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Limited public access until 7/17/25 - Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey. By Peggy Ployhar This is the final article on childhood depression. Throughout this journey, we’ve explored the emotional, relational, and spiritual struggles this issue can bring into our homes—and the hope that grows through understanding, compassion, and healing. Parenting a child with depression can be one of the most emotionally difficult challenges we face. It’s not always easy to recognize the signs or to know how to help. What we often label as bad behavior or withdrawal might actually be our child’s way of expressing deep emotional pain. Understanding what contributes to your child’s depression is a first step toward healing. It’s not about blame—it’s about noticing patterns and offering support in ways that truly make a difference. What Makes Depression Worse Several things can unintentionally make depression worse for a child. As parents, identifying these barriers can help us make thoughtful changes in how we connect with and care for our children: Unrealistic Expectations Children who struggle with depression often already feel like they’re failing. Piling on pressure—academically, socially, or behaviorally—can deepen their sense of hopelessness. Pay attention to the expectations you’re setting and whether they match your child’s emotional capacity right now. Disconnection or Isolation Depression often causes children to pull away from others. It’s easy to let them retreat, especially if they’re pushing us away. But isolation can become a trap. Children need safe, consistent connection, even if they can’t express it clearly. Lack of Routine or Stability Depression can disrupt a child’s sense of time and motivation. Without structure, the days blur together and symptoms can spiral. Predictable routines—mealtimes, sleep schedules, learning times—can ground a child in safety and stability. Avoiding Difficult Conversations Sometimes we fear talking about depression will make things worse. But avoiding the topic can make children feel more alone. Gentle, open conversations (even brief ones) can help a child feel seen, understood, and less afraid of their emotions. Focusing Only on Fixing When we’re scared for our child, our instinct is to fix the problem. But children with depression don’t always need solutions—they need someone to walk with them. They need to know that we aren’t scared of their pain and that we won’t give up on them. What Helps a Child Heal While there is no quick fix for depression, there are intentional ways parents can support their child’s healing: Offer Consistent Support Be present. Even if your child doesn’t talk much or pushes you away, your calm and consistent presence communicates that they are not alone. Listen Without Judgment Create a safe space for your child to share how they feel. Don’t try to correct their emotions—just listen. Validating their experience builds trust and helps them process what they’re going through. Adjust Expectations Temporarily When your child is in a depressive episode, reduce pressure where you can. Focus on small wins. Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Model Healthy Coping Children learn from what we do more than what we say. Let them see you navigate hard emotions, seek support when needed, and take care of your own well-being. Pray and Point Them to Hope As a person of faith, I’ve found that gently reminding our children that they are loved by God and never alone brings peace that surpasses understanding. We can pray with and for our children, asking God to bring healing, wisdom, and strength. A Final Word of Encouragement If your child is struggling with depression, know this: your presence matters more than your perfection. You don’t need to have all the answers. You simply need to show up with love, patience, and a willingness to walk with your child toward healing. God sees your child, and He sees you. Even in the hardest moments, He is working behind the scenes to restore what feels broken. Don’t give up. You are not alone, and neither is your child. Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this important topic with me. I pray that the insights shared here bring encouragement and hope as you walk with your child through both struggles and victories. Looking for more content like this? Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice like that offered in this article any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey.

Limited public access until 7/16/25 - Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey. By Peggy Ployhar In this third installment of the Childhood Depression series, we explore two of the most difficult emotional states a child can experience—helplessness and hopelessness—and how we, as parents, can gently guide our children toward renewed hope, especially hope grounded in God’s unchanging love. When a Child Feels Helpless Helplessness is more than frustration—it’s a state where a child feels powerless to change their situation. It can result in both emotional shutdown and physical withdrawal. Author Neil Anderson, in his book Overcoming Depression, writes: “Because [individuals] have no control over certain events, they start to believe they are inadequate, incompetent, and powerless.” Children can develop helplessness after a single traumatic event or through repeated discouragement over time. Regardless of how it began, the path to recovery involves the same consistent approach: What Parents Can Do: Break tasks into smaller steps. Children need manageable goals that don’t feel overwhelming. Offer steady encouragement. Celebrate even small victories to build momentum. Watch for discouragement. Support without over-pushing. If your child stumbles, walk with them—don’t drag them. Stay present. Your consistent support helps rewire their belief that they’re not alone and not incapable. The key is progress, not perfection. Each small step forward is a reminder to your child that change is possible. When a Child Feels Hopeless Hopelessness is a deeper and darker progression of helplessness. It’s not just “I can’t fix this,” but “Nothing will ever get better, so why try?” You might hear your child say: “It’s no use.” “Nothing matters.” “I wish I was dead.” This