Episode 34: Helpful Homework Hacks with Aimee Buckley

DJ Stutz  0:14  
You're listening to Episode 34 of Imperfect Heroes, Insights Into Parenting, the perfect podcast for imperfect parents looking to find joy in their experience of raising children in an imperfect world. I'm your host, DJ Stutz. And in today's episode, I'm talking with Aimee Buckley. Aimee Buckley is a veteran public school teacher and founder of Study Help Inc, a tutoring platform that connects top quality teachers with students who are looking for a better understanding, and stronger academic skills. For the first five years of her career as a teacher, Aimee taught students with emotional issues due to neglect or trauma and eventually moved to teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities. In her current position that she is now held for 20 years. Most teachers are experts on the content they deliver. But Aimee is an expert at teaching, there's so much to learn. So let's get started.

Before we get going, I want to let you know that Little Hearts Academy USA has something really fun going on right now. And this is our last week with this. It's a scavenger hunt. And there are 15 fun things to do with your kids during this cold season. And when you're done, you can scan your hunt paper and email it to me. And you'll be entered into a drawing for one of two, one hour sessions with me. And I usually charge $77 for one of these. You only have until February 14, to scan your hunt page and email it to me. So take this opportunity to have some fun with your kids, and maybe get some of your parenting questions answered. Be sure to listen to the end of the podcast to be one of my Linger Longers. And before we get started on today's show, I've got to give a shout out to my listener of the week, Barbara, who posted on my Facebook account about the episode with Neo Positivity. So that's episode 32. And Barbara simply said, loved the episode inspiring and informative. Thanks, Barbara. And reviews like this helps so much. And they don't have to be long, short and simple gets the job done. Taking time to give a podcast a five star rating. And review makes the podcast easier to find. And we are then able to help more families. 

So I remember the homework issues with my own kids. And when my daughter Rocky was in first grade, she would come home from school and we would get her going on her homework. And then I would find her asleep at the table. She was a great Napper, actually my best napper out of all the kids. And she would come home from kindergarten and sleep for an hour or two. And I realized that she was not ready to give that up. So when she came home from school in first grade, she would sleep for an hour and then she would get up and be ready to play and get her homework done. My other kids each have their own needs for support. And Aimee understands the challenges that families face with their homework, especially with the disruptions in the past two years with COVID frustrations can increase challenging patience and relationships. And Aimee understands these struggles, and she has some advice. So let's listen in. 

Well, I'm joined here with Aimee Buckley, who is amazing. She's a teacher from Northern California, and she's really got an interesting take on supporting parents and supporting education. Aimee, why don't you give us a little insight into what you do and who you are.

Aimee Buckley  4:19  
Sounds great. Thank you for having me. So I have been teaching since 1997. And I know it's been a few years. So I have been teaching predominantly students with mild to moderate disabilities. So things like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia. And I noticed, well, I didn't notice who could not notice that. When we went virtual that kids were going to need a lot more help than what we were really able to provide for them. And so At that time, I started a online tutoring platform for families to connect with Credential teachers like myself, so I'm still in the classroom. So I'm a full time teacher and the CEO of Study Help Inc, where I match just phenomenal teachers with families who are looking to get extra support in the classroom. And let's face it, with everything that's happening going virtual, and then we were hybrid. And now with Omnicron, kids are out for weeks at a time and trying to get them caught up. It feels like it's a very, very needed service right now.

DJ Stutz  5:44  
Absolutely. In fact, it's interesting from, you know, we first spoke a couple of weeks ago, and I got to hear more about your story. And I'm just so inspired by what you've got going on. And I've talked to other teachers, and I've talked to some of the my parents that I work with, they're like, oh, my gosh, that's so interesting. So I've already started handing out your information.

Aimee Buckley  6:09  
Thank you. What I love about it is in in a class period, there's 59 minutes, and I've got a class full of kids. But in a tutoring session, there's 50 minutes, and it's just me and the student. So we're able to really deep dive into what they need. It's not the teaching to the class, it's teaching to that particular student, and developing that relationship and that trust and that confidence, that academic confidence for the students so that they really feel like when they're in the classroom, they understand what's happening.

