248 - Rachel Wigglesworth, founder of Growing Great Families

<p>With schools in a majority of states closes, more than <a href= "https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/map-coronavirus-and-school-closures.html">36 million</a> of about 50 million American students are learning remotely. The pandemic is posing a huge challenge for students and parents. Some parents are trying to figure out how to stay at home with the kids. Others are trying to figure out how to work at home with the kids there. Some are scrambling for child care.  Stress and uncertainty are high for everyone. </p> <p>To get some advice on this new situation we spoke <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/invite-sent/rachel-wigglesworth-0b9a0182/?isSendInvite=true">Rachel Wigglesworth</a>, founder of <a href= "https://growinggreatfamilieswy.weebly.com/">Growing Great Families</a>, a parent coaching and consulting organization. She holds a Master’s degree in Family Education with a Teaching Certificate in Parent Education. She’s been working with mothers and families for 15 years. </p> <p>Rachel is also a scientist. Before working as a research biologist, she earned a Master’s in zoology and physiology at the University of Wyoming where she met her husband Nate McClennen. He’s the Vice President for Education and Innovation at <a href="https://www.tetonscience.org/">Teton Science Schools</a> and the co-author of <a href= "https://shop.ascd.org/Default.aspx?TabID=55&ProductId=240098338&The-Power-of-Place:-Authentic-Learning-Through-Place-Based-Education">The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education</a> (and featured on this <a href= "https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/03/podcast-tom-vander-ark-emily-liebtag-and-nate-mcclennen-on-the-power-of-place/">recent podcast</a>).  </p> <p> </p> <p>In this podcast, Rachel and Nate provide some great advice to parents. Highlights of our conversation include: </p> <ul> <li> <p>Start with a family meeting: discuss everyone’s needs and opportunities-- what does everyone want to get out of this time? Develop some new agreements. In fact, star