emotional shutdown is serious—but it is not final. Hopelessness distorts reality. It creates a mental world where no escape seems possible, even though one exists. What Parents Can Do: Don’t argue with hopelessness. Logic won’t convince your child when their emotions block truth. Come alongside them. Sit in the pain with them. Offer presence before solutions. Model tiny steps forward. As with helplessness, focus on one small, achievable goal at a time. Speak life with confidence. Gently affirm that there is more beyond this moment—even if they can’t see it yet. Help them imagine that around the corner is something worth walking toward. You may not be able to give them vision—but you can walk beside them in faith. Restoring Hope Through Faith Neil Anderson also writes: “Research has revealed a link between brain chemistry and hope. When hope is restored, depression leaves… Hope in God is the anchor for our soul and the answer for our depression.” So how can a parent help restore that kind of hope? Use Spiritual Markers In the Old Testament, God frequently commanded His people to build physical reminders—stones, altars, pillars—whenever He did something great for them. These were spiritual markers, and they served to remind future generations of God’s faithfulness. You can do the same for your child. What Parents Can Do: Create a timeline of God’s faithfulness. Mark events where God provided, protected, or showed His presence—no matter how small. Use physical reminders. Keep a jar of “answered prayers,” a gratitude journal, or objects tied to moments of breakthrough. Tell the stories. Remind your child of how God showed up before, and that He will again. As your child begins to see that God has been present in their past, they’ll gain trust that He is present in their future. A Word of Hope from My Story I once wore a mask of “I’m fine” to hide how disconnected and anxious I truly was. The pressure of pretending—and the pain of not belonging—became unbearable. I clearly remember when ending my life felt like a reasonable solution. That’s what hopelessness does: it tricks the mind into thinking death is the only way out of pain that feels endless. And yet—I also remember that I still wanted to live. I just didn’t know how. It wasn’t until I started placing spiritual markers in my own life that hope slowly returned. At first, there were gaps—memories I had pushed away. But as I looked back with God, the story began to unfold. He had been with me in every moment, even the ones I tried to forget. Letting God Be the Giver of Hope At first, those spiritual markers were only for my healing. But over time, God showed me how they could help others too—especially when I spoke at women’s retreats and conferences. My pain had purpose when it pointed others back to God’s presence. We often try to make sense of suffering by focusing on what we are doing wrong—or what’s wrong with our child. But when we shift our focus to what God is doing, we see that He never stops working, even in the darkest seasons. When I finally grasped this truth, I stopped feeling crushed by the weight of helplessness and hopelessness. I didn’t need to be strong, capable, or even enough—because God was all of those things for me. And He is for your child, too. A Final Word to Parents If your child is feeling hopeless today, don’t give up. They may not be able to see beyond their pain, but you can hold space for the truth until they’re ready to believe it again. Your child may be struggling, but they are not abandoned. God has not left them, and He will walk them through this season—just as He walks with you. Keep showing up. Keep sharing the small stories of hope. Keep placing the markers that will one day tell the bigger story of how your child came through the darkness. Looking for more content like this? Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice like that offered in this article any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey.

Limited public access until 7/14/25 - Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey. By Peggy Ployhar (Part 2 in a multi-article series on childhood depression) When our children face depression, it can feel overwhelming. As parents, we often wonder: Where do I start? What can I actually do? In this article, we’ll explore key factors that can intensify a child’s depression—what I call inhibitors—and offer practical, grace-filled strategies for helping your child overcome them. We'll also look at how God can use even these dark places to bring about growth and healing. Understanding What Holds Your Child Back Certain experiences and patterns can deepen depression or prevent healing. Being aware of these challenges allows you to support your child with empathy and intentional action. Stress Children with depression are especially vulnerable to the effects of stress. When life feels overwhelming, depression can deepen quickly. What Helps: Sit down with your child and talk through their typical day or week. Ask: What parts of the day feel hardest? What’s draining or frustrating? Collaborate to simplify routines, prepare for known stressors, and create quiet time for recovery. Even small steps to reduce pressure—like cutting back on extracurriculars or starting schoolwork later in the day—can make a big difference. Loneliness and Rejection Many children with mental health struggles find it hard to connect socially, and they often experience rejection—sometimes even in places meant to feel safe, like church or extended family gatherings. What Helps: Acknowledge their pain. Don’t dismiss or minimize their experiences. Be intentional about seeking environments where your child can be accepted as they are. Model persistence: Pray together, talk about forgiveness, and keep looking for the people who will see and love your child. Finding safe community is hard—but it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Fear Fear distorts how a child sees the world. It can prevent them from trying, trusting, or hoping. What Helps: Gently ask your child what they’re afraid of. Use questions like: What do you think will happen? What’s the worst part? Acknowledge their fear without judgment, then slowly walk with them toward truth. Allow comfort objects, visual reminders, or calming routines when your child enters fear-inducing