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When children struggle academically, the path forward can feel overwhelming for parents. This episode delves deep into the world of neuroexceptional students – those with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other learning differences – with education specialist Abby Belasco, founder of Can Do Learners.

Abby's journey from a struggling student with learning disabilities to a passionate educator uniquely positions her to understand both sides of the learning equation. She walks us through the crucial transition that happens around third grade, when children shift from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" – a pivotal point where learning differences often become more apparent and impactful.

The conversation explores how comprehensive assessments can reveal specific learning gaps that school-based evaluations might miss, providing parents with clear roadmaps for support. Abby unpacks the executive functioning challenges many neuroexceptional students face – those critical skills of organization, time management, and task initiation that become increasingly important through middle and high school.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical guidance offered throughout. From specialized tutoring approaches like the Orton-Gillingham method for dyslexia to simple strategies like paper planners and visual calendars, listeners will gain tangible tools to support struggling learners. The discussion also addresses the often-overlooked importance of teaching self-advocacy, helping students understand their learning profiles and confidently communicate their needs.

The philosophy of "can-do learning" permeates the conversation – the belief that with the right support, students can transform from feeling defeated by academic challenges to embracing them as opportunities for growth. Parents and educators alike will find hope and direction in this rich discussion about helping neuroexceptional children thrive beyond the classroom walls.

To Learn More About Abby Belasco and Can Do Learners, visit her website at: candolearners.com

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Trust has transformed for today's teenagers, with location sharing apps becoming a prerequisite for dating and relationship privacy increasingly sacrificed in the name of security.

• Location tracking apps like Life360 and Find My iPhone are now considered the first step in teen dating relationships
• Parents began the surveillance trend with driving monitors and smartphone tracking apps
• Teenagers always find creative workarounds to tracking, including "phone-sitting" and pausing location apps
• COVID-19 shattered teens' existential understanding of predictability and trust in the world
• Social media, fake news, AI-generated content, and online scams have created a generation with legitimate trust issues
• Teaching healthy trust involves accepting vulnerability, understanding that everyone has imperfections, and learning forgiveness
• The most empowering parental statement is "I trust that you can handle this"
• Trust requires giving up control and accepting anxiety to build deeper, more meaningful relationships

Remember, when it comes to raising kids, you just have to be this side of good enough.

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Teachers are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress with mental health at a 50-year low and only 42% feeling their job is worth it, yet they continue showing up for students despite declining academic achievement nationwide.

• America's Education Report Card shows most 4th and 8th graders still performing below pre-pandemic levels in reading and math
• COVID severely impacted current elementary students who missed critical foundational learning in kindergarten and first grade
• Increased school absenteeism rates correlate directly with lower academic performance
• Teacher satisfaction has plummeted with only 18% reporting being very satisfied with their work
• Children with learning differences receive 10x more negative feedback than neurotypical peers
• Parents should establish open and honest relationships with teachers from day one
• Avoid defensive responses like "not my child" when receiving behavioral feedback
• Follow proper communication channels instead of jumping over teachers to administrators
• Each teacher brings unique gifts to children - some are nurturing, others push academic excellence
• Writing personalized thank-you notes expressing specific ways teachers impacted your child validates their work

Remember, when it comes to raising kids, you just have to be this side of good enough. Join us and we will show you how.

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Games create powerful connections with children and teens, allowing them to open up about emotions in ways direct conversation often can't achieve. They offer a natural setting for learning crucial life skills while having fun.

• Board games, card games, and active games all provide opportunities for emotional growth
• Children are more relaxed and open during play, making it easier to discuss feelings
• Taking strategic pauses during your turn to ask questions encourages meaningful responses
• Games teach frustration tolerance, impulse control, organization, and social skills
• Adapting games to each child's interests and competitive nature is essential
• The "feeling wheel" game uses dice rolls to prompt emotional awareness discussions
• Creating clear boundaries around respecting feelings during gameplay ensures everyone feels safe

Remember, you only have to be this side of good enough. Have fun playing games with your children and subtly weave in opportunities for emotional growth and connection.

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Danish families are consistently ranked as the happiest in the world, but is it their parenting philosophy or something else? We unpack the reality behind Danish parenting success and discover what American parents can actually learn from the Danish way, even without the safety net. A fresh look at what it probably takes to raise the happiest kids in today's world

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In this touching two-part series, Craig shares the impactful and profound life lessons he has learned from his 98 year old mom. Craig shares a heart felt tribute that reflects on the small yet meaningful moments that shaped his childhood and the wisdom his mother imparted on him through both her words and actions.

From teaching the importance of family dinners and structure, to demonstrating resilience in the face of profound loss, Craig's mother imparted on him that parenting isn't about perfection – it's about being "this side of good enough." Craig shares poignant stories like his mother's final night with his father in hospice, her tradition of waving goodbye until her children were out of sight, and their ongoing playful debate about who had bluer eyes, which illustrates how the smallest gestures of love can leave the most lasting impact.

In this episode Craig shares that even as he sat beside beside his mother, who sometimes struggles to find her words, that even in the fog of dementia, her core essence – her smile, her joy in surprises, and her ability to show love – remains undiminished. This episode is a deeply personal narrative and tribute that reminds us that building a child's character happens one small moment at a time. Consistency, presence, and unconditional love are a testament to the enduring bond between parent and child, and how a mother's love continues to teach and touch your heart in life's final chapters.

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In this touching two-part series, Craig shares the impactful and profound life lessons he has learned from his 98 year old mom. Craig shares a heart felt tribute that reflects on the small yet meaningful moments that shaped his childhood and the wisdom his mother imparted on him through both her words and actions.

From teaching the importance of family dinners and structure, to demonstrating resilience in the face of profound loss, Craig's mother imparted on him that parenting isn't about perfection – it's about being "this side of good enough." Craig shares poignant stories like his mother's final night with his father in hospice, her tradition of waving goodbye until her children were out of sight, and their ongoing playful debate about who had bluer eyes, which illustrates how the smallest gestures of love can leave the most lasting impact.

In this episode Craig shares that even as he sat beside beside his mother, who sometimes struggles to find her words, that even in the fog of dementia, her core essence – her smile, her joy in surprises, and her ability to show love – remains undiminished. This episode is a deeply personal narrative and tribute that reminds us that building a child's character happens one small moment at a time. Consistency, presence, and unconditional love are a testament to the enduring bond between parent and child, and how a mother's love continues to teach and touch your heart in life's final chapters.

Send us a text

When it comes to college admissions, we challenge the conventional wisdom that prestigious universities are the golden ticket to success and happiness. Reflecting on scandals like Rick Singer's deceitful manipulation of the system, we examine the intense pressure and ethical dilemmas that students and families face. The episode also touches upon the booming industry of college admissions consulting, raising questions about the commercialization of education and its impact on young minds. Our conversation emphasizes nurturing children's genuine interests over the pursuit of parental validation.