In this Unplugged episode, Melisa discusses the difference between mindfully observing and casting judgment. She talks about how practicing being intentional and living consciously allowed her to recognize and acknowledge when she was judging and how to simply, observe.

There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk
By: Portia Nelson

Chapter One
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost… I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter Two
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend that I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in this same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter Three
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in … it’s a habit … but, my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter Four
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter 5
I walk down another street.


In this episode you’ll learn:
- The difference between judging and observing
- Ways to practice being observant without judgment
- How this judgment/observation dynamic shows up in how we view ourselves


Resources:
- Business and Homeschool Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz
- Parenting Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/parents-in-sync
- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources
- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured
- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/
- Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

Some families have four playdates, two sports, and one musical instrument classes a week. Other families struggle to make it co-op every week. Regardless of where you find yourself, it is important to find (or create) appropriate social activities for your children. It can be particularly difficult if you are more introverted with an extroverted child. (It always seems to work out that way.) Melisa shares her advice for age-appropriate activities and how to assist children with special needs in building up to larger group activities.

In this episode you’ll learn:
- The importance of not allowing your childhood experiences to shape how you socialize your children
- How to assist children with special needs in making friends
- Age-specific advice for creating social environments
- The benefit of having a group of similarly aged peers to interact with
- The benefit of having a group of varied aged peers to interact with

Resources:
- Business and Homeschool Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz
- Parenting Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/parents-in-sync
- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources
- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured
- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/
- Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/
- Waldorf Essentials Kindergarten: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/kindergarten

Melisa knows firsthand how challenging going through a divorce can be. In this week's episode, she shares her struggles and provides advice from lessons learned. She validates common struggles parents face during the separation process and reminds everyone; the most important people to consider during this process are the children.

In this episode you’ll learn:
- The importance of trying to maintain a level head
- How to show up for your children, when the other parent is not
- Advice on creating a peaceful home environment for your children
- What you can and cannot control during this process
- How to create a system that works for homeschooling after separation
- The importance of finding a good lawyer and court-appointed counselor for your children

**Most importantly, Melissa reminds you that it will get better and you are worthy of having someone love you the way they’re supposed to.**

Resources:
- Business and Homeschool Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz
- Parenting Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/parents-in-sync
- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources
- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured
- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/
- Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

Running a business is hard enough, but what if you’re a homeschooling parent as well? It can all feel overwhelming. In this week's episode, Melisa shares her tips for how to create a sustainable homeschool, family, & business rhythm. She also provides resources for those who want more assistance in helping their homeschool and business thrive.

BIZSCHOOLING Information: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz

In this episode you’ll learn:
- How to manage your time efficiently
- Why properly planning for homeschool and making time for your family are the secrets to a thriving business
- The importance of communicating with your partner (especially if you are working together
- Tips on setting effective goals
**Ultimately, how to create sustainable homeschool, family, and business systems built for success.**

Resources:
- Business and Homeschool Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz
- Parenting Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/parents-in-sync
- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources
- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured
- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/
- Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

Over the years, Melisa has recognized (during her coaching) a pattern of disagreements many couples seem to face: more babies + hobby farms! In this week’s episode, Melisa gets to the heart of the matter. She offers advice for women who are finding themselves having these kinds of disagreements with your partner. And she reminds everyone to take care of themselves and their relationships before jumping into a new project.

In this episode you’ll learn:
- How to use introspection to recognize what you are avoiding
- Advice for improving your relationships (including your relationship with yourself)

Resources:
- Business and Homeschool Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz
- Parenting Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/parents-in-sync
- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources
- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured
- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/
- Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

So often it feels as though we SHOULD have enough time to complete our to-do list, yet we are always behind. Where do all the hours go? And how can slowing down and being present actually allow you to get more done? In this video, Melisa gets to the core of how to make your time work for you.

HINT: It’s about how you show up.

In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why time seems to always slip away from you.
- How to get your time to work for you and not against you
- What to do when you are in a place of overwhelm and cannot seem to get your head above water
- Advice for slowing down and staying present in your daily life
- The value of daily meditation and how it can impact how you show up to your family


Resources:
- Business and Homeschool Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz
- Parenting Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/parents-in-sync
- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources
- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured
- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/
- Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

This week Melisa reminds everyone to slow down and enjoy their homeschooling journey. She also discusses two common concerns she hears from parents: how to determine grade placement and teaching children to read.

In this episode you’ll learn:
- How to create a plan for starting homeschool when you feel overwhelmed
- Waldorf homeschooling is about bringing lively lessons to your children and having a good time doing it
- How to choose the correct grade for your child’s development
- Grade placement advice for gifted and special needs children
- The way Waldorf education introduces reading
- Advice for teaching a child who does not want to read


Resources:
- Business and Homeschool Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz
- Parenting Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/parents-in-sync
- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources
- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured
- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/
- Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/

In this two-for-one Agent or Object podcast episode, Melisa discusses confidence and the non-religious, religious teaching in Waldorf education. She first addresses the lack of confidence she sees in the parents she works with. She shares a hilarious analogy (which won’t soon be forgotten) and advice for moving forward even when you don’t feel confident enough to do so. She then covers how and why teaching your children about other religions/cultures/people (different from you) is immensely valuable.


In this episode you’ll learn:
- The integral role confidence plays in homeschooling
- Tips on improving your confidence
- Why Waldorf teaches about many different religions
- The value of learning about people/cultures/religions that are different from yours
- You do not have to be religious (or of a specific religion) to teach what other people believe
- Ask friends/family/neighbors to share their beliefs with you

Resources:
- Business and Homeschool Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/biz
- Parenting Support: https://melisa-nielsen.mykajabi.com/parents-in-sync
- Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources
- Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alittlegardenflower/featured
- Waldorf Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/
- Waldorf Essentials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/