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Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to tailor education to a child's individual needs, and for parents of autistic, transgender teens, this flexibility becomes even more invaluable. While academic subjects are important, nurturing emotional intelligence (EQ)—the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, and to understand and influence the emotions of others—is arguably just as, if not more, critical. For autistic transgender teens, developing strong EQ skills, particularly empathy and self-awareness, can be Sooo hard and have a profound impact on their well-being, social connections, and journey of self-discovery.Why Emotional Intelligence Matters for Autistic Transgender TeensAutistic individuals often process emotions differently and may face unique challenges in social communication. Simultaneously, transgender teens are navigating complex issues of identity, societal acceptance, and personal expression. Developing emotional intelligence provides essential tools for thriving in both these contexts:Navigating a Complex World: The world can be overwhelming for anyone, but particularly for autistic transgender teens. Strong self-awareness helps them understand their own sensory sensitivities, emotional triggers, and gender identity, allowing them to advocate for their needs and build resilience. Empathy helps them understand the perspectives of others, fostering safer and more meaningful interactions.Building Authentic Connections: Social connections are vital for mental health. By understanding their own emotional landscape, they can better articulate their feelings and needs. Developing empathy allows them to interpret social cues, build rapport, and foster genuine friendships, even if their social interactions look different from neurotypical peers.Supporting Gender Identity Development: For transgender teens, self-awareness is fundamental to understanding and affirming their gender identity. Emotional intelligence helps them process feelings related to their identity, cope with potential dysphoria or discrimination, and build confidence in who they are. Empathy can also help them understand the reactions of others, both supportive and unsupportive, allowing them to navigate these interactions with greater resilience.Managing Stress and Promoting Well-being: Life can be stressful, and for autistic transgender teens, stressors can be compounded. Emotional intelligence equips them with strategies for self-regulation, managing anxiety, and coping with difficult emotions, leading to greater overall well-being.Cultivating Empathy in Your HomeschoolEmpathy isn't just about feeling what others feel; it's about understanding and responding appropriately. Here's how you can foster it:Storytelling and Diverse Perspectives: Explore books, movies, and even current events that feature diverse characters and experiences, including neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ individuals. Discuss the characters' feelings, motivations, and the impact of their actions on others.Role-Playing Social Scenarios: Practice different social situations through role-playing. This can help your teen anticipate reactions, understand different perspectives, and practice appropriate responses in a safe environment.Encouraging Observation and Discussion: Help your teen observe people's body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Discuss what these cues might indicate about a person's feelings.Community Engagement: When appropriate and safe, encourage participation in community groups or activities where your teen can interact with people from various backgrounds, promoting broader understanding and empathy.Nurturing Self-Awareness in Your HomeschoolSelf-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, allowing your teen to understand their own inner world:Emotional Vocabulary: Help your teen develop a rich vocabulary for emotions. Provide words for complex feelings beyond "happy" or "sad," and encourage them to describe their own emotional experiences. We have a poster with a bunch of options for emotions. It has really helped. My kids likes to go up to the wall and point to today's emotional start.&nbsp;Mindfulness and Body Scans: Introduce simple mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing or body scans, to help your teen connect with their physical and emotional sensations in the moment. This can be particularly helpful for managing sensory input, but it is super hard for some kids.Journaling and Reflection: Encourage journaling as a way for your teen to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to their autism and gender identity. This can be a private space for self-discovery and processing. A gratitude journal is invaluable! It's a tough lesson for some, but if you can have an attitude of gratitude, you will have a happier life!&nbsp;Affirmation and Validation: Consistently affirm your teen's feelings and experiences, even if you don't fully understand them. Validate their gender identity and expressions without question. This creates a safe space for them to explore and understand themselves. Be their biggest cheerleader to stay involved and engage your teen.&nbsp;Identifying Strengths and Challenges: Work with your teen to identify their unique strengths related to their autism and their transgender identity. Help them understand their challenges not as deficits, but as areas for growth or adaptation. This goes into gratitude again. Be thankful for the little wins! Sometimes they are tough to come by.By intentionally weaving emotional intelligence into your homeschooling approach, you're not just educating your autistic transgender teen academically; you're empowering them with the crucial life skills they need to navigate their unique journey, build fulfilling relationships, and embrace their authentic selves. It's a beautiful thing! What strategies have you found most effective in fostering emotional intelligence in your homeschooled children? What unique challenges or successes have you experienced in teaching empathy and self-awareness to neurodiverse or LGBTQ+ teens?Let me know in the comments!&nbsp;

