Waldorf Essentials

150. If You Struggle With Mother's Day

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you found this content helpful please consider making a donation to our non profit.  Every child should have access to a whole education. &nbs...

149. Diversity in Waldorf Education

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Melisa as she delves deep into how Waldorf homeschooling can provide wonderful opportunities for diversity. Waldorf education can sometimes be vi...

148. Menu Stacking

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Meals are a key component to your rhythm!   Discover how you can plan your week of meals using this meal stacking technique.    Waldorf...

{ Encore } Handwork Part 2

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams. https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials...

147. Summer Rhythm

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials shares what their families summer rhythm looks like.  - Tips for sleep rhythm in the summer. - Blocks that c...

146. Sleep Rhythm

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials often gets the question of "how do I create a sleep rhythm?".    - Don't let the day get away from you....

145. Homeschool Co Op Etiquette

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials has been leading homeschool co ops for many years.    Melisa shares helpful co op etiquette for you to ...

{ Encore } Handwork Part 1

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams. https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials...

144. { Auriel's Light } Waldorf Education Grade 3

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE:Candle or Lantern Access include full video.https://www.aurielslight.org/storeOur grade 3 curriculum  https://www.waldorfesse...

143. Is Waldorf Open and Go for Homeschooling Curriculum?

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials provides you with curriculum and support for you to succeed in your homeschooling.    In this video, Me...

142. Struggling with Media Usage in Your Home?

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Homeschooling and parenting with Melisa and Erik Nielsen Waldorf Essentials.    Screens are everywhere and for most parents, they provide an...

{ Encore } Inner Work and Planning

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams. https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials...

141. Creating a Homeschool Co Op

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen has been homeschooling for over 15 years + Along the way she has created and let many co ops.    Want more in depth training ...

140. Temperament Round Up

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa and Erik Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials chat about temperament.    There are four Waldorf Temperaments: Choleric Sanguine Phlegmatic M...

139. Sleep Recommendation, Hours Per Night by Age

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Waldorf homeschooling can feel like a large feat to take on. Melisa has 15+ years of experience to help guide you along the way.    Melisa i...

{ Encore } Man and Animal Grade 4

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams. https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials...

138. { Auriel's Light } Waldorf Education Grade 2

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE:Candle or Lantern Access include full video.https://www.aurielslight.org/storeMelisa Nielsen from Waldorf Essentials and Ms. Tiffa...

137. How to Get Better Sleep

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sleep. From mood to blood pressure, sleep plays an important role in you and the quality of your life. Join Melisa as she discusses the importance of ...

136. Keeping Wonder Alive in Older Children

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials encourages you to ask yourself "What gives me wonder?"   We first need to know what gives us wonder and then...

{ Encore } Overwhelm and Burnout

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams. https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials...

135. Have Fun with Your Kids

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Waldorf homeschooling can feel like a large feat to take on. Melisa has 15+ years of experience to help guide you along the way.    Melisa i...

134. Successful Business and Homeschooling

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials shares her experience from being a single parent and finding a way to make an income to stay at home and homescho...

133. Being Intentional Online

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen knows what it is like being a parent, homeschooling and running a business.    There are a lot of benefits on being online, b...

{ Encore } Playrooms

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams. https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials...

132. { Auriel's Light } Waldorf Education Grade 2 Literature

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE:Candle or Lantern Access include full video.https://www.aurielslight.org/storeWaldorf Essentials Grade 2 Curriculum:  https:/...

131. When You Have Nothing in Common with Your Children

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials shares a big question she gets. "What do you do when you have nothing common with your children?" - Don't want to...

130. I'm Sorry

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Waldorf homeschooling can feel like a large feat to take on. Melisa has 15+ years of experience to help guide you along the way. Melisa inspires you w...

{ Encore } Priorities

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pint...

129. Homeschooling With Two Households

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen has lived it. She's navigated court systems, an ex partner, custody and how to homeschool when the children are in two households. Meli...

