Spaceship Parenting --> beyond the Helicopter

As a twenty-two year veteran homeschool mom turned elementary school counselor, one of the things that I see everyday is a lack of parenting skills and how those impact our children, and our society, in a negative manner.  There are plenty of parents out there doing an amazing job (and kudos to them!!), but there is an increasing number of parents who are winging it, without any guidance or seemingly motivation. The book Spaceship Parenting, by Ricky Arenson, does a great job of filling that void.

Spaceship Parenting is a humorous, values based parenting guide framed as a conversation between Ricky and Nova, an alien visitor who thinks modern parenting is holding humanity back. It provides ten practical, evidence-based rules on leadership, boundaries, emotional intelligence, resilience, and family connection, all with a comedic tone.

The book itself is a quick and fun read. It's just silly enough to keep you engaged without being a dry, non-fiction, self-help book. It's full of terrible dad-jokes, but also some crazy real-life examples of when the rules are and are not applied, and what happens. The rules go from infanthood to the teen years, and there are many rules in this book, such as the stop rule, a simple but effective circuit breaker, which are applicable not only in the home but in the workplace and society at large as well. Peek inside the book to see how humor keeps the reader engaged while also learning practical and applicable parenting tips!

As a school counselor who sees a need for applicable parenting advice in our community, I found the book helpful enough to begin recommending it to some of our families. I also pulled ten passages from within the pages (giving credit appropriately) that align with our ten character principles taught throughout the year. This month we are teaching creativity, and I was able to find a passage in the book that aligned with that principle but also utilized some practical parenting skills. These are posted on our school parent-app so that everyone can get a bite-sized moment of inspiration.  Overall, I highly recommend this book to parents!

About the Author
Dr. Ricky Arenson is an endocrinologist, geriatrician, award-winning author, educator, and speaker based in Melbourne, Australia. Drawing on decades of clinical experience together with psychology, neuroscience, and biology, he translates complex science into practical strategies for happier relationships, better parenting, and more meaningful lives. His books combine evidence, humor, and compassion to explain why people behave the way they do and how understanding those differences can transform families and relationships. His engaging style has made him a sought-after speaker on relationships, parenting, leadership, and the intersection of science and everyday life.

Why Couples Drive Each Other Crazy (and How to Fix It)

Just in time for a long weekend of love and arguing... Why Couples Drive Each Other Crazy, by Rick Arenson, is the perfect survival guide! It's relatable, helpful, and LOL-worthy - a refreshing change from all the sappy love books out there. The author dishes out relationship advice with a side of humor and personal anecdotes. If you're tired of feeling like you're the only one driving your partner crazy, read this and LOL your way to a happier marriage. It's like a therapy session, but way more fun!

While I've been more into fiction lately (after all, we all need a bit of escapism!), I found this book to be quite different from your typical non-fiction / self help book. The book combines psychology, neuroscience, biology to explain why men and women often think, communicate, and respond differently. Wisely, he begins with the ways that women are superior to men, then the ways men are superior to women, and finally he gives practical ways to actually communicate better, understand differences, rebuild connection, and work through conflict. Additionally, the author keeps you reading and fully engaged with a consistent injection of humor and light-heartedness.

  

About the Book

Why Couples Drive Each Other Crazy: a funny, science grounded relationship book on how men and women are wired differently and how couples can stop fighting and keep love alive. Playful and intentionally provocative, built for married couples. This is the retitled, reworked version of his earlier Women Are Superior to Men.

Why is it that the person you love the most can also drive you the craziest? It's one of life's greatest mysteries—and one that science can help explain. Why do some men walk past a pile of dirty laundry without noticing it? Why do they suddenly become experts at changing the subject when serious emotions enter the conversation? And why can't they find the ketchup that's sitting right in front of them?

Meanwhile…

Why do some women remember conversations from years ago with astonishing detail? Why do they want to discuss important relationship issues at the worst possible moment? And why do couples keep having the same arguments over and over again?

Snag your copy!

About the Author
Dr. Ricky Arenson is an endocrinologist, geriatrician, award-winning author, educator, and speaker based in Melbourne, Australia. Drawing on decades of clinical experience together with psychology, neuroscience, and biology, he translates complex science into practical strategies for happier relationships, better parenting, and more meaningful lives. His books combine evidence, humor, and compassion to explain why people behave the way they do and how understanding those differences can transform families and relationships. His engaging style has made him a sought-after speaker on relationships, parenting, leadership, and the intersection of science and everyday life.

Week-Long High Holidays Unit Study for High School (FREE PRINTABLE)

High Holidays: Reflection, Renewal, and Responsibility

This unit is appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  It is designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month.  Visit the Subscribers Page for a printable PDF version.

For extra enrichment, study Jewish Holidays in Literature in depth.  To tailor for additional middle or elementary school family members, start with the Rosh Hashanah post.

