Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears
Raising Lifelong Learners
We know mornings can feel like a battlefield when sensory issues and clothing collide, leaving kids (and parents!) frustrated before the day even begins. That’s why this week’s podcast episode dives into the heart of sensory struggles with clothes. Colleen has packed this episode with real-life advice for families navigating tactile sensitivities. If getting dressed feels like wrestling a porcupine, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing! Sensory struggles are REAL signals from your child’s nervous system. Sometimes clothes feel prickly, itchy, or unexpectedly uncomfortable and it...
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Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments
Raising Lifelong Learners
This episode continues our sensory series, diving deep into the world of Sensory Sound, with actionable strategies for supporting sensitive kids wherever you go. Why Are Loud Spaces So Overwhelming? Colleen unpacks how unpredictable peaks in sound, bustling crowds, harsh lighting, and layered sensory inputs can overload sensitive nervous systems. Whether it’s a mic popping at announcements, the hum of the HVAC, or the swirl of cafeteria chatter—these environments can quickly become “too much.” Building a Predictable Noise Plan—Step by Step This episode is all about taking back...
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Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home
Raising Lifelong Learners
In today's episode, Colleen breaks down what a sensory diet is (and isn’t!), why it matters, and how to get started with simple, safe, and low-prep strategies that work in any space—even if your house is bursting at the seams. Here’s what you’ll find inside: A breakdown of the five key sensory systems: proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, oral motor, and auditory/visual. Ideas for easy, everyday sensory activities: From “squeezy hugs” and wall pushups to crashing into beanbags, squishing play doh, sipping yogurt through a straw, and more—no fancy equipment required! How to...
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Why Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish Line
Raising Lifelong Learners
Let’s be honest: if your kiddos leave a trail of half-finished projects, open browser tabs, and idea explosions in their wake, you are SO not alone. Neurodivergent kids (and their amazing, multitasking moms!) can struggle with seeing things through—not because they’re lazy or unmotivated, but because the finish line often feels fuzzy, overwhelming, or just plain boring. In this week’s episode, we're unpacking: Why finishing is tough for neurodivergent kiddos, whether it’s next-step anxiety, perfectionism, time blindness, or working memory hurdles. The power of “done...
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Why Typical Organization Systems Fail Neurodivergent Homeschoolers and What Works Instead
Raising Lifelong Learners
This episode is packed with real, practical strategies for getting (and staying) organized, especially for families homeschooling neurodivergent kids or anyone who simply bristles at traditional organization systems. We all know the struggle: out of sight = out of mind. Those neat folders and tucked-away systems might work for some, but for kids (and parents!) with ADHD, executive dysfunction, or asynchronous learning styles, they often fizzle by October. Instead, we’re embracing OPEN, VISIBLE, and EASY-TO-ACCESS systems that truly work for the way our brains (and our kids’ brains) are...
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When Working Memory Looks Like Defiance
Raising Lifelong Learners
As part of the ongoing Executive Function series on the podcast, this week's episode dives into the essential (and often misunderstood) skill of working memory—how it impacts neurodivergent learners and what we can do to help. If your child loses track of multi-step instructions, forgets a task mid-way, or gets overwhelmed by routines, you’re not alone—and it’s not simply forgetfulness. It’s about the way their brain processes and stores information moment-to-moment. Key Takeaways: Make Instructions Visible & Bite-Sized: Use a Working Memory Command Center (think:...
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Understanding Task Initiation in Neurodivergent Homeschoolers
Raising Lifelong Learners
If you tuned into this week’s episode, you know we’re in the thick of our executive function series—and this time, we took a deep dive into a challenge so many neurodivergent kiddos (and their parents!) know all too well: getting started. Task initiation can feel impossible for kids who are gifted, twice-exceptional, ADHD, autistic, anxious, or just generally outside-the-box thinkers. They might be able to talk your ear off about their passions, but ask them to start a five-minute worksheet, and it’s like hitting a brick wall. Sound familiar? Here’s the thing: your child isn’t...
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Morning Routines That Work: Flexible Approaches for Gifted and Neurodivergent Kids
Raising Lifelong Learners
Struggling with chaotic mornings—especially with neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional kiddos? You’re not alone! This week's episode of the podcast dives deep into practical strategies for establishing morning routines that truly work for your unique family. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Ditch the “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach: Neurodivergent kids break the mold! Traditional checklists and rigid schedules can actually increase stress. Instead, focus on finding rhythms and anchors that guide your morning rather than the clock. Externalize Time &...
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Finding the Sweet Spot – Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Your Homeschool
Raising Lifelong Learners
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the tricky tightrope walk of balancing structure and flexibility at home—because let’s be honest, parenting (and homeschooling) neurodivergent kids isn’t for the faint of heart! This episode is your breathe-and-hit-reset permission slip. Here’s a peek at what we covered: Structure is Comforting… Until It Isn’t Structure helps our kids (and us!) feel safe. Predictable routines can seriously reduce anxiety, especially for those with executive functioning challenges, ADHD, autism, or sensory processing issues....
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Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids
Raising Lifelong Learners
This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to so many of us: friendships for neurodivergent kids (and yes, for us as parents too). With a new school year kicking into gear, worries about social connection and "finding your people" can rise to the surface—especially for families navigating neurodiversity. What We’re Unpacking This Episode: Why friendships can be challenging for neurodivergent kids (think asynchronous development, sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, or intense interests that aren’t always shared by peers). Supporting your child: From...
info_outlineThis 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 focus for the month in the Learner's Lab, where leadership takes center stage.
Key Takeaways:
- Why Leadership Matters: Discover how leadership skills enhance problem-solving, empathy, and adaptability, crucial for every child, especially in neurodivergent families.
- Homeschool Activities: Try fun activities like planning field trips and hosting family meetings to foster leadership in children. Perfect for practical application at home!
- Creative Leadership: Explore how homeschool settings provide the perfect environment for kids to experiment and build resilience without external pressures.
- Resources Galore: We have a treasure trove of resources, including books, movies, and unit studies, plus four years of activities in the Learner’s Lab to enrich your homeschool journey.
Also, don’t miss our upcoming EQ Quest in The Learner's Lab, where your family can dive into emotional intelligence activities centered on leadership. It's a fantastic opportunity for you and your kids to learn and grow together.
Keep an eye out for new courses and coaching programs, perfect for your family. Stay tuned for more information by joining our newsletter if you haven’t already—it’s the best way to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest resources and support.
Get the Book
For a deeper dive into these transformative concepts, don’t forget to grab my new book, The Homeschool Advantage, where you can explore chapter six and beyond. It’s a fantastic resource filled with actionable advice for homeschool educators.
Links and Resources from Today’s Episode
Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math
- The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
- The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook
- Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
- Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
- The Anxiety Toolkit
- Why Play Matters | Unleashing Lifelong Learning Through Play
- What Does a Gifted Child Look Like?
- Embracing Child-Focused Learning | A Guide for Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children
- 100 Hints That Your Child May Be Gifted
- Fostering Teamwork | The Power of Collaborative Learning in Homeschooling
- Delight-Directed Learner Turned Published Author | A Conversation with Millie Florence
- Cultivating Commitment and Follow Through
- Why Gamified Learning Works So Well For Gifted Children
- The Power Of Inquiry Based Learning For Gifted Children
Connect with Colleen
You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler