Distractions to Opportunities: Parenting and Homeschooling for God’s Glory - Katie Waalkes, Part 3

Watch this full conversation on our YouTube channel.

Katie Waalkes is a wife of 14 years, mother to 6 kids, most of whom have special needs with a mixture of medical diagnosis & special learning needs.

She is passionate about encouraging parents in their biblical parenting and helping homeschool moms in their journey. Katie has a unique perspective on homeschooling as both she and her husband grew up homeschooled. As a second-generation homeschooler, she has been both the student and teacher and has much to offer on the topic. She hopes to be able to help you start making the most of the little moments in life as the mundane moments are often the most impactful.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Katie define distracted homeschooling? Can you relate to her experiences as a highly distracted homeschool mom?
2. How does Katie emphasize the importance of character over curriculum? In what ways can we prioritize character-building in our homeschooling journey?
3. What are some teaching moments and opportunities that parents often miss out on when their children are separated from them for long periods? How can we be more intentional in seizing those opportunities?
4. What are some strategies that Katie shares for overcoming distractions and staying focused in homeschooling? How do you anchor your day and help your children develop refocusing skills?
5. How does Katie view distractions in the journey of parenting? How can distractions actually benefit our children's growth and our own journey towards Jesus?
6. What are some challenges that Katie identifies in her homeschooling journey, such as changing curriculums and inconsistent expectations? How can we address these challenges and ensure a more consistent homeschooling experience?
7. Katie's children have special needs. How does she adapt her homeschooling approach to cater to each child's individual needs and abilities? How can we accommodate our children's unique learning styles and challenges?
8. How does Katie view multitasking? Why is it important to block off specific hours for homeschooling and protect those hours from external distractions and appointments?
9. Katie suggests creating a minimalist environment and using noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions. How can we create a homeschooling environment that promotes focus and minimizes distractions?
10. In what ways can we seek a heart change and rely on God's guidance to overcome the challenges of distracted homeschooling? How can prayer and seeking the Lord's wisdom help us in our homeschooling journey?

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