Raising Compassionate Kids in a Diverse World w/ Rachel Van Kluyve
Intentionally Juggling
Equipping parents during their child’s academic years to bring learning to daily moments.
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On today’s episode…
How do you raise children to be empathetic, imaginative, and inclusive? In this inspiring episode, Rachel Van Kluyve—homeschooling mom, adoptive parent, and author—joins Dr. Kelly Cagle to explore the power of representation, the beauty of adoption, and how modeling compassion can shape our kids’ worldview. You’ll walk away with heartfelt stories and practical encouragement to raise kids who love well in a diverse world.
Insights
What It Takes to Raise Compassionate Kids in a Diverse World
Parenting IQ Podcast with Rachel Van Kluyve
In this episode, Dr. Kelly Cagle explores what it looks like to raise children who are compassionate, curious, and culturally aware. Guest Rachel Van Kluyve, a homeschooling mom of four, author, and adoptive parent, shares her lived experiences and practical insights on creating an environment where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated.
Key Lessons from the Conversation:
Representation Shapes Understanding
Rachel emphasizes how vital it is for children to see themselves—and others—represented in books, toys, and everyday life. Her children’s book Louie & Larry Empty the Sea subtly weaves in visual representation of diverse families, showing kids that love and family are not defined by skin color or biology.Adoption Is a Calling—and a Learning Ground
Rachel walks listeners through her family’s adoption journey, revealing the spiritual and emotional depth it brought into their lives. She speaks openly about the challenges, the moments of waiting, and the faith it takes to say yes to something so big. Her story reinforces the idea that adoption is not just about giving a child a home—it’s about opening hearts to deeper compassion.Imagination Builds Empathy
Through her storytelling and homeschooling lens, Rachel explains how sparking a child’s imagination can also develop their emotional intelligence. When kids are encouraged to ask questions, wonder about the world, and step into imaginary places, they begin to think beyond themselves and understand the experiences of others.Modeling Over Teaching
One of the biggest takeaways is that compassion isn’t taught—it’s modeled. Rachel and her husband chose to live out the values they hoped to instill in their children. From welcoming adopted siblings to embracing a diverse community, their actions spoke louder than words—and their children followed.You Can’t Wait for the Perfect Moment
Rachel’s encouragement to parents—especially moms—is to make space for their God-given passions. Whether it’s writing, adopting, homeschooling, or starting something new, she reminds listeners that we don’t need perfect conditions to act—we just need to start with what we have, even if it’s 10 minutes a day.
This episode is a powerful reminder that raising compassionate kids starts with intentional choices at home. From embracing diversity to modeling love in action, parents have the opportunity to help shape a more empathetic generation—one conversation, story, and example at a time.
About Rachel Van Kluyve
Rachel Van Kluyve is a homeschooling mom of four—two biological sons and two adopted daughters—and the author of Louie and Larry Empty the Sea, a children’s book that blends imaginative storytelling with powerful themes of diversity and family. She’s passionate about creating a home full of creativity, purpose, and faith, which she shares with her online community through design inspiration, adoption advocacy, and heartfelt glimpses into family life.
Rachel and her husband, high school sweethearts, also run a real estate business and dabble in Airbnb investments. Her platform began as a secret creative outlet during postpartum depression and has since grown into a space where she inspires other moms to pursue their God-given passions—no matter the season. You can find her online at rachelvankluyve.com or on Instagram @rachelvankluyve.
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Parenting is hard work. It requires tons of boundaries, daily consistency, so much awareness, as well as lots of patience, grace, wisdom, and filters. Combine that hefty list with all of life’s demands and others’ voice may become louder than yours in your child’s life, increasing their anxiety, fears, and doubts.
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