situations. Above all, remind them: You’re not alone. I’m with you. God is with you. Disappointment For a child with depression, even small setbacks can feel catastrophic. They may internalize failure as personal worthlessness. What Helps: Reframe failure as something all people experience—and grow from. Use everyday frustrations (like a broken toy, a lost game, or a failed test) as learning opportunities. Ask: What didn’t work? What could you try next time? What did you learn from this? Be patient and help your child see that mistakes don’t define them—they refine them. Helping Your Child Grow Through the Struggle Depression does not mean your child is broken beyond repair. In fact, this season may be part of how God shapes their character. Spiritual growth often comes through adversity, not in spite of it. As parents, we can walk with our children in these low places, not trying to fix everything—but showing them how to keep walking, keep learning, and keep hoping. A Visual for Understanding Growth: The Restoration Cycle Perfection isn’t the goal—restoration is. You can use a simple metaphor with your child to explain how we all go through ups and downs: When we make mistakes or feel far from God, it doesn’t mean we’re hopeless. When we turn to Him in our pain, He lovingly restores us. We don’t need to stay “on top.” Even when we feel like we’ve fallen, God draws us close again. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me… For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:29-30 This journey with God is ongoing. It’s not about always being strong—it’s about always returning to Him. A Personal Word for Parents As someone who chased performance and perfection for far too long, I understand the crushing pressure of trying to hold everything together. I wore a mask, carried burdens God never meant for me to carry, and eventually lost myself under the weight of it all. But God met me in the bottom of that pit—not with shame, but with grace. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Some truths can only be discovered from the bottom of a well.” Your child’s hardest moments are not wasted. The disappointment, fear, and sadness—these can all be used by God to prepare them for deeper purpose and greater fruitfulness. Don’t lose hope. Keep showing up. Keep walking with them. Quick Reference for Parents Challenges & What Helps: Challenge Supportive Actions Stress Identify and reduce stressors, simplify routines, build in rest and quiet time Loneliness Pursue inclusive communities, model persistence, pray and seek understanding friends Fear Name fears, offer truth, allow comfort tools, affirm presence and safety Disappointment Reframe failure as learning, celebrate effort, guide reflection and problem-solving Encouragement for the Journey: Growth happens in the struggle. You don’t have to fix everything—just walk with your child. God is working, even when you can’t see it. You are not alone in this journey. God is near, and He loves your child more deeply than you can imagine. Your steady presence, your prayers, and your willingness to see the good that’s being formed in the struggle—these are the greatest gifts you can offer. Looking for more content like this? Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice like that offered in this article any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey.

By Peggy Ployhar Years ago, I programmed a custom workout on my treadmill. The settings were intense—far more challenging than any of the default programs. But by alternating speeds and inclines and shifting my mental focus to a book or movie, I could make it through and even enjoy the challenge. The change in pace would trick my body into thinking it was getting rest, even when it wasn’t. It was hard, but effective. And oddly enough, it became a rhythm I could live with. Circumstances, the Treadmill of Life Homeschooling, especially when you're teaching children with learning differences, often feels like that same treadmill workout. God sets the pace—sometimes it’s steep, sometimes it’s fast, and just when we think we can’t go any further, He changes the incline and speed. But instead of pulling us off the treadmill, He keeps us moving forward, building our strength and endurance for what’s ahead. God doesn’t randomly push us to our limits. He has a purpose in the pressure, in the pace changes, and even in the pauses. He knows how to train us well—body, mind, and spirit. “...be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” —1 Corinthians 15:58 Endurance Is the Goal We’re not called to sprint through the homeschooling journey, but to endure it faithfully. There will be seasons when you feel strong and other days when you wonder how you’ll keep going. You might be facing burnout, doubt, a diagnosis, or just plain fatigue. But every one of those days is building something in you—faith, perseverance, wisdom, and the ability to guide your children toward their own growth. And the more you keep going, the more you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come. What once looked like a mountain will look more like a molehill compared to the strength you’ve gained and the grace you’ve seen. The Special Education Homeschooling Workout Let’s be honest: homeschooling a child with special needs or unique learning struggles can feel overwhelming. The treadmill program you’re on may feel like it was set on expert mode from day one. And you didn’t get a chance to choose an easier setting. We get it. At SPED Homeschool, we’ve walked that same road. We’ve had days where just staying upright felt like a win. We’ve faced unexpected detours, diagnoses, doubts, and daily fatigue. But through it all, God has remained faithful. And that’s why we exist—to encourage and equip you with resources, stories, and community that help you build your stamina for this marathon journey. We’re In This Together You don’t have to figure it all out alone. There’s strength in community and comfort in walking with others who understand your journey. We have new content released regularly to support you as you homeschool your unique learner. Together, we can press on—even on the hard days. God has set the program. Let’s lean into Him, stay on the treadmill, and keep showing the world that His plan is not only possible—but beautiful.

