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TMV: Episode 11 – Communicating With Our People Part 1 Aside from our relationship with God, the sacred union we share with our husbands is the most important one of all. Like any relationship, it takes work to nurture and grow the bond that will stay with you through all the seasons of your life. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to communicate with your husband effectively. We kick off the show with Kirra, Jismarie, and Kristin, all sharing what they love most about their men. As we know, men and women communicate differently, so everyone asked their husbands to share what they wish their wives knew. These insights include why it’s necessary to cut out any preamble when telling a story, being upfront about your needs as a woman, and understanding how your husband might be hurting. We also touch on the toughest aspects of effective communication, where everyone shares what they are working on in their respective marriages. No matter what period of life you are in, it is so important to carve out time for intentional communication with your husband and make sure he knows just how much you adore him. Key Points: Hear about some of Kirra’s favorite things about her husband, Eric.  Jismarie’s favorite thing about her husband! What drew Kristin to her husband, Jimmy, and what she’s grown to appreciate about him.  Things men wished their wives knew as told by Jismarie, Kristin, and Kirra’s husbands.  Men and women communicate differently, so understand how your husband processes information.  As women, we often forget or do not realize, how much our husbands suffer.   At the root of it, most husbands want their wives to be happy above all else.  The most difficult aspects of effectively communicating with our husbands.  Why it is so important to make time for intentional communication with your husband.  Men aren’t as intuitive as women; tell your husbands what you want otherwise they won’t know!  What Kirra is working on when it comes to effectively communicating with her husband.  How Jismarie and her husband have learned to balance their different communication styles.  It is important for our children to know that we adore or husbands.  Final tips on how we can make communication with our husbands the best it can be.  It is not our husband’s job to fulfill all of our needs; that’s God’s job.  Communication is not just about talking. It's about us interacting with each other. It’s about words, it’s about thoughts, it’s about emotions, it’s about needs.Click To TweetAlways assume the best in your husbands. Don't assume the bad.Click To TweetMake communication with your husband a top priority now.Click To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins Jimmy Scroggins Christian Ramos Eric Kelly

TMV: Episode 10 – Fostering and Adoption – Part 2 The journey of foster care comes with many ups and downs, from taking a child in last-minute to comforting them through the most difficult emotional moments and having to say goodbye, possibly never to see them again. Today we speak with Krystal Gutierrez, a woman who has taken the plunge to start a fostering and adoption ministry, and she joins us to talk about how it all happened. After years of infertility struggles, Krystal started thinking about fostering as God placed it in her heart to care for children who were not her own, but when she initially approached her husband with the idea, he said no. She knew, though, that God would work in Leo’s heart and mind if that was the road he had planned for their family – and that’s exactly what happened. Two months later, he came to tell her that they simply had to be foster parents, so they got on board with an agency, received all the necessary training and counseling, and received their first placement within a few months. Krystal shares what is was like getting their foster care license and first placement on the same day, what they have learned four years into the process, why it is important to educate friends and family on how to thoughtfully engage these kids, and what their biggest challenges and joys have been. Listeners will also learn what to expect in terms of the support coming from the agency side and the role that a person’s church community can play in making the rollercoaster ride much easier. Also, stay tuned to hear the beautiful story of how Evan Gutierrez became Krystal and Leo’s son! Key Points: Krystal shares the stories of how she and Leo met and how they decided to start fostering. How God began working in Leo’s heart and changed his initial ‘no’ to a ‘yes’. A testimony about the power of prayer and trusting that the Holy Spirit will do the work. The processes the couple had to go through before they could get started on the journey. Hear about them getting their first placement on the same day their license was approved! The tremendous amount they have learned having fostered 13 kids in four years. Krystal shares the three biggest challenges she and Leo have had in the fostering journey. The unexpected challenge of trying to manage how other people respond to the children. The importance of educating friends and family on how to best engage with foster kids. How Krystal deals with and manages to comfort the kids in the most difficult moments. The many joys that come with foster care, including the opportunity to share about Jesus. The surprising number of people involved in and supporting foster care families. Krystal talks about how their church family has rallied around her and Leo in this process. Get to know a bit about Evan Gutierrez – the little boy they adopted out of foster care. Most husbands don’t feel compelled to change their heart and mind by a nagging wife. But a praying wife gets some things accomplished!Click To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins Krystal Gutierrez on Facebook Leo Gutierrez on LinkedIn Lynette Ezell on Twitter Kevin Ezell on Twitter North American Mission Board