DJ Stutz  6:45  
Yeah. Well, we talk about differentiation. Mm hmm. of services in education. And I don't know if parents all really understand what that means. Can you talk a little bit about differentiation and how that works in the classroom?

Aimee Buckley  7:01  
Right. So I would say most mainstream classroom is a lot more difficult. What I do, because there's 30 students, I mean, anywhere between usually 20, sometimes up to 34 students. But if a teacher has to teach a specific skill, they're going to try and hit okay, I'm going to make sure I get this for the auditory learners, for the visual learners for the kinesthetic learners. But they're not going to be able to really target one particular student who maybe need something very specific, they have to kind of shotgun it and hope that it gets everyone. Whereas for me in my classroom, because I have 14 students, I can really hone down to what each individual student needs, which is nice. And you know, when you have one student's even easier, because some of our kids are, you know, you have to really address the behavioral and emotional issues before you can get into any of the academic stuff. So our kids that have math, anxiety, and are getting past that, too, they look at what you're doing, and they just immediately kind of panic. You have to get past the panic and show them that they can they can get this so that you can move forward.

DJ Stutz  8:31  
Yeah. And I think that you bring up a really important point when you were saying you have to deal with the social and emotional piece before you can really address the academic piece. And that's in general ed. Right, especially right now is we've got kids who are dealing with an elevated level of social emotional stressors, reactions. And so the the regular classroom teacher is dealing with a lot of that before they can get into their classrooms. So if you've got a little kid, and I taught mostly kindergarten until the last two years, and then I've been in this special ed program, but I had kindergarten students who had just cleared I mean, throwing desks and chairs and clearing off the bookshelves. And just because the stresses that were going on in their lives, I taught at the very, very low income inner city schools, and all learning stops all the kids at that point, and with COVID We're hearing more and more about these kinds of reactions with kids, or parents quite honestly. That's true. Yeah, I'm really good friends with my principal and she tells me some stories that I like but poor thing you're such a sweet isn't. So when we're wanting to help our kids maybe at home, and they're feeling frustrated, or they're feeling with their own math angrier anxieties, or maybe it's writing for a lot of kids, it's writing or whatever. So how do we notice when it's something that we can help them with at home, or when we might need to reach out and get some additional help.

Aimee Buckley  10:27  
So, how I prompt parents when they ask about helping their child at home? One thing that I know that you know, and most teachers know is that, as a teacher, being calm, is so so, so important, because our students just feed off of our energy. And as a teacher, in a classroom, I really appreciate it when parents tell me that something has gone on at home, because I definitely see an increase in anxiety stress in that student that day, and it helps me to respond in a way that is appropriate for the situation so that the student knows that I care about them, I'm there to help them that we're going to get through it. You know, sometimes it's putting their head down. Sometimes it's acting like a clown in the classroom. But really, it's really important for parents to know that that, that their child feeds off them more than they realized. And I think it's easy. Yeah, it's easy for us to see because we just see the result of it, right. But if you're stressed out, and you're in the middle of that situation, you might not notice that, that that is having an effect on your child. So when working on schoolwork starts to become a battle. When there's tears when there's frustration when there's yelling, it's time to get help. Because that's not it's not good for your family relationship is not good for that student's academic confidence. They're gonna start really disliking, doing homework or doing math or doing writing, and they're gonna think they're bad at it, when really it has more to do with the the general tension around that area.

DJ Stutz  12:33  
Yeah. My dad was a professor at UCLA growing up in electro chemical engineering. And my mom had a high school diploma and was raised by Lumberjacks. Literally. Yeah. So but it's funny how as kids, we would go to mom for help with math over my dad,

Aimee Buckley  13:00  
right? Because your dad was probably got a little frustrated. Because he just thought you should just understand it right away. Right?

DJ Stutz  13:09  
This is simple.