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DAY 1: Introduction to the High Holidays – Themes & History

Topics & Activities:

• Overview of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

  • Names, symbols, prayers, customs

  • Timeline and position in Jewish calendar

• Journaling:
• Reflective writing prompt: “What does it mean to return to your best self?”

• Art Extension:

  • Create a visual representation of “the Book of Life” — what would you want written in yours?

• Hebrew Component:

  • Vocabulary: shofar, teshuvah, cheshbon hanefesh, machzor

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DAY 2: Rosh Hashanah – Renewal & Responsibility

Topics & Activities:

• Torah Study/Literature:

  • Read and discuss: Akedat Yitzhak (Binding of Isaac, Genesis 22)

  • Literary interpretation: Why is this read on Rosh Hashanah?

• Science/Nature Study:

  • Explore seasonal change — why is Rosh Hashanah in the fall?

• Hands-On Project:

  • Prepare a traditional dish: round challah, apple compote, or pomegranate salad

  • Make honey jars or Rosh Hashanah greeting cards

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DAY 3: Teshuvah – The Practice of Returning

Topics & Activities:

• Ethics/Philosophy:

  • Study Maimonides’ 4 steps of teshuvah

  • Discussion: How do we take responsibility in a meaningful way?

• Journaling Prompt:

  • Write a letter of apology — real or hypothetical — and reflect on the experience

• Art/Creative Expression:

  • Design a “Teshuvah Tree” with leaves that show areas of growth/change

• Nature Study:

  • Practice Tashlich (symbolic casting off of sins in water) at a local pond or stream

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DAY 4: Yom Kippur – Reflection, Fasting, and Forgiveness

Topics & Activities:

• Prayer and Liturgy Study:

  • Study the Vidui (confession) and Kol Nidre

  • Explore the emotional and poetic power of liturgy

• Creative Writing Prompt:

  • “What would you do differently if you were granted a fresh start?”

• Science/Health (Optional):

  • Learn about fasting: its physical effects and spiritual meaning

  • Compare fasting in Judaism to other traditions (Islam, Buddhism)

• Quiet Time Activity:

  • Create a “forgiveness box” — a private journal or symbolic place to release guilt or burdens

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DAY 5: Moving Forward – Sukkot and Joy in the Cycle

Topics & Activities:

• Transition into Sukkot:

  • Build a model or full sukkah

  • Study symbolism of the lulav and etrog

  • Explore Sukkot as ecological and agricultural holiday

• Nature Study:

  • Go outside and notice signs of fall; sketch or document seasonal changes

• Civics/Service Connection:

  • Discuss how the High Holiday season might inspire action (volunteering, climate justice, charity)

• Final Reflection Prompt:

  • “What do I want to carry forward from this season into the rest of the year?”

• Creative Celebration:

• Share a poem, song, or art piece that symbolizes renewal or gratitude

Pick up the ENTIRE SERIES right now - plus several bonus units - in our Cottage Shop.

These units are appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  They are designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month.  Each day takes 1-2 hours. This bundle includes the basic twelve, tailored to each month of the year, plus EIGHT bonus units!

Babe's Bucket List Challenge #8 - My Own House & Garden

 

Welcome to Babe's Bucket List Challenge, where I'm tackling twelve of the thirty things on my bucket list and writing about the experiences...won't you join me?

Remember my dad (from the Word of the Year post)?  Dad's joie de vivre was unmatched -- he loved life!  Music, surfing, engineering, strong coffee, and family were part of his core.  He loved tinkering with ideas and often worked with his grandsons on projects such as building a siege tower, designing and building a chicken coop, and designing and shooting off rockets...plus going fishing.  He lived life with an engineer's precision, a surfer's spirit, and a drummer's soul.  Even as his health declined, his spirit, sense of humor, and love for ice cream never wavered.

In his honor, this year I have created a bucket list - a compliation of dreams and aspirations - to work from.  My husband (who grew up in our town and interned with him as a teen) has also written down a bucket list, and we're going for it!  You can download your own Bucket List template at the Word of the Year post.

Challenge number eigh on the list?  There's no place like home.

Having uprooted life in a major way over the past couple of years, getting settled and rebuilding a small homestead area has been top of mind for a bit. If you've been paying attention to economics, you're probably aware of the fact that the housing market has been very volatile, alongside the prices of everything else rising. However, we found this cute little gem in the best little town...

While it was too late in the year to really get a good garden going, and honestly the soil here is going to need a ton of amending, we were able to get an herb garden started and make progress toward building some raised beds out of food-grade agricultural totes.

And in the meantime, we got some vegetables going along the back wall. Is it what I'd have typically done in the past? Nope. But one lesson here is to acknowledge when circumstances have changed and adapt to them. As you've probably noticed from a few of the other bucket list posts, I've had a bad habit in the past of comparing now-me to past-me, and my body doesn't work like it used to, which makes that an unfair comparison. In this case, comparing a brand new garden on a small parcel to an acre-plus established garden on a large parcel is apples to oranges...

