make joy normal: cozy homeschooling
Subscribed: 180Played: 8,189
Subscribe
© 2025 make joy normal: cozy homeschooling
Description
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.
307 Episodes
Reverse
send us a text via Fan Mail! How should we approach and discipline a young child who is hitting, biting or showing physical forms of aggression towards siblings or peers? Christina joins me to discuss and share practical solutions. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Revolution of Mercy: how kindness changes everything by Bonnie Landry authority (blog post) Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com Search podcast episodes by to...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Cathy Jo Lang is a certified life coach and host of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast. We discuss our journey in embracing the Catholic faith, navigating tragedy, and finding support in creating and attaining our goals. Cathy Jo Lang LLC - Coaching, Training and Speaking + On Instagram @cathyjolangllc The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast indelible marks (blog post) Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@gmail.c...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Elizabeth and I discuss boys and their tendency to play war-like games. Is it a cause for concern? Is it appropriate for boys being raised with Christian values? 3:25 - Question from a listener 6:41 - Elizabeth shares how she manages this issue in her home 9:47 - Bonnie shares her comfort level with battles and weaponry in games 13:12 - Could playing these games help our boys to develop virtue? 15:04 - Finding them an outlet 2...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 00:42 - Welcome Heather 3:37 - The Baby Sleep Connection Podcast 5:39 - What to do when spouse disagrees with bed sharing 11:33 - Reducing the risk of sharing sleep space 12:24 - Supporting the emotional and developmental needs of our toddlers 19:11 - Counterwill and separation trauma 26:00 - Connection, feeling safe and unconditionally loved 28:52 - Attachment and walking alongside our kids 38:27 - Safety tips for bedsharing wh...
send us a text via Fan Mail! There are some unique challenges that come with having a voracious reader on our hands - providing quality literature, vetting age appropriate content, giving them a challenge as necessary. I share some ideas in navigating these concerns.. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Before Austen Comes Aesop: The Children's Great Books and How to Experience Them - an interview with author Cheri Blomquist (podcast) Before Austen Comes Aesop: ...
send us a text via Fan Mail! This episode was recorded before I broke my wrist. That’s why I sound so normal. Sofia joins me once again to discuss her newest venture into small business ownership. We discuss what makes a good shoe - comfort, flexibility, stability and all without sacrificing beauty for our little ones. OLIVE BRANCH CO - Artisan Leather Baby and Toddler Shoes ~Enjoy 15% off with coupon code makejoynormal at checkout On Instagram @olive.branch.company&n...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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? What if we are concerned that a gentle approach may be perceived as permissiveness? What if we feel that we have failed as a mom? Ohhhh how we all can relate! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Baby and Beyond by Allison Auth Holistic Gentle Baby Sleep Coaching...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 forward to attending to our family and having a little rest. 1:40 - Fanmail #1 : Toddler bangs head on the ground intentionally 11:50 - Fanmail #2 : Toddler is pushing bed time and won't go to sleep 20:24 - Fanmail #3 : Comment from a listener on a prior episode As an Amazon Associate I ear...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 his beginnings as an artist, teaching art appreciation and commentary on his very own works of the saints. Please view his various items on his Etsy shop here. 00:52 - Welcome, family and work 6:15 - What led to you becoming an artist? 7:54 - Homeschooling and art appreciation 13:52 - Ar...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 structure and giving purpose 11:30 - Creating a space or boredom cupboard 14:35 - Fun ideas and tools 21:59 - Accepting our limits and saying no 26:40 - Stacking and making things special 30:03 - Simple ways to make them feel loved As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchas...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 cope and managing the environment. 1:22 - Welcome Sofia! 3:45 - How to protect baby from hitting toddler 8:42 - Busy basket and activities 10:09 - Babywearing, having older siblings 12:02 - Talking to her outside of the circumstances 13:28 - Storybooks 15:28 - Giving the toddler s...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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-life and work-life balance when God calls us to work outside the home. 3:45 - Importance of flexibility 7:06 - Answering the call to work outside the home 8:45 - Coping with difficulties 12:14 - Madonna House and Catherine Doherty 19:11 - Daily prayer 23:43 - Developing rou...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 earn from qualifying purchases. The Catholic Coaching Podcast (Metanoia Catholic) Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff Hold On to Your Kids by Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate compassion (blog post) Contact On Instagram at @make.joy.normal By email at makejoynormal@g...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 - Approach for young boys 12:45 - Discipline as they get older 17:04 - Swift action not reactive 22:53 - Practicing humour and playfulness 26:02 - How to handle mouthy boys 34:12 - We model behaviour As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Revolution of Mercy:...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 Institute. We discuss the heart of attachment parenting, common misconceptions, and in depth on our need for connection and relationship. 00:40 - Welcome and introduction 4:02 - Attachment misconceptions 5:45 - Your child's best bet 8:11 - Continuity of connection 10:12 - Grace applie...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 - Lighthearted discipline 11:20 - Getting things done with a baby 20:34 - Pregnancy and coping with difficulties 23:02 - How it gets easier 26:17 - Attachment to adult vs. peers 34:04 - Screen time for education As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Hold On to Your...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 curriculum? 6:05 - At the heart of writing 10:20 - Help! My Kids Hate Writing 15:01 - Teaching composition 18:38 - When to start and skills of writing 27:54 - Playful revision 32:54 - Speech arts 35:07 - Using technology and AI As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ...
send us a text via Fan Mail! 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 to rich and beautiful literature. Such a great addition to family reading. 1:29 - Welcome and about the project 9:30 - Listening to audiobooks as a family 11:47 - Every book is an adventure 12:40 - Audiobook production 17:19 - What are the age categories? 21:38 - What wa...
send us a text via Fan Mail! Suzanne and I chat abut her beautiful new book: She Loved. Thanks Suzanne for what you offer mothers . 1:58 - Reaching out to others in time of need 4:54 - Welcome and about Suzanne 10:45 - Suzanne's new book She Loved 18:31 - What impact do you hope this book will have? 22:21 - As parents we are always amateurs 25:12 - The vital role of motherhood 35:00 - Remembering our vision and what truly matters @latteandlaundry on Instagram w...
send us a text via Fan Mail! A fascinating conversation on a recent study of homeschooled adults. Co-author Albert Cheng, PhD, is a Cardus senior fellow and associate professor in the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas. Among his many achievements and areas of study, his research interests include character formation, school-choice policy, faith-based schooling, and homeschooling. Our conversation about this study, Diverse Outcomes for a Diverse Populatio...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States