Aimee Buckley  13:11  
Right? Which is why it's so important to have the right kind of help. Right? You know, that's why I only hire credential teachers, because a college student or high school student or even someone that's in that industry, that doesn't mean that they can teach the information, they could be a genius at it doesn't mean they can impart that information on other people.

DJ Stutz  13:35  
Right? Right. Like my, my dad, he was great for PhD candidates, right? He was great with those guys from all over the world, people would come from all over the world just to study under him. He was that well known, but not a

Aimee Buckley  13:48  
fourth grader.

DJ Stutz  13:51  
Not at all. So it's just funny how knowing yourself, I guess and who you are, and what your strengths and what your weaknesses are. No judgment. It's just this is what I'm good at. And this is what I'm not good at. So someone who doesn't know you know how to unclog a toilet probably shouldn't take on a major plumbing issue and

Aimee Buckley  14:15  
Yes, right. Right. There are people who

DJ Stutz  14:19  
do that a Google News or divorced Yeah. And so someone who gets it and those that and sometimes do you find with your, your parents that you work with? It's just a different voice. Yes. I know that we try it in school like but my class next door. There are a couple of kids you know, that struggle and need a break. And so I'll take them into my classroom. And they're fine. If they just needed a different voice. They're a different animal. We're

Aimee Buckley  15:00  
right. And if it's a real challenge area, having somebody who that's their only job is interfacing with their child on math or chemistry or writing, it really helps because the child knows going in, that's what they're going to do. And it's not going to spill over to your bedtime routine, or what's happening on Saturday, it's that hour of time is dedicated to that, and this person, and what I've really found is that students, it's sometimes hard to get them on the first time parents are like, Oh, um, you know, I'm struggling to get them going. But by the time they've had one session, they want to come back. And they're showing up early, at the end of the session, they want to show the teacher their cat, you know, these aren't just little kids, either. These are like high school kids tell about their lacrosse game or what have you, because they've developed this relationship with their teacher, a really positive, constructive relationship, where they just feel really comfortable. And having more adults in your life in the life of your child that are positive and encouraging, I think is such a blessing.

DJ Stutz  16:18  
Absolutely. And people who just believe in them. Yes. And we can always use another person like that in our lives, whether we're three are 33. Yes. Or 63.

Aimee Buckley  16:32  
Like our students, say, a hyper person,

DJ Stutz  16:35  
a what person,

Aimee Buckley  16:36  
a hyper person, the kids say, Yeah, I'm your high person. Yes.

DJ Stutz  16:40  
Yeah. I like that. So when kids are little, I don't really consider if you have a preschool sending homework, change preschools. That's not appropriate. But once they get into like, kindergarten, first grade, whatever, what are some of the things that you see that parents can do, to set up that positive attitude for homework,

Aimee Buckley  17:08  
setting a space, that is a homework space, which I'm sure you've had that discussion to that the dinner table warm, dad's cooking dinner, and the TV is on and you know, the dogs running back and forth, and that isn't conducive to learning. And it's going to make that assignment. But you know, your first or second graders should probably take 15 minutes, maybe half an hour. If you're looking at an hour, an hour and a half, two hours, that is not good. Because then it's dragging. And think of all the things that they should be doing. They should be outside playing, you know, they should be dressing up their dog and the dog outfits or what have you. So these are important things for children to do, right? Yeah, I don't, I don't want them to be sitting staring at a homework sheet for an hour interest rate. That's just not right. And they're gonna hate school, and they're gonna hate homework.