Homeschooling can be deeply rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also feel like a lot. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, our co-host team opens up about the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with homeschooling, especially when you're juggling unique learning needs, everyday family life, and your own personal expectations. Join us as we talk candidly about how emotional overwhelm shows up, share the real moments we’ve struggled (and grown), and offer practical, grace-filled strategies for finding peace in the chaos. Whether you're in the thick of a hard season or just looking for encouragement from moms who’ve been there, this conversation is here to remind you: you're not alone, and you can homeschool from a place of hope, not burnout. To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/ https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.leilanimelendez.com/ https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Make sure to subscribe, share and comment! Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/  

By Peggy Ployhar "It's like God is a bird and He laid an egg, and that is me, and a snake has come and swallowed me up." This was my six-year-old son’s response when I asked him what it was like to be him. His words hit with such clarity and pain that even now, nearly two decades later, I can still feel the ache in my heart from that moment. Realizing my son was battling depression at such a young age was devastating enough—but what made it even more crushing was that I, too, had walked a similar path beginning at his age. I knew this darkness intimately. I had fought it in silence for years. This article is the beginning of a series I wrote many years ago, chronicling our family’s experience with childhood depression. Now, years later, another one of my children lives with severe mental health challenges. Our journey with depression hasn’t ended. It has deepened. But through it all, even in our darkest moments, God has never left us. He has walked with us through the shadows and lifted us up when we could no longer stand. There is always hope when we place our trust in Him. He is our strength, our peace, and our constant companion in the trials we face alongside our children. My Own Struggle with Childhood Depression Growing up, I battled depression silently. I masked it, tried to blend in, and carried deep inside me the shame and guilt of wishing—more often than I’d like to admit—that my life would end. My family practiced a strict form of religion, and though it was never spoken, perfection was an unspoken requirement. I never measured up. My social awkwardness—exacerbated by undiagnosed autistic traits, constant anxiety, and intense sensory issues—left me painfully aware of how “different” I was. Even though I achieved academically, the pressure to be saintly only highlighted how broken I felt inside. Climbing Out of the Pit I dragged this heavy burden of shame, perfectionism, and hidden pain into adulthood and early motherhood. What I didn’t realize was that my healing had actually started six years before my son voiced his own struggle. It began when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. That moment of faith didn’t bring immediate freedom, but it began a slow and steady climb out of the pit. Six years into my walk with Christ, I had only just reached a place where I could see how deep the pit truly was. I still had a long way to go. And then, without warning, I looked beside me and saw my son had fallen into the same pit. I was overwhelmed. How could I possibly guide him to healing when I was still so broken myself? Why We Must Talk About Childhood Depression Over the years, God has taught me—and my children—so much through our battles with this silent enemy called depression. One of the hardest realities is how rarely childhood depression is talked about, especially in Christian circles. It's uncomfortable. It's complex. But it is real. And it's affecting more children every year. According to the CDC, diagnoses of depression and anxiety among children continue to rise. Behind those statistics are real families, real pain, and real kids—like mine and maybe yours. A Word of Hope for Parents If you are parenting a child who is struggling with depression—or if you yourself are carrying the weight of mental health battles past or present—I want to encourage you: you are not alone. And more importantly, neither is your child. Even in the darkest places, God is there. He sees. He knows. He walks beside us. And He offers us strength when ours is gone, peace when we feel torn apart, and hope when things seem hopeless. This series is for you—whether you're in the pit or trying to help someone out of it. You may not have all the answers, but you can cling to the One who does. There is light ahead, and you don’t have to walk this road alone. Stay Tuned In the next part of this series, I’ll begin unpacking some of the specific strategies, spiritual insights, and resources that helped us navigate this journey—imperfectly, but honestly and prayerfully.

By Jan Bedell, PhD, M.ND - Brain Sprints As parents, we deeply desire for our children to read—not just for academic success, but to experience the joy of reading God’s Word and navigating life more independently. For many of us, teaching our children to read becomes a deeply personal mission. But what happens when our child struggles with traditional methods, and phonics simply doesn’t work? Let’s talk about something that might surprise you. The Truth About Phonics Here it is—phonics may not be the best way to teach every child to read. Yes, it’s foundational for many. But unless certain cognitive and developmental skills are solid, a phonics-first approach can lead to frustration—for both the child and the parent. I learned this firsthand. For five long years, I faithfully used a phonics approach to teach my daughter with special needs how to read. She could recite the sounds of all 70 phonograms—even tough ones like “ough,” which can make six different sounds! She was a phonogram champion… but still couldn’t read beyond three-letter words. Sounding out words was a constant struggle, and by the time she reached the end of a sentence, the meaning was completely lost. Why? Because she had low auditory processing skills—a disconnect I didn't recognize early on. What Is Auditory Processing and Why Does It Matter? Auditory processing, especially sequential auditory processing, is the ability to hold a sequence of sounds or words in short-term memory. This skill is essential for phonics, which is an auditory learning method. If your child can’t retain and manipulate sounds in sequence (for example, blending c-a-t into “cat”), then phonics will feel like an uphill battle. For kids with weak auditory memory, the words get longer, the rules more complex, and the guessing begins. This was my daughter's story—and it might be your child's too. For many children, building auditory processing skills before or alongside phonics is the key to unlocking reading success. How Can You Help a Struggling Reader? Try These Brain Coach Tips: Assess Auditory Processing Start with a free auditory processing test kit. Your child should ideally have a 5-digit memory span, and be working toward 6 digits, to read successfully with phonics.  