make joy normal: cozy homeschooling
In the context of promoting joy, fun and an environment of love, Bonnie welcomes you! Bonnie is a homeschool mom of seven kids, 32 years in - writer, speaker and cheerleader. Meet her cohosts who bring your questions and theirs to the table: Elizabeth, mom of six, in the thick of glorious family life, and Christina, just starting the homeschool journey with three littles. Join us for some honest discussion about how to make home education cozy. Just like you imagined.
- Update frequency
- every 5 days
- Average duration
- 36 minutes
- Episodes
- 289
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
my take on it: doubts and isolation and the beginning of the school year
They're all going back to school and it sounds fun and exciting. My listener is committed to homeschool but her peace is disrupted by these thoughts.
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- On Instagr…
my take on it: how much time is enough time to give my kids
A listener wonders if she is giving her kids enough time, presence and attention. What are realistic expectations?
Contact
- On Instagram at @make.joy.normal
- By email at…
my take on it: meeting the needs of our older kids when babies abound
Hello all my listeners and I have such a backlog of questions that people have sent in over the last month or two while I've been busy attending to my own family and our f…
my take on it: avoiding bedtime battles
A quick fan mail question spinning off the previous sleep episode!
Contact
- On Instagram at @make.joy.normal
- By email at [email protected]
- Search podcast episodes b…
my take on it: cosleeping and safety
A lovely fan mail from a listener with little ones. How do we keep babies safe for sleep once they are mobile? My own experience and some ideas from friends.
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- O…
my take on it: addressing the why of being at home
A short episode from a fan mail...such great questions. Is it a rough season? Why does having a home centred life matter?
Contact
- On Instagram at @make.joy.normal
- By e…
defiance, disobedience and acting out
In today's episode I answer questions on discipline from two moms who share similar challenges. What can we actually do when our kids are being defiant and disobedient? Wh…
fan mail catch up!
Just catching up on some fan mail over the last month or so, apologies for late replies my dear listeners! I'll produce a few episodes over the summer, but looking forwar…
art and beauty: an interview with artist Chris Lewis
Chris Lewis is the creator and artist behind Baritus Catholic and joins me today for a discussion on art and the transmission of beauty in modern day living. We discuss h…
boredom and burnout
Elizabeth and I talk about what we can do when kids are bored. And also when moms are burned out.
2:39 - My child doesn't cope well with boredom
8:04 - Providing structur…
what can we do when the toddler hits the baby
A long time listener, Sofia, brings this question to the show...such a difficult time of life when you have two littles! We discuss some strategies helping the toddler co…
PSA. Two, in fact. Updated resource page!
check out the daily reflection here with yours truly
I've updated my resource page and SO MUCH MORE TO COME!
Contact
- On Instagram at @make.joy.normal
- By ema…
work-life balance as a homeschooling mom: an interview with Dr. Christine Schintgen
Dr. Christine Schintgen is a mom, homeschooler, professor and President of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in Barry's Bay, Ontario. In this episode we discuss the home-lif…
fostering obedience and handling big emotions as they get older
Elizabeth and I answer a listener's questions on discipline, boundaries and how to take charge of a situation without damaging the relationship.
As an Amazon Associate I ea…
boys and boundaries
Christina and I discuss a few things, focusing on the particular discipleship of our beautiful boys.
5:41 - Healthy boundaries and transactional discipline
9:55 - Approa…
Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers - an interview with Dr. Gordon Neufeld
Such a pleasure to welcome Dr. Gordon Neufeld, author of the book Hold On to Your Kids of which I have discussed frequently on this podcast and creator of the Neufeld Inst…
getting through difficulties and overwhelm in motherhood
Elizabeth and I discuss strategies when things are difficult in our motherhood and homeschooling.
1:35 - We all have bad days
6:30 - Getting through a crisis
9:52 - Light…
Help! My kid hates writing! Julie Bogart, fired up.
Author Julie Bogart joins me to discuss her new book and the keys to teaching writing - hint, it's not supposed to be boring!
2:33 - What is the structure of your writing …
interview with grandkids
We discuss many things. Kids are some of the most interesting people I know. https://beastacademy.com
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- On…
1000 good books project
I chat with Cheryl and Garreth about this beautiful labour of love that they are creating. A collection of the beautiful stories in audio so that our kids can have access…