DJ Stutz  18:12  
Yeah, in fact, one of the things that I suggest so I do parent coaching, and so with some of the parents that I've talked with, is insist that they're out playing before they even try the homework. Yes. So give them that whatever amount of time it is, but that they are outside, not on a pad, not on a screen. But they're outside building for search or, you know, chasing the dog,

Aimee Buckley  18:42  
play basketball, cry, scooters,

DJ Stutz  18:45  
all that stuff. It really it really helps them it gets the oxygen in their brain, right. And so their brains are better able to process maybe even feet in the Mac. I know, was seven kids. Well, you know, there was just a house full of kids and I shared my bedroom with my sister. And so even going in my bedroom to do homework wasn't Yeah, conducive. I wound up fine. Haven't go my parents bedroom and use their side table to their bed. To work on that was a quiet place. And so I think maybe getting creative with where you are, and, you know, setting that up and maybe even letting the child help you. Right? Like, how can we set this up and let them help find the chair or whatever and pick the place and what pictures do we want in that area? What would help you? Yeah, that might get them a little more excited because they help set up the place.

Aimee Buckley  19:51  
And I like to alternate harder and easier. assignments because that way, you you start with something You finish it, then the next one is like, Oh, this is so fast. Bah, bah, bah, done, you cross two things off your list. I mean, that doesn't work for ADHD kids, because they're not big list people, but pretty much everyone else, it works great. But alternating assignments, I think is really helpful for making students feel like they're making progress.

DJ Stutz  20:21  
Yeah. And I think too, so my youngest son is Mr. ADHD of the world. Now a cop.

Aimee Buckley  20:31  
But that's actually a really good profession, right? Because it's people with ADHD have hyperfocused, they either have trouble focusing, or they have hyper focus. But, you know, I had a student who I love this kid, he was so effervescent, just like so funny, and just have the greatest stories. And he became an electrician. And I was like, Oh, that's interesting. But when you think about it, it's like a highly dangerous profession. But it keeps him so focused, that he's fantastic at it, he's married, he has a child, he has a home, you know, he found a profession that works for him, and he went for it. Just because you have a you're not typical, you're not a typical learner, a typical thinker doesn't mean that you can't be very successful adult.

DJ Stutz  21:22  
Exactly. And I think to even some of the kids, and let me know if you find this to be right or wrong. But I find that every child has their own area where they're going to excel, and other areas, where they're going to need some extra help with. So you might have like, a kid with a 4.3, or whatever. I mean, just a crazy smart kid. But maybe that child needs some extra with social or with physical, you know, prowess and some of those other things that are going on that are necessary for them to have that whole child thing going on. I have a niece that her oldest is in first grade, I think this year, but from the time she was three years old, she would sit for hours and work on worksheets for three, like she would Bailey said she would do it all day long. If she let her like, Okay, you got to stop, we got to go outside. And so there's some kids that that's where their

Aimee Buckley  22:32  
head is right? They get a sense of accomplishment from that.

DJ Stutz  22:36  
Yes, yes. I have also a nephew from one of my brothers. And he would sit when he was bored, he would just sit and do math problems in his head. And every he looked at everything from a mathematical point of view. You know, in fact, his math teacher had to say, okay, Charles, you're not allowed to answer any more questions. We have to let everyone else on the jump. But so you get those kids? And they seem, Oh, those are easy. Kids. They're motivated, they're this and that. But every child has, I think I think every child is in need of special education special for them special, right? What it is,

Aimee Buckley  23:24  
yeah, we have a lot of really high performing students on our tutoring platform. Because there's a lot of stress that comes with that. Absolutely. And if we can help them in that area, that's not their strength. You know, like, maybe they're fantastic at science and math, but they struggle with English or have you if we can help make that simpler for them if we can help them onboard those skills. And get them through that so that those kids aren't spending four or five hours a night doing homework. Because how many super successful kids do we know that man their day is like, you know, they might not be done doing homework until 12 1am. And that's not healthy either. So we really try and help them get time back by supporting those academic areas that they need that little extra help, because, you know, they're taking the AP English and the AP Euro and so giving them time to be teenagers, I think is really important too.

DJ Stutz  24:43  
And how young Dan, do you start with? Tutors like if you had a first grader that was struggling with some basic math concepts?