The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Homeschooling: Nurturing Empathy and Self-Awareness in Autistic Transgender Teens

Historic Church Cathedral Reaching Towards the Sky

<blockquote><h3>Answering the Call: My Path to Ministry at 50, Against All Odds</h3></blockquote>For years, my life revolved around the beautiful chaos of raising a family. There were school plays, soccer games, countless loads of laundry, and the constant hum of a bustling home. And through it all, a quiet but persistent whisper in my heart grew louder: a call to ministry. Now, at 50, with my children grown and forging their own paths, I'm finally answering that call, embarking on a journey to become a Methodist minister.This isn't a sudden decision, but rather the culmination of years of prayer, reflection, and a deep-seated desire to serve. There's a unique joy in stepping into this new chapter, a sense of rightness in dedicating this phase of my life to something so profoundly meaningful. But it hasn't been without its challenges, particularly in the past year.<figure id="figure-59rul5302wimdbxxw9s"><img id="59rul5302wimdbxxw9s" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eOBSw1oTfHvD3ccpbXy5M67bsmwa4mRGIUrgSbWofbmjEsBn2OvDISSdnVxuFNx.jpg" alt="Back view of business man standing toward door" title="Back view of business man standing toward door" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eOBSw1oTfHvD3ccpbXy5M67bsmwa4mRGIUrgSbWofbmjEsBn2OvDISSdnVxuFNx.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure> The Unforeseen Hurdles: Surgeries and MenopauseJust under a year ago, my physical world was turned upside down by multiple surgeries. The recovery was tougher than I anticipated, demanding patience and a significant amount of healing time. Just as I was starting to regain my strength, menopause decided to make its grand entrance. If you've been there, you know it's not just hot flashes; it's a whole symphony of hormonal shifts that can make even simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain. Brain fog, fatigue, mood swings—it all adds an unexpected layer of complexity to daily life, let alone intense academic study.So, here I am, less than a year out from major surgeries and navigating the unpredictable waters of menopause, simultaneously diving headfirst into the rigorous demands of seminary. Some days, it feels like I'm running an Ironman while trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. But every single challenge reinforces the conviction that this is truly where I'm meant to be. This path isn't just about answering a call; it's about pushing past perceived limits and discovering an inner resilience I didn't know I had.<figure id="figure-ic6v2ypwamdbxzx51"><img id="ic6v2ypwamdbxzx51" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fRVhp3yPWtGuxRGXdLgeghBceLA9242oz4ic5WgADFTtJiEXnqBu7CENrKNH5arI.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fRVhp3yPWtGuxRGXdLgeghBceLA9242oz4ic5WgADFTtJiEXnqBu7CENrKNH5arI.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> A Family of Faiths (and Non-Faiths)One of the most frequent questions I get, and perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of my story, is about my family's spiritual landscape. My children, now adults, represent a beautiful spectrum of beliefs: one is Wiccan, another an atheist, and my third is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Some might see this as a challenge to my own faith, or even a contradiction. For me, it's a testament to the power of love, respect, and individual journeys. Our dinner table conversations are never dull! We've learned to listen, to understand, and to appreciate the diverse ways we each seek meaning and truth in the world. It has, in fact, deepened my own understanding of grace and acceptance, and I believe it will make me a more empathetic and open-minded minister. My own spiritual path is mine, and theirs is theirs, and our love for each other transcends any differences in belief.<figure id="figure-uf6fjd1qs7mdby1scw"><img id="uf6fjd1qs7mdby1scw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4iPKX630i208YRPlOHpVRKIAVjam45jnMQhB9R0VFeyS3nXHBPA5lZYVyWmAumCI.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4iPKX630i208YRPlOHpVRKIAVjam45jnMQhB9R0VFeyS3nXHBPA5lZYVyWmAumCI.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> A Supportive Partner at HomeAnd then there's my incredible husband. While he won't be joining me in the physical journey of church life, his support is the bedrock upon which I'm building this new chapter. He'll be staying home, managing our lives there, and cheering me on every step of the way. His unwavering encouragement and willingness to embrace this significant shift in our lives have been an incredible gift. We're a team, as we always have been, just with a new division of labor!Stepping into the Unknown with FaithBecoming a minister at 50 feels like a new beginning in so many ways. I'm excited to dive into theological studies, to connect with congregations, and to serve communities in a deeper capacity. There's a natural apprehension that comes with any big life change, but it's overshadowed by a profound sense of purpose and an undeniable feeling of being exactly where I'm meant to be.This journey is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to answer a call, to pursue a passion, or to dedicate yourself to something greater than yourself. It's also a powerful reminder that even amidst personal health challenges and the natural transitions of life, our purpose can emerge with clarity and strength. My path to ministry may look a little different than some, but it's my path, and I'm ready to walk it, with an open heart and the full support of my wonderfully unique family!<figure id="figure-j2mwsdhabdmdby9rvy"><img id="j2mwsdhabdmdby9rvy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14gX3dRb1736pBpzMZ22Enp36IpeqcfqlhgbVyBJMpQMG3XGnRC6zBChp7q7XFJy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> See you next week, when we dive deep into more Homeschoolzilla approved cheats and hacks for homeschooling with complications.&nbsp;