TMV: Episode 9 – Fostering and Adoption – Part 1 Adoption and fostering are not about choosing to expand your family but rather responding to God’s call to provide a loving home for someone who needs it. With this in mind, a family’s perspective on the process of adoption and fostering changes as you switch from a self-centered mindset to one that says “Yes, Lord”, despite the many fears and uncertainties that come with the territory. In this episode, hosts Kira, Kristin, and Jismarie are joined by Lynnette Ezell, mom of six and wife to Kevin Ezell, the president of the North American Mission Board. In addition to serving in ministry for the past 35 years, Lynette and Kevin have raised a beautiful family consisting of three biological and three adopted children, not only cultivating a passion for fostering and adoption in their family but also in their church and community. Lynette opens up about the loss and pain of miscarriage and how, even after they had their biological kids, God started speaking to them about parenting in a different way. She shares with listeners what it was like adopting their first baby, how the family prayed and prepared together, and how it affected the values and norms of their congregation. As listeners will hear, Lynette and Kevin, too, were first inspired by another family who started adopting and made the conscious decision to provide a home for children who had come from brokenness, thereby demonstrating and giving expression to the father heart of God. Join us for this episode as Lynette gives us some insight into how all of us can get involved and support families on this journey! Key Points: Hear about Lynette and Kevin’s time in ministry and their hearts for pastoring people. Lynette talks about the trauma and loss associated with recurring miscarriage. Starting the journey of adoption and building their family after having three biological children. Hearing God calling her to mother in a different way and how they prepared as a family. How her three kids responded when they adopted their first baby, a one-year-old Chinese girl. The need for us believers to sometimes take the plunge and do things despite the fear. Get a sense of the challenges Lynette and Kevin faced as a big family and growing church. The mindset that God chooses you as a family to love and be a family for someone else. Learn what happened in their church as a result of their faithfulness to God’s calling. The role that seeing adoption modeled played in their own and others’ decisions to adopt. The value of having a church community who supports you in your adoption journey. Raising their kids to understand that the Gospel requires us to leave our comfort zones. How their daughters embraced the family’s passion for fostering and adoption in their lives. What to expect once you open yourself up to a “Yes, Lord” attitude toward life. Lynette talks about having to let go and let God do with her children’s lives what he wills. The importance of prayer, getting the whole family on board, and taking that first step. Why everyone is called to be involved and suggestions for how you can support families. Learn about The Adopting & Fostering Home podcast – an invaluable resource on the topic. The Lord took our scared ‘yes’ because we were afraid. Sometimes you’ve just got to do it scared.Click To Tweet Adoption and foster care at our church ceased being a special thing and it became a normal thing.Click To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins Lynette Ezell on Twitter Kevin Ezell on Twitter North American Mission Board The Adopting & Fostering Home (Podcast) SEND Relief

TMV: Episode 8 – Family Legacies In our last episode, we talked about traditions. Today, we’re talking about family legacies. While there are certainly similarities, a legacy is about the stories that you leave behind. It’s the imprint you leave on people’s hearts. As moms, it’s vital to think about how we create legacies with our children and how our actions enable them to grow, flourish, and ultimately become closer to God. We hear about what legacy means to everyone, including the role Kirra’s grandmother played in her life. Building a legacy is not easy. As a mom with so much on your plate, it may seem like one more thing to add. We encourage you, no matter how tough, to keep going. It’s worth laying the foundation now so that your children and grandchildren will love and serve God. Key Points: Understanding the difference between tradition and legacy. Learning about the role Kirra’s grandmother played in her life and the legacy she left her with. The small ways that you are leaving a legacy with your children (that you may not even realize). Jismarie knows the power of words, having grown up in an abusive household. Being intentional; the quality and quantity of time we spend with our children matters. You are building a legacy that you might not see right now, but it is important. The legacy of celebration Kirra’s grandma passed on to her. Legacies are only valuable if they are connected to a person that means something to us. An important legacy to Kristin that comes from Jimmy’s family. Why grandchildren—rather than your children—are the true test of legacy. The mistake that Kristin made not doing her quiet time in front of her children. The hard work that it takes to build an enduring legacy. An experience Jismarie had recently when she admitted she was wrong to her toddler. Celebrating Christmas and what Kirra, Kristin and Jismarie do at their respective homes. Why Jismarie misses Puerto Rico during Christmas time and traditions from there. Kristin’s family’s involvement with Operation Christmas Child and how they save for it