Aimee Buckley  24:54  
Yeah, we have first graders. I actually I tutor my own niece who is in first grade on Monday. And she was so sweet this summer. We were in Mexico on a family vacation because they live in Colorado, and I live in California. And we're just walking along. And here's my little niece, who's about to go in first grade. And she looks at me and says, Auntie Amy, you know, how you tutor kids? Can you help me read better? Oh, and I was like, we're making this happen, because you did that. And so every Monday night, it's 6pm. We pop on. And, you know, we have our time. And actually, we started at that point every Monday. And now she doesn't need help with her reading anymore, because we've worked on it so much, that now she is super confident she feels good. Now we're, we've started working on writing. So teaching her more about writing, and she's really into it. And it's our special time together. And I love it. You know, I spent all my day with high school kids having that hour with a first grader is fantastic. Because she says some of the funniest stuff I know you hear it all the time. Yeah, I hear I hear different kind of high school. Funny stuff. But I missed the first grade funny stuff.

DJ Stutz  26:11  
I'll bet you do about you too. Well, and I think there's something important that when they're really young, maybe even kindergarten, were just giving them that whole attitude of success. And you can do this. And so giving them that foundation early on really helps set them up for success as they get going. Where if they start and I can't read, I can't this I can't I can't write. And that's their attitude about themselves. It's gonna be a battle for years to come.

Aimee Buckley  26:44  
It's yeah, it's forever. I'm still fighting that with high schoolers. I just don't like to read like, well, there has to be something you want to read. I don't care if it's cookbooks, anime, graphic novels, sports biographies, let's find something I'm sure that there is something. Mm hmm.

DJ Stutz  27:04  
Yeah, for my ADHD, or was when Harry Potter came out. Mm hmm. And suddenly, he was interested. And so I think, and that goes for our little guys. I took my class to the library this afternoon. And I have one of my little guys, and he's on the spectrum. So sweet, though, I just want to wrap them up every day. He says the funniest things, but he's super super into cars. And so the librarian because we're so young, they don't want to the library, she puts out a bunch of books that they might be interested in on on tables, and they can look at the tables. And he went up to librarian. And do you have any books about cool cars. And that's all he wants his cars, but he loves looking at those books about how to draw cars, even with diagrams, you think that is not for peace, he's a pre K, he'll be in kindergarten next year. And that's what he wants. And so when you feed into, I don't care if it's Harry Potter or cool cars, or dinosaurs or princesses? If that's what they're interested in. Let's go there. Yes, absolutely. Yeah. So what other advice do you have for parents to help their kids get along in school?

Aimee Buckley  28:25  
Well, I think something that's really important for all of us right now, is appreciating how difficult the last couple years have been. And that the struggle is real. For our kids, just like it is real for us. And it's real for our teachers. And working as a team with your teacher or teachers is really important. I know, for me, as a teacher, I really appreciate when parents are willing to work with me as a team. When they send me those emails, like, Oh, I got an email and Monday that a mom was gonna have a minor medical procedure today, but her son might be a little bit off. I want that. And I send home the emails that say your kid did something awesome today. Yeah. And and explaining it. Or sometimes I'll take pictures. When I do that. There's a student who's like autistic and they're interacting with a group, you know, playing una or what have you. I take a picture and I send it to the parents. I'm like, Look, they're interacting with kids of their own choice. I did not make them do that. So that I think, is really helpful because it excels that growth when we work together, and if I can email a parent and say, Joey had a rough day today, I just want to let you know This happened in school, you know, we took the work on fractions and got really frustrated. And I just want to keep you in the loop. And they say, Thank you for letting me know, we'll look over it at home. And then we can have that conversation back and forth and work together. That's when we really see that exponential growth from our kids.

DJ Stutz  30:24  
Yeah. And I think you bring up such a great point in keeping teachers up to date on the comings and goings, even if your child woke up with nightmares that that affect them throughout the day, believe it or not, I had, gosh, this has been more than 10 years ago, I had a little girl in my class, and her eight year old brother died in the hospital. It was an illness, but it was the sudden onset kind of thing. And the parents never told me. She came to school the next day. And this was a kid who was generally like, really well behaved, very social very. And she was not that person that day. And so towards the end of the day, I was asking one of her friends I said, Do you know what's wrong with you know, Suzy? And she just seems upset today. And the friend told me Oh, her brother died last night. Holy cow,

Aimee Buckley  31:22  
that would be important information for you to know.

