The Whole Mama - A Podcast with Jenna Gibbons

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience" ( Romans 5:3 ). Generally, the saying goes that God gives you opportunities to test your patience and boy does He do it with a toddler!  Many cite the verse I just read.  However, why don’t we instead reflect not on asking for patience itself, but rather, in how we ask for it. Maybe if we are...

Only 35% of public school students read at or above the Proficient level, in Texas the average drops to only 25% (U.S. Department of Education, 2017) This data should make us all worry and want to take action.  Our kids need us.   The Whole Readers Course is based on the belief that the reading experience should be comprehensive not piecemeal! This course will focus on: setting a positive mindset...

Been a year of growth, change, and putting myself out there.  What about for you?  It reminds me of when we decided to purchase our farm.  It was exciting and terrifying at the same time.   But, we did it, and this farm life has opened so many doors for us.  If we hadn’t tried this, I would have always regretted it. "We must all suffer from one of two pains:  the pain of discipline or the pai...

One 2 019 study estimated that "children who are regularly read to in the 5 years leading up to kindergarten are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who aren’t read to during those years." Wow!  Let’s talk the benefits of babies, toddlers, and books!!! Reading to our children at an early age helps to develop the roots of language as their brain develops.  It builds listening...

Are you struggling to find that minute to yourself?  Are your littles constantly tugging or crawling on you?  Or your high schooler has you up at night worrying?  Do you just need a minute to yourself? This evening, it was crazy in the house with our boys.  I could feel myself getting really anxious.  I stepped outside on this incredible evening…it was cool…the sun was setting…and I walked over to...

Do animals really help us and our children?  How can animals help us teach our children basic learning skills, life skills, and even how to help build their character?  How do animals impact our children’s lives? "Most notably, animal-assisted intervention research has provided evidence of positive outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), conduct disorder, and attention-defi...

Are your kids down to just 20 minutes or so of recess at school each day?  Do they come home and immediately run to that video game or tablet?  How often are they actually outside per week? Technology has drawn us more and more inside in front of a screen rather than outside in the fresh air.  I think we have forgotten all of the amazing benefits that the natural world can provide to our mental, p...

Can we all agree that motherhood is tough?  Amazing?  Drives you crazy?  Makes you worry all the time?  Pulls you in 15 million directions?  Makes you have to remember everything so you don’t miss ANYTHING?   Let me tell you…in this regard…motherhood reminds me a whole lot of owning a farm.  I will explain why today AND start this new month in the farm mode. Let's chat about what drew us to l...

It's all about how Minecraft can be educational with balance, healthy choices, and parent discretion.   Join me as a I chat with my 5 year old son, Rowan, about his love for this game and how it can help your kiddos! Support the show Resources at The Whole Mama: Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE Homeschool Like a Pro PDF HERE Join the email list and grab your copy of my FREE W...

After this episode, you'll be heading to both the bookstore and wine store to grab your next read and wine!   I'll share my recommendations of wines and a paired book for mama when she needs good read AND a book for the kiddos when you have story time but also need to sip on something! Join me as we chat all about wine, stories, and more! Support the show Resources at The Whole Mama: Joi...

Do you know how many adults are illiterate in our country?  What percent of children are proficient in reading?  Why Kindergarten is so important?  "More than 37 percent of fourth-graders are not reading at the basic level in their grade, and 26 percent of eighth-graders are not reading at their basic level. "  "The Family Literacy Centers also predicts that if a child is not profic...

I sat down with fellow mama, my sister-in-law, and dear friend, Meaghan Luby, to talk about all things mamahood, literacy at home with the kiddos, working from home during the pandemic as a book editor, and ways for mamas to stay well-read even when managing everything at home! Meaghan is a talented book editor in Chicago, hard-working wife and mama of two littles (two under the age of 2), book lo...

What are phonemes?  What is phonemic awareness?  Is it important?  What is phonics?  1How can I help my child read these words?  Is my child behind in reading?  How do I know? "Help me, Jenna!" "Research has identified phonemic awareness and letter knowledge as the best two predictors of how well a child will learn to read during the first two years of school (National Reading Panel...