annually. Teaching children about the importance of giving. What does it mean to be a Christ follower and how are we passing that onto our kids?Click To TweetNo matter where you’re standing right now, mom, the legacy that we are talking about is God’s love and grace. You can start right nowClick To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins The Mom Village Episode 7 The King’s Academy Operation Christmas Child Mahoney Pediatrics Sydney Mee Egg Nog Recipe Daniel Tiger Poison Control (800.222.1222)   Egg Nog Recipe (Fresh Coast Eats) Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 25 mins EquipmentSaucepan, Thermometer Ingredients3 cups whole milk1 Tbsp vanilla extract1 tsp nutmeg3 eggs3 egg yolks1/2 cup sugar1 16 0z heavy cream InstructionsIn a small saucepan over medium low heat, whisk together the milk and vanilla until mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the eggs, yolks, sugar and salt for 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken and become slightly frothy. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the vanilla and milk, whisking constantly to incorporate.Return pan to medium low heat and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes, or until temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove from heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until well combined. If desired, you can pour the mixture through a strainer to ensure there are no lumps. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

TMV: Episode 7 – Family Traditions All families have a set of beliefs or values that are passed down, from generation to generation, through the messages that children receive from their parents. Often, we associate traditions with special events like holidays, birthdays, or vacations, but every family has simple traditions that create lasting memories and feelings of belonging. These are just as important as the big occasions! In this episode, we discuss family traditions, from a daily commitment, to having dinner together as a family, to sharing our faith and God’s love as a legacy. We discuss how these traditions give families an identity and foster a strong sense of belonging, why supporting our family members in their activities is important, and how different cultures celebrate holidays. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or cost a lot of money – traditions are just repetition over time, and you can start creating family traditions right now. Tune in to find out more! Key Points: Recapping some of the best bits of the last episode. Kirra shares how her family celebrates occasions – big and small. The daily tradition of having dinner together as a family is a choice and a commitment. The dining table itself can be a family heirloom that promotes conversation and memories. Moms are always planning for the big events, but Kristin encourages daily activities that can build traditions in your family. Home schooling and scripture – Kirra shares prayer requests with her family every night. Jismarie’s family has created a daily tradition of reading a children’s Bible story with the kids. Talking about the Gospel with her family has encouraged deeper conversations with her kids. Every human wants to belong – traditions give families an identity and sense of belonging. One of Kristin’s family rules has become a tradition – they support each other’s activities. When we say “tradition,” we go straight to big holidays, but daily traditions leave an impact. Kirra read the Bible with her family daily, which is a visible manifestation of showing faith. Jismarie believes that faith and God’s love is a legacy that we can pass on to our families. Respecting the wisdom of elders, Jismarie ensures the kids spend time with grandparents. Kirra shares her tradition of the “birthday fairy,” and how it has evolved as her kids grow. Kristin reads a birthday poem to her kids, and they do a 13th birthday trip together as a family. Jismarie allows her kids to dress and decorate for their birthdays however they like. With the holiday season coming up, there are lots of annual traditions Kirra has in place. Jismarie’s family had to learn about the Fall holidays and teach their kids about them. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or be elaborate – traditions are just repetition over time. Start establishing things in your home that your kids will remember and take with them. We have had to make a choice and a commitment to sit at the dinner table together every night.Click To Tweet These little things that you can build into your home, the benefits that you will see later, for yourself and for your children, are big.Click To Tweet For them to learn about Jesus, to have Jesus in their hearts, that is the best tradition, mom, you can do for your family.Click To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins

TMV: Episode 6 – Babies and Toddlers – Part 2 with Sydney Mee The day is finally here – we are talking about toddlers! Following on from the previous show where we spoke about babies, in this episode, we discuss this crucial developmental age. Sydney Mee, a nurse practitioner at Mahoney Pediatrics, joins us once more to provide her incredible, invaluable insights. Again, we discuss the importance of sleep and why it’s so crucial to instill good sleeping habits in your child early on. On the topic of habits, we also talk about eating and how to handle picky eaters. It’s important to be firm, without forcing your child to eat, and not pander to their pickiness. Mealtimes are great opportunities for coming together as a family, so take the opportunity to assign everyone a role and a set of chores during sit down meals. Along with this, we also get into our top dos and don’ts, which include limiting electronic devices and not babying your toddler, how to help your