128. Stop Reading and Start Doing

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials encourages you to stop reading and start doing. If you're waiting till you have read all the Steiner books and kn...

127. Deep Loss and Recovery Tips from Melisa Nielsen

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"You either get the result you want or the lesson you needed." Melisa shares how she has navigated these tough years. Maybe you don't have a loss of s...

{ Encore } Holding the Space

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams. https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials...

126. { Auriel's Light } Reading and Writing in Waldorf Education

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE:Candle or Lantern Access include full video.https://www.aurielslight.org/store- How Melisa's curriculum helps you teach the child ...

125. Busting Through the Stubbornness of Autism with Melisa Nielsen

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa shares her experience with her son when he was younger to today as he is now an adult. If you are walking the same path she has with autism, sh...

124. Running a Business and Homeschooling

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Running a business is hard enough, but what if you’re a homeschooling parent as well? It can all feel overwhelming. Melisa shares her tips for how t...

{ Encore } Homeschooling Several Children

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pint...

123. Take Care of You, So You Can Take Care of Them

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Who are we? I’m Melisa! A mom of five children with only two left at home. I’ve been a wife, an ex-wife and a wife again. Two of my children have ...

122. Slow Down! In your parenting and in your homeschooling.

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa receives an abundance of messages from fellow parents and homeschool parents. She wants to encourage you to slow down. She's been there, felt w...

121. It Starts With You, Find Out Why from Melisa Nielsen

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

First you have to know yourself. Start there. Learn about who you are. What is your temperament? What are the strengths from your temperament? Why are...

{ Encore } Spring Festivals

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pint...

120. { Auriel's Light } Waldorf Education Grade 1

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE:Candle or Lantern Access include full video.https://www.aurielslight.org/store Melisa Nielsen chats with the Early Childhood teach...

119. Parenting with Temperament in Mind, Waldorf Homeschooling

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Follow Melisa on a parenting journey through temperament. Melisa works through the importance of, not only understanding your temperament but your chi...

118. Spring Festivals for Waldorf Homeschoolers by Melisa Nielsen

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Spring is a beautiful time of year and offers equally beautiful festivals to celebrate. In this week’s episode, Melisa shares a bit of anthroposophi...

{ Encore } Temperament and Relationships

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pint...

117. Parenting the Choleric Child

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen shares her experience parenting a choleric child. A choleric will only yield to another choleric or someone they trust. If you've been ...

116. New Years Intentions with Melisa Nielsen

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While everyone is busy making resolutions and talking about how crazy the world has been, Melisa starts a new discussion: setting intentions. What is ...

{ Encore } Waldorf Planning Part 3

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pint...

115. Did You Pick a Word of the Year

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you pick a word of the year? Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials challenges you to actually live that word. Refine. Focus. Unstoppable. Meli...

114. {Auriel's Light} What Does It Mean to Greenhouse Your Family?

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE:Candle or Lantern Access include full video.https://www.aurielslight.org/store Melisa Nielsen Director of Waldorf Essentials ...

113. Prevention is Better Then Clean Up

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why is prevention better than clean up? What does that even mean? Prevention is better than clean up means take the moment to pause and give your spou...

112. It Doesn't Have to Be Hard, It Can Be Easy

18 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Waldorf homeschooling can feel like a large feat to take on. Melisa has 15+ years of experience to help guide you along the way. Melisa inspires you w...

111. Family Council, How to Lead Them and Why They Are Important

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scheduling for an entire family can feel like a juggling act: play date, sports game, work project, etc. Join Melisa as she explains what “family co...

{ Encore } Waldorf Planning Part 2

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pint...

110. Coming to Waldorf Homeschool Late?

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Diving into homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re joining later in your child’s education. Join Melisa as she shares her jou...

109. When You Feel Uncomfortable About a Festival

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials has been in the Waldorf community for many years now. A common thing during festival times is feeling uncomfortab...

108. Attachment Parenting with Erik and Melisa Nielsen Waldorf Essentials

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa and Erik share their experience with attachment parenting as they go through the 8 Principles of Attachment Parenting. 8 Principles of Attachme...

