About Jamie

Jamie is a mama to three cute kids born on three different continents.

She serves as editor of Simple Homeschool, and blogs about mindful parenting at Steady Mom. Check out her newly released book: Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood.

by Jamie on May 11, 2012 • 31 Comments Personal Growth You

The road to simplicity is marked by complexity. But it’s still worth it.

The following is a guest post written by my friend Jamie Martin, editor of Simple Homeschool and creator of Steady Mom.

With all the talk about simplicity these days, you’d think that the route getting there would be, well, simple. But many find that with each step they take toward simplicity, they encounter temporary complications.

These complications sometimes feel so vast they make you want to quit before you’ve even started. Switching gears in life can be painful, and progress isn’t always initially visible.

I am a mother of three children, a homeschooler, a blogger and an author. Each day I spend the majority of my time on areas of my core values and priorities, crafting the life of my dreams. Yet getting here has required navigating through obstacles and complexities.

Here are a few areas that may temporarily become more complicated in our efforts to simplify them.
[Read more...]

by Jamie on October 5, 2011 • 104 Comments Kids: Learning Anywhere Your Family

Giving Your Children a Global Perspective

Photo by Peter Harris

Written by Jamie Martin of Simple Homeschool and Steady Mom.

The world is changing. Technology has connected continents like never before. Within seconds, we hear about triumphs or tragedies happening in faraway places. With this amazing knowledge comes a deep responsibility.

This is the world in which our children live. We have the privilege of introducing them to its beauties, its cultures, and even its challenges. Our kids can become the world’s problem solvers, providing they’ve developed a compassionate heart and an international mindset.

It’s easy for all of us – mothers and children alike – to be mostly concerned with ourselves, our needs, and our own countries. But a personal, intentional connection with the world broadens our horizons, keeps our problems in perspective, and supplies us with ideas to positively impact others.

A global perspective eliminates a “them” and “us” mentality – when we realize that those around the planet cherish similar hopes and dreams as our own, it makes the world a smaller place. A place our children can influence and help.

[Read more...]

by Jamie on June 28, 2010 • 65 Comments Kids: Learning Anywhere Your Family

10 Picture Books that Teach Important Life Lessons

I’m on maternity leave from June 11 to July 16: The following is a guest post from Simple Homeschool editor Jamie Martin of Steady Mom.

Often as parents we get consumed by the details of our days–life speeds past while we try to catch up and just keep everyone fed, clothed, and healthy. Sometimes the rush of our busy routines leaves little time leftover to contemplate and discuss life’s important issues with our children.

When, exactly, are we supposed to find the time or the words to talk about meaningful topics like injustice, simplicity, death, or faithfulness?

Thankfully we can walk into any library and have abundant assistance to tackle life lessons with our little ones. All we have to do is open a book, enjoy it together, and let a natural discussion unfold.

Check out these ten titles to get you started. [Read more...]