LIVING An Inspired Education with Donna Vail

This Blog Has Moved!

2011-01-15T16:02:00.000-06:00

Please update your records and make a note of our new blog address: http://blog.aninspirededucation.com

I look forward to having you there.

Stay Inspired!

Donna Vail

The Go-To Homeschool Mom
http://www.aninspirededucation.com

AIE Radio: Shining a New Light on Homeschooling

2011-01-04T11:02:00.000-06:00

The Homeschool Talk Radio Show
An Inspired Eductation:
Transforming Families to Love More, Live More, Learn More

Saturday, January 8, 2011
12 Noon ET, 9 A.M. PST, 11 A.M. CST
Listen Live at:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceamerica/vshow.aspx?sid=1842

Shining a New Light on Homeschooling
Today more than ever parents are faced with daily challenges and problems securing an excellent education for their children that will properly prepare them for today’s academic environment as well as leaders of their future. Are you dissatisfied with your child’s current school and wondering if homeschooling is right for you? Donna Vail and her guest, Randall Libero shine a new light on homeschooling and share just how you can give your children an excellent education while creating a lifestyle of true freedom for the whole family. Join us on today’s show and learn how your child becomes student and teacher, how working parents can school their own and the truth about socialization. Become empowered to give your children the education they deserve.

Host:
Donna Vail is the founder of An Inspired Education, a company devoted to homeschooling families, inspiring them to live extraordinary lives and empowering their children through self-education.

In 1995 when homeschooling was still unknown to the masses, Donna transitioned from her daily office commute, to work from home and homeschool her children. Donna homeschools her six children and helps parents around the world achieve success in their homeschools through her writing, speaking, workshops and private consults. Her passion for education excellence drives her to continually explore and develop new ways to support and nurture children.

Donna has developed an open-system using the highest quality proven resources that inspire natural curiosities and a love of learning in children, supporting harmonious family living. She creates true freedom for the entrepreneur lifestyle that nurtures children towards academic excellence and enables parents to flourish in their life pursuits. How children learn matters!

Discover more about Donna at www.aninspirededucation.com.

Guest:
Randall Libero is a pioneering New Media Producer who is a recognized expert on the convergence of movies and Internet Media and their impact on society and culture, and host of the online talk radio program "Spirit of Film: Conversations" www.spiritoffilm.net He is also a parent, and believes that parents can learn how to guide young minds to consciously interact with today’s media culture wisely.

New Year, New Life, Big Gratitude

2011-01-03T08:01:00.000-06:00

Family Vacation, Florida 2010

I'm so excited about the New Year! I hope you are embarking on your best year yet with great enthusiasm. Last year was very amazing! I met so many wonderful people who have made a significant difference in my life. Many of you online as well as in person. It was so exciting to share in-person time with people I had only known from online. I am ever so grateful to all of the dynamic and extremely successful mentors who patiently taught me so much about business, life and myself. It is with great determination that I apply all that I learned and share it with as many people as I can.

There was so much work put forth in 2010 towards making a real difference in the world, specifically in the way children are educated. I never could have done so much without all the support I received from my husband, Julian; my all around tech guru and oldest son, Aaron; all of my children who work miracles as a team; my partners in education, and all of my mentors, and friends. Together everyone achieves miracles!

It is only a handful of days away that I will be able to introduce you to my new website that will bring you more information, tools and support to educate children in excellence while creating harmony and a lifestyle of true freedom for the whole family. I am extremely excited for what this means for parents who work from home and the entrepreneur lifestyle. For those who are on our current mailing list we will be sending you the announcement shortly. Be the first to know, take a moment to join us at www.aninspirededucation.com and leave your name and email. We'll be sure you are first to know.

As I write this I am also patiently waiting for the west coast to wake up this morning (it's still too early there) and receive the links as well as specific listen-in details for the all new homeschool radio show, dedicated exclusively to homeschoolers. The first show airs Saturday, January 8th at 9 A.M. PST, 11 A.M. CST, and 12 Noon ET on the VoiceAmerica channel. Watch for announcements coming this week with those details. An Inspired Education: Transforming Families to Love More, Live More, Learn More.

I can't wait to share this awesome year with you and your family! We've a lot to look forward to and I am very grateful to share the path with you. Let's make this the best year yet! Stay Inspired!

Love and peace,

Donna Vail
The Go-To Homeschool Mom
http://www.aninspirededucation.com

Love More, Live More, Learn More

How Do We Determine Our School Schedule?

2010-12-31T14:31:00.000-06:00

This Week's Question Answered:

Q: I’ve heard of quite a few homeschool families who school year round. Will I be required to do this as well? How do we determine our school schedule?

A: The decision to school year round is a personal choice. I recommend becoming familiar with the laws of your state or province. As long as you’re in compliance with the minimum time requirements set forth by your local jurisdiction, then you’re free to add to it as you see fit.

There are families who school the same schedule as their local public school. Some families use a four days a week schedule, extending the amount of months in session. Other families school six days a week to stay in the habit of studies, while others homeschool year round, perhaps at a more relaxed rate.

Remember, you’re in control of your schedule so always choose what’s best for your family. Vacations and days off are all determined by you. When you do have days off the children still continue in their learning through curiosity. Remember, learning doesn’t stop because you took time out of your normal routine.

Get Your Questions Answered: Ask Donna

Are you stuck? Have a question about home education or living inspired? Send me your most pressing question, and then get your answers in the next publication of Living An Inspired Education.

If you could ask me one question about creating more success and joy for you and your family as you homeschool, what would your question be?

Send me an e-mail with your specific question. Type in the subject line "Here's my question Donna" and send it to donna@aninspirededucation.com

Please submit your one question while it is still fresh on your mind and thank you so much for participating in this worldwide survey. I do hope that our paths will cross soon on a live teleseminar, personalized mentoring sessions or a live event. Until then, let's get your question answered and stay inspired.

Life is in Front of You

2010-12-30T03:00:00.003-06:00

“Your spiritual practice does not occur someplace other than in your life right now, and your life is nowhere other than where you are….Live the life in front of you, be the life you are, and see what you find out for yourself.”

-Excerpt: Karen Maezen Miller, Momma Zen

Power Up for Parents

2010-12-29T16:50:00.000-06:00

As parents we face voluminous responsibilities in our every day care of family, relationships and work, possibly even our own business. With these constant demands it’s easy to be drained of your vital energy, leaving you wilted dreading each day.

What do you want to teach your children? As you rush about never really enjoying your day or ultimately your life they will not be able to either. Even if you want something different for them, whatever you are modeling is what they are learning. Take a moment to contemplate the vantage point of your children. What do they see you doing? What is their experience with you?

Burn out is not what we want to mirror for our children. Life is too precious. The children are growing fast. This moment with your spouse is now, not later when you’re feeling better. Life’s meant to be lived in joy and love not stress and chaos.

So what do you do to balance it all? Here’s 10 tips to empower you to live with joy and love every day.

1. Let go of the idea you’re carrying a big load. The more you overwhelm yourself with endless lists and “have-tos” the harder each moment becomes. Change your thoughts. Say out loud, “I can do it!” Many of us fail to step up to our true potential out of fear or a belief somehow that we don’t deserve to have a wonderful life. Keep your mind on thoughts of productivity and all that is positive. When you feel yourself slipping into the habit of complaining how much you have to do, pause, drop what you don’t need and just do it.

2. Do what you love. Reconnect with your talents and strengths. Make a list in your journal and choose one to start implementing in your life. Just do one thing towards it daily. Give yourself the permission to be flexible. Some days you might only be able to dedicate a few minutes, 10 or 15 or 30 minutes and on other days you will be able to allot several hours.

3. Make time for doing what you love. When you’re doing what you love, you’re feeding your soul and empowered to do more for others and be more fully present.

4. Keep a treasure box of nice notes. Keep this box in reach and visible so you can re-read them regularly, especially on those days when you feel down or listless. You can put anything in your box that makes you feel good: old pictures of good times, letters from that special someone. Perhaps you were recognized for some special achievement. It’s all about feeling good and reminding yourself, “you’ve come a long way baby!”

5. Create a “My Vision” board or notebook. Be clear on your purpose and the life you envision. Include pictures of you and the service or message you want to share with the world. Include pictures of your family, supportive friends and pictures that connect you today with how you want to carry out your purpose.

6. Make time to reflect. On a regular basis re-read your journal. As you do you will realize how much you’ve grown and changed since you began. Count your blessings and trust that more abundance is on the way. Get into the flow.

7. Have fun! All work and no play make mommy and daddy very dull parents. Let go of the need to get it all done. Go on a date with your significant other, see a movie, go to the spa, dance, roll around in the grass with the kids, swing or go down the slide, play a game, go out in nature and do things that make you feel alive.

8. Practice gratitude. Repeat the words “thank you” often, not only to others but to yourself as well. Choose to feel good and all the stress and anxiety melts away.

9. Get help. I’ve mentioned this plenty of times before. You can’t do it all yourself, no one does. The most successful people in the world are supported by a team of people who make it possible for them to do what they do. Who can be part of your success team?

10. Clean up. Relieve yourself of unnecessary clutter and things that don’t serve you. Create a well-organized and inspiring space. Keep your drawers neat and organized as well. Have a special place for your keepsakes and treasures. And when you’re shopping, ask yourself “Do I really need this?” If you decide it’s something you really want, what can you get rid of to make room for the new. Your environment is an important part of your well-being, keep it clean.

Do this for yourself, do it for your children. Be open and honest with your children explaining that you are trying to turn over a new leaf and want to create more time as a family and a lifestyle that supports total well-being. Read over the list with your children and pick something you can do together. The children can do it in their own small way that reaps big results. My children laugh at some of the things I do but then suddenly they join in. They discover that it’s fun to get organized, create a vision boards and work as a team. So go have fun and power up!

The Need to Be Idle

2010-12-23T09:30:00.000-06:00

"How can happiness be bestowed? My own answer is: Abolish authority. Let the child be himself. Teach him. Don't lecture him. Don't evaluate him. Don't force him to do anything." -A. S. Neill Summerhill

We must ensure that every moment of every day is intense and filled with pleasure, joy, fun, laughter and passion.

Support your children learning the 3R's, let them explore and learn technical skills and leave them alone otherwise. Alone meaning, allow, allow, allow. Allow them to be who they are now as they grow into something more. Allow them to explore what they are interested in now because it's likely to quickly change. Allow them the time to be idle, get board, dream, and observe the world around them. Don't worry, their passion and purpose will fuel their actions moving them to a successful and fulfilling life.

But in order to truly support them you must find your spot of idleness as well.When can you just sit and read while they play nearby? When can you do something you truly enjoy? Is it painting, playing music, reading, drawing, gardening, building something, cooking or even just sitting enjoying time with friends? This idleness needs to not only be available for the children but the parents as well. What good is it for children to be idle while the parents are running around like mad? This will only cause a constant uphill battle within the home, a double standard and feeling of conflict. Get in sync with your whole life.

When children learn by choice and not by force they learn at a far faster rate. Think about your priorities. What are your priorities, really?

Notes from The Idle Parent by Tom Hodgkinson

Empower Your Education – Empower Your Life

2010-12-22T08:40:00.000-06:00

“Education comes from within; you get it by struggle and effort and thought.” –Napoleon Hill

Would you like to know how to create a superior education for your children? Are you ready to begin living a lifestyle of true freedom? Are you ready to experience family harmony?

Throughout the course of my life I have had the privilege to work with, study and meet men and women who have a strong desire to improve their lives and the lives of others creating a better world. They use specific knowledge and practice habits that create great success and positive change. If you desire to give your children an education of excellence and preparedness for what their future holds as well as empower yourself to greater success while experiencing family harmony then please read on very carefully.

There was a time in my life, not so very long ago when I woke up and finally realized why my life wasn’t working. I was caught up in the cycle of living the same day over again just like in the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day. I was repeating my past and moving forward ever so slowly in growth and knowledge. The conditioning of my youth get ready for school, doing the “assignments,” and waiting for instructions on what to do next. This pattern is a way of life so common for children in enrolled in mass education and after twelve years of conditioning the damage is done and carries over into adulthood also known as the rat race.

The familiar routine day in and day out can provide a feeling of safety to some but it also produces a false sense of security. Picture this: my husband is off to work, my children are off to school, and I can get “my” things done while everyone is away eventually leads to boredom. When you’re separated from those you love for extended periods – years, we can’t feel truly alive. We are left bored, fulfilling selfish needs, restless and eventually discontent. The life we dreamed of is quickly passing us by while we are entranced in this same routine. Remember, it’s in the service of others (our family), that life serves us.

As a mother and father it’s time to wake-up from the narcotic effects of our upbringing and begin living an extraordinary life. You must do this so your children don’t fall into the perpetual trance. I know deep down inside your heart you desire to experience depths of amazing love and harmony with your family.

Here are 6 steps you can begin taking in your everyday to begin waking up to family harmony and whole life success. Please do not discount any one of these steps because even though they may seem simple, the results they carry are extraordinary.

1. Treat your home like the empire that it is. This is where your family gathers and builds its sustainability. Keep it clean and organized. Create systems for everything, efficiency rather than deficiency will be the norm. A family can be as organized and efficient as any well run business and equally successful. Since you’ll be home much of the time design your family system for the highest good of every member. Successfully implemented systems can produce the help equivalent of a hired personal assistant.
2. Take care of yourself so they will learn how to do the same. When you get good rest, respect yourself with creative time, take time to read and write, drink plenty of good clean water and eat healthy nutritious meals your children can’t help but join in. Be sure the habits of self-care are those you want your children to live as well. If you’re skimping on sleep then chances are your children are learning how to be low energy, grumpy and whine. It all begins with what we model. Give yourself time and space to really take good care of yourself so you can enjoy a happy life together.
3. Implement a well-organized plan your homeschool; a plan that not only delivers academic excellence, but also supports your children in the building of the character traits that build a successful life. The habit of attention will insure academics are done in a timely manner now. Later in life important responsibilities will not be neglected or procrastinated. By modeling self-discipline in yourself, you will raise children who are self reliant and accountable for themselves. They will not wait for others to tell them what to do. All habits formed now create the manner in which they will conduct their personal and professional lives and manage their family in the future. A well-organized homeschool will be the fuel needed to power itself without you having to drag your kids kicking and screaming through childhood.
4. Create a balanced flow for a lifestyle of learning. Children should not have to sit through long drawn out hours of “classes”. Younger children can usually only handle an hour and slowly build up to more over the years eventually to 5-6 hours a day for the oldest student. The most effective and natural learning takes place as a lifestyle. A family can grow very healthy and wise to balance head (academics and thoughts), heart (moral, pleasure, relational and spiritual), and hand (chores, work, exercise, physical exertion and entrepreneurial pursuits.)
5. Provide, guide and step aside. Since you and your family are doing all of this living and learning together the very first ingredient necessary is unconditional love. You will be walking beside them creating a partnership rather than ruling over them. Consider your children as people and forget their age for a moment. They’re very wise and have much to share with you. They may even have lessons to teach you. All they lack is experience and vocabulary. Trust and respect your children. Treat them the way you want to be treated. You will develop the most meaningful and fulfilling relationships that will last a lifetime.
6. Get help. No one does anything alone. We were created to love each other. By doing so we help and support each other. Make sure you have quality friends and surround yourself with likeminded individuals who fully support you in your ideals and lifestyle. Surround yourself with experts and mentors you can call on when you have a question or need guidance to propel you to the next level. The most successful people; athletes, students, business leaders and professionals all keep a mentor and coach. How much greater is the work you’re doing in your home, creating the next generation. Having a mentor has made all the difference in my life, saving me countless hours and avoiding numerous mistakes, enabling me to grow and make a difference in the lives of my family and families around the world. As your children grow you will mentor them and as they move into adulthood encourage them to continue on with mentors.

If you will take this list, highlight it, make notes of ways you are inspired to implement these steps, create an action plan and start living it in your every day, you will transform everyday ordinary to everyday extraordinary.

If you would like help creating or implementing systems that work for you, send me an email donna@aninspirededucation.com. I’d be happy to work with you designing and implementing systems that create a lighter load and allow you to get your work done and have plenty of time to play. Breathe easy, it’s all part of the plan.

“Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you ready or not, to put this plan into action.” –Napoleon Hill

Want to Use This Article In Your e-zine Web site, blog or newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete excerpt with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' e-newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! Start living a lifestyle of true freedom and inspire the best in your child. Get your free weekly education and success mindset tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Time for Yummy Fun!

2010-12-21T02:26:00.002-06:00

I absolutely love to bake. I started when I was just a young girl. Always baking cookies, cakes and pies. My mom and grandmothers were always making a delicious dessert from scratch. I can still almost taste my grandmother's famous and luscious Lemon Meringue Pie. The tall stiff peaks of meringue and the creamy lemon custard was to die for. It's a beautiful food memory because now I wouldn't dream of eating such a pie because I want to keep my girlish figure.

Just because I am avoiding eggs and processed sugar doesn't mean that I am without all the yummy cookies, cakes and pies. I have learned how to bake from some of the most conscious chefs and my children are now taking up the same talents. So grab the kids and let's get in the kitchen for some yummy fun! As you can see, food memories last a long time. Create some beautiful ones with your children now. It will be delish!

Today I am sharing with you one of my favorite cookies because it is sweet and very satisfying. Enjoy plenty of these little gems anytime of the year but especially over the holidays.

Raspberry Gem Thumb-print Cookies

2 Cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 1/2 Cups Almond Meal (ground from 1 cup almonds)
2 Teaspoons Aluminum-Free Baking Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt

1/3 Cup Vegetable oil
1/3 Cup Apple Juice
1/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

All-Natural Raspberry Jam (fruit-sweetened)
or Jam flavor of your choice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl mix together all wet ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into dry, mixing well. This will form a dough that can be lightly kneaded until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Form into 24 dough balls and flatten to make into circles. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Indent each cookie with your thumb and fill indention with preserves. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden on edges. Makes approximately 24 cookies.

Increase Productivity

2010-12-20T08:03:00.001-06:00

When Richard Branson was asked by Tim Ferris what was his number one way to increase productivity, without hesitation he said, "Workout." By working out you can increase your productivity by 3-4 hours. And this works! I have experienced the very same thing.

When we are caught in the loop of trying to squeeze in this and that we fool ourselves into believing that working out is just another expendable task on the check list. It's often times the first thing to go as we opt to fill our time with "trying to get more done" either at our desk or around the house. This is actually the worse choice that can be made. It can only get you more behind and your still left with low to no energy.

Do yourself a favor and get a regimen started that can truly support you and increase your productivity. In the process you will also benefit greatly in other ways from your workout. Here's some suggestions you can implement immediately:

1. Look at photos of yourself. I mean really look at them. Have you gained extra pounds? Do you have the tired look? Would you like to return to your "normal" weight and size? Some of the most successful people keep a before and after photo of themselves in front daily to remind themselves why they are doing the regimen. At all times remain conscious and clear so you can stay true to yourself and be successful with your goals.

2. Choose a method of workout that best suits your lifestyle. Do you need to go to the gym? Will you go to the gym? If you have little ones at home and can't seem to get out then choose something you can do at home. I like to use DVD's to support my workout. Typically I like to do my workout early in the morning to get my day started. Here's my top three picks:
Jorge Cruise: The 12 Second Sequence: Get Fit in 20 Minutes Twice a Week! This is a great book to use at home giving you real results, fast.
Rodney Yee:A.M. Yoga for Your Week The yoga routines on this DVD are very doable and within 20 minutes you can have a fresh and healthy start on your day. You can even do this one with your children.
Tracy Anderson: The Tracy Anderson Method Mat Workout DVD Talk about real results! If you want to sculpt your body in a feminine way this is the workout for you. What I like about Tracy is that she is a mom too and knows how hard it can be to get back to the body you want after having babies. Doing Tracy's Mat workout you can see real results quickly.

Don't forget to add walking to your regimen. Walking for 30-minutes in the morning and 30-minutes in the evening will fully support your body and it's normal functions. It will catapult your wellness and energy when done faithfully. This gets you out into the fresh air and is key to waking up feeling refreshed and ready for the new day.

3. Track your progress. It's easy to get discouraged if you don't "see" real results real fast. Getting on the scales daily will not give you the answers you are looking for. Instead take notice of how your clothes fit. Which outfits are tight on you that suddenly become loose. You know when you feel bloated and heavy. Make note of it. Keep a Food-Mood Journal. Notice the common connections of foods eaten and moods experienced. Keeping this journal can be as simple as taking a photo with the camera on your phone of your food each time you sit down to eat. Taking a pause long enough to take a picture and then really noticing what you are eating can help you make more conscious decisions. In addition to the photos keep a log by making note of what you are eating throughout each day.