child develop emotional intelligence and the power of letting children be bored. Sydney rounds off the discussion by giving us some great tips on how to find the best pediatrician for your family’s needs. Be sure to tune in today! Key Points: Recapping some of the best bits of the last episode. The importance of naps for toddlers and the issues poor sleep can lead to. How Sydney has dealt with her toddler who has stopped napping. Advice for moms who feel like their children won’t do what they say – be consistent. Why it’s key to keep up with visits at the pediatrician’s office. Dealing with picky eaters and why you should not worry if your child sometimes does not eat. Making mealtimes a routine and incorporating chores into it. Appropriate chores for different age levels and how it goes at everyone’s house. Keep encouraging your kids while they’re doing their chores. Some top toddler dos and don’ts. There is so much more happening at a pediatrician’s visit than meets the eye. Hear some of the negative effects that overuse of technology can have on toddlers. The power of just letting your children be rather than overloading them with activities. Final safety tips from Sydney and how to find a good pediatrician. Immunization is about protecting each other, not just yourself. We’re wired to be communal and to be together and to fit in, and so, that’s part of our job, to teach that.Click To Tweet Boredom is not always a bad thing because it produces creativity and we don’t give our kids any space to just be.Click To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins Mahoney Pediatrics Sydney Mee Daniel Tiger Poison Control (800.222.1222)

TMV: Episode 5 – Babies and Toddlers – Part 1 with Sydney Mee Today’s show covers a topic we’ve been wanting to talk about for ages – babies and toddlers, and we could think of no-one better to do a deep dive with us than Sydney Mee, a nurse practitioner at Mahoney Pediatrics. Not only do we think this the best pediatrics practice in South Florida, but Dr. Jonell Mahoney has helped every single one of our kids! In this episode with Sydney, we cover a range of baby-related topics that most moms we know have asked about. We delve into getting your family ready for a newborn, and Sydney, Jismarie, Kristin, and Kirra share all their tips on how they’ve gotten their loved one’s baby-ready. Of course, preparation is key, and this includes planning how you will manage sleep as well. Although there are a variety of approaches, you have to pick what works best for you. The same goes for breastfeeding, which is another topic we explore. While breast is best, it does also depend on so many factors that may not be in your control, so don’t beat yourself up if it’s not possible. Along with this, we also discuss getting your husbands to lighten the load, introducing solid foods, and the tough topic of vaccinations. Sydney highlights the importance of listening to professionals who have dedicated their lives to learning about how to keep your children safe. To hear more, be sure to tune in today! Key Points: Winners from our previous episodes on time management and self-care. Get to know our guest, Sydney, a nurse practitioner at Mahoney Pediatrics. Sydney’s duties as a nurse practitioner and her love of pediatrics. The importance of getting other children prepared for the birth of their sibling. Ways everyone has gotten their families ready for newborns including backpacks and baby moons. Plan ahead with sleeping arrangements, if possible. Advice for new moms who are struggling to nurse and options if you cannot. As parents, it is your job to teach your children how to sleep. Some statistics around how much sleep babies and toddlers need. Do what works best for your family, so move your children to a separate room to sleep if necessary. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome statistics and ensuring your baby sleeps safely. Introducing solid to your baby: Timing and recommended types of food to start with. Don’t be afraid to ask your pediatrician about anything you’re unsure of. The dangers of social media and falling into the comparison trap. The problem with eliminating food groups if there’s no medical reason to do it. Some of the ways to get husbands involved with childrearing. Kirra’s experience of having every Thursday night off mom duties. An overview of shots, what to do, what not to do, and talking to your pediatrician about this. Being a mom comes with making tough decisions for your kids. Common misconceptions that Sydney sees around shots. Immunization is about protecting each other, not just yourself. The best example you can give your kids, moms, is your relationship with dad.Click To Tweet If husbands offer to do it, it’s probably something they don’t mind doing. You might hate it, so don’t project that on them. If they offer, let them help.Click To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins The Mom Village Episode 4 The Mom Village Episode 3 Mahoney Pediatrics Sydney Mee AAP.org Martha Stewart Additional Resources:  AAP Parenting Website Gerber The Cradle Coach Taking Cara Babies Craig Canapari, MD Dr. Yum Project Feeding Littles Kids Eat in Color Busy Toddler Get podcast updates delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for free to receive updates and never miss out on an episode of The Mom Village. Subscribe via Email iTunes Stitcher