Do you struggle with finding peace mentally, physically, and emotionally each day?  Or struggle with helping your children do the same? I have such a treat for you!  I sat down and spent precious time with Whitney R. Simpson - author, deaconess, podcaster, retreat leader, spiritual director, AND yoga and meditation teacher.  She also founded "Exploring Peace Ministries" and is co-owner o...

Where do we begin when looking for books for our kids?  There are SO many out there!!!! Here are three quick and easy things to consider when looking for the perfect book! Adding pieces of literature (whether fiction or non-fiction) to your child’s library is the perfect investment in his/her future.   You are opening the door to new adventures, characters, places, and more.   Enjoy finding the bo...

Oh that critical question…should we or shouldn't we?  Are we ready or not? What’s the right decision?  What if we make the wrong choice?   Such a tricky decision isn’t it?  So much pressure when choosing to have a second child (or third, fourth, etc.). Resources: https://www.verywellfamily.com/before-having-a-second-child-3129410 https://www.verywellfamily.com/before-having-a-second-child-312...

When you think about your child’s learning this year…what do you think of?  How do you feel?   I would bet some of those feelings might include frustration with technology and schedules... guilt for being torn between work and helping with Zoom or school assignments…and overwhelm as to knowing how to help your kids with their learning and how to help them succeed as you move into the end of this s...

Many of us work towards looking and feeling our best. Losing those extra inches...or fitting into that little dress...or lifting that next weight. What really motivates you to care for your body?  As a Christian, do you look at your body as a gift that you must nurture and care for?  Do you perceive your body as a way to glorify God for your life that was purchased for a price?   "Our bodies...

Are you worried about how to fit all of the pieces together to raise a wholesome and happy child?  Are you stressed because you have zero time to spend teaching your kids healthy habits that they will carry into adulthood?   First, Mama, surround yourself, your spouse, and your children within a space that inspires you, motivates you, and comforts you.  Spend time with parents and children that pu...

By five years of age, most of us have established our food and fitness preferences.  Wow!  With this in mind, if we are able to start our children with healthy habits at an early age by leading by example, we will set them up for success in leading a healthy lifestyle.  1. Look at Labels 2. Teach at the Grocery Store 3.   Cook Together 4.  Support Local 5.  Prepare One Meal for All 6. Get Active C...

"Your body is the vehicle to fulfill your purpose...honor it with whole foods, hydration, and movement." This episode is packed full of extremely important information about whole-food nutrition, hydration, intermittent fasting, macro nutrients, daily exercise, and personalized health goals! Kelly shares how to nurture your body through movement, healthy, wholesome foods and more so you...

We all need a lot of love this year...especially our children!  Check out these resources below for fun ideas: Activity #1:  All the Things We Love About You - https://www.skiptomylou.org/heart-attack?fbclid=IwAR3jImIMQIXC-xZeGN-Rg74e5qLDapKoJ5o_jyaHmqA7HV6nd5_iSSQSPlc Activity #2:  Homemade Valentine's Day Cards - https://homeschoolpreschool.net/homemade-valentine-cards/ Activity #3:  Fun Sn...

This month is all about how we, mamas, can fuel our body with nutrient-rich food, hydrate daily, exercise, and find mental and spiritual peace. Whether you have a newborn, 5 year old, or an 18 year old…we give ourselves fully to provide for our children…often at the cost of putting our own well-being aside. The thing is…at some point…we will reach our peak of exhaustion, get sick, snap at our kids...

“ It's not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It's our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” "Studies are showing that many people who are in the millennial generation show fewer empathetic traits than people who were raised in the 70’s and 80’s. Resources mentioned in this episode: https://funthriftymo...

At such a time as this…what are you reading?  Instagram posts?  Tik Tok posts?  Facebook?  Or something else…a great motivational read?  Mystery?  Devotional?  Biography?  What are you reading that is serving you in a positive way?  Teaching you something?  Taking you away from this chaos and into a make-believe place?  Pushing you to be your best self?   This is Mama’s Minute…and today we are hav...