Digital Detox: Finding Family Balance in a Screen-Filled World with Michael Jacobus

Let’s have a real talk about something that’s not only pervasive in our digital world but also deeply personal for many of us guiding our kids through the maze of technology—screen addiction. In the spirit of vulnerability and courage, I want to share insights from someone who’s walked a mile in those shoes: Michael Jacobus. With a wealth of experience from over four decades as a summer camp director, Michael stepped into a new arena fueled by his personal journey navigating his son’s gaming addiction. This heart-led venture culminated in the creation of Reset Summer Camp, a beacon for families wrestling with the challenge of screen and gaming addictions.

What stands out about Michael’s approach is his emphasis on digital detox not as an act of deprivation but as a pathway to nurturing healthy family dynamics and embracing our role as parents and educators in this narrative. Originally focusing on gaming addiction, the camp has broadened its horizon to confront all facets of screen addiction, including the magnetic pull of social media and the vortex of content streaming.

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Kami Harris – Empower Your Educational Journey

Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of homeschooling with Kami Harris, a beacon of wisdom and guidance in the homeschooling community. I’m thrilled to have Kami here to share her extraordinary journey with us. From her initial path toward becoming a teacher to making the bold leap into homeschooling, Kami’s story is nothing short of inspiring. She embarked on this adventure when she recognized that the traditional education system just wasn’t cutting it for her eldest daughter. That realization was the spark that ignited her passion for a more personalized, hands-on approach to education.

Over the years, Kami has truly embraced the essence of homeschooling. She didn’t just stop at teaching her own kids; she went on to start a homeschooling community in her local area, deeply immersing herself in Leadership Education and Leadership Education Mentoring Institute (LEMI). But what’s perhaps most exciting is Kami’s latest chapter. As her own children step beyond the homeschooling threshold, Kami is now channeling her vast experience into coaching other parents embarking on their homeschooling journeys.

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Sarah Reid – Unlocking Learning Potential

In our latest episode, we delve into a narrative that’s uplifting and incredibly enriching for those of us steering through the homeschooling seas. I had the privilege of chatting with Sarah Reid, the visionary behind Innovative Press, who has masterfully turned the tides of homeschooling challenges to craft a beacon of educational innovation.

Sarah’s odyssey in homeschooling mirrors the journey many of us embark upon. Confronted with the monumental task of ensuring her children received a rich and engaging education outside the conventional classroom, she faced hurdles that might have deterred the faint of heart. Yet, Sarah saw these challenges as opportunities to innovate and create, leading to the development of unique teaching resources, including the transformative Encephalon Code Book.

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Amaan Ahmad – Changing the Future of Education

Welcome to our latest episode where we dive into the world of innovation in education with Amaan Ahmad, a visionary from London who, along with his colleague Sid, is reshaping how we approach learning. In this insightful conversation, Amaan introduces us to ‘Pathfinder’, an Artificial Intelligence tool designed to enhance the learning experience for alternative education communities such as homeschoolers, learning pods, and micro-schools.

Discover how Pathfinder curates safe and relevant content from the internet, guiding learners through a journey of discovery and application. This tool isn’t just about finding information; it’s about nurturing a safe and focused learning environment that encourages the practical use of knowledge. With its focus on project-based learning and curiosity-driven education, it addresses the needs of the next generation of learners.

Enjoy!

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From Traditional to Transformative

In this episode, I’m thrilled to share with you the insights and experiences of two remarkable individuals in the world of alternative education – Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt from Vibrant Family Education. They delved deep into the myriad approaches to education and offered their unwavering support for families navigating both the homeschool and traditional education systems.

Kristina, who comes with an impressive 27 years of experience as an educator, shared her poignant decision to leave the traditional school system. Her story resonates with many of us, underscoring the need for educational models that prioritize the well-being and values of both students and teachers.

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Kimberly Gawne – Rebelling Against Traditional Education

This episode I had the amazing opportunity to speak to Kimberly Gawne about her experiences with and views on traditional and alternative education methods. Kimberly reflects on her journey from enthusiastic teaching student to a passionate advocate for alternative education, asserting her fundamental belief that the traditional education system stifles the natural learning process. Touching on the limitations of the classroom, the role of parental influence, and the importance of individualized learning, Kimberly also predicts that the real ‘rebels’ of education – homeschoolers – will positively shape the future of the world.

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Jae Carter – Homeschool Freedom

Get ready to dive into an incredible conversation with Jae Carter, a former public school teacher turned homeschooling advocate, in our latest podcast episode! Jae is the founder of the Homeschool Yo Kids organization, and she’s here to share her inspiring journey and insights.

Jae’s story is all about her transition from being a dedicated public school teacher to becoming a passionate advocate for homeschooling. She’ll take you on a journey through her experiences within the traditional education system and what led her to embrace homeschooling.

She also shares about her amazing Homeschool Yo Kids Expos happening around the country!  Check out the links below for more information.

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A Subject that REALLY Matters – Personal Finance

Don’t get me wrong.  I know education is important.  I took the time and money to get two master’s and a teaching credential!  Education is my passion!  But I find that sometimes what is really, really important in LIFE is not always taught in traditional school settings.

AND THAT IS WRONG!

Yes.  I’m yelling.  Understanding money and economics saves lives and relationships.  It gives a person freedom.  Money is a tool.  And we need to teach our kids how to use it.

Silvia Alabmert Hala is the owner of Creative Wealth International, an amazing company that offers personal finance curricula and activities.  Join me in this episode as Silvia and I talk about personal finance, my experience with one of the Creative Wealth products, the Money Game, and more!

Enjoy!

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The Power of Intentions!

Welcome to the new year! Today is January 7th. Still going strong with your resolutions for the year? It’s a common occurrence that many people break their New Year’s resolutions shortly after making them. Statistics suggest that only a fraction, anywhere between 8% and 28%, actually manage to keep their resolutions. As homeschool parents, our resolutions often revolve around our children, which can add an extra layer of stress. That’s why today, I’d like to introduce a different approach. Rather than setting resolutions, consider embracing intentions for the year ahead.  I also share what MY intention is for the year and how and why to get your kids involved.

Enjoy!

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Book Recommendations for Your Teen

It’s the beginning of December, and if you’re like me, you’re trying to figure out last-minute gifts. When my kids were growing up, I would always have a pile of books next to their stockings. The entire time I’ve been raising my kids, I’ve been trying to instill a love of books in them. One way I did that was to get them lots of books each Christmas.  It was just easier to put a big pile of books next to their stocking rather than wrap them all up.

So, I thought today that I would share some of the books that I have read this year because if I left it open to all of the books that I’ve read in the youth or young adult section, it would just take too long. I added a couple of classics in, too.  I’ve been reading some young adult books with my students this year that have really stood out for me.  I want to share those with you to give you some ideas for books that you wouldn’t think of reading because most of these are books I didn’t read with my own kids.  Enjoy!

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