review

TechnoLogic Review by Jonathan Lewis of Home School Enrichment Magazine

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy I may make a few pennies, but not enough for a latte.Home School Enrichment Magazine is one magazine I've always loved, and I was so pleased they decided to write a review of my book on setting technology boundaries with your children. Check it out!

TechnoLogic Review by Jonathan Lewis
Home School Enrichment Magazine

I’m a Millennial. Okay, just barely—but I still qualify. I grew up around technology and got an early start with computers. I may not be a natural tech geek, but I do handle technology competently and have done so for years.

And from that experience, I know how easy it is to let technology get the better of me if I allow it to do so. Whether it’s checking my phone too often or wasting time online, it’s easy to let my technology own me instead of the other way around.

That’s why I’m glad Lee Binz has written the book TechnoLogic: How to Set Logical Technology Boundaries and Stop the Zombie Apocalypse. The zombies she’s referring to are the mind-numbed hordes who are so preoccupied with their gadgets they’re not living real life.

The problem of technology overuse and addiction is serious, as is the torrent of inappropriate material available at the click of a button (or, as Lee points out, accidentally available to a child engaging in a seemingly innocent Internet search). The problems are real, and today’s parents need to be both aware of the problems and equipped to deal with them constructively. Completely unplugging might be tempting at times, but that’s probably not the best option for most of us, since our children do need to know how to use technology. But we also don’t need to let our technology rule—and ruin—our lives.

Somewhere between the extremes is a middle ground we need to find. And that’s what Lee wants to help you accomplish with TechnoLogic.

Lee’s book is divided into four main sections: Understand the Problem, Face the Problem, Prevent the Problem, and Deal with the Problem. While the book does take a somber view of tech overuse, I appreciate that it’s not an anti-technology rant.

The early chapters focus on the problem, while the later chapters focus more on solutions. In discussing the problems, I appreciate the fact that Lee takes the discussion beyond just the dangers of porn and violent video games and delves into the science of what technology overuse can do to our children’s brains. (But don’t worry—she doesn’t get too heavy.) In other words, it’s not just a content problem, though Lee discusses that aspect as well; it’s a use problem. If our children are using technology too much—even for perfectly wholesome activities—they’re going to suffer for it.

You’ll find plenty of practical pointers and ideas for handling technology constructively. You’ll discover, for example, “Ten Ways to Create Wholesome Technology Boundaries” (chapter 7), “Nine Real Family Examples of Setting Successful Technology Boundaries” (chapter 8), and “Seven Steps for Safe and Sane Internet Use” (chapter 9).

Don’t read this book if you are unwilling to feel a little uncomfortable about your family’s technology habits. But if you’re concerned about how to help your children successfully navigate the technological world we live in, I recommend you get a copy and read it. If you’re not concerned, then I highly recommend you get a copy and read it. Why? Because if you’re not concerned, it probably means you’re not paying attention—and you need to be. Too many parents are fundamentally uninformed about the multifaceted dangers posed by technology overuse.

I think many moms and dads hear warnings about technology and think the concern is just about porn and violent video games. Filter those out and we’re fine, the thinking goes. But those things aren’t the only concern, as Lee makes abundantly clear. Technology abuse and addiction are real things. If you don’t believe me, hopefully you will by the time you finish reading TechnoLogic. The real-life story Lee includes in chapter 11 is an eye-opener.

So pick up a copy of TechnoLogic. Read it. Consider it. Then prayerfully decide what to do with your newfound knowledge. The stakes are high. For the sake of our children, we need to be informed.

The fall edition of Home School Enrichment is available now. I love this magazine! It's a wonderful resource for homeschool families - and I really enjoy reading it myself! Now is a great time to give it a try. Take advantage of the “Back to Home School” sale going on right now and get a subscription for just $14.97—that’s more than 30% off the regular price! Sweet!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy I may make a few pennies, but not enough for a latte.