DJ Stutz  31:24  
Just kinda, yeah, yeah. You know, and so you get everything from something that's serious, to be had nightmares last night, or grandma and grandpa are visiting from England. And because that's gonna change things, too. Or we had little brother at the ER, Mm hmm. So really teaming up like that is key. And then so once you're on that team, as a parent, right, what do you see as their role in that education piece, then they're on the team, they're talking to you. They're sharing that they've had good or bad evenings, or something's going on. But what else is in their role as a parent,

Aimee Buckley  32:09  
I really feel like, their role is to be my backup. And my role is to be their backup. So I don't send homework, specifically, I, if they don't finish something in class, then it becomes homework, but I don't send an assignment they haven't started home. So I don't expect a parent to sit down and look at a worksheet that the kid hasn't, like, in general, the students gonna have done probably three fourths of it, maybe they have to do a little bit of it. I don't even do that many worksheets. But so if I send an email or that, you know, homework comes home, and is like, Do you have any homework? Oh, yeah, I have to finish this worksheet. Then the parents says, what happened in class? How come you weren't working on this? Well, you know, I got distracted by XYZ, they can have that discussion. And then if things don't happen at home, like the parent says, Hey, do you have homework and they say, No. And then the parent finds out that they have homework. And then the parent emails me and says, Sally said she didn't have homework, and I see that she had homework, then I can follow up with that on my end. So I really feel like having each other's back is really important. And talking about the importance of different things. Like a lot of my students, they don't really grasp the idea of why math is important and talking about well, someday, you're gonna have a job, and you're gonna have to manage your money, and you're gonna have to pay rent. And do you want to live with your parents your whole life? It changes how they think about things.

DJ Stutz  33:55  
Yeah, absolutely. And even as little kids, they can learn I was doing an interview. Actually, his episode dropped this week, which is the first week of February, but as we're recording, Neo positivity, but he was talking about how he has a four year old, and they would go to the toy store, and to a four year old, he doesn't understand money at all. So to him, all those things are free. Why don't you get that for me? Because I've been good, or I've been whatever. And the four year old is capable of understanding basics about money that we go to work and we earn money and we use money to buy things and then you can introduce the math and an interest in money in that way. So yeah, okay. So talk to me a little bit about if you have a parent that is wanting to get some help for their kiddo with homework and was school, what do they need to Do

Aimee Buckley  35:01  
so they just go to study dot help. That's it steadies out help. And on there, there's a button, they can click. And they can either send an email to me, or they can schedule to chat with me. And I'm going to ask them some questions, I'm going to ask them what their child's strengths are, I'm going to ask them what their interests are, before I ask anything about what their needs are, because I'm going to try and match them with the teacher that best fits their personality and their needs. Because I have a variety of different teachers. And it's one of the things that you can't do in a school setting, you kind of you get the teacher you get right for her. But I don't have to do that, because it's one to one. So like our elementary school kids, I have one teacher who is an elementary school teacher, but she's also a yoga teacher. And she's just very kind and gentle. And she's fun. But she's, she's not loud. Or for the kids that are really anxious and like nervous about things, she's a perfect match. Because she just kind of eases them into it, they don't even realize that they're doing work, they just, you know, think they're just hanging out with this lovely woman. And then I have another teacher who's great for high energy kids, because he's just really fun and engaging and funny. And so the kids that need that the kids that are like, maybe a little bit more on the ADHD side, or just high energy kids, he's the perfect match for them, because he's going to keep them engaged, is going to keep them from feeling bored. So it just depends on the student, and what their needs are, which I think is so great in getting that connection, when I can connect students with the teacher that I think is going to be the best match for them.

DJ Stutz  37:11  
That's perfect. And I love the way that you match them up with their personalities. And it's not a random thing. Yeah, that's. And so if they come back, will they have the same tutor then.