Get the Free Kit Practice Auditory Activities Two minutes, twice a day can build the brain! Use the auditory games from the free kit to boost memory and processing speed. Use “Echo Reading” Read a sentence aloud while your child follows along, then have them repeat it. This builds confidence, vocabulary, and word recognition. Offer Support Instead of Struggle Don’t leave them stuck—sound out the word or simply say it. Avoid turning reading into a battle. Incorporate Audiobooks Listening helps children hear fluent reading and develops comprehension and auditory memory. Aim for at least one hour of listening daily. Blend Sight Words and Phonics Teach key sight words (like “the,” “was,” “said”) while continuing to work on auditory processing. When the brain is ready, phonics will become more effective and enjoyable. Why Sight Words Aren’t Cheating Here’s a little-known fact: once a word is known, we all become sight readers. We don’t re-sound “cat” every time we see it—we just know it. Combining sight word instruction with phonics and auditory processing development creates a well-rounded, confident reader. Want proof? Read this sentence: Phonetic decoding is a foundational skill for early reading, but automatic word recognition enables fluent reading. Did you sound out each word phonetically? Probably not. That’s the power of sight reading once the brain has matured and made connections. Parent Resources for Struggling Readers Here are some additional tools and resources to help you on this journey: Auditory Processing Tools Brain Sprints Free Auditory Test Kit Brain Coach Tips Podcast #17 – Make Reading Easier Reading Programs That Support Unique Learners Lexercise – An online program for children with dyslexia that builds foundational skills in phonemic awareness. Nessy Reading & Spelling – Game-based learning platform for struggling readers. All About Reading – Multisensory program with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic components. 🎧 Audiobook Platforms Storynory – Free audio stories for kids. Learning Ally – Audiobooks designed for students with reading challenges (requires school or homeschool verification). Libby – Borrow audiobooks free from your local library with a library card. In Summary If your child isn’t making progress with phonics, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong. It might be that their brain just isn’t ready for that method yet. By building auditory processing skills, reading becomes less of a struggle and more of a joy—for everyone. Don't give up. There is a way forward, and with the right tools, your child can become a successful and confident reader. Would you like help finding the right path for your child’s learning struggles? Explore expert consultation options and support group options on our site for homeschool families.

Dawn Spence If your child has ever received special education services, you’ve likely heard the terms accommodations and modifications. Now that you’re homeschooling, these terms might seem a little less clear. What do they really mean when you're the one designing the learning environment? Many parents—even experienced educators—mistakenly use these terms interchangeably. But they are not the same thing. And more importantly, neither of them means “taking the easy way out.” In fact, both accommodations and modifications are powerful tools that can help struggling learners reach their full potential—not by bypassing challenges, but by removing unnecessary barriers that block genuine progress. Let’s explore what these tools are, how they work, and how you can use them confidently in your homeschool to help your child thrive. The Purpose Behind the Terms Both accommodations and modifications are designed to help your child access learning material in a way that honors their current cognitive level while building on their strengths. Whether you’re working one-on-one at home or leading a multi-age co-op group, these tools are essential for supporting learners with unique needs. When I began homeschooling my daughter, I leaned into these strategies to write her IEP and adjust our curriculum. They didn’t just make learning “easier”—they made it possible and purposeful. ACCOMMODATIONS: Changing How Your Child Learns Accommodations give your child a different way to complete a task or engage with material. They do not change the grade level or expectations—they simply allow students to show what they know in a way that works better for them. Think of accommodations as adjusting the route without changing the destination. Here are five common categories of accommodations: 1. Time Allow extra time on assignments or tests Break work into smaller chunks with mini-deadlines Use timers or visual schedules to help with pacing 2. Alternative Scheduling Spread a project over more days Build in breaks between subjects to reduce cognitive fatigue 3. Change of Setting Provide a quiet space or noise-canceling headphones Use fidget tools or flexible seating for sensory regulation 4. Change in Presentation Swap reading-heavy material for audiobooks or videos Use graphic organizers, diagrams, or real-life examples 5. Change in Response Allow verbal responses instead of written ones Accept typing instead of handwriting Use creative options like projects, drawings, or presentations to demonstrate understanding Why this helps: Accommodations don’t “lower the bar”—they remove the barriers that make it hard to show what a child really knows. That’s not cheating. That’s equity. MODIFICATIONS: Changing What Your Child Learns Modifications, on the other hand, adjust the learning expectations to better align with your child’s ability level. These changes may reduce the amount or complexity of what is taught. Modifications are appropriate when a child is significantly behind grade level, and the goal is growth at their pace—not trying to cram in content that causes constant frustration. Here are three common ways to apply modifications: 1. Presentation of Material Use specialized curricula designed for struggling learners Offer simplified or alternative texts on the same topic 2. Adapted Materials Focus on fewer vocabulary words or key concepts (e.g., learn 2 key terms instead of 10) Use sentence starters or word banks in writing assignments 3. Grading & Testing Alterations Grade based on effort, progress, or a smaller portion of content Provide open-book or oral tests instead of written ones Choose questions that assess essential concepts only Why this helps: Modifications allow your child to master foundational