Do you have a strong willed child in your life? This book will provide help for parents with strong willed children! I read it while in Glacier National Park on vacation and it was awesome!

Cynthia Tobias is the queen of learning styles - the guru of kinesthetic, auditory, and visual learners - and an awesome author. Her gold-standard book is The Way They Learn, a classic for home educators which is helpful for choosing curriculum with your child in mind. She is more specific in this new book, geared toward parents with strong willed children. You Can't Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded): Strategies for Bringing Out the Best in Your Strong-Willed Child.

I requested this book so I could understand more about the challenges parents face, and brainstorm solutions with my Gold Care Club members. I was shocked to find out how applicable this book is to my own life, even without children at home. I've come to realize that adults deal with other strong willed adults, from time to time, and the strategies remain the same. I could see much-loved extended family members between the pages of this book, and was able to use the lessons I learned in my day-to-day life.



The best part about You Can't Make Me is that it's written from first-hand experience by a mom with a strong-willed child. Cynthia doesn't promise it will all be roses and smooth sailing; she knows how difficult life can be. At the same time, because she has lived through it herself, she can provide balanced encouragement and options as you struggle with the daily challenges of a child or teenager who is not easily persuaded to do even the simplest things.

My favorite chapter is about turning conflict into cooperation, "How Can I Turn Conflict into Cooperation? Proven Strategies to Help you Both Thrive." You see, with a strong-willed person, you can't issue an order or they will immediately revolt. Cynthia Tobias recommends you ask questions instead, which may guide them to think through the situation or ask for help as they make their own decisions. She talks about choosing your battles, knowing in her own life that even the SMALLEST point can dissolve into the LARGEST argument if you make everything non-negotiable. She explains that parents often give far too many warnings, and instead should avoid threats and limit consequences unless completely sure they can follow through.

Five to Thrive tips for working and living with the strong-willed child.
Don't try to solve everything at once. Some tips will work better than others, but all of them will work to varying degrees depending on the child, the day, the mood, and so on. Remember, hundreds of SWCs (strong-willed children) have endorsed these strategies, and hundreds more are out there just waiting for you to ask them for more ideas. It won't be as hard as you think!

Throughout the entire book, she repeatedly reminds us to make sure the strong willed child always knows that your love is unconditional. No matter how big the challenge, unconditional love is the message they can take into adulthood, the irrevocable gift from a parent to a child. Each chapter begins with scriptural encouragement, a bonus for Christian parents feeling overwhelmed.

If you have a strong willed child of any age, this is a GREAT book. If you have a strong willed adult in your family, I also think you'll enjoy it - and then you'll be prepared if you end up with strong willed grandchildren in the future.

Great book, I loved it! Five stars! 

Available on Amazon here: You Can't Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded): Strategies for Bringing Out the Best in Your Strong-Willed Child by Cynthia Tobias.



 

 Click to Join my Newsletter!

Hearts at Home Review of the Total Transcript Solution

Kim Knopp from Hearts at Home recently tried out my Total Transcript Solution. Check out the YouTube video below (or here) for Kim’s review of the Total Transcript Solution!

 

 

Here is just some of what Kim had to say:

One of my biggest fears has been, "Am I doing this right? Am I going to be able to teach my children everything they need to actually be able to get them into college?" This product, The Total Transcript Solution, has helped ease that fear. I really do love it. I find that it's very simple. It's easy to use. It's straightforward, and my favorite part is that it's adaptable for every homeschool family. I don't have to change the way that I teach. I can be prepared for college without having to change anything at all about the way I'm teaching them now. This program has taught me not only how to start keeping useful records, but also how to use whatever it is we're teaching and whatever they're learning and make it look like what the colleges are wanting to see. Lee has figured that terminology out for us. That's one more thing off my plate and I always appreciate that kind of help. I feel like I'm sitting with another homeschool mom and we're just chatting and she's simply sharing what she's learned and that's because that's exactly what Lee's doing. She is a homeschool mom and she's been in our shoes!