Answering the Call: My Path to Ministry at 50, Against All Odds

Young woman basks in sunsets warm rays of sunshine with outstretched arms.

It started when, as usual, I had gone over 10 days without pooping—while trying to homeschool, run a house, and not lose my mind! I called every doctor I had ever seen, trying to get advice or some kind of help. They just took turns suggesting things I already tried. It was miralax, senna, enemas and magnesium citrate, gross! I started feeling different, scared, very scared. I called an ambulance and they got me to the hospital quickly. I don't remember anything after that.&nbsp;&nbsp; <figure id="figure-oe345rn5e9mdbyc3k8"><img id="oe345rn5e9mdbyc3k8" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 60%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="60%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>I was dreaming that I was on a hospital airplane with the Welsh Brothers keeping my spirits up and Dr. Mike tending to my ills. I was so sure that I heard the King of England, with Harry and Megan too. I should have suspected something was up at this part!They told my husband that, it was a 50/50 chance to wake up and my chances went down the longer I was in a coma.10 days I was in a coma. That's when the panic started. I had sepsis and it went through the blood brain barrier. My bowl had perforated and dumped all it's contents in my abdomen. After one surgery, I wasn't responding well, so my husband ok’ed another surgery to clean up some more.&nbsp;&nbsp;The next thing I know I opened my eyes and saw this very friendly nurse fussing with something plugged into me. They started right in on the questions. Do you know where you are? Do you know who the President is? I said that I did and it made me want to go back to sleep and forget. They asked me what day it was. I said July 5. They said, very gently, that it was July 15. It was my 12th wedding anniversary. They seemed so happy. Everything was ok till I looked down at my body. There was a bag stuck to me like one of those remoras on sharks.&nbsp;I didn't recognize it as a colostomy bag. I'd never seen one before.&nbsp;My only ostomy experience was more than 10 years ago at a friend's house. She said that I shouldn't mention it, but that the friend was going to join us had a colostomy bag, so he ALWAYS STINKS! I left that meeting with one thing, firmly planted in my brain for another day, colostomy bags make you disgusting.&nbsp;When I got my bag, I also had a large wound, from the infection. The 2 holes were too close together for the bag to take hold of the skin around it. It constantly leaked. It did smell bad. It did. But I found out that almost every worry would be healed in time. Not back to normal, a new normal.&nbsp;I feel like I need to let you in on why it was so hard to get with the program. I'm extremely modest. When I had kids, I read them the book, “Everybody Poops”, I put in, except Mom. They genuinely believed it and it wasn't hard. I kept that so private, my husband of 12 years, didn't see me go to the bathroom, ever.&nbsp;All of a sudden my husband, who I was so passionate with, was changing my poop bags and generally fell asleep, not knowing if he would sleep 7 hours or 20 minutes before the bag leaked and he had to help his wife. He was, and is, a saint (about this one thing, lol) never complaining. He was just say, I'm just glad you are here with me. I think he got all the way shook up and wound up just loving me more than he did before.&nbsp;One day my husband was going to change my bag and he forgot the first rule of changing a boys diaper. Keep it covered. All of a sudden a fountain of poo 2 feet into the air. It legitimately looked like we struck oil. It was almost funny at the time. Now I can see the ridiculousness of all of it and just do my best.&nbsp; After 2 months, my gut started not working the way it was suppose to do I went back to the hospital and they did a reversal of the first surgery. (If you are keeping track, yes, it was too soon.)After a week, I was back in the hospital, just like the first time, minus the sepsis and coma. I had to have the bag put back on. I was beyond devastated. They told me at the beginning that it was smooth 50/50 if I ever got the bag reversal surgery again. I will go back in a few minutes to find out if I'm eligible for that surgery.&nbsp;So now, I'm living the ostomy life.&nbsp;My first time to leave home, I went grocery shopping. I was pooped (no pun intended) after 2 or 3 isles. I stepped up to pay and dropped my credit card. I bent over to pick it up and the bag sounded off. Now, sounding off just happens. I was 8 shades of red! I turned around slowly and there was a man right behind me. I was mortified.&nbsp;I didn't leave home for a while.&nbsp;Before my surgeries, I was a college student at PSU and working toward becoming a pastor. I was also homeschooling my kid—because why not juggle it all, right? Everything just stalled. I didn't see how I could function in this new life.&nbsp;One day in church I realized that if we believe that God truly has a plan for each of us, I better quit feeling sorry for myself. I have this bag for some reason. I don't understand what it is yet, but I believe there is a plan. These days, I go with the flow more, never with too much judgement or negativity. The old expectations are gone, and the new ones are softer, gentler, and honestly... better. We learn together, with more grace and a lot more fart jokes. That’s real education, right?I have learned a lot admit how to do my life again from Facebook groups. Yes, Facebook can be a force for good!&nbsp;I can't say that my bag doesn't sound off at the most horrible and embarrassing times. But, I found out that most people just don't care that much.&nbsp;If I'm preaching and it says hello, my friends and family know that I'm already feeling bad and they don't give me grief. I can see a day, in the future, where it all will funny. Not today, but soon.&nbsp;I'm gonna make this look good! At least that's what gets me through the day right now. I am granting grace to others and myself. So yeah, Homeschoolzilla got a colostomy bag and lived to tell the tale. Guess I’m taking on more than just curriculum and chaos these days. Next Week: Homeschoolzilla is gonna be examining the calling to preach and how it effects my, Wiccan, Atheist, Mormon family. Should be interesting!&nbsp;

