome/ for more information on customized curricula and homeschooling support.

• Christine Furman on Instagram: Reach out for direct queries and additional support.

• @mschristine.furman

• @eduplaylearning 

Thinking about homeschooling your children? Tune into this episode for practical advice and heartfelt guidance from Christine Furman. Don't forget to join the "Educating Kids Connecting Families" Facebook group for ongoing support and resources. 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/educatingkidsconnectingfamilies/ 

Instagram

• Christine Furman https://www.instagram.com/ms.christinefurman/ 

• EduPlay Learning https://www.instagram.com/eduplaylearning/

In episode 37 of Educating Kids and Connecting Families, host Christine Furman takes us through a rich tapestry of homeschooling tips, practical advice, and personal reflections. As a mother and educator, Christine is uniquely positioned to offer a treasure trove of resources designed for busy moms juggling multiple roles. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of educational techniques and family bonding, with an emphasis on simplifying the often arduous task of homeschooling.

Christine delves into her personal journey, marking milestones such as her 40th birthday and a decade of raising her children. She reflects on her achievements, challenges, and the seamless integration of education into daily life. Central to this episode are Christine’s educational philosophies, particularly her belief in the natural, play-based learning approach. She provides actionable tips for teaching young children through daily activities, nurturing emotional intelligence, and fostering curiosity. This episode is a must-listen for mothers seeking practical and engaging ways to educate their children.

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "I often see so many times moms ask in Facebook groups, what do I do with my kids, especially kids ages seven and under. I want to homeschool my three year old. Where do I begin?"
• "It really is so much simpler than we expect."
• "Continue to practice them with repetition, with experience... just showing them the color red one time does not mean they're going to understand that that's the color red."
• "What are they interested in right now? Great, let's learn about that."
• "Everything that we do is an opportunity to learn. It's an opportunity to create and use your imagination and really just have fun with it."

Takeaways:

• Integrate Learning into Daily Activities: Utilize simple, everyday moments to teach fundamental skills such as counting, colors, shapes, and reading.
• Engage with Curiosity-Driven Education: Follow the child’s interests to make education engaging and effective, blending traditional and unschooling approaches.
• Emphasize Emotional Intelligence: Teach empathy, kindness, and emotional expression to help children understand and manage their feelings.
• Be Present and Interactive: Spend quality time interacting with children, enhancing learning through play and imagination.
• Explore Eduplay Learning Resources: For busy parents, Christine’s Eduplay Learning offers ready-made educational kits that make learning fun and easy.

Thanks for listening! Let’s get connected! 

Join the Exclusive Facebook group - Educating Kids & Connecting Families to connect with Christine, access valuable resources, and connect with moms from all over the world. https://www.facebook.com/groups/educatingkidsconnectingfamilies/ 

For more information about the EduPlay® Learning Academy, visit https://christinefurman.com/welcome/ 

 Mention you heard about the Academy from the podcast and receive a free gift. 

Connect on IG:

@mschristine.furman

@eduplaylearning

Welcome to Episode 36 of "Educating Kids and Connecting Families" with your host, Christine Furman, as she dives into the bustling season of back-to-school and shares insightful meal planning tips that enhance both homeschooling and traditional schooling experiences during the busy academic year.

In this engaging episode, Christine provides a variety of quick and easy meal ideas geared towards nourishing your children in the morning, ensuring they have the focus and energy necessary for a productive school day. Key topics include the benefits of protein-packed breakfasts, the convenience of meal prepping over the weekend, and fun, child-friendly recipes like egg muffins, protein shakes, and protein bites. Christine emphasizes the importance of involving children in the kitchen to boost their independence and confidence in making healthy choices, and she ties in personal anecdotes and useful strategies for maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet amidst a busy family schedule.

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "If we are asking our kids to be able to use their brain, think and solve problems, they need the energy for that."
• "I am a firm believer in what we eat is really impacting how we are, how we act, how we feel."
• "It definitely affects their behavior, it affects their attention, it affects their focus."
• "It's empowering them to say, I can make my own food. I can make good, healthy choices, and if I am hungry, I can reach for a healthy snack."
• "Depending on the ages of your kids, they can start to help. And even your young kiddos, give them a cutting board and one of those big plastic knives, and let them cut the cucumbers."

