Mama Opportunities

How can we approach the subject of grades with our kids that invites openness? How can we use words and tone in conversations about grades that align with our personal values? Episode 3: 5 Pillars that Support Parenting Decisions, Listen on Apple or Spotify mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect...

A Mama's privilege is to witness the life of another. It is such a gift to be a constant presence in someone else's life! mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

What can we do when Math homework seems to be causing problems? How can we hold a boundary while offering support? Episode 3: 5 Pillars that Support Parenting Decisions Listen on Apple or Spotify mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

What are some common themes in Math instruction that we can strengthen at home? How can we use the concept of growth mindset and "a little bit here, a little bit there" as it applies to Math? Writing Tablet mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good o...

When difficult situations happen, we have to push through them. Avoiding will not work, glazing over them won't produce growth, so we must have some forward movement. It has become a mantra I remind myself, "You have to go through it." We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury Capable by Sissy Goff and David Thomas mamaopportunities.com The quote at the e...

Have you ever acted in a situation where you felt embarrassed about it later? I had that experience in Costco. In this episode I talk both about sharing with your kids the times when you mess up and the importance of telling yourself the truth. mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by meal planning? When you can decide on categories, then it is just a matter of placing a recipe in that category. I think of it like a mental pegboard. mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

What is our role in fostering sibling relationships? How can we use our agency to promote understanding and enjoyment of the other person? mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

You often hear people say, "The days are long, but the years are short." How do you want to document and record the funny things kids say and the growth that you observe during their childhood? Book Mentioned: Teaching from Rest by Sarah MacKenzie mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect...

This phrase is very helpful when you want a child to understand that the behavior is not wrong or unwanted at all, but that now is not the time for that behavior. Verbal Rumble Strips (Episode 9): Listen on Apple or Spotify mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a...

What do we do with our frustrations that arise as we parent? We can get really honest with ourselves, name what is bothering us, and problem solve for that. Episode 3: 5 Pillars that Support Parenting Decisions, Listen on Apple or Spotify mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a milli...

In this episode, I give some guiding questions related to how we begin our Mama days. What is life giving? What things will you choose to spend your time on in order to settle into the day according to your season in life and the ages of your kids? Listen to Episode 2: Good Beginnings on Apple or Spotify mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American a...

In this episode, I talk through questions that have run through my mind as a Mom. I have to consciously and thoughtfully ask myself, "Is this the exception or the rule? Will this matter in 10 years? What do I REALLY want?" mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million way...

There is a question that helps me make the connection between what I believe about parenting and my actual behavior. This question has played an important part in the formation of me as a parent. That question is "What does my child need (from me) right now?" Child Development Guide : Ages and Stages mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an Amer...

Did you take road trips as a child? When you think of time in the car on a roadtrip, what feelings emerge? Are there some games or activities that your family has enjoyed? In this episode I give ideas of things to do on a road trip for many different ages. Example of our "Bucket of Fun" Melissa & Doug Wooden Lacing Cards Lakeshore Magnetic Designer Giraffe Sensory Travel Toy Washi Ta...

What does dinnertime look like at your house? What does the practice of family dinners add to your home? Harvard Graduate School of Education Article : The Benefit of Family Mealtime by Jill Anderson Psychology Today Article : The Importance of Family Dinner with Your Children Countertop Flip Book : 52 Modern Manner's for Today's Teens by Brooke Romney Magnetic Letters for the Fridge Boo...

How can we help our kids remember big, important ideas in a way that is simple and memorable? By using an acronym! Acronyms help kids remember things so that they can return to it and access it quickly. mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

Have you ever wondered about the best way to help a young reader grow? In this episode, I talk about tips and wording to use when helping a child who is learning to read. Printable List and Flashcards of Dolch words Printable Fry word list Article about the 3 Levels of Questions to aid in Reading Comprehension mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an Amer...

We can read to and with our kids for many different reasons to accomplish various purposes. In this episode I talk about the various benefits of reading aloud, helping our child with reading and offering quality books for them to read on their own. The Read Aloud Revival Booklists Caldecott Award Winners Newbery Award Winners Printable List of Newbery Award Winners 1922-2023 List of "living b...

What are you doing for your child that he can do for himself? What life skills does she need help with to learn? Scaffolding is a concept that parents can use. It is the idea that we support our kids while they are learning something and then figuratively step back when they can stand on their own. Book -- How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success...

I love summer!! I love the change of pace, the flexibility, and the extra time with my kids. As I'm looking at summer on the front end, I think about the analogy of our two eyes. One eye is looking at the big picture of mothering including our dreams and desires for this summer, and the other eye is looking at the daily practices and interactions with our kids. I want to keep both of these in...

Do you want to mark the end of the school year at home? If so, how? In this episode I discuss the value of celebrating the practice of showing up and being faithful. I also give ideas of what to save from the school years and how to organize it. Large Accordion Folder from Lakeshore Learning: My Keepsake Portfolio Cloth Art Portfolio from Amazon Page Protectors to go in the 3-Ring "Memory Boo...

When I was in my teacher training, we learned about the strategy of thinking aloud. Now I "think aloud" when I read to my kids, when I'm having tender emotions and need extra understanding, or when I'm problem solving. mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a milli...

Do you have events or people in your life that are life giving to your soul? Cookbook Club has been that for me! Episode 11: Happy (Early) Mother's Day! Listen on Apple or Spotify mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

Are there some tried and true parenting practices that work and promote connection with our children? Example of The Red Plate mamaopportunities.com The quote at the end of each episode is by Jill Churchill, an American author. "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."