In this solo episode, Katie discusses how busy the summer can get and ways that we should try and be intentional with our summer plans/schedules.

Why do we always feel the need to jam pack our summers?

Summer camp for the kids, play dates, etc. the list goes on and on...we see an empty spot on the calendar and think what can I plan for that day?

If your schedule or calendar feels overwhelming, that most likely means that you and your family will feel overwhelmed through the summer too! To help be more intentional this summer- I have put together some strategies to help with your summer plans this year!

Some research based strategies have shown the importance of Finding your why 3) Prioritizing joy and rest 4) Balancing Outdoor Time & Screen Time.

Some questions to ask yourself:

What do my kids & family need this summer?

How do my kids & family want to feel this summer?

Think about your and your family needs and let that answer be your guide!

1. Make a summer bucket list but put a limit to the amount of items that each person puts on the list. Make it realistic and achievable. Involve the kids in making the list!
2. Make room for slow mornings
3. Allow at least one slow week where you have nothing planned. No where to be at no set time- I highly recommend it! It is very freeing and such a good way to rest your mind and allow your kids to have a break from the constant structure.
4. Keep at least one day a week with nothing planned.
5. Whenever plans or invites come up, always go back to what does your family need this summer?
6. Maintain a flexible mindset - enjoy the moments and live in the present
7. Try journaling! Have your kids create a journal that they write or draw in regularly throughout the summer. At the end of the summer, they will have a memory book of their summer take aways.
8. Outdoor time! Take indoor activities outside.
9. Balance screen time and provide open ended materials such as blank paper, markers, crayons, paint, etc. leave them out to
10. Incorporate reading time into your daily schedule

If this resonated with you, don't forget to like and leave a review. It goes a long way in supporting the show. Click subscribe to the show to catch all future episodes.

If you know of anyone who has been feeling overwhelmed with their family calendar and needs to be intentional this summer- share with them today!

Connect with Katie Begley!

https://www.heartinhome.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/heartinhomeliving/

heartinhomepodcast@gmail.com

Empowering Parents to Raise Readers with Rebecca McAllister from The Active Reader

In this inspiring episode, host Katie Begley speaks with educator and Active Reader founder Rebecca McAllister about empowering parents to confidently support their children’s reading journey. Rebecca shares personal stories, expert strategies, and parent-friendly tools based on the Orton-Gillingham approach to literacy. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to nurture a lifelong love of reading in your children—without needing a teaching degree.

Notable Quotes:

“All parents should feel empowered when it comes to their children’s education and reading.”

“If your gut says something isn’t right, follow that. You’re the expert on your child.”

Timestamps:

[00:01:30] Rebecca's journey from classroom teacher to literacy entrepreneur

[00:03:15] The #1 question parents ask: “Where and when do I start teaching reading?”

[00:04:45] Why early language development starts with baby talk

[00:07:30] What to do if you “missed the early years”

[00:09:00] The red flags Rebecca spotted in her own son—and why it mattered

[00:11:45] How flashcards, play, and decoding created a strong reading foundation

[00:15:00] Decodable books vs. sight words explained

[00:18:30] The nightly reading routine that changed everything

[00:21:30] Reading resistance? Here’s what to do

[00:24:00] Why memorization doesn’t equal true reading

[00:26:00] When to seek extra support like tutoring or speech therapy

[00:29:45] Advocating for your child in the school system

[00:33:15] Having supportive, non-confrontational conversations with teachers

[00:36:30] What to look for in your child’s take-home work

[00:38:00] The power of structured literacy—and where to begin

Resources Mentioned:

Free Letter A worksheet

https://theactivereader.com/free-worksheets

Early Childhood Reading Curriculum

https://theactivereader.com/active-reader-curriculum

Early Reader Activity Cards (The Early Reader Pack)

https://theactivereader.com/the-early-reader-pack

Follow Rebecca Online:

• Instagram: @the_active_reader

• YouTube: The Active Reader

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theactivereader1646

Podcast Disclaimer:

The information shared on this podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider or mental health professional with any questions you may have regarding your well-being or your child’s. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or the community. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use the information provided as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Why is it important to teach your children gratitude?

Katie discusses research findings from Robert Emmons, the leading expert on gratitude. (Article is linked below).

The benefits of gratitude found in his studies are discussed within the episode.

How can we practice and teach gratitude to our children of any age?

1. We need to model living with gratitude. Katie share what that looks like
2. Utilizing gratitude journals
3. Asking yourself and your children: What is one good thing that happened to me today? What is one thing that you had today that someone else doesn't have?
4. How can you work this practice into your busy schedules? Katie discusses times of the day or parts of your daily routine where this practice of gratitude may fit in
5. Don't try to force your children to come up with ideas, you may need to prompt them or even give them ideas of what they could be grateful for (and that's ok!). In time, they will start to think of their own ideas- it takes practice.
6. Give it time- gratitude does not happen over night

Gratitude helps children realize that there is always goodness in the world despite what they are going through. It will help them during stressful times in their lives. Remember the benefits that it has, we need to work at it now so that it helps children to learn that mindset throughout their lives.

Gratitude takes intention, time, and consistency.

The article on Robert Emmons research can be found here:

Emmons, R., (2010). Why Gratitude is Good. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_gratitude_is_good