• Last updated 3/12/13 by Melanie Mayo

This article is part of our guide to Teaching Science at Home.   Real Science-4-Kids offers unique and high quality science curriculum options for children grades K-12. Developed by homeschooling mom and biophysical chemist Rebecca Keller, their texts and other resources are smart, easy to use and affordable.    Real Science-4-Kids provides printed workbooks, laboratory workbooks, and teacher's manuals as well as interactive online classes and an online testing center. Subjects covered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Astronomy and Geology for elementary... read more

• Last updated 3/12/13 by Melanie Mayo

This article is part of our guide to Teaching Science at Home.   What is Supercharged Science?   Created by rocket scientist and educator Aurora Lipper, the programs from Supercharged Science provide some of the best value we've seen for a complete science education at home.    Supercharged Science offers two really great options for science education: a complete e-Science program that is offered fully online and a Science Mastery Program that includes not only the e-science element but also a detailed printed book, all of the materials for each... read more

• Last updated 2/22/13 by SKValenzuela

By S.K. Valenzuela   Though Valentine's Day has already come and gone, the whole month of February always seems to me to be dedicated to love. It gives us a fabulous excuse to reflect on what love really is and to assess our growth in love.    I teach Baby Care classes at an area hospital, and one of my goals is to help parents to understand the fundamental relationship between responsiveness and trust. It's a cycle that begins from the very first moments after birth and continues...well, frankly, I don't think it ever ends. The basic premise is that responding... read more

• Last updated 2/22/13 by SavvyHomeschool

By Savvy Homeschool Moms       In this week's episode, the moms talk about using their new "Seize the Year" wall calendars to get organized and using incentives and rewards to help homeschooling run more smoothly.           Some links in this episode: 2013 “Seize the Year” Wall Calendar Using Incentives in the classroom HighScore House       To see the full show notes, including a LOT MORE links to all the resources mentioned, please visit our website: The Savvy Homeschool Moms, episode 26. To subscribe to or... read more

• Last updated 3/12/13 by VKHarberRYT

Being enthusiastic about our passions without judging others' choices.     By V.K. Harber   I was recently told by a complete stranger that I “look like someone who cooks from scratch”. I’m fairly certain this was meant neither as a compliment nor as a simple benign observation. The whiff of insult was subtle but noticeable.      I’m not sure what gave me away as a person who does indeed cook from scratch. I was not wearing an apron or a dusting of flour, which would be two very obvious tells for me. Perhaps it was the unwashed hair or the slight odor... read more

• Last updated 2/15/13 by Melanie Mayo

I pointed out in Part 1 that our culture harbors a common, dangerous misconception about teens -- that they need us to drop the reins and let them "do their thing." But in terms of their brain and social development, they are as tender as they were as infants. So, we need to remain their active guides and examples. Adults staying actively, enthusiastically involved in the lives of their children and students is one of the best teen addiction prevention measures. In addition to the 3 guidelines offered in Part 1, what else do teens need from us during this time when our... read more

• Last updated 2/21/13 by Melanie Mayo

By Brian Leaf       A few years ago, I was in an eye exam for my son Noah. The doctor wanted to get drops in Noah’s eyes and he was frustrated that Noah did not want to sit still. So he commanded me to hold Noah down while he put the drops in. Noah was crying wildly. I was taken off guard by the doc’s order, so I did it. I held Noah down forcibly, against his will, while the doctor put the drops in.   Noah moved on pretty easily, thrilled to play with toys in the waiting room while his eyes dilated. But I felt terrible. I was sure I could have found a less... read more

• Last updated 2/9/13 by SavvyHomeschool

By Savvy Homeschool Moms             In this episode the moms chat about vacation, science with paper airplanes and what to do when a homeschool curriculum doesn't work for you.             Some links in this episode: Journey North Mystery Class   Pento for the iPad   Homeschool Classifieds     To see the full show notes, including a LOT MORE links to all the resources mentioned, please visit our website: The Savvy Homeschool Moms, episode 25. To subscribe to or download our show, check us out on iTunes, or our... read more

• Last updated 2/4/13 by Marcy Axness

A common misconception is that teens need us to drop the reins. But neurodevelopmentally, they are as tender as infants, so teens still need us very much. One of the most important books I’ve encountered about parenting during early adolescence is poignantly and aptly titled Our Last Best Shot. Author Laura Sessions Stepp spent two years finding out what teens need for future psychosocial wellbeing and success. She admits in the book that she “wanted to minimize the significance of parents and emphasize the importance of other adults.”   While she discovered the... read more

• Last updated 2/1/13 by Beth Berry

By Beth Berry     Among my favorite things about living abroad are the unexpected encounters and rich relationships we’ve formed with people from all walks of life and corners of the planet. One such experience stands out as particularly interesting... Some months ago, I met a man from England at our favorite hole-in-the-wall wine bar down the street from our house. He, a chatty guy in his late 40s, and I, excited to be out without kids and sharing a table with jovial strangers from six countries, enjoyed a lively conversation on subjects from healthcare... read more