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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Shannon Moss – Navigating Health, Homeschooling and Business

This week’s conversation with Shannon Moss, a dynamic and health-focused homeschooling mom and entrepreneur, was truly inspiring. Shannon opened up about her personal health journey, revealing how an autoimmune disease became the catalyst for her to take charge of her health and inspire others to do the same. With passion, she detailed her innovative teaching methods for children, focusing on enhancing their problem-solving skills and teaching them to identify their triggers. Shannon stressed the vital role of community in juggling homeschooling and entrepreneurship, advocating for the power of seeking support and the courage to ask for help. Moreover, she delved into effective strategies for managing children’s anxiety and discussed the significant impact of diet on behavior, offering insights that are both enlightening and empowering.
Shannon shares so many great ideas!  You don’t want to miss this!

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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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The Positive Side of Taking Risks – and TEDx

My son and I attended a TEDx yesterday, and I found a theme running through most of the presentations – the importance of taking risks. Have you ever gone to a TEDx?  You’ve probably watched a TED talk on their website or on your TV.  They are on YouTube as well.  My favorite is the one by Sir Ken Robinson titled “Do Schools Kill Creativity?

But back to yesterday and the theme.  The presenters weren’t talking about education, but I could see how so much of what they shared was applicable to our lives as educators and parents.  There were some definitely genius connections made!

Listen in to hear about a few of the presentations and see how they can connect to your life!

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Cherry Hughes – An Inspiration!

If you’ve ever attended one of my presentations, you’ll understand the central role my mother plays in my life. She isn’t just a parent; she’s my confidante, my mentor, and a great source of inspiration. Her influence on me is immeasurable, and the knowledge she has shared has formed the bedrock upon which I build my work. I genuinely appreciate her willingness to participate in this interview, as it allows me to share her wisdom and insight with a wider audience.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of my mother is her innate ability to connect with children. Kids are drawn to her like a magnet, and it’s not by chance. She possesses a unique gift for speaking to them in a way that makes them feel heard and valued. She takes the time to listen to their thoughts, dreams, and concerns, forging genuine connections that leave a lasting impact. It’s no surprise that children find in her not just a friend but a trusted mentor.

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Kristina Heagh-Avritt & Kitti Andrews – Putting Your Home/School in Order

The environment you live and work in makes a huge difference in your productivity.  We know and apply this to business environments but don’t always think about it concerning our home education.  This week I spoke to Kristina Heagh-Avritt and Kitti Andrews. These two amazing women are experts in their fields and are teaming up to help put your home and school in order.

Need some ideas for systems to set up to make your homeschool life easier and more harmonious?  Or maybe you’d like to know how changing elements in your home will help your child with ADHD have more success in their learning.  Be sure to tune in to this week’s podcast!

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Andrew Chambers – A New Educational Path

I’ve had so many parents express concern and even despair about the current state of college education.  Young people are getting out of college saddled with debt, and without the skills and experience they need to support themselves.  They are also surrounded by ideas that often don’t align with the values that their parents have worked hard to instill in them.

When I heard about Excel College, I had to learn more.  It seemed like an answer to the problems facing higher education.

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Jessica Brittani – Calm and Colorful

In a world where everyone could use a helping hand, it’s a powerful reminder that we’re all interconnected for a purpose. This week, I had the incredible privilege of hosting Jessica Brittani on the Realizing Genius Podcast, and her story is a testament to the transformative power of seeking and receiving assistance when it’s most needed.

Jessica’s personal journey is one that resonates deeply. As a teenager, she grappled with her own mental health challenges, facing a turbulent inner battle. But it was the heartbreaking loss of someone dear to her, lost to suicide, that truly shook her world. Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Jessica embarked on a path of becoming a compassionate coach and a passionate advocate for seeking help.

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Kirsten Liebolt – Embracing Bravery

In a world that often values conformity and follows conventional paths, homeschoolers have embarked on a journey that requires immense courage and a unique sense of bravery. Kirsten Liebolt, the host of the renowned podcast “Addicted to Brave,” celebrates the indomitable spirit of homeschoolers and their addiction to being brave.

Homeschooling, as an alternative form of education, demands a certain level of audacity. Opting out of traditional school systems and choosing a less-traveled path requires homeschoolers to confront societal norms, overcome doubts, and face criticism. The decision to homeschool often stems from a deep desire to provide tailored education, nurturing individual passions and allowing for personalized growth.

As a veteran homeschooler, she also shares how life changes as a parent of adults!

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Audrey Rindlisbacher – The Power of Living Your Mission

Audrey Rindlisbacher is a woman who has lived a life of purpose and passion. Her journey began with a realization that she was not the only one feeling unfulfilled. She discovered that many people had a limited understanding of their gifts and talents and were not living up to their full potential. This realization led her to explore ways to help people discover their uniqueness and find ways to use it to make important contributions in the world.

As Audrey started on this journey, she became passionate about helping people live more principle-centered lives based on universal truths. She believes that the truth sets people free, and she is determined to help them find that truth. Through her work, Audrey has developed programs that focus on living a more principle-centered life while discovering and embracing one’s uniqueness. These programs have helped countless individuals to identify their strengths and talents, overcome their limitations, and create a life of purpose and passion.

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