I just love helping parents homeschool their children through high school! Click here to learn more about the Total Transcript Solution.

I also love hearing back from parents about how the Total Transcript Solution worked for them. Have you used the Total Transcript Solution? Please share!



Subscribe to my YouTube channel. You will be notified when I create new videos on homeschool high school topics!

I received a lovely review that I wanted to share!

Have you tried The HomeScholar Coffee Break Books on Kindle?



Please share some encouragement and leave a review on Amazon. It doesn't need to be a long review, just give some stars and let people know what you thought in a sentence or two.  It would really mean the world to me!

"Coffee Break Books" series is designed especially for parents who don’t want to spend hours and hours reading a 400-page book on homeschooling high school.  This series combines a practical and friendly approach with detailed, but easy-to-digest information, perfect to read over a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop!

Never overwhelming, always accessible and manageable, each Kindle book in this series will give parents the tools they need to tackle the tasks of homeschooling high school, one warm sip at a time.

Within each book, you will find a special bonus, intended to provide further help with the topic of the book.  Sometimes it is a free e-course, and sometimes a free webinar video.  When I have a similar class on HomeschoolThruHighSchool.com, the special bonus is a coupon so you can get the companion class for only one penny. A 1¢ A la Carte Class is a great deal!

By the way, I've heard you can use a Kindle book even if you don't have a Kindle. Just download the free Kindle App for your PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, iPod, iPad, tablet, etc here: http://goo.gl/YNSvX

Check out my new Coffee Break Books.  We will be adding more regularly!



Planning High School Courses: Charting the Course Toward High School Graduation

Delight Directed Learning: Guide Your Homeschooler Toward Passionate Learning

Creating Transcripts for Your Unique Child: Help Your Homeschool Graduate Stand Out from the Crowd

Home & School Mosaics  wrote a wonderful review of my Total Transcript Solution!  Look what they said!

Your One Stop Shop for Transcript Help

Total Transcript Solution Review
By Renita Terrell

I LOVE this product!! I have a freshman this year and the information in this product and on Lee's website are invaluable. Completely invaluable. Total Transcript Solution is a gem to have to help you navigate the sometimes frightening waters of High School Transcripts. Shoot, even High School courses themselves. Lee has a no nonsense way of approaching the subject that makes it not only understandable but absolutely doable.

With The Total Transcript Solution you get access to her website as well as support and extras. There are so many goodies on there you will think it was Christmastime! I am not kidding you, there is so much information here that you will need TIME to digest and read it all.

This is your one stop shop for Transcript help.

Lee Binz has a practical way of guiding you that is firm in her knowledge yet gentle in her approach. She has "been there and done that" so she can guide the rest of us with strong assurance that we really can do it. Sometimes when someone has so much knowledge of their topic they become hard to understand or follow. Not so with Lee. She is right there with you leading you every step of the way with easy to understand instructions and guidance and a quick smile or laugh to set you at ease. She is easy to work with and is passionate about helping homeschoolers.

The Total Transcript Solution really is your one stop shop for transcript help. With your purchase you get a ton of FREEBIES! Who doesn't like freebies, right? On Lee's Homepage there is a list of Freebies but when you sign up for The Total Transcript Solution you get even more Freebies.

You just have to go and see for yourself all the amazing things Lee has for you when she helps you with your journey of homeschooling high school. The Total Transcript Solution is an all-inclusive transcript system that is just $47. With that $47 you get a month free trial to the Silver Care Club. Can I strongly suggest that you take advantage of this? It is completely and totally worth it. Seriously. After the month trial is over, the price of your Silver Training Club membership goes down to just $27 a month. You can cancel at any time but let me warn you, you may never want to!