Homeschoolzilla Takes On… a Poop Bag and a Prayer

Exhausted young woman suffering from hot weather, overheat

From Puberty to Perimenopause: A Homeschool Mom's Guide to Hormonal Havoc (Theirs and Mine)Oh, the joys of homeschooling! One minute you're explaining long division for the hundredth time, the next you're mediating a sibling squabble over who gets the last granola bar. It's a rollercoaster, for sure. But lately, our particular brand of educational adventure has taken on a whole new layer of… flair. You see, I'm not just navigating the turbulent waters of adolescent hormones with my delightful offspring; I'm simultaneously white-water rafting through the rapids of perimenopause myself. It's a hormonal showdown of epic proportions, and frankly, I'm not sure who's winning. (It's probably the hormones.)When Their Meltdowns Meet My Hot FlashesLet's set the scene, shall we? My oldest, bless her budding, beautiful heart, is currently operating on a schedule dictated by the whims of her internal chemistry. One minute she's a ray of sunshine, meticulously organizing her art supplies. The next, a misplaced pencil can trigger a full-blown existential crisis, complete with dramatic sighs and declarations of life's inherent unfairness.Meanwhile, I'm standing there, trying to conjure up a compassionate and wise response, but my internal thermostat has just decided to spontaneously combust. My face is a delightful shade of fuchsia, sweat is beading in places it shouldn't, and all I can think about is sticking my head in the freezer. My profound wisdom often gets reduced to, "Honey, I totally get it, but also, is it hot in here or is it just me?"It's a delicate dance, really. Their sudden mood shifts are met with my own unbidden surges of irritability. Their eye-rolls are countered by my uncharacteristic desire to just… lie down on the kitchen floor. We're both experiencing a certain level of unpredictability, but for entirely different, yet strangely parallel, reasons. It's like we're both speaking different dialects of "hormone-speak," and sometimes, there's just no translator.Brain Fog vs. "I Forgot My Homework"Remember the days when their biggest memory challenge was remembering where they put their shoes? Now, it's complex equations, historical dates, and sometimes, even what we just discussed five minutes ago. "Mom, what was that thing you just said about… uh… math?"And then there's me. I'm pretty sure my brain has decided to take a sabbatical. I walk into a room and forget why I'm there. I start a sentence and lose the plot mid-clause. I've been known to put the milk in the pantry and the cereal in the fridge. My children, bless their observant hearts, have started to just silently correct my misplacements. It's less "Mom, you forgot," and more "Oh, there's the milk, in the pantry again."So, while I'm patiently reminding them to check their assignment sheet again, I'm simultaneously trying to recall where I put my car keys, which I was just holding. The irony is not lost on me, nor, I suspect, on my children.Finding the Humor (and the Fan)It might sound like a chaotic mess, and sometimes, it absolutely is. But amidst the emotional rollercoasters and the memory lapses, there’s a surprising amount of humor. We've learned to laugh (sometimes nervously) at our collective hormonal quirks. When my daughter dramatically laments the injustice of a chipped nail, and I fan myself vigorously with a textbook, we both know we're in it together.We’ve also learned to give each other a little more grace. I understand that her sudden tears might not be about the math problem, but about the invisible weight of growing up. And she (mostly) understands that when I snap, it's often the perimenopause goblin whispering sweet nothings of irrationality in my ear.Ultimately, this period of parallel hormonal upheaval has actually brought us closer. We're navigating uncharted territory, side by side, armed with understanding, patience (sometimes), and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor. And if all else fails, there's always chocolate. For both of us.

