COLLEEN KESSLER, M.Ed., is an award-winning educator, educational coach, consultant, and advocate for the needs of differently-wired children and their families. She spent 10+ years in the traditional classroom, where she worked with gifted students and developed programs that focused on students' passions. After leaving the classroom, Colleen had her own twice-exceptional kiddos and began homeschooling them. Since then, Colleen has founded Raising Lifelong Learners—a website and podcast where she shares tools, stories, and advice on homeschooling and teaching neurodivergent children.

• Acknowledgments xiiiAbout the Author xvAuthor’s Note xviiForeword xixIntroduction xxiChapter 1 Why Homeschool? 1The Gift 3Cognitive Advantages 4Mental and Physical Health Advantages 7Social-Emotional Advantages 10Try This! 13Chapter 2 Exploring Strengths 15A Strengths-BasedLearning Approach 17Rooted in Positive Psychology 20Cultivating Resilience and Gratitude 22Helping Neurodivergent Kiddos 25Finding Our Children’s Strengths 28Try This! 31Chapter 3 Finding Wonder 33Following Interests and Rabbit Trails 36Transitioning Beyond the Home 38The Power of Self-Direction 43What If My Child Isn’t Interested in Anything? 45Try This! 50Chapter 4 A Love of Learning 53What About Curriculum? 54Crafting a Unique Learning Experience 57A Literature-Rich Home 59Simplifying to Foster a Climate of Learning 62Try This! 65Chapter 5 Play Matters 67The Purpose of Play 68Child-Directed Play 70Emotional Resilience Through Play 73Play-BasedLearning 75Gameschooling 79Try This! 84Chapter 6 Six Key Learning Skills 87Why Learn About the 6 Cs? 89Collaboration 90Communication 94Content 97Critical Thinking 102Creativity 105Confidence 109Try This! 112Chapter 7 Can Creativity Be Taught? 115Elements of Creativity 119The Power of Questions 121Setting the Stage 128Try This! 135Chapter 8 Embracing Adventure 137Experiences Big and Small 139Keeping It Simple and Purposeful 141Trusting the Process 142Nurturing Resilience and Imagination 145Try This! 149Chapter 9 The Family Team 153Growing Relationships 155Recognizing and Supporting Differences 158Being a Family Team 161Nurturing Through Shared Experiences 163Try This! 167Chapter 10 The Most Important Thing 169Connection, Connection, Connection 171Active Engagement 173Connecting with Older Kids 175A Soft Place to Land 176Being Their Person 179Try This! 181Chapter 11 Start Now 183You’ve Got This! 185Know the Laws 186Know Your Why 187Know Your Kids 188The Need to Deschool 188Try This! 193Chapter 12 Final Thoughts 195Additional Resources 201Index 205