My favorite wellness coach, Verne Varona, has been key to keeping me healthy and on track. The accountability of a coach is priceless. If you want real results and full support to maintain, recover or revitalize your health then Verne is the person for you. Be sure to visit his site at www.vernevarona.com. He has transformed me (plus countless others) and continues to guide me to grow younger and live longer.

As the year is quickly coming to an end you have time to get your plan in place and get it going into the New Year building a better you for 2011. Not only will working out improve your health and fitness level but you will also increase productivity and be able to think clearer. Good luck with your plan and be sure to come back and tell us about your plan and how it's working out! Here's to a New Year and a New You!! Be inspired to Love More, Live More and Learn More.

Can You Support Children Who Need Your Help?

2010-12-18T03:26:00.001-06:00

Today I share with you a school in Shripur Village, Bihar, India that has a big mission. This is a place where real ground work is taking place to change lives. Here at AIE we are supporting their efforts and partnering to provide An Inspired Education abroad. These children do not only face needing an education but with every child that is brought to the school to learn, they are also being fed, loved and taught basic life skills. For some of these children it can mean a day of not having to go without food, having clothes to wear or know that someone is there to help them simply live their every day. Click on the link here to the Jenifer Rural campus and see if you can contribute to this little place that is making a BIG difference to create a better world.

Jenifer Rural Campus

"Our goal as educators is to present a sense of hopefulness to students, and the competence to act on that hope." "That's different from wishful thinking--ignoring problems or assuming that somehow technology or some mythical 'they' is going to figure it out. We will all have to figure it out. A whole set of diverse disciplines, suggesting a very different curriculum and pedagogy."

[Adapted quote of author of book: Earth in Mind]
At Jenifer School Education is fun, challenging, and inspirational to our students who are of varying talents, values and abilities while preparing each one with the skills required to adapt and succeed in an ever-changing diverse world.

A learning and systems-centered, age appropriate curriculum dedicated to the approach and advocacy of integrated dynamic sustainability.

Jenifer school, Shripur Village, Bihar, is "feeless for all children."

Provides quality education, and preventative healthcare in a ecologically sound environs along with a professionally managed school and staff. Develop school as a model school in the region.

How can I balance being a mom, homeschooling and work?

2010-12-17T03:44:00.002-06:00

This Week's Question Answered:

Q: I'm a work-at-home mother of three children ages 2, 4, and 7. I would like to homeschool but am not sure how I will find the time I need to do my work. How can I balance being a mom, homeschooling and work?

A: First of all don't feel alone or that you are tackling the impossible because there are many moms doing this very same thing. Women are in a fabulous position today to work a successful business from home while greatly benefiting her family.

Using the self-teaching method is perfect for parents who work. You can be at your desk working while your child is doing his academics at a desk near yours. Create a quiet study time where the two younger children must play together near you while you and your 7 year-old work at your desks. You can do tasks that allow for interruptions. This way you can tend to your student if he has questions or guide the little ones. My two-and-half-year-old is content to sit and color, play with puzzles, legos and look at books quietly while others study because we have shown her this is what we do.

Give yourself quality time, breaking to be with the kids and making meals fun. You can relax this time because you know you've got your work covered.

Become laser focused; decide exactly what you have to do and how much time you need. Schedule yourself for uninterrupted work time while your children are sleeping, either before they wake in the morning or in the evening after they've gone to bed. Set up regularly scheduled time for this. Consistency is key.

If you need to go on appointments or make regular phone calls consider getting a babysitter, relative or friend to watch your children on a regular basis. Perhaps two afternoons a week or three afternoons, every other day. Even if you don't have appointments it might be good to give yourself the extra focus time to get more done.

Remember, communication is key. Your family can support you better when they understand what you are doing and your needs. Just as you are there for them, they want to support you as well. There's nothing that is impossible if you are aligned with higher values. By putting your family first, being in that feeling of well-being propels you more and more into possibilities of the situation that will facilitate the needs of you, your children and your spouse.

Get Your Question Answered: Ask Donna

Are you stuck? Have a question about home education or living inspired? Send me your most pressing question, and then get your answers in the next publication of Living An Inspired Education.

If you could ask me one question about creating more success and joy for you and your family as you homeschool, what would your question be?

Send me an e-mail with your specific question. Type in the subject line "Here's my question Donna" and send it to donna@aninspirededucation.com

The Parent's Creed

2010-12-16T03:38:00.002-06:00

Socialization, Do We Need to Go There?

2010-12-15T03:36:00.001-06:00

Many people unfamiliar with the homeschooling lifestyle, have preconceived notions that homeschoolers are somehow missing out on building social skills because they are not among large groups of kids their own age for eight hours or more a day, five days a week. The rapid rise in popularity in homeschooling as led to a growth in awareness both in the public and private sectors of society. Businesses and local organizations embrace and welcome homeschool families. In fact many of them are creating customized learning programs tailored just for homeschooled students. Opporutnies for learning in groups, clubs and social events abound. I catch myself needing to hold back from over extending our activities to be sure we are not constantly on the go and allowing our academics suffer. The freedom of homeschooling opens you to a world of mass opportunity and self mastery through self control.

Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed as you receive the onslaught of brochures, announcements and handouts about this class or that club; this play or that. It’s easy to want to participate in it all. You know that you will learn new things, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones. Just remember to not become a slave to your schedule by overbooking. You can’t “do it all.”

Here are 8 questions to help you determine if an activity is aligned with honoring you and your children allowing you to make a good choice:

1. Who wants this activity, my child or is it mostly my idea?
2. Is this activity aligned with my child’s learning and purpose, gaining more from it than the time spent?
3. Am I attracted to the idea that rewards, trophies and accolades will bring happiness to my children?
4. Is there a chance that adding this activity may impact the well-being for my family?
5. Will my children continue to have some free-play time every day?
6. Will my children continue to get enough sleep?
7. Will we be able to manage eating dinner together as a family at least 5 nights or more a week?
8. Will this new activity add stress to my already full plate or what can I remove from my plate?

It’s okay to be selfish with your self-care and wellness. It’s okay to have extra time on your hands. You don’t have to fill every moment of every day. The years with your young family are precious. What will you remember? All the fun time spent together or the chaos of always going somewhere, doing something?

Families should honor themselves with time to relax, contemplate, and play together. This is how strong family bonds are established. A family that plays together stays together.

When you can find an activity of great interest that respects the family as a whole fulfilling the above criteria it will be well worth it. Now you and your family can enjoy it to the fullest remaining balanced and well.

Now go play!

Gifts That Last a Lifetime

2010-12-14T03:40:00.001-06:00

With the ever pressing holidays growing near parents are busy doing lots of shopping for the holidays. Here are a few ideas you can use to give a gift that will last long after the holidays are over. Children lose interest in toys quickly, especially toys that inspire no creativity. Give them a gift they can enjoy long after the holidays and kindle a new passion they can carry throughout their lives.

1. Books. We give our children books at every occasion. They are each building their own library from little on. Once they move out on their own they will have a nice collection of books that they can treasure and share for generations. Be sure to choose classics, books the child will never tire of reading and if you have the choice of hardback or paper back why not opt for the hardback? It's worth it and it will last much longer. My 7 year-old son is carrying around and reading daily from the 594 page A Child's History of the World by Virgil Hillyer. The size of the book did not discourage this young reader. In fact he is enjoying the exciting stories that are presented in a grandfather narrative form. We never grow too old for a good book.

2. Natural Toys and Crafts. Search for toys that are well built. It would be better to buy a few well built toys rather than a pile of cheap toys that will quickly break or be forgotten. Search for toys that build skill or help teach a life skill. Boys like Legos and blocks, magnifying glasses, binoculars, tools, bug catchers, painting, drawing, wooden swords and shields, wooden boats and trains, musical instruments, balls and bats. Girls like dolls, dishes, dress up, blocks, knitting, painting, coloring, candle making, flower pressing, musical instruments and games. For younger children, here are two resources: http://www.novanatural.com and http://www.musicforlittlepeople.com

3. Kits and Art Supplies. Expose your children to all mediums of art. You don't have to be an artist to do so. Check your local bookseller for fabulous kits to introduce arts such as sewing sock animals, knitting, Chinese brush painting, watercolor painting, acrylics painting, pottery, drawing, paper arts and much more. A trip to your local art supply store and you can find a world of many things to try. Don't just leave it up to the kids. Join in the fun. I've had some of the most enjoyable and rewarding times spent doing art with my children. It's so much fun to get right in there with them and create. You don't have to be good at it, just enjoy it. We all should be doing a little something creative everyday. http://www.dickblick.com

4. Gift Cards to Art Classes and Lessons. Find local art classes or places where your child can take lessons from a professional or expert artist. Sign up for a few months so the child can gain proficiency. As a parent take the class together to make it more meaningful.

5. Take a Trip. Celebrate by taking a trip either far, far away or locally. Explore something new. What can you learn? What can you share? Make it a theme birthday or holiday around your chosen location. Be sure to take lots of pictures because this will be a memory of a lifetime. My children still talk about the birthday celebration in California. We are thinking about taking a trip to the snow for Christmas.

Enjoy your holiday and birthday celebrations. This is where many of your memories are created so be sure to make them special focusing on the love for each other.

How Do You Find Time to Homeschool?

2010-12-10T12:18:00.000-06:00

ASK DONNA:

This Weeks Question Answered:

Q: How do you find the time to homeschool? How many hours do you spend teaching every day?

A: It is easiest if one parent is committed to stay home with the children. In my case I'm fortunate that my husband works for one of the leading telecom companies that permits him to work from home. I create my schedule around my children's learning. I take responsibility for the hands-on work involved in their education, but my husband and I work closely with each other regarding the kids. Since he's home during the day we share really great lunches and don't have to wait until late evening to see him like we did when he drove to the office every day.

You're only limited by your own beliefs. I have seen families of all sizes successfully homeschool. Whether a single-parent at home, both parents work outside of the home or one parent works outside of the home and the other one works from home. They create a schedule and share responsibilities to make it work for their family. If you put the interest of the children first anything is possible. The beauty of homeschooling is that it is flexible and each family can make their own decisions based on their personal needs.

It only takes a couple of hours per day for younger children and approximately four hours for older children. That's the time they're teaching themselves. It takes only a fraction of my time. I'm there to provide and guide, then step aside. I let them do their work. If they need me, I'm always near. Many parents who have children enrolled in public schools spend 2, 3 or more hours per day helping their children with homework. Why should a child spend an 8 hour day away from home "learning" and then have to come home and spend another possible 3 hours on homework when it can all be done with superior results in a fraction of the time?

You can do it! I'm here to help. Just send me your questions and as your personal Inspired Education Mentor I will show you how simple, effective and rewarding it can be to homeschool your own and live an Inspired Education. I can't wait to hear from you, donna@aninspirededucation.com

Are you 'stuck'? Have a question about home education or living inspired? Send me your most pressing question, and then get your answers in the next publication of Living An Inspired Education.

If you could ask me one question about creating more success and joy for you and your family as you homeschool, what would your question be?

Send me an e-mail with your specific question. Type in the subject line "Here's my question Donna" and send it to donna@aninspirededucation.com

Please submit your question while it is still fresh on your mind and thank you so much for participating in this worldwide survey. I do hope that our paths will cross soon on a live tele-seminar, personalized mentoring session or a live event. Until then, let's get your question answered and stay inspired.

Is Your Child Punished by Rewards?

2010-12-07T12:13:00.000-06:00

"If we want children to become able to act with personal conviction about what is right... we must reduce our adult power and avoid the use of rewards and punishments as much as possible." -Constance Kamii, 1984

Do rewards improve performance? At first glance we may think so but study after study is proving something different. In Alfie Kohn's book, Punished by Rewards, he reveals in detail study after study how children who were given incentives were never able to do as well as those who were not given any incentives other than simply answering correctly. Over time the children who received incentives never improved on their work while the children not receiving incentives did. Even when the incentives were doubled the outcome was still the same, no improvement.

"It is better not to make merit a matter of reward lest people conspire and contend." -Lao-tzu

Top 5 Reasons Why Rewards Fail:

1. Rewards Punish: There's not much difference between the person who says "Do this and you'll get that" as someone who says "Do this or here's what will happen to you." Usually when one is used the other one is used as well, both are controlling. When people do not get the reward they were hoping for the effect is indistinguishable from punishment. This is true not only for the children or students, but most businesspeople can remember when they or one of their colleagues were expecting a bonus or raise only to become demoralized when they didn't receive it, no matter the reason. The simple truth is rewards are impediments to working or learning effectively.

2. Rewards Rupture Relationships: The relationship between workers or students is more pleasant and yield greater results with cooperation. When rewards enter the mix so does strife and jealously. "Complaints of unequal treatment" and "playing favorites" are common. When one person is in charge of dispensing the rewards the subordinates are at their mercy. It's important that the person dispensing the rewards "put the shoe on the other foot" and reflect on the relationship that now exists between them.

3. Rewards Ignore Reasons: Rewards are never the solution, only gimmicks, shortcuts, quick fixes that mask the problems and ignore the reasons. Rewards do not address the deeper issue and are only used as force for the impatient. Behavioral interventions exclude consideration of the factors that matter the most and distract from true learning.

4. Rewards Discourage Risk-taking: Incidental learning occurs naturally when we are studying. Other factors are noticed and memory is created on information we are exposed to, but may not be focusing on. When we are working for rewards, we do only what is necessary for that reward and nothing more. Rewards are the enemy of exploration and creativity. All focus is placed on "what you'll get" as opposed to "do this". Rewards motivate people for the reward, nothing more.

5. Rewards Cut the Interest Rate: We are all less interested in doing things when we're made to feel like pawns. If we have very little discretion about what we do all day at work or school, there is a good chance we will spend the time wishing for the weekend and thus all interest is lost on the subject at hand, waiting for "free time."

Remove the rewards? If a parent stops using motivators such as sticker, stars, certificates and money tomorrow the kids will not be jumping for joy. People usually don't cheer when things are done to them. Be sure when you're contemplating a new way of doing things to bring the children in on the process (appropriate to their level). Abandoning these behavioral tactics alone will not guarantee learning. There must be habits of motivation and right curriculum. And if a reward system has been used for any length of time children can resist due to the sudden withdrawal of rewards. If this is the case we haven't a minute to lose in trying to undo the damage.

5 Ways to Make Learning Happen without Rewards

1. Allow for Active Learning: Children as well as adults learn most effectively when they can see, touch and do. Active hands-on activities, when done correctly can become real lessons.

2. Elicit Curiosity: People are naturally curious to guess outcomes or make discoveries on that which didn't turn out as expected. When you read to young children you almost intuitively stop and ask, "What do you think is going to happen next?" or "Why do you think she did that?" These types of intrinsic motivation and skillful exploitation of fact pulls students into tasks.

3. Give Reason for Assignments: If a task is valuable, it's value should be explained to those being asked to do it. If we expect children to learn something, we have to give them a clue as to why they should be motivated. It's a matter so simple respect to offer such explanations.

4. Set an Example: Children ought to hear their parents/educators talk about enjoyable lessons learned. When we as parents experiencing engaging intellectual pursuits for pleasure, our children will mirror the same. You can also set an example when you don't know something by demonstrating tenacity in the face of failure, questioning conventional wisdom and by showing how to make sense of a piece of writing that is hard to understand. When we are naturally challenged learning occurs.

5. Welcome Mistakes: That's right, mistakes are our friends. Mistakes offer how a student thinks. Mistakes don't always represent sloppiness or laziness. Correcting them quickly doesn't do much to facilitate the learning process. Students who are afraid of making mistakes are less likely to ask for help when they need it. They also unlikely to feel safe enough to take intellectual risks or be intrinsically motivated.

Finally, be sure you're incorporating the Three C's: Collaboration, Content/Things Worth Knowing and Choice/Involve the Children.

By implementing these simple practices you're well on the road to empowering your child and yourself to a lifestyle of learning and success beyond the limits of gold stars, incentive plans, A's, praise and other bribes. When Friday rolls around, go out for fun it, instead of "you've earned it".
Reflect on what you learned this week and think of ways you can do better. Progress will be realized quicker and more efficiently with great and long lasting results.

"The best way out is always through." -Robert Frost, "A Servant to Servants"

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your e-zine Web site, blog or newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete excerpt with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' e-newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! Start living a lifestyle of true freedom and inspire the best in your child. Get your free weekly education and success mindset tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Inspiring, Productive and Fun Free Time

2010-12-01T02:02:00.001-06:00

Give your children time to explore and play freely without the distractions of other kids, television, video/computer games. Let them get comfortable with being by themselves and exploring what really interests them. Take them to the library and encourage them to check out books in their field of interest. Here's a list of ideas in different categories to inspire productive and fun free time.

Arts and Crafts: Paper projects, cardboard box projects (including lots of tape), drawing, painting, calligraphy, photography, keepsake box, letter writing, ceramics/clay work...

Collections: Coins and world money, stamps, feathers, rocks, bugs, butterflies, spider webs, buttons...

Household Maintenance Activity: Heavy cleaning jobs, minor fix-it jobs, organizing a messy drawer or cabinet, gardening/landscaping...

Homemaking Activities: Sewing, needlework, weaving, knitting/crochet, baking, pressed flowers, quilting, beautifying the home, rug making, woodworking.

Constructive and Explorative Play: Outdoor treasure hunt, create own story recordings with sound effects, mixing stuff together, taking care of live bugs and critters, read library books, create own card or board game, fort building, pretend vet, chef, restaurant, mommy, postman...

Note to parents: Kids will make big messes but this is necessary for them to create. Allow the mess but encourage the children to clean up after themselves. Do you have too many things accumulating that they have made? Take pictures of your child with his project and make an album. Does the child want to share his creation by giving it to someone? Some projects just get worn from play and can be tossed. Let the kids do the tossing. Just go have fun and be inspired!

How to Guide Your Children to Self-Discipline

2010-11-30T06:27:00.000-06:00

by Donna Vail

"The first and best victory is to conquer self." — Plato

As I parent my children and mentor other families one area we're constantly improving upon is the art of self-discipline. Many parents ask me "how can I make my children do their studies?" or "How can I make them do what I want?" My response to these type of questions is simple. Ask yourself "What am I doing to model the behavior I wish to see in my children?" Humans are wired to mirror others. Young children especially mimick what they see and hear, whether right or wrong children are products of their environment. Be the change you wish to see in your children.

Consider this: as we're raising our children we're raising ourselves. No matter our age we never stop learning and growing. The real question is what are we learning? Are we applying it to everyday life? Remember our children are watching us all the time. What are they observing in you?

"Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be." — Thomas á Kempis

Do not be fooled by the image in your mind that the only way to learn is to sit at a desk in a room full of other students. This image common for so many of us. This conditioning from past continues as a stumbling block for many adults and it's transmitted to our children as we build our expectations of our children. We must break the stranglehold of our public school past and recognize the true genius that is within us in order to unlock the genius within our children.

This image subplanted into our subconscious long ago by "school" administrators is completely unnatural. The results from this style of learning are low and are continually dropping. Yes, the child may sit there and do the work asked but the questions are: Is he truly learning or just memorizing to parrot back a satisfactory result for a standardized test. Is the student learning to apply what he learned to everyday life?

As you homeschool your children you'll need their cooperation to sit as they do their work. So how do you arouse your child's interest to freely participate? They will need an environment that is clean, well organized, free from distractions. The next key ingredient is you. What are you doing? How will the child know what self-study or self-discipline looks like unless you're modeling it? This will inspire desire to participate rather than the feeling of compulsory or mandatory participation.

"Be the change you wish to see in your children." -Julian Vail

"In our modern society, whenever education is the subject, we always want to talk about the kids. We care about them, and we know their education is important, but we also find that it's easier to talk about their education than to improve our own. In reality, you are unlikely to pass on to your children a better education than you have earned yourself, no matter how much you push them. The most effective way to ensure the quality of their education is to consistently improve your own." -Oliver Van DeMille

5 Tips to Guide Your Children to Self-Discipline

1. Become a student yourself. What can you study or read while they're doing their studies? Choose some classics to read that will inspire you in everyday living. Do you have a hobby or special interest? Show your children that you're always learning and growing so they can as well. Read a book a month from the list of recommended reading I share today in the Donna Recommends section. Seek ways you can build yourself into a better person.

2. Be still. Model self-education by sitting quietly. In your quiet contemplation they will be calmed by your relaxing energy enabling them to also focus on their work. If you're busy with this and that, cleaning house or doing laundry during study time the children will be distracted to do "other things" too. If you relax and gently guide them they will will grow up learning this is how people live and learn. Even my absolute loudest child is able to sit quietly for long periods of time while people study because that is the environment we have created.

