Jodie Maddox
Volume 25, October 1, 2024
Jodie Maddox Parent Coach and Education Consultant
I PARTNER with parents and schools.
I EMPOWER them to make decisions within their sphere of influence.
I PROVIDE reliable support, with effective strategies, to gain desired results.
Contact Me Today!!!!
Email jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
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Unlocking the Possibilities!!!
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the season of pumpkin patches, fall football events, drive-thru dinners, homework power struggles, and possible candy overload! Fall is officially here, which means parents are balancing busy school schedules, endless activities, and the upcoming sugar rush from Halloween. Fear not, I get it, and I am here to help.
In this issue, we’ll share simple but effective tips that parents can use to guide their children through homework challenges. We'll talk about establishing a consistent homework routine by breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps. These strategies will improve productivity and help build your child’s confidence. We’ll also cover how to encourage focus, manage time efficiently, and offer support without taking over.
We will round out our fall topics with a helpful list of healthy cinnamon sweet treats that do double duty. They work to settle our overactive fall sweet tooth and replace the typical Halloween sugary snacks loaded with extra calories, sugar, and very few nutrients.
So, take a deep breath, grab that hot apple cider, and let’s get started on surviving—and thriving—this busy fall season!
With A Grateful Heart,
Jodie Maddox
Parent Coach and Education Consultant
Tips Tricks Talking Points, and Trade Secrets
Skills for Success!
5 Winning Homework Hacks: Parent Strategies That Work
When it comes to homework, the goal isn’t just to finish assignments - it’s to help your child develop critical thinking skills, learn to work independently, be responsible for their actions, and develop a lifelong love for learning. Whether you’re dealing with a reluctant learner or a self-starter, these tips can be adapted to suit your family’s needs.
1. Establish a “home-work” routine—Encourage a consistent time each day for quiet study time, regardless of assigned homework. Change your language instead of asking, " Do you have homework?” Ask, “What will you be working on tonight?” Make quiet reading, journaling, organizing assignments, and assigned homework a priority. Let your kids know that they will be working on “something” school-related every night.
2. Encourage and teach organization - Use a planner or calendar to help your child keep track of assignments. Help them break big assignments into manageable pieces. Teach them to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively. Use timers, wall calendars, and to-do lists. Provide resources like books, apps, or websites that can help explain complex concepts.
3. Designate a study space — Set up a quiet, well-lit area free from distractions for homework. Try to avoid letting kids study in their bedrooms. Reduce access to screens, toys, or noisy environments during study time. All screens should be used in a shared home area that is easy to view and monitor. Store supplies like pencils, pens, paper, a stapler, markers, rulers, and a calculator together and make them easily accessible.
4. Be present — Be available for questions and check their progress. Offer support, but encourage them to try solving problems independently first. Focus on their effort, problem-solving, and task initiation. Be sure to point out and identify when they are using a growth mindset.
5. Do your part and know your place — Stay in touch with teachers. Maintain communication to understand expectations and areas for improvement. Model good habits, limit your screen time, let them see your reading and journaling, and show the value of learning new things, staying organized, and prioritizing tasks. Praise progress and independence, not perfection.
Health and Wellness
Healthy Fall Snacks
It's cinnamon everything season! The good news is that cinnamon isn't just a flavorful spice—it’s also packed with health benefits that can give your diet a natural boost. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon has been linked to improved heart health, better blood sugar control, good brain health, and even weight management.
So, why not get some little fingers busy making a few of these delicious and healthy fall cinnamon treats? Swap out a few traditional sugary fall items, typically loaded with artificial colors and flavoring, for a few of these yummy and nutritious cinnamon alternatives.
It's time to involve the kids in planning, prepping, and preparing this guilt-free, tasty cinnamon fall treats!
1. Baked apple slices with cinnamon
2. Pumpkin yogurt parfait (layered with granola, cinnamon, honey and fruit)
3. Homemade trail mix** (cinnamon, nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, chocolate chips)
4. Roasted pumpkin seeds (savory or sweet with a hint of cinnamon)
5. Whole grain pumpkin muffins (made with cinnamon, honey or maple syrup)
6. Sweet potato fries (baked with olive oil and cinnamon)
7. Pumpkin hummus with veggie sticks sprinkled with cinnamon
8. Homemade oatmeal raisin cookies (with cinnamon and monk fruit sugar)
9. Banana ghosts (banana halves with chocolate chips for eyes)
10. Pear slices with almond butter and cinnamon
11. Pumpkin spice smoothie (blended with Greek yogurt, cinnamon, banana, and pumpkin puree)
12. Cinnamon raisin toast with apple butter.
13. Apple dipping charcuterie board with nut butters, honey, cinnamon yogurt, and chocolate
14. Chocolate Zucchini brownies (made with cocoa, cinnamon, and sweetened with dates or honey)
15. Cinnamon and sugar popcorn
16. Graham cracker charcuterie board nut butters, honey, yogurt, cinnamon & sugar, cream cheese
School Corner
Professional Development
I have loved providing professional development for so many schools in the Kansas City area. This month, I will be traveling to Western Kansas and Central Missouri to work with teachers on differentiated instruction, specifically in the areas of flexible grouping, ongoing assessments, and motivation.
I'd love to work with your school! My background, passion, and focus have always been to help empower teachers and parents who work with children with special considerations. I offer a wide range of professional development to help foster a culture of inclusion and acceptance for all learners. I am also proud to support education professionals with a full range of instructional and leadership coaching.
Let's work together to make a difference for families with love and support in mind. For a description and full list of topics I am currently offering click here.
Parent Corner
Parent Coaching
Are you asking yourself, "Should I Hire A Parent Coach?"
I am so proud of my growing coaching business. In just ten short weeks, I can help change your family's dynamic. Parenting doesn't need to be a guessing game. If you struggle to figure out significant issues, bad attitudes, or unregulated, exhausting behavior, I am here to help! Focused together on your needs, we can drastically minimize stress and help bring peace and stability to your home. I love working with families as they navigate the process of strategic improvement and growth. I especially like working with families with teenagers and children with ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, or other neurodivergent abilities. Helping parents rediscover their family's joy and unique gifts is a true privilege.
If you are interested in a free consultation to gain more insight into the coaching process, don't hesitate to contact me today. jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
Top Costume Ideas for 2024
I am still a sucker for a good homemade costume! My husband went as an Avon Lady when he was about 10 yrs old, and my daughter went as Mrs. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus one year. Priceless! If you need a few ideas, here is a list of the top costume ideas for 2024. Be safe and have fun!!!
Beetlejuice
Inside Out 2 Characters
Taylor Swift
Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked
Minions
Ghostbusters
Simone Biles
The Joker from Batman
Wednesday Addams
Deadpool and Wolverine
Characters from Bridgerton
Raygun Olympic Breakdancer
All Superheroes!!!
*** Martha Stewart Magazine, Good Housekeeping Magazine, Real Simple Magazine
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Jodie Maddox Coaching and Consulting
Email: jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
Website: jodiemaddoxicoach.com
Phone: (913)908-8220
Facebook: facebook.com/Jodiemaddox-ParentCoach&consultant
Parent Coach and Education Consultant