skills before layering on complexity. You’re not “watering it down”—you’re building solid ground. Helping Parents Shift Their Mindset: These Tools Aren’t “Cheating” Many parents worry that using accommodations or modifications might mean they’re giving their child an unfair advantage—or worse, setting them up for failure later in life. But let’s pause and reframe. If a child has dyslexia, and you read aloud a word problem so they can focus on solving the math, is that cheating? If a child has ADHD and needs breaks every 15 minutes to stay engaged, is that enabling? No. That’s teaching to the learner, not to a rigid system. In the real world, adults use tools, strategies, and supports all the time: Calendars for time management Spell checkers for writing Audiobooks and podcasts for learning on the go Giving your child the right support now helps them learn how to support themselves later. Practical Steps for Using Accommodations & Modifications at Home Start with a strengths-based mindset What does your child do well? Build from that. It’s easier to scaffold success when a child feels capable. Observe, adjust, repeat Notice what’s working and what isn’t. Try one change at a time so you can evaluate its effectiveness. Use rubrics that match your goals Are you grading for neatness or for comprehension? For effort or for mastery? Be clear about the goal. Document your strategies Keep notes on what accommodations or modifications you use. These will come in handy for co-op teachers, tutors, or even if you transition back to a traditional setting. Involve your child Ask: “What helped you learn today?” or “What made that hard?” Helping them reflect fosters self-advocacy. Final Thoughts Accommodations and modifications are not crutches—they are ramps. They provide access to learning that might otherwise be out of reach for students who learn differently. So whether your child is struggling with reading, math, writing, or staying focused, take heart: you’re not cheating by using these tools. You’re customizing education in a way that meets your child where they are and moves them forward. This is the first article in a series where I’ll walk through how to apply these tools across specific subjects like reading, writing, math, and more. If there’s a particular topic or subject you’d love me to cover next, please leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you!

By Peggy Ployhar Have you ever noticed how some people jump eagerly into new challenges, while others hesitate, stuck in fear or uncertainty? As a homeschool parent, you may even see this hesitation in yourself or your child—especially when learning is hard or progress feels slow. So why do some of us embrace new learning adventures while others freeze? A Different Way to See Learning Years ago, a friend commented on my wide range of skills—from farming to blogging to cheese-making—and asked what drove me to try so many new things. I’d never really thought about it until then. When I did, I realized something simple but powerful: I view life not as a series of tasks to accomplish, but as a series of experiments to learn from. This mindset makes all the difference. In an experiment, failure is part of the process—not something to be feared. Failure becomes information, not judgment. Every time something doesn’t work, it helps us refine what we do know and opens a path to a new beginning. The Truth About Failure: It’s What You Make of It The fear of failing keeps so many of us (and our children) from even trying. We think if success isn’t guaranteed, we’re not cut out for it. Or we try once, and when it doesn’t go well, we shut the door and walk away. But here’s the truth: failure is feedback. It tells us what didn’t work so we can find what does. Famous (and Personal) Failures That Led to Growth Take Thomas Edison—he was fired from multiple jobs and failed over 1,000 times before he figured out how to make a working light bulb. Most of us would have quit somewhere between attempt #3 and #10. Or consider my own cheese-making journey. When we moved to the country and got a milking cow, I thought, Why not learn to make cheese? Let’s just say, for a long while, my chickens were the only ones willing to eat my experiments—and even they weren’t impressed. But I didn’t give up. I adjusted, I tried again, and little by little, I got better. Eventually, I shared my recipes online, and to my surprise, they began gaining attention. One day, I found myself featured as a cheese blogger for the New England Cheese Making Company—all because I refused to see failure as the end of the story. Homeschooling Through the Lens of Experimentation Especially in homeschooling children with learning challenges, we must embrace the experimental mindset—both as parents and as teachers. Think of every learning plan as a hypothesis. You gather insight—from God, your child, and trusted resources—then try out a method. If it doesn’t work? You adjust. That’s not failure—it’s progress. The same goes for your child. Their lessons aren’t about getting everything right the first time—they’re opportunities to learn how they learn. Some approaches will stick, others won’t. But each one moves them closer to understanding themselves and the material better. Practical Tips: Changing Your Mindset About Failure 1. Use Different Language Around Mistakes Instead of “You got it wrong,” say: → “What did we learn from that?” → “Let’s try another way and see what happens.” → “That was a great experiment!” 2. Share Your Own Failures (and Laugh About Them) Kids need to see that adults make mistakes too—and keep going. Share your past (or current!) learning curve stories and show how you grew because of, not despite, the stumbles. 3. Set 'Discovery Goals' Instead of Performance Goals Try goals like: → “Let’s see how many ways we can solve this problem.” → “Let’s explore what helps you remember things better.” This helps shift the focus from outcome to curiosity. 4. Celebrate the Effort, Not Just the Result When your child works hard on something—even if it doesn’t turn out well—celebrate their persistence and creativity. → “You didn’t give up. That’s worth more than getting it perfect.” 5. Use Visual Reminders Create posters or index cards with mantras like: → “Mistakes are proof you’re trying.” → “Every expert was once a beginner.” → “Failure is the first step to success.” The Beautiful Bonus of Failure When we let go of the pressure to succeed perfectly every time, we create space for genuine discovery—for ourselves and our kids. And that’s what homeschooling is really about: learning how to learn, how to grow, and how to trust the process. God didn’t call us to be perfect homeschool parents. He called us to be faithful learners—alongside our children. So next time a lesson flops, a project falls apart, or emotions run high, take a breath and smile. You’re in the middle of a beautiful experiment. You’re learning. And that’s more than enough.

By Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP | Child Diagnostics If you're a homeschooling mom who’s just starting out and feeling overwhelmed by your child’s intense reactions to sounds, textures, or transitions—you’re not alone. You may be wondering: Why does getting dressed feel like a battle? Why won’t my child eat anything but bread? Why do loud noises send them running? These everyday challenges could be signs of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)—and there are simple ways to help. What Is SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder)? Some kids experience the world through a highly sensitive nervous system. Think of it as being “on high alert” all the time. This over-reactivity to normal sensory input (touch, sound, taste, etc.) makes everyday life overwhelming—for them and for you. Dr. Lendon Smith, the famous pediatrician, once called these kids “goosey, touchy kids.” I often say they’re “uncomfortable in their own skin.” If this sounds like your child, keep reading. You’ll find doable tips that don’t require you to become a therapist—just a mom equipped with the right tools. Common Signs Your Child May Have SPD Here are typical signs grouped by sense—check off any that sound familiar: Touch Sensitivity Clothing tags feel like sandpaper Socks have to be seamless (or worn inside out) Only wears soft clothes—no jeans allowed Haircuts and hair-washing trigger meltdowns Doctor visits are traumatic (stethoscope = panic) Sound Sensitivity Covers ears for the vacuum, blender, or flushing toilets Avoids group settings like co-ops or church Has delayed speech or struggles with language Melts down during transitions or new situations Taste & Texture Sensitivity Refuses foods based on texture Very limited diet (often carb-heavy) Avoids meat or mixed foods (no casseroles!) Chews on shirt collars or sleeves Don’t worry—your child doesn’t need all of these symptoms to be experiencing SPD. A Quick Laugh: 4 Signs You Have a Sensory Child The tools needed for a haircut: scissors, silence, and maybe sedatives (for you). You make four different dinners for four family members. You dread dental appointments more than your child does. You now wear your own socks inside out because—surprise!—it actually feels better. What Can You Do Right Now to Help? Simple At-Home Strategies: Start with a daily calming routine. Build in a few quiet, structured sensory activities like swinging, stretching, or using a weighted blanket. Even 10 minutes helps. Try “crossing the midline” brain exercises. This just means movements that require both sides of the body to work together. Think: marching while touching opposite knees or doing windmills. These help balance the brain and reduce sensory overload. (I use a system called Brain Integration Therapy, but there are many free resources online.) Explore weighted tools. Some sensory-seeking kids benefit from wearing weighted vests or lap pads for a short time during schoolwork or transitions. It gives their bodies the calming input they crave. Nutrition: The Missing Piece? Here’s a tip many parents find surprising: Magnesium can make a BIG difference. One mom shared how her 4-year-old son, who used to cry when his feet touched sand, suddenly started playing freely after she added a simple mineral supplement called Mineral Rich to his diet. No more plugging his ears when the doorbell rang. No more fear of the vacuum cleaner. Why does this work? Magnesium is known as “nature’s tranquilizer.” It helps calm the entire nervous system. Many kids with SPD show signs of magnesium deficiency—tight muscles, anxiety, poor sleep, irritability. What to Try Liquid forms like Mineral Rich (available in health food stores) Magnesium citrate capsules (easier on tummies than other types) Go slow and always talk to your pediatrician first. Too much magnesium can cause loose stools, but that’s an easy fix by adjusting the dose. For more information, check out The Miracle of Magnesium by Dr. Carolyn Dean. Real Stories, Real Hope Izaya, Age 11 He used to panic if his mom left the room—even to take a shower. Group events were out of the question. But after just a few months of adding magnesium and making simple changes at home, Izaya was staying overnight at friends’ houses, going to public restrooms alone, and handling life with a new sense of calm. These stories aren’t rare. Many parents see real change—sometimes quickly—when they begin supporting their child’s nervous system naturally and consistently. Where to Learn More You don’t need to become an expert—you just need a starting point. Here are some options: Search for an Integrative or Functional Medicine doctor Talk to a Certified Nutritionist Or check out my Biology of Behavior CD set, where I break things down in a simple, mom-friendly way A Final Word of Encouragement Mama, you don’t have to figure this out overnight. God promises that “nothing hidden will remain hidden”—He’ll reveal what you need to know, one step at a time. You were chosen for your child, and your loving effort makes all the difference. You’ve got this. And you’re not alone. SPED Homeschool Disclaimer: This information is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your child’s diet or care plan.