TMV: Episode 4 – Time Management and Self-Care – Part 2 In an age of selfies and shameless self-promotion, the idea of self-care may seem self-serving. In this episode, we unpack what self-care means and show you how it’s not about amplifying your needs but about nurturing your soul. We also continue our conversation about time-management, with a special focus on our husbands. We open by talking about why your calendar should reflect the importance of your relationship and how you can set meetings to schedule in dates, or even time to be intimate together. Another time management tip, we explore how multi-tasking and sharing tasks can lead to quality time together. Each of the hosts then open up about their self-care routines. For Jismarie, this involves waking up early, listening to Christian worship music, and reading scripture. You’ll hear how Psalms 143 nourishes Kirra and why spending time with God helps Kirstin maintain a wonderful perspective on her life. As we discuss, self-care is as much about taking the time to be with Christ as it is about doing the things that put that pep in your step. And the beautiful thing about spending time with God? It helps you reaffirm what’s important in life, which feeds into your prioritizing and time management. Near the end of the episode, we talk about the fabulous giveaways that we’ll be sending to subscribers. Tune in to hear more about how time management and self-care can lock together to add more grace to your life. Key Points: Introducing this episode’s special focus on your relationship with your husband. Having planning meetings and scheduling dates when you can. Being intentional about making the time to spend together. Multi-tasking, finding activities to do together, and waiting for the right moment to discuss things. Not staying silent and seeking counsel if you find yourself in an abusive relationship. Jismarie shares her morning self-care routine to start the day with positivity. Hear what Kirra does to stay grounded and her love of Psalms 143. How spending daily time with the Lord can leave you on a firm footing. Why selfishness is at the root of all sin and why self-care isn’t selfish — it’s soul-care. The three circles; fixing our lives by spending time with God. Gaining a new, more grace-filled perspective of your life and family through God. Memorizing a verse that resonates with you and becoming still in God’s presence. How doing the Lord’s work and helping others is the same as self-care. Even if you feel like you can’t find the time to spend with your husband, don’t wait. Make that time happen.Click To Tweet If you are in an abusive relationship, the biggest lie that they can put in your heart is silence. That’s the number one threat.Click To Tweet As I’ve grown as a mom, as a wife, as a woman, I need the nourishment that I get from reading Psalms 143 as much as I need breakfast, lunch, and dinner.Click To Tweet It takes zero discipline for me to go to Target. It takes a lot of time and discipline for me to be a woman of God’s word. And that is what I need.Click To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins Shipt Elderberry Elixir Elderberry Elixir on Instagram Alabaster Co New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional Target Costco Winn-Dixie Get podcast updates delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for free to receive updates and never miss out on an episode of The Mom Village. Subscribe via Email iTunes Stitcher

TMV: Episode 3 – Time Management and Self-Care Pt. 1 We’ve all seen those unfrazzled moms who seem to glide through their week with joy and grace. Their secret? Effective time management and self-care. In today’s episode, we share our time management tips that will help you keep control and get the right things done. After announcing our giveaway winners, we talk about how you can simplify your routine and why you shouldn’t feel guilty about not keeping up with your old lifestyle. A key part of this is sourcing out what you can, even if that means getting your kids to add support where they can. We then look at the art of list-making and using lists to prioritize tasks. Another important theme, we discuss being intentional with your time. With teens, this can mean spending time doing what they want to do, or it could mean turning an errand into special ‘just you and me time’ with one of your children. On the subject of self-care, we highlight the impact of nap or quiet time, even if your little one doesn’t like sleeping. Because when your kid doesn’t have quiet time, then you don’t have quiet time. We also touch on how you can create an environment where the whole family wants to spend time together, multi-tasking, and how you can spend time with your parents by integrating them into your day-to-day tasks. Time management is a game-changer. Tune in to hear more about how you can achieve that unfrazzled mom state. Key Points: We announce our Mom Village giveaway winners. Simplifying your routines; life changes and you don’t need to keep the same pace. Keeping a list, updating your priorities, and knowing what you can outsource. Why it’s okay that you don’t always get everything done. Using ‘chore charts’ and teaching your kids to help with chores. What you can do to be a joyous, non-frazzled mom. Turning an errand into a special day with some of your older kids. Being adaptable with your time in order to spend time with your teens. Finding that activity that you can share with your kid that will help them open up. The power of nap or rest time in giving you a chance to breathe. Multi-tasking and setting ‘quality-time’ goals to spend time with your older kids. Being intentional and positive in your relationship with your teens. Fostering an environment where your kids want to spend time together. Shaping your child’s character without breaking their spirit. Tips in spending time with your parents when you have kids and a partner. I have so many things running around in my mind. But if I can get something down on paper, it just makes me feel like I’m more in control.Click To Tweet It’s okay if you go to sleep and the dishes aren’t done. It’s not that big of a deal. Rather be rested and get the energy to do it.Click To Tweet There’s a myth out there that when your kids become teenagers that they don’t need you and don’t want to spend time with you. But they need you even more.Click To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins Target DICK’S Sporting Goods Get podcast updates delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for free to receive updates and never miss out on an episode of The Mom Village. Subscribe via Email iTunes Stitcher