Aimee Buckley  37:28  
So generally, they'll have the same tutor. Most families sign up for a subscription, where maybe they're having tutoring once or twice a week, and our subscriptions go week to week. So it's not like you're have to sign up for a month or a year, whatever. I don't, I'm not going to put that kind of pressure on families. I know they got enough going on. So they'll generally have the same teacher every week at the same time. And I encourage parents to send the teacher ahead of time, what the students working on to the teacher can look it over, be prepared to dive right in without spending any time to have to review the assignments. And if it's a student who, like I had a student who wanted help with her essays for college applications, so she would send her essays to the teacher ahead of time, the teacher would have a chance to look them over. And then they could go through it line by line together.

DJ Stutz  38:32  
Nice. Yeah. And so that's nice that you can like match them up to with what their goals are and, and what's current in their life. So that's pretty awesome. So it's study dot help, just www dot study dot help. Yep.

Aimee Buckley  38:49  
Wow, that's perfect and easier. Right? Couldn't

DJ Stutz  38:52  
be easier. That's absolutely right. Okay, so as I come together with things, I always ask my guests the same question. And that is, how would you define a successful parent?

Aimee Buckley  39:06  
Parenting is hard. I think parents in general, are very hard on themselves, too. I know a lot of parents are terrified that they're messing things up. They're messing their kids up. I think if you're terrified that you're missing your kids up, you're probably doing a pretty great job. Because you're very concerned about the well being of your child. And to me, a successful parent is someone who encourages who supports but doesn't. You know, we talk about lawn mowing parents and helicopter parents doesn't do the work for them. Doesn't make it easy for them, lets them struggle, let them fail, but is there to help pick them up when they do so that they learn those lessons. But look, parenting is a tough job. I'm not going to judge anyone I am Stand, fully understand how hard it is so great job to all you parents out there who are trying to do the best for your kids in the middle of all this craziness. I know that it is not easy.

DJ Stutz  40:15  
So true. So true. And I don't see it getting much easier in the near future. So unfortunately, yeah, for sure. But I love that you said that if you're worried that you're kind of screwed up, you're probably okay. I spent my whole life worrying about. Well, thank you so much, Amy. And so for all my listeners, we're gonna have her contact information in the show notes. So if you're interested if you want to learn more, and I think Amy, you're even looking for more teachers to be part of the program. Am I right?

Aimee Buckley  40:55  
Yes, we've only been around for a year. And yes, we are. We are busting at the seams in some areas. So yes, if you are an amazing teacher, you can contact me and we'll see if you're a good fit.

DJ Stutz  41:09  
And that's at the same thing, study dot help. They can just do it that way. Great. That sounds so good. Well, Amy Buckley, teacher extraordinare I really appreciate you spending this time with me.

Aimee Buckley  41:22  
It was lovely. I enjoyed our conversation.

DJ Stutz  41:25  
Great. Okay, thanks so much. Aimee had some great ideas from setting up a designated homework station to having your child take breaks. Getting help isn't a bad idea. And one of the things that I like about Aimee's program is that she uses only licensed teachers and students are not randomly assigned to a tutor. Amy personally matches them to the needs and personalities of the students and the teachers. So if you want to contact Aimee, all of that information is in the show notes. Have you hit follow yet? Make sure you are following the podcast so you don't miss anything. And the follows along with the ratings and reviews really help people to find us. Are you up to date on all things Imperfect Heroes, just register for my free newsletter at www.LittleHeartsAcademyusa.com and never miss a beat. Next week I am talking with Jessica Cosette Nick, who specializes in eating disorders. And we'll be talking about those picky little leaders. So learn what I mean by turning into the next episode. And until next time, let's find joy in parenting.

Hey, Linger Longer's. I want to know what are the craziest foods your kids love to eat? Is it graham crackers sugar and milk, sauerkraut? wieners ketchup and rice? Post an Instagram and tag imperfect heroes podcast I'd love to hear. Okay, I'm going to go now.

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