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, we sit down with Chad Stewart, a veteran Disney and Sony animator whose pencil brought characters to life in Tarzan, The Emperor’s New Groove, The Polar Express, and more. But beyond the studio, Chad spent 20 years homeschooling his eight children, blending creativity, character training, and practical skills into a powerful, personalized education model.   Chad shares how animation principles—like storyboarding, iteration, and character development—can become dynamic teaching tools. Parents will learn how to unlock their child’s interests, use storytelling to build confidence and comprehension, and foster resilience through creativity. Whether you have a highly visual learner, a child stuck in a learning rut, or you’re simply seeking a new lens for home education, Chad’s journey offers both practical encouragement and innovative ideas. You don’t need to be an artist—just a parent willing to see learning a little differently. To connect with Chad and learn more about his courses, visit: https://www.theanimcourse.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/ https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.leilanimelendez.com/ https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Make sure to subscribe, share and comment! Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

By Cammie Arn Homeschooling is often a long game, filled with tiny steps that eventually lead to great milestones. But if you're anything like me, it can be hard to see the progress day by day. There’s laundry to fold, meals to make, behaviors to redirect, and on top of it all—educational goals to meet. It can feel like you're pouring your energy into a bottomless cup. That's why, in our home, we’ve learned to celebrate the small stuff—because those small wins are what build the foundation of lasting growth. The Power of Small Wins In our family, we intentionally celebrate everyday victories—not just the big achievements like finishing a curriculum or mastering a major skill. Why? Because it’s in those tiny triumphs that real progress lives. When a child learns their letters, they’re one step closer to reading. When a child moves a hand toward a device, they're closer to using a communication board. When a young adult cooks a box of macaroni and cheese independently, that’s one more stride toward living on their own. These moments matter. They may seem insignificant in isolation, but over time, they create real, measurable change. Recognizing Progress in Your Own Home In your homeschool, how often do you stop and notice the little things your children do that are part of something bigger? Maybe your child has difficulty with writing, but today they held a pencil for five minutes longer than yesterday. Celebrate that. Maybe your teen with executive functioning struggles followed a two-step direction for the first time. That’s a win. Maybe your child stayed regulated through a full homeschool lesson—something they couldn't do a month ago. That’s major. Don’t wait for perfection to celebrate. Start now. Small progress is progress. Modeling Affirmation: “Caught Being Good” My husband works in the public school system, where they’ve implemented a recognition system that highlights students who are “caught being good.” These aren’t necessarily monumental acts—they’re intentional choices that reflect growth, character, or responsibility. The idea is to reinforce the behavior you want to see more of. We’ve adopted a similar mindset in our homeschool. When one of our children shares without prompting, takes initiative, or keeps a positive attitude despite a challenge, we name it. We recognize it. We praise it. And slowly, those positive behaviors become habits. "Collecting pennies means eventually those pennies will add up to a dollar." It’s a phrase we’ve borrowed, but one we live by. Every small effort, every tiny milestone, every flicker of understanding is a penny dropped into the piggy bank of your child’s development. Keep collecting those pennies. Eventually, they add up to something powerful. Why It Matters Celebrating small wins isn’t just about encouragement. It’s about: Building confidence: Children feel empowered when their efforts are noticed. Strengthening motivation: Regular affirmation encourages kids to keep trying. Creating connection: These moments of recognition strengthen the parent-child bond. Tracking growth: You’ll find that when you focus on small wins, you begin to see progress everywhere. When we affirm our children for their wise choices, their small acts of kindness, or their steps toward independence, we help them internalize a sense of capability and worth. Try This: Small Win Tracker Consider keeping a simple “small win” journal for each child. Each day or week, jot down one thing they did that moved them closer to a larger goal. At the end of the month, read it together. Watch their eyes light up as they realize just how far they've come. Final Thoughts Homeschooling isn’t a race to the finish. It’s a journey of growth—one penny at a time. You don’t have to wait for graduation, fluency, or mastery to celebrate. Your child is becoming who they are meant to be right now, in each tiny moment of perseverance, each spark of understanding, each act of kindness. And you, dear parent, are doing a beautiful job—one day, one choice, one penny at a time.