A Homeschoolzilla's Guide to Hormonal Havoc (Theirs and

Excited parents dance with children at home

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because Homeschoolzilla is officially ON THE SCENE! And this time, the "scene" involves navigating the wonderfully wild world of homeschooling a brilliant, quirky, and totally awesome autistic trans teen. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds and color-coded lesson plans, because we're diving headfirst into the beautiful chaos that is our reality.So, what does "taking on" homeschooling look like when you've got a kiddo who sees the world in vibrant detail, stims with joyful abandon, and is discovering the incredible power of their own identity? It looks like a glorious, messy, and utterly unique adventure, that's what!Forget the dusty textbooks gathering cobwebs on the shelf. We're talking about deep dives into hyperfixations that would make Wikipedia blush. One week it's the intricate social structures of ant colonies, the next it's the entire discography of a niche 80s synth-pop band. And guess what? We're rolling with it! Because who says learning can't involve building elaborate ant farms (outside, thankfully!) or analyzing the lyrical genius (and questionable fashion choices) of forgotten musical icons?"Taking on" homeschooling also means creating a learning environment that's a sensory sanctuary. Forget fluorescent lights and echoing hallways. Think cozy corners with weighted blankets, fidget toys within easy reach, and the glorious freedom to learn in whatever position feels right at that moment (upside down on the couch? Sure, why not!). We're building a space where meltdowns are met with understanding and support, and stimming isn't something to be suppressed, but a natural expression of self.And let's not forget the journey of self-discovery. "Taking on" homeschooling as the parent of a trans teen means creating a safe and affirming space where they can explore their identity without the pressures and potential negativity of a traditional school environment. It means weaving in discussions about history, social justice, and the incredible diversity of human experience. It means celebrating every step of their journey with unwavering love and support.Now, don't get me wrong, it's not all sunshine and rainbows (though we do have a lot of rainbow-themed art projects!). There are days when executive function feels like a mythical creature, and getting started on a task requires the strategic planning of a military operation. There are moments of frustration, for both of us. But "taking on" homeschooling means learning and growing together. It means adapting, being flexible, and celebrating the small victories – like finally understanding a tricky math concept or having the courage to try a new social interaction.So, yeah, Homeschoolzilla is officially tackling this homeschooling gig with all the fierce love and determination I can muster. It's not always easy, it's definitely not always conventional, but it is absolutely, unequivocally, ours. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.-Homeschoolzilla **If you prefer a list of action steps to run a successful homeschool with special needs, it's there for you below ! Stay tuned for more tales from the trenches (or maybe the cozy corner!), as Homeschoolzilla continues to take on the amazing adventure of homeschooling my incredible autistic trans teen! What are your biggest homeschooling adventures? Share them in the comments below! #1**Incorporate Special Interests**&nbsp; &nbsp;- Identify the child’s interests and hobbies to make learning more engaging. For example, if they love animals, integrate science lessons around wildlife or ecosystems.&nbsp; &nbsp;- Use these interests as a basis for projects, reading materials, and even math problems.#2 **Focus on Life Skills**&nbsp; &nbsp;- Include lessons that teach practical life skills, such as cooking, budgeting, or gardening. These skills foster independence and confidence, which are essential for both the mom and the child.&nbsp; &nbsp;- Encourage the child to take part in household tasks, adapting instructions to suit their learning style.#3. **Emotional and Social Support**&nbsp; &nbsp;- Recognize the emotional dynamics at play. Both the mother and child may experience mood changes or anxiety; create activities that promote emotional expression, such as journaling or art.&nbsp; &nbsp;- Schedule social interactions (virtual or in-person) with friends and support groups to foster connections and alleviate feelings of isolation. #4. **Tailored Learning Approaches**&nbsp; &nbsp;- Use diverse teaching methods, including visual aids, hands-on activities, and interactive online resources, to cater to the child’s sensory processing preferences.&nbsp; &nbsp;- Break lessons into smaller, manageable segments to prevent overwhelm and frustration. #5. **Physical Activity and Movement Breaks**&nbsp; &nbsp;- Integrate physical activity to support both mental and physical health. Dance sessions, yoga, or nature walks can provide outlets for energy and stress relief.&nbsp; &nbsp;- Adapt activities to accommodate any physical limitations or preferences, making them fun and inclusive. #6. **Reflection and Adjustment**&nbsp; &nbsp;- At the end of each week, set aside time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Encourage open communication about feelings and experiences from both the mom’s and the child’s perspectives.&nbsp; &nbsp;- Be willing to adjust the following week’s plan based on this reflection, allowing for a responsive and adaptable approach to learning. Final thoughts…Running a homeschool week with a focus on inclusivity and flexibility can lead to rewarding experiences for both the menopausal mom and the gender-neutral autistic child. By embracing unique needs and adjusting approaches, families can create a nurturing learning environment that fosters growth, connection, and joy. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all in homeschooling; it's all about what works best for your family.