There are plenty of things to like about the property, including the beautiful wildflowers popping up everywhere and the huge blackberry thicket I undercovered while clearing brush!

Before the end of summer, we'll have the rain barrels set up to help water gardens, the clothesline up, and beehives established in this little nook.

Naturally, there are still PLENTY of projects to be done around the house and property, and we look forward to tackling each and every one of them together. 

One of my favorite books, which is a must-have for anyone building up their homestead, is Back to Basics. I highly recommend this as a housewarming gift for anyone as it also focuses on home ownership and repair.

How are your bucket list challenges coming along?

Babe's Bucket List Challenge #7 - Show Best Friend the World

 

Welcome to Babe's Bucket List Challenge, where I'm tackling twelve of the thirty things on my bucket list and writing about the experiences...won't you join me?

Remember my dad (from the Word of the Year post)?  Dad's joie de vivre was unmatched -- he loved life!  Music, surfing, engineering, strong coffee, and family were part of his core.  He loved tinkering with ideas and often worked with his grandsons on projects such as building a siege tower, designing and building a chicken coop, and designing and shooting off rockets...plus going fishing.  He lived life with an engineer's precision, a surfer's spirit, and a drummer's soul.  Even as his health declined, his spirit, sense of humor, and love for ice cream never wavered.

In his honor, this year I have created a bucket list - a compliation of dreams and aspirations - to work from.  My husband (who grew up in our town and interned with him as a teen) has also written down a bucket list, and we're going for it!  You can download your own Bucket List template at the Word of the Year post.

Y'all!  I know that these bucket list challenges are all about doing things you want to accomplish in your life, but giving to others is an important piece of life for me...and this one was about exactly that.  My bestie is...let's say a woman of a certain age...and had never seen the ocean.  She has talked about it for years, and wanted to go forever, and I was ecstatically happy to be able to fulfill this wish for her!

I will never forget her expression and reaction the first time she saw the beach.  She was overwhelmed by the extent of it....saying, "it reminds you just how big God really is."  We spent the whole first day just hanging out in the sand and surf.  Now, typically I would have encouraged her to really go in and experience the water, but the ocean was super-angry and not at all safe.  As it was, having grown up swimming in the waves since toddler-hood, I was being repeatedly knocked over and even dragged under at times.  I wanted to enjoy the beach with her....not kill her with it!

The second day, we got up very early (have I ever mentioned that I am NOT a morning person?  honestly, not a night owl either.  more of a noon-1pm kinda person 😆).  We walked the mile down to the nearest coffee shop and watched the sunrise...spending a few hours on the sand while the kiddos slept.  Then we headed to NASA for the day...

I'm not sure whether she enjoyed the ocean or NASA better....both of them were a source of wonderment and it was worth every cent of the entry fee to witness her experience it all.  If her husband is reading this...buckle up, because I think soul-sister has plans for y'all to come back after retirement next year!

There's a children's play area at NASA that we enjoyed thoroughly.  We're both small adults, not much taller than your average ten year old, so fitting into the space was easy.  She snapped a photo of me that matches one of my son taken thirteen years ago so we'd have a matching set on the wall.  And then...we discovered the slides.  The slides!  The kiddos were both amused and embarrassed at how many times we kept running around to go back down the slides together.  I'm pretty sure we were the kids that day...

As we headed back toward the house, this beautiful rainbow came out.  You have to understand that on the morning my dad passed, "Rainbow" (Kacey Musgraves) came on the radio, right out of the blue.  Like, it literally interrupted the song I was listening to and started...and the lyrics sent a message straight to my heart.  He had battled dementia for so long, and it was him telling us that the storm was finally over.  When this rainbow came out, it felt like he was saying hello and giving both of us a big hug.

Babe's Bucket List Challenge #6: Write a Book

 Welcome to Babe's Bucket List Challenge, where I'm tackling twelve of the thirty things on my bucket list and writing about the experiences...won't you join me?

Remember my dad (from the Word of the Year post)?  Dad's joie de vivre was unmatched -- he loved life!  Music, surfing, engineering, strong coffee, and family were part of his core.  He loved tinkering with ideas and often worked with his grandsons on projects such as building a siege tower, designing and building a chicken coop, and designing and shooting off rockets...plus going fishing.  He lived life with an engineer's precision, a surfer's spirit, and a drummer's soul.  Even as his health declined, his spirit, sense of humor, and love for ice cream never wavered.

In his honor, this year I have created a bucket list - a compliation of dreams and aspirations - to work from.  My husband (who grew up in our town and interned with him as a teen) has also written down a bucket list, and we're going for it!  You can download your own Bucket List template at the Word of the Year post.