Takeaways:

• Protein-Packed Breakfasts: Combining protein-rich foods into your child's breakfast helps maintain their energy levels and focus throughout the school day.
• Meal Prep Essentials: Prepping meals over the weekend can significantly ease the morning rush and ensure more balanced and nutritious options are readily available.
• Kid-Friendly Recipes: Christine shares a variety of simple and fun recipes, such as egg muffins, protein shakes, and protein bites that kids can help make and enjoy.
• Involving Kids in the Kitchen: Encouraging children to participate in meal preparation develops their independence and interest in healthy eating.
• Impact of Diet on Behavior: Foods free from preservatives, colors, and unnecessary sugars support better focus, energy, and overall well-being for children.

Stay tuned for more episodes filled with helpful advice and resources to support your educational journey with your family! Listen to the full episode and enrich your parenting and teaching strategies with Christine's valuable insights.

Join the Exclusive Facebook group - Educating Kids & Connecting Families to connect with Christine, access valuable resources, and connect with moms from all over the world. https://www.facebook.com/groups/educatingkidsconnectingfamilies/ 

For more information about the EduPlay® Learning Academy, visit https://christinefurman.com/welcome/ 

 Mention you heard about the Academy from the podcast and receive a free gift. 

Connect on IG:

@mschristine.furman

@eduplaylearning 

Welcome to Episode 35 of "Educating Kids and Connecting Families," where Christine Furman offers insightful resources and support to busy moms. This episode provides valuable insight on being able to understand and sync your monthly cycle to enhance productivity and wellness. Christine shares her personal journey in learning about her cycle, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body and leveraging this knowledge for overall better health.

In this episode, Christine Furman discusses the various phases of the menstrual cycle, providing detailed information about how hormone levels can influence mood, energy, and productivity. She introduces practical tips such as incorporating certain foods, adjusting exercise routines, and planning schedules around different cycle phases to optimize well-being. By understanding and empowering ourselves with this knowledge, we can better support not only our health but also positively impact those around us.

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "Listen to your body because, you know, they always say you have to be well to make sure you're taking care of others."
• "I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice at all. It's just information that I found very valuable in my life and I imagine that it can help other women understand their body a little bit better as well."
• "Make sure you are speaking up. Find the root causes. Don't just put a band aid on it and say, oh, well, I got a migraine, I got a headache. I'm going to take some medicine. Why do we have that migraine? Your body is trying to tell you something."
• "Magnesium rich foods help to reduce cramping and moods. Fascinating."
• "I want her to know and be empowered by her cycle instead of something that is embarrassing."

Takeaways:

• Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: Understand the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases, and how hormone levels fluctuate during each.
• Optimizing Health with Food: Learn about magnesium-rich, iron-rich, and serotonin-boosting foods that support your cycle and overall health.
• Adjusting Exercise Routines: Discover how to tailor your physical activities according to your cycle phases for optimum energy and well-being.
• Intentional Planning: Use the insights about your cycle phases to plan and schedule activities effectively, enhancing both personal productivity and emotional wellness.
• Empowerment Through Knowledge: Encourage dialogue about menstrual health with daughters and friends to foster a supportive community.
• Thanks for listening! Let’s stay connected and make the most of every phase of your life by listening to the full episode and following Christine Furman on social media for more insightful content on health, homeschooling, and holistic living. Tune in for continuous support and guidance in your motherhood and educational journey.

Book: In the Flow by Alisa Vitti

App: My Flo by Alisa Vitti

Additional Resources: The Honey Pot 

Join the Exclusive Facebook group - Educating Kids & Connecting Families to connect with Christine, access valuable resources, and connect with moms from all over the world. https://www.facebook.com/groups/educatingkidsconnectingfamilies/ 

For more information about the EduPlay® Learning Academy, visit https://christinefurman.com/welcome/ 

Connect on IG:

@mschristine.furman

@eduplaylearning 

Join Christine Furman in Episode 34 of "Educating Kids and Connecting Families" as she shares her recent summer adventures and offers invaluable tips on helping young children focus and learn. Christine reflects on her travels and the memories made with her family while transitioning into strategies for homeschooling toddlers through kindergartners.

In this insightful episode, Christine focuses on the challenge of getting young children to sit still and concentrate. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating play into learning and adapting teaching methods to fit each child's unique needs, discussing the concept of learning through play extensively. Christine provides practical advice on creating engaging, hands-on activities that cater to different types of learners—auditory, visual, and tactile. She also highlights the importance of understanding when children need breaks and how to balance structured learning with natural curiosity.