{ Encore } Waldorf Planning Part 1

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pint...

107. { Auriel's Light } Waldorf Early Childhood Resources

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE:Candle or Lantern Access include full video.https://www.aurielslight.org/store Melisa Nielsen chats with the Early Childhood teach...

106. Working and Homeschooling, How Do You Do It All?

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen has been an entrepreneur and homeschooling parent for many years. Here's the tips she has for you if you're navigating this path for th...

105. Knowing Your Temperament Isn't Enough, Here's Why with Melisa Nielsen

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It can be easy to treat the Temperaments like a one-and-done quiz but there is so much more to it. Gaining a deeper understanding of your temperament ...

{ Encore } What Does it Take?

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pint...

104. What Gift Will You Give Yourself?

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials knows this time of year can be stressful, overwhelming and full of challenges. In the midst of planning gift givi...

103. How to Create Self Reliant Children, Melisa Nielsen Waldorf Essentials

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Melisa as she discusses how to teach your children greater self-reliance. She explains what self-reliance should look like at varying ages and ho...

102. Ask Yourself "What Do I Need Right Now"

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa encourages you to pause. Put your left hand over your heart. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself "What do I need right now?" By being a role model...

{ Encore } 9 Year Change Part 2

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaldorfEssentials/ Pint...

101. New to Homeschooling? Melisa Nielsen Shares How to Get Started

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome! Homeschooling can be such a rewarding experience but there are often many questions when first starting. In this episode, Melisa explains t...

100. Three Practices for a Waldorf Home When You Aren't Homeschooling or Can't Afford the Curriculum

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa understands. She's been there when you don't have to nickels to rub together. - Maybe you can't homeschool - Maybe you can't afford the curricu...

{ Encore } 9 Year Change Part 1

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have the homeschool and peaceful foundation of your dreams.   https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_es...

99. { Auriel's Light } Planning Your Year of Festivals

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE:Candle or Lantern Access include full video.https://www.aurielslight.org/store Melisa Nielsen from Waldorf Essentials has launched...

98. Rhythm During the Holidays

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen shares what works for their family during the holiday season. It's not focused on specific religions and each practices special to your...

97. What Are You Avoiding? Melisa Nielsen

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the years, Melisa has recognized (during her coaching) a pattern of disagreements many couples seem to face: more babies + hobby farms! In this&n...

96. Mid Year Homeschool Review Questions Part 1

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials offers her Thinking, Feeling, Willing Members live access to Mid Year Review Check In's. Here are common question...

95. Mid Year Review Meditation with Melisa for Your Waldorf Homeschooling

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Grab your planning for peace planner, journal or piece of paper. Come close your eyes, take a deep breath and meditate on each child. - What has been ...

94. Recovering from the Holidays

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen is here to encourage you in your new year. It's important to reflect on what needs to happen before you jump back into your Waldorf hom...

93. { Auriel's Light } Planning Your Awesome Year for Parenting, Partnering and Homeschooling

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

FULL VIDEO NOW HERE:Candle or Lantern Access include full video.https://www.aurielslight.org/storePlease share with your fellow parenting friends and ...

92. Happy New Year, Try This!

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials shares her New Year routine to inspire you to use this fresh energy and make the new year everything you want it ...

91. Traveling with Special Needs Children, Melisa Nielsen Shares Her Tips She's Used

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen from Waldorf Essentials shares the tips she has used for her children and their special needs. These tips help set the foundation for y...

90. I Can Do Anything, You Can Do Anything!

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen has an important reminder for you to apply to your parenting. This reminder can also be modeled by the parents! Share with a friend, ho...

89. Melisa Nielsen shares about Perfectionism and Difficulties

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen at Waldorf Essentials shares her experience with perfectionism and heels being dug into the ground about main lesson. There are many di...

88. What is an excuse vs. a reason, Melisa Nielsen walks us through it

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa takes the common excuses she received from Thinking, Feeling, Willing members and breaks each one down. Common excuses: - I can't get up before...

