Raising Lifelong Learners
The Raising Lifelong Learners podcast helps homeschooling parents encourage their differently-wired kids to learn, explore passions, cultivate creativity, and become fascinated by the world around them. Join host Colleen Kessler -- educational consultant, gifted specialist, author, and speaker -- for interviews, audioblogs, tips, and encouragement to help your differently-wired kiddos become lifelong learners -- children who know that they can find the answers to anything they want to know if they can just view their world with play, passion, and fascination.
Episodes
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into something that might seem small at first glance but can create a massive ripple effect in your child’s life—celebrating wins! Whether your kiddo is neurodivergent, gifted, twice-exceptional, or simply working hard on any kind of challenge, recognizing their progress is a simple and powerful tool to build confidence, resilience, and deeper connection.
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As parents—especially when raising neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional learners—we are on the frontlines of navigating intense emotions every day. In the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into practical strategies for supporting kids’ emotional health and building regulation skills that last a lifetime.
Key Takeaways:
This week’s episode of the podcast is truly close to my heart. We dove deep into what it means to truly embrace our kiddos’ unique sparks and passions, especially for our neurodivergent learners.
If you sometimes worry about your child being “too focused” on one thing, or wonder how to support their big interests when the world doesn’t always get it, you’re not alon...
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of connection and how it can transform your homeschool and family life. Homeschooling, especially with differently wired kiddos, comes with its set of challenges, and prioritizing connection over perfection is the key to a thriving environment where your children feel safe, seen, and valued.
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This week's episode is all about cultivating leadership skills in our kiddos, especially those amazing outside-the-box thinkers.
We dive into a type of leadership that’s less about rallying a group and more about creativity, kindness, and empathy. We go over ways to nurture these qualities in your homeschool environment and everyday family life. This is part of our ...
We're diving into an essential topic in this week's podcast episode that's sure to resonate with many of you—developing impulse control in our neurodivergent kids.
As we know, impulse control can be particularly challenging for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent kiddos. Let's break down why our unique learners face these challenges and talk practical stra...
In today's episode, we dive into the concept of nurturing a lifelong love of learning for our children. It's all about cultivating curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, and guiding them through self-directed projects. You'll hear personal stories of fostering self-discovery and adaptability in kids, emphasizing the power of modeling this mindset ourselves. We explored practical ways to inspire an atmos...
In this episode of the podcast, we dive into what executive function skills actually are, likening them to a control center or the CEO of your body. These skills encompass planning, organization, time management, task initiation, working memory, and self-regulation, among others. But why do so many gifted and neurodivergent kids struggle with them?
The answer often ...
In this week's episode, we talk about the Columbus Group's definition of giftedness as asynchronous development—a combination of advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity that requires modifications in parenting and teaching.
This unique development makes our children particularly vulnerable, demanding that we think outside the box.
...
This week, we wrap up our series on the 6 Cs of Homeschooling Success from Colleen's new book, The Homeschool Advantage. In this final episode, we dive deep into the power of Confidence and how to nurture it in our kiddos.
Key Takeaways:
Encourage the Willingness to Try:
- Confidence begins with the courage to take risks and step out of comfort zones.
- Emphasizing the effort over instant understanding e...
In this week's episode, we dive deep into a favorite topic—creativity. This episode is all about how to nurture and develop creativity in your children, teaching them to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to everyday problems.
Here's a snapshot of what to expect in this episode:
Key Takeaways:
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In today's episode, we unpacked the true essence of content in homeschooling. It’s not just about memorizing dates and facts but teaching our kids how to think, explore, and find answers.
We discussed tailoring education to each child's interests, embracing their natural curiosity, and making learning a lifelong journey. And remember, every child is unique, so there's...
In this episode of the podcast, we explore the importance of nurturing communication skills at home. From weekly family meetings to a powerful personal story about her daughter Logan's experience with anxiety, Colleen shares invaluable insights on how open dialogue can build stronger relationships and boost children's confidence.
Discover how communication entwined ...
In this episode, we explore the importance of collaboration as a foundational skill for our children. From understanding the science behind our social brains to practical homeschooling tips, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring anecdotes.
Key Takeaways:
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In this week's episode, we dive deep into a topic that's a challenge for many families: sleep. Whether you're homeschooling neurodivergent kiddos, navigating giftedness, twice-exceptionality, or simply dealing with heightened anxiety, quality sleep is essential—and tricky to achieve.
Key Takeaways:
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In this episode, we dive deep into the power of play and why it matters at every stage of childhood! Whether you're homeschooling or just juggling parenting, incorporating play can ignite a lifelong love of learning and create magical moments of discovery.
From mealworm mazes to Viking bread, we explore how playful learning leads to unexpected adventures and lasti...
In our latest episode, we dive into how to ignite your child's curiosity by exploring topics together, even if it means using Google searches or watching fun educational videos. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and foster a growth mindset by focusing on the process, not just the outcomes.
This episode, along with Colleen’s new book, offers tips for p...
In this episode, we explore the beautiful intersections of joy, wonder, and learning in your homeschooling journey. Colleen opens up about her struggles with perfectionism and how it has impacted her homeschooling and parenting. She encourages us to embrace the messiness of life to enjoy deeper connections and create memorable moments with our children.
Understandin...
In the latest episode we dive deep into the evolving and sometimes chaotic world of homeschooling. Join Colleen as she shares her family's "Not Back to School Day" traditions, how they're adapting amid a jam-packed schedule, and the heartfelt challenges of balancing multiple roles.
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