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "I want education to be fun, meaningful, and memorable for our kids."

• "They are not made to sit perfectly still and listen for an hour-long lesson. They were built to get up and learn through play."

• "Turn those moments into opportunities for learning. They can learn so many words from the stories we read them."

• "Sometimes that's all it takes is little pieces of information at a time."

• "I want to instill a love for learning into our children like no other. I want them to understand that learning is forever."

Takeaways:

• Embrace Play-Based Learning: Use play to teach skills such as counting, identifying letters, and problem-solving.

• Tailor Activities to Learning Styles: Adapt teaching methods to fit whether a child is an auditory, visual, or tactile learner.

• Recognize When to Take Breaks: Understand the signs of frustration and know when a break is needed to keep learning enjoyable.

• Incorporate Movement: Use physical activities to help children learn and stay focused.

• Establish Routines: Set clear routines and expectations to help children know what to expect and when.

Thanks for listening! Let’s get connected! 

Join the Exclusive Facebook group - Educating Kids & Connecting Families to connect with Christine, access valuable resources, and connect with moms from all over the world. https://www.facebook.com/groups/educatingkidsconnectingfamilies/ 

For more information about the EduPlay® Learning and to get connected, visit https://christinefurman.com/welcome/  

Connect on IG:

@mschristine.furman

@eduplaylearning

Welcome to episode 33 of "Educating Kids and Connecting Families" podcast with Christine Furman. In this episode, Christine discusses the diverse back-to-school schedules across the country and shares her personal experiences as both an educator and a homeschool mom. She dives deep into the essential elements of setting up a successful school year, whether your children are attending public school, private school, or being homeschooled. Christine's insights are invaluable for creating an organized, structured, and supportive learning environment for your children.

Christine starts by reflecting on the nostalgic back-to-school preparations, emphasizing the importance of organization for both homeschool and public/private school families. With practical tips on organizing school supplies, setting up homeschooling spaces, and using planners effectively, she provides actionable advice to help parents and children transition smoothly into the new school year. Christine also touches on the significance of setting clear expectations, creating routines, and understanding the consequences for both homeschooling and traditional schooling contexts.

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "Organization is key to a successful school year, regardless of whether your children are homeschooled or attend a public/private school."
• "Helping children develop good organizational skills is essential and requires regular practice and guidance from parents."
• "Planners can be a game-changer for managing schedules and responsibilities, both for parents and kids."
• "Setting clear expectations and consequences helps children understand what is required of them and the importance of following rules."
• "Sometimes we all need a break. It's okay to step back, breathe, and reset for a better day.”

Takeaways:

• Organization Tips: Innovative ideas for keeping school supplies and learning materials organized, including the use of binders, file folders, and drawer systems.
• Planners and Schedules: The importance of using planners—whether digital or paper—to help children stay organized and manage their time effectively.
• Setting Expectations: Establishing and communicating clear expectations and consequences to ensure a smooth and productive school year.
• Support Strategies: Practical tips for supporting your children emotionally and academically, especially during challenging days.
• EduPlay Learning Resources: An introduction to the multi-sensory, engaging learning activities offered by EduPlay Learning for children aged 7 and under.

Thanks for listening! Let’s get connected! 

Check out the programs, curriculum, and academy to help you incorporate education into your daily routine. Follow EduPlay Learning on Instagram for updates, tips, and more.

For more insights on parenting, building strong family relationships, and integrating education into everyday life, don't miss this enriching episode. Subscribe, leave a review, share with friends, and join our exclusive Educating Kids and Connecting Families Facebook group to continue the conversation. Stay tuned for more episodes that empower and inspire parents in their journey!

Connect on IG:

@mschristine.furman

@eduplaylearning 

Welcome to Episode 32 of "Educating Kids and Connecting Families," hosted by Christine Furman. In this captivating episode, Christine engages with Jordan Thompson—a homeschooling mompreneur who shares insights from her multifaceted life. Jordan's journey from a homeschooled child to a homeschooling mom highlights the challenges and rewards of balancing home education with responsibilities of being a mom, wife and business owner.

