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Episodes
Kara brings her quirky perspective to parenting, education, connection and at times, the randomness of the world. She is a mom of two, married 28+ years, former educator, parent blogger, and children’s author. Her goal is to simplify the life of moms and help them find connection.
Episodes
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Playing games and puzzles is a fun way to help kids learn! It's a great chance for parents to make learning exciting and effective for their children. In this episode, Kara shares how this approach lets kids reach their full potential and develop a love for learning that goes beyond school.
Mentioned links and resources in this episode:
- Freebie: Idaho Puzzle Pack
- Blog post: The Power of Cooperative Play in Child Development
- Blog post: 10 Ways Competitions Enhance Learning
- Blog post: Board Games that Teach Financial Literacy to Your Kids
Connect with Kara here:
- Join Kara’s mailing list! (Get her special freebie each week, with links to her blog, podcast, and other finds!)
- Check out Kara's free resources and more on the Epic Publisher Website
- Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube
- Follow Kara on Instagram
- Epic Publisher on Facebook
- Epic Publisher on Pinterest
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Hosting a problem-solving workshop for your kids can be a rewarding experience that fosters critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and teamwork. When you incorporate real-world scenarios, open-ended challenges, and a variety of puzzle and game types, your children will be begging you so that they can learn more!
Mentioned links and resources in this episode:
- Blog post: Why Teaching Problem-Solving Skills is Essential for Student Success
- Blog post: Problem solving skills: 6 amazing benefits for kids
- Blog post: Create an Outdoor Story Hunt for Your Child this Summer
- Blog post: The 5 Best Homeschool Choices for Your Family
Connect with Kara here:
- Join Kara’s mailing list! (Get her special freebie each week, with links to her blog, podcast, and other finds!)
- Check out Kara's free resources and more on the Epic Publisher Website
- Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube
- Follow Kara on Instagram
- Epic Publisher on Facebook
- Epic Publisher on Pinterest
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Rubrics enable students to identify their goals and set realistic targets for themselves. As children see complex tasks being broken down into manageable components, they are able to focus on making improvements and being successful. These wins boost their confidence. This also helps children learn to self assess.
Mentioned links and resources in this episode:
Connect with Kara here:
- Join Kara’s mailing list! (Get her special freebie each week, with links to her blog, podcast, and other finds!)
- Check out Kara's free resources and more on the Epic Publisher Website
- Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube
- Follow Kara on Instagram
- Epic Publisher on Facebook
- Epic Publisher on Pinterest
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Creating a family bucket list is an exciting way to kick-start your spring adventures together. It's a great opportunity to connect, create lasting memories, and make the most of the warmer months ahead.
In this episode, Kara shares 50 great ideas to create your customized family Spring Bucket List.
Mentioned links and resources in this episode:
- Video: How to Create a Customized Spring Bucket List in Canva
- Software/Tool: Canva
- Blog post: Open Up the World of Camping to Your Family in 10 Steps
- Blog post: Game Night: Fun, Family, and Memories
Connect with Kara here:
- Join Kara’s mailing list! (Get her special freebie each week, with links to her blog, podcast, and other finds!)
- Check out Kara's free resources and more on the Epic Publisher Website
- Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube
- Follow Kara on Instagram
- Epic Publisher on Facebook
- Epic Publisher on Pinterest
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
As Valentine’s Day approaches, consider giving into your child an unforgettable experience rather than traditional gifts. By incorporating actualities tailored to each love language, you can strengthen your bond and show your child they are valued and loved.
In this episode, Kara shares fabulous ideas for Valentine’s Day dates with your kids, according to love language.
Mentioned links and resources in this episode:
- Blog post: Your Child's Love Language
- Book: The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell
- Blog post: Game Night: Fun, Family, and Memories
Connect with Kara here:
- Join Kara’s mailing list! (Get her special freebie each week, with links to her blog, podcast, and other finds!)
- Check out Kara's free resources and more on the Epic Publisher Website
- Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube
- Follow Kara on Instagram
- Epic Publisher on Facebook
- Epic Publisher on Pinterest
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Moms can better navigate the demands of motherhood if they have had a good night’s sleep. In this episode, Kara has suggestions on how you can wake up feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the challenges of the day!
Links/resources referenced in this episode:
- Sleep inspires insight
- The cumulative cost of additional wakefulness: dose-response effects on neurobehavioral functions and sleep physiology from chronic sleep restriction and total sleep deprivation
- Aging and Sleep
- How Getting Sunlight in the Morning Can Improve Sleep
- How stress can affect your sleep
Connect with Kara here:
- Join Kara’s mailing list! (Get her special freebie each week, with links to her blog, podcast, and other finds!)
- Check out Kara's free resources and more on the Epic Publisher Website
- Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube
- Follow Kara on Instagram
- Epic Publisher on Facebook
- Epic Publisher on Pinterest
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Transform your child's reading experience from passive to active, fostering a deeper appreciation for literature. In this episode, Kara shares that by using these 35 reading prompts, which are carefully crafted according to Bloom's Taxonomy, children can develop their critical thinking skills and engage more meaningfully with texts.
Links referenced in this episode:
Connect with Kara here:
- Join Kara’s mailing list! (Get her special freebie each week, with links to her blog, podcast, and other finds!)
- Check out Kara's free resources and more on the Epic Publisher Website
- Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube
- Follow Kara on Instagram
- Epic Publisher on Facebook
- Epic Publisher on Pinterest
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
In this episode, Kara shares 11 easy steps to establish a structured and engaging environment that fosters a love of reading in your children. A reading workshop can also help kids develop crucial communication skills, build empathy, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the text.
Mentioned links/resources in this episode:
https://epicpublisher.com/activities/create-a-kids-cozy-reading-nook/
https://epicpublisher.com/education/8-easy-ways-to-help-your-child-fall-in-love-with-reading/
https://epicpublisher.com/activities/create-an-outdoor-story-hunt-for-your-child-this-summer/
https://epicpublisher.com/activities/the-ultimate-summer-reading-challenge-for-kids/
https://epicpublisher.com/education/engage-your-child-in-reading-with-a-book-tracker/
Connect with Kara here:
- Join Kara’s mailing list! (Get her special freebie each week, with links to her blog, podcast, and other finds!)
- Check out Kara's free resources and more on the Epic Publisher Website
- Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube
- Follow Kara on Instagram
- Epic Publisher on Facebook
- Epic Publisher on Pinterest