3. Create check points throughout the day instead of always telling. Stop ordering and commanding your kids. The micro management approach does not work with children and it comes across to kids as nagging and pushing. This conditions the child to expect to be told what to do rather than think for themself. Create a checklist. Communicate your expectations but be clear that it is their work is their responsibility. Let them know you won't be giving them constant reminders. Explain how the two of you will review the tasks/checklist during set check points. Let go and allow them to do the work. Self-descipline will come. If you notice he is not doing work make note and save the discussion for your checkpoint meeting with your child. If he has not done the work then he must complete it immediately before engaging in other activities. This is not always fun but when the child grows through the cause and effect of his choices he will be able to be better self-disciplined. This self-awareness is foundational to the success in every facet of life.

4. Create an environment that empowers success. Observe and notice if there's anything causing distraction. Eliminat anything that could be a stumbling block. Clear out clutter, turn off the television, let phone calls go to voice mail, put away all toys and have a clean working surface for books and papers. If you work from home while your children study then choose tasks that are quiet and non-distracting.

5. Let go. Release the need to always be telling your child what to do. It's better that he learn life lessons in the safety of your presence at home before he goes out into the world. We learn through our work, by taking action we achieve results. If we make a mistake it's simple solution of finding the way that does work. Experience is priceless.

I keep this quote at my desk to inspire me to be an inspiration, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and become more, you are a leader." -John Quincy Adams

If you want your children to change and to be self-diciplined then you must first be the change. When something shows up that you don't like then ask, "What is it in me that has brought this to my experience? What is the lesson and how can I improve?" Just ask and the answer will soon follow.

Remember to enjoy the journey and know that everyday you spend with your children as they self-educate and learn to be self-disciplined you're investing in their greatness and yours.

"Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power."
— Lao Tzu

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail International
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your e-zine Web site, blog or newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete excerpt with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' e-newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! Start living a lifestyle of true freedom and inspire the best in your child. Get your free weekly education and success mindset tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Yummy Monday

2010-11-29T07:28:00.000-06:00

This year for my husband's birthday we explored the cookbooks for a delicious cake to make for his celebration. What we found and absolutely loved was a Satsuma Tangerine Chiffon Cake from the book, Love, Eric. It is a cookbook featuring the most beautiful and decadent desserts. The book is titled Love, Eric because they are desserts Eric Lechasseur made for his wife, Sanae who was battling breast cancer. She loved his desserts so in an effort to stay aligned with her healing regimine of macrobiotics he created these fabulous desserts for her.

Now you can share in the love. I am happy to share Sanae was completely healed and is now helping others find their healing. Even though the desserts found in Eric's cookbook are minus the sugar and dairy you will have to take another taste because you will not miss anything when you taste these yummy desserts.

While it is important for everyone, children especially need to be free from sugar. This is a fabulous recipe you can make again and again to enjoy a beautiful cake and a yummy, very satisfying dessert. Be sure to get Eric's book. Some of our other favorites from his book includes: Chocolate Truffles, Pecan Pie, Apple Symphony, Tiramisu, Almond Anise Biscotti and Coconut Macarrons. While this is a gourmet cookbook by a gourmet chef, you will find it easy to use and my children are proof of that. They love to bake from Love, Eric.

Satsuma Tangerine Chiffon Cake with Blueberry Stew
Tangy and sweet, also good for breakfast muffins.

Makes 12 Individual Servings

For the cake:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
1 1/2 tablespoons aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 cup safflower oil
1 cup rice syrup or maple syrup
1 cup soy milk
1 grated Satsuma tangerine rind
1/2 cup Satsuma tangerine juice
1/2 cup Sastuma tangerine sections
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Blueberry Stew:
2 cups fresh organic blueberries
2 cups organic apple juice
1/2 tablespoon kuzu

For the Soy Vanilla Cream:
2 cups soy milk
1/4 cup rice syrup
1/2 vanilla bean
2 tablespoons kuzu
1 pinch sea salt

To make the cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degress F. Rub a thin coat of oil onto a muffin pan.
2. In a large bowl, sift the dry ingredients and whisk.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients and the grated rind until emulsified.
4. Add the wet mixture to the dry flour mixture and whisk gently. Add the orange sections. Stir to combine.
5. Pour the batter into a muffin pan and bake for 25 minutes. The cakes are ready when a bamboo skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan. Set them on a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely.

To make the Blueberry Stew:
1. Dilute the kuzu in the apple juice. Bring to a simmer. It will get thick after a few minutes.
2. Add the blueberries and mix with a wooden spoon. Set aside.

To make the Soy Vanilla Cream:
1. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise with a knife, add to the soy milk and bring to simmer.
2. With a slotted spoon, remove the vanilla bean. Scrape the seeds from the beans and pour the seeds back into the soy milk. Add the rice syrup and sea salt.
3. In a small bowl, dissolve the kuzu root in 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk kuzu into the soy milk mixture for a few minutes. Transfer to a container and refrigerate.

To serve:
In the center of an individual plate, pour 2 ounces of Soy Vanilla Cream. Place an individual Satsuma Chiffon Tangerine Cake in the center of the cream and top with Blueberry Stew.

Enjoy!

Mentor Moments

2010-11-23T14:24:00.000-06:00

by Julian and Donna Vail

"Provide, guide and step aside." -Donna Vail

Let's face it, parents are busy people, especially if you have a large family with age ranges from say toddler to teen and everything in between. On one end of the spectrum you're changing diapers and watching Yo Gabba Gabba and the other end you're helping with advanced math and running off to a baseball game. Think for a moment how easy it is to be so busy with life, that you overlook all the opportunities to be a mentor to your child. I'm not talking about being in "mom mode" or "dad mode". I'm talking about mentoring.

You may ask "how is mentoring different than parenting?". When I refer to a "mentor moment" it's in that instance of time for you to be open to them in everything you do. Here are a few examples: Moms be sure to include your daughters in your activities such as preparing family meals and take the extra time to explain why tonight's meal was selected. Our 12 year old daughter has become such a huge help to me with our toddler, just through my example of mothering. Dads, be sure to include yours sons in outdoor activity. Though they are small, get them outside helping to clean up the yard. Picking up small sticks and limbs is a great way for the little guys to help dad and learn. Eventually, those little guys will be big guys and will be handling more of the work. All the more reason to bring them along from little up. Moms or Dads, if you work from home or go to an office, make a day to take your child to work. Make it a special day where they get to shadow you for the day. Make the day all about them, including of course your normal day to day as much as possible. They will have a front row seat to what you do to support the family.

When you're in a mentor moment remember to move out of the task oriented thoughts of everyday life pressures such as "I have to get my list done", to taking the extra time to help your son drive a nail or show your daughter how to thread a needle. I'm guilty of it myself and it's so easy to want to hurry through life which brings to mind the wonderful lyric... "Life is what happens when you're busy doing other things," John Lennon from Beautiful Boy'...(love that sweet chorus)...

As a parent you will want to be walking beside your child guiding him and allowing him to try new things in the safety of your presence. This produces self-discipline, responsibility and a learner for life. By creating mentor moments in your life you set the example for your children to model the same for their children one day.

Here are some opportunities that recently arose in our home:

From Julian: We have 3 boys ages 7, 9 and 14. They are all playing baseball this year, each for the first time. Getting outside each day with the guys, even if it's for an hour or so to throw a baseball is so rewarding. It's a great way to interact and connect with my boys. As spring temps are warming so is the need to get outside and clean up the yard. In the past, I have been the world's worst at jumping in to yard work in a hurried fashion just so I could get it done and be done. Just last week, while preparing for Donna's workshop, me and my three sons (not a TV sitcom from the 60s) worked at cleaning up fallen limbs from the recent snows. I was leading a small team of boys and tasked my oldest boy as a "team lead". We all worked together and got the job done. Our reward was time together, working as a team.

My daughter Lauren who is 12, has been riding horses for nearly three years. Again, I applied the "slow down and take your time" approach that Donna writes about earlier and last weekend as I was going to the barn to work with my 5 year old quarter horse, I asked Lauren if she'd like to come help. She jumped at the chance. Together we groomed our horse and spent time doing something we each enjoy.

My oldest son, Aaron who is 14 has developed his computer skills to levels that easily exceed many IT professionals earning $50K a year or more. I know, because I've been in IT for 15 years and know the market well. Donna and I recently bought the new Motorola DROIDs from Verizon, our first smartphones. Along with Aaron's web skills he has become quite the expert on Internet technologies and wireless phones, even to the point of developing and publishing his own highly popular blog on the subject: http://www.aaronvailsblog.com/ Why is that so amazing, up until a week ago he didn't have one of his own. With Aaron's expertise, he helped Donna and me navigate our new devices and learn the ins and outs in a very short time. He was mentoring us. :)

Don't discount your son or daughter teaching you something. Children are evolving and advancing at levels that were not readily accessible to us as kids. Encourage your children by going to them and asking their advice. It goes a long way in their self-confidence when they experience the wonderful feeling showing you how to do something. My daughter is the same when it comes to horses. She is learning and growing and is always sure to point out if I do something in error. :)

From Donna:
During education time give yourself permission to be fully present. Really listen when a young new reader is reading aloud to you. Engage in the story and share what you liked about it, especially the way your child read aloud so well to you. Be available and approachable. Children learn what they live.

Wouldn't you love a sous chef? It 's a huge help to have a child help with the cooking and kitchen duties, but make sure you're sharing the cooking duties. What can they do? Take time to allow them to learn how to wash dishes, chop veggies, or stir a pot. Talk, talk, talk the whole time about the how-to's and general conversation. That's relationship building. This can include all life skills, not just cooking.

What do you know about leadership? If you're rusty about the subject, pick up a book. I'm reading one right now about heart centered leadership called It's Not About the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks, by Howard Behar. I am always sharing with excitement what I just read in the latest chapter. It's best the children learn from little on how to be a leader of themselves first then they can become great leaders of others as they mature.

And what better place to experiment their newly acquired leadership skills than in the comfort of their home with their siblings. My children inspire me when I see them developing their leadership skills. It's win win!

You can be an active family, not overly busy active. Find the right balance of active that fits your lifestyle. Make it work for your family. Most of all keep it fun! We are meant to have fun all the time. If it's drudgery then it's time to check your values and reconsider what's right for your family. Do it together because you love it and be inspired to be in the now. When those mentoring moments show up, take them, they're always in perfect timing.

"Seek out that particular mental attitude which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive..." -William James

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your E-zine Web Site, Blog or Newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! We are transforming families and creating true freedom. What could be more rewarding than inspiring the hearts and minds of our future leaders? An Inspired Education is perfect for any family, especially the entrepreneur lifestyle. Harmonious family living through self-education and simplified living. Free to learn more, live more and love more! Get your weekly tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Will My Homeschooled Child Be Prepared for Testing?

2010-11-19T04:01:00.003-06:00

This Week's Question Answered:

Q: If I homeschool will my children be prepared if my state requires testing or if they have to take standardized tests for college admissions?

A: First, it is very important that you know the local laws about homeschooling. Every state differs in the United States as well as different countries abroad. Make sure that testing is really required by law and what that law requires of you as a homeschooler. Some have different options that can include turning in a portfolio or getting an outside evaluation. If you do have to do regular testing then you can help your children prepare by working sample tests and talk about testing strategies, just as done in public schools.

Homeschoolers who want to go to college can prepare for the SAT or ACT by using the latest test preparation book that can be found at your local bookstore. It is a good idea to begin looking at college options if possible when the child is 13 or 14 years-old. This way you can prepare and cover all that will be needed for college entrance.

With An Inspired Education we use tools that are training our children the skills required for the SAT and college throughout their entire education. Yes, we start with the little ones building the foundation so when they get there it's easy. Whether the child wants to go to college or not an excellent education is a firm foundation from which the child will stand all of his life.

When One Parent’s Against Homeschooling

2010-11-18T12:52:00.000-06:00

by Donna Vail

"The child is truly a miraculous being, and this should be felt deeply by the educator." -Maria Montessori

Are you committed to homeschooling but your spouse is against it? What can you do? Being in disagreement with your partner isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when it comes to things as important as how to raise and educate your children, being on the same page is a must. The best method for resolving your differing views is to talk through the issue.

The first place to begin in the agreement process and empower your family to homeschooling success is doing your due diligence. To accomplish this feat you must first raise your Homeschool IQ. Follow steps 1 through 3.

Once you've increased your Homeschool IQ, follow steps 4 through 6 - The Three Steps to Agreement

Resources to Increase Homeschool IQ

1. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter, Living An Inspired Education. This will show you how you can simplify your homeschool experience yet accomplish the highest results. Get your questions answered and learn how your children can learn more without a teacher. Through self-education and mentoring your children can experience the organic model of learning and have greater opportunity today and tomorrow, for their success and happiness. There will also be special announcements as more tools and resources come available.

2. Read the book, Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto. In this book you will find out exactly what is happening in compulsory schooling and through John’s 30 years of experience as a teacher and knowledge he shares what should be included in education, very strongly stating: “ways to make learning happen is not to teach.” This is mandatory reading for any parent considering homeschooling.

3. Listen to the best interviews of well recognized professionals like Dr. Stephen Covey, Jack Canfield, John Assaraf, Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Sharon Lechter, Wally "Famous Amos", and many more speak on homeschooling, the importance of and how to via podcasts at Homeschool.com. http://www.homeschool.com/podcast/

"I've never let my schooling get in the way of my education." -Mark Twain

Three Steps to Agreement

4. Talk it out.
Why is your partner against homeschooling?
Have there been any negative experiences with homeschooled children?
Are there beliefs in myths about homeschooling?
Do you have extended family members who are against homeschooling?
Does your spouse think that it will be too much work?
Find out the reasons behind your spouse being against homeschooling so that together you can find the answers.

5. Do your diligence.
Research the facts about homeschooling. There are so many answers online to explain the common myths and why they are wrong.
Talk to other homeschoolers locally, on the telephone or even through forums. Find local homeschool groups in your area and locate support.

6. Discuss both of your ideas of the education you wish for your children and what it might include as well as the experience and opportunity you want for your children as they complete their schooling.
Is it possible with your current living situation to have the children home with at least one parent?
Can both parents collectively guide the children in their education? Sometimes one parent is stronger in specific areas of knowledge than the other.
Do you like to learn and seek to educate yourself for your own curiosity and desire to grow and succeed? Children learn what they live, will they see you reading and seeking knowledge as well?
Write your ideas down and even create a pro/con list. Seeing it on paper can make it even clearer so that an agreeable decision can be made.

May you find your way to the best possible solution for you, your children and your family as whole. Remember, every family is different and the beauty of homeschooling is being able to embrace everyone and their unique situation.

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." -Frederick Douglass

Find a Mentor For Your Success

2010-11-16T07:27:00.000-06:00

by Donna Vail

"A Mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight” ~Unknown

When I first began homeschooling I sought out the most experienced and wise veteran homeschoolers. Some of these wonderful people I consulted shared their years of wisdom and experience in just a short time and others became friends for years. No matter where I was on my path they were always encouraging and held me up at times when I questioned our homeschool abilities.

Just as my children are being coached/mentored in baseball or horse riding, I make it a practice to have a mentor in my life at all times. I like to model this for my children because it is my intention for each of them to continue on in their lives with mentors in any area they wish to pursue. A mentor in can carry you to higher places faster than you can climb.

8 Tips to Find a Mentor for You and Your Homeschool Endeavors:
1. Choose a mentor who is willing to establish a long-term relationship with you and fully support you.

2. Expect from your mentor total honesty and purposeful feedback.

3. Someone who has long-term experience, "hands-on" living and successfully homeschooling her own children (multiple children).

4. Someone who uses curriculum and learning methods that match your lifestyle and needs.

5. Choose a mentor that is reachable via email, personal mentoring sessions, forum, group coaching, who is accessible so you can get your questions answered.

6. Choose a mentor you can connect to and build a friendship.

7. Choose a mentor who is open minded and flexible to individual family needs while still creating the desired results.

8. Choose a mentor who can take a challenge or problem you face and help you transform it into a positive situation with successful results.

Mentors can come in the form of great books and I have read mountains of them. There's so much to be learned from great writers, but to be truthful, when I decided to work with a personal mentor/coach I grew by leaps and bounds. I experienced breakthroughs on levels I had been dreaming about but somehow had not been able to reach in other ways.

By walking beside your children instead of ruling over them you are mentoring them to their success. It's truly the simplest and preferred way to learn. Why? It's how we're wired to learn. As you mentor them be sure you are fully supported by a mentor.

"If a man is to shed the light of the sun upon other men, he must first of all have it within himself." ~Romain Rolland

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your E-zine Web Site, Blog or Newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! We are transforming families and creating true freedom. What could be more rewarding than inspiring the hearts and minds of our future leaders? An Inspired Education is perfect for any family, especially the entrepreneur lifestyle. Harmonious family living through self-education and simplified living. Free to learn more, live more and love more! Get your weekly tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

2010-11-15T06:48:00.000-06:00

“Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.” -Hardy D. Jackson

We put our children into school and they are immediately convinced the more you accomplish and the more you compare yourself to others and the more you defeat others, the better you are. And so it begins at a very early age, the race to have more and be more.

Are you and your children running all about wearing yourself down with over scheduled days? We are faced with so much pressure for children to be participating, performing and competing. And with all this hustle and bustle you may be surprised to find that not all children are going to be exceptional at everything they do. And some children would be happier not preforming. Yet we keep signing up for more and going to more and more lessons, just in case. Going to more lessons, starting younger and younger does not make them engage, which is where true passion and talent emerges.

Let your children love something for the mere interest, allowing it to grow and endure throughout their lives whether or not they "make" something of it or for the potential of fame or scholarships. Allow them to pick up something, explore it for a time and drop it when interest is exhausted. It is within the passion and pursuit at the child's pace where extraordinary is born.

If you are feeling the pressure as a parent then your children are as well. Instead of scheduling all of their time give them more free time for exploration. Let them schedule their days. Give them opportunity to have alone time, reading for fun time and creative time. It is through giving them this time where they can discover the extraordinary out of the ordinary.

Free from pressures, peak performances one after another and happiness dependent on events, the child is free to discover his passion and explore ways to nurture it. These are the children who are exceptional, able to create something extraordinary from the heart.

Your job as a parent is simply to allow it and find your own art. What do you like to do during "free time?" What do you want to learn about? Follow your passions being a model for your children, enabling them to feel the freedom so they too can live passionately. The time is now, for if you don't take the time now, it is gone.

"Passion is the genesis of genius." -Anthony Robbins

My Child Refuses to Do His School Work

2010-11-12T03:01:00.001-06:00

This Week's Question Answered:

Q: What do I do when my child refuses to do his school work?

A: First of all don't feel like you're alone. Most parents have experienced this more than once. This may be the toughest part of homeschooling. Deal with it you must. This is going to require you to reach down to your deepest love for your child. You want the absolute best for him. We must first realize that homeschooling is not purely about academics. While academics provide the foundation of general knowledge necessary for society interaction and living, there is much more happening at the core. Any successful endeavor requires character. Academics are a great tool to work out all the character issues that rise during childhood.

The refusal to do the math, read the book or complete a simple vocabulary exercise is a red flag. This is letting you know the child has hit a block. It's hard not to take it personally or not get anxious about losing time and not getting it done, but if we step back and give the child time to work it out you will have accomplished a greater work than any one math lesson.

Walk beside the child, reassure him if he feels it's too hard that he can do it one step at a time. Walk him through it if necessary. Give him time to think about it, maybe even some space just to sit and contemplate. Don't demand and reprimand. Remember, you're not losing time. Find ways you can give different examples of the importance of his daily tasks and how they will build to empower him to do the things he really loves in life. If a child doesn't have much exposure to the "life of hard knocks" then you might have to illustrate with words what not doing the work could look like over time.

Everything that shows up around us is a mirror of our inner reflection. Ask yourself, "What am I refusing to do?" "What am I holding back on?" "What is the lesson from this situation for me?" As parents we are also the student in our homeschool. Keep in mind ways you are modeling success so your child can be successful. And if you have to, let go of the need to finish today's math lesson today and mark it as a character success. Tomorrow is a new day and now he is empowered.

I Want My Children to Value Themselves

2010-11-11T03:10:00.001-06:00

Treat children as though they have arrived as total, complete human being, rather than as though they are on their way to something or someplace in the future. When you talk with them, eliminate sentences which show you view them as apprentice people. Two-year-olds talk like two-year-olds; do not correct them in anticipation of what they will say when they are adults. Enjoy their tow-year-oldness. If they wet the bed at three, this is not a reflection of a serious social problem that will afflict them when they live in a dormitory in college. It is age-typical behavior, and should be viewed as such. Four-year-olds like to tease and be silly. Eight-year-olds like to get dirty or play with Cabbage Patch dolls, and eleven-year-olds enjoy punching each other. These are whole behaviors, to be enjoyed for what they are, and ought not to be seen as stepping-stones to mature adult behavior. You will do your children and yourself a large favor if you enjoy some of their age-typical behaviors with them. Play dodge ball in the yard, tackle each other, share treats from the ice cream vendor. These kinds of activities are the normal, fun, natural things that young people do, and ought to be seen in just those terms. Do not concern yourself that they will become fighters because they like to punch and fool around; instead, enjoy them for the period of their development which they are experiencing at this moment. Treat children as complete, fully-arrived human beings who have as much to teach you as you have to teach them. The less criticism they receive for being children, the more they will naturally enjoy themselves and see themselves as worthy and significant persons. A healthy self-image is flowering in children who accept themselves for what they are now, and who have significant others who do the same, rather than worry about what the children will or won't turn into at some future time.

-Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, What Do You Really Want for Your Children?

Were You Taught to Fail

2010-11-10T03:24:00.002-06:00

"It is a thousand times better to have common sense without education than to have education without common sense." - Robert Green Ingersoll

"Were you taught to fail?" is a thought provoking question. Consider the probability of a "yes" answer and contemplate the ramifications of a "yes" answer on our society. Realize that you are just one of millions upon millions "schooled" in a system that was designed to interfere with free development and critical thinking; a system inconsistent with the needs of a growing rational child seeking knowledge of the world.

Hind sight is 20/20. With nearly 20 years of home education behind me I have read volumes about various methods of teaching in order to help me develop my system I now call An Inpsired Education. I have learned way more than I ever bargained for in my advanced studies. As I began to build the framework of my own system at home, I discovered how public education was originated to be the adoptive parent of the state and literally take the children from the influence of the parents. When I first discovered this I was floored but when I really looked at the facts it all made sense including the bad choices I had made in my life, the ways I held back from success all the way down to simply having difficulty making a decision or moving forward.

"You won't recognize your genius if you've been conditioned to believe you should accept your lot in life, play it safe and think small in order to avoid disappointment." -Julian Vail

Public schooling places you further away from success. As you sit in an age segregated class of thirty or more students' a teacher writes a problem on the blackboard; she directs all thirty-plus students attention to the problem. There is absolutely no talking allowed, no collaboration, just focus on the problem. The teacher exclaims, "Here's the problem," "focus on the problem" and "fix the problem." So you keep looking at the problem, butting your head against the problem. You're not allowed to ask for help or collaborate with your classmates you're accused of cheating and humiliated before your classmates. The bell rings and everyone's learning if any was taking place is interrupted. Like programmed robots you're off to your next class on an entirely different subject. Repeating this process of conditioning day in and day out by sixth or seventh grade leaves the majority of students struggling to make it in math. What about reading and writing? The probability factor is high if you're struggling in one area; you're likely failing in other core subjects.

These feelings of inadequacy, fear and control instilled by the public school system lingers long into adult life. Years later, subconsciously you feel as if you're a failure for not knowing the answer or needing assistance from another. Rather than being nurtured and inspired as you're developed you were assigned homework, graded and tested at every level. Transitioning out of your post-public school life into young adulthood likely left you filled with immense frustration, perhaps even bored, aimless or even worse: self-destructive and violent. The skills for success in life, relationships and business are ignored.

Successful and innovative people think differently. Successful thinkers ask different questions. They possess critical thinking skills which are simply not taught in the public school system. They focus on the solutions rather than problems. They're willing to steer away from the herd. Successful minds are convicted to purpose. They are motivated by a passion to succeed.

"It's never crowded on the extra mile." -Wayne Dyer

What lengths are you willing to take to ensure the path of success for you and your children? If your child is in a public school please check it's structure. Are any of the teaching methods going against the traits of free thinking? Are the students receiving all the skills needed for a rich and rewarding life? Skills based on a value system of entrepreneurship, business owner or leader? If it's a private school you have to be absolutely sure. Do you doubt yourself so much that you believe the state can direct the upbringing of your children for twelve years better than you? Most importantly if you're already educating your children at home, how can you be sure you're not repeating the mistakes conditioned into you by the public school system?

It's time to wake up and change the rules. Inspire your children to be free thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.

In today's rapidly changing world we're faced with the need to be forthright and assertive in order to advance in technology and sustainability. Providing for a family and living a decent life is has become increasingly more challenging in a society that has been built up around serving the needs of government and industry. The public school system has been the education mill filling the work pool with minds that are willing to accept their lot in life, play it safe and think small in order to avoid disappointment.

Educating our children has longstanding implications and this is where you can be the change you wish to see in the world. The home education is taking back our kids and we are redefining the future of our country and our world. It's time to get serious about providing your children with the ability to advance in their future as entrepreneurs, leaders, thinkers, inventors and statesmen. It all starts with today, this moment, now. Give our precious children the tools and confidence they need to be individuals that will succeed in any economy, whether up, down or sideways. Send them charging into adulthood with confidence to take on the world rather than cower down to fear and disillusionment feeling left behind.

“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” -Jim Rohn

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail International
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your e-zine Web site, blog or newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete excerpt with the article: Inspired Education Expert Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' e-newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! Start living a lifestyle of true freedom and inspire the best in your child. Get your free weekly education and success mindset tips at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Transformation Tuesday: Parents as Leaders

2010-11-09T04:32:00.001-06:00

As you homeschool your children you have no doubt discovered the importance of being a leader in order to raise leaders. With so much information available to us it can sometimes become overwhelming yet we are still left with the need to learn how to better lead our families.

I'm delighted to share with you a program I just discovered that Barbara McRae, MCC from TeenFrontier.com has developed to guide you in new ways to reach your children and transform your family.

By tapping into your leadership skills you will not only provide better guidance for your family but you will also be able to carry these skills into your professional life as well. And this is what AIE is all about, creating success around your whole life as a family, individually and professionally.

The leadership skills Barbara shares are not just for parents with teens. These types of skills are necessary for parents with children of all ages. Leadership training is a central focus in business and in sports. Isn't parenting just as important? Actually it can be considered more important because it is our children who hold the future of the world.

Leadership in PARENTING is vital IF you want to:
•get results faster and with less stress
•create happier family relationships
•prepare your preteens and teens for adulthood
•communicate effectively and successfully

Keep in mind that leadership parenting is a skill that can be developed. Many of you have probably enrolled in continuing education in your chosen field maybe even classes on leadership. So, why not learn leadership skills to help you with parenting your children, preteens and teenagers?

When I coach parents, I find that the leadership skills they often employ at the office fall by the wayside at home. Why is that? In most cases, it's because transferring your existing skills to another setting on your own seems daunting. With support, however, it's easy, even fun - and filled with LIGHTBULB moments!

To help you embody the qualities of a skilled leader in parenting situations, you can now access "Parents as Leaders," a 30-minute online program, for $37!

http://www.schoolofinnovation.com/course/693/register

You can view it 24/7 - as many times as you wish for less than the cost of a daily cup of coffee for a month! And you will want to rewatch and listen to this video repetively because remember, it takes 30 days to cultivate a new habit.

You'll discover the EIGHT common denominators of leadership and parenting and how they can change your life.

TESTIMONIAL: "It had never occurred to me to use leadership skills in parenting before. Once I tried it, it made so much sense. I wish I would've known this much earlier! Thank you!!" ~ Jeannie Radcliff

Why not join parents who are already recognizing that you can be effectively involved in the development of your emerging adults by applying business leadership skills to parenting situations?

Some of you might be wondering, "Will this really work for me?" YES! We all learn through repetition. You'll want to see and hear this video again and again!

How does the PARENTS as LEADERS program compare to others? This program includes action steps to deepen your understanding and aid your retention. And because you are not overloaded with too much information, you can focus and begin implementing, seeing results immediately. It was created by Barbara McRae personally, based on her experience:

•as a seasoned parent of teenagers.
•as a leadership coach, consultant, and trainer,
not a psychologist (parenting is a skill, not therapy!)
•as a recognized parent/teen expert.

The Parents as Leaders program is being showcased at the launching of the School of Innovation. Get started right now for UNLIMITED ACCESS at:

http://www.schoolofinnovation.com/course/693/register

Please note that *unlimited access* to this program will only be available when you register during the launch phase. So, don't wait, do it now.

Your level of effectiveness - as a leader and coach as you parent greatly determines HOW your kids "turn out." Wouldn't it be great to be an effective guide and motivator in your teenager's life?

I just got started this week so I will let you know our progress and results. Get started today and be the leader of the leaders you are raising. Can't wait to hear your shares!

Creating Workout Time

2010-11-08T09:11:00.000-06:00

It's MomMe Monday! Time to get things moving and really make a difference, first in your life and then in the lives of others. When you fill yourself up then you will have more to give.

As moms, probably one of the toughest activities to schedule in your day is workout time. We are pulled in so many directions it is easy to let this one slide by. If you are creative like me having a schedule can set off all kinds of alarms, feeling like all creativity will fly out the window when a schedule is implemented. Not so. In fact you can be more creative when you are organized which means you will have more to give. Being organized means you will be able to tap into a deeper creativity so you can not only give more but also produce so much more.

Taking care of yourself must be number one priority because if you don't have your health, clarity, strength and energy you will not be able to do anything. Daily I have scheduled myself for a good morning workout with expert Tracy Anderson. Because I have a house full of children and it's difficult to have enough time to go to a gym or studio I have discovered I can workout daily by scheduling my time and working out at home to Tracy's DVD. I also take a thirty minute walk in the morning and then again in the evening. This keeps me in top physical fitness so I wake up energized ready for my day.

Please take time to watch this short video about making time for your workout and staying fit. I also share with you an introduction to the Tracy Anderson Method. Try it, you just might like it.

MomMe Mondays are for YOU! Supporting you with your big life! Be inspired to be strong and live long! Have any workout advice, wisdom, questions or comments? Please be sure to share below.

Here's an intro to the Tracy Anderson Method. If you like what you see visit her website where you can find her latest book as well as DVD's to support you. Currently I am using her Mat Workout DVD and love the results I get from it! Have a great workout and be the best you, you can be!!

How to Successfully Teach Spelling

2010-11-05T05:44:00.000-05:00

by Donna Vail

"My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places." -- A. A. Milne

As we homeschool we discover multitudes of programs and systems designed to teach our children anything and everything. In your quest to stay "current" you've been to many a homeschool bookfair and come home with a truckload of the latest curriculum boasting the latest and greatest way to teach any and every subject.

Sure it sounds good when you're listening to the pitchman as he charges your credit card, but what do you do with the piles of different materials when you're ready to implement? What's first? Have you ever felt lost without a map? This is the fast road to burnout. I'm here to tell you of better way. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

We all know that the shortest path between two points is a straight line. Why would you take the long way? I'm not suggesting taking shortcuts mind you. It's all about working smarter, not harder. When you do your kids do and learning happens naturally. This makes time for living and creates space for the genius factor in all of us to blossom.

Volumes of literacy research are available regarding reading and spelling. With so much information to sift through parents are often left with more questions than answers like: "How important is spelling in the writing process?" and "How do we best polish student spelling skills?" Studies show that good writers delay editing concerns until the final draft. Premature editing is usually followed by writer's blocks impeding the creative process.

Studies on grade school children who received formal instruction spelled better than uninstructed students in grades 3 and 4. The study also notes that those differences disappear by grades 4 and 5. This type formal of instruction only succeeds in helping children learn to spell words that they would have learned to spell anyway. (Donald Hamill, Stephen Larsen, and Gaye McNutt, 1977 Report) What the study revealed was that by dropping formal spelling instruction there was no measurable effect on spelling accuracy in isolation or in compositions. (Howard White confirmed earlier results, 1991.)

The strongest way to build spelling competence is through reading. When a child reads words spelled correctly they make progress in acquiring the correct spelling as does reading misspelled words makes spelling worse. Not only are they learning how to spell the words through reading, they are also learning word comprehension and usage.

The solution is to allow spelling to develop naturally through regular and frequent reading. As children mature say around 10-12 years-old, provide them with some guidance in the use of spell-checkers and spelling dictionaries. When asked how to spell a word, it's better to spell it for them as they write it so they see the word correctly. If left to spell it by trial and error they are learning the wrong way to spell the word and spelling proficiency drops. Encourage children to write freely and delay spelling concerns until the final draft.

"To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark." — Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

As a child reads excellent literature and well written books a good sense of spelling is developed. When they write and make a spelling error we can usually recognize the word "doesn't look right" and proceed to a spell-checker. It's pointless to have a child sound out words or look words up in a dictionary until they have developed a wide vocabulary and good "spelling sense."

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." — Frederick Douglass

How to begin the road to good spelling from beginning to end:
1. Read aloud to your children as soon as they are born. Create a family read aloud time. Even the very young enjoy a chapter book that is beyond their years. They're developing a sense of literacy and language comprehension.
2. When a child is learning to read teach them to write simultaneously; first with letter formation and penmanship then copying simple words. They can gradually move into copying sentences and words of wisdom of your choosing and from favorite reads.
3. As they progress from ages 5 to 10 they will move from doing very small increments of writing, building up with copy work and moving into free writing. For boys especially, their brains are moving faster than their hand. The educator may have to take dictation as he tells what he wants to write, write it neatly and then he can copy it into his own writing. This type of writing would fall into ages 5-8. Remember, every child is different so please respect the progress of each individually.
4. Once a child is 10 years old they can begin writing a page a day. This gives them fluency. Don't worry about corrections. Choose one writing per week to work on spelling corrections, technicalities and grammar. No need for specific lessons but just do basic corrections.
5. As the child is working through his vocabulary exercises he is gaining skills in spelling as well. Through our curriculum the child is exposed to every word that will be presented on the college entrance exams. Whether they go to college or not, they will be proficient at spelling and have a large vocabulary.
6. Employ the help of Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway and Herman Melville by reading the classics. Reading well written literature will develop an excellent spelling skill that cannot be found through textbooks.
7. For ages 12 and up I highly recommend the Institute of Excellence in Writing. The Student Writing Intensive program is excellent. I am taking it right along with my children and have learned so much myself. Any child completing this program will be extensively prepared for writing in college, professionally or for enjoyment.

It's that simple! To add anything to the mix complicates matters. Relax, they will learn it and over time you will see your budding genius prepared for moving from student to working and fulfilling a mission.

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." — Jacqueline Kennedy

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your e-zine Web site, blog or newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete excerpt with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' e-newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! Start living a lifestyle of true freedom and inspire the best in your child. Get your free weekly education and success mindset tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Would Children Do Chores Without Discipline?

2010-11-04T03:50:00.002-05:00

We are not proponents of discipline because that is a component of trying to motivate another to action, and we never see that work out well. In other words, if a parent has a desire for a well-ordered home environment, and envisions the children living in the home as harmonious helpers, then there is no Vibrational separation within this parent, because his desires and his expectations Vibrationally match. And, under those conditions, he would inspire the willing cooperation from his children. We would encourage that kind of inspiration rather than motivation.

Motivation works more like this: A parent recognizes that there is much to be done, focuses upon children who are not helping; his observation does not match his desire, and so he experiences Vibrational discord, which feels like negative emotion. In his frustration, or anger, he issues an ultimatum about discipline that will be offered if the cooperation does not occur. The child is motivated to action because he does not want the negative consequences of his inaction. But in his lack of connection to Source, he is listless, not focused; does not do a good job; resents having to do the job; and on it goes. This is another perfect example of not being able to get there from here.

If we were a parent, or anyone wanting to inspire positive behavior from another, we would do our personal Vibrational work first. We would align with our Source Energy by envisioning the outcome we seek and by holding those involved as positive objects of our attention. We would not allow any current unwanted behavior to be the reason for our attention to them.

Another way of saying it is: Do not let you uncooperative children distract you from the vision of the helpful happy children that are in your Vibrational Escrow. If you are able to hold to your vision of cooperation and not give your attention to their inaction, which disconnects you from your power, they will eventually feel the pull of your powerful influence of Connection. Your children will become very creative, actually looking for ways that they can be of benefit, rather than begrudging every little thing that if they do not do it, there will be negative consequences.

-Esther and Jerry Hicks, The Teachings of Abraham, excerpt from the book: The Vortex, Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships, 2009 Published by Hay House.

Creating Your Freedom Schedule

2010-11-03T16:43:00.000-05:00

by Donna Vail

"You can't save time. You can't collect it. You can't place it in a bank vault. You are only permitted to spend it wisely or foolishly." -Unknown

As you prepare for the new school year, managing your homeschool, business both personal and professional, household, social calendars, the daily to-do's and all that life throws at you, a schedule can be your best friend and tool that maintains your sanity and productivity.

I'm a person who loves freedom, following inspiration, no rules and total flexibility. So when it comes down to making a schedule I have had my fair share knock down drag outs with scheduling. I have tried most systems available out there to make life perfectly organized. My family and I have tossed most of them out the window often with rebellion. However, we have found a way to make a friendly schedule that is your best tool.

Here are the 3 simple steps to create a personalized schedule that works for you:

Step 1: Write down what's on your plate. Here's how to draw the picture:
My Plate
People: spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends, etc.
Home: home management, home organization, cooking/food management, laundry, money management, errands, phone calls, family health and wellness,...
Volunteer/Community: any organizations involved in or positions responsible for in your community, church activities, volunteer projects
Work: productivity, email, phone calls, meetings, travel, research...
You: exercise, reading, any personal interests that build you up.

Once you have all of this listed now you can go back with a highlighter and circle anything you can get help with. Can you ask your spouse or child who is driving to help with errands? Can an older child/children take on the task of making a few meals? What about help around the house with cleaning and laundry? Can you hire a part-time housekeeper or divide housework amongst family members? What about work? Can you get a mentor, personal assistant or partner? Are the outside activities you are involved in truly serving you, your purpose and your community?

Is there anything on your plate that you can eliminate that no longer serves you? Remember this is about staying on purpose and this means choosing quality over quantity.

Step 2:

Make a list of your priorities in groupings such as: My Family (husband, children, family meals, and quality time), My Business (tasks, focus time, client focus, and out-of-office work), My Well-being (food for wellness, exercise plan, quiet time, quality sleep, relaxation)... Visualize your desires for each area. What do you really want? How can you stay true to this? Is your idea best for the whole family considering their ideals as well? Be realistic but stay true to your desires centered around your values.

Now within each grouping make notes on what you want to focus on and ways you can schedule time to stay true to those values. Here are a few examples of mine:
My Family/ Husband - dates in home and out, share, read and study together, be fully present.
My Family/ Children - homeschool, social, passions, freedom to explore, guidance, partners
My Family/ Quality Time - the children's hour, plenty of play together, invest
My Family/ Household Mgmt - team work, organized plan

My Business/ In Office Productive Tasks - marketing, email, social media, phone calls, deskwork, organization
My Business/ Focus Time - writing and product creation, business planning
My Business/ Client Focus - prep work and appointments
My Business/ Out-of-Office - partner appointments, workshops, errands

My Wellbeing/ Food for wellness - stay with recipes from wellness coach
My Wellbeing/ Exercise - 2 daily walks, yoga
My Wellbeing/ Quiet Time - meditation, visualization
My Wellbeing/ Relaxation - make time to sit and read, family quality time means family quality time

Once you have this list complete go back over it and review what you have written. Be true to yourself. Take a highlighter and within each grouping highlight 2-3 items that are "musts" for you. These will be your priority when you start filling out your schedule.

Step 3:

Before we get into your favorite program or organizer calendar we are going to get things in order. Take two pieces of plain paper and tape them longwise then divide them in columns and rows the size of a mini sticky note pad in 7 columns wide and as many rows as hours or half-hour increments you want to schedule. This makes a large schedule you can tape on your wall or refrigerator. This is not for daily use but to help you work out your schedule. Getting on paper is part of the process. Making your schedule big creates more space for all this living you are trying to squeeze into your 24 hours. Remember, you only have 24 hours so you have to make it count.

Now begin writing on sticky notes the items you want to schedule and place them in the time slots on your paper. You can use different colors for each category or by type of task i.e. family time - green, work - blue, wellbeing - purple. Now if you want to rearrange things you can simply move the sticky notes. I kept my schedule up on my wall as long as it took for me to try out different scenarios to find what worked. You can keep it up as long as you want but once you have what you like then you can enter it into your favorite software program, mobile device or organizer. I like Microsoft Outlook. I make my calendar entries and Outlook syncs to my Smartphone. This way I have my schedule with me at all times. I can reference with me when I'm out and about setting appointments or considering outside activities.

You can set any kind of guidelines for yourself that will help you move forward in your mission. Rules are not to restrain you but to re-train you to successfully live your purpose. Systems have become my best friend and great assistants to make life easier, reduce chaos and help me live the life I truly want to live.

I haven't forgotten the children in this week's e-zine. While you're working on your schedule project you're modeling to your kids how to take responsibility for your life. Share with your children what you're organizing and they will see for themselves and learn almost through osmosis. Older children may even begin to start their own sticky note calendar, mine did on their own. When you have your day in order then their day can be orderly as well.

If you have any systems or want to share ways you empower yourself to live easier please be sure to email us. We love to hear from you and as a team: together everyone achieves miracles.

"The key is in not spending time, but in investing it." -Stephen R. Covey

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your e-zine Web site, blog or newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! We are transforming families and creating true freedom. What could be more rewarding than inspiring the hearts and minds of our future leaders? An Inspired Education is perfect for any family, especially the entrepreneur lifestyle. Harmonious family living through self-education and simplified living. Free to learn more, live more and love more! Get your weekly tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Your Vote Can Create Change

2010-11-02T09:02:00.000-05:00

If you want to create change on this election day cast your vote for homeschooling and support critical thinking and free will rather than an education system that was designed to create conformity. Our children deserve an education in excellence and the freedom to shine their greatness.

Watch more videos like this at www.quantumshift.tv

Commonplace Book - Video

2010-11-01T05:54:00.000-05:00

Article: Why Every Family Should Have a Commonplace Book

Create Homeschool Success on a Daily Basis

2010-10-29T03:25:00.001-05:00

This Weeks Question Answered:

Q: Can you give me some key tips to create homeschool success on a daily basis?

A: Here are 8 keys to creating everyday success in your homeschool:

1. Provide, guide and step aside. Be sure you're providing your child with the tools to support self-education, guide him in the way he should go through his work and step aside allowing the child to do the work.
2. Turn off the phone. Even though you may be free from "teaching" and your child is doing his studies, receiving phone calls and talking can be a great distraction. Remember, part of providing for your child's success is providing a quiet place that's conducive to study.
3. Keep a schedule. This creates a way to have a well organized plan and accountability for the daily tasks and goals.
4. Don't overbook yourself or your family. Keep outside activities to a minimum. It's more supportive to have extra time at home to read, relax and relate than to be running here and there.
5. Let go and allow. When your day doesn't go as planned don't force make-up time but rather look to see the lesson and pick up your schedule right where you are. Many times the math lesson is revealing a character lesson to be learned, so allow your children to grow through their work.
6. Regular meals. Plan and prepare regular meals that are healthy and supportive. Skipping meals or relying too much on sugar causes mood swings and the inability to think clearly. Over time this can cause many health issues.
7. Be the student along with your child. Find something you can study. You don't have to do algebra but focus on a subject of interest or perhaps improve yourself in your field of work, read, write and model what it looks like to sit and to diligently learn.
8. Have fun! Remember, learning is about the discovery and fun of it all. Don't take everything so seriously. Share your passion for reading and learning, ignite your child's passion to explore and learn.

You're going to do fabulous! Best of luck and remember I'm here for you. Let me know if there is any way I can be of service to you.

Why Every Family Should Have a Commonplace Book

2010-10-27T03:13:00.002-05:00

"All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education." -Sir Walter Scott

Use a common place book to share wisdom with your children. Thomas Jefferson had a mentor by the name of George Wythe who had all of his students keep a Commonplace Book. This is a shared book in a common place used to journal what they studied and learned each day. Now you can do this at home as you mentor your children. This can grow into a great wealth of wisdom and a family treasure.

Each student writes at least one essay a day summarizing ideas or new concepts learned. Sharing this as a family can lead to interesting discussion and new ideas. A byproduct of this project creates documentation of your homeschool's progress. Children naturally love to look back over what they're learned. It's a measure for you as well as them and reveals where they're growing and learning.

The essay can be anything they want to share that is written in a paragraph or short essay form. The key is to have them write daily. Younger children may need you to write it out for them until proficiencies in writing develop. Engage your kids by asking "What's the most important thing you learned today?"

This exercise alone will help them build good writing skills and they'll be on their way to being an effective communicator. Focus on content rather than technique. What's important is that they get their ideas on paper and share what they learn. Older students can create more advanced essays by checking spelling, grammar and structure. But remember, the focus is on content. Mentors/parents should contribute as well to model the process and share wisdom.

A three-ring binder makes it easy for everyone to insert their page. Have each student write the date, place and name on his paper. At times a child may express he has nothing to write about exclaiming "I didn't learn anything new today." Sometimes children are unable to express themselves. We parents can experience it too in the form of writers block. No matter what you call it, children will overcome these black holes that seem to suck up their creativity with patience and encouragement from you. Here's a suggestion to nudge your child out of their perceived slump. Ask him to copy his favorite excerpt or quote from a book he is reading. Suggest he describe the weather outside or what he sees in his immediate surroundings. Keep it simple for them. They will get it and when they do the pen and paper will by flying into the notebook.

Your Commonplace Book will serve as a tool that will demonstrate how real education takes place, reading and studying then writing. Keep it simple, positive and fun. Your family will have a great treasure of wisdom to share for generations.

"Never put off til tomorrow what you can do today." -Thomas Jefferson

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your e-zine Web site, blog or newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! We are transforming families and creating true freedom. What could be more rewarding than inspiring the hearts and minds of our future leaders? An Inspired Education is perfect for any family, especially the entrepreneur lifestyle. Harmonious family living through self-education and simplified living. Free to learn more, live more and love more! Get your weekly tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Want to see more articles? Visit Donna Vail Living an Inspired Education Blog http://donnavail.blogspot.com/.

A Parent's Love

2010-10-26T03:49:00.002-05:00

We don't water a flower if it blooms; we water it so it will bloom.

Loving a child does not guarantee that he will experience himself as being loved. When a child is not aware of the love we feel toward him, he may feel insecure, unable to express himself, or helpless. He may resort to destructive behaviors or he could become compliant and suppress his authentic self as a way to gain our approval. The reasons for not feeling connected to us can be that we do not express love in a way that the child perceives it, that he experiences himself as secondary to a sibling, or that the love is given conditionally.

We don't water a flower if it blooms; we water it so it will bloom. Likewise, a child needs to feel secure in our love so he can flourish. By contrast, when love is used to control the child, he ends up doubting it. For example, if your father expressed love to you only when you behaved a certain way or brought home good grades, you may have wondered deep inside if he really loved you. A child is not here to be evaluated and then rewarded with love. Every child is born worthy and deserving of love. Love is only love when it is unconditional.

Sometimes parents confuse being loving with letting a child do whatever he wants. No one gets to do whatever they want all the time. For instance, we don't get to drive as we wish; sometimes we stop when we want to keep going. There are considerations for the needs of others that limit our freedom as well as protect it. This has nothing to do with love. Bending the world to fit a child's every whim can hinder the natural development of his emotional resilience. The child is born into a real world and into your social community. He wants to belong and be a part of the real social web of family and friends. Treat him as your equal while being considerate of his limitations. He may not have the ability to wait or to share yet, but that does not mean that he can trash your house, get every toy, or pull your hair. Loving him, therefore, is finding considerate ways to meet his needs and being empathetic and empowering when life does not provide for his every desire.

-Naomi Aldort, Raising Our Children Raising Ourselves: Transforming parent-child relationships from reaction and struggle to freedom, power, and joy.

Launch of Donna Vail Facebook Fan Page

2010-10-25T08:28:00.000-05:00

I’m here to announce the launch of Facebook Fan Page for Donna Vail. My passion and pleasure is helping people provide superior education and create rich and rewarding lifestyles. Through self-education and true freedom, harmonious family living can be experienced, the hallmark of a successful family. I have dedicated this page to building a community of people from diverse backgrounds worldwide for the purpose of sharing and building lives of true freedom and successful living. I will be sharing tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently homeschool with inspiration.

You can join me on Facebook by becoming a Fan of my Facebook page here. You can also share any updates you want on this page, pictures of living An Inspired Education and family harmony, and interact with other members. So let’s join hands and share knowledge and resources around homeschooling, success and harmonious family living.

How to Become a Fan of Facebook Page

Simply login into your Facebook account and open the link pointing to a Facebook page. Now Click on the Button ‘LIKE’ available to become the fan of a page. You will receive all updates and be sure to share yourself with us.

MomMe Become Better Equipped

2010-10-25T07:41:00.000-05:00

"Make yourselves nests of pleasant thoughts, bright fancies, faithful sayings; treasure-houses of precious and restful thoughts, which care cannot disturb nor poverty take away from you, houses built without hands for your souls to live in." -John Ruskin

Mom, what is this rushing around and running all about? Have you paused long enough to look into the eyes of your children? Is it adrenaline that you live on? Are you stressed only wishing you could do more or take care of those things you can't seem to find the time for?

It's time to stop, pause and consider. Time to simplify! The first step in reducing stress is to stop saying "I can't, I won't or I don't don't know how," instead just stop and ask.

"What should I really be doing?"
"What really matters in this season of my life?"
"Have I signed up for too much on my plate?"
"What do I need to let go of?"
"How can create an everyday system that supports me?"

If you say you can't then you are probably right. As long as you have thoughts of "I'm stressed," "I'm overworked," "Nobody ever helps me," or "I can't handle it" then that is going to be your experience. When you make the shift in your thoughts and start asking questions then answers show up.

As a mother, our to-do list is a mile long and every day we look at what we didn't finish. Must we make such a long list for ourselves? How much on this list is truly necessary? What on the list is not so important and can fall away? What on this list can be delegated? Remember, children are a great help for mom, especially when you teach them the art of teamwork and express great appreciation for help.

Am I trying to do too much? Consider the season of life you are living. When my children were very small for years I had one who was learning to read, one who was just learning to potty train and one that was in diapers and nursing. Many days were spent at home just supporting and nurturing. We did get out to the park, play and shop but it was on our time in an easy relaxed manner. It's when we press too much into a day that causes stress for ourselves as well as children. Stress can cause a host of other problems with children that in turn greatly affect your well-being such as regular healthy meals, nap time and plentiful nighttime rest. All of this greatly impacts the family health and the flow of everyday.

As children get older there becomes more flexibility. They are a greater help around the house so household task time is greatly reduced and there is more time for going places and exploring. Don't discount staying home more than being on the go. Children of all ages need their own time and space.

And you too Mom! You need your own time and space. Make arrangements immediately for some quiet time for yourself. Can you get up before everyone? Give yourself an hour or more to read, meditate, exercise and get a jump start on the day. I feel much better about my day when I wake early and have time to meditate, read, exercise and do some desk work. When the house wakes I feel great because I have already accomplished a lot of work, supported myself and now I can focus on the family and have more to give. I work from home and I don't feel like I am neglecting my work by taking care of my family because I have already done much and know I have allotted more time in my day for additional work.

I'm fully present for my children, the household is flowing, we are enjoying delicious meals together and the children are sharing what they are learning and all their discoveries. It's truly a wonderful life!

MomMe Assignment this week:
Take some quiet time for yourself to really contemplate what you are doing and your purpose. Ask yourself the questions listed above. When you are inspired with the answers then support yourself in the implementation. Get support, delegate, ask for help. You are worth it!

Become Better Equipped with Anchors in Your Schedule:

Quiet time for self. During this time meditate, read, exercise, reorganize yourself, and work.
Give yourself permission. You are worth it! Your family wants you to be happy and successful. All of the most successful people have support systems that enable them to make great accomplishments. These basic tasks I am sharing with you today are the backbones of their structure.
Regular healthy meals. Honor yourself and your children by serving regular healthy meals. This will give you power to do your work and keep everyone well.
Regular sleep. Also honor yourself by scheduling enough sleep. Health begins with sleep. You will have more power, be more cheerful and remain healthier with sufficient sleep. If you have a busy week then be sure to take time at least one day over the weekend for extra rest.

Remember, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Never discount even the smallest task you must do to take care of yourself and your children. You are forming the next generation and influencing generations to come. It all begins at home. The way children learn matters. If you would like support email me at donna@aninspirededucation.com I'm here for you!

Homeschool My Kids and Have My Own Time?

2010-10-22T09:55:00.000-05:00

This Week's Question Answered:

Q: I'm intrigued by the idea of homeschooling, but I don't want to give up my own work or interests. Will I have to in order to homeschool my children?

A: Homeschooling doesn't mean standing in front of a blackboard while your children are bound to their desks for six to eight hours a day while you lead lessons.

Some parents combine part-time work with homeschooling and many even manage to work full-time. Thanks to the evolution of the Internet, many opportunities to work from home either employed or in your own business have enabled both parents to carry on their professional lives, support the finances of the family, while they direct the educational development of their children alongside them at home.

With self-education methods, success principles and mentoring the entire family is able to live the entrepreneur's true freedom lifestyle. Every day is extraordinary and you're free to love more, live more and learn more.

In closing, since we've been talking about mentors, I cannot recommend enough the importance, especially for working parents to secure a mentor who is supportive and helpful in combining the work-life, education-life and family-life to mesh for continued advancement and success.

Learn to Live, Live to Learn

2010-10-20T03:42:00.002-05:00

"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom." -Henry Ward Beecher

The daily demands of adult life compounded with parenthood make it easy to fall into a routine that's less than appealing for a life of success and well-being. We wake up, go to bed; make a meal, clean up; do laundry, fold clothes; shop for groceries, make another meal; do this, do that; hurry here, hurry there; pick up, drop off; wake up and do it all over again. When we become so busy 'doing' we leave out time for just being. After years of repeating the pattern stress and anger become the norm. When we finally wake up we discover our children have grown and feel as if we don't even know them and wonder where our life went.

Living An Inspired Education, your relationships evolve into empowering each other to be your best. You learn from each other and support the highest. Instead of seeing the daily demands as a battle field, you realize it's all for the highest good of those involved, not only for the child but for the parent as well. The discipline of daily studies, writing, doing dishes, cleaning up, knowing when to let the dishes wait is all part of allowing. Through magnanimous living comes the development of fine character.

My children have taught me so many lessons and show me daily how I can grow and change. Making time for quiet meditation and contemplation helps me remember that life is about making me a better person and when I exemplify that for my children, they in turn mirror it back. And in that moment of awareness suddenly I'm in awe with how much they have changed me just by letting go to grow with them.

When they kids acting up; and yes it does happen in my house, I pause and consider where my thoughts and actions are or have been recently. When I quiet myself and re-direct down the path of loving kindness suddenly they have settled themselves. When a child is being demanding of me I quietly take inventory of the way I have been demanding of them lately. When they're being impatient I remember how I have been hurrying them along. My children are my mirrors.

My approach with An Inspired Education is simple. I don't "teach" any lessons. Instead I walk beside my children as partners, learning life lessons together. Yes, my children are doing their math lessons, reading and writing. I may not be "doing" algebra but I'm experiencing my own lessons. The number one being discovering the cause and effect of my choices and how that impacts my life and the people nearest and dearest to me, my family. This is part of the discipline that is molding our characters, building our knowledge which will all turn to wisdom. Living naturally, lessons show up at the perfect time for everyone involved. The children are sharing their perspective and I share mine. We benefit each other and life opens up. This is holistic living. This is waking up to the lifestyle of true freedom. It's An Inspired Education!

Here are 8 ways you can learn to live and live to learn, loving your children and yourself to a life of excellence and true freedom:

1. Slow down to the speed of life. Take time for daily prayer and meditation. Sit quietly or go for a walk in nature.
2. Take care of your body. Get adequate rest, make healthy choices in eating and lifestyle and exercise regularly.
3. Choose good. Practice love and gratitude, even at times you don't feel like it. Speak words that give life and uplift others.
4. Be generous with yourself, spouse, children, family, friends, serving others and giving abundantly.
5. Clear your calendar so you can give yourself quality leisure time daily. Make space in your life for reading, art, music, and nature. Study what interests you.
6. Practice forgiveness. Forgive yourself first so that you can forgive others because love is for-giving.
7. Choose in favor of your passions, your purpose and being your true self. Do it for yourself as well as for others. We all need for you to do this.
8. When faced with a decision or choice ask: "Does this add more life to all and less to none?" That is where you will find your answer.

Use your days for learning to live and live to learn from your precious life. Are you ready to be the constant student? Love more, live more, learn more...may we all share living bliss. It's a wonderful life!

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." -Gandhi

Changing Education Paradigms

2010-10-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

This animate was adapted from a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA’s Benjamin Franklin award.

Walking Through Illusion

2010-10-18T03:33:00.002-05:00

The book Walking Through Illusion by Betsy Otter Thompson is a very inspiring book I can highly recommend. It is an author's interpretation of the possible insights and emotions that might have been experienced by Jesus and the people who shared his journey.

This book is not religious nor does it focus on challenging historical facts but rather challenges each of us as readers to contemplate, become accountable, grow and flourish in our own life pursuits towards love and truth.

Each chapter carries you through a dialog between the author and Jesus, asking questions we all face and wish for answers. This book does just that, answering your questions as well as provide application to real life through reflective questioning as applied to one's own life. Betsy Thompson has also included her own personal reflections lovingly supporting you through the process like a close and caring friend.

"Personal Insights Acceptance:
My biggest challenge has been to love and accept myself. Why? Partially because of expectations, not only parental but personal as well. On many fronts, life didn't evolve as I'd been led to believe it would. Then I had to create new expectations outside the box of my upbringing. As I struggled with new demands, I blamed my pain on the actions of others. Much to my surprise, they turned out to be the miracles waiting to happen, for as I accepted them as the people they needed to be, I accepted myself as the person I needed to be. As I stopped blaming them for every setback, setbacks ceased to be. As I realized how strong I'd become from the challenge they had offered, I knew that anything making me stronger had to be viewed as valuable." -Betsy Otter Thompson

Even though I've read this book it will remain on my nightstand for regular re-reads and personal contemplation. Just a couple of days ago I sat outside re-reading specific chapters that resonated with me gaining much inspiration and insights past the first reading. Walking Through Illusion is a real guide book you can read again and again, cherishing it throughout your life.

Visit the author, Betsy Otto Thompson
http://www.betsythompson.com
And begin walking through illusion.

Stuck on Math?

2010-10-13T06:09:00.000-05:00

by Donna Vail

"You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it within himself." -Galileo

As a homeschooling parent, occasionally you'll have a child who gets stuck on a math problem and exclaim repeatedly "I can't do it." Your child might even cry, throw a fit or even refuse to move forward because they believe they can't understand the problem. If you have a child experiencing struggles with math, the first thing to do is consider the type of math curriculum you're using.

As a parent it is critical and totally confident that you have chosen a math curriculum that is excellent, whole and one and structured properly for learning. We use Saxon math. We didn't always use Saxon. I've tried several math programs. I even did Saxon for a year, tried something else and came back to Saxon, this time for good.

Researching math and the problems we suffer from not learning math, how we learn math and how it affects us has brought me to be Saxon fan for life. I know that the Saxon program has everything a child needs in order to learn math. How do I know, I see it in my children and how they stumbled when I used other curriculums.

In an interview with John Saxon he spoke about how he never liked math as a boy because it always made him feel inadequate. He actually took Trigonometry three times before graduating from Westpoint. He's not the only one who didn't like math. There are a lot of us Saxons out there who don't like math let alone do well in it. That's why Saxon did the research and work to change the way children learn math.

Most math books out there are a disaster with lessons that are incomplete and include very little review (if any) or repetition. Most of us were at the mercy of our math teacher and how well they knew math. Often times the football coach doubled as the math teacher. Sound familiar? When not properly prepared in math the sciences like chemistry and physics are traumatic. Good math skills helps build logical thinking. Without this training our decision making is affected throughout our whole life.

John Saxon wrote the Saxon series math books so complete, he explained that he didn't want any teacher to have to rely on their own math knowledge. He put full explanation in each lesson so the teacher could basically read the lesson and the children would be able to successfully learn math. What he didn't realize is that he wrote the books so well, the student doesn't even need the teacher. It's true! I have had one child graduate and I have three currently teaching themselves Saxon math. My six-year-old is so anxious to get his start into Saxon, just a couple of days ago he said he couldn't wait to get his hands on the first Saxon book and get started.

This is the only program I can honestly recommend to be used in the self-study method. Each lesson teaches a new concept, reviews what has been learned and has the child repeat, repeat, repeat. There are a few problems to practice the new concept and about 28 problems that the child has already learned and can basically show off what they know. This reinforces what they have learned and gives them the confidence they need to tackle the more complex concepts. Review, review, review insures the child learns it and creates a great relationship with math.

My children, those that are in Saxon math, are working through their respective Saxon books. They are instructed to do the study first. It really gets the brain warmed up and prepared for a logical state for the whole day.

Occasionally I will have a child who has questions or says they "can't do it" or "it's too hard." I have had children cry over a lesson, refuse to do math ever again (it only lasts for a moment), and insist that "I can't do it." Dear parent: Don't give up! If you give up your child gives up. It's so important that you allow them to work through this with your support rather than letting them give up on themself or by you caving in and switching math curriculum. These so-called blocks, when they do arise are nothing more than opportunities in disguise! An opportunity to build character. Learning to face challenges head on and doing it successfully without fear, will carry them through life. If all they every get is some rinky-dink math worksheets they won't develop the problem solving skills needed for life.

My children all work independently. I'm not beside each child hovering over them as they do their school work. I model the habits I want to see in them as I do my own work such as continue my book or authoring my latest e-zine. I'm also likely to be reading with my six year old or changing the laundry. No matter what I'm doing eventually someone comes to me and says, "Mom, I need some help." Here's a typical response from me:

1. "What have you done to figure out the problem?" At this point I am looking for them to say they have re-read the problem, read it aloud to themselves, went back to the lesson where the concept was taught, re-read it and read it aloud to themselves again. If they haven't done all of that then I will not help them until they have gone through that process. If they have then I will go to their desk and...

2. Ask them to read the problem aloud to me. Many times at this very moment they will have an ah-ha moment and say " thanks, I know what to do now" and eagerly get right back to problem solving. If they are still stumped...

3. I ask them to read the lesson where the concept is taught aloud to me. (Each problem has a small number by it to indicate the lesson number where the concept was taught.) I even have them verbally work through the practice problems of that lesson and usually when they return to the problem that seemed to be so impossible before, they simply see the answer.

When the answer is not getting through to the child at all I will suggest they get up, get a drink of water, take some deep breaths and then go through the process. If we are in a full blown math crisis then I know it is all work on the child's character. This is where much encouragement is needed. The child must receive your reassurance that they are smart enough and you wouldn't ask them to do anything you thought they were not capable of. The child really needs to hear, "I know you can do it." Your confidence in them fosters their self-confidence.

I simply can't fit all of my tips for math here in the e-zine but I will share one of the most important ones here in the end with you now. You must know in your heart that your child can do this work. You have to fully believe in your child. If you have any reservations, even if you don't verbalize it they will know. They feel your energy whether positive or negative. You have to totally and completely be committed in order for them to be. They can do it. Every child from all walks of life has the genius within them. We must believe it, allow it and we will see it emerge to greatness.

Never doubt yourself or the way you homeschool. Research and make sound decisions. Don't forget, you can ask me. Just e-mail your question to donna@aninspirededucation and type in the subject line "Ask Donna Vail." I will be happy to answer your question. And soon we will have our website opened up with more options and mentor opportunities, so stay tuned. I will make the big announcement to all of you my faithful readers first.

Until then, be encouraged and know you're doing a great work homeschooling your children. Not only are you making a great difference in today but also in tomorrow and for generations to come. As you send your children out to fulfill their purposes they will touch many and change the world. Life is messy. Thank you for what you are doing to make it better!

"Purify the air for learning by eliminating toxic practices: competition, comparison, stress and prizes and marks. Encourage cooperation and a love for learning." -Donna Vail, An Inspired Education

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your Ezine, Web Site, Blog or Newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' ezine. If you're ready for true freedom, a harmonious family life, self-education and simplified living, get your weekly tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Believe It and You Will See It

2010-10-11T19:40:00.000-05:00

"Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World." -Christopher Columbus

Florida's Best Kept Secret

2010-10-08T10:08:00.000-05:00

I love traveling and just discovered the beauty of the white sandy beaches in Florida. Not only was our vacation completely relaxing but it was also filled with adventure and lots of family fun.

Probably the most fun activity was parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico! Yes, that’s me up there with two of my children flying like a kite. I was extremely nervous and at the same time amazed at the peacefulness up in the air. Everyone should experience this birds eye view!

We did lots of exploration, shell collecting, beach nature observation, nighttime crab hunting (observation only), walks around the small community, beach time to play in the sun and surf, good seafood, tour the Gulfarium and life of the Gulf of Mexico, Parasailing, shopping, painting, photography, reading and writing.

Here's a few pictures to share our fun and learning. Let us know what you and your family are doing for fun and learning. We'd love to hear from you.

Lauren, Joseph and I Parasailing together. They dipped us!

Julian, Aaron and Jonathan sailed together.

Lauren painting the view of the beach from our condo balcony.

You can see more pictures by joining me on facebook. Look forward to seeing you there!

Mentor Moments

2010-10-07T07:01:00.000-05:00

by Julian and Donna Vail

"Provide, guide and step aside." -Donna Vail

Let's face it, parents are busy people, especially if you have a large family with age ranges from say toddler to teen and everything in between. On one end of the spectrum you're changing diapers and watching Yo Gabba Gabba and the other end you're helping with advanced math and running off to a baseball game. Think for a moment how easy it is to be so busy with life, that you overlook all the opportunities to be a mentor to your child. I'm not talking about being in "mom mode" or "dad mode". I'm talking about mentoring.

You may ask "how is mentoring different than parenting?". When I refer to a "mentor moment" it's in that instance of time for you to be open to them in everything you do. Here are a few examples: Moms be sure to include your daughters in your activities such as preparing family meals and take the extra time to explain why tonight's meal was selected. Our 12 year old daughter has become such a huge help to me with our toddler, just through my example of mothering. Dads, be sure to include yours sons in outdoor activity. Though they are small, get them outside helping to clean up the yard. Picking up small sticks and limbs is a great way for the little guys to help dad and learn. Eventually, those little guys will be big guys and will be handling more of the work. All the more reason to bring them along from little up. Moms or Dads, if you work from home or go to an office, make a day to take your child to work. Make it a special day where they get to shadow you for the day. Make the day all about them, including of course your normal day to day as much as possible. They will have a front row seat to what you do to support the family.

When you're in a mentor moment remember to move out of the task oriented thoughts of everyday life pressures such as "I have to get my list done", to taking the extra time to help your son drive a nail or show your daughter how to thread a needle. I'm guilty of it myself and it's so easy to want to hurry through life which brings to mind the wonderful lyric... "Life is what happens when you're busy doing other things," John Lennon from Beautiful Boy'...(love that sweet chorus)...

As a parent you will want to be walking beside your child guiding him and allowing him to try new things in the safety of your presence. This produces self-discipline, responsibility and a learner for life. By creating mentor moments in your life you set the example for your children to model the same for their children one day.

Here are some opportunities that recently arose in our home:

From Julian:
We have 3 boys ages 7, 9 and 14. They are all playing baseball this year, each for the first time. Getting outside each day with the guys, even if it's for an hour or so to throw a baseball is so rewarding. It's a great way to interact and connect with my boys. As spring temps are warming so is the need to get outside and clean up the yard. In the past, I have been the world's worst at jumping in to yard work in a hurried fashion just so I could get it done and be done. Just last week, while preparing for Donna's workshop, me and my three sons (not a TV sitcom from the 60s) worked at cleaning up fallen limbs from the recent snows. I was leading a small team of boys and tasked my oldest boy as a "team lead". We all worked together and got the job done. Our reward was time together, working as a team.

My daughter Lauren who is 12, has been riding horses for nearly three years. Again, I applied the "slow down and take your time" approach that Donna writes about earlier and last weekend as I was going to the barn to work with my 5 year old quarter horse, I asked Lauren if she'd like to come help. She jumped at the chance. Together we groomed our horse and spent time doing something we each enjoy.

My oldest son, Aaron who is 14 has developed his computer skills to levels that easily exceed many IT professionals earning $50K a year or more. I know, because I've been in IT for 15 years and know the market well. Donna and I recently bought the new Motorola DROIDs from Verizon, our first smartphones. Along with Aaron's web skills he has become quite the expert on Internet technologies and wireless phones, even to the point of developing and publishing his own highly popular blog on the subject: http://www.aaronvailsblog.com/ Why is that so amazing, up until a week ago he didn't have one of his own. With Aaron's expertise, he helped Donna and me navigate our new devices and learn the ins and outs in a very short time. He was mentoring us. :)

Don't discount your son or daughter teaching you something. Children are evolving and advancing at levels that were not readily accessible to us as kids. Encourage your children by going to them and asking their advice. It goes a long way in their self-confidence when they experience the wonderful feeling showing you how to do something. My daughter is the same when it comes to horses. She is learning and growing and is always sure to point out if I do something in error. :)

From Donna:
During education time give yourself permission to be fully present. Really listen when a young new reader is reading aloud to you. Engage in the story and share what you liked about it, especially the way your child read aloud so well to you. Be available and approachable. Children learn what they live.

Wouldn't you love a sous chef? It 's a huge help to have a child help with the cooking and kitchen duties, but make sure you're sharing the cooking duties. What can they do? Take time to allow them to learn how to wash dishes, chop veggies, or stir a pot. Talk, talk, talk the whole time about the how-to's and general conversation. That's relationship building. This can include all life skills, not just cooking.

What do you know about leadership? If you're rusty about the subject, pick up a book. I'm reading one right now about heart centered leadership called It's Not About the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks, by Howard Behar. I am always sharing with excitement what I just read in the latest chapter. It's best the children learn from little on how to be a leader of themselves first then they can become great leaders of others as they mature.

And what better place to experiment their newly acquired leadership skills than in the comfort of their home with their siblings. My children inspire me when I see them developing their leadership skills. It's win win!

You can be an active family, not overly busy active. Find the right balance of active that fits your lifestyle. Make it work for your family. Most of all keep it fun! We are meant to have fun all the time. If it's drudgery then it's time to check your values and reconsider what's right for your family. Do it together because you love it and be inspired to be in the now. When those mentoring moments show up, take them, they're always in perfect timing.

"Seek out that particular mental attitude which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive..." -William James

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your E-zine Web Site, Blog or Newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! We are transforming families and creating true freedom. What could be more rewarding than inspiring the hearts and minds of our future leaders? An Inspired Education is perfect for any family, especially the entrepreneur lifestyle. Harmonious family living through self-education and simplified living. Free to learn more, live more and love more! Get your weekly tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Storytime: Maurice Sendak Reads to You

2010-10-06T15:26:00.000-05:00

Where the Wild Things Are

Barnes and Noble online has a monthly read aloud where you can watch and listen to a book read by authors and celebrities. This months pick is Where the Wild Things Are, written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, read by Maurice Sendak. Grab the children and connect with the author for an absolutely wild story! Click here to watch and listen.

Your Life Matters

2010-10-05T08:26:00.000-05:00

Realize how much your life matters.

It's said that when a butterfly flaps its wings, that energy flows thousands of miles away. Therefore, everything you think and do extends outward and multiplies. Live your life knowing that the difference you choose to make is toward wholeness, not destructiveness. Even if no one sees or acknowledges it, an act of unkindness contains energy that impacts our entire universe. And a silent blessing or thought of love toward others contains a vibration that will be felt throughout the cosmos.

William Blake's vision expresses this idea:
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.

Be conscious of how very much you matter to all of creation.

Do the Tao Now, the 54th Verse
Dedicate a day to extending kind thoughts and acts toward your family, your community, your country, and the world. In your family, encourage someone who's struggling with low self-esteem. In your community, pick up litter and recycle it without judgement. In your country, spend a few moments in silent prayer, sending loving energy to those who are in positions of power -then do the same for the world, including any so-called enemies.

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life

New Educators Mind: Concentration

2010-10-04T07:50:00.000-05:00

"The principle of concentration is the medium by which procrastination is overcome. The same principle is the foundation upon which both self-confidence and self-esteem are predicated." -Napoleon Hill

The New Educators Mind allows time and space for concentration. When children are given the time and space they need to apply themselves towards their academics they are building a strong foundation of self-confidence and self-esteem. They are making new discoveries everyday and connecting their learning with whole life living. A strong start today in these practices will create a successful, rich and rewarding experience throughout life. Everyone needs this time for grounding and connecting. Where can you create time and space for concentration today?

Learner or Learned?

2010-09-29T05:36:00.001-05:00

"In times of change, the learners will inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." -Eric Hoffer

Developing Your Childs Communication Skills

2010-09-28T05:35:00.000-05:00

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." -Benjamin Franklin

As you go about your day be conscious of the many opportunities available to you to naturally guide your child ineffective communication skills. It's important for children to understand the importance of communication and how this important skill can improve their experience with others and open doors of opportunity.

Children who master effective communication skills are happier, achieve more academically and socially both in youth and adult lives. Leaders evolve out of good communication skills. Learning how to speak and present at a young age produces self-confidence that will lead your children to a life of success and financial independence.

Here are 3 steps to encourage effective communication in your children:

1. For the younger children, skills are developing while playing simple games that tap into their young imaginative minds. Pretend telephone conversations, playing store, library or play office are all things that mirror the adult world they see.

As children get older these experiences can actually help them become proficient with household tasks like taking phone messages, sorting the mail and making grocery lists. They'll naturally evolve into more responsible tasks such as with the family business or home office personal assistant tasks for you entrepreneurs out there.

2. Have your children produce presentations on their favorite subject. This again can begin with the youngest all the way up to the oldest. Let their imagination run wild. They can present on things they have made or constructed, studies they have researched, a favorite sport, or a short story they have written. Other examples include reciting a memorized passage from a favorite story or poem, singing or playing a musical instrument. Have them do this on a regular basis at home so they grow to feel comfortable presenting what they have accomplished. As they grow in confidence introduce them to a wider audience by including family and friends, homeschool meeting groups, retirement homes or any group that's appropriate to help create a positive experience for your child.

3. Fear of public speaking was listed by nearly 70% of respondents as their #1 fear. You can help your children avoid this fear by giving them the tools to succeed and avoiding this all too common adult fear. Are you familiar with Toastmasters Int'l? It is an organization that develops the best speakers and communicators. Once your children get comfortable with making their presentations or speaking on various subjects you can explain this one lesson taught in Toastmasters, not to use long pauses or words/sounds while speaking such as "um," "uh," "like," "er," and "you know." Eliminating these words and sounds creates focus on purposeful speaking and increases vocabulary and articulation. In a Toastmasters meeting when someone is speaking another member is noting on a paper how many "um's" were uttered helping the speaker hone his speaking skills.

Remember, along with reading the best literature, whole books, narration, writing and everyday engaged interaction with you and those around him, your child is sure to grow into a brilliant person who is able to live a very fulfilling life and contribute greatly to his society.

"He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own." -Confucius

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your e-zine Web site, blog or newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! We are transforming families and creating true freedom. What could be more rewarding than inspiring the hearts and minds of our future leaders? An Inspired Education is perfect for any family, especially the entrepreneur lifestyle. Harmonious family living through self-education and simplified living. Free to learn more, live more and love more! Get your weekly tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

Successfully Work-at-Home with Kids

2010-09-23T03:26:00.002-05:00

Are you facing daily challenges and demands of working-at-home with kids? Does the chaos distract you? Do you feel overwhelmed with to-do tasks that never seem to end?

Here are 8 steps you can take to make working at home with kids flow which ultimately creates more productive time for all and reduces stress levels.

Gather a notepad and cup of tea, find a comfortable place to sit and really think about what you can do to create the flow you’re looking for. Making time for contemplation and organization pays big dividends in many ways. Don’t dismiss this important task with the excuse of not enough time. The time is now so let’s look at this list and get creative to write your own plan today, contemplate it over the weekend and then on Monday you can begin implementing it. One step at a time and you will find a way to blend all of your life giving you space to breathe and live the way you desire.

1. Stop entertaining the kids and create a partnership. Give them space and time to do their own thing and show them that you need your own time too. This is how people learn, live and work. At first they may complain but soon you will see they value their own time. When you’re done with your time then go be with the family and be present.

2. Create an environment that supports learning and thriving so you can work. A home that is warm, loving and supportive gives children a safe place to be themselves. Be sure they have supplies to make things, good books to read, and tools to pursue their own ventures.

3. Manage your expectations. Stop expecting so much of yourself. Set realistic goals and write them down. Be okay with letting go of the not-so-important to-dos by doing a brain dump onto your to-do list of all the things you want to do, then do what really matters, let go of the rest.

4. Always be prepared. Keep a good plan in place for the next three days. With ever changing structures between home, work and children things change constantly. Be flexible yet precise with your calendar for the next 3 days. This flexibility will help you stay on track while making continued progress. Long term plans are good, but they can also be overwhelming. View them periodically but put your emphasis on these three days.

5. Have a back-up plan. Work closely with your spouse, an assistant, babysitter/nanny when you have meetings that take you out-of-the-house, know you’re covered. Is there someone you can rely upon if something happens while you’re gone – a family member or a close friend?

6. Get help. You can’t do it all. The sooner we admit this to ourselves, the better. Review what’s on your plate. What can you hand over to someone else? Can you get help from a part-time or full-time housekeeper, a nanny, personal assistant or can your husband or older children take on some tasks to lighten your load?

7. Create boundaries. At times working from home family and work life can seem to run together. Create boundaries by making “office hours” on your schedule. Even if you have to break it up throughout the day or even the week. With this approach, outside of your set office hours you know you can be fully present with your family. You family will appreciate having your undivided attention.

8. Simplify with creating your own procedures. Repetitive tasks can be organized in a flow chart for organized productivity. Rely on technology where tasks can be automated. Let go of what’s not serving you or creating a big difference in your business.

These steps are practiced by highly effective, successful people every day. When you implement a similar strategy in your day, you will see your life flow away from chaos and towards harmony and be on your way to experiencing the extraordinary.

Go With The Flow

2010-09-20T05:19:00.000-05:00

"Cooperate with your destiny, don't go against it, don't thwart it. Allow it to fulfill itself." -Nisargadatta Maharaj

Children should be taught that success and fulfillment come from inside, and it is only inside that matters. Each of us is responsible for how we feel, what we wish for, and how we decide to approach life's challenges. The highest responsibility is fulfilled not by doing a huge amount of work but by doing the work of spirit in an attitude of joy and creativity. This is the only way that life without struggle becomes possible.

Set aside a few minutes for the whole family to concentrate on reducing effort, strain, and wear and tear. Talk at the dinner table about times when solutions appeared that were much easier than you thought they would be. The whole drift is to defuse the notion, which bombards us from every side, that life is a problem. In spiritual terms, life is not problematic; only our attitudes toward it are. Your children are going to hear from dozens of people a day that things are hard, tough, difficult, a struggle, even overwhelming. (If you think this isn't happening among grade-school children, just listen to interviews with third- and fourth-graders complaining about the pressure to achieve that is already crippling their chance for happiness and forcing them to cope with stress at inconceivably early ages.)

Reducing the amount of work in a situation sometimes calls for a mechanical solution, such as using a more powerful computer to solve a technical problem, but more often what's needed is a shift in attitude. Nothing is more efficient than spirit. When you can evoke spirit, you have more chance for success than under any other circumstance. Spirit is creative fullness; that is why the Latin word genius also means "spirit."

In practice, invoking spirit means the following:

Being in a good mood for work.
Approaching tasks with relaxed confidence.
Not straining or putting excessive demands on yourself physically (e.g., staying up late, working overtime, not taking breaks, not eating and getting enough fluids).
Meditating regularly.
Asking for inspiration; being patient until it comes.
Not resisting changes in the situation.
Not having to have your own way.
Not assuming that you know the answer in advance.

Review those points at dinner to reinforce the habits you want your children to develop.

-Deepak Chopra, The Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents: Guiding Your Children to Success and Fulfilment

Ignite Passion with ART

2010-09-10T08:47:00.000-05:00

Art is not just paint, a mess or something to fulfill on the academic checklist. It's easy for parents to let this subject fall to the way side because we easily let it go thinking it's not necessary, we can live without doing a painting or weaving a cloth or molding a piece of pottery but I urge you to refuse this kind of thinking. It kills creativity for today and tomorrow.

We are born artists, we are creative always creating. By engaging our children in art we are taking them into the unpredictable which develops in them a flexibility and productivity that can empower their everyday life. Exploring art unlocks inspiration and the discovery of life purpose, an awakening to something inventive, new and unique. Exploring art relieves stress and anxiety. When art is done together with others it builds relationships and creates a bond. Exploring art helps us all discover ways to become better, more skillful, more thoughtful, more innovative and more collaborative. I cannot even begin to list the benefits of art here in this little blog but I urge you to contemplate on ways you can incorporate art into your life and the lives of your children. It's not too difficult, we all can do it! Who knows, you might even discover the artist in you that's been there all your life!

My daughter Lauren (12) and I explored Chinese brush painting together for the first time. We quickly discovered the skills we needed to develop in order to create true works of art but in the process we had the most delightful time together painting and creating something new. When we discovered a new stroke we quickly shared it with each other. We sought advice from each other and reveled in the completion of our new paintings.

It was so relaxing and rewarding we've already scheduled our next painting session when Jennifer (19) comes home from college for a visit over the weekend. She loves to paint too so we can't wait to share Chinese Brush painting with her!

Give yourself permission to engage in ART. You will be amazed at how much you discover!

Here's our finished products.

Lauren Chinese brush painting.

Lauren's finished painting. Chinese characters are Plum Blossom.

"Five good fortunes arrive when the plum blossom opens."

The five petals of the plum blossom flower symbolize, for the Chinese, the five good fortunes of longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and natural death.

Donna's finished painting of Plum Blossoms.

Chinese Characters are Prosperity

This covers all of life moving forward; longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue and natural death.

Donna's Lotus bloom in the water, a fish and butterfly.

Chinese characters are Peacefulness

Here's the kit and book we used to learn Chinese Brush Painting:

Here's another kit I found online that's on my wish list.

It looks like it comes with more supplies and has a greater variety of painting lessons.

You can look inside here on Amazon.

How to Write a Thank You Note

2010-09-09T04:12:00.009-05:00

With so much happening online today it's important not to forget the kind note you can write in minutes and send through the postal system aka snail mail. Receiving a letter or kind note cannot be experienced the same through email. Your personal message that is hand written adds greatly to the words expressed within the note. With less done through mail and more done online a hand written note can really stand out.

How to write a thank you note is a very important lesson to teach children. Get them their own special stationary and show them how to take care of it. Teach them the art of gratitude while they are young and they will always express it throughout life. Even when a child receives a gift from a grandparent or a friend, get them into the habit of sending a thank-you note within a week of receiving the gift. You can also express gratitude through a thank-you note for help, encouragement, or promotion you received. Let them see you doing it as well.

Have young children write their thank you out on a piece of paper for practice. Check over their writing for spelling, punctuation and content. Once it's corrected they can copy it into their special stationary. Both you and your child read over it again to be sure you crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's. Now it's ready to send. I've included here 5 elements every thank-you note should include. Keep it simple and sincere.

The 5 Elements of Every Thank-You Note:
1. Begin with the date and salutation. Find a quality stationary and use black ink. Write out the date and choose a salutation like "Dear Christine". Be sure you are sending your note within a week of receiving the gift.
2. First say thank you. Be specific about why you are writing. If you are saying thank you for a monetary gift, refer to it as "generosity" rather than mentioning the amount. "Thank you so much for coming to my birthday party and giving me the fabulous cookbook!"
3. Give a generous compliment for their kind gesture. Don't be afraid to shower them with kindness. Everyone loves a compliment, as long as it's heartfelt. "It was the perfect gift. You know how passionate I am about cooking and trying new recipes."
4. Allude to the future. When writing about a gift, tell them how you plan to use it. Include them in if it is appropriate. "Once I practice a few recipes, you will have to join us for dinner so I can share with you what I've learned."
5. Finish sincerely. Reiterate your gratitude, then close with an intimate signing of your name. Remember to always proofread before mailing! "Thanks again. Sincerely yours, or Fondly," or whatever is appropriate for your relationship.

Be sure to show your child how an envelope is addressed and proper placement of the stamp. You can take a blank envelope and write out a sample they can keep in their stationary box to use each time they send a note. Make it fun and meaningful. This is the art of living consciously.

Are You Punished by Rewards?

2010-09-07T06:09:00.001-05:00

Most people are surprised to learn that rewards kill interest. An old joke captures a phenomenon that is widely and erroneously assumed that if you add an inducement (such as money or grades) to something, an individual's motivation to do it will automatically increase. Once the finding is described and explained, many people immediately recognize it's plausibility. Most of us, after all, can think of something we used to do just because we found it enjoyable -until we started getting paid for engaging in the activity, after which there was no way we would consider doing it for free. Somehow our intrinsic interest evaporated after rewards were introduced.

An old joke captures this phenomenon as well as any study could. It is the story of an elderly man who endured the insults of a crowd of ten-year-olds each day as they passed his house on their way home from school. One afternoon, after listening to another round of jeers about how stupid and ugly and bald he was, the man came up with a a plan. He met the children on his lawn the following Monday and announced that anyone who came back the next day and yelled rude comments about him would receive a dollar. Amazed and excited, they showed up even earlier on Tuesday, hollering epithets for all they were worth. True to his word, the old man ambled out and paid everyone. "Do the same tomorrow," he told them, "and you'll get twenty-five cents for your trouble." The kids thought that was still pretty good and turned out again on Wednesday to taunt him. At the first catcall, he walked over with a roll of quarters and again paid off his hecklers. "From now on," he announced, "I can give you only a penny for doing this." The kids looked at each other in disbelief, "A penny?" they repeated scornfully. "Forget it!" And they never came back again.

The old man's plan was sly but also elegantly simple. He rewarded the children for something they had been doing voluntarily, something they thought was fun, and right away they came to see themselves as harassing him in order to get paid. As soon as the reward was no longer there, neither were they. This, of course, was the whole idea: to sap their intrinsic motivation. But that is also what millions of us -well-meaning parents, teachers, and managers --are doing to the people we reward, whether we realize it or not: killing off their interest in the very things we are bribing them to do.

-Alfie Kohn, Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes

On the Verge of Success

2010-09-02T06:10:00.002-05:00

"People usually fail when they are on the verge of success. So give as much care at the end as at the beginning, and then there will be no failure."

-Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

Are You Afraid?

2010-08-31T06:06:00.000-05:00

"Things done well and with a care, exempt themselves from fear." -William Shakespeare

Are you afraid of making mistakes? Are you afraid of "messing up" your children? I encounter many mothers who immediately confess to me they're not smart enough or good enough to homeschool their children. A common question is "What if I mess up their education?"

No one likes mistakes, but we have to be totally honest with ourselves. Mistakes happen and life can sometimes be messy. What we have to do is accept responsibility for our lives. Out of that acceptance we are empowered with confidence to move forward with life. Every thought produces a result. When we focus on mistakes, we will experience mistakes. When you focus your thoughts on successful homeschooling, a successful homeschooling experiencing will be your reward. We must accept responsibility for every thought, every feeling and every action. If we do something and make a mistake we have to accept responsibility for that mistake 100%.

Are you avoiding things out of fear of making a mistake? To be honest with you this is a lesson I have had to learn over the years. No one likes to make mistakes because we have been taught that it's bad. This is why we freeze and can't move forward. It holds us back from living the life we truly want to live.

I'm the kind of person who doesn't like quick fixes. I know that to correct a problem, I must go to the root or source of the problem; my thoughts. This is where you fix the "problem". If you only address symptoms and not the root cause, the problem lingers and manifests into more negative outcomes. For most of us, our thoughts stem from our childhood and those very experiences either help us or hinder us depending on how we choose our thoughts. If we made a mistake in school we were made fun of, humiliated and usually corrected by an authority figure with an iron fist. We were handed thoughts of "I'm wrong", "I'm bad" and internalized them deep, when what we really needed was love, compassion and guidance. Many of us still carry around those wounded experiences. We haul them out when it's convenient and use them as excuses why we aren't living the life we desire. "I'm not good enough", "I'm not smart enough", "I'm not attractive enough" and on and on the excuses go.

When someone makes a mistake it's not about punishing them, it's about helping them to see and understand their mistake and redirecting them with love and compassion so that they don't continue on in the mistake. This is what we can do for our children but we must also do it for ourselves when we find we have made a mistake.

When we punish a child for mistakes he has made it makes them feel wrong and they internalize that there is something wrong with them and this can be carried on into their whole life just as you have likely carried yours. As parents we must first be willing to identify our own blocks and feelings of inadequacy, forgive ourselves and those who we blamed and let go of the past. This accomplishment in and of itself will do more for raising the quality of your life and your relationships than anything I know.

Take 100% responsibility for yourself as well. When you make mistakes have a spouse or friend you can confide in who can help you talk through your mistake, find a new direction and implement it with love and compassion. When you are modeling this for your children they will rise up to be unstoppable and extremely successful in all areas of their lives.

Share with your children that they are the best and they deserve the best. Do this for yourself as well. Model for them what love and compassion looks like, feels like and sounds like. Getting to this point all begins with taking full responsibility for your thoughts, feelings and actions. Love yourself and you love others. It's that simple!

We are each responsible for all of our experiences. -Louise L. Hay

© copyright 2010 Donna Vail
All rights reserved.

Want to Use This Article In Your e-zine Web site, blog or newsletter? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with the article: Inspired Education Mentor Donna Vail publishes the all inspiring 'Living an Inspired Education' newsletter. Every issue reveals tips, tools, and secrets to simply and confidently home school with inspiration! We are transforming families and creating true freedom. What could be more rewarding than inspiring the hearts and minds of our future leaders? An Inspired Education is perfect for any family, especially the entrepreneur lifestyle. Harmonious family living through self-education and simplified living. Free to learn more, live more and love more! Get your weekly tips now at http://www.aninspirededucation.com.

8 Keys to Creating Everyday Success in Your Homeschool

2010-08-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

1. Provide, guide and step aside. Be sure you're providing your child with the tools to support self-education, guide him in the way he should go through his work and step aside allowing the child to do the work.

2. Turn off the phone. Even though you may be free from "teaching" and your child is doing his studies, receiving phone calls and talking can be a great distraction. Remember, part of providing for your child's success is providing a quiet place that's conducive to study.

3. Keep a schedule. This creates a way to have a well organized plan and accountability for the daily tasks and goals.

4. Don't overbook yourself or your family. Keep outside activities to a minimum. It's more supportive to have extra time at home to read, relax and relate than to be running here and there.

5. Let go and allow. When your day doesn't go as planned don't force make-up time but rather look to see the lesson and pick up your schedule right where you are. Many times the math lesson is revealing a character lesson to be learned, so allow your children to grow through their work.

6. Regular meals. Plan and prepare regular meals that are healthy and supportive. Skipping meals or relying too much on sugar causes mood swings and the inability to think clearly. Over time this can cause many health issues.

7. Be the student along with your child. Find something you can study. You don't have to do algebra but focus on a subject of interest or perhaps improve yourself in your field of work. Read, write and model what it looks like to sit and to diligently learn.

8. Have fun! Remember, learning is about the discovery and fun of it all. Don't take everything so seriously. Share your passion for reading and learning, ignite your child's passion to explore and learn.

You're going to do fabulous! Best of luck and remember I'm here for you. Let me know if there is any way I can serve you.

Inspired!

2010-08-19T03:02:00.001-05:00

When you're in the presence of an inspiring person, you know that something is happening energetically. Even though you can't see, touch, smell, or hear it, you know that you're experiencing a shift that makes you feel incredibly good.

-Dr. Wayne Dyer

Painting: Starry Night by Vincent van Gough, 1889

How To Get Ready for Back to School at Home

2010-08-18T03:33:00.000-05:00

"Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success." -Henry Ford

With each break from our academics we look forward to a new beginning in education. We have no set days or calendars dictating when our holidays are to be taken but rather, we create our own schedule that fits with our lifestyle. This year we took off from our academics for a busy baseball season. As baseball came to an end we eased into staying home more often relaxing in the pool. Enjoying the summer doesn't mean the books stay on the shelf. Summer is great for catching up on reading for fun, extra activities and special interest projects. Keeping the mind sharp during summer break is essential for when things ramp back up.

When I began homeschooling I was digging myself an early grave. I had it in my head that I must have everything organized to the hilt prior to starting the new year. I shopped for school supplies, created complex schedules, planned out booklists. All so I could be ready to present to the child on the first day of school. What was I thinking! All I was doing was recreating the public school at home and establishing an environment for burnout, for both parent and child.

My system has evolved out of necesity and the need for self-preservation. Through years of hands-on, research and being mentored by professors of self-education, I have discovered just how easy it is for parent and child to avoid the unnecessary "busy" work and get down productive learning.

The academic season kicks off with mentor meetings beginning with the oldest child first. Using the study book I developed as a tool to help both parent and child manage the academic plan, we sit down together and review where things are. I only start one child per day, from oldest to youngest.

The review process goes something like this: we review where he is in one particular subject and whether he needs any books or supplies. We make sure all previous work is put away in its proper place and discuss his plan of action. Reviewing the academic goals and affirming the importance of continual and persistent study.

I've broken the children's reading list down to eight books per page so their focus is on what they perceive as a doable goal. They know there are more pages that follow, but with only eight books to view on a page, it's not has overwhelming. Their focus is on mathematics, writing and reading. It's through reading we explore all subjects including history, grammar, vocabulary, science, social studies, literature, poetry, geography, etc.

The time involved is minimal and doesn't take long to get each child started up and on their way. When a child reaches 15 or 16 they understand how to create an academic plan and benefits. By this stage they're doing more while you're there just a guide. This exercise really gets them motivated about higher learning. From this experience they learn how to build more complex academic plans that get them laser focused on college and continued learning with greater success.

Next week I will begin with my son, Aaron who is 14 and finish out the week with Joseph who is 7. If we are missing any books or supplies then we'll purchase what is necessary locally or find it online. The kids see what has to be done, because they're living it. The more self-sufficiency a person develops the more successful in life he can become.

We can create a legacy that makes a great difference in the world one day at a time, one step at a time, one book at a time, and one act of loving kindness at a time. Be kind to your children by being kind to yourself, simplify, simplify, simplify.

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." ~Mother Teresa

Ask Donna: What if I don't have the answers?

2010-08-17T06:37:00.000-05:00

QUESTION: I am just starting my first year of homeschooling and am very nervous. I'm afraid I won't know all the answers to the questions my children ask. What do you do when you come across questions or academics you don't have answers to?

ANSWER: Nobody knows everything and even the most highly trained licensed teacher don't have all the answers for her students. When you don't know it's always best to say so. Your children/students will respect you for admitting a lack of information at times. Provide insights, obtain information, promote thinking and engage yourself with true interest in your child's studies. When questions come up see it as a learning opportunity to show them how to find the answers. You have all the answers at your fingertips through inspiration, your spouse, a friend, neighbor, books, Google :), experts and mentors. Remember, you're the perfect match for your child and that is why he is with you. Education is for both of you. Grow together in knowledge and love. Good luck and I'm sure you're going to do fabulous!

Ask Donna:

Are you stuck? Have a question about home education or living inspired? Send me your most pressing question, and then get your answers in the next publication of Living An Inspired Education.

If you could ask me one question about creating more success and joy for you and your family as you homeschool, what would your question be?

Send me an e-mail with your specific question. Type in the subject line "Here's my question Donna" and send it to donna@aninspirededucation.com

The Art of Power

2010-08-16T07:16:00.000-05:00

Imagine the power of our actions if each one contained one hundred percent of our attention.

When you hold the hand of a child, invest one hundred percent of yourself in the act of holding her hand. When you hug your partner, do the same. Forget everything else. Be totally present, totally alive in teh act of hugging. This is the opposite of the way we've been trained to lead our lives and run our businesses. We've been taught to do many things at once. We answer an e-mail while we talk on the phone; while in a meeting for one project, we work on our notes for another project. Every new technology promises to help us do more things at once. Now we can send e-mail while listening to music, talking on the phone, and taking a picture, all with the same device. With your energy that dispersed, where is your power?

Instead of always multitasking, we must teach ourselves to unitask. Mindfulness needs some training. We may be very intelligent. We may understand this right away. But that doesn't mean we can do it. To do it, we have to practice and train ourselves.

Mindfulness is the capacity to be present with one hundred percent of ourselves. The energy of mindfulness enables us to recognize the presence of what is. What is there is yourself, what is there is your loved ones. If you aren't capable of being in the here and now, you won't be able to recognize yourself, your happiness, or your suffering. Without your full presence, you won't be able to recognize others, and they will feel unseen, misunderstood, and unloved. They will begin to suffer, and that suffering in turn will make you suffer more. Without mindfulness, we can't help ourselves or our loved ones or succeed in our workplace. Without mindfulness, any power we have will be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. Mindfulness is concrete.

-Thich Nhat Hanh, The Art of Power

Secrets of Highly Creative Women

2010-08-12T06:17:00.000-05:00

"As individual women, we must devise a plan that balances our creative urges with our responsibilities to others." -Gail McMeekin

Are you a creative woman? We all are because we are constantly creating. We are creating our life by each choice we make or don't make. We are creating our families, the health of our family, the comforts of home, a good day or a bad day, art, music, writings and the list goes on from instinctive living to ultimate life design.

By now you have no doubt run into challenges that you must master as a creative woman and I've found a very inspiring book for you that is a portable mentor, The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin. I found this book very empowering and supportive of women living authentically. It profiles many of today's most dynamic women and shares their secrets of success. I urge you to read it and use it as a portable mentor inspiring you daily.

Supporting yourself and living authentically will empower you to a more meaningful life with more to share with your family. As you are living your purpose and passions you are enabling them to live theirs. Living inspired in this manner will create a better world today and tomorrow, for generations to come.

"Only when on is connected to one's inner core is one connected to others. And, for me, the core, the inner spring, can best be re-found through solitude." -Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Writer

Inspired Routines: Good Morning!

2010-08-11T06:04:00.000-05:00

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." -Jane Austen

Last week we talked about the Good Night routine and the importance of it. I do hope that you have been able to put those steps into practice and are seeing results. By doing the Good Night routine first we are setting ourselves up for a fabulous morning. You've got a jump start on the day.

The most successful and inspired people I've ever met use a schedule to create an organized and productive daily routine. Being organized and efficient allows for spontaneity. You feel good and when you feel good, you're productive; your work becomes satisfying and in that energy inspiration propels you through your day. There's nothing you can't do and you're fully engaged in life. you can freely follow it and fully engage in it.

While children are young, your life can feel as if it's not your own. Where's that "me" time, right? There can, however be plenty of those precious spontaneous moments that reward you with lasting memories. The way to get there is by having a structure to the chaos. When you do, you're able to appreciate those little unplanned surprises that show up rather than having your day fall apart.

The way to a great morning begins the night before. Everything is in order and you wake to a clean and well organized house. Your most important tasks for the day are scheduled and you know where to apply your focus when you arise. You're on point and ready to be productive.

I like to wake early before before the family. It helps to have that uninterrupted time to read, write and contemplate. I accomplish a great deal of writing for AIE during 2-3 hours of quiet time. If you struggle to find time to get things done in your day, try rising several hours before the children wake. Even you simply use that time for quiet contemplation, meditation or prayer time, I promise you'll feel as if you've made real forward progress and can now focus on having a great morning.

Next it's time for a good workout. Yoga, strength training and cardio, five to six days a week. This takes a good hour but it's worth it. It powers me up and I look and feel great knowing I'm taking care of my health. Time for a shower.

By now everyone is awake and I have a house full of hungry kids. Time for breakfast. I already know what I'm making for because the kids take turns selecting the breakfast menu. We have sticky notes for each breakfast of choice and they stick them on each day of the week. It's fun for the kids because everyone gets their favorite choice. Kids really enjoy having a say in things so picking a personalized breakfast is a great way to facilitate that.

After breakfast, while I am finishing up in the kitchen the children are doing their morning routines. Feeding the animals, making beds, getting dressed, checking their hot spots and moving right into their self-education. Little ones are right along side the older ones, experiencing it, living it. This process allows the younger children to move into their academic years as comfortable as putting a great fitting pair of jeans.
When the morning tasks are behind us it's time to move into the next routine - education. With each new routine we're grounding ourselves, creating the day we intend to live. I have made the mistake many times over getting the mornings going too late. If the children are not on point and guided to structure then the day falls apart.

Once the day is fractured, the only way to mend it is to simply allow and look ahead. What's the next routine? Where can you re-anchor the family? You gather everyone to get back on point and guide them to the next routine. In this way you the day does not become a total loss and when Dad gets home he's not walking into a war zone having to duck the next explosion.

As with all things new, especially with schedules and routines that involve several people, you must allow room to be flexible so everyone can grow and evolve into new ways of doing things. It helps the children feel like everyone is doing their part when you explain what each person is doing during that routine.

Decide to make your morning great by jump starting it the night before. Having a great morning powers up the education routine, fuels afternoon projects and explorations. Make it a great morning everyday!

"It seems that the necessary thing to do is not to fear mistakes, to plunge in, to do the best that one can, hoping to learn enough from blunders to correct them eventually." -Abraham Maslow

Inspired Routines: Goodnight

2010-08-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” -Aristotle

Routines can be inspiring. Living by inspiration doesn't mean flying by the seat of your pants, but neither does having a well established routine cut you off from inspiration. It's true flying by the seat of your pants or rather living life unorganized without a plan can and does usually lead to endless chaos. Likewise being too rigid with your routine or schedule can leave zero room for creativity and inspiration. A happy medium between the two extremes is the key to success.

The entire "Inspired Routines" package includes various routines used at key times of the day to anchor ourselves and be accountable. Using these routines and tools help propel us forward making the progress we long for and desire. Using such tools teaches our children the right mix between "care free" and "organized planning" which will benefit them their entire lives. There is such a thing as "organized chaos".

Children who grow up with routines learn how to manage and prioritize their life in ways conducive to success. When faced with making tough choices, they do so almost effortlessly because they lived it as a part of everyday life growing up.