Challenge number six on the list?  Writing a book.

I'd like to take a moment here to shout out all of the authors out there...especially those who have been quite prolific.  It's one thing to have a creative idea, and to even have a rough plot in your head.  It's quite another to bring it to fruition on the page!

While I began writing a longer novel, and still have all of those planning pages and rough drafts, ultimately I knew I would have to shift gears to be able to accomplish this goal this year.  I had been kicking around an idea for a children's book and found that one much easier to pull together in a shortened period of time.  I'm thinking the fact that it was non-fiction also helped here, as I didn't have to keep my head wrapped around an alternate universe to keep all of the plotlines together, as one does for a novel.

Hippie Mama's ABC is a non-fiction, educational book (did you expect any less from a long-term homeschooler?) written for preschool and elementary aged children.  It covers natural and simple living, homesteading, and self-sufficiency, all at an introductory level.  Again, as a homeschooler, I've also included hands-on activities for concept reinforcement.  It is available on both kindle format and in paperback, and while I'm biased, I really think you're going to love it!

  

Hippie Mama's ABC

Imagine if you knew how to grow your own juicy strawberries, make your own bread, and fix a broken toy all by yourself. Learning about self-sufficiency and homesteading is a little bit like becoming a real-life explorer and helper at the same time. It means learning how to take care of yourself, your family, and the world around you. When kids learn these things, they discover that they are strong, smart, and able to do amazing things!  Told through the ABCs for elementary-aged children, there are also hands-on activities and parent-led adventures included.

While I am still currently working on my full-length novel, it's going to be a while before that one sees the light of day.  With dozens of pages of notes, multiple timelines plotted out, and a character map, it's something that requires chunks of time to devote to thinking and writing that I simply do have not have at the moment.  In this in-between stage -- taking care of both childrens and aging parents -- we do the best we can with the time we have.  Until then....Buonanotte, Tesoro!

Hippie Mama's ABC is available in kindle version or paperback 

Galahad and the Grail {review}

Many of you are familiar with our son, a throwback to medieval times who struggles to find his place in today's modern, fast-paced world.  As a lover of all things medieval history, a metallurgical engineer, costume designer, and potential-Jeopardy-winner (fingers crossed so we can pay off that tuition!!), he gravitated toward Arthurian legends from a young age.

True story - as a two year old, his favorite stories were Don Quixote and Ivanhoe.  And here we are...twenty-odd years later, still passionate about the same subject.  It's like he was born for this.  Anyone out there have a similar kid?

Recently, he had the opportunity to check out Malcolm Guite's "Galahad and the Grail," an Arthurian legend written in verse form.

In this first volume of Merlin's Isle, join the prophesied youth, Sir Galahad, and the other knights of the quest as they set out from Camelot to achieve the Holy Grail. The accomplishment of their goal will not only heal the wounded Fisher-King, but will bring about the long hoped-for healing of the land itself.

Here at the height of his poetic power, Malcolm Guite delivers a tale of adventure in ballad form that plumbs the depths of the human soul, carries readers through the Wasteland, and sets them upon the numinous shores of Faerie in all its mystery and meaning.
Guite follows in the epic footsteps of Spenser, Milton, Dante, and Tennyson, yet this is not poetry destined solely for the halls of academia--it's a story to be enjoyed by young and old alike, a story to be read aloud among friends and family, a story to be cherished for generations to come.

Merlin's Isle: An Arthuriad is an epic ballad cycle in four volumes:

• Galahad and the Grail (Spring 2026)
• The Coming of Arthur (Fall 2026)
• Days of the Round Table (Fall 2027)
• The Passing of Arthur (Spring 2028)

When the book first arrived, he immediately fell in love with the sturdy, cloth-bound hardcover with its attached ribbon bookmark.  It is well-constructed and contains much symbolism both within the pages and in the binding.  As you can see above, it has a dichromatic ink scheme, with red and black illuminated letters at the start of each chapter.  It also has beautiful, old, woodcut-style prints.  (Though his only 'con' about the book was that the picture in the front is full color, whereas he would have preferred it to be dichromatically printed as well in keeping consistency throughout the book.  Honestly...if that's the worst he can say about this book, then you know it's pretty amazing!)

Written in poetic verse form, this is not the original poem, but it is done in the same style.  From the history major: there are many reported 'original' versions, and we don't know if we have the 'original' version.  No one really knows what that is anymore, but many are rather consistent (excepting the French creation of Lancelot as an addition) - Lancelot is in this version.  The end of the book contains appendices with sources discussing some of the earliest references and the history behind the legends of King Arthur.

For high schoolers and adults who love the romance of the middle ages, check out Galahad and the Grail!

You might also be interested in.................

• Sparks Forge & Armory
• Baking for Good with King Arthur