Throughout the episode, Christine and Jordan chat about the intricacies of homeschooling, addressing common fears and uncertainties faced by parents considering this path. They touch on Jordan's initial apprehensions about homeschooling her own children and the factors that built her confidence. The conversation underscores the importance of finding personal reasons for homeschooling, creating a flexible learning environment, and taking one year at a time. Christine also explores how the pandemic has influenced many parents' decisions to homeschool and reassures that the pandemic's rapid transition to home-based education shouldn't be mistaken for true homeschooling.

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "I had to find my own reasons for being home and eventually for homeschooling." - Jordan Thompson
• "You know them best. You love them more than anyone, so you're adequate to teach them." - Jordan Thompson
• "If homeschooling really is on your heart, you can do it. You just have to start slow and figure out what works best for your kid and schedule." - Jordan Thompson
• "We're integrating that education into our life...enjoy the journey with our kids." - Christine Furman
• "We can figure it out. There are moms out there who have done it before you." - Jordan Thompson

Takeaways:

• Personalized Homeschooling: Jordan emphasizes the significance of tailoring homeschool schedules and educational plans to fit the unique needs of each child and family.
• Building Confidence: Finding and understanding personal motivations for homeschooling can help alleviate doubts and build confidence among parents.
• Balancing Act: Successfully managing a business while homeschooling requires strategic time management and setting clear boundaries.
• Lifelong Learning: Homeschooling allows parents and children to learn together, fostering a shared passion for knowledge and exploration.
• Support Systems: Leveraging community resources, online groups, and educational tools can provide significant support for homeschooling families.

Thanks for listening! Let’s get connected! 

Check out the programs, curriculum, and academy to help you incorporate education into your daily routine. Follow EduPlay Learning on Instagram for updates, tips, and more.

For more insights on parenting, building strong family relationships, and integrating education into everyday life, don't miss this enriching episode. Subscribe, leave a review, share with friends, and join our exclusive Educating Kids and Connecting Families Facebook group to continue the conversation. Stay tuned for more episodes that empower and inspire parents in their journey!

Connect on IG:

@mschristine.furman

@eduplaylearning

Welcome to Episode 31 of "Educating Kids and Connecting Families" with your host, Christine Furman. In this episode, Christine dives into a common parenting challenge: managing children's tantrums and emotional outbursts in public and at home. She shares her personal experiences, including a memorable incident at a local IHOP, and offers practical strategies for reducing children's meltdowns using thoughtful communication and behavioral techniques.

Throughout the episode, Christine emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing children's basic needs, setting clear expectations, and creating a supportive environment. She introduces concepts such as overstimulation and provides actionable tips like giving time warnings before leaving a fun activity, using a five-second countdown to help children transition, and leveraging positive reinforcement. Christine's insights are backed by her extensive background in special education, making this episode a must-listen for parents seeking to foster a positive emotional atmosphere for their children.

Quotes from today’s episode: 

• "I believe there's a combination, and it's a good balance of, yes, we have to be stern and strict, but also kind, loving, and understanding."
• "Sometimes we don't know why our kids are upset, and they probably don't know either."
• "How can we speak life over whatever's happening and turn it into a Teaching Moment®?"
• "Giving them the expectation of what’s next and something to look forward to helps ease transitions."

Takeaways:

• Understanding Overstimulation: Recognize how overstimulation affects both parents and children and learn methods to mitigate these overwhelming feelings.
• Setting Clear Expectations: Use strategies like ten-minute warnings and five-second countdowns to prepare children for transitions and reduce tantrums.
• Positive Reinforcement: Implement positive reinforcement and verbal reminders to manage behavior in the grocery store and other public settings.
• Effective Communication: Engage in calm and positive conversations with children to address the reasons behind their behavior and teach appropriate responses.
• Support and Resource Sharing: Join supportive communities like the "Educating Kids, Connecting Families" Facebook group to share experiences and seek advice.

Thanks for listening! Let’s get connected! 

Check out the programs, curriculum, and academy to help you incorporate education into your daily routine. Follow EduPlay Learning on Instagram for updates, tips, and more.

For more insights on parenting, building strong family relationships, and integrating education into everyday life, don't miss this enriching episode. Subscribe, leave a review, share with friends, and join our exclusive Educating Kids and Connecting Families Facebook group to continue the conversation. Stay tuned for more episodes that empower and inspire parents in their journey!

Connect on IG:

@mschristine.furman

@eduplaylearning