Homeschoolzilla Takes On The Making of a Homeschool

Homeschoolzilla Takes On… Meet Homeschoolzilla:Welcome to my little corner of the Internet. I have been managing my crazy, beautiful life of homeschool and much more! I'm excited to share all of it with you. I'll be exploring a new facet of this chaotic life every week. I'm hoping that you will find a place for connection and community here. I'm going through the candidate process to be a Methodist minister, adjusting to ostomy life, menopause, and homeschooling at the same time. Piece of cake?!? My JourneyMy teenager, who’s still at home has autism and is gender neutral. I don't mind telling you that the trouble with public school started when we got a new president who said my kid didn't matter or even exist. They closed the no-gender bathrooms and had to get paperwork that no longer had no other options, between male and female. The bullies were emboldened by the new administration of hate. I had to get my child out of there.&nbsp;That's when I came to homeschooling. I've been researching a lot on the fly and off the cuff. Next week, we are going to go into how to choose the best program for your special children, too!&nbsp; I had a rough year last year, but I'm going to turn it around! In June of last year, my bowel perforated. I went septic and was in a coma. They told my husband that it was 50/50 odds on my waking up at all. I did but when I woke up I had a colostomy bag. I thought my life was over. I could never go back to my “regular” life. The new normal is all about relaxed, chilled, but effective homeschooling, parenting a transgender teen, and learning to live again after emergency surgery left me with a colostomy bag. The bag changed everything. One moment, I was in pain; the next, I was waking up in a hospital bed with a colostomy bag and a lot of fear. Recovery has been very slow, very emotional, and very, very humbling. But it’s also taught me a lot about resilience — mine and my family’s.&nbsp;I'm exploring many different areas of my spirit: autism support, ostomy life, having neurodivergent children and husband, as well as menopause, and finding my calling at 50.&nbsp;Let’s go through it together. &nbsp;What is the crazy mountain you are climbing? I began down the path of candidacy to be a Methodist minister in 2023. To be honest, I always thought being the preacher's daughter would always be a weight around my neck. It turns out, I was listening and soaking up every bit of religious education I was offered. Those stories were always for me. I always thought I wasn't good enough of a moral leader to be a minister. I always had so much respect for preachers. I guess I didn't feel that respectable.&nbsp;I'm going to be educating myself about all things about having a modern ministry,centering on social justice. I will share it all here.&nbsp; I hope you are ready, because this woman, Homeschoolzilla, is about to take on…. Something different every time!&nbsp; I want to take you with me, so that we don't do this alone! I'm doing it, you can too. If you're here, maybe you're walking your own twisty path. I hope this space reminds you that you're not alone.See you next week!&nbsp; -Homeschoolzilla

Homeschoolzilla Takes On

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The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Homeschooling: Nur...

Answering the Call: My Path to Ministry at 50, Against Al...

Homeschoolzilla Takes On… a Poop Bag and a Prayer

A Homeschoolzilla's Guide to Hormonal Havoc (Theirs and

Homeschoolzilla Takes On The Making of a Homeschool

Meet Homeschoolzilla