A Genius Paradigm

The Antifragility of Genius

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I’ve been listening to a fascinating book on Audible (have I mentioned how much I like Audible lately?) Antifragile: Things that Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. It is hitting on something I’ve been concerned about ever since I decided to share my Genius Paradigm ideas.

When I first started talking about the Genius Paradigm, I didn’t want to sound like Mr. Rogers just telling everyone that they are “special.” Not that they aren’t special – I love Fred Rogers! But he was called out as one of the reasons for the entitlement problem that we have today, and I don’t want anyone to think I support entitlement. I feel the people who blamed Mr. Rogers didn’t get what he was saying. He didn’t mean that you didn’t have to work for things or that everyone should get a trophy.

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Finding Time for Books

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I have to admit, COVID has done a number on my book consumption. You wouldn’t think it would. I’m home more so I should have more time for that, right?

But no.

My schedule pre-COVID included a lot of driving for my job so I would listen to books in the car. I could easily go through several books a month. It was great! Audible loved me! Now I sit home in front of my computer. I have a lot more paperwork and I have to make sure I get out of my chair on a regular basis. My car trips recently have been to the chiropractor. Sitting too much in front of a computer screen evidently is not good for your back. Or neck. Or shoulders.

Things are opening up again thank goodness but I’m probably not going to be back to my old driving schedule. I miss books. I’ve got to develop different habits.

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You Have a Teenager – Now What?

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Homeschooling through High School

Over the years, I’ve heard so many people say they are uncomfortable teaching older kids – both parents and teachers! The subject matter is more intimidating, and let’s face it, we didn’t like chemistry or algebra when we took them in high school. How are we going to be able to teach them?

But if you give up because of those reasons, you are missing out. First of all, let me assure you that you don’t have to relearn chemistry or algebra – unless you want to. You can find someone else to teach it. And your kids need you.

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Realizing Genius

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Envisioning the Future

What kind of story are you stuck in? The kind you want to read about? A real page-turner (in a good way)? Or is it a little bit boring and predictable? Is the protagonist (you) living up to their full potential? Or are they living someone else’s life by getting caught up in video games and TV shows?

It takes some work and planning to realize your genius and write the story you want to live. A genius paradigm is easy to talk about but not always easy to implement.

It’s worth it, though.

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6 Tips for Busy Homeschool Parents

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You don’t have to be your kids’ only teacher

I was recently asked by a mom how I did it when all five of my boys were home. How did I teach all of them at their different levels? All the different subjects? And then grade everything too? I’ve had other parents ask how I do it all now, working full time and homeschooling only one kid.

I didn’t, and I don’t.

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Even Superheroes Need Help Sometimes!

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And the superhero in this scenario is YOU!

We all want to be a superhero to our kids. We are the cook, taxi driver, event coordinator, education facilitator, and chief bather and bottle washer, among many other things. And just like in the comic books and movies, sometimes the superhero fails. Sometimes they need help.

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Homeschool Burn Out!

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As a homeschooler, I’m always so excited to get started at the beginning of the year.  We have all the materials, and I’ve taken the time to plan and organize.  We begin losing momentum a little after Thanksgiving, but I change things up for the holidays, and we make it through.  I re-evaluate at the first of the year and then get going again, but it hits me big time after a couple of months.  Burn Out.

After almost 20 years of homeschooling, I can see the cycles.  Each year in February or March, I feel it again.  If I’m going to think about giving up, this is when it happens.  I start questioning why I am doing what I’m doing.  I’ve talked to other veteran homeschoolers, and I’m not the only one.

So, how do I keep on going?

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Big Goals vs. Lesser Goals

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I love quotes.  You probably figured that out by now if you follow me on social media.  I’m continually sharing what other people have said.  Quotes inspire me. 

Recently there has been a quote that keeps following me around.  It keeps coming to me and pushing me.  I put it on a sticky note on my computer, but I feel like I need to do more and share it with you.  Here it is:

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School in December – NO!

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5 FUN (EDUCATIONAL) ACTIVITIES TO DO INSTEAD

I didn’t usually do school in the month of December. At least that is what my boys thought! We did fun things like study about how other countries celebrate the holidays, bake cookies for friends and family, and read Christmas books. Sounds fun right? It was a great way to make special memories and break up the school year without stopping the learning. Here are 5 fun and educational activities you can do with your kids:

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