With your Total Transcript Solution purchase you get access to the Silver Training Club Member's page with links and even more information. Lee has thought of everything you need to make you successful at planning high school and creating amazing transcripts. You should really check her website out www.TheHomeScholar.com. You won't be disappointed!

Read the full review at Home & School Mosaics.

If you would like to know more about transcripts and the Total Transcript Solution, I have a free class you might enjoy.  A Homeschool Parent's Guide to Grades, Credits and Transcripts is completely free, and you can register for the class here: A Homeschool Parent's Guide to Grades, Credits and Transcripts.

Looking for a game that both challenges and engages the multiple ages in your family?!  Wondering what you can do on Family Game Night that won’t make the older kids yawn?!  Search no more; Syl-la-bles is the solution!

The object of Syl-la-bles is to come up with the longest and most difficult (correctly spelled) word that begins with the letter on the space you land. The longer the word, the more points you score. All ages and abilities can play, because the difficulty of the words is up to each individual playing the game.  One player can spell ‘cat,’ while another tries ‘catastrophic.’  The game takes only a few minutes to learn, happens simultaneously (so no one gets bored waiting around), and players decide how long to play.

But there’s strategy here too: each letter has a point value, and each syllable is worth 50 points, so you must decide whether to risk misspelling a long word to earn lots of points, or to play it safe by trying for less points.  The strategy is up to each individual player.

A few special spots on the playing board (‘Synonyms’ and ‘Spelling Bee’) offer more opportunities to learn about synonyms and spelling, so players will always be challenged and engaged.  As a parent who’s always interested in including an ‘educational’ component in the games our family plays, I found Syl-la-bles to be a great way to have fun and learn together.

I am now writing for the “Seattle Homeschool Examiner.”  You can find great homeschool articles when you visit my column!

It happened again.  I just found Kevin reading his Apologia Physics book.  For fun.  He's a junior in engineering school, got straight A's last quarter in all his engineering classes.  And he reads his Apologia Physics book for fun.  He is a "little nervous" about next quarter because he is taking quantum mechanics, so he wanted to review Apologia again before the quarter starts.  Good investment, that book.  Apologia Physics

Quote of the day:

"Getting good grades is easy, it's LEARNING that is hard"

~ Kevin.

He tells me that there are lots of kids who will work the system to get good grades.  Kevin says he's trying to really learn.  I'm so proud of him!



I have come to the conclusion that far too many parents quit homeschooling their children for exactly the wrong reason.  That reason is FEAR!   When I started The HomeScholar, all I wanted in the whole world was to make a difference in the lives of regular homeschool parents.  Parents who, like me, were filled with BIG questions about homeschooling high school:

• "Can we teach high school subjects?"


• "Am I qualified?"


• "Will colleges accept my homeschool student?"

Questions and doubts like these drive many parents away from homeschooling high school and back into the world of private or public school classrooms. But I have good news!  You Can Be Strong and Confident!

The HomeScholar Gold Care Club launches on April 21.  You are going to love the strength and confidence you will feel as a member!!

Many "accredited" programs will say that you only have to finish 3/4 of a textbook to say you finished a course.  I know there were times when my kids were in public school that they didn't even finish that much!  I'm sure you've noticed that for many textbooks, the first chapter (or two or three!) is simply review.  If you absolutely can't finish a book, or if you decide it's not worth the hassle, then I wouldn't worry about it.  Parents need a summer break more than the kids, and if you need a break before the book is done, then just take the break!

On the other hand (sometimes my kids wonder how many hands I actually have, because I say that so often!)  isn't our goal LEARNING?  Maybe teaching isn't where it's at, maybe LEARNING is the important thing.  I wanted my kids to learn the whole content of a course, not just finish a prescribed amount of the book.  We worked to finish all our textbooks (when we used textbooks) in order to squeeze every last drop of learning out of it.

Either approach is just fine.  You know what is right for your family.



Wanting to do the best job possible in preparing your homeschool student for college?  Check out my Dig Deeper site here!