TMV: Episode 2 – Continuing the Conversation about Homeschool The challenges that face moms entering into the realm of homeschooling can seem daunting and at times, prohibitive. In part 2 of our discussion on the subject, we unpack some of the obstacles and offer some helpful strategies for making things easier, especially in those difficult early days. We discuss some of the obvious issues that arise and then look at some that are specific to certain moms. The conversation also covers financial impediments and some helpful free and affordable avenues to explore. The second half of the episode is taken up with our dos and don’ts! From the mistakes of over-planning and mixed messages, to the power of allowing children to take responsibility and using storytelling, we cover a bunch of information that we know you will find enlightening. The last theme we focus on, as we round out this topic is to remember to save some time and energy for yourself and your spouse. Homeschooling can start to take over your life and home and this is the recipe for disaster! So for all this and a whole lot more, join us for the second episode of The Mom Village! Key Points: Introducing our wonderful hosts and their beautiful families! Common challenges with homeschooling; all-consuming, scheduling, and more! Challenges unique to single-moms and the power of finding a village to help. Getting your kids on board and catering to them as individuals. Financial challenges that face homeschoolers; prohibitive costs for certain programs. Making use of the library and free websites to find resources. Dos and don’ts from the moms; avoiding over-planning and finding extra-curricular activities. The power of storytelling and family read-alongs! Getting on the same page with a spouse; buy-in from both parents is vital. Tips & Takeaways: Introducing our wonderful hosts and their beautiful families! Don’t over spend. Find mom support from other homeschooling moms. Don’t over schedule. Don’t dictate. Be creative. Nobody knows your kids more than you. Start homeschooling at home, with home chores. Find resources that fit your budget and family. Make it fun! Don’t try to duplicate school at home! Read out loud or listen to good books. Teach how your children learn. Spent time with your spouse. Marriage driven home. Books: Educating the Wholehearted Child By: Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson The Organized Home Schooler By: Vicky Caruana Home Learning Year by Year By: Rebecca Rup Homeschool Bravely By: Jamie Erickson Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins Target     Get podcast updates delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for free to receive updates and never miss out on an episode of The Mom Village. Subscribe via Email iTunes Stitcher

TMV: Episode 1– Welcome to The Mom Village Hello everybody and welcome to our brand new podcast, The Mom Village! We are three, culturally diverse mothers bringing you an exciting new show in conjunction with Family Church. For our first episode, we are discussing the very relevant topic of homeschooling, something that so many of us have had to embrace and understand in the last year. Whether homeschooling was part of your life before the pandemic, or it arrived abruptly on your doorstep at the beginning of 2020, there are so many tips and methods for making the most of the current state of the world and enriching your family lives through this opportunity. After introducing ourselves and our amazing families, we dive into the topic, looking at our early experiences of homeschooling and what brought about the switch for each of us. We then break down several factors we feel are important, talking about spaces, curricula, meetings, routines, goals, breaks, and more! At the end of the day, homeschooling can be a big challenge but it is such a beautiful chance to spend more time with your children, which is really a gift from God! Listen in with us today, and make sure to look out for our next episode, where we will continue the discussion! Key Points: Introducing our wonderful hosts and their beautiful families! Homeschooling in the era of the pandemic; challenges and joys of this new situation. First experiences of homeschooling in our homes — taking the leap and reaping the benefits. Spaces matter for a homeschool environment and making the most of what is available. Creating a unique and meaningful experience for you and your children. Finding appropriate curricula that suits your children and the family dynamic. Morning family meetings and planning the day out after devotions. The importance of manageable chunks of time and taking breaks as necessary. Daily goals and creating a sense of accomplishment for children. Managing multiple responsibilities and the challenge of homeschooling while working. Flexibility and adjusting to specific circumstances in your schedule. Appreciation for the blessing of more time with your family. Recapping today’s tips and looking forward to the next episode. Today’s great giveaway and how to get added to the draw! Try to enjoy the blessing and privilege that God has just put in front of you, the fact that you have more time with your kids.Click To Tweet Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins Target Get podcast updates delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for free to receive updates and never miss out on an episode of The Mom Village. Subscribe via Email iTunes Stitcher