Homeschool Evaluator,Career and College Counselors

Journaling is a powerful tool for teens! It offers a safe space for self-expression, helping them process emotions, reduce stress, and gain insight into themselves.

Writing regularly fosters personal growth, enhances problem-solving skills, and sparks creativity.

Plus, it’s a great way to capture memories and reflect on how far they've come.

Encourage your teen to pick up a journal and start writing—it could make all the difference!

✍️ …

As Moms… especially Homeschool or Stay at Home Moms, recognizing your worth begins with valuing your unique strengths and talents. Each of us possesses a distinct combination of abilities and qualities that make us who we are.

It's important to take time to identify and appreciate these attributes, whether they are skills you've developed, natural talents, or personal traits that set you apart:

• Start by reflecting on what you excel at and what brings you joy. Consider the compliments and positive feedback you receive from others; often, they see our strengths more clearly than we do ourselves. Embrace these aspects of yourself and understand that they contribute to your individuality and value.

• Remember that comparing yourself to others is often unproductive. Everyone's journey is different, and what makes someone else shine might not be your path. Instead, focus on nurturing and developing your unique abilities. This not only builds confidence but also helps you make meaningful contributions in your personal and professional life.

• Value your unique strengths and talents, you affirm your worth and empower yourself to achieve your fullest potential.

• Embrace what makes you special and let it guide you towards a fulfilling and authentic life.

Remember to recognize your value as you go out into the world.

You are a MOM!

Stepping Ahead this Summer…

It’s summertime, school is out, pools are open, and if you listen very closely you can hear students all over the place saying, “I’m bored, there’s nothing to do!"

Well, here are some solutions to your high school student’s boredom that will have a very positive impact.

Many students have very hectic schedules during the school year that often don't allow them to take advantage of some of the ideas below.

This summer, seize the chance for summer enrichment and dive into a world of educational opportunities designed to foster skill building and ensure learning continuity and engage in a variety of enriching activities tailored to your student’s interests and educational goals.

There are ample opportunities to explore possible career paths, expand their horizons and enhance their skills while enjoying the break.

Encourage your student to embrace this time as a chance to step ahead and make the most of the summer months.

Don't let this summer go by without having your student check a couple of these activities off the list:

1. Schedule at least two or three career interviews.

These can be done over coffee or lunch and are intended to allow your student to talk with someone in a job or profession that they believe they might want to pursue. I suggest you help them develop a list of questions to ask. This will allow your student to get real world feedback, both good and bad.

Conversations like this will help develop options for majors and careers that are most likely to coincide with your student’s interests and aptitudes.

Most adults are more than willing to take 30 minutes or so to help a teenager considering their future. Friends, neighbors, church members and friends’ parents are all good options to find someone in a particular profession.

2. Taking a personality/career assessment test is a great use of time during the summer.

This data can then be used in conjunction with the selection of majors to put a college/career plan together that will most likely lead to long term success. These tests generally cost around a few hundred dollars and can be completed in less than an hour or so. If you are interested in this option, we offer this service.

3. Job shadowing is a great summertime activity.

While the career interview gets them some good feedback, the job shadowing immerses them in the job for a day. I can't think of a better way to see if a career is the right fit than to live in it for a day or two or maybe even a week. Finding willing volunteers is as simple as asking around.

4. Consider hiring a tutor over the summer.

Why lose the three months of the summer when this time could be used to drive up GPA which may ultimately lead to more merit-based aid or simply acceptance at more colleges. This can be done a couple of times per week and won't intrude terribly on the student’s summer but could indeed have a huge impact on academic success.

5. Volunteer for some local non-profit organizations.
Community service time is often a requirement for graduation, and if not, it certainly looks good on college and scholarship applications.

Summer is a great time to get involved. No magic here other than to jump on something right away. If it gets pushed to the back burner, unfortunately the summer may be over before anything gets done.

These are just a handful of ways to take advantage of this summer's downtime. I suggest talking about these things with student and collectively determine which ones make sense to pursue.

If you need help, I can help. Schedule a Free Consultation: https://calendly.com/event_types/92795386/edit?return_to=%2Fevent_types%2Fuser%2Fme

Enjoy your summer!
Maria Ann Geffers
Homeschool Education, Career and College Counselor
PA Homeschool Mom2Mom
570-676-5559
[email protected]

"Family is the cornerstone of our lives, and conversation is the glue that holds us together. 🤗❤️

Take a moment today to appreciate the power of family conversation - it's where memories are made, bonds are strengthened, and love is shared.

This week's Conversation Starter:
"What is something that you tried that you will never try again?"

Maria Ann Geffers
Helping Homeschool Moms

💬✨ "

Homeschooling Myths? Here are the facts:

California public school enrollment has dropped by over 110,000 students… and counting.

Is it any wonder?

The public school system has lost the trust of moms – to put it mildly. And we’re looking for alternatives. But for those of us who were raised in public schools and have had children in public school, it can seem like an uncertain maze of options and many don’t know where to start.

And homeschool?? Forget it!

At least, that’s what I thought. Until I pulled my two sons in the middle of the school year to do just that. I remember just sitting at the table staring across at their beautiful brown eyes without a single clue how I was going to educate these precious ones.

Interested....Read more: https://momsforamerica.us/blog/homeschooling-myths-heres-the-facts/

Is Homeschool the best choice for you and your family.....

12 Great Benefits of Homeschooling your Children There are many reasons someone might want to homeschool their children. Homeschooling can be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences a parent might have. Many parents were forced to try their hands at homeschooling in 2020 thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, however that wasn’t really h...

4 Great Education Options For Stay-At-Home Moms — The Coffee Mom For many moms, the decision to stay at home often comes with the challenge of continuing personal development and education. However, the rise of numerous …

Join Moms for America host Liz Ackerman and special guests Bill and Sarah Norton.
The acclaimed "Self-Government Works" simulation doesn't just suit a traditional classroom situation...it can also be used to teach homeschoolers how our government evolved and why it is the most effective form of government! Join Bill and Sarah Norton as they share how you can use this with your homeschool students for an enriching, amazing experience!

Register at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8216928300881/WN_czfAOfxDTu6nB_bdaN5j2g #/registration

. . . . . .

There is no doubt that homeschooling has exploded in recent years. When the pandemic brought kids home, parents realized what schools were not teaching and, sometimes even worse, what they were teaching.

An aggressive agenda of indoctrination led by radical teachers' unions has made our schools unrecognizable. In response, more parents are taking charge by homeschooling.

We're joined by homeschool mom, Meghan “C,” who loves teaching her young children. She started the HomeSchool Happy Hour Podcast to encourage other homeschool parents.

With more than four million homeschooled children nationally, there is huge interest in how to homeschool well and transmit our values. Homeschooling is also a big responsibility, and getting homeschool parents together to have fun is a great way to connect and encourage each other.

Whether you are a longtime homeschooler, new to homeschooling, or it is something you have considered, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.

https://youtu.be/aJUrFApjq6w?si=zkD52nr3U_hvll9J

"Be the Light and Salt" Matthew 5:13

Here's an activity you can do with your kids. Collect the autumn leaves and then teach them what makes the glowing fall colors!