As moms we deal with so many struggles and fears. Are we doing enough? Will our kids turn out ok? These fears threaten to overwhelm us and we wonder what can we do about it. My guest Jen Pepito knows those same fears all too well and has found solace and help in an unlikely place -- the books she reads aloud to her kids. Jen proposes that there are lessons for moms in the books we are reading to our family and she helps connect us to those lessons and how we can use them to overcome our fears in her new book, Mothering by the Book. She joins me today to talk about this unique approach and how we can use it to help us and our children.

For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb125.

 It's true! It doesn't matter what "flavor" of homeschooler you are or what method you subscribe to -- Morning Time can totally work with every single kind of homeschool philosophy. I am joined today by Amy Milcic (eclectic, traditional) and Jessica Waldock (relaxed and interest based) as we chat about how we have made Morning Time work for us (I am representing the CM, classical side of things from a non-purist standpoint.) Have a listen and tell us what you think!

For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb124.

 Don't groan! Geography can be a fun and fascinating topic to study in your Morning Time. In fact, when you get a kid who is into geography they can be so excited over something as simple as locating countries on a map. It is so much fun to see. Join me and Gather co-author Heather Tully as we dig in to all the ways we have done geography in our Morning Baskets through the years and dish on all of our favorite books and resources.

For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb123.

 We've talked a few times on the podcast about how to do Morning Time with your teens, but this episode really hones in on the idea of what do you prioritize when it comes to Morning Time and the teenage years. How do you make it worth their time and energy, how does it change as they get older, and even how do you award credits for what you are doing. 

 Moms of kids with special needs may wonder what their students are capable of doing. How much should you do and what does this child need. Cheryl Swope is on the podcast today to talk about how all kids need truth, goodness, and beauty in their education. We can provide that as well as meet the practical needs that children have.

For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb121.

We are heading to the beach this January for our first ever We Gather Together Morning Time Retreat. Join me, Gather author Heather Tully, Dawn Garrett and the YMB team as we do Morning Time together, relax on the beach, and share a ton of encouragement and ideas for your Morning Time. In this special episode of the podcast we discuss all the retreat details. Register and read more at https://pambarnhill.com/retreat.

 Today we are giving you a peek behind the scenes at what is included in our ready-made Morning Time plans at Your Morning Basket. I am joined by our member success manager and mom of eight Laney Homan as we dissect what's in the plans, who are they for, and how to get the most out of using them in your homeschool.

For shownotes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb120.

I am joined today by Colleen Rein who is a member of our Your Morning Basket Plus membership and a mom who has been doing Morning Time for a number of years in her homeschool. What I love most about Colleen is all the practical insights she has into making homeschooling work for her family. Today she shares insights and tons of good ideas on how Morning Time can support a diverse group of learners.

For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb119.

It is getting tougher and tougher to find good picture books that align with your values these days. How do you find ones that tell a quality story and have the kind of language and art that your family enjoys? How can you make your librarian your ally and know just which books to choose in the bookstore to add to your home library. I am joined today by Sarah Mackenzie from Read Aloud Revival to answer all of those questions and more. This was such a fun conversation. I hope you'll join us.

For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb118.

Every year there are new moms dipping toes into the waters of homeschooling by starting with a preschooler. Every year these same moms ask their more veteran homeschool mom friends for advice and come away disappointed by the response they get. 

In this episode Mystie Winckler and I have a message for these new moms that start with "We will not roll our eyes at you!" and continues with practical encouragement and a fond look back at what we did in our early days (good and bad). 

We also have some words for the veteran homeschoolers -- how can we encourage these new moms while we help them begin to understand that education might be different (and better) than they every imagined. Join us!

For show notes visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb117