Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complex systems surrounding your child's mental and behavioral health? In this episode, we dive deep into how families can bridge the gap between schools, medical providers, and home life to ensure every child thrives. Join us for a powerful conversation about advocacy, collaboration, and the importance of meeting children where they are.

In this episode, host Jae sits down with Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer, PhD, the founder of Beyond the Individual and a professor at the University of Kansas. Katrina shares her unique journey from academia to clinical practice, sparked by her own experiences as a parent of children who do not always fit the traditional mold. We explore the common frustrations of siloed systems where schools, insurance companies, and parents often find themselves at odds rather than working together.

Katrina explains why true collaboration is the secret ingredient to progress and how her clinic provides a continuum of care that empowers families rather than creating long-term dependency. We also discuss the vital role of parental self-regulation, exploring why parenting is often more about managing our own emotions than controlling our children. Whether you are navigating an IEP, seeking behavioral support, or looking for ways to better regulate your household, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement.

Chapters

0:00 Intro and Welcome

2:15 Katrina’s Journey to Psychology and Practice

5:30 Filling Service Gaps in Mental Health

8:45 The Problem with Siloed Systems

12:00 Collaboration Over Blame in Child Success

15:15 Parenting and Self-Regulation

18:30 Focus on Guidance and Autonomy

21:45 The Beyond the Individual Service Model

25:00 Moving Toward Independence in Therapy

28:30 Working with Schools and IEP Teams

31:15 Telehealth and Reaching Families Everywhere

34:00 Final Takeaways and Self-Care

35:51 End of Video

If you found this conversation helpful, please like this video and subscribe to our channel for more insights on supporting your children. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how you navigate the different systems in your child's life!

#homeschooling #mentalhealth #parentingsupport #neurodiversity #behavioralhealth

Welcome to the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast with your host Jae!

Today we are joined by the inspiring Antonette Elliot, a mother of four and the founder of an elite nature-based childcare center in Georgia. 🌿In this deep-dive conversation,

Antonette shares her incredible journey from substitute teaching to building a childcare legacy that supports working families with radical flexibility. We explore the critical importance of nature in early education, the power of involving your family in your business, and the honest realities of navigating the childcare industry.

Antonette also gets real about why she chose to transition her own children toward homeschooling. We discuss the current state of the public school system, the importance of child advocacy, and how to protect your child's confidence and mental well-being in a challenging world.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a homeschooling parent, or someone looking for better childcare options, this episode is packed with wisdom on breaking toxic cycles and building a legacy of love and respect. 💖

https://aocelitechildcare.com/

Bio:Antoinette Elliott is redefining what modern childcare can look like, especially for parents navigating burnout, night shifts, foster care, or just needing a day to breathe. As the founder of All Our Children Elite Childcare Academy, she’s built a nature-based, vegetarian program rooted in flexibility, whole-child development, and deep caregiver training. Every staff member is CPR and crisis-prevention certified, every meal is plant-based, and every child is treated like they belong. Her approach proves that nature and nutrition aren’t luxuries. They’re essential tools for raising curious, resilient kids. In this episode, Antoinette shares how she’s supporting not just children, but caregivers too — offering drop-in care, extended hours, and even free Saturdaysfor foster parents. It’s a conversation that challenges outdated childcare models and offers a real-world vision for what it means to show up for families today.

Video edited by: Nexus Novanzmedia1234@gmail.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16DwALXWFa/?mibextid=wwXIfrDo creative video edit, youtube video editing by Zzaman123 | Fiverr

Chapters0:00 Intro and meeting Antonette Elliot

2:45 The origin story: From substitute teaching to business owner

6:30 Spotting the red flags in traditional childcare

11:15 Starting a home-based childcare business

15:50 Transitioning to a nature-based center model

20:20 Building a family legacy with your children

24:45 The benefits of nature-based learning and inclusion

29:10 Flexible scheduling for modern working parents

34:00 Supporting teacher-entrepreneurs and community

38:30 The financial reality of running a large center

43:15 Managing family dynamics in a business setting

48:10 Why parents are choosing homeschooling today

53:20 Navigating school safety and the trenches

57:50 De-escalation and giving children a voice

1:02:30 Self-care strategies for busy parents

1:05:45 Final advice for breaking the cycle and closing

If you found this conversation helpful, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more support and inspiration. Visit our website to learn more about our upcoming expos and resources for your homeschooling journey! 📢

#homeschooling #childcare #naturebasededucation #parenting #familybusiness

Are you looking for a way to take your child's STEM education to new heights? In this episode, we explore how homeschool students are building actual airplanes and training for careers in aerospace through the Wings Over the Rockies program. Whether your student wants to be a pilot, an engineer, or even a space farmer, there is a path for everyone in this unique hands-on learning environment.

Join host Jae as she sits down with Nedra Hall and Jessica from Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum to discuss their innovative aerospace exploration programs for middle and high schoolers. We dive deep into the mechanics of building a flight-ready aircraft, the high-energy world of drone soccer, and how students can earn their FAA drone pilot licensing. This conversation is a must-watch for any parent looking to bridge the gap between traditional academics and real-world trades.

You will also hear about the importance of self-care for educators and how specialized programs can help students with diverse learning needs thrive outside of a typical classroom setting. From NASA-partnered biology projects to field trips at the Air Force Academy, this episode is packed with inspiration for your homeschooling journey.

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to the Home School Yo Kids Podcast

2:15 Meet the Guests from Wings Over the Rockies

5:30 Transitioning from Public Schools to Museum Education

8:45 What is the Wings Aerospace Exploration Program

11:30 Students Building a Real Functional Airplane

14:15 Space Farming and NASA Research Partnerships

17:00 Drone Pilot Training and FAA Part 107 Testing

20:45 What is Drone Soccer and How to Play

24:00 Exploring the Denver and Centennial Museum Locations

27:15 Tuition Details and Scholarship Opportunities

31:00 Field Trips and the Colorado Aerospace Community

34:30 Self-Care and Maintaining a Work-Life Balance

37:00 Success for Students with Diverse Learning Needs

38:57 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

Check out the links in the description to learn more about the Wings Aerospace programs and how to get your family involved. Be sure to subscribe for more support and inspiration for your homeschooling lifestyle!

#homeschooling #aerospace #stemeducation #aviation #dronepilot

Are you a former teacher considering homeschooling, or perhaps a parent struggling to make math fun for your kids? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Jae sits down with mother-daughter duo Mary and Bobbie to explore the unique journey of transitioning from the classroom to the kitchen table. Learn how to navigate different learning styles and build a foundation for academic success that fits your family's unique lifestyle.

🌟 Key Topics in This Episode

Mary shares her experience as a credentialed teacher who discovered homeschooling via a radio broadcast and never looked back. The conversation dives into the dynamics of teaching children with vastly different learning styles and the flexibility of balancing home education with traditional school environments. Bobbie provides a rare perspective as a former homeschool student who grew up to become a special education teacher, offering insights into how homeschooling shaped her career and her own future parenting plans.

🔢 Making Math Engaging

A major highlight of this conversation is Mary and Bobbie’s new math project focused on multiplication and division. They discuss why so many students struggle with basic facts and how their new program uses games and number talks to build a solid foundation without the boredom of traditional flashcards. Whether you are dealing with your own math anxiety or looking for ways to tailor education to your child's personality, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice for every stage of the journey.

🕒 Chapters

0:00 Intro and Welcome

3:15 Meet Mary and Bobbie

7:40 From Classroom Teacher to Homeschool Mom

12:20 Teaching Different Learning Personalities

16:50 A Student Perspective on Being Homeschooled

21:10 Navigating the Transition Between School and Home

26:30 Special Education and Hybrid Learning Models

31:45 The Vital Role of Parents in Education

36:10 Overcoming Cultural Biases in Standardized Testing

41:00 Introducing the Multiplication and Division Project

46:25 Why Rote Memorization Fails for Math Students

51:15 Connecting Addition to Multiplication Facts

55:40 Healing from Math Wounds and Anxiety

59:20 Self-Care Tips for Busy Homeschool Parents

1:02:15 Final Advice for Your Homeschool Journey

1:03:24 Video End

👋 Join the Community

If you found this conversation helpful, please subscribe for more homeschool support and inspiration. Check out the resources mentioned to help your kids thrive in their learning journey! Remember that you do not have to take this path alone.

#homeschooling #mathtips #education #homeschoolmom #parenting

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the education system and wondering how to best support your child's learning? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast, host Jae sits down with Cat Hendricks from Parents Challenge to discuss why school choice is a fundamental right and how parents can reclaim their power as primary educators. 🏫✨

We dive deep into the mission of Parents Challenge, a Colorado-based organization that provides resources, funding, and empowerment sessions for families across all educational paths, including public, private, charter, and homeschool options. Cat shares her personal journey growing up in an education-focused household and explains why the current system often fails students due to poor fund allocation and overcomplicated curriculum. 📉🤔

Throughout the conversation, we explore the critical need for a village mindset and why being a proactive parent is the most significant factor in a student's academic success. From navigating parent-teacher conferences to understanding the importance of basic literacy and math skills, this episode is packed with insights for any parent looking to make a meaningful difference in their child's future. Cat also highlights the importance of accountability, community support, and self-care for those leading the way in their children's lives. 🤝🌟

Website Link: parentschallenge.org

Catherine “Cat” Hendrix is the Program Director for Parents Challenge in ColoradoSprings, where she leads efforts in school choice advocacy, parent empowerment, andyouth development. With five years of experience starting as a Parent Coordinator, shehas built deep connections with local families and community partners. Her backgroundincludes leadership positions at the Boys & Girls Club, internships in bothCongressional and Senate offices, and impactful work with ACE Scholarships to expandaccess to quality education for low-income students. A graduate of the LeadershipProgram of the Rockies and a former member of the Steamboat Institute’s EmergingLeaders Council, Cat continues to influence the conversation on education, familyempowerment, and civic engagement. She has also shared her perspective oneducation, faith, and community issues as a guest on local media platforms such asCrosswalk Colorado Springs.

Chapters 📺

0:00 Intro and Cat Hendricks Background

4:30 What is Parents Challenge?

8:15 The Politics of School Choice

12:00 Funding vs. Allocation in Education

16:45 The Reality of Modern Classrooms

21:30 Why Elementary Teachers are Angels

25:00 The Importance of Basic Skills and Literacy

29:15 Empowering Parents as Advocates

34:00 The Problem with Modern Math and Overcomplication

39:15 Taking Accountability for Your Childs Success

44:00 How Parents Challenge Operates

48:30 Self-Care and Maintaining a Sabbath

52:00 Final Advice for Parents and Closing

If you found this conversation helpful, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more interviews with education experts and inspiring stories. Visit our website to learn more about how you can support your child's unique learning journey today! 🔔🙌

#schoolchoice #homeschooling #parentalrights #educationreform #parentingadvice

Are you struggling to find an educational path that fits your bright or twice-exceptional child? Join Jae on the Homeschool Your Kids podcast as he sits down with Dr. Mary Grace Stewart, founder of Ideal for Gifted, to discuss how to tailor learning to the individual needs of unique students. Discover how to move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach and embrace an education that truly respects the human element of learning.

In this episode, Dr. Mary Grace shares her extensive journey in education, beginning in 1978 and evolving into a global nonprofit mission. She explains how the 2020 pandemic acted as a catalyst for change, revealing the deep gaps in traditional schooling for gifted and twice-exceptional children. You will learn about the concept of cognitive nourishment and why many students who struggle in traditional classrooms actually thrive when given the right tools and autonomy.

We also dive into the challenges of the modern school system, the importance of soft skills in the age of AI, and how to handle asynchronous development where a child might be advanced in math but struggle with basic writing. Dr. Mary Grace uses her famous shoe store analogy to explain why choice is the most important factor in a child's success. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting out, this conversation provides the encouragement and practical advice you need to follow your child's bliss and support their unique growth.

https://ideal4gifted.org

Dr. MaryGrace Stewart is the Founder and Executive Director of IDEAL4Gifted, an online homeschool and enrichment program for gifted and multi-exceptional learners ages 5–14.MaryGrace began her career in 1978 as an art and drama teacher and taught in three states and nine school districts.

In 1997, she took a turn toward gifted education and has never looked back. Since then, she has worked with gifted and multi-exceptional learners, presented to parents and educators nationally and internationally, and become a recognized advocate for children whose educational needs are often misunderstood.

A state- and national-award-winning educator, speaker, and lifelong champion of gifted learners, MaryGrace believes that education should flex to fit the child—not the other way around.

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to Homeschool Your Kids Podcast

2:50 The 2020 Pivot and Starting Ideal for Gifted

7:15 Building a Program During a Crisis

12:30 Going Global and Becoming a Nonprofit

17:45 The Problem with Standardized Testing

22:10 Education in the Age of AI

27:00 Asynchronous Development in Gifted Kids

32:15 Redefining the Human Element of Learning

37:40 The Shoe Store Analogy for Education

42:20 Challenges of the Public School System

47:05 Understanding Twice Exceptional Behaviors

51:50 Lessons from Personal Experience and Self-Care

54:30 Final Advice for Homeschooling Families

If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel for more expert interviews and homeschooling tips. Visit our website at homeschoolyokidsexpo.com to find upcoming events and resources in your area.

#homeschooling #giftedchildren #2e #education #parenting

Are you ready to unlock your child's full creative potential? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Jae welcomes Janine Gomez to discuss how she transitioned from being a school principal to launching a mobile dream studio on a converted bus. It is time to rethink what education looks like when we prioritize imagination and passion over standardized testing.

Janine shares her incredible journey from electrical engineering to founding a charter school and ultimately realizing that children need a dedicated space to explore their dreams outside the traditional system. We dive deep into the concept of dream time and how it helps children reclaim their identity and sense of freedom.

Janine explains how she co-creates learning plans with parents to blend academic skills like math and literacy with a child's unique interests. We also discuss the challenges of the current educational landscape and why homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to keep the light of creativity burning bright. Janine provides practical advice for parents who feel ill-equipped, reminding us that teaching is an art and that the world is our curriculum.

From the funny story of a childhood lightning bug experiment to the vision of a fleet of dream buses, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to break free from the status quo and support their child's natural genius.

https://www.thedragonflydreams.com/Janine Gomez | LinkedInBIO: Results-oriented, accomplished leader and educator with 33 years of broad experience in public and charter schools. Expertise includes coaching, leadership development, staff development, workshop design and facilitation, and team building. Strong project management and interpersonal skills. Enjoys collaborative, fast-paced, professional environments in non-profit or educational organizations.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Janine Gomez and Dragonfly Dreams

4:15 From Engineering to the Classroom: Janine's Journey

9:10 Closing a Charter School to Chase a New Vision

14:30 Inside the Mobile Dream Studio: How the Bus Works

19:00 Co-Creating Learning Plans with Families

24:15 Why Dreaming is a Form of Freedom

28:30 The Impact of Traditional Schooling on Creativity

33:15 Navigating the Politics of Education and Micro-Schools

38:50 Homeschooling Without a Rigid Curriculum

43:10 Future Vision: Expanding the Fleet of Dream Buses

47:55 Self-Care Tips for Dreamers and Final Advice

🌈Don't forget to visit the dragonflydreams.com to learn more about upcoming sessions and follow the journey on social media. Subscribe for more episodes that empower you to homeschool your kids with confidence and peace!

#homeschooling #creativelearning #educationreform #dreaming #mobileclassroom

Ever wondered what it is really like to transition from a highly structured homeschool environment to a professional music career? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, we sit down with Kathryn, the founder of Intertidal Conservatory, to explore her journey from a K-12 homeschooler to a successful online music school owner. Kathryn shares the unique details of her upbringing, including the name tags and early start times that shaped her discipline and passion for piano.

🎹 We dive deep into the realities of pursuing a music degree, the common gaps in traditional music education, and why hard work always beats the prodigy myth. Kathryn explains how she founded her online conservatory to provide a holistic approach to music, covering everything from theory and history to performance labs. Whether you are a homeschooling parent or an aspiring musician, Kathryn's insights on building confidence and finding joy in learning will inspire you to dive into your own passions.

Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/page/krescendolive-jacksonville-fl?utm_campaign=1777475819132&share_action_id=9f02ecb3-e93f-44d9-be20-1d1e6b1251f7

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntertidalConservatory

Bio: My name is Ms. Kathryn, and I have had the privilege of teaching students from all walks of life, helping them fill in the gaps of their education and guiding them toward reaching their full potential. Over the years, I have worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, and it has been incredibly rewarding to witness many of them succeed. The majority of my students have gone on to attend the colleges of their choice, having built a solid foundation of knowledge under my guidance. I have also had the pleasure of helping numerous students achieve their personal goals in the realm of music, whether it's mastering a particular piece or developing their overall musical ability. I look forward to continuing this journey, helping more students tap into their full musical potential and find the joy that music can bring to their lives.I started learning piano at the age of four, and while my early experiences were filled with the excitement of music, I still faced my own struggles along the way. Growing up, I didn’t have formal music theory or ear training, which meant that when I entered college, I was tasked with learning these crucial concepts and significantly refining my piano technique. It was a challenging process, but I pushed myself to learn and grow. These experiences shaped the way I approach teaching, as I understand the obstacles that students may face and the importance of perseverance. I strive to give my students not just technical skills but also a holistic foundation—tools they can rely on when things get tough. It’s through these challenges that our passions truly flourish, and I aim to empower my students to overcome difficulties with confidence, helping them grow as musicians and as individuals.

🕒 Chapters

0:00 Intro and Kathryn's Background

4:10 From Homeschooling to Music Pedagogy

8:30 The Rigor of a Structured Homeschool Life

13:05 Transitioning to College as a Homeschooler

17:40 Overcoming Gaps in Music Theory and Ear Training

22:15 The Importance of Asking for Help

26:50 Using Stubbornness as a Tool for Success

31:20 The Hour-Long Memorized Piano Recital

35:45 Sibling Dynamics and Social Exposure

40:10 Why Kathryn Chose to Stay Homeschooled

44:35 Founding Intertidal Conservatory

48:50 Holistic Music Education for K-12 Students

52:15 Hard Work vs The Prodigy Myth

55:40 Self-Care and Final Advice for Families

58:14 Video End

✨ If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell for more stories from the homeschool community. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments about how you incorporate music into your daily routine!

#homeschooling #musiceducation #pianoteacher #homeschoolsuccess #musictheory