As a parent you will feel like the heavy lifting is being done for you, because the routine will carry the weight of the day. You will have time to be the parent you want to be raising your children respectfully. You'll be free to pursue your passions whether work, hobby or volunteerism all while providing excellence in education and inspiration.

The "Good Night" routine is the first essential routine to implement. Why do I recommend this routine first, for the simple reason that it enables your morning to flow in way that truly uplifts your entire day. It's as if you're being propelled by inspiration. Just these few organized steps in the evening can empower you and your children to wake up to a better tomorrow and truly live the way you want to live.

Full explanation, tools used and ideas from different families are fully shared in the entire package "Inspired Routines" which will be available to you directly. So let's get started with our Routine: Goodnight. Remember, every family is different so try it on, change it according to your family needs. Try it a for several weeks. Depending on your habits you can see change within days or sometimes it takes weeks. Be patient with yourself and your family and look for positive results.

Routine: Goodnight

We all work together for Dinner time and clean-up. All dishes are loaded in the dishwasher or dried and put away and counter tops and table cleaned.

Then everyone tends to their own: folded laundry put away; calendars checked and desks cleared; electronic devices shut down; baths done and teeth brushed; hot spots completed and ready for bed.

While the kids are tending to their routine I am also getting things ready for next day if going out for appointment, checking calendar, planning most-important-tasks for the morning and reviewing what needs to be done tomorrow.

Once everyone has completed their routines we settle in for some reading, relaxing, perhaps a short game or just visiting before tuck time. This is exclusive family time.

After tucking in kids, I set my alarm and read a good book and/or do some journaling.
(Note: After tuck-in I don't go back to my computer. I allow myself at least an hour or so to relax with a good book or just wind down for a restful night.)

I've tried many different programs and I have done the late nights working to get things done. The problem with doing late nights, is that it always slows me down the next day leaving drained and feeling further behind. By choosing to shut down earlier, and preparing for the next day making time to relax I rebuild and power up to be more productive and on point the next day. This is by far, a more productive routine that doing late nights. Most people fall into the the late night trap because they think, "now that the kids are in bed, I can get some real work done." Sorry to burst your bubble ladies, it simply leaves you exhausted and the quality of work you want to accomplish falters because of lack of sleep. Everyone then pays the price when Mom's tired the next day.

By creating a Goodnight Routine you finish the day with a clean house so it is beautiful and ready for the morning ahead. By planning and prepping for your next day as one of the last things you in the present day, your day can begin flowing from the start. You have a jump start on the day and you feel even better about yourself and your family. Life is good!

Remember you're not only doing this for your own sanity but for the well-being of your children. They need a good amount of sleep. By slowing down the day you make it more possible for them to easily fall asleep and rest peacefully. You're also modeling success habits that they can practice throughout childhood, college and adulthood. It's easy for them because they live it.

"Slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make the morning last. Just kickin' down the cobble-stones, lookin' for fun and feelin' groovy ..." -Simon and Garfunkel

Life Science Observation

2010-08-09T07:53:00.000-05:00

Jonathan in the wild bird walkabout.

Our family spent the day at our local zoo, Caldwell Zoo, in Tyler, Texas observing all the different animals in their habitats. Our local zoo received baby snow tigers two years ago and over the years our children have been fascinated with their growth and playfulness. We have also been able to observe many animals that have been rescued and are at the zoo for rehabilitation or for protection because their injuries prevent them from living in the wild.

Most zoos have been organized and designed around recreating the animals natural habitat which allows your children to observe animals in what would be their natural surroundings. My kids love to take lots of pictures and we also have fun using nature notebooks and sketching. Taking time to sit and observe allows the kids to see how the animal moves about. This time we were observing the elephants and how skillful they are with using their trunks to pick up hay and eat.

When asked what their favorite exhibit was everyone of them loved the wild bird walkabout. The interaction is priceless.

Be sure and check out your local zoo and don't forget to inquire about the classes offered for homeschoolers. Most zoos have extremely informative Life Science classes that give the children interaction and close up experience with animals.

Joseph (7) and Jonathan (9) experiencing life as a turtle.

Aaron(14) and Lauren(12)

Zoe (2.5), Lauren and Donna at the Caldwell Zoo, Tyler Texas.

Julian and Donna keeping up 5 of our kids around the zoo.

Characteristics of a No-Limit Person

2010-08-04T06:51:00.003-05:00

A no-limit person takes the cooperative approach to life.
They are inner directed and see themselves as unique.
They seek truth rather than being occupied with winning approval or being right.
They avoid being judgmental and see the good in others.
They have high levels of self-respect and self-confidence.
They are curious and see life as a miracle.
They are motivated by higher qualities such as aesthetic appreciation, love, respect, justice and world peace.
They bring qualities of happiness, love, success and fulfillment to life rather than asking for them from life.
They are appreciators of life.
They have inner-directedness which helps them put responsibility for their lives on themselves, seeking their own answers and are fully functional.
They live a healthy lifestyle, stay in shape and well.
They reject addictions to poisonous substances.
They develop a strong sense of humor and are fun to be around.
They are free from depression and unhappiness always looking to the positive side.

Young unspoiled children have all of these qualities naturally. And no matter what age, it's never too late to start. Imagine a world full of parents and children fully functioning as no-limit people. It is possible and begins here, now, in our homes, one family at a time, one step at a time. Our slightest improvement is of such great value.

"The country is the richest which nourishes the greatest number of noble and happy human beings." -John Ruskin

No-Limit People

2010-08-03T06:50:00.000-05:00

"There is no wealth but life." -John Ruskin

Many parents new to homeschooling get wrapped up in the academics, what curriculums to use and so on. And why wouldn't we? After all most of us who homeschool today attended public schools. Starting out the only education model we know is that of the public school system. We are trained to want our children "on track" like the public school system and then freak out when the inevitable of "my child refuses to do his work" occurs. I'm here to tell you it's nothing more than fear... False Evidence Appearing Real and there's no need to worry about any of this.

There's a lot more to education than academics. While academics are important, raising your children to be no-limit people will propel them in anything they do, including their academics. In fact, the academics are the easy part and acts as a tool in the training of the character to develop the no-limit person.

In Wayne Dyer's book, "What Do You Really Want for Your Children?" he writes: "Schools do not have a curriculum for developing no-limit people; in fact they often work in opposition to those objectives. Children will have to acquire their no-limit beliefs out there in the real world. Herman Melville, the well-known nineteenth-century author of Moby Dick, whose works most of us have been required to read at one time or another, said it this way: "A whale ship was my Yale College, and my Harvard." A clever way of saying that one learns by doing, and not by attending lectures in a prestigious University. Your children will need a whale ship of their own if they are going to learn to navigate their own destiny."

During the child's self-study (academic) time and throughout his whole experience he will be in a fluid environment varying with real-life experiences unlike the artificial one of a classroom. He will discover how a person uses his knowledge and skills all the time, in each setting and opportunity as well as encounters with others. This will naturally happen and doesn't have to wait until he reaches the age to work in the marketplace. Each and every day life will perfectly provide for each individual child.

Ask yourself these questions and write down the answer:

What am I currently doing to support my children to be no-limit people?

What could I be doing to support my children to be no-limit people?

What am I currently doing to operate and model a no-limit person?

What could I be doing to operate and model as a no-limit person?

Be kind to yourself and take one step today towards living as a no-limit person. If you have older children you can share this article with and discuss it as a family fully supporting each other.

With your full support, mentoring and modeling, your child will be enabled to be a no-limit person and perhaps the adults in his life will become equally powerful. Let go and enjoy the world as your classroom.

"Man is a being in search of meaning." -Plato

Replacing the Grades

2010-08-02T07:50:00.000-05:00

"If we always do what we've always done, we will get what we've always got." -Adam Urbanski

Many advocates of the grading system will argue that without it you cannot measure a students' progress. I beg to differ.

Teachers, parents and students all need to have a sense of progress. One way to gain an immediate sense of progress is through feedback. Feedback can come in many different forms and originate from various individuals ranging from siblings, peers, parents, mentors and teachers. Feedback can be informal conversation or a formal meeting. I like to refer to a formal meeting as a mentor meeting. Mentor meetings are planned, structured and focused on specific objectives, where informal feedback is more spontaneous.

To conduct a mentor meeting, it's essential to have your child's student portfolio always current. Please refer to previous editions of my e-zine where I have discussed the structure and elements of building a student portfolio.

Remember, for the little ones you initially will be doing the record keeping. However, as your child grows and matures in his studies the recording of tasks completed, books read and projects finished gradually transitions to your child as you guide the student in self-management. For a time you will drive the meetings, setting the example of how to lead a meeting. Eventually, you child will be so in tune with his accomplishments that it will be second nature to begin facilitating the meetings himself as you become the listener and your child becomes the presenter. Allow your child to the room to be creative and decide how to present his accomplishments. With the student's portfolio as his road map, your child can walk you through his portfolio and be ready to respond to your questions that may include:

Why did you decide to include this?
How do you manage that?
What is the difference between these two items?
What have you already used that you learned recently?

Student portfolios and mentor meetings replaces the grading system. The primary and most important benefit this structure is that the student takes ownership of his/her education. Because they are active participants in their own development they see firsthand the results of their efforts as captured and documented in their own personal student portfolio, and this realization is by far a greater asset to the student and will take them farther in life than the reward system of grades.

In addition to formal mentor meetings, you will want to be conscious of casual conversations with your children about what they are learning. Your involvement in their home education gives you an advantage to carry on intelligent conversations about their studies, what they're reading, what they're learning and the new discoveries made in real time. You don't have to wait for the bus to drop them off to be in touch.

Children who are not afraid of their parents' reaction are free of the pressures of praise and punishment. They feel free to express more about their experience. As parents we have to trust and value what our children are telling us.

Changing your thoughts about how education works can be difficult, especially when those childhood public school experiences hold us hostage to the past. Remember why you chose to homeschool and be kind and patient as you continually evolve your homeschool toward excellence and an inspired education.

Here's a quick review of what replaces grades:
1. Feedback and two-way discussions.
2. Continual portfolio building.
3. Mentor meeting led by the parent or educator.
4. Mentor meeting led by the student.

"Mans mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its own dimensions." -Oliver Wendell Holmes

No More Grades

2010-08-02T07:43:00.000-05:00

"Education to be successful, must not only inform but inspire." -T. Sharper Knowlson

It's time to for your children to take ownership of their education. How you ask? By releasing the concept of grading. This applies to your instruction technique and your belief in your children's ability to self-teach. By believing he can and will learn without being grades you open the door to no-limit learning.

Because most of us were taught in schools that use grade levels, testing and scoring, we as parents educating at home have likely duplicated that system. The public education model is essentially a "one size fits all" system. Each child is unique and special. That said, we have to ask ourselves this question -- How can we tap that uniqueness if each child is treated the same way?

All children learn at different paces, some very rapidly, some may be faced with vision problems or other physical limitations and others with learning difficulties. There are well documented learning differences between boys and girls. All children go through different stages. Empowering them with an environment and support where they are free to learn creates success for everyone.

Educating without grade levels or test scores may seem difficult to some students and even parents/educators who are accustomed to the "out of the box" thinking we inherited from our own experiences in the public school system. We are conditioned by the reward system to impress teachers and peers with good grades and high test scores. Repeating that model at home is utter and complete irresponsibility to your children. Example, say you want your children to read more books, so you agree to reward your child with an A for reading 5 books. What is the motivation beyond that to continue? The reward becomes the motivation and does not at all foster a love for reading. And what good is an "A" if you don't truly know what an "A" consists of? As conscious parents we should be involved to the point of knowing the child is fully engaged and learning according to his bent. Getting a report card, praising a child or even paying a child for good grades makes him a reward seeker and not a true learner leaving him unprepared for life.

In the public school system today, grades not education are the obsession, not only for students, but teachers are judged on their performance based upon the overall test scores of their class. If students are failing, it certainly must be the fault of the teacher. Then there's the school district itself, higher test scores means more funding. It really all boils down to the almighty dollar and has nothing to do with the child. The reward system does not in any way develop a love for learning.

If you are using grades and make the switch be prepared for temporary resistance and moments of frustration. Given space to grow through this change and experience the building of their own knowledge they will quickly see the benefits and values. To make the change we have to live it and stick to it. Believe it and courageously empower our students.

One of the first problems with grades is they simply don't provide accurate and reliable information about how students are truly doing.

My children use to ask me what grade they were in, but once I explained why we don't do grades they understood and appreciated me giving them the freedom to take ownership of their own education.

"Researchers have found that traditional grades are likely to lead to three separate results: less impressive learning, less interest in learning, and less desire to do challenging learning." -Alfie Kohn

Life is now and what we do now will impact the future. If these results are occurring in school it will not stop there but continue into their professional and personal lives in the form of corporate downsizing and dissatisfaction with life in general.

Homeschool students have been able to do so well because the focus is on learning rather than "making the grade." Not only have many homeschoolers let go of grading but so have many private and alternative schools.

It is possible to give our children the education they deserve. Our children are worth it and so is their future.

Now I'm not leaving you without a solution. In the next issue I will share what replaces grades and how you can know your child is advancing in his studies. I know you are going to love it! Until then, let go and enjoy the learning and limitless possibilities. The rewards are in the discoveries rather than the report card.

"Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Transforming Mentors

2010-07-23T06:49:00.013-05:00

Elizabeth Marshall, Donna Vail, and Mary Allen

Mary Allen's Awakening Beyond Achievement Tour

Dallas, Texas

July 2010

"A man is not rightly conditioned until he is a happy, healthy, and prosperous being; and happiness, health, and prosperity are the result of a harmonious adjustment of the inner with the outer of the man with his surroundings." - James Allen

Parents, children...everyone wins.

2010-07-23T06:30:00.004-05:00

Parents don't want their children to make the wrong decisions, so they don't allow them to make the decision. And then the child becomes dependent, and then the parent resents that, and it gets off into a blameful thing early on. If you are encouraging children to do all that they can do -- and not squelching the natural eagerness that is within them, so that they can shine and thrive and show you and themselves how good they are at adapting to physical experience -- then everyone wins.
--- Abraham

Excerpted from the workshop in Dallas, TX on Saturday, March 13th, 1999 #507

Our Love,
Jerry and Esther Hicks

The Most Important Lesson

2010-07-22T06:36:00.001-05:00

"The most important thing that you can teach your children is that Well-being abounds. And that Well-being is naturally flowing to them. And that if they will relax and reach for thoughts that feel good, and do their best to appreciate, then they will be less likely to keep the Well-being away, and more likely to allow it to flow into their experience. Teach them the art of allowing."

Excerpted from a workshop in Milwaukee, WI on Wednesday, July 5th, 2000
Jerry and Esther Hicks - The Teachings of Abraham

Lifetime Success Begins as a Child

2010-07-21T06:05:00.001-05:00

"Learn to live, live to learn." -Julian Vail

What type of systems do you have in place for your childs daily success? Today matters and the decisions and habits formed today create our tomorrow. Accountability is key.

I have several people in each area of my life I am accountable to. Doing so helps me be accountable to me as well as them. When you're accountable to yourself and others goals that once seemed lofty or impossible suddenly appear reachable. Every action you take produces a result. The question is what type of results are you producing? Your level of accountability determines the level of success you are destined to achieve. Accountability produces the results to carry you forward to the attainment of your goals. Conversely lack of accountability will have the opposite effect.

As parents who homeschool we have the responsibility to see that our children progress from early age through high school and beyond. We are accountable to them and their futures. Parents new to homeschooling initially allow this awareness to be a stumbling block. They feel inadequate or illequipped to carry on. I assure you that it doesn't have to be and can be quite simple if you free yourself from those voices that say "I can't".

By taking responsibility and purposeful steps you can achieve success almost effortlessly.

3 Accountability Tools to Build Success

1) Get Organized! Schedule/Calendar: Even young children can use a simple checklist once they can read. As they mature introduce them to using a schedule or daily calendar. Growing to be responsible with time can be the greatest lesson a child learns because it will affect their later years and success in all areas of life. Don't be afraid to share your favorite systems simplified. Older children can actually become more knowledgable and proficient with technology systems available today. Case in point, my oldest son taught me how to import my Outlook Calendar into Google Calendar so it will sync with my smartphone.

2) Recordkeeping: The act of recording academic progress keeps everyone honest. Tracking allows us to see how well we are progressing or areas we need to give more attention. We've created a simple system the children use to increase their entrepreneurial mind and accept responsibility for their own education.

3) Mentor Meetings: A private meeting with each child and both parents on a regular basis can really empower your child. Focusing on the positive and encouraging greatness is just enough to empower them to greatness. Looking over work done and looking forward to what's on the horizon. Remember, a mentor walks beside his student in the most encouraging and positve way.

Find what works for you and your family and create habits for a lifetime of success.

"The main part of intellectual education is not the acquisition of facts but learning how to make facts live." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes

This is the Way It's Supposed to Be

2010-07-15T07:38:00.000-05:00

Do you want to know why you and your kids are going nuts when you don't feel fully supported or when you are not getting what you want? This video will give you peace and understanding so you can act in a loving way instead of reacting. Remember, we are all children and sometimes the most wise show up in little bodies.

How Teaching Impedes Your Child's Learning

2010-07-14T13:11:00.000-05:00

"The first thing I think is most important to teach a child is study habits and a mental attitude that he can extract material from books and use it. That's more important than what he's extracting." -Dr. Arthur Robinson

The only things that we put in front of our children are the tools that should be learned at an early age because it is the foundation to everything else. A typical day begins with the child solving about 30 math problems sing Saxon Math in a self-study approach. By doing this the child puts his mind in a sober, thoughtful and logical way that will greatly impact all that he does the rest of the day.

When a child is self-teaching he is also learning self-confidence and self-reliance. He is able to sit down and solve the problems himself.

When we stand in front of children "teaching" and telling them how to work their math problems we are depriving them of the opportunity to learn problem solving, not only with lessons in math but also the development of excellent character traits.

By "teaching" the child math:
1. Robs the child of the oppotunity what working the math himself brings. Prevents the development of key problem solving skills needed for advanced math and science.

2. Promotes a "show me" mindset. When faced with a difficult problem the child learns to give up and "ask for help" rather than develop endurance and self-reliance.

3. In mathematics, things are either true or false. When a child is unable to solve a math problem on his own, he is not properly equipped. Life is no longer black and white, but rather gray and discernment challenged.

The lessons and habits of An Inspired Education will be carried out throughout all of life and in all situations to solve problems and think logically. As a parent and mentor you must be strong and confident that the child can do the work so that the child is empowered to be a self-educator.

With the best tools, whole and conducive to self-teaching a child can grow to the heights of higher education, well prepared and educated for life with self-confidence, dicernment and strong logical thinking skills, character traits of excellence. All of which will propel them through life experiences in the most positive manner.

Remember, you are contributing to the future everyday through your children. Will they have what they need to be the leaders, thinkers, inventors and mentors to continue our civilization and carry it forward?

"Since we can't know what knowledge will be most needed in the future, it is senseless to try to teach it in advance. Instead, we should try to turn out people who love learning so much and learn so well that they will be able to learn whatever needs to be learned." -John Holt

Summer Reading for Parents

2010-07-13T08:16:00.000-05:00

With summer quickly nearing it's end, time is of the essence to get in the last of our summer reading by the pool, filling ourselves up with great knowledge, support and habits to make it a part of our success. What better way to start the fall school semester than filled up and ready to move forward at the speed of life. Here are my current top picks. If you have any must reads then please be sure to share them with us. A good book can be life changing.

It's Not About The Coffee, Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks by Howard Behar.
Howard Behar was for many years the senior executive at Starbucks who helped establish the Starbucks culture stressing people over profit. He has coached hundreds of leaders at every level and helped the company grow into a world renowned brand. This book reveals his principles that guided his leadership and now you can use them to be the leader of your life and model leadership for your children.

Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto.
If you have been reading my newsletter for any length of time you will have seen this book recommended before and I cannot stop recommending it. I have read it several time and if you have yet to read it then now is the time. His strong words will no doubt reveal to you the continuing demise of compulsory state schooling through his 26 years of teaching and his answer to what true learning is and how it works with great success. If you have any doubts about education this book will definitely show you the importance of getting your children out of the schools and start learning and living.

Momma Zen, Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood by Karen Maezen Miller.
This is a must read for mothers who feel the demand of motherhood and always wished someone understood what they are going through. Karen has created peace and freedom for the mom who at times finds herself buried under fatigue and doubt. This was a read I couldn't put down. Karen made me laugh and cry. I hope that it fills your heart as much as it has mine.

10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace by Wayne Dyer.
Even though Dr. Dyer wrote this book for his teenagers it's an excellent read for any age, filled with powerful ideas for daily peaceful living. Though the ideas may seem basic, application is key and you will see very positive results.

LIVING An Inspired Education with Donna Vail

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Parents, children...everyone wins.