87. Candlemas Waldorf Festival, How to Make Candles with Melisa Nielsen

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We traditionally make candles to celebrate Candlemas. Candlemas marks the end of Christmastide. It is known by some as the day Jesus was presented at ...

86. Bringing Waldorf Home for Special Needs with Melisa Nielsen

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa shares helpful tools she learned along the way of navigating her journey with her children with special needs. - Diet Eliminating wheat and dai...

85. Hone Your Craft, Here's Why with Melisa Nielsen

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa shares a simple thought of what our job as a parent is and the beauty of picking one at a time. For more encouragement and support visit waldor...

84. Mind Set Part 3 Melisa Nielsen Tackles All the Common Limiting Beliefs

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To close out the three part Mind Set series, Melisa reads Limiting Beliefs sent in by viewers. Common ones: I'll never be able to have a career and be...

83. How Are You Doing? Are you Confident? Melisa Nielsen

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Waldorf homeschooling can feel like a large feat to take on. Melisa has 15+ years of experience to help guide you along the way. Melisa inspires you w...

82. Non Toxic Holidays

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen from Waldorf Essentials is here to encourage you to go into the holidays with a plan. She shares tips to get you and your partner on th...

81. Kelly and Melisa Nielsen Chat About Autism

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You can also find us on YouTube "Waldorf Essentials" https://www.waldorfessentials.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldorf_essentials/ Faceb...

80. How to Meditate on Each Child or Each Challenging Situation, Melisa Nielsen

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen shares today how she meditates on each child and each challenging situation she has been in. Grab a pen and paper. Take notes. Put the ...

79. Gift Ideas for the Holidays

03 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s no secret, Waldorf has some beautiful books, toys, and art supplies. Join Melisa as she shares her favorite gift options, by age. She also prov...

78. Mind Set Part 2 with Melisa Nielsen Waldorf Essentials

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part two is diving deeper into your limiting beliefs. Melisa challenges you to really pay attention to them this week, take notes and catch yourself w...

77. December Tips to Chill Out from Melisa Nielsen

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa is here to remind you to enjoy the holiday/festival season, instead of stressing over it. - It’s just a day. Take some pressure off yourself....

76. Tips for the Holidays from Melisa Nielsen Waldorf Essentials

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa shares how she navigates the holiday season. We are in charge of letting it feel chaotic or grounding ourselves into it. Simple idea that doesn...

75. Happy During the Holidays

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa Nielsen shares her practices of creating happiness in the holiday's. From decorating the tree to meal time. Remember we are always in charge of...

74. Mind Set with Melisa Nielsen for Parenting and Homeschooling Part 1

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa shares common things we tell ourselves that hijack our mindset. We are doing it to ourselves. Melisa shares helpful tips to turn our mindset in...

73. Winter Holiday and Waldorf Festivals Run Down with Melisa Nielsen

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa takes us through the winter season of holidays and festivals. She helps guide us in choosing which to celebrate based on what is right for our ...

72. Special Needs: Down Syndrome and Beyond

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa shares a conversation with Linda Chido, mom of 4. Linda shares her experience with each of her children to encourage fellow parents on their jo...

71. The Only Thing You Need to Say, Navigating Festivals and Holidays with Family by Melisa Nielsen

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you felt your blood boiling during a family gathering? Have you been challenged by your choice to homeschool and felt you are constantly defendin...

70. Saint Nicholas (Wear Headphones)

13 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Melisa as she discusses ways to help bring the magic of celebrating St. Nicholas to your family. PLEASE wear headphones, we don't want to spoil a...

69. Waldorf Festivals for Big Kids from Waldorf Essentials

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa takes us through the year of festivals from beginning to end. She focuses specifically on the older kids and keeping the festivals alive for th...

68. Melisa's Experience with the Special Needs Child Waldorf Essentials

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Melisa has parented and homeschooled two children with special needs. Both had different needs. Melisa shares about special needs when they are younge...